In a bid to invigorate retail activity for small businesses, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has introduced the Savage Mill Bucks program, which extends $10 shopping vouchers to consumers in the Howard County community. The move, designed to stimulate trade for over 70 local independent stores housed within the historical Savage Mill, coincides with the summer when sales often slump. A statement obtained from Howard County's news release highlighted Ball's commitment to bolstering the local economy by backing the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners.
Investing $10,000 into the initiative, Howard County aims to distribute around 1,000 vouchers to boost these businesses during the peak tourist season from June through August 2025. "Thank you, County Executive Ball, and thank you to your Administration and Visit Howard for your continued support of Savage Mill and our small business community," Adam Winer, Director of Business Relations at Savage Mill, expressed his gratitude, according to the county's news release. The vouchers are available at the Howard County Welcome Center and Artcraft at Savage Mill, providing an incentive for residents and visitors to shop locally.
Adding to the chorus of appreciation, Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby spoke on the importance of the Mill as a vibrant community hub where families and friends can spend their day. The program mirrors the success of a similar initiative, the Old Ellicott City Bucks, which has proven to offer a substantial return on investment by encouraging visitors to double their spending at local businesses.
