A new Amazon facility is coming to Salisbury. For some, it may seem like just another warehouse going up along Route 50. But for the Eastern Shore, it marks something more. It is a sign that global and tech-driven investors are beginning to see what we already know. This region has talent, character, and capacity.
The facility itself may be a distribution hub, but the message it carries is broader. It tells us that the Shore is on the radar. And as we welcome this kind of investment, we have a moment to celebrate how far we have come and look ahead together at what more we can build.
Communities across the Shore have already done important work. From revitalized downtowns in Cambridge and Berlin to the steady energy of Salisbury’s arts and entrepreneurship scenes, people here have been rolling up their sleeves and laying a foundation for growth. Colleges, nonprofits, business leaders, and everyday residents have been pulling in the same direction, whether by supporting local farmers markets, mentoring students, or organizing around clean water and conservation.
I grew up in Wicomico County but left the Shore at college age. And honestly, I was an idiot to go. At the time, I thought I had to leave to do something meaningful. It took years of distance and a few career pivots before I understood what I had left behind. I came back older, more grounded, and a lot more appreciative of what makes this place worth investing in.
Now we have a rare opportunity to align our values with our growth. To make the most of this momentum, we have to keep working together. That means listening to each other, staying open to new partnerships, and inviting outside voices who respect the Shore’s unique culture. We should make it easier to walk our towns, connect our communities, and support working families. We should build infrastructure that serves both Main Street and modern commerce. And we should make room for collaboration that fully honors our history while preparing for the future.
We need to keep telling our story. Not the story of what we lack, but of what we offer. The Eastern Shore brings values that matter: resilience, hospitality, and a deep-rooted sense of place. These are strengths, not limitations. They are exactly what many companies and families are looking for, especially in a time when people are rethinking how and where they want to live.
As more opportunities arrive, the goal is not to become a copy of somewhere else. The goal is to shape growth in a way that reflects who we are. That starts with shared vision. It depends on trust, openness, and a willingness to learn from one another. And it thrives when we see progress not as a zero-sum game, but as something that lifts all boats.
The Eastern Shore is already on the move. The work ahead is real, and it is work worth doing. Let's approach it together with care, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration. We won't just welcome investment, we can shape it, and make sure it benefits our next generations to come.
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Will Fries
Wicomico County resident
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
