Southern Maryland's low unemployment rates are double-edged sword

With some of the lowest unemployment rates in Maryland, Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles counties should be doing just fine. For the most part they are, but the region's 3 percent unemployment (compared with the state average of 4.2 percent) can be a double-edged sword.

Having such a low rate of unemployment makes it hard to draw in new companies because there is not a significant work force available, said Steven Wall, the Department of Business and Economic Development's regional representative for Southern Maryland. But we're still looking for other opportunities.

Part of the explanation for the low unemployment is that much of Southern Maryland's industry is defense-oriented, and despite the economic downturn, the work force in the region remained stable. Patuxent River Naval Air Station, which tests and engineers all military air vehicles, sees 19,500 people driving in and out every day, while Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center, which tests and manufacturers explosive ordnance for military applications, has 3,600 on its payroll.

Southern Maryland is the fastest-growing part of the state, and Wall notes that between 2000 and 2015, growth is expected to be 30 percent.

It's overtaxing our infrastructure, and companies have had to adjust impact fees on new housing, he said. Some of the schools are at capacity - we probably need between three and five new schools in each of the three counties.

The good thing is that we have room to expand, he added.

In addition to defense-related industry there are plenty of contractors that have set up shop outside the navy's gates. A few of the aerospace defense firms include Booz Allen Hamilton, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Eagan-McAllister, Titan and ManTech.

Constellation Energy is another significant employer with its Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and there are a number of high- tech manufacturing companies in the region that employ some 50 or 60 workers each.

While Southern Maryland traditionally has had an agricultural economy - specifically, tobacco as the cash crop - that is changing. As a result of a state buy-out program, farmers are moving to produce other crops or putting some of their land in easements, both to preserve farming as an industry and to keep a handle on growth.

With the slogan So. Maryland, So Good, farmers and economic development staff are working to move Maryland fruits and vegetables into Washington-area stores and restaurants. Farmers are also using greenhouses to provide the plants that show up every spring at nurseries and stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's.

Another industry aimed at preserving land is boarding horses, as well as farming the hay and grains to feed them. The equine industry has been targeted for growth, said Wall. And we've been doing studies to see what types of grapes can best grow here - we want to keep our agricultural economy while adding value to it.

Solomon's Island in Calvert County draws boaters from several states and is able to support a thriving bed-and-breakfast industry, as well as a significant charter boat fishing industry. Southern Maryland is a peninsula, and people generally come for some other reasons than tourism, said Wall. But we are trying to beef up our tourist economy.

To that end, development officials are planning more events along the lines of the National Oyster Shucking Festival, which received national coverage on ESPN, and the Calvert Marine Museum recently renovated its lighthouse. For families with kids, St. Mary's City - the first capital of Maryland - has a living history program for children and adults.

Calvert County

Calvert County offers rural charm, an excellent school system and an unmatched quality of life with extensive outdoor activities. It also boasts more than 140 miles of shoreline and more than 4,600 acres of parks and open space. Calvert County provides an excellent infrastructure for business growth and numerous business incentives, including an Economic Development Incentive Fund, business counseling, an Economic Development Loan Fund, education and outreach programs, and a host of online services to help businesses reach their full potential.

Economic development goals for 2005

* Provide employment opportunities for Calvert County residents.

* Increase the commercial tax base.

* Increase visitors to the county.

* Maintain the quality of life.

Danita Boonchaisri, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Calvert County Department

of Economic Development

Charles County

Charles County is the best of both worlds for doing business in the Washington metro area. Just 15 miles from the Capital Beltway, the county's commercial centers offer easy access to regional markets and customers with an available work force of more than 1 million well-educated men and women. Lower operating costs and high quality of life provide an ideal atmosphere for companies and their employees.

Economic development goals for 2005

* Increase the available inventory of commercial office, flex and industrial space.

* Build awareness of Charles County as a commercial/business center within the Washington metropolitan region.

* Support expansion of existing businesses with marketing, work- force development, revolving loan and networking opportunities.

* Increase the number of jobs paying above average in the county.

* Increase the county's commercial tax base.

Marcia Keeth Stevenson,

Marketing Director

Charles County Economic

Development Commission

St. Mary's County

Located in Southern Maryland within an hour's drive of Washington and Baltimore, the county offers a good quality of life plus a unique environment for business. Highlights include available space in technology parks, access to world-class federal labs, strategic partnering opportunities to meet the procurement needs of the Naval Air Systems Command, a Focus Enterprise Zone and a skilled work force.

Economic development goals for 2005

* Continue diversification of the economy to include technology manufacturing industries, varied agriculture products and tourism.

* Support the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and its work force.

* Foster a business-friendly environment for all size businesses to retain and create jobs.

* Provide excellent schools that will meet the needs of the work force.

* Manage growth while maintaining the county's quality of life.

Karen Everett, Manager

St. Mary's County Department of Economic and Community Development

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