30 Jan Carroll County Celebrates Shop Small, Win Big Holiday Small Business Contest
Wednesday, January 30, 2026, Westminster, MD – Carroll County Economic Development, together with partners Carroll County Tourism and Carroll County’s Downtown Communities, gathered with the Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, January 29th to celebrate the downtown Shop Small, Win Big campaign contest to recognize some of the winners and participating businesses.
The Carroll County Downtowns organization (Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, Union Bridge and Westminster) worked with Tourism and Economic Development to highlight and encourage local small business shopping. From November 17th – December 24th, shoppers who spent $35 or more could upload a photo of their receipt to be entered into a drawing for a $250 cash prize.
Denise Beaver, Carroll County’s Economic Development Director said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our downtowns and keep them vibrant and welcoming. When people shop locally, they invest in the business, the community and the health of our county. Tourism and Economic Development are thrilled to partner with our municipalities to support this initiative.”
Westminster’s Economic Development Coordinator Melissa Thorn added, “We extend our appreciation to all participating shoppers and businesses for their commitment to supporting local. Initiatives like Shop Small, Win Big play an important role in sustaining Carroll County’s economy, strengthening community pride, and ensuring that small businesses continue to thrive now and into the future.”
Sykesville’s Park Books on Main co-owner Melody Wukitch noted, “I am hoping this promotion will run again next year. It was exciting to meet a customer who won by shopping at our store – and she is actually part of our book club!”.
Kristen Henretty, one of the winning shoppers, was present and announced she intended to spend her winnings shopping on Main Street.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise Beaver, CEcD
Director, Economic Development
410-386-2070
