MD Secretary of Ag Visits Wicomico County
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.
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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 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.
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/
