Wine in the Woods Reception Kicks Off a Season of Celebration

The Wine in the Woods Reception brought together business and community leaders to celebrate the arrival of spring alongside the excitement of the 32nd Wine in the Woods and the 151st Preakness Stakes.

Guests enjoyed gourmet food, live music, and meaningful networking in a Derby-inspired atmosphere filled with energy, connection, and local pride.

Shoutout to our wonderful sponsors Fulton Bank and Tower Federal Credit Union! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable evening celebrating community, conversation, and one of Howard County’s signature traditions.

Investing in Stronger Commercial Corridors

We are proud to share the impact of the Facade Improvement Grant Programs along the Route 1 corridor, which invested $75,000 directly into local businesses and commercial improvements.

Through the program, participating businesses completed storefront upgrades designed to improve visibility, strengthen curb appeal, and create more welcoming spaces for customers and the surrounding community. Improvements included updated signage, enhanced lighting, exterior renovations, and other façade enhancements that contribute to long-term corridor vitality.

These investments support more than individual businesses. They help strengthen the overall identity, accessibility, and economic resilience of the community while encouraging continued commercial growth and customer engagement.

Global Innovation Starts with Strong Local Connections

Join the Howard County Economic Development Authority for the Cyber Howard: Global Connections Reception as we welcome a South Australian cybersecurity delegation to one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity corridors.

Connect with Cyber Howard Accelerator cohort members, industry leaders, government representatives, and international innovators to explore emerging technologies, exchange ideas, and build global partnerships.

Lite fare, beer, and wine will be served. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

AI Opportunities Expanding Across Southeast Asia

Governments across Southeast Asia are making major investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, healthcare modernization, smart manufacturing, and financial technology, creating significant opportunities for U.S. technology companies looking to expand internationally.

Join the U.S. Commercial Service Tech Team for a complimentary webinar exploring AI opportunities across Southeast Asia, a region with more than 670 million people and a digital economy projected to exceed $300 billion in the coming years. The region’s AI market alone is expected to grow to $30.3 billion by 2030.

Participants will hear directly from U.S. Government Tech Trade Experts representing markets across Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attendees will also have the opportunity to schedule complimentary one-on-one consultations to discuss market-specific opportunities and available U.S. Government support resources.

For the Founders and Executives Ready to Claim Their Space.

Power Moves is a half-day experience built for the leaders in tech who are done waiting for a seat at the table — and ready to build their own.

This event brings together founders, executives, and rising leaders for a morning of honest conversation, practical strategy, and the kind of connections that actually move the needle. Expect a room full of people who get it — because they've lived it.

Cultivating Growth Through the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program

This year’s 2026 Agricultural Innovation Grant recipients are helping shape the future of agriculture in Howard County through sustainability, diversification, education, and community impact, and Branches & Batches is a beautiful example of that mission in action.

Located in Highland, Maryland, Branches & Batches grows and creates fresh garden bouquets while giving back in a meaningful way. A percentage of every sale supports Louie’s HUWE organization, funding medical research for children.

Grant funding is supporting irrigation system upgrades and subsurface drainage improvements, helping strengthen long-term farm sustainability and production capacity.

Through the 2026 Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, Howard County continues investing in farms and agricultural businesses that are strengthening local production, expanding opportunities, and building a more resilient agricultural community.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Howard County Government Closings for Memorial Day Holiday on May 25th. Learn More

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Establishes Eastern Howard County Agricultural Task Force. Learn More

• Maryland property search tool is back online, nearly two weeks after cyber-attack. Learn More

• US CYBERCOM Eyes Massive 27x Expansion in AI Cyber Funding. Learn More