2024 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 39
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INNOVATION
IN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
The Economic
Development
Department received
the 2024 Excellence
in Economic
Development Silver
Award from the
International Economic
Development Council
(IEDC). The award was
bestowed specifically
for the organization’s
work in the Innovation in
Economic Development
Week category, impacting 25,000-200,000
residents. The department was acknowledged
and honored at the IEDC
2024 Annual Conference
in Denver, CO, September
15-18.
WITH LOVE FROM CHARLES
The CCEDD and the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism are
proud to celebrate the successful launch of the "With Love From Charles" digital gift
card program. Officially kicked off during the Charles County Business Appreciation
Week in May, this initiative continues to champion our local businesses every day.
Through a user-friendly digital storefront, residents and visitors can purchase valid
gift cards at a wide range of participating businesses in Charles County.
"We’re thrilled to share 'With Love From Charles' with the community! This has been
a joint labor of love, years in the making, aimed at giving everyone a way to celebrate and support our local businesses," says Economic Development Director Kelly
Robertson-Slagle. "Every purchase of a 'With Love From Charles' gift card brings
your hard-earned dollars back to our community, supporting local businesses like
a boomerang of economic benefit."
Ashley Chenault, Chief of Tourism for Charles Count y's Recreation, Parks, and
Tourism Department, is optimistic about the program's impact. "We're excited to
see the positive reception from residents and businesses alike and are confident in
its potential as a powerful tourism tool for Charles County. This program not only
supports local businesses but also encourages visitors and residents to deepen
their engagement with our community."
"So often, we're tasked to find thoughtful presents for holidays, appreciation occasions, and milestones throughout the year. It can be a struggle to find the time to
get a unique, meaningful gif t for ever yone that will hit a variet y of interests and
tastes," adds Robertson-Slagle. "The exceptional part of 'With Love From Charles'
is that every dollar spent supports your neighbors and friends."
For local businesses, par ticipating in the "With Love From Charles" program
of fers a unique opportunit y to boost visibilit y and at tract new customers. Visit
MeetCharlesCounty.com to learn more and purchase your "With Love From Charles"
gift cards and support Charles County businesses.
"With Love From
Charles" instills a
heightened sense of pride
in the Charles County
community among
residents, business
owners, and visitors alike.
Giving 'With Love From
Charles' gift cards gives an extra
sense of meaning. You’re not just giving
a thoughtful gift — you're investing in the
future of our community.
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Charles County Government Annual Report • 2024
"Charles County
Economic Development
is setting the standard of
excellence for economic
development with its
Business Appreciation
Week 2024 and “With
Love From Charles”
Digital Gift Card Launch.
This award highlights
their commitment to
the community and
demonstrates the transformative impact of
economic development,”
said Nathan Ohle, IEDC
President and CEO. “It is
with great pride that IEDC
presents this award to
the Charles County EDD,
celebrating their leadership and innovation
in the field of economic
development."
A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK…
