$1.3 Million Grant Awarded to Support Garrett Container Systems Growth
Garrett County Community Development is pleased to announce that Garrett Container Systems, a leader in manufactured aluminum containers, has been awarded a grant from the Senator George C. Edwards Fund. This $1.3 million award is substantial financial support that will fuel the company’s local economic growth and the creation of additional jobs in the area.
A HUBZone-certified small business located in Accident, Maryland, Garrett Container Systems (GCS) manufactures aluminum storage and shipping containers, reusable Air Transportable deployment containers, and custom kennels for the military and private businesses.
This grant recognizes Garrett Container Systems’ dedication to excellence, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. These funds will be strategically allocated to the purchase and installation of new equipment that will lead to increased productivity, shorter lead times, and company growth through new product lines and customers.
“On behalf of the team, we want to say that we really appreciate the support that we’ve seen. Since 1991, we have seen the support from the community across every aspect, whether it’s employees, whether it’s financing, or whether it’s support with legislative issues,” said Ken Ward, President of Garrett Container Systems. “This marks a major milestone in our company’s history and we are eager to move forward with your continued support.”
The Senator George C. Edwards Fund was created in the 2022 Legislative Session to catalyze economic development in Western Maryland. The legislation called for the creation of the Senator George C. Edwards Fund and established the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board to review, evaluate and rate applications for funding from the program. The legislation also made this program a part of the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, which staffs the board and administers the fund.
“Given Garrett Container’s commitment to Garrett County, we will do our best to support this business,” said Steve Kelley, Director, Garrett County Community Development. “This award will play a pivotal role in generating and fostering economic expansion to support a sustainable future for GCS in our local community.”
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
View all posts by Jay Ferguson
