Economic upswing in Harford County with new businesses

BEL AIR, Md. -
The ring of new workers in aprons chanting barbecue-themed cheers in the front lot is a far cry from a stock market rally, and in spite of bearish traders on Wall street, Wilbur the Pig is jumping for joy.

Like many businesses, the economy has taken its toll on the Famous Dave’s restaurant chain, but it’s chosen to expand in Bel Air.

"We were smart about when we were going to make our next investment, and this is our first corporate opening in 22 months,” said Area Director Jim Lenchner, “We chose Bel Air, because of the people and because of the response that we're expecting to have."

For 22-year old Jasmine Cox who is now greeting new customers at the door, it means the end of a tiresome job search.

"I have been out of a job since April 3rd, so it came on time," said Cox, who is one of 160 people to land a permanent or temporary job with the new restaurant.

With an unemployment rate here in Harford County just a tick below the state average of 7.2%, the county was already expecting huge windfall in the form of new jobs through the base realignment.

Now, new businesses are following suit.

"We're seeing jobs both at APG and also retail sector jobs coming in,” said Harford County Economic Development Director Jim Richardson, “Another property that's opening up, Kohl's in Forest Hill, just had a job fair."

Between Kohl’s department store, a Wegman’s Supermarket in Abingdon and a new Wal-Mart slated for Fallston, the county expects to add more than 1,000 new jobs, and in this economy, that’s plenty of reason to celebrate.