The Frederick County Entrepreneur Support Network (ESN) is searching for accountants, attorneys, bankers, real estate agents, marketing consultants, insurance brokers and other private sector business support professionals for its next event, scheduled for June 2, 2010. Up to six volunteers per category are needed.
The event will enable business owners to receive 30 minutes of free business advice from a tableful of private and public sector business advisors. A formal announcement of the event and an invitation for business owners to register for the opportunity will be distributed in April.
The ESN is an assembly of non-profits and government agencies that provide support to small businesses in Frederick County. The organization has more than 20 members. The June event will be the first time that the ESN has collaborated with private sector support professionals. To learn more about the organization, visit FrederickESN.org.
To learn more about the event or to volunteer, contact ESN coordinator Chris Olson at CEOlson@mindspring.com or 301-600-1967, by February 28th.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
70 Million and Counting....
Generation Y is a force of as many as 70 million, and the first wave has only recently started to embark on their careers — taking their place in an increasingly multigenerational workplace.
Here's an excerpt from an article entitled, "The Flip Flop Generation: Tips for Hiring, Managing and Working with Generation Y" written by Michelle Day, Business Services Manager at Frederick County Workforce Services:
An employer interviewed a recent college graduate with no prior professional work experience for an entry-level position. Upon concluding the interview he asked this young candidate, “Now, what were you thinking in terms of your salary expectations?” The candidate confidently replied, “$80,000/year sounds good.” The expectation of the candidate did not exactly match what the employer had in mind. Similarly, a Human Resources Manager at a local call center here in Frederick shared that her younger employees were showing up to work in flip flops and pajama pants! She was appalled, as many of us would be. However, workplace demographics as well as expectations of the upcoming workforce are changing. Is your company aware of what factors shaped this generation and how you can best work with them?
For proven tips on effectively hiring, managing and working with Generation Y, read the full article on the Frederick County Workforce Services website.
Here's an excerpt from an article entitled, "The Flip Flop Generation: Tips for Hiring, Managing and Working with Generation Y" written by Michelle Day, Business Services Manager at Frederick County Workforce Services:
An employer interviewed a recent college graduate with no prior professional work experience for an entry-level position. Upon concluding the interview he asked this young candidate, “Now, what were you thinking in terms of your salary expectations?” The candidate confidently replied, “$80,000/year sounds good.” The expectation of the candidate did not exactly match what the employer had in mind. Similarly, a Human Resources Manager at a local call center here in Frederick shared that her younger employees were showing up to work in flip flops and pajama pants! She was appalled, as many of us would be. However, workplace demographics as well as expectations of the upcoming workforce are changing. Is your company aware of what factors shaped this generation and how you can best work with them?
For proven tips on effectively hiring, managing and working with Generation Y, read the full article on the Frederick County Workforce Services website.
Friday, January 29, 2010
FREDERICK - A Great Place to Live
FrederickNewsPost.com
New York Times veteran editor moves to Frederick for peaceful retirement
Originally published January 29, 2010 By Danielle McFall
Jack Topchik, a former editor at The New York Times, lives is a condominium overlooking Carroll Creek. He began working for The Times in the fall of 1967 after graduating from the University of Tennessee. Topchik's career was mostly at the Times News Service, which selects, edits and transmits news content to more than 600 newspapers and government agencies worldwide. "During my career," he said, "I served as European editor, Latin American editor, special sections editor and day editor." For seven years, Topchik was also the photo editor of The New York Times.
Topchik took a leave of absence in 2000 to join the Peace Corps in Haiti, but returned a week after the Sept. 11 attacks. He retired from The Times in 2007.
He then took an online survey titled "Where Should You Retire?"
"It had about 50 questions, some weighted more than others, and it kept coming up 'Frederick,'" Topchik said, "Our first response was 'where the hell is Frederick?'"
After making a few pit stops in Frederick on the way home from visiting their son in Washington, he and his wife, Carol, settled on Carroll Creek in July. So far, Topchik enjoys his new city.
"Aesthetically, we love the proximity to the farms and the mountains, not to mention the ability to be in two major cities within an hour," he said.
He has already shared his journalistic wisdom and experience in two Hood College communications classes and said he hopes to work with students more in the future.
Danielle McFall is a student in a journalism class at Hood College.
New York Times veteran editor moves to Frederick for peaceful retirement
Originally published January 29, 2010 By Danielle McFall
Jack Topchik, a former editor at The New York Times, lives is a condominium overlooking Carroll Creek. He began working for The Times in the fall of 1967 after graduating from the University of Tennessee. Topchik's career was mostly at the Times News Service, which selects, edits and transmits news content to more than 600 newspapers and government agencies worldwide. "During my career," he said, "I served as European editor, Latin American editor, special sections editor and day editor." For seven years, Topchik was also the photo editor of The New York Times.
Topchik took a leave of absence in 2000 to join the Peace Corps in Haiti, but returned a week after the Sept. 11 attacks. He retired from The Times in 2007.
He then took an online survey titled "Where Should You Retire?"
"It had about 50 questions, some weighted more than others, and it kept coming up 'Frederick,'" Topchik said, "Our first response was 'where the hell is Frederick?'"
After making a few pit stops in Frederick on the way home from visiting their son in Washington, he and his wife, Carol, settled on Carroll Creek in July. So far, Topchik enjoys his new city.
"Aesthetically, we love the proximity to the farms and the mountains, not to mention the ability to be in two major cities within an hour," he said.
He has already shared his journalistic wisdom and experience in two Hood College communications classes and said he hopes to work with students more in the future.
Danielle McFall is a student in a journalism class at Hood College.
Agricultural Land Preservation
The Frederick Board of County Commissioners announced today that 3,051 acres on 18 farms were placed under protective agricultural land preservation easements during 2009. The easements bring the total land preserved in Frederick County to 45,738 acres.
Board President Jan Gardner commented, “We are pleased to report on our achievements in agricultural preservation as we continue to press forward to reach our goal of preserving 100,000 acres by 2020 and ensuring an agricultural legacy for the future of Frederick County.” Easement purchase programs administered by Planning Division staff include the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program, the Frederick County Installment Purchase Program, the Critical Farms Program, the Federal Farm and Ranch Protection Program and the Maryland Rural Legacy Program.
Preserved acreage in the county for 2009 also includes easements to the Maryland Environmental Trust, which are administered separately by staff who work for the trust. Of the total preserved, the county’s Installment Purchase Program has protected 14,649 acres of prime farmland on 94 farms in Frederick County since the establishment of the program in 2002. Frederick County strives to preserve farmland and other important property in order to protect local food and fiber, the resource base necessary for the county’s leading industry, agriculture. Land preservation also helps to maintain farming as a way of life for many residents and assists in the continuance of the county’s longstanding rural character.
Frederick County residents are invited to visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/agpres or contact the Agricultural Land Preservation office with questions about programs that allow landowners to be paid for development rights while maintaining ownership of their farms. For more information, contact Program Administrator Tim Blaser at 301-600-2513 or via e-mail at tblaser@FrederickCountyMD.gov or Anne Bradley at 301-600-1474 or via e-mail at abradley@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Board President Jan Gardner commented, “We are pleased to report on our achievements in agricultural preservation as we continue to press forward to reach our goal of preserving 100,000 acres by 2020 and ensuring an agricultural legacy for the future of Frederick County.” Easement purchase programs administered by Planning Division staff include the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program, the Frederick County Installment Purchase Program, the Critical Farms Program, the Federal Farm and Ranch Protection Program and the Maryland Rural Legacy Program.
Preserved acreage in the county for 2009 also includes easements to the Maryland Environmental Trust, which are administered separately by staff who work for the trust. Of the total preserved, the county’s Installment Purchase Program has protected 14,649 acres of prime farmland on 94 farms in Frederick County since the establishment of the program in 2002. Frederick County strives to preserve farmland and other important property in order to protect local food and fiber, the resource base necessary for the county’s leading industry, agriculture. Land preservation also helps to maintain farming as a way of life for many residents and assists in the continuance of the county’s longstanding rural character.
Frederick County residents are invited to visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/agpres or contact the Agricultural Land Preservation office with questions about programs that allow landowners to be paid for development rights while maintaining ownership of their farms. For more information, contact Program Administrator Tim Blaser at 301-600-2513 or via e-mail at tblaser@FrederickCountyMD.gov or Anne Bradley at 301-600-1474 or via e-mail at abradley@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Plans for Frederick Restaurant Week Announced
Frederick will offer diners price-fixed meals at mouth-watering prices the week of March 8-14, 2010 during the inaugural Frederick Restaurant Week. Details of this special event were announced at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on January 26, 2010.
Featuring over a dozen restaurants, Frederick Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit a favorite restaurant or to try something new, as chefs prepare delicious 2-course and 3-course special menus. In a collaborative effort, the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Tourism Council of Frederick County (TCFC), along with local restaurants, planned the promotion. During Restaurant Week, lunches will be offered at $15.10 for a 2-course meal and $20.10 for a 3-course meal. Dinners are offered at $30.10 for 3-courses. Pricing is per person and excludes beverages, taxes, and gratuity, unless otherwise noted by individual restaurants.
“Frederick area restaurants are producing some exceptional, unique, dishes,” said John Fieseler, Executive Director for the TCFC. “It’s a perfect opportunity to feature this culinary treasure in the heart of Mid-Maryland.” Most participating restaurants for the 2010 event are located in Downtown Frederick. “Since meals are priced to offer a savings to the diner, it’s the perfect time to try something new,” said Kara Norman, Executive Director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership. “It’s a great week to skip making dinner and just plan on making reservations,” she added.
The website, www.frederickrestaurantweek.com, launched on Tuesday, January 26 and will be continuously updated with participating restaurants and menus. It will also include links to places to stay, complementary Restaurant Week activities, and other information so visitors can experience historic Downtown Frederick and nearby attractions. To keep dining enthusiasts in the loop, Tourism will tweet Restaurant Week happenings from their @tourfrederickmd Twitter account, and people can either follow or join the discussion under the hashtag #fredrw. Updates will also be posted to the Tourism Council of Frederick County’s Facebook page.
During Restaurant Week, no tickets or special passes are required, but reservations are highly recommended. For the most updated list of participating restaurants, visit www.frederickrestaurantweek.com.
Featuring over a dozen restaurants, Frederick Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit a favorite restaurant or to try something new, as chefs prepare delicious 2-course and 3-course special menus. In a collaborative effort, the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Tourism Council of Frederick County (TCFC), along with local restaurants, planned the promotion. During Restaurant Week, lunches will be offered at $15.10 for a 2-course meal and $20.10 for a 3-course meal. Dinners are offered at $30.10 for 3-courses. Pricing is per person and excludes beverages, taxes, and gratuity, unless otherwise noted by individual restaurants.
“Frederick area restaurants are producing some exceptional, unique, dishes,” said John Fieseler, Executive Director for the TCFC. “It’s a perfect opportunity to feature this culinary treasure in the heart of Mid-Maryland.” Most participating restaurants for the 2010 event are located in Downtown Frederick. “Since meals are priced to offer a savings to the diner, it’s the perfect time to try something new,” said Kara Norman, Executive Director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership. “It’s a great week to skip making dinner and just plan on making reservations,” she added.
The website, www.frederickrestaurantweek.com, launched on Tuesday, January 26 and will be continuously updated with participating restaurants and menus. It will also include links to places to stay, complementary Restaurant Week activities, and other information so visitors can experience historic Downtown Frederick and nearby attractions. To keep dining enthusiasts in the loop, Tourism will tweet Restaurant Week happenings from their @tourfrederickmd Twitter account, and people can either follow or join the discussion under the hashtag #fredrw. Updates will also be posted to the Tourism Council of Frederick County’s Facebook page.
During Restaurant Week, no tickets or special passes are required, but reservations are highly recommended. For the most updated list of participating restaurants, visit www.frederickrestaurantweek.com.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Entrepreneur Council of Frederick currently accepting applications for Venture Forum
At 8 am on Thursday, March 25th, the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce will present their semi-annual Venture Forum. Up to five companies will be selected to make their pitches for funding to an invited group of angel investors, venture capitalists, lenders, and other funding sources. The forum is Frederick County's only opportunity for businesses to present to an assembly of investors.
The Entrepreneur Council is currently accepting applications for potential presenting companies. Each selected company will present a 10-minute PowerPoint, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Presenting companies will also have an opportunity to present a practice draft of their presentation to members of the Entrepreneur Council, for coaching and feedback, in preparation for the Forum. The application deadline is February 15th.
If your company is searching for funding, especially equity funding, please consider applying to present. If you know of or work with companies that might be interested, please forward this to them.
For more information about the event, or to receive a presenter application, please contact Chris Olson at 301-600-1967/CEOlson@mindspring.com.
Thank you,
Chris Olson
President-Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County
Business Consultant
Small Business Development Center-Western Maryland
5340A Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
301-600-1967
301-600-1966 FAX
The Entrepreneur Council is currently accepting applications for potential presenting companies. Each selected company will present a 10-minute PowerPoint, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Presenting companies will also have an opportunity to present a practice draft of their presentation to members of the Entrepreneur Council, for coaching and feedback, in preparation for the Forum. The application deadline is February 15th.
If your company is searching for funding, especially equity funding, please consider applying to present. If you know of or work with companies that might be interested, please forward this to them.
For more information about the event, or to receive a presenter application, please contact Chris Olson at 301-600-1967/CEOlson@mindspring.com.
Thank you,
Chris Olson
President-Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County
Business Consultant
Small Business Development Center-Western Maryland
5340A Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
301-600-1967
301-600-1966 FAX
Thurmont Prepares for Annual Business Expo - Viva Las Vegas!
Thurmont First, Inc. is excited to announce that the 6th Annual Thurmont Business Expo date has been set and preparations are underway. This year’s event will take place Friday, March 19th from 6 – 9 p.m., at Catoctin High School. This year’s expo has been extended to allow ample time to visit all the exhibitors.
In the fall members of the Thurmont Economic Development Committee voted on the theme Viva Las Vegas and exhibitors will be encouraged to decorate/dress within that theme. “In years past exhibitors have done an amazing job of embracing the theme and we anticipate this year will be no different,” stated Nancy Gregg Poss, Thurmont’s Main Street manager.
The Thurmont Business Expo steadily grows with each passing year. This year it is expected that approximately 100 spaces will be filled with businesses, schools, non-profits, churches and civic groups that have chosen Thurmont as their home. This event is free of charge to residents. We encourage all to attend and explore the many services and products that are available in Thurmont. For additional information on the business expo or for an exhibitor application, logo onto www.thurmontfirst.com. The deadline to apply is March 12, 2010.
In the fall members of the Thurmont Economic Development Committee voted on the theme Viva Las Vegas and exhibitors will be encouraged to decorate/dress within that theme. “In years past exhibitors have done an amazing job of embracing the theme and we anticipate this year will be no different,” stated Nancy Gregg Poss, Thurmont’s Main Street manager.
The Thurmont Business Expo steadily grows with each passing year. This year it is expected that approximately 100 spaces will be filled with businesses, schools, non-profits, churches and civic groups that have chosen Thurmont as their home. This event is free of charge to residents. We encourage all to attend and explore the many services and products that are available in Thurmont. For additional information on the business expo or for an exhibitor application, logo onto www.thurmontfirst.com. The deadline to apply is March 12, 2010.
