HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Just in time for the holiday shopping season, a new partnership between local manufacturers and the “Main Street Maryland” program will make it easier for consumers to find products that are made in Maryland and sold in Maryland shops and stores.
The “Make it to Main Street” initiative is part of the state’s ongoing program to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s traditional downtown business districts. The initiative grows out of a partnership between the Main Street Maryland program, the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland and Maryland With Pride.
The “Make it to Main Street” initiative was announced during an event in Hagerstown, which is the newest Main Street Maryland community.
Founded in 1990, RMI of Maryland represents the interests of manufacturers statewide— providing programs, services, and advocacy. RMI is creating Buy Maryland— an online directory of companies, businesses and artists that make, raise, or create products, artwork, and/or crafts. The directory will identify those items made and sold in Main Street Maryland communities.
Main Street Maryland is the state’s award-winning program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to attract private insvestment. There are 27 designated Main Street Maryland communities but the program launches on October 30, 2014 with the listing for nine pilot Main Streets: Annapolis, Berlin, Cumberland, Denton, Frederick, Frostburg, Hagerstown, Havre de Grace and Salisbury.