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Press Releases and Blog

For more information about HCEDA news or press releases, contact Michele Haltmeyer at mhaltmeyer@hceda.org.

  • Columbia Named Happiest City in Maryland

    Wednesday, February 28, 2024

    Ranked top ten “Happiest Cities in America” for 2024   ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced that Columbia has been named Maryland’s “Happiest Cities in America” for 2024 by WalletHub. Ranked in the top ten happiest cities in America, Columbia previously ranked in top ten in 2022 and 2023. Baltimore, […]
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  • Howard County Fair: The Best Place to be this August to Support 4-H and Have Fun

    Friday, August 4, 2023

    By: Samantha Dixon Every summer for the past 76 years in West Friendship, Maryland, the annual Howard County Fair has been the place to be. Visitors get to enjoy lots of fun games, carnival rides, and eat tons of deep-fried food. This weeklong event also gives young 4-Hers the chance to exhibit a variety of […]
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  • New HCEDA CEO, Jennifer Jones, Aims to Strengthen Community Engagement and Business Growth

    Wednesday, August 2, 2023

    As she takes the reins at Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), new CEO Jennifer Jones plans to emphasize the abundance of available resources and increase HCEDA’s presence in the community. A true local, Jones originates from Howard County and boasts two decades of experience in business development and support. With a deep personal connection […]
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  • The Growth of the Howard County FFA Chapter and Agriculture Academy

    Wednesday, July 26, 2023

    By: Samantha Dixon, HCEDA Agriculture Intern Advocating and expanding agriculture education in public school systems allows the youth to gain a better perspective on the world of agriculture through an FFA Chapter. After the 20-plus-year absence of the Howard County FFA Chapter, much community support was needed to bring back the program. Howard County’s Public-School […]
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  • Howard County Farm Changing Business Plans for Operation

    Wednesday, July 26, 2023

    By: Samantha Dixon, HCEDA Agriculture Intern When turning into a farm located in western Howard County, I was first introduced to a sign that read ‘Bowling Green Farm’. When I continued traveling down the long gravel-road driveway, I passed various current and passed family-owned houses, barns for equipment and livestock, as well as antique tractors […]
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  • Office of Workforce Development Empowers Howard Businesses

    Wednesday, June 28, 2023

    The HCEDA has a powerful partner in strengthening local businesses: the Howard County Office of Workforce Development. Under the leadership of Director Francine Trout, this office plays a crucial role in supporting job seekers at all stages and helping employers find the perfect candidates to join their teams. With a wide range of programs tailored […]
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  • County Executive Ball Appoints New Howard County Economic Development Authority CEO

    Wednesday, June 21, 2023

    Columbia, MD (June 21, 2023) – Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball has appointed Jennifer Jones as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). The Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously approved Jones’s appointment. Jones will begin this role on July 5, 2023. “Jennifer Jones is […]
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  • HCEDA CEO, Lawrence F. Twele, Announces Retirement

    Thursday, May 25, 2023

    After serving over a decade as CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), Lawrence F. Twele announced that he will retire from his role on June 30, 2023. Twele spearheaded numerous initiatives that propelled Howard County to new heights during his tenure. From attracting top-tier companies to championing small business development, his unwavering […]
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  • Clover Luck Stables Finds Their Fortune in Howard County

    Thursday, May 25, 2023

    Howard County native Stephanie Williams combined her passion for horseback riding with her love of teaching when she opened Clover Luck Stables. With help from the Howard County Economic Development Authority, Stephanie was able to secure a permanent home with room to grow for her students and horses. While Williams has been a passionate lifelong […]
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  • Howard County Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion Encourages Agricultural Producers To Diversify

    Wednesday, May 10, 2023

    May 10, 2023 — The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Howard County Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion (AGIE) until June 15, 2023. This program is dedicated to supporting Howard County’s agricultural producers by empowering them to take their businesses to new heights. […]
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