Published by Dorchester Profile Magazine, Share your connections in 2024

Written by Laura Walter

To highlight Dorchester County’s economic strength and potential, the 2024 “Water Moves Us” Economic Profile, a glossy magazine showcasing business opportunities, success stories and overall quality of life, launches this month. Published.

This annual magazine is published by The Dorchester Banner/BayToBayNews.com in partnership with the Dorchester County Economic Development Authority.

Community leaders were invited to a luncheon on January 24th at Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock.

“This is one of our major marketing pieces of the year, and this magazine tells the story about our assets, what we love about this county,” said Economic Development Director Susan Banks said. “These articles resonate with what you love and why you chose to be here.”

This year’s magazine topics include serving at Patriot Point Veterans Retreat; Freedom Shine Voting Rights and Representation. Packinghouse renovation updates. The impact of the Ironman triathlon (someone once told Banks that Dorchester County was “devastated” by sports tourism). etc.

Fishing and hunting are particularly highlighted in the cover image by iconic photographer Jay Fleming, courtesy of Dorchester County Tourism. (Fishing is so important that Dorchester is also home to several locations on Maryland’s relatively new Fly Fishing Trail.)

The project’s title, “Water Moves Us,” references the county’s marketing slogan and culture. “Home to hard-working, innovative and creative people, Dorchester County’s landscape defines not just where we are, but who we are.”

This magazine helps businesses decide to build or expand in Dorchester while educating the community. It is expected to be more broadly distributed to the public this spring. Read “Water Moves Us” online at https://sections.iniusa.org.

As a for-profit news company operated by a nonprofit trust, “we publish unbiased journalism and strengthen the communities we serve by helping businesses grow,” said publisher Conrad Laprade. he said. This event and publication are part of that mission.

One of the key factors for economic development and quality of life is internet speed. There, guest speaker Valerie Connelly discussed Choptank Electric Cooperative’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to rural areas through Choptank Fiber.

Historically, cooperatives were founded by “people without access to electricity.” [in] Rural areas had very low population densities and were too expensive for commercial companies to provide services. “So many customers were also left behind when Internet service providers came along,” said Connelly, Choptank’s vice president of government communications.

So Choptank treats high-speed internet service the same way, installing fiber optic lines one mile at a time. Eastern Shore Electric Group overcame difficulties to establish a subsidiary, Choptank Fiber. The team is applying for millions of dollars in government grants to help it reach people seeking its services, especially those who don’t have other high-speed options.

Eastern Shore residents (both members and non-members) can register their names and addresses on the Choptank Fiber website to help planners determine public interest and needs. Learn more about Choptank Fiber at choptankfiber.com and 1-(877) 892-0001.