BOBCAT OF FREDERICK PLOWS THROUGH BUSINESS VISIT

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith and David Gray and Alderman Shelly Aloi joined the Department of Business Development and Retention for a visit to the Bobcat of Frederick Company. The company, located at 7649 Hayward Road in Frederick, opened in May of 2009 and has five employees. The visit was hosted by Alex Gardner who is the Sales Specialist for the facility. Bobcat is recognized as a world leader in engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of compact industrial, construction, and agri-business equipment. Bobcat has over 550 dealers in the United States. Bobcat of Frederick provides customers with a wide array of Bobcat, Bandit, JLG, Wacker and Honda machinery for sale or rental. They also sell new and used wheel loaders, truck loaders, landscape rakes, compactors, chippers, grinders, power equipment and more. Bobcat of Frederick had over 3 million in revenue in 2011 and project similar numbers for 2012. “Business is good here in Frederick and the projected outlook for the future looks promising as well” according to Mr. Gardner. For more information visit www.bobcatoffrederick.com.

Business Visit Getting a Taste of Milo’s Casual Dining

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and C. Paul Smith and the Business Development and Retention team and partners paid a visit to Milo’s Casual Dining of New Market, Maryland. The visit and tour were conducted by owner Jimmy Azat. Also in attendance was the Mayor of New Market, Winslow F. Burhans III, and Town Councilman, Dennis Kimble. Milo’s Casual Dining is a family owned business serving pizza, sandwiches, Italian cold cuts, soups and other gourmet foods. The facility, which is located at 83 West Main Street in New Market opened in September, 2011 is 5,000 square feet and employs 25 people. Jimmy Azat has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years owning a multitude of different Italian restaurants. In 2007, he retired and closed his very successful restaurant Paisanos. After a few years passed, Mr. Azat decided it was time to open another restaurant. He came up with the idea of a self service version of Paisanos; which he calls Milo’s. Milo’s tavern is a separate bar next to Milo’s Casual Dining. The tavern has seven beers on tap and full high end liquor selection. All the great food from Milo’s Casual Dining is available at the pub as well as a great bar menu that can be enjoyed while watching several mounted high definition TV’s or listening to an old fashioned juke box in the corner. Milo’s Casual Dining is open for dinner seven days a week and for lunch Thursday to Sunday. For more information about Milo’s Casual Dining, or Milo’s Tavern call 301-865-2222.

Business Visit Takes a Ride on Harley Davidson

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and Billy Shreve and the Business Development and Retention Division team and partners paid a visit to Harley-Davidson of Frederick, Inc. The visit and tour were hosted by owner Michael J. Vantucci and Marketing Specialist Heather Bailey. Harley-Davidson of Frederick, Inc. has been located in Frederick since 1977 and moved in 1994 to its current location. The 54,600 square foot facility currently employs 77 people and sells Harley Davidson and Buell bikes. A full scale service department is located on the premises along with a retail merchandise store. Harley-Davidson of Frederick, Inc. not only sells new and used bikes, but also offers a storage facility as well as driving lessons and safety classes. The rental business is also a large part of the business. Through the years, Harley-Davidson of Frederick has earned prestigious Gold Bar and Shield Awards from the parent motor company for their excellence in service and salesmanship, seven years of which were consecutive. For more information about Harley-Davidson of Frederick, Inc., visit www.hdoffrederick.com.

Frederick County Home to World Class Facility

The American Spine Center hosted a recent business visit led by Frederick County Commissioners C. Paul Smith, David Gray, Alderman Kelly Russell, the Business Development and Retention Division team and partners. The visit and tour were hosted by Dr. Sandeep Sherlekar, Dr. Atif Malik, Dr. Said Osman, Dr. Malini Narayanan, and Marketing Specialist Karrie Amann. American Spine Center has been located in Frederick since 1996 and is recognized as a worldwide leader in advanced pain management. The office has a staff of multi-disciplinary spine specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists and pain management specialists. American Spine Center is dedicated to treating painful spinal conditions using state- of- the art techniques. American Spine Center physicians are leaders in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery offering effective alternatives to open neck or back surgery. These procedures are performed through an advanced surgical approach or by using specialized surgical instruments known as Spine Pulse TM. Spine Pulse TM surgeries are mostly done to correct spinal stenosis or herniated discs and can eliminate pain and disability in a one hour procedure using light sedation. Each day, patients come into the American Spine Center for spinal surgery and walk out that same day with their conditions effectively treated. For more information visit www.americanspinemd.com

Business Visit Take Place at Kensington Glass Arts, Inc.

Frederick County Commissioner C. Paul Smith and the Business Development and Retention Division paid a visit to Kensington Glass Arts, Inc. (KGa) of Ijamsville. The visit and tour of the 22,000 square foot facility was hosted by Mr. James Rathbone, Vice President of the company. KGa began in 1976 as Victorian Glassworks and in 1987 ownership changed and the company was rebranded as Kensington Glass Arts, Inc. The company was relocated to Frederick County from Montgomery County in 2002. KGa started out as a manufacturing facility for fabricated materials where glass is processed from raw stock sheet glass to finished architectural products. Cutting, polishing, shaping and tempering were also performed. KGa is the premier installer of glass in office interiors in the DC Metropolitan area. The facility fabricates most of the glass that is installed by KGa as well as sell products to outside customers. KGa is one of the largest fabrication facilities in the DC Metro area, and has the largest tempering oven in the state of Maryland. KGa employs 50 people of whom many are dedicated and loyal employees who have been with the company for many years and have extensive glass trade experience. For more information about KGa visit www.kensingtonglass.com

County and City Officials Recognize Premier Cancer Care Center

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and David Gray along with Frederick City Alderman Shelly Aloi and the Business Development and Retention Division paid a visit to the Cancer Care Center of Frederick. The visit was hosted by Muna Bahsali, RN, Practice Administrator for the facility. The Cancer Care Center is a state of the art facility that offers the epitome of care, concern, and compassion for the health and well-being of their cancer patients. The services that are offered include: diagnostics testing and treatment monitoring, infusion suite for gastroenterology, neurology, rheumatology, dermatology and osteoporosis related therapies. Some of the treatments that are available are cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical trials. The premier cancer and blood treatment center has 50 employees and is located at 46B Thomas Johnson Drive. For more information about the Cancer Care Center of Frederick visit www.fredonc.com.

Business Visit Take On a Fresh Remodeling

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith and The Business Development and Retention Division were guests of A & S Sales, Inc. of Frederick. The family owned company is located at 9834 Liberty Road and has been in operation since 1971. The visit was hosted by Richard Aiello and Jennifer Menconi, co-owners of the company. A & S Sales, Inc is truly a “One Stop Shop” specializing in services ranging from remodeling to new construction. Their projects include complete kitchen and bath remodeling, custom fabrication and installation of natural Stone and Quartz Surfaces. A & S Sales, Inc. also provide Ceramic Tile Design and Installation, Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry Design and Installation, and a full line of sinks, fixtures and appliances. A & S Sales, Inc. has built a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise and quality craftsmanship on large-scale commercial projects. The 14,500 square foot facility employs 14 people, many of whom have been employed with the company over 20 years. A & S Sales Inc. has a second location in Alexandria, Virginia and is approaching its twelfth year. For more information about A & S Sales, Inc. visit their website at www.asgranite.com.

Business Visit Take Place at J. Allen Smith Design/Build

Long before J. Allen Smith Design/Build existed, Jesse Smith gained a wealth of experience as a finish carpenter completing complex trim work. He focused on high-end remodeling projects for various architects in the area. Today he is the proud owner of J. Allen Smith Design/Build a residential design build remodeling firm working with architects and designers as well as homeowners directly. Mr. Smith was host to BOCC President, Blaine Young and Sherman Coleman of the Business Development and Retention Division for a recent visit. They toured the 1,100 facility located at 2510 Urbana Pike, suite 107. The company has been in business since 2005 and at this site for a year. The company employs seven full-time employees; and has three company vehicles. J. Allen Smith Build/Design perform a wide variety of home improvements including master suites, whole house models and additions along with outdoor projects such as outdoor kitchens, pergolas and pool houses. The company is also a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. For more information about J. Allen Smith Design/Build, visit www.jasdesign-build.com

Flamingo Pool Supply Business Visit

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and C. Paul Smith and the Business Development and Retention Division were guests of Flamingo Pool Supply of Frederick. The visit was hosted by Jay Carswell, owner, who has over 21 years of experience in the pool industry. Flamingo Pool Supply is a full service swimming pool supply store staffed with 4 full time experienced pool pros. The 3,200 square foot facility is located at 5715 Industry Lane, Unit #1 in Frederick. They offer free computerized pool and spa water testing and a full line of the finest pool chemicals available as well as replacement equipment. The company also offers all brands of replacement parts for your pool equipment. Flamingo Pool Supply has three company service vehicles and a customer base of over 2,000. For more information about Flamingo Pool Supply, visit their website at www.flamingopoolsupply.com

Business Visit Take Place at Fort Detrick

The Frederick County Business and Retention Division along with Richard Griffin, Executive Director for The City Department of Economic Development were guests of Tim Selby, Manager for ibExpress. IbExpress is a division of Industries for The Blind Inc. headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The mission of Industries for The Blind Inc. is to provide meaningful employment for the blind and visually impaired.. Over 50% of Industries for The Blind Inc. workforce is blind or visually impaired. Over 80% of their labor force is blind or visually impaired. A manufacturer and distributor of multiple product categories, Industries for the Blind Inc. was the first non-profit ISO 9001 quality certified manufacturer in the world. The IbExpress store is located on Ft. Detrick and has been in operation for three years. IbExpress is known for high quality products and services, competitive prices and support of corporate diversity supplier goals. The 4,800 square foot facility employs three fulltime and three part-time personnel. IbExpress is primarily an office supply store that has over 1,500 items. Business is done mostly by email or fax, but according to Tim Selby “walk in traffic has picked up.” There are eleven ibExpress centers across the Country. All skill craft products sold in the centers are either manufactured or assembled by a blind or disabled person. For more information about ibExpress, visit their website at www.ibexp.com.

TOPLINE COUNTERTOPS INC, HOST BUSINESS VISIT

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith, City Officials and The Business Development and Retention Division were guests of a business visit hosted by Topline Countertops, Inc. located at 801 N. East Street in Frederick. Topline Countertops Inc. is a family owned and operated business that started operation in May of 1991. Mr. Bruce Lindsay who hosted the visit is the President of the company with over 28 years of experience in the industry and takes a hands -on approach with every aspect of the business. Originally Topline Countertops Inc. only provided laminate and solid surface countertops but has since expanded its services to include quartz and granite. The 12,000 square foot facility has 10 fulltime employees and provides services to many area contractors and builders. Topline Countertops Inc. has the largest selection of surfacing materials in Frederick and caters to homeowners, builders, and remodelers. For more information about Topline Countertops Inc. and how they can give your kitchen definition with a beautiful counter, visit their website at www.toplinecountertops.com.

Wolters Kluwer Law & Business Book Visit

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, C. Paul Smith, and David Gray along with Helen Riddle and Sherman Coleman of The Business Development and Retention Division met with Mr. Miles White, Senior Distribution Manager for a business visit hosted by Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is one of the world’s largest publishers of legal text. The company has been located in Frederick, Maryland since 1986. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, a unit of Wolters Kluwer, is a leading provider of research information and workflow solutions in key specialty areas. The strength of the company’s four individual brands- Aspen Publishers, CCH, Kluwer Law International, and Loislaw enable customers to obtain comprehensive, in-depth solutions as well as expert authored content for legal, professional, and education markets. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business enables tax, finance, and healthcare professionals to be more effective and efficient by providing information software and services that deliver vital insights, intelligent tools, and guidance of subject matter experts. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is based out of Amsterdam. The local Frederick facility employs 125 staff, most of who reside in the Frederick area. The warehouse for this facility is 80,000 square feet. Over 4,000 titles are housed at the Frederick facility and close to 2 million publications are shipped yearly. For more information about Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, visit their website at www.wolterskluwer.com

Frederick County Recognizes #1 RV Dealer in Maryland

Frederick County Commissioners and The Business Development and Retention Division met with Kelly Shanholter, President of Beckley’s Camping Center. Established in 1980 by Mr. Robert Beckley, the Camping Center was originally located on rt. 85 in Frederick. In the spring of 1985 the dealership moved to its present location on rt. 15, 12 miles north of Frederick, Maryland in Thurmont. In their 32 years of serving the RV community as a RV Dealer, they have sold approximately 24,000 RV units. The dealership carries brands that have longevity in the RV industry such as Winnebago, Keystone, KZ, Newmar and Evergreen. The showroom is 6,000 square feet and they have over 270 units in stock. The service department is an 11,375 square foot facility with a 12 bay service shop. They also have a 5,400 square foot parts department. Beckley’s Camping Center employs 72 people of which 59 are Frederick County residents. The company generated over 38 million dollars in revenue in 2011 and Beckley’s has been ranked the number one RV dealer in the State of Maryland for the past 12 years. According to President Kelly Shanholter,“We sell lifestyles to families”. They also have recently broken ground on 3.5 acres of property that will adjoin the service department to help minimize the congestion of the 250 plus RV’s they have for sale. For more information about Beckley’s camping Center, visit their website at www.beckleysrvs.com

Summer Begins With Trans-Tech Business Visit

Frederick County Commissioners and The Business Development and Retention Division began the summer season with a business visit to Trans-Tech, a subsidiary of Skyworks Solutions. The business visit was hosted by Mr. Gary Moore, Controller for the company, Daniel Tipsord, Sabrina Winpigler, and Ron Hiltner. The company was founded in 1955 and has been located in Frederick County for 46 years. Trans-tech has three shifts and operates on a 24/7 schedule with over 200 employees. Trans-Tech has two locations in Frederick County. Their Corporate headquarters is a 140,000 square foot facility located at 5520 Adamstown Road. Their 16,000 square foot manufacturing facility is located at 4510 Metropolitan Court. Trans-tech is an industry leader in ceramic products. Trans-Tech designs and manufactures a complete line of RF and microwave components for commercial markets including wireless communications infrastructure, military, cable television, broadband access, circuit miniaturization, technical powder and ingots. Trans-Tech’s in house manufacturing capability allows the company to deliver materials that range from custom particle size distributions for thermal barrier coatings and fuel cells to machined precision components. In addition their product portfolio includes dielectric resonators and coaxial transmission line elements for DRO and VCO applications, ceramic bandpass filters, ferrite and garnet materials for circulators/isolators. Visit their website at www.trans-techinc.com

Specialized Engineering Opens Doors for Business Visit

Frederick County Commissioners and The Business Development and Retention division met with Mr. Charles R. Mitchell, Vice-President of Specialized Engineering for a business visit. Specialized Engineering is an employee-owned firm which was founded in 1992 in Ijamsville, Maryland. The company has since grown and is recognized as one of the premier engineering firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. Specialized Engineering moved to its present Frederick location 2 1/2 years ago at 4845 International Blvd. Suite 104, occupying 8,000 square feet and employ 93 people. They operate on two shifts and according to Mr. Mitchell their location is very strategic to the Washington Metropolitan area. Specialized Engineering services include Construction Materials Testing and Inspection, Laboratory Testing and Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Consulting. Some of the projects that Specialized Engineering has been involved with include, The City of Frederick Parking Garage, The Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education Building, Georgetown Waterfront Park, District of Columbia Employment Services and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. For more information about Specialized Engineering, visit their website at www.specializedengineering.com

Frederick County Recognizes Plamondon Companies

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and C. Paul Smith along with representatives from the Frederick County Business Development Advisory Council gave recognition to Plamondon Companies for their contribution to Frederick County. Representatives from the company were Co-Presidents Peter Plamondon Jr., and brother James N. Plamondon. Plamondon Companies is a Frederick, MD based company that operates four Marriott Corporation branded hotels in Frederick, MD and Hagerstown, MD and is the franchise company for Roy Rogers Restaurants. In 1980, the company opened its first Roy Rogers franchise, at the time owned by Marriott, in Frederick. The Plamondons entered the hotel business during the mid-1990's. The company is the largest hotelier in Frederick County, owning and operating three of the area’s most successful hotels: Fairfield Inn & Suites (the first built in the state), Residence Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott. The Plamondon Companies is also the franchisor of the Roy Rogers brand and operates 18 restaurants throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Plamondon Companies employs 800 people, 300 of which are employed in Frederick County. Ground was broken on the first green LEED design hotel in the Frederick region on March 9, 2012 by the Plamondon Companies who will operate the 120 room property. The new Towne Suites hotel will be located near the Westview Promenade. For more information about Plamondon companies please visit their website at www.plamondonhospitalitypartners.com

Commissioners Propose Business-Friendly Water & Sewer Capacity Fee Payment Changes

FREDERICK, MD – As part of a concerted strategy to improve the business-friendly climate in the county, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners today voiced unanimous support for extended payment plans for water and sewer capacity fees, sometimes referred to as connection fees, paid by small businesses. County regulations currently require the fees to be paid in full before building permits are released, but proposed policy revisions will allow a payment plan for businesses so they don’t have to pay all fees upfront as they expand or start-up their operations.

The board will take the proposal to a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on August 7, at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, Md.

Board President Blaine Young commented, “Since the day we took office, this board has proactively responded to concerns raised by the business community about overly burdensome regulations, including the policies regarding water and sewer fees. The proposed revisions will allow much more flexibility to business owners and allow them to come up with a financial long-term plan to pay the fees. This change is yet one more way that this board is working to be business-friendly during challenging economic times.”

The county’s current water and sewer rules only allow capacity fee payment plans for existing structures that have well or septic system failures. The board’s proposal would expand the fee payment option to small businesses to aid with their construction and expansion plans. For example, if a business expansion required the payment of $36,392 in water and sewer capacity fees, $25,000 is eligible for the extended payment plan. If a desired repayment of the eligible amount would be over 10 years, the quarterly payment would be approximately $775 to repay the $25,000 capacity fees that would have otherwise been paid prior to the release of a building permit.

The board will take to public hearing changes to the water and sewer rules and regulations administered by the Division of Utilities and Solid Waste Management.

For more information, contact division Director Kevin Demosky at 301-600-2997 or via e-mail at kdemosky@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Weekly Business Visit to QIAGEN

Lindsey Howard, Vice President of Quality Assurance of QIAGEN Inc., hosted Frederick County’s Business Development and Retention Division (BDRD) weekly business visit attended by Commissioner Paul Smith, County Manager David Dunn and Acting Director Helen Riddle of BDRD.

QIAGEN, Inc., a Netherlands holding company, is the leading global provider of sample and assay technologies that are used to transfer biological materials into molecular information. Sample technologies are used to isolate and process DNA, RNA, and proteins from biological samples such as blood or tissue. QIAGEN has developed and marketed more than 500 samples and assay products as well as automated solutions for such consumables. The company provides these products to molecular diagnostics laboratories, academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and applied testing customers for purposes such as forensics, animal or food testing and pharmaceutical process control. QIAGEN’s technologies include one of the broadest panels of molecular diagnostic tests available worldwide. The panel includes the digene HPV Test, which is regarded as the “gold standard” in testing for the primary cause of cervical cancer, as well as a broad suite of solutions for infectious disease testing and comparison diagnostics.

QIAGEN employs approximately 3,900 people in over 35 locations worldwide. According to Mr. Howard, “QIAGEN’s mission is to make the world a better place to live, not only through scientific discovery and application but through sustainable stewardship. Located at 6951 Executive Way in Frederick, QIAGEN employs 100 people. The company has been in Frederick since 2008, and has been experiencing rapid growth.

For more information about QIAGEN please visit their website at www.qiagen.com.

Emmitsburg Business Day

Blaine Young, President of the Board of County Commissioners and Frederick County Manager Dave Dunn met with two businesses in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The first visit took place at the Emmitsburg Glass Company located at 100 Creamery Court. Mr. Greg Reaver, Vice President and Mr. Allen Knott, Chief Financial Officer hosted the visit and provided valuable information regarding the company. Founded in 1988, Emmitsburg Glass Company, Inc. is a full service glass and glazing contractor serving the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Emmitsburg Glass Company employs 100 people at their 53,000 square foot headquarters and serve customers located primarily in Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. The Company’s services include engineering, fabrication, installation of architectural aluminum and glass systems, aluminum composite and steel panel systems, bullet and blast resistant glazing systems, and fixed and operable window systems for the exterior facades of commercial and multi-residential buildings. Emmitsburg Glass Company was ranked as the 20th top glazers in the country and the fourth largest in sales in Maryland. For more information about Emmitsburg Glass Company, visit their website at www.emmitsburgglass.com The second visit was to the Carriage House Inn located at 200 South Seaton Avenue. Mr. Bob Hance, owner, was the host for this visit. Mr. Hance opened the restaurant in 1980, after moving from Rockville, Maryland. The Carriage House Inn offers quality cuisine and gracious service in an elegant colonial atmosphere. The building was built in 1857 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The lunch menu features homemade soups, including their signature cream of crab soup and the dinner menu features tender, mouth-watering steaks and a selection of fresh seafood, veal, pork, and chicken entrees. The Carriage House Inn offers both on and off premises catering and is the perfect setting for weddings, banquets, rehearsal dinners and more. The Tack Room is one of the two private rooms that can accommodate up to 50 guests. The other private room is the Joann’s Ballroom which can accommodate up to 150 people. For catered events and menu options visit their website at www, carriagehouseinn.info

Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate

FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.

The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.

Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”

Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.

“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”

At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.

The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.

The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”

For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Middletown receives Main Street accolades

Just because a municipality receives Main Street accreditation doesn’t mean it always enjoys certification status. The designation must be earned annually.

Main Street Middletown recently received the honors for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street methodology for strengthening the local economy and protecting historic buildings. "Middletown fits the bill", said Burgess John D. Miller, who congratulated Main Street Middletown manager Becky Reich for her work during a recent town meeting. “In addition, Becky has been named a certified tourism ambassador, which also brings some attention to Middletown and allows her to provide services to groups coming to Middletown,” Miller said. “All of these things are good for Middletown as we work to become a day destination.”
 — Ike Wilson The Frederick News Post Monday, May 21, 2012

2012 Frederick County Progress Report is Now Available

Click here to check out the Frederick County Progress Report, published by The Daily Record. Thank you to our partners who made this publication a success! http://www.pageturnpro.com/The-Daily-Record/39640-2012-Frederick-County-Progress-Report/index.html#1

Mount St. Mary's University Roll Out Red Carpet For Business Visit

MSM President Mr. Thomas H. Powell and Vice President for University Affairs Ms. Pauline A. Engelstatter rolled out the red carpet for a business visit for local County Officials. This visit was part of an ongoing program instituted by the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners to maintain open dialouge between the business community and County leadership. The President along with his Board members and Cabinet spoke of their 204th year history and how MSM is the largest seminary in the U.S. MSM is also the second oldest Catholic University in the U.S. President Powell expressed how happy he was to have a good relationship with the County. There have been many additions and improvements to the University that have been done by local businesses, many of whom are minority businesses. This is part of an ongoing effort to help support the local economy. The outlook for MSM looks bright with enrollment increasing every year. Often referred to as the "Cradle of Bishops" the Mount is home to the National Shrine Grottto of Lourdes. This tourist attraction brings over 100,000 visitors a year. MSM remains strongly commited to it's core values of: Faith, Discovery, Leadership and Community. For more information on Mount St. Mary's University, visit them at www.msu.edu

Brunswick Business Day

Officials from Frederick County Government and the City of Brunswick met with three businesses in Brunswick on Business Visit Day. This day was chosen to recognize and show appreciation for Brunswick's vibrant business community. The first visit took place at the Brunswick Woodworking Company, owned and operated by Mr. Steve Harris. The company has been in operation for twenty years and has 15 employees. The 12,000 square foot facility provide top contractors with high quality architectural millwork and cabinetry. Their work has included projects such as the owners suite at FedEx Field, the Washington Hilton and the Sports Complex at Hood College. For further information you may visit their website www.BrunswickWoodworking.com The second stop was the Whistle Stop Java Shop which opened on Labor Day 2011. The 850 square foot facility is owned and operated by Rob Dibiano and Debbie Vias. The good location and friendly atmosphere led them to locate in Brunswick. They have made plans to purchase an expresso machine in the near future to add more items to their menu. The eatery provides catering, breakfast or lunch platters as well as box lunches for groups ranging from 4 to 400. Please visit their website for further information about their menu www.WhistleStopJavaShop.com The final stop was the Three Points Cycle shop which opened three weeks ago. The owner Keith Marks stated the 500 square foot facility is a full service cycle shop offering services from sales to repairs. He currently has 35 bikes in all different styles and models. His main priority is to cater to the local residents and have his business spread by word of mouth. Mr. Marks hopes that the spring and summer months will provide a significant boost to his business. Please call 301-834-7199 for seasonal hours. Check back next week as we preview Emmitsburg Business Day.

Cool Temperatures Can't Stop Weekly Business Visit

Despite cool temperatures representatives from Frederick County Government and members from the Business Development Advisory Council were hosted by Catoctin Breeze Vineyard for a busines visit. Sherman Coleman and Colby Ferguson, both from the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County Government were also guests of Mr. Voytek Fizyta. The 24 acre vineyard has been in business for two years and was a dream of Mr. Fizyta when he arived in this country from Poland 31 years ago. Fizyta's grapes will be ready for harvesting later this year, but the Polish immigrant and electrical engineer has already made a variety of honey wines, traditionally known as Mead. The vineyard represents the ninth and newest Frederick County winery, and offers two table wines and three dessert wines. When Fizyta and his wife Alicja, looked to relocate from Potomac five years ago they immediately fell in love with the hilly terrain in Thurmont which provided the perfect spot for growing grapes because of the soil. Perched along hilly terrain, grapes get ample sunlight at Catoctin Breeze Winery. The constant breeze evaporates moisture which is a major problem for East Coast grape growers. The Fizytas outfitted their 1,200-square-foot basement to accommodate making wines. They expect their first significant harvest from the 2011 planting later this year. they are also planning to build a production facility on the premises in the near future. The business is licensed to sell wine directly to consumers and restaurants, using the company's website, www.catoctinbreeze.com

County Officials Visit Reliant Drywall

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and Paul Smith along with Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman met with executives from Reliant Drywall. President William D. Cipolla and Vice President Rick Bedard conducted a tour of the 9,000 ft. facility. The company opened its doors in Frederick back in 2002 and employs 120 people, most residing in Frederick County.
With more than 45 years of combined experience in the industry, the owners of Reliant Drywall understand commercial contracting from start to finish. The decision to be based in Frederick County was affordable pricing and the central location was ideal to conduct business in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.
Reliant Drywall was recognized as being a major contributor to the renovation of the White House West Wing and Press Room.

For more information on Reliant Drywall, please visit their website at: info@reliantdrywall.com

Frederick Favorite Doc Geiser's Hosts Business Visit

A Frederick favorite, Doc Geiser's Carryout And Catering, hosted a business visit for County and City officials. The owner Jay "Doc" Geiser who has owned the eatery since 2006 attributed the restaurant's success to mindful spending, creating new ideas and good food.
The 2,000 square foot facility which was formerly Watson's employs 13 full time employees and is still considered a favorite of Old Frederick. Jay admits that their fried chicken is still the top selling item on the menu. His main competitors are Giant and Giant Eagle. "We are competitively priced and we provide corporate deliveries as well as cater to other events in the Frederick area" says Jay who also is main chef for the Frederick Keys this season.
Doc Geiser's just recently celebrated the sale of their 50,000Th White Star style hamburger this past February 27Th, and hopes to add soft ice cream to their summer menu.

County Commissioners visit state of the art facility

On April 2, 2012 County Commissioners Blaine Young and Paul Smith along with Alderman Shelly Aloi and other representatives from the county and city were able to tour SriSai Biopharmaceutical Solutions, LLC in Frederick. The company specializes in providing Clinical and Commercial Supply Management services for the pharmaceutical and bio tech industries.
The company was founded in 2003 by Sri R. Konduru, PHD who stated that the open lines of communication with other local companies was a major factor in his decision to start his company in Frederick. The state of the art facility is 14,000 square feet and has 14 full time and part time employees. The company's major focus is vaccine and drug testing in the 1,2,3, and 4 clinical phases.
SBS provides a variety of pharmaceutical and bio tech services in support of preclinical research and clinical trails primarily through contractor or subcontracts responsible for clinical trail management including the U. S. Army, U.S. Navy, Center for Disease Control and NCI.
For more information visit the company's website at www.srsaibiopharma.com

Money Saving Incentives for Businesses - Energy Forum – April 18th, 2012

The Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division and the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources would like to invite Frederick businesses to participate in the 1st of a series of Money Saving Incentives for Business fast pace mini conferences. The 1st event will focus on Energy Savings. The event will be held on April 18th, 2012 at Mount Saint Mary’s Frederick Campus, located at 5350 Spectrum Drive Suite A, Frederick MD, 21703 from 8:30am – 10:30am. This event will provide valuable information to Frederick businesses about the benefits of using sustainable energy, as well as the upside of “green” installation projects.

This event will allow Frederick business owners to meet with local leaders of the energy industry, by rotating through several stations to learn about sustainable energy options. Topics include:

• Saving money on your electricity bills by joining an electricity coop: Joe Tabeling, CQI Associates
• Low-cost and no-cost ways to finance solar power installations: R. Brent Eskay, SolarCity
• New electricity rebates from Potomac Edison: Lucas I. Cade, FirstEnergy
• Finding a verified contractor for green projects: Michelle Liefke, Leafkey.com and Lisa Orr, Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources.

The Forum is free to attend. Frederick businesses that would like to participate need to register by Friday, April 13th. You can register by clicking on this link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7huirfdab&oeidk=a07e5qh09q053302348

FMH Open Doors For Business Visit

Tom Kleinhanzl, President and CEO of Frederick Memorial Hospital and Ken Coffey, Vice President and (Cheif Development Officer (CDO) were hosts for the weekly business visit held at FMH.
Mr. Kleinhanzl shared their recent improvements, which included the completion of the new "Wing C", and future plans for the hospital.
The hospital's core mission is acute care and there has been a 9% increase in patient enrollment over the past three years. There are approximately 1,700 re admissions a year. Mr. Kleinhanzl touched on how 40 millions dollars were spent on things such as new beds, the new parking garage, major physical renovations within the hospital and other routine expenditures.
The hospital is rated a level six out of seven on the IT scale involving electronic medical records, which ranks the hospital in the upper tier of new technology for hospitals.
According to Mr. Kleinhanzl community involvement is the key and giving back to the community is one of the ways the hospital accomplishes this goal. The hospital provides free blood work and radiology to the Mission of Mercy. Benefits given to the local community are in excess of 21 million dollars.
The hospital currently operates independently and does not see a need to merge with any other hospital in the future. Both Mr. Kleinhanzl and Mr. Coffey feel the future outlook for the hospital is bright.

Frederick County Bank Host Weekly Business Visit

Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young, David Gray and Kirby Delauter along with Frederick City Aldermen Kelly Russell, Karen Young and other County and City officials met with executives from Frederick County Bank for a business visit. The meeting was to discuss the open lines of communication between the bank and the County and City.
Frederick County Bank has five branches in the Frederick area and just celebrated ten years of doing business in Frederick this past October. Mr. William R. Talley Jr., Executive Vice President attributed the bank's success to "making and building relationships and treating people the right way". Mr. Clark Briggs, Assistant Vice President also added he feels that Frederick County Bank is an example of a "true corporate citizen" by consistently giving back to the community. One of the ways the bank give back to the community is through the volunteer efforts of its employees. There are 72 full time employees working for the bank and together they compiled over 400 community volunteer hours.

County officials visit historic Bjorlee Museum

Frederick County Comissioner Paul Smith and County Manager Dave Dunn met with Maryland School For The Deaf Superintendent James Tucker at the historic Bjorlee Museum at the Frederick campus. This visit is part of the new weekly business visits initiative that the BOCC started last month. Also present at the meeting was Acting Director Helen Riddle of the Frederick County Business and Retention Division and Heather Gramm Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick.
The school was established in 1868 and the museum was opened in 2008. The school is comprised of two campuses. One is located in Columbia while and the other in Frederick, with total enrollment of 492 students. The Columbia campus opened it's doors in 1972. The school uses a public school curriculum and offers a high school diploma.
Approximately 2/3 of the students live outside of Frederick County. Student enrollment is typically 450-500 students and Superintendent Tucker feels that is a goood number so there are no immediate plans for expansion.
The school consists of 65 acres and has 275 employees. It is also the 16th largest employer in Frederick County.
Superintendent Tucker was awarded the Lifetime Educator Award in March of 2011 at the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce 8th Annual Live Here-Work here awards ceremony at the Weinberg center.

County and City Officials visit Interfaith Housing Alliance

Frederick County Commissioners President Blaine Young, Paul Smith along with Alderman Karen Young were accompanied by Helen Riddle of the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County and Heather Gramm of The Frederick City Department of Economic Development, on a business visit to the Interfaith Housing Alliance. The contingent was hosted by President Patricia Motter and VP of Business Development Travis Hardmon. This meeting was set up as part of the BOCC's weekly business visits conducted by Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman.
IHA has been headquartered in Frederick for the past 21 years. They are responsible for 1100 housing units. Their focus is on rehab and smaller development. They directly address workforce housing for teachers, firefighters, policemen, first responders and seniors.
The Alliance has been at it's current location for 12 years and operate with a staff of 12 full-time employees and two part-time and most recently two interns from Hood College.
Finacial assistance is acquired through corporate funding, government support and donations.
For more information about the IHA visit their website www.interfaithhousing .org

Weekly Business Visits Off To a Soaring Start

The BOCC’s new initiative for conducting business appreciation visits weekly kicked off in February with two exciting business visits. These visits are to continue throughout the year and are organized by Sherman Coleman, Business Development Specialist for the Business Development and Retention Division of Frederick County.

The first visit was conducted at the Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch in Frederick County. President of the Board of County Commissioners Blaine Young along with Commissioner C. Paul Smith,, joined Business Development Advisory Vice-Chairman Drex Ryberg and Acting Director Helen Riddle and Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman for a tour of the facility and adjoining property. They met with Executive Director Mark Grover who has held that position for the last five years. Mr. Grover explained how the ranch that was purchased back in 1974 and sits on 204 acres of land. The site is licensed to house 18 young men, but currently has 11. The youth ranch is geared toward helping troubled youth become productive members of society. The focus is on preparation for the residents to be able to become more educated and distance themselves from a checkered past.

There has been tremendous success and with an average GPA of current residents at 3.24 Mr. Grover takes great pride in what his facility has been able to contribute to the Frederick community and the help that the Frederick Community has provided to the facility.

The second visit was held at the Frederick Athletic Club and the participants were BOCC President Blaine Young, County Manager Dave Dunn, BDAC Vice-Chairman Drex Ryberg and Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman.

The visit and tour was hosted by Herman King. Mr King was just recently named Camp Director of the facility. The facility was built in 1999 and was opened in 2000. It is owned and operated by Mr. Jeff Neuman. The facility is 24,000 square feet which includes a full size basketball court. The facility has nine employees which includes a personal trainer. A child care center is on the premises and is managed by four individuals. Membership is just above 2,500 and the facility will host its annual Stu Vetter basketball camp which runs April 22nd through July 29th.

For more information about the Frederick Athletic Club or the Stu Vetter Basketball Camp, contact Jeff Neuman or Herman King at 301-668-1919.

The $0 Excise Tax Explained

In November 2011, the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners made it a bit easier to build in Frederick County. But what does this mean exactly?

According to Sharon Goetz, Manager of Permitting Services for Frederick County Department of Permits and Inspections, homebuilders can now save about $500-$1000 per single family dwelling permit, and commercial developers can now save thousands of dollars related to building permits for commercial new construction due to the reduction of the Excise Tax to a $0 amount.

Background: The Excise Tax, prior to being reduced to a $0 amount, was charged on (1) all new dwelling units based on the square footage of the dwelling and (2) all new nonresidential floor area (new buildings, new additions, accessory structures, but not permits for existing floor area, like tenant fit outs). The rate for Nonresidential Excise Tax was $0.75 per square foot of floor area (per floor), so you can see how that added up quickly. Sometimes the Excise Tax for a new Nonresidential permit was tens of thousands of dollars! There were only a few exemption categories:
A. Farm construction
B. Government construction
C. Residential addition construction
D. Residential accessory structures

To read the complete ordinance change, please contact the Business Development and Retention Division at 301-600-1058.

County Representatives Visit Frederick Athletic Club

BOCC President Blaine Young, County Manager Dave Dunn, Business Development Advisory Council Vice-Chairman Drex Ryberg along with Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman, conducted a business vist at the Frederick Athletic Club today here in Frederick County. The visit and tour was hosted by Herman King. Mr King was just recently named as the Camp Director of the facility. The facility was built in 1999 and opened in 2000. It is owned and managed by Mr. Jeff Neuman.

The facility is 24,000 square feet which includes a full size basketball court. The facility has nine employees which include a personal trainer. A child care center is on the premises and managed by four individuals. Membership is just above 2,500 and the faclity will host it's annual Stu Vetter basketball camp which runs April 22nd through July 29th.

For more information about the Frederick Athletic Club of the Stu Vetter Basketball Camp, contact Jeff Neuman or Herman King at 301-668-1919.

County Representatives Vist Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch

President of the Board of County Commissioners Blaine Young along with Commissioner C. Paul Smith joined Business Development Advisory Council member Drex Rybyrd, Director of the Business Development and Retention Division Helen Riddle and Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman in visiting the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch in Frederick. They met with Executive Director Mark Grover who has held that position for the last five years. Mr. Grover explained how the ranch that was purchased back in 1974 and sits on 204 acres of land. The site is licensed to house 18 young men, but currently has 11. The youth ranched is geared toward helping troubled youth become productive members of society. The focus is on preparation for the residents to be able to become more educated and distance themselves from a checkered past.
There has been tremendous success and with an average GPA of current residents at 3.24. Mr Grover takes great pride in what his facility has been able to contribute to the Frederick community and the help that the Frederick comunity has provided to the facility.

EXPORT THIS! Event Held in Frederick County, MD

Frederick County, MD – February 16, 2012 - With a continued emphasis on business retention and outreach, the Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division (BDRD) partnered with Maryland/Washington, D.C. District Export Council to educate Frederick County companies on exporting.

EXPORT THIS, a program designed to show companies how they can increase their revenue and create jobs, was held in February with over 35 people in attendance. Executives from Maryland businesses and trade experts shared their knowledge on tapping into the global market and navigating the risks and the regulations and reaping the rewards of exporting.

Topics included: developing markets, financing, dealing with export controls, export assistance resources, regulatory hurdles facing exporting companies, logistic, customs and tariff challenges. The session included perspectives and case studies from experienced manufacturers, trade experts, regulatory, logistics and finance.

The Maryland/Washington, D.C. District Export Council, Inc. is one of more than 50 District Export Councils (DECs) throughout the U.S. The mission of the DEC is to promote US Exports from the Maryland/Washington, D.C. region. More information about the DEC may be found at www.mddcdec.com.

A video of the event is located at http://frederick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=3165.

COUNTY STEPS UP OUTREACH TO BUSINESSES & EXPANDS RECOGNITION PROGRAM

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Board of County Commissioners announced today that the Business Development & Retention Division will now hold weekly meetings with businesses to improve interaction with local government and address concerns raised. The commissioners will also expand the county’s recognition program and publicly acknowledge accomplishments and job creation initiatives.

The Business Development & Retention Division, formerly known as the Economic Development Office, will start each week listening to the business community. Ambassador teams from the division, along with commissioners, members of the Business Development Advisory Council and county officials, will schedule Monday morning meetings with local businesses to offer assistance in navigating through county government regulatory and policy processes, receive feedback on what the county can do to better serve their needs and provide assistance in resolving issues that are hindering business operations.

Board President Blaine Young commented, “The increased frequency of these meetings which were formerly scheduled once a month is a step in the right direction for our newly reorganized division and it reflects a priority for the Board of County Commissioners. We are ‘open for business’ and here to help county businesses succeed and create more jobs. The meetings will focus on resolving problems and building relationships with both large and smaller businesses. We’re rolling out the red carpet, not more red tape.

“We also want to recognize business achievements. Each time they create a new job, we’ll acknowledge the impact they are making on the economy and quality of life in Frederick County. We have a great team in the Business Development & Retention Division and they are here to make a difference.”

In addition to expanding outreach efforts to local businesses, the county commissioners will more frequently recognize the owners, managers and employees of small, medium and large companies during public meetings which are broadcast live on FCG TV, cable channel 19, and webcast on the Internet at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video.

Companies will be invited to share their success stories, community involvement through volunteerism, donations to local charities, jobs that are created and unique efforts to improve their operations. This new focus goes hand-in-hand with an initiative designed to boost the local economy from Frederick County Workforce Services and the Frederick County Workforce Development Board.

The county has partnered with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, City of Frederick Economic Development Department and Business Development & Retention Division to launch Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time to encourage businesses to be part of the unemployment solution by filling at least one new job in 2012.
To participate in the business outreach meetings or recognition program, contact Acting Division Director Helen Riddle at 301-600-1058 or via e-mail at hriddle@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Visit the division’s website at www.discoverfrederickmd.com.

The State offers Financial Help to Businesses

The state is working to help buisnesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing.
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is encouraging businesses to look at four available programs, which will receive a total of $23 million in federal funds through the Small Business Jobs Act.
The four programs are:
 The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, which provides credit guarantees to small firms that may not meet established credit criteria.
 Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, which provides loan guarantees.
 Maryland Venture Fund, which invests in early stage businesses to help with the cost of bringing new products to the market.
 Neighborhood Business Works, which provides gap financing to new or expanding small businesses and nonprofits in sustainable communities.

Information on all programs is available at ChooseMaryland.org.

Frederick Works! One Job at a Time

The Frederick Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) yesterday announced a new initiative to boost the local economy from Frederick County Workforce Services and the Frederick County Workforce Development Board.

The county will partner with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, City of Frederick Economic Development Department and Frederick County Economic Development Office to launch Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time, an initiative that encourages businesses to be part of the unemployment solution by filling at least one new job in 2012.

Championed by the Board of County Commissioners, Mayor Randy McClement of The City of Frederick and local municipality leaders, Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time is modeled after similar programs in communities throughout the United States that have been successful in generating new job opportunities and getting the unemployed back to work. According to economists, each new employee added to the workforce increases the gross domestic product on average by $100,000. Impact at the local level has the potential to be substantial and lasting.

Board President Blaine Young commented, “If each business in Frederick County were to hire just one person this year, the economic impact would be enormous. Even if only a small portion of our businesses hired just one person this year, there would still be a significant and measurable impact on our local economy. We commend Workforce Services and our partners for launching this initiative and furthering this board’s ‘business-friendly’ strategic goals.”

By publicly recognizing employers that have hired or plan to hire in 2012, Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time partners hope to bring attention to the fact that businesses are hiring in Frederick. “This can serve to boost the local economy in yet another way through a shift in perception – a positive momentum – that can begin to increase overall consumer and investor confidence,” Director Laurie Holden of Workforce Services explained.

Workforce Development Board President Terry O’Malley, vice president of Human Resources at Frederick Memorial Hospital, is eager to recognize companies that want to make an impact on the local workforce and economy. “There are approximately 8,500 businesses in Frederick County. The goal of this campaign is to have at least 1,000 of those businesses participate – about 12 percent of all Frederick County businesses,” stated Mr. O’Malley.

Businesses that would like to join the One Job at a Time initiative and become a part of the solution can complete and submit a simple form through the Frederick County Workforce Services website at www.FrederickWORKS.com/onejob.

The general public is also welcome to visit www.FrederickWORKS.com/onejob to learn more about this effort, including program updates and a list of participating employers. All are invited to follow the initiative on Twitter: @FredWORKSOneJob and on Facebook by searching for the “Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time” Community Page.

Maryland is #1 again!

This week, we received the great news that Maryland's public schools were named #1 in the country for the fourth year in a row by Education Week Magazine. Thank you to our Frederick County Public Schools students, parents and educators for being a part of this extraordinary effort!..