ABSTRACT

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book describes the symbiotic relationships between Baltimore's large market and port facilities and the coal miners of western Maryland, dairy farmers of the Piedmont, and watermen of the Eastern Shore. By most national socioeconomic standards, for instance, those of housing, income, health, and education, Maryland measures up as a prosperous and stable state. Maryland is a state with a mature industrial economy having many jobs in steel, metal fabrication, transportation and heavy equipment, along with growing employment in service and information processing. The economic future of Maryland depends on its ability to expand in the sectors where it has shown competitive strength: electronics, electrical equipment, instruments, machinery, and specialized services. With characteristics of both the northern Tax Belt and southern Growth Belt, Maryland has the opportunity to create a prosperous future.