Barbara A. Mikulski
U.S. Senator for Maryland
Mikulski, Councilwoman Watson Tour Main Street Small Businesses in Historic Ellicott City
Senator, Councilwoman Visit with Small Business Owners Supporting Jobs and Ellicott City Economy
October 19, 2012
ELLICOTT CITY – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski was joined by Howard County Councilwoman Courtney Watson on a tour of Main Street small businesses in historic Ellicott City. Their tour to support local small businesses and restaurants on Main Street follows the tragic CSX train derailment earlier this summer.
"Historic Ellicott City is open for business. These small businesses are the backbone of this community. They create jobs and bring in visitors and families who shop here, eat here and live here," Senator Mikulski said. "My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who lost loved ones as a result of the tragic derailment earlier this summer. I stand with the residents of Ellicott City who came together after this tragedy to support Main Street jobs and businesses."
"Senator Mikulski's tour of Main Street, Ellicott City showcases a special place where business owners, residents and visitors find enjoyment in all the unique aspects of this richly historic and beautiful town," said Councilwoman Watson. "As we continue to remember and mourn the loss of two young members of our community in the recent train derailment, we are grateful for Senator Mikulski's visit today and for her continued support of historic Ellicott City."
Senator Mikulski and Councilwoman Watson visited several local small businesses. They first visited The Forget-Me-Not Factory, which is filled to capacity with whimsical gifts, holiday, decorator, and fantasy-related items. It's been open for businesses since 1985 in a historic five-story building. The two then had a private lunch at Cacao Lane restaurant, which for over 35 years has served up Maryland crab cakes and fried green tomatoes to the residents and visitors of Ellicott City.
Following lunch, the Senator and Councilwoman met with Discoveries owner Sally Fox Tennant. Discoveries features a vast array of unique and fun crafts, jewelry and clothing. With products offered from more than 700 artists, Ms. Tennant brings together one-of-a-kind finds to fill her shop for a variety of Maryland customers. The Senator and Councilwoman then stopped at Sweet Elizabeth Jane, a vintage boutique in the historic Caplan's department store building that offers furniture, clothing, home accessories, jewelry, linens, gifts and more. Since April 2011, it has been a popular fixture on Main Street and has utilized online social media including Facebook and Twitter to expand its clientele. Owner Tammy Beideman turned her hobby into a successful business in the heart of downtown Ellicott City.
Following the tragic derailment in August, the local community has worked to support Main Street businesses. The community held a Main Street Appreciation Weekend to jumpstart small businesses disrupted by the incident. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice spearheaded a 27 for Old EC campaign where local merchants and restaurants offered specially themed specials with 27 percent of those sales going to community recovery efforts.