Guest feature: Kassandra Stout is with the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Follow HCEDA on Facebook and Twitter.

Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) will host Howard County's 25th annual Business Appreciation Week with visits to county businesses from April 25-29.

More than 100 business visits will occur throughout the week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and each visit will last approximately one hour. Teams of ambassadors, comprised of leaders of different Howard County departments, will meet with business owners and their employees to gain perspective on how to build an even stronger business climate in the County.

"I want to encourage our Howard County businesses to participate in the upcoming Business Appreciation Week. The feedback we get during our visits helps direct our policy and legislative initiatives. Economic development is vital to sustaining our quality of life and we must constantly strive to improve," said Kittleman.

While HCEDA visits businesses throughout the year, this is an opportunity for Howard County department heads to solicit feedback directly from the business community. The dialogue and information collected during these visits helps County leaders shape strategies to more efficiently and effectively serve the business community.

"We look forward to thanking businesses for choosing Howard County as their home and participating in Business Appreciation Week," said the HCEDA CEO Lawrence F. Twele. "It is a great opportunity to connect businesses to the resources they need to be successful as well as bringing the community together to learn and grow."

"Economic development is vital to sustaining our quality of life and we must constantly strive to improve," said Kittleman. "We need to be even more innovative in how we help businesses expand, relocate here and become more successful. And some of the best ideas we get come directly from our business owners."

Businesses that are interested in participating should schedule an appointment as soon as possible as spaces fill quickly. To schedule an appointment with an ambassador, please visit www.hceda.org/baw.