On Tuesday, June 14th from 8am to 10am at Dutch's Daughter Restaurant in Frederick, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Department of Economic Development welcome keynote speaker Kevin Mulvaney to this event. Based on the recent findings of Professor Mulvaney's surveys, businesses are indeed at a crossroads:
--What will it take to grow to the next level?
--What are the various exit options available?
Enjoy breakfast while formulating a plan for your business future. There will be a Q&A session following Professor Mulvaney's remarks.
This event is FREE but registration is required. For more information, please call 301-600-1058.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
We've moved!
As part of the new Community Development Division reorganization, the Office of Economic Development has moved to the 2nd floor of Winchester Hall. Our new address is 12 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Phone numbers and other contact information remains the same.
We look forward to working out of our new offices in downtown historic Frederick!
Brunswick Main Street Receives State Award
On May 19, Maryland Main Street recognized the Brunswick Main Street program, under the leadership of Patrick Kay, Director, and Richard Pearrell, Chairman of the Board, with its award for Organizational Excellence - one of five awards presented annually.
The Organization Committee of Brunswick Main Street, chaired by Abbie Ricketts, was cited for results that included: a year that saw a 27% increase in membership money contributions, and a 200% increase in new members since 2009. As well, other fund raising efforts were cited for ensuring the continued operation and viability of the local Main Street program, and developing "consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders."
The award was presented by Raymond Skinner, Secretary, Department of Housing and Community Development. Tim Murphy, Assistant State Main Street Coordinator, was the event's Master of Ceremonies, held at the Maryland Inn, Annapolis. City Councilman Angel White and Diane Ellis, Secretary of Brunswick Main Street, also were in attendance.
"Winning an award from the Maryland State Main Street program is such an honor for Brunswick Main Street," Abbie points out. "Our volunteers have put in many hours to build the capacity of the organization and their efforts have been outstanding. We thank them all. But most importantly, we thank all of our donors and sponsors. Without them we could not survive. Thank you for believing in our mission and having faith that we can reach our goals."
The Brunswick Main Street mission is to re-vitalize downtown Brunswick as an attractive and lively city center that improves the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits here.
"One of the main reasons we got this award is that we raised 87% of our budget ourselves with only 13% coming from the City of Brunswick," Director Kay emphasized. "In the State of Maryland the other 22 Main Streets keep an average donation from their City at about 40%. We haven't just maintained in such a bad economy; we have excelled. We have increased membership donations by more than 75% in the past 2 years. That's impressive in my book."
He added: "We are continuing to focus on growing the organization and bringing new businesses to Brunswick. To bring people downtown, we have a series of events planned under the title of 'Saturdays in Railroad Town.' The next event scheduled takes place Saturday, June 4 - 'Taste of Brunswick and the Downhill Mile Race,' the evening begins at 4 p.m."
The Organization Committee of Brunswick Main Street, chaired by Abbie Ricketts, was cited for results that included: a year that saw a 27% increase in membership money contributions, and a 200% increase in new members since 2009. As well, other fund raising efforts were cited for ensuring the continued operation and viability of the local Main Street program, and developing "consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders."
The award was presented by Raymond Skinner, Secretary, Department of Housing and Community Development. Tim Murphy, Assistant State Main Street Coordinator, was the event's Master of Ceremonies, held at the Maryland Inn, Annapolis. City Councilman Angel White and Diane Ellis, Secretary of Brunswick Main Street, also were in attendance.
"Winning an award from the Maryland State Main Street program is such an honor for Brunswick Main Street," Abbie points out. "Our volunteers have put in many hours to build the capacity of the organization and their efforts have been outstanding. We thank them all. But most importantly, we thank all of our donors and sponsors. Without them we could not survive. Thank you for believing in our mission and having faith that we can reach our goals."
The Brunswick Main Street mission is to re-vitalize downtown Brunswick as an attractive and lively city center that improves the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits here.
"One of the main reasons we got this award is that we raised 87% of our budget ourselves with only 13% coming from the City of Brunswick," Director Kay emphasized. "In the State of Maryland the other 22 Main Streets keep an average donation from their City at about 40%. We haven't just maintained in such a bad economy; we have excelled. We have increased membership donations by more than 75% in the past 2 years. That's impressive in my book."
He added: "We are continuing to focus on growing the organization and bringing new businesses to Brunswick. To bring people downtown, we have a series of events planned under the title of 'Saturdays in Railroad Town.' The next event scheduled takes place Saturday, June 4 - 'Taste of Brunswick and the Downhill Mile Race,' the evening begins at 4 p.m."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
2011 Frederick County Progress Report Now Available
The Daily Record has published the 2011 Frederick County Progress Report, titled "Open for Business." To read the online version, visit http://www.pageturnpro.com/The-Daily-Record/26644-Frederick-County-Progress-Report-2011/index.html#1
Thursday, May 19, 2011
City of Frederick Energy Forum May 24th
Tuesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm; City Hall Board Room, 101 N. Court Street, Frederick. Street Parking available as well as Court Street Parking Deck and the Church Street Parking Deck.
The purpose of the City of Frederick’s FREE energy forum is to provide local residents with an opportunity to be educated on their electric choices. Many City residents and businesses are not aware that as a Maryland resident, they have a choice as to who provides their electricity. Gathering information on all of the electricity providers can be overwhelming and challenging for consumers; this educational event would address the lack of electric choice awareness. This event will also help provide an accurate way for our consumers to obtain information on each provider.
Vendors will include: Constellation Electric, CQI, Direct Energy Services and Potomac Edison - 1st Energy.
You'll also hear from Frederick County on their Green Homes Challenge.
This event is FREE however seating is limited.
To register please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2VGP8XY
The purpose of the City of Frederick’s FREE energy forum is to provide local residents with an opportunity to be educated on their electric choices. Many City residents and businesses are not aware that as a Maryland resident, they have a choice as to who provides their electricity. Gathering information on all of the electricity providers can be overwhelming and challenging for consumers; this educational event would address the lack of electric choice awareness. This event will also help provide an accurate way for our consumers to obtain information on each provider.
Vendors will include: Constellation Electric, CQI, Direct Energy Services and Potomac Edison - 1st Energy.
You'll also hear from Frederick County on their Green Homes Challenge.
This event is FREE however seating is limited.
To register please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2VGP8XY
City of Frederick Energy Forum May 24
7:00pm - 9:00pm; City Hall Board Room, 101 N. Court Street, Frederick. Street Parking available as well as Court Street Parking Deck and the Church Street Parking Deck.
The purpose of the City of Frederick’s FREE energy forum is to provide local residents with an opportunity to be educated on their electric choices. Many City residents and businesses are not aware that as a Maryland resident, they have a choice as to who provides their electricity. Gathering information on all of the electricity providers can be overwhelming and challenging for consumers; this educational event would address the lack of electric choice awareness. This event will also help provide an accurate way for our consumers to obtain information on each provider.
Vendors will include: Constellation Electric, CQI, Direct Energy Services and Potomac Edison - 1st Energy.
You'll also hear from Frederick County on their Green Homes Challenge.
This event is FREE however seating is limited. Please regisiter at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2VGP8XY
The purpose of the City of Frederick’s FREE energy forum is to provide local residents with an opportunity to be educated on their electric choices. Many City residents and businesses are not aware that as a Maryland resident, they have a choice as to who provides their electricity. Gathering information on all of the electricity providers can be overwhelming and challenging for consumers; this educational event would address the lack of electric choice awareness. This event will also help provide an accurate way for our consumers to obtain information on each provider.
Vendors will include: Constellation Electric, CQI, Direct Energy Services and Potomac Edison - 1st Energy.
You'll also hear from Frederick County on their Green Homes Challenge.
This event is FREE however seating is limited. Please regisiter at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2VGP8XY
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Frederick Procurement Fair 2011
Frederick County Office of Economic Development and the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development host our Second Annual Frederick Procurement Fair today. There were 14 of our largest employers exhibiting which included (Fort Detrick, Frederick Memorial Hospital, SAIC-Frederick, MedImmune, Lonza and more). With close to 200 attendees from lawn services, staffing companies, IT professionals to office suppliers, etc. We heard a comment from an attendee saying, "in 45 minutes I was able to set up six meetings for next week" and a comment from an exhibitor stating, I made contacts today that I will be able to work with now and other contacts that I'll need in the future, it was a great event."If you are a Frederick County business and you would like to be added to the list of invitees for next year, please email Helen at HRiddle@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New Web Portal Helps Maryland's Small Businesses Choose Employee Health Care
VIRTUAL COMPARE simplifies shopping for health insurance plans
Baltimore, MD (May 3, 2011) - Today, the Maryland Health Care Commission launches a new web portal to help small business owners choose a group health plan for their employees. The web portal, known as VIRTUAL COMPARE, provides information about plans available to small employers in Maryland, allowing a side-by-side comparison of benefits, premiums, and out of pocket costs. The portal also includes guidance about choosing health insurance; information about federal tax credits and state subsidies for small, low wage companies; and assistance in finding an insurance broker to apply for coverage.
"VIRTUAL COMPARE is an important piece of our commitment to transparency, assuring that information about the quality and cost of health plans and providers is available to the public," said Marilyn Moon, Chair of the Health Care Commission.
VIRTUAL COMPARE includes both standard and high-deductible versions of HMO and PPO plans. For each plan category, the web portal provides information about the base plan, the two most frequently sold base plans with riders, and two additional benefit designs selected by the carrier.
The web portal arose from 2009 legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola. The legislation requires benefit and premium comparisons of health benefit plans issued in the small group market. Employers with up to 50 full time employees are eligible; self-employed individuals are not.
"Small businesses face real challenges choosing health insurance for their employees," said Senator Rob Garagiola. "I think they will appreciate a web portal that allows side by side comparisons of premiums, benefits, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for plans in the small group market."
The web portal will allow the user to compare up to four health plans at a time. Since different plan features are important to different employers, the site includes a variety of sort functions, such as the lowest premium, ideal deductible, or the preferred delivery system. The employer can also choose to view only those products offered by one of the five largest carriers participating in Maryland's small group market.
VIRTUAL COMPARE provides estimated premiums and does not accept applications for coverage. Employers who want additional information or want to apply can contact the carriers directly, or can use the services of a health insurance broker. Employers who do not have an existing relationship with a broker will find information about brokers in their area by clicking on the "Find a Broker" button on VIRTUAL COMPARE. To be listed on VIRTUAL COMPARE, brokers must register using the "Broker Registration" link on the portal. To date, more than 600 brokers have pre-registered on VIRTUAL COMPARE.
VIRTUAL COMPARE also provides a wealth of additional information to help employers as they consider their purchase of a group health plan. Consumer Guides to Health Insurance for Small Employers provide advice to guide employers. A link to the IRS website will help small, lower wage employers determine their eligibility for a federal tax credit that recently became available through federal health reform. The site also includes information on the Health Insurance Partnership, Maryland's premium subsidy program for smaller, lower wage businesses who have not been offering health care benefits, and health plan quality and performance reports that compare the quality of services offered by each carrier.
The Commission awarded a competitive contract to Benefitfocus to design and develop VIRTUAL COMPARE.
To access the VIRTUAL COMPARE web portal go to: http://mhcc.maryland.gov/virtualcompare
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Local Biotech Firm Receives International Grant of $40,000
Santiago, Chile- Frederick Innovative Technology Center-based biotech company, LavaAmp, has been selected as one of 110 companies worldwide to participate in the prestigious and world-recognized program, Start-Up Chile. After receiving 329 applications, LavaAmp was chosen to receive $40,000 USD, a 1-year work visa and access to local financial and social networks– the objective is to raise capital, hire talent, create networks, and to start their businesses from Chile while leveraging and interacting fully with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
LavaAmp is a handheld device for performing DNA analysis that is faster, can be run on AA battery power and is an order of magnitude less expensive than existing technologies. It is ideal for diagnosing infectious diseases in remote areas with little access to health care.
LavaAmp can be used for far more than field diagnostics, including areas like veterinary diagnostics, food safety, education and research. The aim is to offer not just a device for molecular diagnostics but to provide a full platform for researchers, doctors and hobbyists to develop their own tests for their specific needs.
Start-Up Chile is a program created by the Chilean Government, initiated by the Ministry of Economy and is executed by Corfo/InnovaChile, which seeks to attract early-stage entrepreneurs to bootstrap their businesses in Chile. In line with the national goal of converting Chile into the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of Latin America, the program plans to bring 1,000 projects to Chile by 2014.
For more information on LavaAmp, visit their website at www.lava-amp.com.
LavaAmp is a handheld device for performing DNA analysis that is faster, can be run on AA battery power and is an order of magnitude less expensive than existing technologies. It is ideal for diagnosing infectious diseases in remote areas with little access to health care.
LavaAmp can be used for far more than field diagnostics, including areas like veterinary diagnostics, food safety, education and research. The aim is to offer not just a device for molecular diagnostics but to provide a full platform for researchers, doctors and hobbyists to develop their own tests for their specific needs.
Start-Up Chile is a program created by the Chilean Government, initiated by the Ministry of Economy and is executed by Corfo/InnovaChile, which seeks to attract early-stage entrepreneurs to bootstrap their businesses in Chile. In line with the national goal of converting Chile into the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of Latin America, the program plans to bring 1,000 projects to Chile by 2014.
For more information on LavaAmp, visit their website at www.lava-amp.com.
Commissioners Monthly Business Visit to RR Donnelley
This morning, a group of Frederick County Commissioners, Business Development Advisory Council board members and economic development officials visited RR Donnelley in Thurmont, MD as part of Frederick County's monthly business retention program.
RR Donnelley's Thurmont facility, established in Frederick County in 1950, employs 380 people and is one of the largest international printing companies in the world. Attendees received a tour of the facility and heard about the top-notch printing operation that happens daily out of Thurmont.
To learn more about RR Donnelley, please visit www.rrdonnelley.com.