The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) welcomed Maryland Comptroller, The Honorable Brooke Lierman, as the featured speaker at its February General Membership Luncheon. Nearly 100 business and community leaders attended the event to hear firsthand how the Comptroller’s Office is working to improve efficiency, increase transparency, and support Maryland’s business community during a time of economic uncertainty.
In his introductory remarks, SACC President/CEO Bill Chambers noted that Comptroller Lierman brings a unique perspective to the role, particularly her understanding of the challenges facing Maryland’s small businesses. He emphasized that her experience and engagement are critical as Maryland works to regain its competitive edge against neighboring states.
Comptroller Lierman began by reflecting on her two terms serving in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing waterfront neighborhoods in Baltimore City. During that time, she developed a strong appreciation for the essential role small businesses play in strengthening communities and driving local economic growth.
“I learned about so many small businesses and their challenges while serving as a State Delegate in Baltimore City,” Lierman shared. “That experience shapes the work we do today. We work with all of our partners to help every Marylander reach their full potential.”
She addressed several economic challenges currently impacting the state, including what she described as a “K-shaped” economy, rising consumer credit card debt, and ongoing affordability concerns. While Maryland’s median household income exceeds the national average at approximately $103,000, she noted that 40 percent of Marylanders struggle to afford basic necessities. She also expressed concern about the strain tariffs and broader economic pressures place on small businesses, particularly those that depend heavily on lower-income consumers.
Despite these challenges, Comptroller Lierman highlighted more than 70 modernized and innovative initiatives launched under her leadership to improve service delivery, increase accountability, and better support taxpayers and businesses. These include:
- Maryland Tax Connect for Business – Streamlining tax filing and payment processes to save time and reduce administrative burdens for employers.
- Enhanced Unclaimed Property Platform – Making it easier for Marylanders and businesses to search for and recover funds owed to them.
- My Comp Connect – An upgraded customer relationship management system designed to improve responsiveness and constituent services.
- Board of Public Works Dashboard – A transparent, searchable platform allowing any Marylander to review state grant allocations and approved state contracts.
These enhancements reflect a strong commitment to modernization, transparency, and customer-focused government operations — delivering tangible benefits to Maryland businesses navigating today’s complex economic landscape.
In closing, Comptroller Lierman addressed Maryland’s close ties to the federal government and the fiscal challenges associated with federal job reductions. She emphasized the interdependent relationship between the state and federal economies.
“The federal government and Maryland’s economy are interrelated — we need each other,” she said. “Our state supplies highly educated workers to fill critical federal positions, individuals trained in Maryland’s institutions of higher education and other highly skilled professions.”
The February luncheon provided valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities facing Maryland’s economy, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between state leadership and the business community.
The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce will continue its focus on state leadership and economic impact at the next General Membership Luncheon on Thursday, March 19, 11:30 AM, featuring John Martin, Director of the Maryland Lottery & Gaming Commission, as the guest speaker. The luncheon will be held at Green Hill Country Club, 5471 Whitehaven Road, Quantico, MD 21856. The Maryland Lottery & Gaming Commission serves as the statewide authority responsible for operating the Maryland Lottery and regulating casino gaming and sports wagering — generating significant revenue that supports education and other vital programs across Maryland. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members and include lunch. To register, visit salisburyarea.com.
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- Maryland Comptroller Booke Lierman and the SACC President CEO Bill Chambers
