As 2018 comes to a close, it’s a great time for Maryland’s business community to look back on their successes this year and start planning ahead for more great things in 2019.

At the Maryland Department of Commerce, it goes without saying that we appreciate our state’s thriving and innovative business community. From our successful startups and entrepreneurs to companies that are leaders in their industries, we are grateful to our businesses, each and every day, for all they do to strengthen our economy and create new opportunities for our citizens.

Throughout 2018, Team Commerce has traveled around our state to celebrate with companies hitting major milestones, and I was excited to join in for as many of these visits as I could.

One of the sweetest encounters I had this year was with the family-owned business Goetze’s Candy Company, which celebrated 100 years of chewy Caramel Creams. For nearly 125 years, the Baltimore-based candy manufacturer has passed down its traditions and delicious recipes through five Goetze generations. Current CEO Mitchell Goetze proudly leads the operation and has successfully incorporated new technology and new products along the way.

Next up is the veteran-owned small business BF Joy, which has specialized in maintaining and rehabilitating underground infrastructure for 100 years. We appreciate this Prince George’s County company’s dedication to safety when tackling underground challenges, as well as their true consideration of the environment and surrounding community. Current president and CEO Melissa Koehler is featured in this photo (center) with her award-winning company.

GROCO – or Gross Mechanical Laboratories, Inc. – focuses on design and quality today, just as it has for the past 100 years. The company was formed in a Baltimore row house basement and eventually moved its office to the Eastern Shore in Stevensville. The company prides itself on its original designs and products that no other manufacturer, anywhere in the world, provides.

Hahn's of Westminster, known for its Pork and Beans plant and country store, has been in the meat packing business for 100 years. Back when Hahn's was founded, owner William F. Myers would transport his products to Baltimore by train and deliver them by wagon throughout the city. Times have changed over the past century, but Hahn's stays dedicated to providing the best, quality meats to Carroll County and the surrounding region.

And, rounding out our 100-year milestones is Reliable Recycling Center in Frederick, which has set itself apart from the competition for a century. While the center shows its commitment to the community by handling scrap metal and cardboard for the area, it goes above and beyond when servicing its customers and taking care of its employees. Customer service is one of our top priorities and there’s no question that Reliable Recycling has the same commitment.

Check out some additional company celebrations in the photos below. Thank you all for helping us make Maryland the ideal place to live, work, play, and own a business.

If your company is celebrating a milestone, be sure to send us an email with the details.

Click here for even more company milestone celebrations