“We are definitely a hub for culture,” Mayor Cook affirms.“We have about 15 galleries downtown. We have a First Friday gallery walk. We are an art and entertainment district, and we home some incredible festivals and events” The Town is host to Plein Air Easton, recognized nationally as the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States. Additionally, every November Easton is home to the Waterfowl Festival, which will see its 54th iteration this Fall. The festival blends conservation, art, and sporting culture into a unique event that regularly brings in over 20,000 attendees to the Town. The town’s promotional efforts have evolved significantly. “My position here is relatively new. I started about two years ago,” Mueller explains.“We’re active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.” The partnership with Easton Economic Development Corporation, which operates the Discover Easton tourism brand, amplifies these efforts. “We help fund them and work with them regularly to promote events and get people interested in what is going on around town.” Looking ahead, Mayor Cook’s priorities remain focused yet ambitious.“I want to make sure that we’re planning ahead for that 13-acre gap right on the edge of downtown,” she says of the current hospital site. Her governing philosophy stays grounded in community engagement: “Your job is to listen. That’s primarily what a lot of local government is – listening to what your constituents need and then reacting accordingly.” Easton’s success story offers lessons for similar communities nationwide. By preserving its historic character while embracing strategic development, maintaining cultural vitality alongside economic growth, and listening to residents while planning for the future, the town demonstrates that small-town America can thrive without sacrificing its soul. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Lane Engineering www.leinc.com Lane Engineering is a premier multi-disciplined land surveying and civil engineering firm on the Delmarva peninsula with thousands of successful design projects completed. Rooted in dedication, its team of skilled professionals, along with its cutting-edge technology, will turn your project into reality. Lane Engineering has earned its reputation as a trusted partner for landowners, developers and municipalities. n Easton Utilities/Easton Velocity www.eastonutilities.com For over 110 years, Easton Utilities has been an integral part of the Town of Easton as the municipal utility company for over 13,500 customers. We are responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of the electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, cable television and internet services for Easton and portions of Talbot County. n University of Maryland Shore Medical Center www.umshoreregional.org/rmc 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx