09-05-2025
Montgomery County officials visit businesses for ‘National Small Business Week'
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the Montgomery County Business Center met with three people who own small businesses in Eastern Montgomery County. Elrich thanked them for their hard work and their commitment to continue helping the county grow.
The first business on the tour was K. Hill Orthodontics in Silver Spring. Owner Dr. Karlene-Anne Hill opened her business in 2002. She says what she enjoys most about practicing in Montgomery County is the people she helps every day.
'I love seeing patients,' Hill said, 'especially the kids who come in. You know, they're shy, they don't want to smile, they don't like how their teeth look. We're able to give them a nice, beautiful smile.'
From there, the group traveled a mile-and-a-half down New Hampshire Avenue to Yeneta Language & Culture Academy.
The space is used to teach children and adults about Ethiopian customs and traditions. The academy is a recipient of the MOVE Grant, which helps businesses with their lease, as well as cover expenses.
'We had issues because all of the payments,' Yeneta Language & Culture Academy owner Rakeb Zeleke said, 'We were able to pay the rent and other stuff, so the grant was very helpful to us.'
The last stop on the tour was the new location for Isaac's Poultry Market in Burtonsville. Head chef and owner Rob Gresham says he chose to open a second location in Montgomery County because of the support they receive from the community.
'We're in the people business,' Gresham said, 'we just happen to sell chicken. So, taking care of the customers and seeing their excitement and their joy eating our food, it's really awesome.'
Elrich says successful small businesses are what make Montgomery County continue to thrive.
'It feels really good when you can go out and look at the things that have been done and say, 'Yeah, this is actually making a difference,'' he said. 'So, I'm happy about this.'
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