Annual Report 2024-2025

YEAR IN REVIEW


Aviation Maintenance Technician School at SBY


Our collective FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician school at SBY officially opened its doors. Operated by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the school will offer students the opportunity to attain Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) certification, a highly valued credential in the aviation industry. Teaming with the State Maryland, Wicomico County and Piedmont Airlines, the 12-month program will create a pipeline of mechanics for the aviation industry, offer great jobs and enhance the aviation and aeronautics sector for our region for years to come.


Site Readiness


SWED began the process of developing five ‘Shovel-Ready’ sites this past year. Two of the sites are located in Westwood Commerce Park with planned industrial buildings of 200,000 sf each. Three sites are located on the grounds of the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport. The process of addressing permitting requirements upfront can mitigate the time to construction by eliminating the twelve to eighteen months of the site approval process. Ultimately, this allows us to better compete for large-scale economic development projects.

SWED was successful in applying for and receiving $450,000 and $10,000 in grant form for MEDCO’s Site Improvement and Site Characterization grants, respectively. The Site Improvement grant is to assist Wicomico County in relocating two small hangars at SBY to make space for a larger hangar complex. The Site Characterization grant is to assist SWED in identifying additional infrastructure and associated costs to reach a full-service, 232-acre industrial park at SBY.

Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport


Breeze Airways, HopFlyt and Azure Flight Support began or located operations at SBY this past year. Breeze, beginning in October 2025 will offer scheduled airline service to Orlando (MCO).


HopFlyt located operations to the Autonomous Innovation Hangar at SBY. The company operates within the rapidly evolving Advanced Air Mobility industry and designs and manufactures eVTOL’s (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles). HopFlyt has both unmanned and manned models.


Azure Flight Support began as SBY’s new Fixed Based Operator. The company has seasoned aviation personnel, a strong business plan and a keen desire to grow both the corporate and general aviation sectors. Azure will offer fueling services, flight instruction, maintenance, aircraft sales and much more in the coming years.

SWED was pleased to further assist SBY in renewing several leases including those with Piedmont Airlines, Perdue Farms and the Maryland State Police.

New Industry


Both Amazon and St. John Properties began construction on new facilities in Westwood Commerce Park totaling 150,000 sf and representing an investment exceeding $70 million.

SWED was please to host Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks and Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker during visits to Wicomico.

SWED


Public speaking engagements enhance collaboration among many partners throughout our region. We were pleased to present at this year’s Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce’ Economic Forecast event, Wicomico Rotary Club and SVN’s Annual Economic Summit and Conference.



Our 56th Annual Meeting was held at Green Hill Yacht & Country Club and featured Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin as the keynote speaker.

Our Strategy Forward

Our strategy for the coming year is to capitalize on our assets, develop additional and innovative programs to target job growth and work collaboratively with our many partners for the betterment of all.


Targeted Economic Sectors

Agribusiness, Health Care, Higher Education, Manufacturing, Aviation & Aeronautics, Distribution


Infrastructure Investments


Entrepreneurship


Industry Diversification


Strengthened Partnerships

2024 Annual Meeting

Download a PDF file of the 2024-2025 SWED Annual Report.

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Other Posts:

MD Secretary of Ag Visits Wicomico County

June 26, 2025
SWED hosted Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks recently as he and his team visited Wicomico County. Dani Winters, principal of Winters Farm Florals began the day with a tour of her fresh cut flower business in Hebron. A Roundtable discussion followed at Green Hill and we finished the day with pie and ice cream (plus meaningful conversation) at Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs. The event provided the opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among Wicomico’s Ag Community and the State Department of Agriculture.

Economic Impact Study Underway

June 17, 2025
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development (SWED) has engaged BEACON at Salisbury University to conduct an economic impact study of the Port of Salisbury on our region's economy. Among other data sets, the analysis will include the value of shipments, jobs related to the port and the estimated efficiencies water commerce provides versus alternative transportation methods. The study will include the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the port. SWED's Executive Director David Ryan said 'I think most people understand the importance and value of waterborne commerce to our economy as a whole and our supply chain specifically. This study will quantify that value and highlight the critical role the port plays in our economy'. The report is expected to be complete in early fall, 2025.

HopFlyt Locates to UAS Innovation Center

November 24, 2024
HopFlyt is dedicated to developing and commercializing next generation Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft and has located to the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico County Regional Airport’s (SBY) Unmanned Autonomous Innovation Center. The center is a new and purpose built facility designed as a hub to accelerate commercial UAS adoption in this unique geographical environment. HopFlyt will continue to development and test their electric and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft product line.