More than 50 community members, local officials, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Friendsville Outpost during a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Garrett County Department of Business Development.
Owned by Dave Wampler, William Wampler, Carrie Wampler and Inga Wampler, Friendsville Outpost is a new addition to the Friendsville business community and represents a family investment in the local economy. The business provides another destination for residents and visitors while adding to the mix of businesses and amenities that support Friendsville as a place to live, work and recreate.
“Locally owned businesses are an important part of Garrett County’s economy and the strength of our communities,” said Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards. “The Wampler family’s decision to invest in Friendsville is a great example of local entrepreneurship and the confidence that business owners have in the future of our communities. We appreciate their investment and wish them continued success.”
Business Development Specialist Connor Norman led the ribbon cutting and welcomed attendees before recognizing the Wampler family and local officials who attended the celebration.
Dignitaries included Friendsville Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle; Councilwoman Pamela Humberson; Councilmen Ed Kelley and Chad Bittinger; Garrett County Commissioners Paul Edwards and Ryan Savage; County Administrator Kevin Null; and Garrett County Business Development Manager Kim Durst.
Durst said investments such as Friendsville Outpost are important to the County’s overall economic development efforts because they contribute to the vitality of local communities and help create places where people want to live, work and visit.
“Economic development is about more than recruiting new businesses to Garrett County,” Durst said. “It is also about supporting the entrepreneurs who are already here and encouraging investment in our communities. Friendsville Outpost is a good example of a locally owned business putting down roots and adding to the economic activity and quality of place in the community.”
Mayor Schlosnagle welcomed Friendsville Outpost and thanked the Wampler family for their investment in the community.
“We are thrilled to have Friendsville Outpost as part of our community,” he said. “Look at all these people. It shows the tremendous support that exists for our local businesses. Investments like this help make Friendsville an even better place to live.”
Speaking on behalf of the ownership team, Dave Wampler thanked the community for its support and shared the family’s excitement about the new business.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from the Friendsville community and everyone who came out to celebrate with us,” he said. “Our family is proud to invest in Friendsville, and we look forward to making the Outpost a place that both local residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.”
The strong turnout for the ribbon cutting highlighted the community’s support for the new business and provided an opportunity to recognize the Wampler family’s investment in Friendsville and Garrett County.
The Garrett County Department of Business Development works with businesses and entrepreneurs to help strengthen the County’s business community and support new investment. The department provides assistance including business referrals, site selection, financing resources, workforce connections, marketing support and connections to business resources and partners.
Garrett County businesses interested in hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony may contact the Department at (301) 334-1921 or economicdevelopment@garrettcountymd.gov for additional information.
