"We're able to be right next door as a place for different departments to come by, like economic development, or anything you can think of that will help Washington County grow," says Sara Sprecher, assistant administrator of Washington County.
Aside from filling an empty store front the new office space also houses the county's new public relations team.
"Our goal is to educate the public on what's going on with Washington County so we want to provide that, we want to be that resource center for them," says James Jenkins, Washington County's new public relations manager. "People always have questions about what the county is doing."
Their top priority is economic development and they've already made the drive into city center more colorful. Sprecher says there will be a sign that says "Welcome to Hagerstown City Center."
"It's definitely something coloroful that will catch people's eye," says Emily Ahalt, communications coordinator for Washington County. "We're open and welcome for people to walk in and ask any questions."
And even though they've only been on the job a few days, they've already developed strategies to get the ball rolling.
"Engaging the community, talking with the community listening and hearing what they're wants and needs are I think that is the first," says Tabitha Porterfield, marketing specialist for Washington County.
While the county is helping to fill those empty store fronts they're hoping others follow in their footsteps
"We want to entice businesses in the area or around the area to come to Washington County to hopefully fill up those empty spaces," says Jenkins.
Washington County will be hosting an open house to welcome residents to check out the new office space.
The new offices are located at the former PNC building, next to the county's central offices.
