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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Wicomico County Has An Economic Development Director?????

The Daily Times had an article this morning announcing the coming of a Wind Turbine Company coming to Salisbury and they mentioned Wicomico County Economic Development Executive Director Dave Ryan.

My God, I've NEVER heard of this guy!I know I've brought up an Economic Development position to Rick Pollitt and others before but not once did they ever come back and mention this name and or that they already had one.

That being said, while I'm glad someone is considering taking over the old Brunswick Boat Manufacturing Plant on Northwood Drive, please educate me and tell me what else this guy has done to bring jobs to Wicomico County. Why have I never heard of him before, is he new? Has he been flying under the radar for years?

I look forward to learning ore.

16 comments:

Doc Hook said...

"Learning ore"?
Becoming a miner or blacksmith, Joe? Sorry to bust your chops, it caught me as funny.

Anonymous said...

Dave Ryan has been around for years. Great guy. Can you imagine trying to attract businesses to Maryland? Thankless job I am sure.

Anonymous said...

Dave Ryan has been economic development director for years and has done a wonderful job with a very limited budget. Dave has been responsible for bringing many new business to our area and now once again it appears that he has done it again.

more info at www.swed.org

Anonymous said...

Dave Ryan is a great person. Comes from a great local family. In a way he does fly under the radar simply because he doesn't need a pat on the back everytime he does something for our county. He is responsible for many new businesses in our county. Just a really nice guy.

Cathy said...

you've never heard of SWED (salisbury wicomico economic development)?

http://www.swed.org/

Anonymous said...

Joe:

You are spending to much time in Delaware, but even from there you can go here for more info on "SWED" --

http://www.swed.org/

Anonymous said...

Seems he's doing what he's suppose to do to bring jobs here but the govenor is doing what he can to chase them all away.

Anonymous said...

Wicomico County brings jobs in, Salisbury runs them out. Viscious cycle going on here. Giving Salisbury credit where it is due, they do bring in those part time, low paying, unliveable wage jobs.

Anonymous said...

Dave Ryan is the Executive Director of Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development, Inc.

I could be wrong, but I do not think that this a county post. It looks like a quasi public-private thing.

It is not surprising that DT messed up a simple fact check, at minimum the name of the organization that he works for.

For those who do not know of SWED, it looks like they had a huge impact on the community in the 60's - 80's. The "accomplishments" in their annual report seem to get thin in the last decade, though. Overall, an interesting read.

Anonymous said...

Name some jobs he has brought to this ara please.

G. A. Harrison said...

Anon 1044 is right. SWED receives money from the city and county, but is an independent non-profit. If I remember correctly, it was started by the Greater Salisbury Committee.

Anonymous said...

All of these posts are correct, Dave Ryan has done a great job of attracting business to the area. Unfortunately his hands are often tied because our state,cities and counties want to discourage businesses from relocating here by excessive taxation. Vicious cycle indeed. One note overlooked, the few unions in town ran themselves out of business-i.e. Crown Cork and Seal and Dresser. Both companies were willing to stay in the area despite excessive costs, but the union demands just became too great. So the companies just said "we'll not fight you anymore" and left! Took alot of jobs with them and gave them to people who were more appreciative.

Great job DAve! keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Dave has done much to help promote the county and its towns to attract new businesses. Great guy and staff at SWED!

Anonymous said...

Look folks. . . you -(Wicomico residents)- better hope that the proposed Windmill company doesn't thoroughly investigate our area including Delaware. Because if they do they'll move the whole operation to Georgetown Industrial Park. I know because Sussex, DE is offering $250,000 in seed money to any promising enterprise that spurs economic development.

Sometimes Maryland's politicos are lucky enough to 'snag the catch on a line'. Such will be the case if they move into the former Bayliner facility. Take my word on it . . they won't stay once Maryland gets their hooks into them.

Beazer

Anonymous said...

Maybe DR could attract Trader Joe's to open here.

Anonymous said...

I think a trader Joes would be awesome! I also hope that Urban Salisbury can work with him to start pitching business development in the Downtown area. I think that it is good that he is a great guy but I don't think it would be a bad thing to have him become more visable and vocal!