Investor Day a first-time event for Greater Crisfield Action Coalition

CRISFIELD — The Greater Crisfield Action Coalition Inc. (GCAC) hosted its first-ever Investor Day last month drawing 70 attendees to Crisfield.

This inaugural event marked a significant milestone in GCAC’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and stimulate growth in Crisfield and Somerset County. Event highlights included:

• Presentations by Mayor Darlene Taylor and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza;
• Bus tours showcasing assets and development opportunities from Crisfield to Westover;
• Focus on addressing the area’s severe housing shortage; and
• Information to attract commercial and residential investment and development.

The event was the culmination of a marketing and outreach campaign initiated by GCAC in 2023, aimed at highlighting the region’s strengths and opportunities. GCAC partnered with Rauch Inc., an Easton-based company, to create and facilitate the schedule.

Members of the planning committee included City Councilwoman LaVerne Johnson, Business Development Director A.C. Alrey, Tri-County Council Executive Director Greg Padgham, Somerset County Economic Development Commission Director Danny Thompson, Deputy Somerset County Administrator Ernie Leatherbury, Rauch Inc. Vice President of Government Affairs Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, and Rauch Inc. Chairman Robert Rauch.

“We were amazed to find out how many attendees had never been to Crisfield before, it was nice to experience fresh eyes and sentiments regarding what was possible for our community,” said GCAC President Frances Martinez Myers. “Many expressed interest in knowing the outcome of the Chesapeake Bay Ferry feasibility study” which was recently released.

“Both residential and business developers came from various parts of Maryland, Delaware and some international investors too. It was an exciting and vibrant day,” said GCAC Vice President Donnie Drewer.

“The turnout for the Investors Day event was outstanding,” said Mr. Rauch. “The attendees represented members of the real estate community, housing developers, commercial developers and government and regulatory officials. The consistent theme heard from all attendees was the desire to see and support projects and programs that will enhance the city and assure its economic growth.”

The event was made possible through funding from the Community Foundation’s John T. and Hannah Handy Crisfield Improvement Fund. For more about opportunities in Crisfield or in the county contact GCAC at contact@greatercrisfieldmd.org.