County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community at Harford Chamber’s State of the County
February 27, 2023
On Thursday, February 23rd, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual State of the County event, sponsored by MedStar Health. Harford County Executive Robert Cassilly gave his State of the County Address, sharing his aspirations for Harford County over the next four years.
Harford Chamber Board Chair, Mary Ann Bogarty of Jarrettsville Federal Savings & Loan, welcomed guests and recognized dignitaries in attendance. Heather Kratz, Chief Operating Officer for MedStar Ambulatory Services, offered sponsor remarks.
Harford County Executive Robert Cassilly presented his State of the County Address. He opened with recognizing the additions to his leadership team to help him achieve his campaign promises of integrity, professional competence, and transparency. These include Rob McCord, Rich Truitt, Rick Ayers, Joe Woods, Mike Brunicke, Jefferson Blomquist, Paul Magness, Shane Grimm, Kevin Greenwell, Karen Holt, Larry Muzzelo, and Barbara Richardson.
Although only in office for two and a half months, Executive Cassilly shared that he has been busy with daily budget meetings, meeting with departments and community partners, reorganizing capital projects, defending the county charter, and much more. Cassilly also remarked on his newest appointments to the school board and his goal to enhance minority business participation. Executive Cassilly discussed his focus on the county’s economic development activities, focusing on six key areas: Aberdeen Proving Ground, the medical sector, schools, new business, agriculture, and tourism. In all of these areas, Cassilly emphasized working to create a strong, local workforce through transparency and cooperative partnerships including apprenticeships in coordination with the Board of Education.
Executive Cassilly addressed his recently introduced warehouse moratorium bill, sharing his interest in understanding the true impact of mega-warehouses on Harford County. He hopes that the time allocated for the moratorium will allow further research and restructuring to make sure that Harford County warehouse space and jobs are benefiting Harford County’s communities, economy, and natural environment. He closed by sharing that despite concerns over inflation and a potential recession, our local economy is relatively strong, stating that “we work better when we work together. While we have our challenges, our blessings are far greater”.