The current economic crisis has taken a toll on small businesses everywhere. Many companies that survived previous economic downturns have not survived the current one. Others remain in business, but sometimes in forms barely resembling their former healthier selves.
A seminar, sponsored by Brunswick Main Street, Inc. and led by Chris Olson of the Small Business Development Center, will stress that there is no single technique that will ensure survival. Success lies in combining many seemingly minor (and some major) adjustments, chipping away at the problem from all angles. The seminar will be presented in four parts: Review of Available Resources, Marketing, Financing & Cash Flow and Operational Profitability.
The event is free and takes place January 19th (7 p.m. - 9 p.m.) at the Brunswick American Legion. Registration is required by 1/15 ... e-mail brunswickms@gmail.com to register.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
A Local Company is Out of This World: Galaxy Controls
Galaxy Control Systems is a global leader in the access control industry. The company, established in 1974, is located in Walkersville, Maryland.
Galaxy represents the evolution of Digital Systems Corporation, an award winning defense contractor that developed a state-of-the-art, computer controlled, microprocessor-driven system for the covert surveillance and tracking of enemy submarines for the U.S. Military. The intensive research and development from this program produced many technological discoveries and breakthroughs, including the technology that led to the development of one of the security industry's first intelligent access control panels... and the creation of Galaxy Control Systems.
For more information about Galaxy, visit their website: galaxysys.com or call their headquarters office in Walkersville at (301) 845-6600.
Galaxy represents the evolution of Digital Systems Corporation, an award winning defense contractor that developed a state-of-the-art, computer controlled, microprocessor-driven system for the covert surveillance and tracking of enemy submarines for the U.S. Military. The intensive research and development from this program produced many technological discoveries and breakthroughs, including the technology that led to the development of one of the security industry's first intelligent access control panels... and the creation of Galaxy Control Systems.
For more information about Galaxy, visit their website: galaxysys.com or call their headquarters office in Walkersville at (301) 845-6600.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
DOL Launches Veterans Hiring Toolkit for Employers
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the availability of a new online toolkit to guide employers through the process of hiring veterans. The free toolkit is designed to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include veterans and wounded warriors in their recruitment and hiring initiatives.
The toolkit features a comprehensive overview of a 6-step process for hiring and retaining veterans that includes: Designing a strategy for a veterans hiring program; Creating a welcoming and educated workplace for veterans; Actively recruiting veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses; Hiring qualified veterans and learning how to accommodate wounded warriors; Promoting an inclusive workplace to retain veteran employees; and Keeping helpful tools and resources at your fingertips.
The toolkit can be accessed through the America's Heroes at Work website: http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit.
Additional resources about hiring veterans can be found on the Frederick County Workforce Services website: www.frederickworks.com/veteransservices.html.
The toolkit features a comprehensive overview of a 6-step process for hiring and retaining veterans that includes: Designing a strategy for a veterans hiring program; Creating a welcoming and educated workplace for veterans; Actively recruiting veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses; Hiring qualified veterans and learning how to accommodate wounded warriors; Promoting an inclusive workplace to retain veteran employees; and Keeping helpful tools and resources at your fingertips.
The toolkit can be accessed through the America's Heroes at Work website: http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit.
Additional resources about hiring veterans can be found on the Frederick County Workforce Services website: www.frederickworks.com/veteransservices.html.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable Presents: Lunch, Learn and Tour Series
When
December 9, 2010
11:30am – 1:30pm
Plant Tour
Washington Laboratories
Stanford Business Park
4840 Winchester Blvd., Suite 4
Frederick, MD 21703
Topics
11:30am – 1:30pm
Plant Tour
Washington Laboratories
Stanford Business Park
4840 Winchester Blvd., Suite 4
Frederick, MD 21703
Topics
Kaizen Tips and Strategies
Maryland Business Works Program
Who Should Attend?
Maryland Business Works Program
Who Should Attend?
All Frederick County Manufacturers
Agenda
11:30am-11:45am Welcome
11:45 – 12:45am Presentation & Lunch
12:45 – 1:15pm Facility Tour
1:15 – 1:30pm Wrap-Up
Does your organization hold Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) events at your facility? Shawn Wolf, President of Wright Manufacturing will provide strategies and tips to hold productive Kaizen events. Get the extra edge in the market when it comes to competition!
Does a 50% training reimbursement grant sound good to your organization? Learn from Latrice Lewis, Frederick County Workforce Services about the MD Business Works Training Program to assist manufacturers to become more productive and more competitive in our global marketplace.
Registration
11:45 – 12:45am Presentation & Lunch
12:45 – 1:15pm Facility Tour
1:15 – 1:30pm Wrap-Up
Does your organization hold Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) events at your facility? Shawn Wolf, President of Wright Manufacturing will provide strategies and tips to hold productive Kaizen events. Get the extra edge in the market when it comes to competition!
Does a 50% training reimbursement grant sound good to your organization? Learn from Latrice Lewis, Frederick County Workforce Services about the MD Business Works Training Program to assist manufacturers to become more productive and more competitive in our global marketplace.
Registration
Lunch provided by Washington Laboratories. Space is limited. To register, contact Jodie Bollinger at 301-600-1668 or by email jbollinger@frederickcountymd.gov by 12/3/10.
Swift Systems Unveils New Broadband Service
In today’s fast-paced business world, Internet access speed is vitally important! Especially so when companies are dependent upon e-mail and web access on a 24x7, 365 day cycle… and now more than ever time equals money.
Swift Systems, an award winning, technology-driven firm located in Frederick, Maryland, has just unveiled a new and exciting “Jetsons-like” broadband offering. Swift Systems’ brand new Business-Class High Speed Wireless Internet Service is like no other. The program is packaged in bandwidth rates of 3 and 6 Mbps (megabits per second), with speeds of up to 100 Mbps also available. These packaged rates, which are not affected by weather or construction, are two-to-four times faster than T-1 lines at 30 - 50 percent lower costs!
Swift Systems is transmitting this new Business-Class High Speed Wireless Internet Service from several locations throughout Frederick, providing maximum broadband access. The source of the service, Swift Systems’ fiber-based network backbone, has experienced zero downtime in the last three years plus! The network is delivered via a star topology, which means that a subscriber’s service is undisturbed regardless of the number of other users online at the same time.
“Swift saved the day. When other providers couldn’t make it work, they offered us a solution that not only increased our speed but saved us money too,” said Richard A. O’Hara, Assistant General Manager of the Farmers Co-op Association. “Their technicians were very thorough, making sure everything was just as it should be. We appreciate the service, the price and the opportunity to deal with a local company that we can trust.”
Swift Systems is offering a special introductory offer: subscribers will receive free installation, the first month’s service free and free web and e-mail hosting. For a free quote, which is almost as fast as their wireless service, call David Sprankle at (301) 682-5100. Visit Swift online at www.SwiftSystems.com and/or call toll free (877) Swift-si.
Swift Systems, an award winning, technology-driven firm located in Frederick, Maryland, has just unveiled a new and exciting “Jetsons-like” broadband offering. Swift Systems’ brand new Business-Class High Speed Wireless Internet Service is like no other. The program is packaged in bandwidth rates of 3 and 6 Mbps (megabits per second), with speeds of up to 100 Mbps also available. These packaged rates, which are not affected by weather or construction, are two-to-four times faster than T-1 lines at 30 - 50 percent lower costs!
Swift Systems is transmitting this new Business-Class High Speed Wireless Internet Service from several locations throughout Frederick, providing maximum broadband access. The source of the service, Swift Systems’ fiber-based network backbone, has experienced zero downtime in the last three years plus! The network is delivered via a star topology, which means that a subscriber’s service is undisturbed regardless of the number of other users online at the same time.
“Swift saved the day. When other providers couldn’t make it work, they offered us a solution that not only increased our speed but saved us money too,” said Richard A. O’Hara, Assistant General Manager of the Farmers Co-op Association. “Their technicians were very thorough, making sure everything was just as it should be. We appreciate the service, the price and the opportunity to deal with a local company that we can trust.”
Swift Systems is offering a special introductory offer: subscribers will receive free installation, the first month’s service free and free web and e-mail hosting. For a free quote, which is almost as fast as their wireless service, call David Sprankle at (301) 682-5100. Visit Swift online at www.SwiftSystems.com and/or call toll free (877) Swift-si.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Profile: The South Mountain Group
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
In 2005, The South Mountain Group opened its doors for business in Middletown. They serve Maryland, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, but you would think that their only service area is here in Central Maryland because of the responsive, personalized service they deliver.
They begin by providing staff and contractors who are experienced and highly knowledgeable in both forward and reverse mortgages. They are proud to have created their own Reverse Experts Seniors Trust (REST) Division, specializing in reverse mortgages. And, when was the last time you heard of a title company that does free in-home closings on weekends and evenings? They don’t hide their fees, either, or ask you to request a quote for fees. Fees are prominently listed on their website and they are highly competitive! Title-work services include:
Assignments
Lines of Credit
Loan Closings
Escrow Services
Notary Services
Reverse Mortgages
Construction to Perm for Land & Lots
Commercial and Residential
1031 Exchanges
Title Insurance
Sales
Refinances
Lines of Credit
Stand Alone Seconds
At The South Mountain Group, they are proud not only of the work they do for clients, but are also proud of what they do for their community. Being a good corporate citizen is the cornerstone of how they conduct business and why they have been successful. They believe strongly in supporting the communities they serve and conserving the environment everyone lives in. Call : 301.305.6502. Email: pat@southmountaintitle.com. Fax: 301.685.1398. Visit their website at www.SouthMountainTitle.com. And most important, don’t forget that they will COME TO YOU. That is what stellar service is all about.
In 2005, The South Mountain Group opened its doors for business in Middletown. They serve Maryland, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, but you would think that their only service area is here in Central Maryland because of the responsive, personalized service they deliver.
They begin by providing staff and contractors who are experienced and highly knowledgeable in both forward and reverse mortgages. They are proud to have created their own Reverse Experts Seniors Trust (REST) Division, specializing in reverse mortgages. And, when was the last time you heard of a title company that does free in-home closings on weekends and evenings? They don’t hide their fees, either, or ask you to request a quote for fees. Fees are prominently listed on their website and they are highly competitive! Title-work services include:
Assignments
Lines of Credit
Loan Closings
Escrow Services
Notary Services
Reverse Mortgages
Construction to Perm for Land & Lots
Commercial and Residential
1031 Exchanges
Title Insurance
Sales
Refinances
Lines of Credit
Stand Alone Seconds
At The South Mountain Group, they are proud not only of the work they do for clients, but are also proud of what they do for their community. Being a good corporate citizen is the cornerstone of how they conduct business and why they have been successful. They believe strongly in supporting the communities they serve and conserving the environment everyone lives in. Call : 301.305.6502. Email: pat@southmountaintitle.com. Fax: 301.685.1398. Visit their website at www.SouthMountainTitle.com. And most important, don’t forget that they will COME TO YOU. That is what stellar service is all about.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tourism Council of Frederick County Wins Award
The official guide that promotes Frederick County as a visitor destination has been named the best in the state. At the 2010 Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit Conference, the Tourism Council of Frederick County (TCFC) won the Best Visitors Guide Award.
The awards recognize the most creative, innovative, and thoughtful marketing projects and programs that bring visitors to Maryland. TCFC has the unique distinction of winning this award in the last four out of five years.
Destination Frederick, the Tourism Council's Visitors Guide, is designed and produced in partnership with Frederick-based Jean Peterson Design. The guide was judged on content, presentation, organization, and ease of use by tourists. “Destination Frederick is the primary promotional publication for visitors to the area and proves to be the most efficient method for local businesses and attractions to reach people who are planning a visit to Frederick County,” says Tourism’s Executive Director John Fieseler. 170,000 copies of the 2010 guide were produced.
The winners were announced during the Annual Awards Banquet at the conference on November 4, 2010 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland.
The next edition of Destination Frederick County will be available in the spring of 2011. To advertise in the 2011 edition, contact Jean Peterson at 301-631-2401. For information about more things to see and do in Frederick County, visit www.FrederickTourism.org.
The awards recognize the most creative, innovative, and thoughtful marketing projects and programs that bring visitors to Maryland. TCFC has the unique distinction of winning this award in the last four out of five years.
Destination Frederick, the Tourism Council's Visitors Guide, is designed and produced in partnership with Frederick-based Jean Peterson Design. The guide was judged on content, presentation, organization, and ease of use by tourists. “Destination Frederick is the primary promotional publication for visitors to the area and proves to be the most efficient method for local businesses and attractions to reach people who are planning a visit to Frederick County,” says Tourism’s Executive Director John Fieseler. 170,000 copies of the 2010 guide were produced.
The winners were announced during the Annual Awards Banquet at the conference on November 4, 2010 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland.
The next edition of Destination Frederick County will be available in the spring of 2011. To advertise in the 2011 edition, contact Jean Peterson at 301-631-2401. For information about more things to see and do in Frederick County, visit www.FrederickTourism.org.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Profile: VoIP Business Solutions
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
VoIP Business Solutions (VBS) is a provider of Voice over IP solutions for businesses that are looking to save money on telecommunication costs while presenting a professional image to current and potential customers. VBS voice systems provide your business with a number of key benefits, including ease of use, manageability, configurability, and lower total cost of ownership than alternative closed solutions such as Nortel and Lucent. Our software and hardware architecture and best of breed solutions extend enterprise-class voice services to offices of any size, keeping employees fully connected wherever they go.
In addition to the VBS PBX system, we have also developed additional standalone applications. The VBS Autodialer is suitable for anyone who needs automated phone messaging solutions. From the smallest businesses and individual users on up, the VBS system is a full-featured industrial-strength autodialer that does what you need at a fraction of the cost. This incredibly easy-to-use, yet powerful software package completely eliminates the tedious and error prone human labor of repetitive phone calls while freeing up your staff to work on other tasks. It is so cost-effective that it will pay for itself almost immediately.
The VBS Fax Server is suitable for anyone who needs a solid, easy to use fax server system using the Asterisk PBX. It can be used as both a fax broadcasting system or can be used to send a single fax. With the VBS fax server, sending faxes to one recipient or one-thousand has never been easier. Forget about having your employees congregate around the department fax machine waiting for their turn in line. Simply use your web browser, create your call list by exporting names and numbers from your favorite CRM software package, spreadsheet, or text editor, select your fax document, the time and date to start sending faxes, and click upload. The system will take care of the rest.
For more information, visit http://www.voipbusiness.us/ or call 1-240-215-3479.
VoIP Business Solutions (VBS) is a provider of Voice over IP solutions for businesses that are looking to save money on telecommunication costs while presenting a professional image to current and potential customers. VBS voice systems provide your business with a number of key benefits, including ease of use, manageability, configurability, and lower total cost of ownership than alternative closed solutions such as Nortel and Lucent. Our software and hardware architecture and best of breed solutions extend enterprise-class voice services to offices of any size, keeping employees fully connected wherever they go.
In addition to the VBS PBX system, we have also developed additional standalone applications. The VBS Autodialer is suitable for anyone who needs automated phone messaging solutions. From the smallest businesses and individual users on up, the VBS system is a full-featured industrial-strength autodialer that does what you need at a fraction of the cost. This incredibly easy-to-use, yet powerful software package completely eliminates the tedious and error prone human labor of repetitive phone calls while freeing up your staff to work on other tasks. It is so cost-effective that it will pay for itself almost immediately.
The VBS Fax Server is suitable for anyone who needs a solid, easy to use fax server system using the Asterisk PBX. It can be used as both a fax broadcasting system or can be used to send a single fax. With the VBS fax server, sending faxes to one recipient or one-thousand has never been easier. Forget about having your employees congregate around the department fax machine waiting for their turn in line. Simply use your web browser, create your call list by exporting names and numbers from your favorite CRM software package, spreadsheet, or text editor, select your fax document, the time and date to start sending faxes, and click upload. The system will take care of the rest.
For more information, visit http://www.voipbusiness.us/ or call 1-240-215-3479.
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Tim's Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Tim’s Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc. was established in 1994. We are a family owned and operated business in Frederick County. TLS is a full service design, installation, and maintenance landscaping and hardscaping company. We pride ourselves in our Professionalism, Quality of Work, and our Customer Service. We treat our customers just as we would want to be treated ourselves. Tim’s Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc. provides services to both residential and commercial properties.
Let us take your ideas to help you create the landscape you have always desired! For more information on our company please visit us on our website at www.TLSMD.com or contact us during business hours at (301) 829-2707.
Tim’s Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc. was established in 1994. We are a family owned and operated business in Frederick County. TLS is a full service design, installation, and maintenance landscaping and hardscaping company. We pride ourselves in our Professionalism, Quality of Work, and our Customer Service. We treat our customers just as we would want to be treated ourselves. Tim’s Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc. provides services to both residential and commercial properties.
Let us take your ideas to help you create the landscape you have always desired! For more information on our company please visit us on our website at www.TLSMD.com or contact us during business hours at (301) 829-2707.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Annual Business Reception Honors Companies
Frederick, MD – November 11, 2010 - The Frederick County Business Development Advisory Council (BDAC) and the Office of Economic Development (OED) held their Annual Business Reception at Dutch’s Daughter restaurant.
Over 200 Frederick County business representatives, elected officials and partner organizations attended this year’s event. A brief awards ceremony was held honoring three outstanding Frederick County companies who have made a significant impact on Frederick County’s economy. Also, four business incubator companies were honored for graduating from the Frederick Innovative Technology Center.
The first award was presented to a company who has helped to position Frederick County as a culinary tourism destination and is a major supporter of Frederick’s local agriculture community. The 2010 Frederick County Innovative Firm of the Year was presented to VOLT restaurant.
The second award was given to a company for their creative business practices and providing integrated IT solutions to help businesses develop their technical processes for competitiveness, profitability, and growth. The 2010 Frederick County Creative Firm of the Year was presented to Acela Technologies, Inc.
The last award was given to a Frederick County company for their forward thinking and expanded business line, manufacturing a product for data centers that reduces energy and costs. The 2010 Frederick County Emerging Markets Firm of the Year was presented to Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc.
Biaera Technologies, CynerGene, WGS Systems and ThoughtQuest were presented certificates for graduating from the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Frederick’s business incubator.
This year’s Platinum Event Sponsor was SAIC-Frederick, Inc. Additional support was provided by the following sponsors: Corporate Occupational Health Solutions, LLC, Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Matan Companies, The Columbia Bank, Frederick County Bank, Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management, Frederick County Workforce Services, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development,and the Frederick County Government – FCG TV.
Over 200 Frederick County business representatives, elected officials and partner organizations attended this year’s event. A brief awards ceremony was held honoring three outstanding Frederick County companies who have made a significant impact on Frederick County’s economy. Also, four business incubator companies were honored for graduating from the Frederick Innovative Technology Center.
The first award was presented to a company who has helped to position Frederick County as a culinary tourism destination and is a major supporter of Frederick’s local agriculture community. The 2010 Frederick County Innovative Firm of the Year was presented to VOLT restaurant.
The second award was given to a company for their creative business practices and providing integrated IT solutions to help businesses develop their technical processes for competitiveness, profitability, and growth. The 2010 Frederick County Creative Firm of the Year was presented to Acela Technologies, Inc.
The last award was given to a Frederick County company for their forward thinking and expanded business line, manufacturing a product for data centers that reduces energy and costs. The 2010 Frederick County Emerging Markets Firm of the Year was presented to Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc.
Biaera Technologies, CynerGene, WGS Systems and ThoughtQuest were presented certificates for graduating from the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Frederick’s business incubator.
This year’s Platinum Event Sponsor was SAIC-Frederick, Inc. Additional support was provided by the following sponsors: Corporate Occupational Health Solutions, LLC, Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Matan Companies, The Columbia Bank, Frederick County Bank, Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management, Frederick County Workforce Services, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development,and the Frederick County Government – FCG TV.
Public Meeting on Top, Local Road Project
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will be holding a public informational meeting on the U.S. 15/Monocacy Boulevard Interchange Project on Tuesday, November 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The forum will take place at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, on North Market Street in Frederick.
The meeting will acquaint the public with the project and provide an update on issues and studies concerning the interchange work, which began in 2005. The SHA says design efforts to alleviate traffic problems in the area are continuing. Authorities have completed the planning phase of the project and propose a grade-separated interchange to replace the existing at-grade intersection of U.S. 15 and Monocacy Boulevard.
The new interchange, according to the SHA, will allow motorists on Monocacy Blvd. to cross over U.S. 15, creating an east-west connection with Christophers Crossing. The project includes a bridge, ramps and signalized intersections.
For further information, please visit the SHA's website: www.roads.maryland.gov (click on Projects & Studies/SHA Projects Page/Frederick County/Monocacy Interchange).
The meeting will acquaint the public with the project and provide an update on issues and studies concerning the interchange work, which began in 2005. The SHA says design efforts to alleviate traffic problems in the area are continuing. Authorities have completed the planning phase of the project and propose a grade-separated interchange to replace the existing at-grade intersection of U.S. 15 and Monocacy Boulevard.
The new interchange, according to the SHA, will allow motorists on Monocacy Blvd. to cross over U.S. 15, creating an east-west connection with Christophers Crossing. The project includes a bridge, ramps and signalized intersections.
For further information, please visit the SHA's website: www.roads.maryland.gov (click on Projects & Studies/SHA Projects Page/Frederick County/Monocacy Interchange).
Monday, November 8, 2010
Joint Technology Transfer Iniatitive with TEDCO
The Board of County Commissioners and The Frederick County Office of Economic Development signed a partnership with the Maryland development Corporation (TEDCO) to establish the Joint technology Transfer Iniatitive. This new program will focus on providing assistance to companies that are seeking to transfer technologies either on or off FT. Detrick that are related specifically to meeting the needs of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
The JTTI program awards up to $75k and will be made to for-profit small businesses in support of technology development that fall within the scope of the JTTI program.
Bussiness Assistance will be available through the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and through TEDCO. You may visit their website at http://www.marylandtedco.org/.
The JTTI program awards up to $75k and will be made to for-profit small businesses in support of technology development that fall within the scope of the JTTI program.
Bussiness Assistance will be available through the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and through TEDCO. You may visit their website at http://www.marylandtedco.org/.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Great Companies
Frederick County is home to more than eight-thousand successful businesses. One of these, established in 1907 in Jefferson, is H.C. Summers.
H. C. Summers has been family owned and operated for over 100 years, providing customers with quality products and customer service for all of their pet, livestock, farm, home and gardening needs. Lewis E. Summers started this small business to provide fellow farmers with feed, fertilizer, seed and other farming supplies. Over the years, H. C. Summers has evolved into a gardening center and has increased its feed supply services and sales dramatically due to the increased demands of pet, farm and equine ownership in Maryland and Virginia.
Times have changed considerably since 1907, but you can still rely on the honest and friendly customer service you will receive at H. C. Summers. This is what brothers Tom, Mark and Mike pride themselves on the most!
Visit them on the web at www.hcsummers.com
H. C. Summers has been family owned and operated for over 100 years, providing customers with quality products and customer service for all of their pet, livestock, farm, home and gardening needs. Lewis E. Summers started this small business to provide fellow farmers with feed, fertilizer, seed and other farming supplies. Over the years, H. C. Summers has evolved into a gardening center and has increased its feed supply services and sales dramatically due to the increased demands of pet, farm and equine ownership in Maryland and Virginia.
Times have changed considerably since 1907, but you can still rely on the honest and friendly customer service you will receive at H. C. Summers. This is what brothers Tom, Mark and Mike pride themselves on the most!
Visit them on the web at www.hcsummers.com
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Additional Funding for Employee Training is Now Available through Maryland Business Works
Maryland Business Works (MBW) is a State program that supports private sector employers in the retention and growth of their workforce by providing grant funding to upgrade the skills of currently employed workers. Through MBW, employees receive industry training and credentials, resulting in a more knowledgeable and qualified workforce. The MBW program has been proven to encourage job promotion, create additional job opportunities and improve employee retention. Up to fifty percent of the employer’s training costs are reimbursed through MBW. Priority focus areas include Healthcare, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Bioscience, Construction, Education, Retail, Finance/Insurance, Hospitality/Tourism, Information Technology, Professional/Business Services, Transportation/Warehousing industries, and any Green Industry or Occupation.
To find out if your business is eligible to participate in the MBW program, please contact Latrice Lewis: llewis@frederickcountymd.gov.
To find out if your business is eligible to participate in the MBW program, please contact Latrice Lewis: llewis@frederickcountymd.gov.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Frederick County's Citizens Care & Rehabilitation Center unveils Pink Glove Dance on YouTube
In 2009, Medline, America's largest privately-held national manufacturer and distributor of health care supplies and services, released a Pink Glove Dance video filmed at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. This year, they released The Sequel, comprised of 20 dances hosted at healthcare facilities across America. The response the original video and the Sequel received from the healthcare community, survivors and family members of survivors was overwhelming and heartwarming. Medline was flooded with calls, e-mails and letters about the joy the video was bringing.
In September 2010, Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center's Director of Nursing, Benita Fisher, herself a 12 year breast cancer survivor, approached the marketing director about Citizens hosting our own Pink Glove Dance. So, with one hand-held video/still digital camera, a tape recorder playing the "official" pink glove dance song ("You Won't Dance Alone" by the band Best Day Ever) and the enthusiasm of our 200 employees, 150 residents, and their families and friends, we filmed our own video on October 13, 2010.
Our Pink Glove Day had an added element, though. In addition to raising awareness through the video, we were also able to raise $1,000 to donate to the Bettie Jane Fund at the Cancer Care Center of Frederick. The funds, raised will help Frederick County residents going through breast cancer diagnosis & treatment to cover the cost of medications which they can't otherwise afford.
Citizens is home to several breast cancer survivors among both our resident and employee population, and we hope that this Pink Glove Dance will show the greater Frederick Community how much we care. To view the video, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiUgEqRVLWw. Key Word/Title: Citizens' Pink Glove Dance 2010
For more information or to cover our World Premiere video screening, contact Margie Weaver at (301) 600-3702 or mmweaver@frederickcountymd.gov.
In September 2010, Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center's Director of Nursing, Benita Fisher, herself a 12 year breast cancer survivor, approached the marketing director about Citizens hosting our own Pink Glove Dance. So, with one hand-held video/still digital camera, a tape recorder playing the "official" pink glove dance song ("You Won't Dance Alone" by the band Best Day Ever) and the enthusiasm of our 200 employees, 150 residents, and their families and friends, we filmed our own video on October 13, 2010.
Our Pink Glove Day had an added element, though. In addition to raising awareness through the video, we were also able to raise $1,000 to donate to the Bettie Jane Fund at the Cancer Care Center of Frederick. The funds, raised will help Frederick County residents going through breast cancer diagnosis & treatment to cover the cost of medications which they can't otherwise afford.
Citizens is home to several breast cancer survivors among both our resident and employee population, and we hope that this Pink Glove Dance will show the greater Frederick Community how much we care. To view the video, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiUgEqRVLWw. Key Word/Title: Citizens' Pink Glove Dance 2010
For more information or to cover our World Premiere video screening, contact Margie Weaver at (301) 600-3702 or mmweaver@frederickcountymd.gov.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
OED Attending Mid-Atlantic Biotech Conference Today
OED is at the Mid-Atlantic Biotech Conference today in Bethesda along with the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development and several Frederick biotech firms. This conference, now in its 6th year, is one of the country's premier biotech conferences. Helen Riddle, OED's Deputy Director reports, "Our booth is busy and we're making good contacts." She sent this photo from the conference today in real time of representatives from ImQuest Biosciences and Meridian BioGroup.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Everedy Square & Shab Row
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Celebrate the Magic of he Holidays at Everedy Square & Shab Row in historic, downtown Frederick
Holiday Open House - First Saturday
November 6th, 4pm - 9pm
The Holiday season begins at our festively decorated shops and eateries. Preview the newest holiday merchandise amid buildings ablaze with twinkling white lights!
Enjoy old fashioned hospitality and refreshments, entertainment by the Jefferson Street Strutters, and free trolley rides AND free horse-drawn carriage rides.
Santa's Arrival
Friday, November 26th, 7pm
Santa Claus arrives Friday evening at 7pm in a horse-drawn carriage to greet children among 50,000 twinkling white lights and brilliant sounds of the season. Welcome Santa as he disembarks at the Everedy Square Plaza where he’ll join the Fredericktowne Singers in leading the crowd with your favorite carols. Then, follow Santa to I Made This! for a kid-friendly party and personal visits with Santa. Light refreshments will be served. Parents – don’t forget to bring your camera for photos.
For more information, please visit www.everedysquare.com or call 301-662-4140.
Celebrate the Magic of he Holidays at Everedy Square & Shab Row in historic, downtown Frederick
Holiday Open House - First Saturday
November 6th, 4pm - 9pm
The Holiday season begins at our festively decorated shops and eateries. Preview the newest holiday merchandise amid buildings ablaze with twinkling white lights!
Enjoy old fashioned hospitality and refreshments, entertainment by the Jefferson Street Strutters, and free trolley rides AND free horse-drawn carriage rides.
Santa's Arrival
Friday, November 26th, 7pm
Santa Claus arrives Friday evening at 7pm in a horse-drawn carriage to greet children among 50,000 twinkling white lights and brilliant sounds of the season. Welcome Santa as he disembarks at the Everedy Square Plaza where he’ll join the Fredericktowne Singers in leading the crowd with your favorite carols. Then, follow Santa to I Made This! for a kid-friendly party and personal visits with Santa. Light refreshments will be served. Parents – don’t forget to bring your camera for photos.
For more information, please visit www.everedysquare.com or call 301-662-4140.
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: BioAssay Works
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
BioAssay Works is producing concentrated gold sol, gold conjugates and custom conjugation for nanoparticle research. We also offer rapid-assay development services resulting in ultra-sensitive rapid assays with ELISA-like sensitivity. Gold sols are produced from 15 to 50 OD. The proprietary process avoids the routine boiling and centrifugation steps to remove free antibody producing uniform monomer particles optimized for rapid-assays. Also offered is our new, KIM-1 acute kidney marker rapid assay as well as ELISA format. For additional information, contact Stephen Mefferd at 301-874-8888.
BioAssay Works is producing concentrated gold sol, gold conjugates and custom conjugation for nanoparticle research. We also offer rapid-assay development services resulting in ultra-sensitive rapid assays with ELISA-like sensitivity. Gold sols are produced from 15 to 50 OD. The proprietary process avoids the routine boiling and centrifugation steps to remove free antibody producing uniform monomer particles optimized for rapid-assays. Also offered is our new, KIM-1 acute kidney marker rapid assay as well as ELISA format. For additional information, contact Stephen Mefferd at 301-874-8888.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
FREE program on October 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at West Frederick Middle School on the topic(s) of “Bullying/Cyberbullying”. Registration can be done electronically on our website – www.gimv.org or by calling our GoodGuides™ youth mentoring initiative staff at (301) 662-0622, ext. 235.
FREE program on October 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at West Frederick Middle School on the topic(s) of “Bullying/Cyberbullying”. Registration can be done electronically on our website – www.gimv.org or by calling our GoodGuides™ youth mentoring initiative staff at (301) 662-0622, ext. 235.
Local Company Enters Into Financial Partnership
Global Trade & Development Consulting (GTDC) a client of The Frederick Innovative Technology Center and Cedar Street Capital, LLC of New York City have signed a financial partnership.
GTDC is a newly formed company established to seek out global investment opportunities and to bridge the gap between the demands for Foreign Direct Investment and to attract and garner private capital for development goals in the sub-Saharan countries in Africa. GTDC has identified clients in Ethopia, Mali, Uganda and Zambia.
Cedar Street Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm specializing in seed and early stage technology companies, The firm primarily invests in companies located witin a radius that extends from Boston to the Metro Washington market.
GTDC is a newly formed company established to seek out global investment opportunities and to bridge the gap between the demands for Foreign Direct Investment and to attract and garner private capital for development goals in the sub-Saharan countries in Africa. GTDC has identified clients in Ethopia, Mali, Uganda and Zambia.
Cedar Street Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm specializing in seed and early stage technology companies, The firm primarily invests in companies located witin a radius that extends from Boston to the Metro Washington market.
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Sunshine Management Coporation
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Conveniently located 6500+- sq ft warehouse/printing/manufacturing and offices on one floor
* Lots of parking and outside storage lot space * M1 zoning * $4062/month IG * 8'x8' roll up door at truck height dock * Gas Heat *Central a/c in office area and window units in warehouse * Cinderblock with Vinyl insulated siding * 11' ceiling height * Security Alarm *Exterior lights
TJ View Medical Professional Condominiums, 61 Thomas Johnson Dr. Frederick, Md. 21702
Prices include a very generous $30.00 per sq. foot Tenant Improvement allowance
* All site work and landscaping in accordance with plans * Masonry Exterior * Fiberglass Exterior doors, Low E windows * Framed and insulated demising and exterior walls * Aluminum pre-finished spouting * Sewer and water extended to unit * Electric conduit extended to unit * Natural Gas, Cable High Speed Internet available * Conceptual space plan * Condo Fees are estimated at $2.00 per square foot * All plans, specifications, features, dimensions, prices are subject to change without notice
Conveniently located 6500+- sq ft warehouse/printing/manufacturing and offices on one floor
* Lots of parking and outside storage lot space * M1 zoning * $4062/month IG * 8'x8' roll up door at truck height dock * Gas Heat *Central a/c in office area and window units in warehouse * Cinderblock with Vinyl insulated siding * 11' ceiling height * Security Alarm *Exterior lights
TJ View Medical Professional Condominiums, 61 Thomas Johnson Dr. Frederick, Md. 21702
Prices include a very generous $30.00 per sq. foot Tenant Improvement allowance
* All site work and landscaping in accordance with plans * Masonry Exterior * Fiberglass Exterior doors, Low E windows * Framed and insulated demising and exterior walls * Aluminum pre-finished spouting * Sewer and water extended to unit * Electric conduit extended to unit * Natural Gas, Cable High Speed Internet available * Conceptual space plan * Condo Fees are estimated at $2.00 per square foot * All plans, specifications, features, dimensions, prices are subject to change without notice
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Serenity Treatment Center
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. has been described as a positive light shining in the Frederick community. This new and innovative center has taken treatment for addictions to a whole new level of sophistication. “We exist for the client,” is a statement the center builds its momentum on. The variety of services is geared to meet the needs of the working adult, adolescent in school, or those that have daytime availability.
Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. offers outpatient substance abuse to adults and adolescents who are suffering from the chronic illness of addiction. The clinicians you would encounter have a combined 30 years of service excellence in addictions and mental health. The environment is warm and welcoming as you enter. Each individual is treated with respect and integrity, and a treatment plan is developed in conjunction with the clinicians, to best fit the individual’s most acute issues. Clients are invited to join some of the highly focused groups offered such as the Adult day or evening group, Adolescent, Young Adult, Women’s only, Executives only, Adult Anger Management, Adolescent Anger Management, Adult and Adolescent Female Trauma group, and our DUI/DWI education groups. Both individual and group therapy can be recommended initially.
Anyone interested in receiving services at Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. is welcome to tour the facility, meet the owners and clinicians and ask any pertinent questions. Assessments are made within 24-48 hours of the initial call 6 days a week, and Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. accepts all major health insurances including Maryland Medicaid. It is our goal to help individuals and place the primary focus on sobriety and beginning the road to recovery. Contact Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. at 301.898.2627 or visit their website at www.serenitytreatmentcenter.com
Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. has been described as a positive light shining in the Frederick community. This new and innovative center has taken treatment for addictions to a whole new level of sophistication. “We exist for the client,” is a statement the center builds its momentum on. The variety of services is geared to meet the needs of the working adult, adolescent in school, or those that have daytime availability.
Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. offers outpatient substance abuse to adults and adolescents who are suffering from the chronic illness of addiction. The clinicians you would encounter have a combined 30 years of service excellence in addictions and mental health. The environment is warm and welcoming as you enter. Each individual is treated with respect and integrity, and a treatment plan is developed in conjunction with the clinicians, to best fit the individual’s most acute issues. Clients are invited to join some of the highly focused groups offered such as the Adult day or evening group, Adolescent, Young Adult, Women’s only, Executives only, Adult Anger Management, Adolescent Anger Management, Adult and Adolescent Female Trauma group, and our DUI/DWI education groups. Both individual and group therapy can be recommended initially.
Anyone interested in receiving services at Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. is welcome to tour the facility, meet the owners and clinicians and ask any pertinent questions. Assessments are made within 24-48 hours of the initial call 6 days a week, and Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. accepts all major health insurances including Maryland Medicaid. It is our goal to help individuals and place the primary focus on sobriety and beginning the road to recovery. Contact Serenity Treatment Center, Inc. at 301.898.2627 or visit their website at www.serenitytreatmentcenter.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Marie Crawford's Bridal
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Brides-to-be will work up a sweat at Frederick's first boot camp just for brides! Sponsored by Marie Crawford's Bridal, Buff Brides Boot Camp is a 8-week work out regimen held at Urbana Community Park, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7am, January 4 - February 24, 2011. The boot camp's 16 workout sessions with trainer Lauren Zegowitz will focus on both aerobic and resistance training so brides will tone muscle and lose inches. Participants will also receive an Under Armour t-shirt and several giveaways and discounts from local wedding vendors including discounts on honeymoon packages from Cruise One! Visit http://www.buffbridesbootcamp.wordpress.com/ for more information. To sign up, call (301) 253-BOOT or email buffbridesbootcamp@gmail.com
Brides-to-be will work up a sweat at Frederick's first boot camp just for brides! Sponsored by Marie Crawford's Bridal, Buff Brides Boot Camp is a 8-week work out regimen held at Urbana Community Park, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7am, January 4 - February 24, 2011. The boot camp's 16 workout sessions with trainer Lauren Zegowitz will focus on both aerobic and resistance training so brides will tone muscle and lose inches. Participants will also receive an Under Armour t-shirt and several giveaways and discounts from local wedding vendors including discounts on honeymoon packages from Cruise One! Visit http://www.buffbridesbootcamp.wordpress.com/ for more information. To sign up, call (301) 253-BOOT or email buffbridesbootcamp@gmail.com
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Verbena Day Spa
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Verbena Day Spa is located on 14 West Patrick St. Conveniently close to offices, banks, restaurants, and the Weinberg Center for the Arts. A beautiful serene space that strives to provide you with luxurious pampering for both gentlemen and ladies.
Some of the services we offer: Dermalogica Facials and Products; Eyelash Extensions-which are meant to add color and depth and give the illusion of wearing mascara while still looking like natural lashes; Ear Candling-has been originally used in India, China, Tibet, Egypt and by Native Americans to relieve sinus pressure, ear aches and hearing loss. As an alternative therapy, Ear Candling used today helps to stimulate the body’s circulation to the ear and upper lymph system. It also helps alleviate pressure in the head, respiratory system and other parts of the body, as well as helping to prevent ear infection; and Holistic Hot Stone Massage-an all embracing treatment incorporating a face and scalp massage. A body massage that incorporates hot stones will surely relax you after bringing powerful de-stressing benefits to the mind and body. To see a full range of our spa services as well as our Spa Packages, visit our website: http://www.verbenadayspa.com/
We offer gift cards for any amount or service. A great gift for any occasion, our gift cards can be used towards retail as well, and may be purchased at the store or by phone. We also have Bridal and Spa Packages. Inquire with our fabulous front desk for more information. If you are looking for gifts other than spa products, We have a wide range of jewelry, handmade luxurious scarves, and GloMineral Makeup. Our lovely staff can even giftwrap for you! Stop by or call us today at 240-575-5333!
Verbena Day Spa is located on 14 West Patrick St. Conveniently close to offices, banks, restaurants, and the Weinberg Center for the Arts. A beautiful serene space that strives to provide you with luxurious pampering for both gentlemen and ladies.
Some of the services we offer: Dermalogica Facials and Products; Eyelash Extensions-which are meant to add color and depth and give the illusion of wearing mascara while still looking like natural lashes; Ear Candling-has been originally used in India, China, Tibet, Egypt and by Native Americans to relieve sinus pressure, ear aches and hearing loss. As an alternative therapy, Ear Candling used today helps to stimulate the body’s circulation to the ear and upper lymph system. It also helps alleviate pressure in the head, respiratory system and other parts of the body, as well as helping to prevent ear infection; and Holistic Hot Stone Massage-an all embracing treatment incorporating a face and scalp massage. A body massage that incorporates hot stones will surely relax you after bringing powerful de-stressing benefits to the mind and body. To see a full range of our spa services as well as our Spa Packages, visit our website: http://www.verbenadayspa.com/
We offer gift cards for any amount or service. A great gift for any occasion, our gift cards can be used towards retail as well, and may be purchased at the store or by phone. We also have Bridal and Spa Packages. Inquire with our fabulous front desk for more information. If you are looking for gifts other than spa products, We have a wide range of jewelry, handmade luxurious scarves, and GloMineral Makeup. Our lovely staff can even giftwrap for you! Stop by or call us today at 240-575-5333!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Weinberg Center for the Arts
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Weinberg Center for the Arts, a municipal facility of the City of Frederick, is located at 20 West Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The historic theatre opened in 1926 as the Tivoli, and was donated to the City of Frederick in 1978. Today as one of the region’s premier presenting facilities, the 1,100 seat Weinberg Center offers professional LIVE! Series, including dance, music, theatre, family performances and films, weekday performances for students, and classic movies. Performance space and professional services are available to a variety of community arts groups, civic and business organizations, and other arts promoters.
The 2010/2011 season includes performances by Emmylou Harris, Maceo Parker, The Golden Dragon Acrobats, Esperanza Spalding, Jeff Daniels and many more. For more information about upcoming events at the Weinberg Center, please call the Box Office at 301-600-2828 or visit www.weinbergcenter.org.
Weinberg Center for the Arts, a municipal facility of the City of Frederick, is located at 20 West Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The historic theatre opened in 1926 as the Tivoli, and was donated to the City of Frederick in 1978. Today as one of the region’s premier presenting facilities, the 1,100 seat Weinberg Center offers professional LIVE! Series, including dance, music, theatre, family performances and films, weekday performances for students, and classic movies. Performance space and professional services are available to a variety of community arts groups, civic and business organizations, and other arts promoters.
The 2010/2011 season includes performances by Emmylou Harris, Maceo Parker, The Golden Dragon Acrobats, Esperanza Spalding, Jeff Daniels and many more. For more information about upcoming events at the Weinberg Center, please call the Box Office at 301-600-2828 or visit www.weinbergcenter.org.
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: DanceWorks Ballroom
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Sweep her off her feet this and every Friday and Saturday night. Fifteen dollars per person includes dance lesson, two hours of dancing, and light refreshments, very often with chocolate fountain. 7:30pm-10:00pm Call 301-228-2591 to make your reservation. www.DanceWorksBallroom.com
No partner or previous dance experience required. Suede-soled ballroom shoes are required, but if you don't have yours yet you may borrow a pair of ours. This protects our floor as well as your knees and ankles. Give us your shoe size when you make your reservation and we'll set some aside for you.
DanceWorks, Ballroom and Latin, next to Rita's Italian Ice, offers Private and Group lessons in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Rumba, ChaCha, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Samba, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Jive, Paso Doble, Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, NightClub 2-Step, Salsa, Carolina Shag and Hustle. We specialize in Wedding Dance Preparation. We're also gearing up for our New Year's Eve Bash, a black-tie event with lesson, dancing, and showcases.
Sweep her off her feet this and every Friday and Saturday night. Fifteen dollars per person includes dance lesson, two hours of dancing, and light refreshments, very often with chocolate fountain. 7:30pm-10:00pm Call 301-228-2591 to make your reservation. www.DanceWorksBallroom.com
No partner or previous dance experience required. Suede-soled ballroom shoes are required, but if you don't have yours yet you may borrow a pair of ours. This protects our floor as well as your knees and ankles. Give us your shoe size when you make your reservation and we'll set some aside for you.
DanceWorks, Ballroom and Latin, next to Rita's Italian Ice, offers Private and Group lessons in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Rumba, ChaCha, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Samba, Mambo, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Jive, Paso Doble, Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, NightClub 2-Step, Salsa, Carolina Shag and Hustle. We specialize in Wedding Dance Preparation. We're also gearing up for our New Year's Eve Bash, a black-tie event with lesson, dancing, and showcases.
Business Appreciation Month Business Profile: Want2Dish.com
As a courtesy for being a part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) 2010 Business Appreciation Month (BAM), we have offered all Frederick County BAM businesses the opportunity to use OED’s social media outlets to help market their business. Information is provided by each company and edited for content as needed by OED.
Community-driven online news source debuts in Frederick
Pull up a chair, Frederick County and get ready to Dish.
Pull up a chair, Frederick County and get ready to Dish.
Want2Dish.com is Frederick's newest publication, a hyper-local online news magazine that offers comprehensive and trusted local coverage of community-specific information and happenings. Because Want2Dish.com is Main Street, not Wall Street, the community is encouraged to help generate, report and react to what is happening in their Frederick neighborhoods. By incorporating social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, Want2Dish.com serves up an interactive “plateful of news in small bytes.”
Everyone is invited to the table to share opinions, post comments, use the community calendar, and engage in spirited discussions – just as people do over a good dinner or a cup of coffee. Yet like any responsible news source, Want2Dish.com’s editorial policies reflect the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics which calls for truthful, independent reporting and accountability.
Created by Amy Benton, a former publisher for a Post-Newsweek publication, and local businessman Greg Light, Want2Dish.com is produced by professional publishers and journalists who live in Frederick County. The collective experience and insights of the publication’s Advisory Board, which is comprised of local business leaders representing a variety of industries, along with the input from the community and its cadre of citizen journalists will guide Want2Dish.com and sharpen its focus on the issues that matter most to Fredericktonians.
Want2Dish.com presents affordable advertising opportunities for businesses that want to capitalize on the power of inbound marketing and offers investment opportunities for those who would like to expand the Want2Dish.com brand to other communities. For more information on how to contribute content or to advertise in Want2Dish, as well as details on franchise opportunities for Want2Dish.com in other markets, please call Amy Benton at 240-446-4304.
Monday, October 18, 2010
FDK Breaks Ground on First Air Traffic Control Tower
The groundbreaking for Frederick Municipal Airport's $5.3 million first air traffic control tower was held today and OED was in attendance. U.S. Sentators Benjamin Cardin and Barbara Mikulski joined several local elected officials at the ceremony along with officials from the FAA.
Top photo: Senator Mikulski addresses the crowd.
Bottom photo: Senator Cardin speaks to today's gathering.
Construction of the tower is expected to be completed within 18 months and is funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The airport has two runways and handles a diverse mix of aircraft, including presidential helicopter Marine One. In recent years, the largest growth segment for the airport has been in corporate jets. With two flight restriction areas within a few miles of the airport, it is expected that an air traffic control tower will serve a larger homeland security role by significantly decreasing the number of intrusions into restricted airspace.
Top photo: Senator Mikulski addresses the crowd.
Bottom photo: Senator Cardin speaks to today's gathering.
Construction of the tower is expected to be completed within 18 months and is funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The airport has two runways and handles a diverse mix of aircraft, including presidential helicopter Marine One. In recent years, the largest growth segment for the airport has been in corporate jets. With two flight restriction areas within a few miles of the airport, it is expected that an air traffic control tower will serve a larger homeland security role by significantly decreasing the number of intrusions into restricted airspace.
Downtown Frederick Receives National Planning Recognition
Washington Business Journal, Jeff Clabaugh
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010
The American Planning Association’s 2010 list of Great Neighborhoods, Streets and Public Spaces is short on Washington-area locations, with just two in the region making the list. Downtown Frederick made its list of Great Neighborhoods, while Middleburg’s Washington Street made the cut for this year’s list of Great Streets.
The nonprofit has been putting its list together since 2007 and says places are selected for the list for their true sense of place, noteworthy social, cultural or historical character, community involvement, resilience, and a vision for the future.
“Places of distinction and unique character are found not only in big cities or selected states, but everywhere,” said APA CEO W. Paul Farmer. “These American Planning Association Great Places demonstrate the benefits of good planning and planning implementation, often over generations.”
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010
The American Planning Association’s 2010 list of Great Neighborhoods, Streets and Public Spaces is short on Washington-area locations, with just two in the region making the list. Downtown Frederick made its list of Great Neighborhoods, while Middleburg’s Washington Street made the cut for this year’s list of Great Streets.
The nonprofit has been putting its list together since 2007 and says places are selected for the list for their true sense of place, noteworthy social, cultural or historical character, community involvement, resilience, and a vision for the future.
“Places of distinction and unique character are found not only in big cities or selected states, but everywhere,” said APA CEO W. Paul Farmer. “These American Planning Association Great Places demonstrate the benefits of good planning and planning implementation, often over generations.”
Local Company Awarded $50,000 Grant
Foxspire, formerly Research Automation Solutions, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). The company is located in the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. and has been a client of FITCI since June 2007.
The grant which is part of the Ft. Detrick Technology Transfer Iniatitive program sponsored by TEDCO is designed to facilitate the transfer of technology to the U. S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command of Ft. Detrick.
Foxspire designed and developed a system that tracks the institute's stock of infectious agents that enables the Army to remain compliant with Select Army Regulations. All U. S. laboratory institutions, public and private, must comply with these regulations.
The grant which is part of the Ft. Detrick Technology Transfer Iniatitive program sponsored by TEDCO is designed to facilitate the transfer of technology to the U. S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command of Ft. Detrick.
Foxspire designed and developed a system that tracks the institute's stock of infectious agents that enables the Army to remain compliant with Select Army Regulations. All U. S. laboratory institutions, public and private, must comply with these regulations.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Family Festival at the Farm
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development and the Agriculture Business Council’s Public Relations Committee would like to invite the general public to participate in the 2010 Family Festival @ the Farm. This free weekend event, scheduled for October 16th and 17th, will provide the general public in Frederick County and around the region an opportunity to learn about Frederick County’s diverse agriculture industry. Rain dates have been set for October 23rd and 24th.
The Family Festival@ the Farm will provide hands-on activities for families that would like to spend a day of fun on the farm. The public will have an opportunity to visit any of 16 participating farms. Find out more about the participating farms and download a printable map and directions to the farms by going to the Family Festival @ the Farm website at www.discoverfrederickmd.com/funfarm. The 2010 Farm Guide (a printed guide that includes a map and description of what participants will experience at each farm) is available as well.
There will be a host of activities that people of all ages will be able to experience during this fun filled weekend. People will have an opportunity to pick pumpkins out of the field, pet an alpaca, take hayrides around the farm, take beautiful photos of the fall landscape and vineyards and enjoy all the different amenities on the farm.
The 16 farms included in this weekend event are: Black Ankle Vineyards, Brookfield Pumpkins, Carrollton Manor Farm, Catoctin Mountain Orchard, Gaver Tree Farm, Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, Lawyer’s Moonlight Maze, Lilypons Water Gardens, M & W Nursery, Mayne’s Tree Farm, Nick’s Organic Farm, Scenic View Orchards, South Mountain Creamery, Sycamore Spring Farm, Thanksgiving Farms and Whispering Meadows Alpaca.
For more information, contact the Frederick County Office of Economic Development at 301-600-1058, or visit the website at: www.discoverfrederickmd.com/funfarm
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Management Training On the Rise in Frederick
Through a partnership with Frederick County Workforce Services, FCC Customized Training educates thousands of employees in Frederick each year. In recent months, the partnership has experienced a significant increase in demand from local businesses for broad-scale management development training programs, according to FCWS Business Services Manager Michelle Day. In another seemingly similar pattern, classrooms have been overflowing for management-oriented courses provided by the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) and the Frederick County Society for Human Resource Management.
Popular courses provided by the FCWS/FCC partnership include The New Supervisor, Managing Customer Service, Essentials of Leadership, and the Manager’s Guide to Human Behavior, among others. Additional courses can be tailored to address any training and development needs that a business identifies.
For more information on customized employee training for businesses, contact Marc Scott at 301-600-3555.
Popular courses provided by the FCWS/FCC partnership include The New Supervisor, Managing Customer Service, Essentials of Leadership, and the Manager’s Guide to Human Behavior, among others. Additional courses can be tailored to address any training and development needs that a business identifies.
For more information on customized employee training for businesses, contact Marc Scott at 301-600-3555.
County among State's Highest Graduation Rates, Lowest Dropout Rates
According to data released by the Maryland Dept. of Education yesterday, Frederick County's graduation rate for 2010 was 94.56% well above the state average and the national average of 69 percent. The County ranked second among the Counties in the State of Maryland for highest graduation rate.
Frederick County Public Schools also had the 2nd lowest dropout rate in the State for grades 9-12 (1.18%).
Earlier this year, Newsweek Magazine listed all 9 County high schools among the "Top High Schools in America" and in January, the Maryland Public School System received a #1 ranking in overall quality for the second year in a row by Education Week.
Click below to read the full story in today's edition of the Frederick News Post.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=110862
Frederick County Public Schools also had the 2nd lowest dropout rate in the State for grades 9-12 (1.18%).
Earlier this year, Newsweek Magazine listed all 9 County high schools among the "Top High Schools in America" and in January, the Maryland Public School System received a #1 ranking in overall quality for the second year in a row by Education Week.
Click below to read the full story in today's edition of the Frederick News Post.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=110862
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Economic Impact of Fort Detrick on Maryland
News from the City of Frederick...
A study released by the State of Maryland indicates that the organizations located at Fort Detrick create or support nearly 12,000 jobs providing an estimated $650 million in pay and benefits and generate a total of $1.7 billion in economic activity in Maryland.
According to Randy McClement, Mayor of The City of Frederick “The study confirms what we have long known about the importance of Fort Detrick in the local and state economy.” He added that “many Frederick residents have family members, neighbors, and friends who work at the Fort for organizations such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and US Army Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID).”
“Fort Detrick is the largest employment business park in The City of Frederick at over 1,200 acres, 40+ tenants, and 8,500+ daily employees,” stated Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development. The study shows that Fort Detrick has a direct employment of 4,350 with a payroll of $303 million and in-state purchases of $440 million. According to Grifffin “these numbers alone are very important to the Frederick region because of the impact made to local businesses in terms of retail and service sales coupled with follow-on spending.”
Fort Detrick is located in The City of Frederick and coordinates closely with the City and County on issues of transportation, utilities, security, workforce, and environmental health. It is the home of the National Cancer Institute, National Interagency Biodefense Campus (NIBC) and the National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research (NICBR). Fort Detrick - initially Camp Detrick - was founded in 1931.
The study which considers the economic impact of the 17 military facilities in Maryland was prepared by the Jacob France Institute of the Merrick School of Business at University of Baltimore for the Maryland Department of Economic Development (DBED) and Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (DLLR). A copy of the study can be found at http://www.choosemaryland.org/aboutdbed/Pages/ProgramReports.aspx
For more information contact: Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick at 301-600-6360 or rgriffin@cityoffrederick.com
A study released by the State of Maryland indicates that the organizations located at Fort Detrick create or support nearly 12,000 jobs providing an estimated $650 million in pay and benefits and generate a total of $1.7 billion in economic activity in Maryland.
According to Randy McClement, Mayor of The City of Frederick “The study confirms what we have long known about the importance of Fort Detrick in the local and state economy.” He added that “many Frederick residents have family members, neighbors, and friends who work at the Fort for organizations such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and US Army Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID).”
“Fort Detrick is the largest employment business park in The City of Frederick at over 1,200 acres, 40+ tenants, and 8,500+ daily employees,” stated Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development. The study shows that Fort Detrick has a direct employment of 4,350 with a payroll of $303 million and in-state purchases of $440 million. According to Grifffin “these numbers alone are very important to the Frederick region because of the impact made to local businesses in terms of retail and service sales coupled with follow-on spending.”
Fort Detrick is located in The City of Frederick and coordinates closely with the City and County on issues of transportation, utilities, security, workforce, and environmental health. It is the home of the National Cancer Institute, National Interagency Biodefense Campus (NIBC) and the National Interagency Confederation for Biological Research (NICBR). Fort Detrick - initially Camp Detrick - was founded in 1931.
The study which considers the economic impact of the 17 military facilities in Maryland was prepared by the Jacob France Institute of the Merrick School of Business at University of Baltimore for the Maryland Department of Economic Development (DBED) and Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (DLLR). A copy of the study can be found at http://www.choosemaryland.org/aboutdbed/Pages/ProgramReports.aspx
For more information contact: Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick at 301-600-6360 or rgriffin@cityoffrederick.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
2010 BAM Summary
Intro note: 2010 was OED’s 10th anniversary for this business retention program, so we increased Business Appreciation WEEK to Business Appreciation MONTH.
Program numbers:
201 business were visited:
In nine municipalities: Frederick, Brunswick, Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Walkersville, New Market, Mount Airy, Middletown, Myersville. Plus: Urbana, Green Valley, Monrovia, Wolfsville, Sabillasville
77 Ambassadors:
Elected Officials
County Employees
Other Partners: BDAC, DBED, City of Frederick Dept. of Economic Development, Main Street (Brunswick, Thurmont, Middletown, Mt. Airy), Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Council of Frederick County
Number of employees represented in 201 visits:
8,500 (plus another 9,200 counting Ft. Detrick = 17,700)
FMH = 2,600
SAIC = 1,900
Life Technologies = 470
Stultz = 360
Industry Type:
Service sector = 87 companies employing 4,180 workers
Retail = 54 companies employing 835 workers
Tech/bio = 33 companies employing 2,700 workers
Other = 19 (non profits, education, mental health, etc.) – 445 workers
Agriculture = 12 companies employing 125 workers
Manufacturing = 6 companies employing 1,110 workers
*** Note: some employment numbers (above) are counted twice if a business serves two or more different industry sectors, such as a manufacturer or technology company that sells (retail) its products.
Future Expansions = 27
Follow-up = 24
Positive Comments
Quality of life = 51
Location (proximity to Washington/Balt.) = 46
Quality of Workforce = 28
Growth = 26
Educational system = 9
Transportation = 9
Parking = 8
Permitting = 5
Zoning = 2
Negative Comments
Permitting = 22
Traffic/transportation = 9
Zoning = 8
Quality of Workforce = 7
Growth = 4
Parking = 4
Water availability = 2
General Notes:
Oldest Businesses in County that we visited
Hemp’s Meats – 1849
Frederick News Post – 1880
H-C Summers – 1907
---------
Most businesses say they are doing well financially or at least can see the light at the end of the tunnel
Signage in Frederick City lacking for many businesses or regulations to burdensome
Parking in Brunswick (lack of) is hurting downtown business
Workforce #1 need – continues in the area of Project Management
Another Workforce item – many younger employees lack good work ethic
Permitting – fees too high, rules often unclear
Fort Detrick – would love to work with businesses on base
FCC – valuable resource (internships)
SBDC/Chris Olson – great asset
OED – Best Kept Secret in Frederick County!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Healthiest Maryland Businesses
Join CEOs from across the state who are leading by example in making health promotion and disease prevention an integral part of their business strategy. It's easy to join Healthiest Maryland Businesses:
Sign a Healthiest Maryland Commitment Letter - Declare your commitment to take action to improve your employee health and wellness because a healthy, productive workforce is a core part of your business strategy. Please email a copy of your signed commitment letter to HealthiestMaryland@dhmh.state.md.us. Or fax to 410-333-7106.
Complete the Healthiest Maryland Businesses Assessment - Identify your organization's employee health management strengths and areas for improvement. Also, available is a PDF format of the assessment for you to print out and use for your reference.
Check out the resources - Get prepared to take your business and your employees on the road to a healthier, more competitive level.
Why would businesses want to join the Healthiest Maryland movement?
In addition to saving money, you will receive:
Education and technical assistance
Peer-to-peer support from our Ambassadors
Resources from our supporting organizations
Recognition from the Governor and Lt. Governor
Media features and highlights
OED, Chamber Win Award
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development for their Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education in the category of New Media for communities with populations of 200,000 – 500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 28 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio.
“We recognize the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said William Best, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."
The Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education (FCBRE) was developed by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Frederick County Public Schools, Fort Detrick, and Frederick Community College to address the current and future workforce need in the Frederick County business community. FCBRE connects classroom learning and the workplace, and promotes academic excellence. This nonprofit partnership supports educational initiatives within the school system and addresses workforce needs in the business community. The goal is to help prepare the next generation of business leadership in the community and educate future leaders on the opportunities in Frederick County to live here and work here. Currently FCBRE holds an annual career exploration conference for high school sophomores, titled Future Link. FCBRE also provides both internship and externship programs with teachers and students in the Frederick County Public Schools. The student internship program is designed to provide ideas, perspective, and real-world learning opportunities to prepare students for the future. The teacher externship program is designed to provide teachers the opportunity to work in a business and connect the curriculum from the classroom to the application of the concepts used in the business.
The Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 28 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio.
“We recognize the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said William Best, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."
The Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education (FCBRE) was developed by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Frederick County Public Schools, Fort Detrick, and Frederick Community College to address the current and future workforce need in the Frederick County business community. FCBRE connects classroom learning and the workplace, and promotes academic excellence. This nonprofit partnership supports educational initiatives within the school system and addresses workforce needs in the business community. The goal is to help prepare the next generation of business leadership in the community and educate future leaders on the opportunities in Frederick County to live here and work here. Currently FCBRE holds an annual career exploration conference for high school sophomores, titled Future Link. FCBRE also provides both internship and externship programs with teachers and students in the Frederick County Public Schools. The student internship program is designed to provide ideas, perspective, and real-world learning opportunities to prepare students for the future. The teacher externship program is designed to provide teachers the opportunity to work in a business and connect the curriculum from the classroom to the application of the concepts used in the business.
The Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Business Merger
Frederick-based Ahma Inc. has merged with abeo, the country’s leading anesthesia billing and practice management company. Founded in 1995, Ahma provides medical billing services to more than 300 hospital-based physicians in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company is a natural fit for Dallas-based abeo, which has over 45 years of experience in meeting the unique billing needs of anesthesiologists.
“Ahma has always focused on providing the highest quality service in revenue cycle management, and this partnership with abeo will only extend our abilities to serve our clients,” said Craig Watt, owner of Ahma who will now serve as President, abeo Eastern Division. “We’re excited to be part of a company that will enhance our ability to provide exceptional service to our clients.” “Ahma brings a wealth of medical billing experience to abeo’s umbrella of services,” said abeo Chairman and CEO Mark Smith. “Our company goal is to provide an in depth variety of products and services on a national scale for our clients, and this merger complements that strategy.”
Dallas-based abeo provides revenue cycle management, practice management and software solutions for the anesthesia industry. Their focus allows them to deliver exceptional service for the unique demands of anesthesiologists. With over 45 years of experience, abeo is the leading anesthesia-focused billing and practice management company. For more information visit www.abeomed.com.
“Ahma has always focused on providing the highest quality service in revenue cycle management, and this partnership with abeo will only extend our abilities to serve our clients,” said Craig Watt, owner of Ahma who will now serve as President, abeo Eastern Division. “We’re excited to be part of a company that will enhance our ability to provide exceptional service to our clients.” “Ahma brings a wealth of medical billing experience to abeo’s umbrella of services,” said abeo Chairman and CEO Mark Smith. “Our company goal is to provide an in depth variety of products and services on a national scale for our clients, and this merger complements that strategy.”
Dallas-based abeo provides revenue cycle management, practice management and software solutions for the anesthesia industry. Their focus allows them to deliver exceptional service for the unique demands of anesthesiologists. With over 45 years of experience, abeo is the leading anesthesia-focused billing and practice management company. For more information visit www.abeomed.com.
BAM Visits Conclude, Wrap-up Event This Thursday
More than 200 Frederick County Businesses were visited during September, as part of OED's Business Appreciation (retention) program. Join us this Thursday, September 30th for a special wrap-up event at the Business & Employment Center from 3-5 p.m. Alexander Sanchez, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation will be the key-note speaker.
The first three rounds of visits are listed in prior blog entries. Here are the companies we saw during the fourth and final round:
The Inn at Buckeystown, The Crowley Company, Walkright, Ye Old Spirit Shop, PNC Bank, Jackman Cycles, Stultz Air Technology, Footlights Dance & Theatre Boutique, Colonial Equipment, Beef 'N Buns 'N Paradise, e-End, VoIP Business Solutions, Farmers' CoOp, Ecclectibles, Downtown Piano Works, Baseline Design, Sunrise Assisted Living, Green Street Bakery, Millennium Financial, Middletown Sportsland, Dempsey's Grille, Washington Labs, Midwest Research Institute, LOWS Technologies, Digital Bard Video, Wildberries, Comfortable Home Energy Audits, Valley Graphics, Ananda Shala, Brunswick Family Vision Center, Trailside Outfitters, Donna's House of Hair & Tanning, C.M. Bloomers Florist & Gifts.
The first three rounds of visits are listed in prior blog entries. Here are the companies we saw during the fourth and final round:
The Inn at Buckeystown, The Crowley Company, Walkright, Ye Old Spirit Shop, PNC Bank, Jackman Cycles, Stultz Air Technology, Footlights Dance & Theatre Boutique, Colonial Equipment, Beef 'N Buns 'N Paradise, e-End, VoIP Business Solutions, Farmers' CoOp, Ecclectibles, Downtown Piano Works, Baseline Design, Sunrise Assisted Living, Green Street Bakery, Millennium Financial, Middletown Sportsland, Dempsey's Grille, Washington Labs, Midwest Research Institute, LOWS Technologies, Digital Bard Video, Wildberries, Comfortable Home Energy Audits, Valley Graphics, Ananda Shala, Brunswick Family Vision Center, Trailside Outfitters, Donna's House of Hair & Tanning, C.M. Bloomers Florist & Gifts.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Target Corporate Jet Hits the Spot
Did you know that over 350 corporations use Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) annually? Check out the photo of Target Corporation's corporate jet that landed here this morning. FDK is also the 3rd busiest general aviation airport in Maryland, handling over 160,000 aircraft operations annually!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ready for Hire!
Graduates of The Edge job training program are ready to work! The Edge program was developed by Frederick County Workforce Services staff in response to feedback from Frederick area businesses about what skills and qualifications are most desirable and in demand. Workshop topics include communication and writing, reading and analyzing data, customer service essentials and workplace math skills, among others.Employers seeking job candidates may arrange to interview a graduate of The Edge program by contacting Michelle Day at (301) 600-1867.
The Muse Wins National Honor!
One BAM (Business Appreciation Month) company wins prestigious award! Read this week's story in the Frederick News Post:
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=109857
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=109857
Celebrating Our Workforce
A Business Appreciation Month Wrap-Up event will be held Thursday, September 30 from 3-5 p.m. at the Frederick County Business and Employment Center, located at 5340-A Spectrum Drive, Frederick, Maryland: Directions
Elected Officials, Business Appreciation Month Ambassadors and Partners are invited to attend this special event to commemorate Labor Month and Business Appreciation Month in Frederick County. The forum will feature distinguished speakers as well as a mini-trade show to highlight the partnership and collaboration among Frederick County's workforce and economic development establishments. Please RSVP to: mday1@frederickcountymd.gov
Featured Speakers:
- Commissioner Jan Gardner, President of the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners
- Secretary Alexander Sanchez, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (photo)
- Assistant Secretary Robert Walker, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
- Laurie Boyer, Director, Frederick County Economic Development Division
We hope to see you there!
Friday, September 10, 2010
BAM - Wrap Up of Week 2
Comments from the Frederick County Business community have been very positive during the first two weeks of BAM! (Business Appreciation Month). Companies visited this week include:
Hunting Creek Fisheries, Alizee Pathology, Men's Oasis, Residential Design,
St. Catherine's Nursing Center, Hope Alive, Quality Editing, Main Cup, Snallygaster, Smith Financial, Sunflower Studio, Rowland Glass, H-C Summers, Hemp's Meats, East Coast Millwork, Canam Steel, Wow Cafe, Gourmet with Paula, Corporate Exposure, Frederick County Builders Association, Lipinski Chiropractic, Elite Dental, Delaplaine Visual Arts, Ory Custom Florals, Tim's Lawn & Landscape, Weinberg Center, Two Paws Up, Moxie Bakery, Morgan Keller, Brainstorm Comics, SAIC-Frederick, Hillis-Carnes Engineering, Flying Dog Brewery, Pacemaker Press, Big White Barn Produce, Elite Elegant Events, Dynport Vaccine, Sir Speedy Printing, SeraCare, EBA Enterprises, LTD Creative and Core Partners.
*We have about 100 more vists to go...BAM!
Hunting Creek Fisheries, Alizee Pathology, Men's Oasis, Residential Design,
St. Catherine's Nursing Center, Hope Alive, Quality Editing, Main Cup, Snallygaster, Smith Financial, Sunflower Studio, Rowland Glass, H-C Summers, Hemp's Meats, East Coast Millwork, Canam Steel, Wow Cafe, Gourmet with Paula, Corporate Exposure, Frederick County Builders Association, Lipinski Chiropractic, Elite Dental, Delaplaine Visual Arts, Ory Custom Florals, Tim's Lawn & Landscape, Weinberg Center, Two Paws Up, Moxie Bakery, Morgan Keller, Brainstorm Comics, SAIC-Frederick, Hillis-Carnes Engineering, Flying Dog Brewery, Pacemaker Press, Big White Barn Produce, Elite Elegant Events, Dynport Vaccine, Sir Speedy Printing, SeraCare, EBA Enterprises, LTD Creative and Core Partners.
*We have about 100 more vists to go...BAM!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
BAM Continues!
Business Appreciation Month (BAM!) is in full force. We have visited 75 of the 200 businesses that we plan to meet with during September. In these photos, one of our teams of Ambassadors gets a tour of one of the companies, Loew Vineyards...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
BAM Continues!
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development tomorrow will kick off the next round of visits as part of the 10th annual Business Appreciation Month celebration. So far in September we have visited the following 50 companies (check below to view their websites and learn more about them!):
Molly's Meanderings, Mary Kate Photography, Everedy Square and Shab Row, Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar, Impari Systems, South Mountain Group, Nirvana Day Spa, CWP Tech Solutions, Fitness First, Frederick Athletic Club, BioAssay Works, Turning Point Real Estate, Signature Supplements, Aerotek, RURO Inc., The Frederick News Post, Cactus Farm Graphics, Frederick County Humane Society, Bring It To Fruition, InRoads, LLC., Natural Lawn, Imagination Center, AllState Insurance, DanceWorks, Caribbean Soul Restaurant, Holtzople Heating & Air, Discount Fabrics USA, Catoctin Zoo, Frederick Indoor Sports Center, Parlights, Rags to Riches, McCoy Media Group, Acela Technologies, Baltimore Coffee & Tea, Office Movers, Clym Environmental Services, Galaxy Controls, Papa Murphy's Take 'N Bake, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Sunshine Management, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Jean Peterson Design, Marketing at Work, Pailen-Johnson Associates, Mom's Pizza & Grill, Dublin Roasters Coffee, Streamlines Swim & Sport and Loew Vineyards.
Photo above: Frederick County Board of County Commissioner's President Jan Gardner presents Leslie Atanasoff, owner of Molly's Meanderings, with a certificate in appreciation as part of the Business Appreciation Month campaign. Also pictured is Laurie Boyer, Office of Economic Development; Cindy McNamara, Frederick County Workforce Services and Patrick Barnes, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
Additional visits are scheduled for tomorrow and Friday of this week and numerous other days throughout the month.
Molly's Meanderings, Mary Kate Photography, Everedy Square and Shab Row, Shab Row Bistro and Wine Bar, Impari Systems, South Mountain Group, Nirvana Day Spa, CWP Tech Solutions, Fitness First, Frederick Athletic Club, BioAssay Works, Turning Point Real Estate, Signature Supplements, Aerotek, RURO Inc., The Frederick News Post, Cactus Farm Graphics, Frederick County Humane Society, Bring It To Fruition, InRoads, LLC., Natural Lawn, Imagination Center, AllState Insurance, DanceWorks, Caribbean Soul Restaurant, Holtzople Heating & Air, Discount Fabrics USA, Catoctin Zoo, Frederick Indoor Sports Center, Parlights, Rags to Riches, McCoy Media Group, Acela Technologies, Baltimore Coffee & Tea, Office Movers, Clym Environmental Services, Galaxy Controls, Papa Murphy's Take 'N Bake, Frederick Memorial Hospital, Sunshine Management, Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Jean Peterson Design, Marketing at Work, Pailen-Johnson Associates, Mom's Pizza & Grill, Dublin Roasters Coffee, Streamlines Swim & Sport and Loew Vineyards.
Photo above: Frederick County Board of County Commissioner's President Jan Gardner presents Leslie Atanasoff, owner of Molly's Meanderings, with a certificate in appreciation as part of the Business Appreciation Month campaign. Also pictured is Laurie Boyer, Office of Economic Development; Cindy McNamara, Frederick County Workforce Services and Patrick Barnes, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
Additional visits are scheduled for tomorrow and Friday of this week and numerous other days throughout the month.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Business Appreciation Month Kick-Off
Yesterday marked the official start of Frederick County's Business Appreciation Month with a breakfast event titled: "Taking Advantage of Frederick's Position in the Greater Washington Region". The event, sponsored by SAIC-Frederick, Inc., kicked-off the month long celebration of business in Frederick County. In the month of September, which is also Labor Month, representatives from the County, City of Frederick, State of Maryland, volunteer boards and colleges, will visit over 200 businesses to thank them for all they do.
Yesterday morning's event was highlighted with encouraging data for successfully doing business in the Greater Washington region, which includes Frederick County. The keynote speaker was Matt Erskine, Executive Director for the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI). Established in 1994 as a private-public partnership and an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, GWI markets the Greater Washington region as a vibrant, economically, and culturally diverse community for domestic and international business.
Yesterday morning's event was highlighted with encouraging data for successfully doing business in the Greater Washington region, which includes Frederick County. The keynote speaker was Matt Erskine, Executive Director for the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI). Established in 1994 as a private-public partnership and an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, GWI markets the Greater Washington region as a vibrant, economically, and culturally diverse community for domestic and international business.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Great Frederick Fair - September 17 - 25, 2010!
As the month of August draws to a close, most are busy adjusting to school starting back or preparing for fall. One of the Highlights of the fall for Frederick County is the Great Frederick Fair. The dates for this year's fair are September 17th through 25th. To see the list of attractions and a schedule of events, visit www.thegreatfrederickfair.com. The fair will be highlighting the letter "A" in the word Great. One of the areas is "A"griculture. Make sure to visit the Ag exibits around the fairgrounds. Look for the "Fact Sheet" posters that will give you facts about the area of agriculture you are visiting. Make sure to visit the City Streets and Country Roads Building as well.
I hope to see you all at the 2010 Great Frederick Fair!
I hope to see you all at the 2010 Great Frederick Fair!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
2011 BIO International Convention Call for Session Proposals
The 2011 BIO International Convention Call for Session Proposals officially opens on September 1, 2010 and will close on September 22, 2010!
Breakout session proposals from biotechnology industry experts, policy leaders, analysts, academics and other thought leaders. The program covers a wide variety of relevant topics—from healthcare, the environment and food and agriculture, to industrial and other areas that are pertinent to the biotechnology industry.
Breakout sessions will take place from Monday - Thursday, June 27 - 30, 2011.
For additional information click on Call for Session Proposal Info at: http://convention.bio.org
Breakout session proposals from biotechnology industry experts, policy leaders, analysts, academics and other thought leaders. The program covers a wide variety of relevant topics—from healthcare, the environment and food and agriculture, to industrial and other areas that are pertinent to the biotechnology industry.
Breakout sessions will take place from Monday - Thursday, June 27 - 30, 2011.
For additional information click on Call for Session Proposal Info at: http://convention.bio.org
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Downtown Frederick Holiday Lights
Ensure that the tradition continues in 2010!
Nearly all of the Downtown Frederick Holiday Lights were destroyed in the past
winter’s blizzards. The City of Frederick asked for one-time help and Celebrate
Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Tourism Council of Frederick
County and 930 WFMD are responding to help raise funds for the 2010 season.
Our goal is to light 200 trees. Contributions in any amount are welcomed!
Adopt A String for $20
Adopt A Tree for $120
Make checks payable to:
Downtown Frederick Partnership (please note Holiday Lights on your check)
Contributions are tax deductible. Call the Visitor Center at (301) 600-4047 for more info.
Ensure that the tradition continues in 2010!
Drop off your check at:
Frederick County Visitor Center
19 E Church St
Mail your check to:
22 S Market St, Ste 2A
Frederick MD 21701
Contributions are tax deductible. Call the Visitor Center at (301) 600-4047 for more info.
Nearly all of the Downtown Frederick Holiday Lights were destroyed in the past
winter’s blizzards. The City of Frederick asked for one-time help and Celebrate
Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Tourism Council of Frederick
County and 930 WFMD are responding to help raise funds for the 2010 season.
Our goal is to light 200 trees. Contributions in any amount are welcomed!
Adopt A String for $20
Adopt A Tree for $120
Make checks payable to:
Downtown Frederick Partnership (please note Holiday Lights on your check)
Contributions are tax deductible. Call the Visitor Center at (301) 600-4047 for more info.
Ensure that the tradition continues in 2010!
Drop off your check at:
Frederick County Visitor Center
19 E Church St
Mail your check to:
22 S Market St, Ste 2A
Frederick MD 21701
Contributions are tax deductible. Call the Visitor Center at (301) 600-4047 for more info.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
10th Annual Business Appreciation Week/Month
The Frederick County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Economic Development (OED) are pleased to announce the 10th Annual Business Appreciation Week celebration, this year hosted throughout the month of September 2010. Ambassadors from the State, County, Municipalities, Business Development Advisory Council and the Chamber of Commerce will meet with local companies to learn more about the businesses and to personally thank them for their contributions to the Frederick County economy.
This year, 75 volunteer ambassadors will be visiting more than 200 businesses throughout Frederick County. Among the ambassadors are: Frederick County Commissioners’ President Jan Gardner, Frederick City Alderman Michael O’Connor, Executive Director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County John Fieseler, Middletown Main Street Manager Ruth Davis-Rogers and Thurmont Main Street Manager Nancy Poss.
Randy Gray, a Business Development Specialist with the Office of Economic Development and coordinator of the visits, said, “This event provides us another opportunity to thank companies for all they do in Frederick County and to hear about issues facing the business community.”
OED will kick-off Business Appreciation Month with a breakfast event on Wednesday, September 1st at 8 a.m. at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant. Matt Erskine, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Initiative, will be the key-note speaker. Business Appreciation Month will conclude on September 30th with an Open House at the Business and Employment Center, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mr. Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, will join OED for the event.
Business owners in Frederick County interested in participating in Business Appreciation Week next year are encouraged to call the Office of Economic Development at (301) 600-1058. For more information about OED programs, please visit our website at www.discoverfrederickmd.com.
This year, 75 volunteer ambassadors will be visiting more than 200 businesses throughout Frederick County. Among the ambassadors are: Frederick County Commissioners’ President Jan Gardner, Frederick City Alderman Michael O’Connor, Executive Director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County John Fieseler, Middletown Main Street Manager Ruth Davis-Rogers and Thurmont Main Street Manager Nancy Poss.
Randy Gray, a Business Development Specialist with the Office of Economic Development and coordinator of the visits, said, “This event provides us another opportunity to thank companies for all they do in Frederick County and to hear about issues facing the business community.”
OED will kick-off Business Appreciation Month with a breakfast event on Wednesday, September 1st at 8 a.m. at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant. Matt Erskine, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Initiative, will be the key-note speaker. Business Appreciation Month will conclude on September 30th with an Open House at the Business and Employment Center, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mr. Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, will join OED for the event.
Business owners in Frederick County interested in participating in Business Appreciation Week next year are encouraged to call the Office of Economic Development at (301) 600-1058. For more information about OED programs, please visit our website at www.discoverfrederickmd.com.
Monday, August 16, 2010
NIST TO HOLD NANOTECHNOLOGY FORUM
The National Institute of Standards and Technology of Gaithersburg ,Maryland will host the Washington Metro Region Nanotechnology Partnership Forum on September 12, 2010 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Meet researchers from federal agencies/labs, academia, and private sector firms engaged in nanotechnology who are looking for potential partners. Learn about the unique resources available in the Washington Metro Region for your nanotechnology research goals.
Registration fee of $20.00 includes refreshments and lunch. Optional tour of NIST NanoFab Facility: signup sheet during forum check-in, tour limited to the first 50 to sign up.
Register now: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/734215257; the agenda is also posted there. Deadline for registration is close of business 8/31/10.
For further info please contact John Emond, john.l.emond@nasa.gov or 202-358-1686
Meet researchers from federal agencies/labs, academia, and private sector firms engaged in nanotechnology who are looking for potential partners. Learn about the unique resources available in the Washington Metro Region for your nanotechnology research goals.
Registration fee of $20.00 includes refreshments and lunch. Optional tour of NIST NanoFab Facility: signup sheet during forum check-in, tour limited to the first 50 to sign up.
Register now: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/734215257; the agenda is also posted there. Deadline for registration is close of business 8/31/10.
For further info please contact John Emond, john.l.emond@nasa.gov or 202-358-1686
Friday, August 13, 2010
FACT - Educational Forum
The Frederick Area Committee on Transportation (FACT) this week held an educational forum for candidates running for local and state offices. To view information presented by several agencies and organizations, please click on this link: http://frederickfact.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
$200,000 for Biotechnology Development Awards
Applications for Biotechnology Development Programs Now Available.
The Maryland Biotechnology Center now has available our FY2011 funding for the Biotechnology Development Awards. Again this year, we have three programs, the Biotechnology Commercialization Awards, the Translational Research Awards, and the Shared Resource Grants, with grants up to $200,000.
Applications for and descriptions of these programs are available on our website, www.marylandbiocenter.org. There is a link on the left side of the home page that will take you directly to the program information and downloadable applications. Each Application Detail Form includes additional information specific to that program. Please note that ALL applications must include the separate Application Cover and the Detail and Cover Applications must be submitted as separate files.
The schedule for the first round of review is:
Application Deadlines Sept. 1, 2010
Presentation Notification Sept. 15, 2010
Applicant Presentations Oct. 1-15, 2010
Award Notifications Oct. 22, 2010
We will have another round of submissions and review in Feb. 2011. Look for announcements on our website late in 2010.
If you submitted an application for a program for FY2010 and did not receive an award, you can have that application rolled forward for consideration in the Sept. 1 round if you would like. Just send me an email indicating that you would like your same application considered. Or you are welcome to revise and submit a new application.
If you have any questions, visit our website at www.marylandbiocenter.org, or contact Chuck Montague, Ph.D., Manager, Biotechnology Development Programs, Maryland Biotechnology Center, 410.767.3837 or cmontague@marylandbiocenter.org
The Maryland Biotechnology Center now has available our FY2011 funding for the Biotechnology Development Awards. Again this year, we have three programs, the Biotechnology Commercialization Awards, the Translational Research Awards, and the Shared Resource Grants, with grants up to $200,000.
Applications for and descriptions of these programs are available on our website, www.marylandbiocenter.org. There is a link on the left side of the home page that will take you directly to the program information and downloadable applications. Each Application Detail Form includes additional information specific to that program. Please note that ALL applications must include the separate Application Cover and the Detail and Cover Applications must be submitted as separate files.
The schedule for the first round of review is:
Application Deadlines Sept. 1, 2010
Presentation Notification Sept. 15, 2010
Applicant Presentations Oct. 1-15, 2010
Award Notifications Oct. 22, 2010
We will have another round of submissions and review in Feb. 2011. Look for announcements on our website late in 2010.
If you submitted an application for a program for FY2010 and did not receive an award, you can have that application rolled forward for consideration in the Sept. 1 round if you would like. Just send me an email indicating that you would like your same application considered. Or you are welcome to revise and submit a new application.
If you have any questions, visit our website at www.marylandbiocenter.org, or contact Chuck Montague, Ph.D., Manager, Biotechnology Development Programs, Maryland Biotechnology Center, 410.767.3837 or cmontague@marylandbiocenter.org
Friday, August 6, 2010
OED Expands Social Media Outreach
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development can now also be found on Facebook here and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/discoverfrederickmd. In addition, if you're not already following us on Twitter@FredCoOED, we invite you to stay in touch!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Frederick County Employment and Wage Growth Facts
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation released 2009 calendar year employment and wage data and here are some highlights:
EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
Frederick County was one of only 9 Maryland counties that experienced a positive job growth from 2005-2009, adding 491 jobs for an increase of 0.54%.
Frederick County had the 6th highest number of new jobs created during the same time frame.
WAGE GROWTH
Frederick County had the 2nd highest percentage of increase in average weekly wage per worker (17.52%) from 2005-2009. The average weekly wage per worker of $872 increased $130 during the past 5 years.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Industries that saw the MOST growth over the past five years were:
Professional and Business Services (17.79%)
Education and Health Services (15.38%)
Leisure and Hospitality (8.72%)
Industries that saw the LEAST growth over the past five years were:
Construction (-27.80%)
Manufacturing (-22.55%)
Information (-11.10%)
For more information, please contact Sandy Wagerman, OED's Research Specialist at 301-600-1578.
EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
Frederick County was one of only 9 Maryland counties that experienced a positive job growth from 2005-2009, adding 491 jobs for an increase of 0.54%.
Frederick County had the 6th highest number of new jobs created during the same time frame.
WAGE GROWTH
Frederick County had the 2nd highest percentage of increase in average weekly wage per worker (17.52%) from 2005-2009. The average weekly wage per worker of $872 increased $130 during the past 5 years.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Industries that saw the MOST growth over the past five years were:
Professional and Business Services (17.79%)
Education and Health Services (15.38%)
Leisure and Hospitality (8.72%)
Industries that saw the LEAST growth over the past five years were:
Construction (-27.80%)
Manufacturing (-22.55%)
Information (-11.10%)
For more information, please contact Sandy Wagerman, OED's Research Specialist at 301-600-1578.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grants Available
Did you know….Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) has On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants available to help Frederick County employers alleviate some of the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. Eligible employers can apply for reimbursement funds of up to 50% of the new trainee’s wages while the employee is enrolled in the OJT program. To learn more about the program, including the criteria for eligibility, please visit: http://www.frederickworks.com/GrantFundingforBusiness.htm