The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the local and national economy. Maryland’s unemployment rate stands at about 8%, much better than much of the rest of the country, but still, more than a quarter of a million Marylanders are out of work.
Some businesses, like airlines, restaurants, and entertainment venues, have suffered badly in the COVID 19 economy. But other businesses are thriving. Yesterday, for example, Apple became the first US company to reach a 2 trillion dollar market cap. And as more consumers stay out of brick-and-mortar stores in favor of on-line shopping, Amazon has had a banner year. Since March, Amazon stock has increased by more than $1,500 per share. It’s currently selling at about $3,200. And the grocery industry has fared well during the pandemic, too, with the region’s largest food retailer, European-owned Giant Food, enjoying steady growth in earnings since March.
Amazon and Giant Food are just two among scores of employers, large and small, now hiring aggressively in the Baltimore region and beyond...