Economic Impact Study Underway

HopFlyt aircraft

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.

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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.

UMES Receives FAA Certification for Aviation Maintenance Technician School at SBY

November 23, 2024
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) recently received its FAA Part 147 Certification to operate an Aviation Maintenance Technician school at the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY). Students completing the 1900 hour, one-year program will receive a Certificate and be eligible to sit for both an Airframe and Powerplant certification test. Passing these tests grants the student A&P Mechanic certification, a highly sought after and valued recognition in the aviation industry. Credits accumulated through the program can be transferred toward a four-year degree at UMES at the option of the student. While some training is specific to the aviation sector, much of the training (hydraulics, electronics, etc.) is applicable to multiple economic sectors. Students therefore are not limited to the aviation or aeronautical sectors for meaningful careers. The program will begin with a maximum cohort of twenty-five students. SWED was proud to lead the effort for the program and recognizes success could not have occurred without many partners including Wicomico County, the State of Maryland, UMES, Piedmont Airlines and the Tri-County Council. The program will begin in January, 2025. For more information, please visit: https://wwwcp.umes.edu/amt/

Richmond Fed Chief Keynotes SWED's 56th Annual Meeting

November 17, 2024
Approximately one hundred members and guests attended SWED's 56th Annual Meeting recently at Green Hill Yacht and Country Club. The meeting featured a year in review by David Ryan and a keynote presentation by Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee. A special thank you to all of our sponsors! First Shore Federal Savings & Loan Wicomico County, Maryland BBSI Piedmont Airlines Delmarva Veteran Builders Trinity Sterile Hebron Savings Bank City of Salisbury, MD Perdue School of Business Pohanka of Salisbury Saltwater Storage GMB Architects & Engineers Maryland Department of Commerce TidalHealth SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate LINKBANK Avery Hall PKS & Company P.A. Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce