The Garrett County Board of County Commissioners recently recognized Brenda’s Body Shop with a proclamation celebrating the business’s 45th anniversary.
For four and a half decades, Brenda’s Body Shop has been part of Garrett County’s business community, building a lasting presence in Oakland and serving generations of local families. The 45-year milestone represents not only the longevity of the business, but also the commitment, hard work, and investment required to operate a successful business in Garrett County for decades.
“Businesses like Brenda’s Body Shop are an important part of what makes Garrett County’s economy strong,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development for Garrett County. “When a business reaches 45 years, it is a reflection of the dedication of its owners and employees, the loyalty of its customers, and the support of the community. We are proud to recognize Brenda’s Body Shop for its longstanding commitment to Garrett County.”
Long-established businesses play an important role in Garrett County’s economic landscape. They provide employment opportunities, generate local economic activity, contribute to the tax base and provide products and services that residents and other businesses rely on. Just as importantly, businesses that remain in operation for decades become part of the identity and history of the communities they serve.
Recognizing those contributions is one of the goals of the Garrett County Business Development Milestone Program. The program celebrates significant accomplishments by local businesses and nonprofit organizations, including grand openings, ribbon cuttings, expansions and anniversaries. Garrett County Business Development works with local businesses to help share these accomplishments with the broader community.
“Business milestones are a big deal,” said Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist. “Reaching an anniversary like 45 years represents thousands of days of hard work and a commitment to the customers and community a business serves. We want local businesses to know that Garrett County appreciates those contributions and wants to help celebrate their successes.”
The Milestone Program is one of several initiatives offered through Garrett County Business Development to promote and support the local business community. Other programs include the Business Spotlight Program and Business B.E.A.R. Podcast, which provide opportunities to highlight local businesses, their products and services, and the people behind them.
The County’s recognition of business anniversaries also reflects a broader approach to economic development. While attracting new investment and businesses is an important part of economic development, supporting existing businesses is equally important. Helping established businesses remain successful, expand, invest and continue serving their communities strengthens the foundation of Garrett County’s economy.
Brenda’s Body Shop’s 45th anniversary joins a growing list of Garrett County businesses and organizations recognized through the Milestone Program. Previous recognitions have included significant anniversaries such as Naylor’s Hardware’s 140th anniversary, Beitzel Corporations 50th anniversary, and Garrett Regional Medical Center’s 75th anniversary.
Garrett County Business Development encourages local businesses approaching a significant anniversary or other business milestone to reach out to the department. The County wants to help recognize the businesses that have invested their time, resources and talent in Garrett County and celebrate the role they continue to play in the community.
For more information about the Business Milestone Program or other business development services, contact Garrett County Business Development at 301-334-1921 or business@garrettcountymd.gov.
