Wicomico County Heading to Major National Conference to Recruit Businesses and Restaurants for Our Community; They Want Your Thoughts
Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County is making a big move to bring new businesses, restaurants, and services to the area. County Executive Julie Giordano, her administrative team and representatives from Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development (SWED) will attend the 2026 ICSC Conference, one of the largest and most well-known events in the world for retail real estate and economic development.
The conference draws developers, national retailers, site selectors, and economic development leaders from across the country. It is one of the best places for communities like ours to get in front of the people who decide where new businesses open.
"Attending ICSC allows us to put Wicomico County on the map in a very direct and impactful way," said County Executive Julie Giordano. "This is where relationships are built, deals are initiated, and communities like ours can compete for high-quality retail, dining, and mixed-use development."
The team plans to take a strategic approach at the conference, with representatives splitting up to cover more ground, attend multiple meetings at the same time, and connect with as many potential partners and retailers as possible.
"Our presence at ICSC is about being proactive," said Giordano. "We're not waiting for opportunity - we're going out and creating it by telling Wicomico County's story to the people making real investment decisions. We do not like to see empty storefronts in our community, and we are committed to filling those spaces with businesses that serve our residents, strengthen our economy, and enhance quality of life."
One of the most important parts of this effort involves the community itself. County officials are inviting residents to share what stores, restaurants, and services they want to see come to Wicomico County. That feedback will help guide the recruitment process and make sure new development reflects what people here actually want.
The goals behind attending this conference are straightforward. Officials are focused on recruiting new businesses that will bring jobs to county residents. They also want to grow the local tax base, which helps fund services that the community depends on every day.
Beyond that, the trip is about building relationships with the developers and brokers who have real influence over where businesses choose to open. Getting in the room with those decision-makers puts Wicomico County in a stronger position to compete with larger markets.
Representatives will take part in targeted meetings, networking events, and presentations. They plan to highlight available sites, redevelopment opportunities, and the strengths of our region, including its location, workforce, and quality of life.
The partnership between the County Executive's Office and SWED shows a unified effort to keep Wicomico County competitive. Working together means the county can present a stronger case to potential investors and businesses looking to expand.
This is an opportunity for our community to have a real voice in what comes next. If you have ideas about what businesses or restaurants you would like to see here locally, now is the time to speak up.
To share your thoughts, please comment on our social media pages and let them know what you want!
