Garrett County Business Development
The Garrett County Department of Business Development, a department of local government, is focused on a variety of fiscal, economic, community, and infrastructure initiatives. The Department strives to create a diverse economy that: fuels innovation and prosperity; attracts and retains talent—regional and homegrown.
Services include:
- Site selection support
- Public/private financing assistance
- Workforce training and recruitment
- Networking resources and referrals
- Marketing support
- Demographic analysis
- General business assistance
To reach our Business Development Department directly call 301.334.1921 or email business@garrettcountymd.gov
Employment Opportunities/Job Postings
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce provides a free jobs board for our members to list open positions and to help job seekers find employment opportunities. Link to jobs board here:
Workforce Development
The Workforce Development Taskforce was created by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to address workforce needs in Garrett County and develop solutions to create a sustainable labor pool. Areas of focus include education and training, affordable housing and public transportation. Listed below are details on some of the initiatives undertaken by the Taskforce. If you are interested in joining the Taskforce please fill out the committee sign up sheet and email it to holly@garrettchamber.com.
Strategy Matrix
The Strategy Matrix is a spreadsheet of initiatives undertaken by the Workforce Development Taskforce and includes the status of the projects.
To view the full Matrix, click the image to the right.
Work Ethic Diploma Program
The Chamber in partnership with Garrett County Public Schools has launched a Work Ethic Diploma Program to address the workforce challenges by creating a pipeline of prospective employees who possess those quality attributes desired by employers.
The concept was brought to our attention by employers that felt students were not completing high school with the soft skills needed to be successful employees. With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, standards were developed to measure work ethic in students. By meeting established criteria, local students will earn a Work Ethic Diploma upon graduating which will guarantee them job interviews and better wages.
So far the Work Ethic Diploma Program has been a huge success with the students. We have approximately 500 students in grades 9 - 12 signed up to participate in the program between our two local high schools.
Garrett College Student Welcome
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Taskforce partnered with Garrett College on September 10, 2021 to host a welcome reception for incoming Garrett College out-of-county students.
The purpose of the Welcome Reception was to make the students feel comfortable in their new community and expose them to some wonderful features that Garrett County has to offer. It is our goal that some of these students will choose to make Garrett County their home and find employment at one of our great local companies.
The students enjoyed the mountain coaster, chairlift rides and the spider monkey adventure ropes course.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
More information coming soon.
Transportation
Public transportation in Garrett County is provided by Garrett Transit Services, an on demand public bus system. GTS operates on an advanced reservation service. Trips can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance. To schedule a trip, call 301-533-9010 (or 301-334-9431 Ext. 6300), Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Make your call by 2:00 p.m. the day before your appointment. A 3-day advance notice required for any trips out of the local area. For more information:
Private transportation services are also available: