Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Frederick County Ranked #3 Healthiest County in MD
County Health Rankings say Frederick County #3 for health in Maryland. New Rankings give communities a snapshot of how healthy their residents are so they can see where they are doing well, where they need to improve, and then act together to remove barriers to good health. www.countyhealthrankings.org
Frederick County Tech Council Award Winners
The Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration was held Tuesday evening at Holly Hills Country Club. 2011 technology award winners Sheila Buscemi, a Valley Elementary School first-grade teacher, was selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Educator of the Year. Small Business of the Year award recipient RURO Inc. develops state-of-the-art software that optimizes manageability and productivity for innovative academic, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, medical and government laboratories in the U.S. and throughout the world. E-End, a company that provides secure destruction of electronic data, received the Service Provider of the Year award. The Firm of the Year award went to Data Management Services Inc. -- an information and management sciences company dedicated to the biomedical research, public health and small-business sectors. Uplaksh Kumar, manufacturing leader of Life Technologies Corp., was chosen Executive of the Year. The CEO of the Year award went to Larry Arthur, CEO of SAIC-Frederick Inc. Congratulations to all of the award winners.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Folcomer Equipment Corporation Earns Top North American Dealer Award
Folcomer Equipment Corporation, a leading construction equipment dealership with offices in Maryland and Delaware, was presented with the Top North American Dealer award by Takeuchi at last week’s CONEXPO trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“We are thrilled to receive this award. Since adding the Takeuchi product line, our customers have been impressed with the quality of the machines, as well as the relatively low amount of maintenance required,” said Dave Folcomer, president and owner of Folcomer Equipment.
The award was based on wholegood sales, market share and compliance with manufacturer standards. There are approximately 200 dealers throughout North America, according to Takeuchi’s corporate office in Pendergrass, Georgia.
“We really owe this award to our customers. Without them, we couldn’t achieve this success,” said Amanda Haddaway, director of human resources and marketing for Folcomer Equipment.
About Folcomer Equipment Started in 1994, Folcomer Equipment has grown from one location in Aberdeen, Maryland to five locations throughout Maryland and Delaware. The company represents several construction equipment manufacturers including Takeuchi and assists customers with new and used equipment sales, equipment rentals, parts and service. Offices are currently located in Aberdeen, Baltimore, Frederick and Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Greenwood, Delaware. For more information on Folcomer Equipment, please visit http://www.folcomerequipment.com/.
About Takeuchi Takeuchi is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of an extensive line of compact track loaders, compact excavators and compact wheel loaders. Founded in 1963, Takeuchi was the first company to introduce the compact excavators to the North American market, setting the stage for one of the highest growth product segments ever introduced in the compact equipment market. The compact excavator market has become a main line product for both rental and construction/utility companies. Takeuchi continued to lead the compact construction industry with the introduction of the first compact track loader to North America. For more information on Takeuchi, please visit http://takeuchi-us.com/.
Photo caption: Clay Eubanks, president of Takeuchi, presents Dave Folcomer, president and owner of Folcomer Equipment, with the Top North American Dealer award on the show floor at CONEXPO in Las Vegas. CONEXPO is the premier construction equipment industry trade show. Held every three years, the exposition showcases the latest equipment, products, services and technologies.
Media contact: Amanda Haddaway, Director of Human Resources and Marketing, Folcomer Equipment Corporation, amanda.haddaway@folcomer.com, 301-682-4441 ###
Friday, March 25, 2011
County Works to Improve Business Climate
With the goal of improving the "business friendly" environment, staff with direction from the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners, have begun to review and revise the rules and regs that affect the local business community.
Check out the Business Friendly Action Item List and status here.
Check out the Business Friendly Action Item List and status here.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Congratulations to Frederick County's Top CEOs You Need to Know
The Gazette of Politics and Business announces 25 CEOs You Need to Know for 2011. Among them are six Frederick County CEOs including:
Daryl Boffman
President
Acela Technologies
Glen Calderon
CEO
Default Resource
M.L. Carroll
Owner
Canapes Catering
Pete & Jim Plamondon
Co-owners/Presidents
Plamondon Companies
Col. Judith Robertson
Commander
Ft. Detrick
David Smith
Head of Cell Therapy
Lonza-Walkersville, Inc.
A meet and greet lunch and award presentation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 11:30 am to 1:30pm at the The Ballroom in Bethesda, MD. To reserve a seat, please contact Kathleen Castellano at 240-864-1558 or email Top25CEOs@gazette.net
Congraulations to our Frederick County CEOs!
Daryl Boffman
President
Acela Technologies
Glen Calderon
CEO
Default Resource
M.L. Carroll
Owner
Canapes Catering
Pete & Jim Plamondon
Co-owners/Presidents
Plamondon Companies
Col. Judith Robertson
Commander
Ft. Detrick
David Smith
Head of Cell Therapy
Lonza-Walkersville, Inc.
A meet and greet lunch and award presentation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 11:30 am to 1:30pm at the The Ballroom in Bethesda, MD. To reserve a seat, please contact Kathleen Castellano at 240-864-1558 or email Top25CEOs@gazette.net
Congraulations to our Frederick County CEOs!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
First Quarter Retention Visits
Each month, the Office of Economic Development, members of the BOCC and our Business Advisory Council visits a business to hear their future plans, gage how doing business in Frederick has benefited their business and hear how we can make doing business in Frederick easier. In January, Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc. was visited. Stulz is an international company that manufactures air conditioning, humidifying and dehumidifying systems. One of our award winners at our 2010 Annual Business Reception, Stulz continues to expand and add additional jobs. Our February visit was to ALL-SHRED. ALL-SHRED is a certified woman-owned and small business certified company. In business for 10 years, they started in Middletown with 1 truck. The now have a fleet of 14 vehicles, with Corporate Headquarters in Frederick, and a branch in Easton, MD. In March, we visited Life Technologies Corporation. Life Tech. is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. For more information about these company, please visit their websites at www.ats.stulz.com, www.allshredmd.com and www.lifetechnologies.com.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
2010 Annual Report
OED released their 2010 Annual Report today. To track economic statistics over the past five years, get targeted industry highlights, view which companies expanded or located to Frederick County, to understand the commercial real estate market and much more, please click here http://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/NewsData/documents/2010Final_000.pdf.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc Awarded Prestigous International Leadership Award
Last evening, OED was in attendence when Stulz Air Technology Systems won the World Trade Center Institute's International Business Leadership Award.
The awards, now in their 15th year, are given to companies that define and celebrate vision, the spirit of global ambition and excellence in international leadership. Accepting for Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc (SATS) at the event was Marc-Oliver Stulz, President. To learn more about SATS, please visit http://www.ats.stulz.com./
Congratulations to SATS!
The awards, now in their 15th year, are given to companies that define and celebrate vision, the spirit of global ambition and excellence in international leadership. Accepting for Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc (SATS) at the event was Marc-Oliver Stulz, President. To learn more about SATS, please visit http://www.ats.stulz.com./
Congratulations to SATS!
New County Mapping Tool Released
The Enterprise GIS team is proud to announce the release of the brand new web mapping application, Frederick County MD, At a Glance: http://webmaps.frederickcountymd.gov/AtAGlance/
At a Glance allows users to obtain a wealth of current information about Frederick County properties, including real property information, plat, recycle data, crime statistics, zoning, water and sewer services, schools, libraries, police districts, and parks. Users will find an archive of historic imagery of the County ranging from 1952-2009, measuring tools, links to Google Street View and Bing imagery, local weather forecasts and much, much more. This mapping application displays large, easy to read icons and fast convenient search functions that are just a mouse click away.
At a Glance allows users to obtain a wealth of current information about Frederick County properties, including real property information, plat, recycle data, crime statistics, zoning, water and sewer services, schools, libraries, police districts, and parks. Users will find an archive of historic imagery of the County ranging from 1952-2009, measuring tools, links to Google Street View and Bing imagery, local weather forecasts and much, much more. This mapping application displays large, easy to read icons and fast convenient search functions that are just a mouse click away.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
In Memoriam
Originally published March 10, 2011
The Frederick News-Post
By Ed Waters Jr. News-Post Staff
Chris Olson's professional and personal commitment to Frederick County will be missed, according to many of those who worked with him.
Olson, who died Sunday at age 45 after a struggle with cancer, was a consultant at the Frederick County Small Business Development Center.
"Chris Olson was an integral part of the team at the Office of Economic Development, even though he actually worked for the Small Business Development Center," said Laurie M. Boyer, executive director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.
"He worked in our office, and we interacted daily with him on shared clients, planning events targeted at small businesses and working on special projects. He was always willing to jump in and lend a hand to whoever might need it, with the best attitude and a wealth of knowledge," Boyer said.
One of Olson's greatest strengths was seeing the value in partnerships and bringing people together to work collaboratively for the betterment of the business community, Boyer said.
"He will be missed more than I can express," she said.
Olson's dedication was felt throughout the community, said Richard Griffin, director of the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development.
"Chris made an indelible mark on the Frederick business community and each of us through his intellect, dedication and sense of humor," Griffin said. "He cared deeply about his family, friends and clients. Frederick is a better community for his efforts. He will be sorely missed."
Olson helped many small businesses get off the ground and counseled those facing challenges in the tough economy.
"The chamber lost a thoughtful colleague and supportive friends and the community lost a strong advocate for local business," said Ric Adams, president and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. "We frequently partnered with Chris to present programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and he also served on chamber committees. We feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him."
Sandy Mehalko, a spokeswoman for the Small Business Development Centers in Western Maryland, said the Frederick Center at 5340 Spectrum Drive would continue operations as scheduled. Alice Growden of the Hagerstown SBDC is covering phone messages and meeting with Olson's clients, Mehalko said. Mark Malec, regional SBDC director, has been in touch with Boyer at the economic office to ensure that client work is taken care of, Mehalko said.
Olson had many achievements in his life. He was an integral part of the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School football team, undefeated for three years and state champions in 1982. He was elected class president in 1983, played in the school's jazz ensemble and appeared on the TV program "It's Academic."
A graduate of the Wharton School of Economics, University of Pennsylvania, he was elected president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduation he founded Olson Business Development, serving clients locally and internationally. At the same time, he served as art director for three local publications, was vice president of a venture capital firm, and was chief operating officer for a mail and data processing firm.
Besides helping businesses as a consultant at the Frederick SBDC, Olson was a past president of the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County and coordinated the Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network. He received the City of Frederick Partners Award and by the national Small Business Development Centers for his outstanding service.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 35 E. Church St., Frederick, with a reception to follow.
The Frederick News-Post
By Ed Waters Jr. News-Post Staff
Chris Olson's professional and personal commitment to Frederick County will be missed, according to many of those who worked with him.
Olson, who died Sunday at age 45 after a struggle with cancer, was a consultant at the Frederick County Small Business Development Center.
"Chris Olson was an integral part of the team at the Office of Economic Development, even though he actually worked for the Small Business Development Center," said Laurie M. Boyer, executive director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.
"He worked in our office, and we interacted daily with him on shared clients, planning events targeted at small businesses and working on special projects. He was always willing to jump in and lend a hand to whoever might need it, with the best attitude and a wealth of knowledge," Boyer said.
One of Olson's greatest strengths was seeing the value in partnerships and bringing people together to work collaboratively for the betterment of the business community, Boyer said.
"He will be missed more than I can express," she said.
Olson's dedication was felt throughout the community, said Richard Griffin, director of the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development.
"Chris made an indelible mark on the Frederick business community and each of us through his intellect, dedication and sense of humor," Griffin said. "He cared deeply about his family, friends and clients. Frederick is a better community for his efforts. He will be sorely missed."
Olson helped many small businesses get off the ground and counseled those facing challenges in the tough economy.
"The chamber lost a thoughtful colleague and supportive friends and the community lost a strong advocate for local business," said Ric Adams, president and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. "We frequently partnered with Chris to present programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and he also served on chamber committees. We feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him."
Sandy Mehalko, a spokeswoman for the Small Business Development Centers in Western Maryland, said the Frederick Center at 5340 Spectrum Drive would continue operations as scheduled. Alice Growden of the Hagerstown SBDC is covering phone messages and meeting with Olson's clients, Mehalko said. Mark Malec, regional SBDC director, has been in touch with Boyer at the economic office to ensure that client work is taken care of, Mehalko said.
Olson had many achievements in his life. He was an integral part of the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School football team, undefeated for three years and state champions in 1982. He was elected class president in 1983, played in the school's jazz ensemble and appeared on the TV program "It's Academic."
A graduate of the Wharton School of Economics, University of Pennsylvania, he was elected president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduation he founded Olson Business Development, serving clients locally and internationally. At the same time, he served as art director for three local publications, was vice president of a venture capital firm, and was chief operating officer for a mail and data processing firm.
Besides helping businesses as a consultant at the Frederick SBDC, Olson was a past president of the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County and coordinated the Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network. He received the City of Frederick Partners Award and by the national Small Business Development Centers for his outstanding service.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 35 E. Church St., Frederick, with a reception to follow.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hospitality and Expansion News
OED attended the groundbreaking for Plamondon Hospitality Partner's TownePlace Suites by Marriott today at 5050 Westview Drive in Frederick. This new hotel is the first TownePlace Suites built under Marriott's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The new TownePlace Suites, slated to open in 2012, will feature 118 suites and 4 floors. Every room is designed as a suite with functional spaces for living and working and each hotel specializes in helping guests keep their routine and settle into the neighborhood.
Founded in 1996, Plamondon Hospitality Partners is led by a highly qualified team of owners and managers with more than 50 combined years of experience in the hospitality industry. Plamondon Hospitality Partners' current portfolio includes four select-service Marriott hotel properties in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, where they are nationally recognized by Marriott for ranking in the top percentages for guest satisfaction and quality assurance scores. In 2010, Plamondon Hospitality Partners became the largest hospitality company in Western Maryland.
The new TownePlace Suites, slated to open in 2012, will feature 118 suites and 4 floors. Every room is designed as a suite with functional spaces for living and working and each hotel specializes in helping guests keep their routine and settle into the neighborhood.
Founded in 1996, Plamondon Hospitality Partners is led by a highly qualified team of owners and managers with more than 50 combined years of experience in the hospitality industry. Plamondon Hospitality Partners' current portfolio includes four select-service Marriott hotel properties in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, where they are nationally recognized by Marriott for ranking in the top percentages for guest satisfaction and quality assurance scores. In 2010, Plamondon Hospitality Partners became the largest hospitality company in Western Maryland.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
CONTRACT CONNECTIONS FOR WOMEN
CONTRACT CONNECTIONS FOR WOMEN
Connecting Maryland Women-Owned Small Businesses to Federal Contracting Opportunities
Date: April 11, 2011
Location: BWI Marriott
1743 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
Learn how new WOSB rules can connect you to federal contracting opportunities.
Cost: $55.00
Who Should Attend?
Women Business Owners seeking to expand their market to the federal sector
Women Business Owners that have federal contracting experience and want to expand their sales
Prime Contractors
Federal and Military Agencies
How will you benefit?
Learn about the new SBA Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Business
Learn how to do business with federal agencies and what they buy
Meet with prime contractors looking for subcontractors
Meet with federal agencies that want to add more WOSB's to their contracting portfolio
MARYLAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Department of Business & Economic Development
Martin O'Malley, Governor • Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor
REGISTER
---------------------------
Helga Weschke, Director of Federal Business Relations
Office of Military & Federal Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
World Trade Center Baltimore 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410.767.0862 M 410.206.8870 E hweschke@ChooseMaryland.org
Connecting Maryland Women-Owned Small Businesses to Federal Contracting Opportunities
Date: April 11, 2011
Location: BWI Marriott
1743 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
Learn how new WOSB rules can connect you to federal contracting opportunities.
Cost: $55.00
Who Should Attend?
Women Business Owners seeking to expand their market to the federal sector
Women Business Owners that have federal contracting experience and want to expand their sales
Prime Contractors
Federal and Military Agencies
How will you benefit?
Learn about the new SBA Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Business
Learn how to do business with federal agencies and what they buy
Meet with prime contractors looking for subcontractors
Meet with federal agencies that want to add more WOSB's to their contracting portfolio
MARYLAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Department of Business & Economic Development
Martin O'Malley, Governor • Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor
REGISTER
---------------------------
Helga Weschke, Director of Federal Business Relations
Office of Military & Federal Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
World Trade Center Baltimore 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410.767.0862 M 410.206.8870 E hweschke@ChooseMaryland.org
Friday, March 4, 2011
Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County Now Accepting Nominations for the Entrepreneur Awards 2011
The Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County is now accepting nominations for its Entrepreneur Awards honors for 2011. The awards are given to Frederick County businesses owners whose ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance have created and sustained successful, viable business ventures that have contributed to the economic health of the community. The final selection will be announced at the Entrepreneur Council Awards Banquet held summer 2011. Nominations Deadline is April 15th 2011Submit Nominations toEd Robinson - President Entrepreneur Council robin_ed@capacity-building.com.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
DPI, IT Guys and Printing & Promotional Unlimited Announce Partnership and Open House/Business Card Exchange
FREDERICK, MD – DPI, IT Guys and Printing & Promotional Unlimited announce their partnership and Open House/Business Card Exchange at 5716-G Industry Lane, Frederick on Friday, April 1st at 6:00pm. Together, their goal is to provide businesses with a wide variety of quality services in one convenient centralized location. During this Open House and networking event, each company will be offering attendees a chance to win products, services, discounts and more.
DPI is a graphic design firm specializing in print & web design with an emphasis on innovation. With a comprehensive background in advertising and direct marketing design, their expert team combines experience and creativity with discipline and focus. By becoming a fan of DPI on Facebook and attending the free open house, DPI is offering a chance to qualify to win a free website designed by their experienced team valued at over $550. www.facebook.com/design.print.innovate.
With professional experience exceeding 15 years, IT Guys can provide businesses and homes with well thought-out and affordable solutions when the unthinkable has happened or when clients simply have a question. Several tiers for each type of services are available with a free initial quote. Become a fan of IT Guys on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Dell Inspirion 1018 Mini Netbook from IT Guys. www.facebook.com/itguystech
Printing & Promotional Unlimited, Inc. provides services to businesses, large and small, across the United States. They work with vendors and suppliers to provide quality products and services to convey their clients’ image to be a success. Become a fan of P&P on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Burke’s Bay Lambskin Classic Jacket. www.facebook.com/printpromounlimited
Customers are welcome to stop-in for a visit to find out more information on products and services. To become eligible for the grand prize drawings, please contact each company for more details.
DPI is a graphic design firm specializing in print & web design with an emphasis on innovation. With a comprehensive background in advertising and direct marketing design, their expert team combines experience and creativity with discipline and focus. By becoming a fan of DPI on Facebook and attending the free open house, DPI is offering a chance to qualify to win a free website designed by their experienced team valued at over $550. www.facebook.com/design.print.innovate.
With professional experience exceeding 15 years, IT Guys can provide businesses and homes with well thought-out and affordable solutions when the unthinkable has happened or when clients simply have a question. Several tiers for each type of services are available with a free initial quote. Become a fan of IT Guys on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Dell Inspirion 1018 Mini Netbook from IT Guys. www.facebook.com/itguystech
Printing & Promotional Unlimited, Inc. provides services to businesses, large and small, across the United States. They work with vendors and suppliers to provide quality products and services to convey their clients’ image to be a success. Become a fan of P&P on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Burke’s Bay Lambskin Classic Jacket. www.facebook.com/printpromounlimited
Customers are welcome to stop-in for a visit to find out more information on products and services. To become eligible for the grand prize drawings, please contact each company for more details.