WHO:

Comptroller Peter Franchot

WHAT:

Comptroller Franchot this morning will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest Towson Hot Bagels location in Owings Mills, the company's 6th and largest space. The Comptroller will congratulate the Scotto family – cousins Tony, Ciro, Oriana, and Gennaro – and present a proclamation recognizing their success as a cherished local small business known for its fresh bagels, sandwiches and schmears.

In the afternoon, the Comptroller heads to Ellicott City where he will stop by three Main Street businesses that represent the town's resilience and comeback story following two deadly floods and the COVID-19 pandemic in the last five years. Mr. Franchot will visit and present proclamations at the following shops:

• Southwest Connection has sold Native American jewelry, artifacts, pottery and gifts since 1989. The business, which also has an in-house fudge and candy shop, was hard hit by both floods. However, owners Lori and Steve McDermott were determined to rebuild and support the community by holding school supply drives for local children impacted by the floods. 
• Cavern Apparel, which sells trendy men's clothing and accessories, is one of Main Street's newest shops. Opened in December by Maria Martinez, who owns several other Ellicott City businesses, it's the only local store that caters strictly to men's fashion.
• Park Ridge Trading Company, a culinary boutique that features infused olive oils and vinegars, custom spice blends, jams, sauces, and other food and housewares. Mother-and-daughter owners Donna and Julia Sanger opened the business just weeks before the 2016 flood, and rebuilt only to again be destroyed by the 2018 storm. The Sangers relocated and reopened in March 2019, right around the time they opened Park Ridge Creamery a few blocks away.

WHEN:

TODAY, June 7, 2021

WHERE:

CONTACT:

2:10 P.M.: Park Ridge Trading Co., 8080 Main St., Ellicott City, MD 21043

Alan Brody: abrody@marylandtaxes.gov