Somerset County, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is the State's southernmost county. The Chesapeake Bay forms its western boundary, Virginia its southern. Routes U.S. 13 and MD 413 provide access to major interstate routes. The Norfolk/Hampton Roads metropolitan area is approximately 100 miles south. A water-oriented County, Somerset attracts fishermen, hunters, tourists, and water sports enthusiasts.

The Somerset County Economic Development Commission (SCEDC) was established by the Somerset County Commissioners by resolution on September 30, 1980 to encourage economic development for positive growth as a County endeavor. The County Commissioners wanted an organization that would assist in addressing the issue of promoting economic development for the betterment of all the citizens of Somerset County.

To that end, the Somerset County Economic Development Commission's goal is to increase the economic viability and vitality of the County's business community by creating a positive vision for economic growth. This will be accomplished by attracting new businesses to the county through a dynamic marketing program with business incentives, assisting those businesses already in Somerset County to grow and expand through the various financing programs and workforce development initiatives that are available through the state and local resources, and by encouraging the growth of tourism related activities that will take advantage of the County's water and land terrain natural features.

By developing a concerted effort to work in all three areas of economic development, the Somerset County Economic Development Commission will be able to help improve the employment, personal income, tax base, and quality of life for all the people in Somerset County.