April 14, 2021

‘Next Steps of Economic Recovery’ Following COVID-19 Health Crisis Will Be Theme as County Hosts Recovery Virtual Town Hall on Friday, April 16  


“Next Steps of Economic Recovery” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, April 16, when Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Economic Revitalization and Recovery program continues its series of virtual town hall meetings to keep businesses informed on strategies for doing business as the health crisis continues.  

County Executive Marc Elrich initiated the series of town halls held twice-monthly on Fridays as a way to share updates on COVID-19 topics of interest to the business community. The town halls give businesses an opportunity to hear directly from County leaders. Jerome Fletcher, the County’s assistant chief administrative officer (ACAO) for economic development, hosts the sessions. He also provides updates on grant programs available to County businesses and offers ideas that can help economic recovery. 

“The negative impact of the pandemic on our County’s businesses could far outlast the pandemic itself,” said County Executive Elrich. “I encourage all Montgomery County businesses to learn more about our COVID-19 Economic Revitalization and Recovery programs and get the latest information and resources. With billions of dollars of support coming into Maryland from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to assist the community, including helping businesses to recover, there are new opportunities and funds available to support businesses, employees and our County’s economy.”  

The April 16 town hall provide updates on the County COVID-19 vaccination efforts and economic recovery from the health crisis. Guests at the forum will include Travis Gayles, the County health officer, and Earl Stoddard, the County’s director of Emergency Management. They will discuss the next steps of the reopening process.  

“It’s time to have an in-depth conversation about the challenges of the speed of reopening versus the speed of vaccinating our community,” said ACAO Fletcher. 

To join the broadcast, go to https://zoom.us/j/98584224354?pwd=ekdBd05kT08zRmxCekQzajkwdW9LZz09. Webinar ID: 985 8422 4354. Passcode: 057204. 

The town hall will be broadcast on County Cable Montgomery (cable station CCM), which is available on Comcast and RCN (channels 6 and HD996) and Verizon (channel 30). It can be viewed live via County social media at https://www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyinfo.  

Town halls are recorded and available through the Montgomery County Business Portal at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/covid19/4BizNews.html