Essex Community Development Corporation

Galentine's Ladies Lunch & Cake Decorating Class - An Essex CDC Fundraiser
2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Buon Appetito Essex, 405 Mace Avenue, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
Grab your girlfriends and celebrate your special holiday with Essex CDC’s 3rd Annual Galentine’s Ladies Lunch & Cake Decorating Class: a fun-filled afternoon for a great cause!

GENERAL INFORMATION: Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:00 – 4:00 PM Buon Appetito Restaurant at 405 Mace Ave, Essex, MD 21221 $75 per person Fundraiser benefiting the Essex Community Development Corporation (Essex CDC)

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: Seated Italian Lunch at Buon Appetito including House Salad, Meatballs Marinara, Farfalle à la Vodka (Vegetarian), Soft Drinks, Coffee & Tea Cash bar available Cake Decorating Class with “Pinkee” of Pinkee’s Sweet Treats

This year we’re switching it up! Instead of past designs, we’ll be making CONVERSATION HEART CAKES complete with a heart-shaped cake and colorful icing.

Come with a fun or feisty saying to write on your conversation heart cake! We’ll be giving out prizes for the most creative sayings, so bring your A-game.

This is the perfect way to spend quality time with your girlfriends, laugh, get creative, enjoy great food, and support a great cause right here in Essex.

Spots are limited! Grab your friends and JOIN US!

Register here: https://givebutter.com/2026GalentinesLunchCake

Essex Facade Improvement Grant Information Session
2026-02-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Essex CDC Office, 25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
✨ Essex Facade Improvement Grant Program Information Session: Monday, February 9 at 5:30 PM ✨Own or operate a business or commercial property in Essex? Want to improve your storefront, signage, or building exterior? Essex CDC is launching the 2026 Essex Facade Improvement Grant Program on Monday, February 9, and we’re hosting an information session to walk you through it.💰 Grant funds can be used for eligible exterior improvements that enhance the look, safety, and appeal of Essex businesses and commercial properties.📅 In-Person Grant Information Session:🗓 Monday, February 9⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM📍 Essex CDC Office25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98

For more information, contact beautification@essexcdc.org.

Coffee & Conversation HAPPY HOUR - February 2026
2026-02-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Island View Waterfront Cafe, 2542 Island View Rd, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
Join Commercial Property Owners, Business Owners and Operators & Community and Nonprofit Leaders with an interest in Essex for our first Coffee and Conversation HAPPY HOUR of 2026!

This is a FREE NETWORKING EVENT focusing on building connections between businesses/groups and leaders.

Join us on:Thursday, February 12, 20265:00-7:00 PM atIsland View Waterfront Cafe/Venue2542 Island View Rd, Essex, MD 21221

Attendees will enjoy happy hour treats and conversation as we get to know one another and share information about initiatives and projects currently taking place in Essex.

RSVP by February 11. Don’t wait to sign up!

To RSVP:Text or Call: 443-579-7974 orEmail: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

Essex Eats for Good
2026-02-26 17:00 - 20:00 | LoonAsea Restaurant, 207 Nanticoke Rd., Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🍽️ Essex Eats for Good 🍽️(formerly Dine Out for a Cause)

We’re thrilled to share that LoonAsea Restaurant is supporting Essex Community Development Corporation once again for our Essex Eats for Good event! 10% of your bill during the event will support Essex CDC and our efforts to revitalize the Eastern Blvd. corridor.

Maryland Waterways Foundation Trash Pick Up
2026-03-07 09:30 - 12:00 | Waste Water Treatment Plant, 8201 Eastern Avenue, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🌎 WWTP – Back River Shoreline Trash Cleanup 🌎

Join us for a morning of giving back and protecting the Chesapeake Bay!

📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM📍 Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant8201 Eastern Avenue, Essex

We’re teaming up with the Maryland Waterways Foundation and Essex Community Development Corporation to remove bottles, cans, and debris from the Back River shoreline and keep trash out of the Chesapeake Bay.

✔ Earn service hours✔ Gloves, bags & pickers provided✔ Coffee, donuts & hot dogs included

Wear boots or closed-toe shoes and bring a friend!

Advance sign-up isn’t required, but it helps us plan.📞 443-983-2945 | 📧 mdwaterways@gmail.com

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Study Open House
2026-03-18 17:00 - 18:30 | 25 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 98, Essex, Maryland 21221, 25 Eastern Boulevard, essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🚦 Have a Voice in the Future of Eastern Boulevard! 🚶‍♂️🚗

The Essex Community Development Corporation is hosting an Open House to share updates and gather community input on the Eastern Boulevard Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Study.

📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM📍 Essex CDC Office25 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 98Essex, MD 21221

This study, conducted in partnership with a Baltimore County traffic engineering firm, has been underway for several months. Now it’s time to hear from the community!

Join us to:✔️ Review proposed ideas and improvements✔️ Share your experiences traveling along Eastern Boulevard✔️ Provide feedback that will help shape recommendations for Baltimore County and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Your voice matters! Whether you live, work, walk, bike, or drive along Eastern Boulevard, we want to hear from you.

📧 Questions? Email beautification@essexcdc.org

March Coffee and Conversation
2026-03-19 09:00 - 10:30 | Coffee and Cone, 530 Eastern Blvd., Essex, Maryland, United States
☕💬 Upcoming Coffee & Conversation – March 2026!

Exciting news, Essex community! Our next Coffee & Conversation at Coffee & Cone is just around the corner – join us for a morning of food, drinks, and community networking!

Enjoy great coffee, delicious food, and lively conversation in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you want to grow your network, stay informed, or simply connect with others invested in Essex, this is the place to be!

📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026⏰ 9:00 – 10:30 AM📍 Coffee & Cone – 530 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD 21221

✅ RSVP by Wednesday, March 18📱 Text or Call: 443-579-7974📧 Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org

🌐 Register online: www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-65163632

📣 Check the Essex CDC Facebook page for any updates or changes.

✨ Food • Drinks • Conversation • Community ✨

FREE Cottage Industry Training Session
2026-03-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Essex CDC Office, 25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🍞✨ FREE Cottage Industry Training! ✨🍪

Have you been thinking about growing your cottage food business? Now’s your chance to learn from an expert!

Join us for a Cottage Industry Training Session with Sue Farace, CP-FS and gain valuable insight into understanding regulations, growing your business, and setting yourself up for success.

🗓 Thursday, March 19, 2026⏰ 5:00 – 6:30 PM📍 Essex CDC Office – 25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98

RSVP by Monday, March 9 by calling 📞 443-579-7974

Don’t miss this opportunity to build your knowledge and confidence in the cottage food industry. We look forward to seeing you there!

Essex CDC Eastern Blvd.Trash Clean Up
2026-04-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Essex Park and Ride, 50 Eastern Blvd, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🧹 Eastern Blvd. Commercial Corridor Trash Pick-Up 🌎

Join us for a morning of service and community-building as we clean up Eastern Boulevard and help prevent trash from polluting the Chesapeake Bay!

📅 Monday, April 6, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM📍 Essex Park & Ride (50 Eastern Blvd., Essex 21221)

✔ Earn service hours✔ Meet new friends✔ Coffee & refreshments provided

Let’s take pride in our community and help make Essex a great place to live, work & play!(Advance sign-up encouraged, but not required!)

April Coffee and Conversation
2026-04-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Sussex Elementary School, 515 S. Woodward Drive, Essex, Maryland, United States
☕ Coffee & Conversation – April 2026 Happy Hour

Commercial property owners, business owners & operators, and community leaders with an interest in Essex – this one’s for you!

Join us on Thursday, April 16 from 5-7 PM at Sussex Elementary for an evening of connection, conversation, and community building.

📍 515 S. Woodward Dr., Essex, MD 21221🍴 Food • Drinks • Conversation • Community

RSVP by Wednesday, April 15📞 443-579-7974📧 alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org

🔗 www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6550929

Let’s connect and talk about what’s next for Essex!

Essex Gateway Cup Golf Tournament
2026-04-27 08:00 - 14:00 | Rocky Point Golf Course, 1935 Back River Neck Road, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
Essex CDC and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce their 2026 Golf Tournament – and invite you to join us for a day of networking, camaraderie, and community support. This event provides an excellent opportunity to network with other area business owners and community memebers while contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit the Essex community and the surrounding areas.

Event Details:📅 Date: Monday, April 27, 2026📍 Location: Rocky Point Golf Course, 1935 Back River Neck Road, Essex, MD 21221⏰ Schedule:

8:00 AM – Registration

9:00 AM – Shotgun Start

Throughout the course, participants will enjoy signature food and drinks provided by some of Essex’s finest local restaurants, including BTI, LoonAsea, Tavern in the Quarter, The Comfy Cup, Cisco’s, and Row Boat Willie’s. These offerings will ensure that golfers stay energized and refreshed while experiencing the best of what our local culinary scene has to offer.

If you sign upi as a Sponsor, you receive not only visibility for your business among a targeted audience of local leaders, business owners, and community members, but you also directly contribute to the success of community initiatives spearheaded by Essex CDC and the Chamber.

Registration:To participate as a golfer or sponsor, please visit: https://givebutter.com/2026EssexGatewayCup

Join us at Rocky Point Golf Course for a memorable day of sport, food, and community spirit while making a lasting impact on Essex!

May Coffee and Conversation
2026-05-21 09:00 - 10:30 | Riverside Marine, 600 Riverside Drive, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
Join us for Coffee & Conversation – May 2026!

If you’re a commercial property owner, business owner, operator, or community leader with an interest in Essex, we’d love to see you there.

📅 Thursday, May 21⏰ 9:00 – 10:30 AM📍 Riverside Marine – 600 Riverside Dr, Essex

Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and meaningful conversation about our community.

RSVP by Wednesday, May 20📞 443-579-7974📧 alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org🔗 www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6550935

Let’s connect, collaborate, and strengthen Essex together!

Crackin' Crab Feast
2026-05-30 12:00 - 16:00 | Conrad’s Ruth Villa, 3301 Edwards Lane, Middle River, Maryland, 21220, United States
Join the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce & Essex Community Development Corporation (Essex CDC) for an afternoon packed with great food, live music, and fun—all for a great cause!

📅 Saturday, May 30, 2026⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (rain or shine)📍 Conrad’s Ruth Villa3301 Edwards Lane, Baltimore, MD

🎶 Live music by Swamp Donkey🎟️ Raffles, wheels & auctions🎁 Now accepting prize donations & giveaways!

🍽️ Enjoy a delicious menu featuring:Steamed crabs, pit beef, pit ham, pit turkey, BBQ, Maryland crab soup, hot dogs, salads, desserts & more!

🥤 Beverages included: soda, iced tea, lemonade, water, wine & beer🍹 Signature drinks available for purchase

💲 $80 per person👥 Tables of 6 available – grab your crew!

👉 Register now: www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6622417

All proceeds benefit community & outreach initiatives of the Chamber and Essex CDC ❤️

June Coffee and Conversation
2026-06-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Yoga Mouth Collective, 431 Eastern Blvd Suite 209, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
☕ Coffee & Conversation Happy Hour – June 2026 🍹

Join us for an evening of Coffee & Conversation hosted in partnership with the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce! This happy hour gathering is a great opportunity for commercial property owners, business owners and operators, and community leaders who have an interest in Essex to connect and share ideas.

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM📍 Yoga Mouth Collective431 Eastern Blvd., Suite 209–213Essex, MD 21221

Enjoy food, drinks, conversation, and community while networking with others who care about the future of Essex.

📌 RSVP by Wednesday, June 17📞 Call or Text: 443-579-7974📧 Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org🔗 Visit: www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6550944

Please check the Essex CDC Facebook page for any event updates.

We hope to see you there!

July Coffee and Conversation
2026-07-16 09:00 - 10:30 | The Comfy Cup, 25 Eastern Blvd, Suite 98B, Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
☕ July Coffee & Conversation – EssexJoin us for a morning of connection, collaboration, and community!

Whether you’re a commercial property owner, business owner/operator, or community leader with an interest in Essex-this is a great opportunity to network and share ideas.

📅 Thursday, July 16⏰ 9:00 – 10:30 AM📍 The Comfy Cup25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98B, Essex, MD

✨ Enjoy coffee, conversation, and meaningful connections with others invested in Essex’s growth.

📌 RSVP by Wednesday, July 15📞 Call/Text: 443-579-7974📧 Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org🔗 https://www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6550952

👉 Be sure to check the Essex CDC Facebook page for any updates!

August Coffee and Conversation
2026-08-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Weavers Marine Service, 730 Riverside Dr., Essex, Maryland, 21221, United States
🍹 Coffee & Conversation: Happy Hour Edition – Essex

Let’s connect after hours! Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community with fellow business owners, property owners, and local leaders who care about Essex.

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM📍 Weaver’s Marine Service730 Riverside Dr., Essex, MD

✨ Enjoy drinks, great company, and meaningful connections in a relaxed, happy hour setting.

📌 RSVP by Wednesday, August 19📞 Call/Text: 443-579-7974📧 Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org🔗 https://www.chesapeakechamber.org/event-6550958

👉 Be sure to check the Essex CDC Facebook page for any updates!
