Manufacturing Month: Q&A with Jodie Bollinger

Manufacturing has consistently been an important contributor to Frederick and Maryland's overall economy. Recognizing manufacturing as a targeted industry, the Office of Economic Development has a staff member dedicated to serving manufacturing businesses.

October is Manufacturing Month and today, Jodie Bollinger, Business Development Specialist is answering questions today about Frederick County's expanding and diverse manufacturing industry.

1. Manufacturing is a long Maryland tradition but in today's economy, 60% of Maryland's manufacturers are advanced - producing high mix, low volume, high technology products. How does this compare in Frederick County?

In Frederick County, more of our manufacturers are considered Advanced Manufacturers. I would estimate that more than 95% of the County's 170 manufacturers are engaged in advanced manufacturing. They accomplish this by:

• Creating products with advanced manufacturing processes and methodologies
• Using advanced manufacturing processes
• Using advanced materials
• Implementing advanced supply chain management techniques
• Using sustainable practices

2. What trends are you seeing in manufacturers?

Being Lean and employing continuous improvement methods is critical in today's manufacturing environment.  Frederick's manufacturers are employing lean methods and using lean techniques daily. There are resources throughout the State and through our partners including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) and Maryland World Class Consortium (MWCC) that provide lean training, resources, networking opportunities and workshops all year long to benefit manufacturers. 

The use of 3-D printing and prototyping is gaining momentum as new products can be "brought to life" and manufactured very quickly. In addition, the Port of Baltimore's expansion will provide increased opportunities for our manufacturers.

3. How would you describe the manufacturing opportunities in Frederick County?

Our County's strategic location, highly skilled workforce, education system and transportation infrastructure all play a big role in why manufacturers choose Frederick County. Many existing manufactures have expanded and increased their workforce, such as Stulz-ATS, AstraZeneca, Miscellaneous Metals, Wright Manufacturing and Canam Steel. Wages for workers present a significant opportunity for residents to work locally. Wages in Frederick County's manufacturing jobs pay 30% more than Frederick County's private sector average.

Frederick benefits greatly from our multiplier effect. The multiplier effect for the manufacturing sector in Maryland is 2.7 which means that almost two additional jobs are created in the state for each new manufacturing job created. High-technology manufacturers have higher multiplier effects and generate more jobs through the economy. As more manufacturing jobs are being added, Frederick County's economy will continue to grow.

Locally, our office partners with the Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable (FCMR) works to support the existing companies with Lunch, Learn and Tour events for manufacturing companies. These events are held at manufacturing facilities with presenters discussing topics for this industry. With the new addition of the EARN MD Training Grant, this provides local companies the opportunity to train unemployed or underemployed workers and provide leadership skills to existing employees.

4. What incentives exist for Frederick County manufacturers?

In addition to statewide incentives for Manufacturing, Frederick County offers the following locally:

• Commercial and Industrial Business Tax Credit (new for 2015)
• Business Personal Property Tax Exemption
• Fast Track Permitting
• New Jobs/Enhanced New Jobs Tax Credit
• Customized Training and Recruitment Services
• EARN MD Manufacturing Training Grant
• Small Business Loan Guarantee (for 2016)
• Potomac Edison/Maryland Energy Administration Programs 

5. What do you think the future holds for manufacturing in Frederick County?

Talent, technology and the ability to innovate will play a significant role in manufacturing competitiveness.  Expanding into new markets by exporting and diversifying operations, like Canam Steel did when they went into bridgework during the economic downtown, will be a factor in remaining a key player in today's global manufacturing economy. The healthcare industry and our emerging technology advances will be a great opportunity for our manufacturers now and into the future.

Business Appreciation Week: Day 5 - FITBIT GIVEAWAY DRAWING DAY!

It's the last day of the 2015 Frederick County Business Appreciation Week. Today's visits take us to the North in Thurmont and back into the City of Frederick. Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the businesses we are visiting today and guess where we are. You can also follow #BAW2015. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing for a FitBit to be given away in a drawing at 3pm today.

Friday's Scheduled Visits:

• Wild Birds Unlimited
• Avemco Insurance Company
• Soldierfit
• Frederick National Laboratory/Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc
• Crisafulli's Cheese Shop
• Centro Hispano de Frederick
• American Spine
• Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre
• Expert Consultants, Inc
• Spartan Tactical and Police Supply
• CWP Tech Solutions
• Asian American Center
• Sweet Farm Sauerkraut
• St. John Regional Catholic School
• Pam's Rusty Treasures
• Thurmont Child Care Center, Inc
• Criswell Chevrolet of Thurmont
• Anytime Fitness of Thurmont
• EMA Construction

Business Appreciation Week: Day 4

Day 4 of Frederick County Business Appreciation Week takes us all over the County to Middletown, Walkersville, Woodsboro, New Market, and Mount Airy.

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the businesses we are visiting today and guess where we are. You can also follow #BAW2015. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing on Friday to win a Fitbit!

Thursday's Scheduled Visits:

• Rhosymerdre Design
• Catoctin Construction
• Mountain Spirit Yoga
• Gude Brothers Greenhouses
• Orchid Cellar Meadery + Winery
• JSB Woodworking
• Trout's Market
• Southern States - Woodsboro
• Barrick Garden Center
• Abloom, Ltd
• Walkersville Feed Company
• Clara L. Winch, CPA LLC
• Cruise Planners
• Express Marketing Design & Runkles Service
• Santa Fe Trading Company
• Happilo
• Fleshman's Antiques
• Polymer Clay Express at the ArtWay
• Twin Ridge Auto and Light Truck Services, Inc
• Building Energy Diagnostics & Retrofits
• Gaver Farm
• Loew Vineyards

#BAW2015 Fact

Small businesses significantly impact Frederick County's economy. Maryland defines a small business as one that does not employ more than 50 people. 98% of Frederick County's businesses meet the definition of a small business. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Frederick County is the busiest in the Western Maryland region, last year assisting in the direct start-up of 13 new businesses and 70 new jobs. 

Business Appreciation Week: Day 3

Day 3 of Frederick County Business Appreciation Week is our busiest day of the week. Our visits will take us to Downtown Frederick as well as businesses in the Frederick 21701 zip code. The majority of the County's business base is located right here, in the County Seat and Center of Commerce.

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the businesses we are visiting today and guess where we are. You can also follow #BAW2015. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing on Friday to win a Fitbit!

Wednesday's Scheduled Visits:

• United Way of Frederick County
• L.P. Calomeris Realty, LLC
• State Farm Agent, Darius Mark
• Custom Imprints
• Industrial Home
• Someone With Group, LLC
• Canapes Catering
• ALTEK Information Technology, Inc
• Talon Construction, Inc
• Tenth Ward Distilling Company
• The Little Pottery Shop
• A Girl's Best Friend
• Welcome Home Realty Group
• Digital Age Solution, LLC
• Elliott CPA, LLC
• Elliott Marketing Solutions, LLC
• Weinberg Center for the Arts
• Shala Wellness Center
• The Shala Yoga and Pilates Studio
• Mosaic Power
• Moore Wealth, Inc
• Regent Education
• Hunting Creek Outfitters
• Frederick County Bank
• Whidden Willow
• Time Bomb Tattoos & Curiosities
• VINI Culture wine bar and cafe
• Chic to Chic
• White Lion Social
• Sass Magazine
• The Knot House
• The Potter's Guild of Frederick
• Frederick Brick Works
• North Market Pop Shop
• The Piedmont Group
• Integrity Consulting
• McClintock Distilling
• Natural Artistry Photography
• Found Souls Studio

#BAW2015 Fact

Frederick’s historic 50-block Downtown offers thriving restaurants, independent shops, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene with more than 150 one-of-a-kind specialty shops and more than 50 eateries. Over 3,000 employees work in the Main Street area at nearly 700 businesses or organizations. Downtown Frederick was recognized as one of the Top 10 Downtowns in America by Livability.com, Top 8 Small Town Comebacks by CNN and one of the Top 25 Small Cities for Art by American Style Magazine, and several more notable accolades. 

Business Appreciation Week: Day 2

Today our travels take us to the greater Brunswick area and the Frederick area in the zip code of 21703. It's the 15th Annual Frederick County Business Appreciation Week where 62 ambassadors will visit over 100 companies all week long.  

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the businesses we are visiting today and guess where we are. You can also follow #BAW2015. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing on Friday to win a Fitbit!  The visits planned for Tuesday are as follows:

• The Public Spectacle
• Coach's
• Gotcha Covered
• Benjamin Weiser, DDS
• Donna's House of Hair
• King's Pizza
• Canam Group, Inc
• American Computer Development, Inc
• MacRo, Ltd
• NYMEO
• Hometown Harvest
• BridgePath Scientific
• Matan Companies
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Frederick
• RE/MAX Results
• Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza

#BAW2015 Fact

Each year, we collect data on how many companies we visit say they plan to expand or hire additional staff. Last year's results were impressive!

Business Appreciation Week: Day 1

Today kicks off the 15th Annual Frederick County Business Appreciation Week where 62 ambassadors will visit over 100 companies this week! Our visits today are focused on home-based businesses, businesses in the Frederick 21704 zipcodes and in the areas of Urbana/Adamstown.

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for photos of the businesses we are visiting today and guess where we are. You can also follow #BAW2015. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing on Friday to win a Fitbit!

Monday Scheduled Visits:

• LegalShield
• The Buddy Project, Inc
• Yoho Electrical Services Co, Inc
• EmbroidMe
• Sarge Athletics
• The Buyer's Best Realtors
• Country Meadows Retirement Communities
• NE "Bob" Waltz Plumbing & Heating
• ProList
• Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Resort
• Mesa Science Associates
• Barley & Hops Grill & Microbrewery
• Bach & Associates Inc., Realtors
• Essential Systems Solutions, LLC
• Xecunet

#BAW 2015 Fact

Did you know entrepreneurship is at an all-time high? A recent online article (www.inc.com Entrepreneurship in the U.S. Reaches Record High, 2nd September 2015) reported findings from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) that 27 million Americans have their own business in 2015. The study also found that a growing number of people in America consider entrepreneurship as an attractive career option. 51% of the working population believes that starting a business reveals excellent opportunities not found through employment and 80% of those who plan to start a business in the next 3 years are actually planning on doing it. 

Family Festival at the Farm Spotlight: Mayne's Tree Farm

Don't let the name fool you! Mayne's Tree Farm, located at 3420 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, is one of almost 20 farms participating in Family Festival at the Farm this weekend. In addition to offering cut-your-own Christmas trees for the holidays, they also have a pumpkin patch with pumpkins ready to pick!

2015 Family Festival at the Farm Attractions at Mayne's Tree Farm

• Pick your own pumpkin
• Scarecrow making
• Pumpkin moon bounce
• Hayrides 
• Cornmaze
• Antique tractor display
• Pedal tractor course
• Pictures with The Peanuts Movie characters
• All kinds of Fall products including apple cider, corn, mums and more!

Family Festival at the Farm Spotlight: Whispering Meadows Alpacas

Whispering Meadows Alpacas, located at 13959 Unionville Rd, Mount Airy, is one of almost 20 farms inviting the public to their farm this weekend for Family Festival at the Farm. The German Family has a herd of 30 alpacas and they are proud to have started the first 4-H Alpaca Club in Frederick County. 

2015 Family Festival at the Farm Attractions at Whispering Meadows Alpacas

• Walk an alpaca
• Make a card for a deployed soldier or soldier at Walter Reed
• Dog biscuits for sale and proceeds will be donated to a no-kill animal shelter
• Hayrides 
• Tours of the farm
• Alpaca products available including: natural or dyed yarns, raw fiber, rovings, bears, hats, scarves, gloves, purses, sweaters, vests, a variety of socks, finger puppets, throws, and much more.

15th Annual Frederick County Business Appreciation Week Begins Next Week

County Executive Jan Gardner held a Public Information Briefing this morning, proclaiming next week as Business Appreciation Week in Frederick County. The event, now in it's the 15th year, is coordinated by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) and includes over 60 ambassadors consisting of State, County and Local officials as well as the Chamber of Commerce who will visit 112 companies in Frederick County during the week of October 19-23, 2015.  Business Appreciation Week (BAW) gives ambassador teams the opportunity to thank businesses for what they do and also identify any concerns or potential issues they may have.

Left to Right: Frederick County Workforce Services Director Michelle Day, County Executive Jan Gardner, OED Director Helen Propheter, OED Research Specialist Sandy Wagerman, OED Business Development Specialist Jodie Bollinger, OED Administrative Specialist Sharon Hipkins, OED Business Development Specialist Katie Albaugh, OED Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman

“We need to keep the lines of communication open with business owners.  They know what works and what doesn’t.  These one-on-one meetings will help us to support our business community.  I want them to know that I mean business in terms of creating jobs, drawing new enterprises to Frederick County and supporting our vibrant local economy,” stated Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner.

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development worked with Frederick County’s municipalities and five main street managers to feature a day in their area celebrating businesses with their local elected officials.

County Executive Jan Gardner with Sandy Wagerman
and Helen Propheter displaying the map of companies being
visited during #BAW2015

Frederick County Office of Economic Director Helen Propheter said, “Business Appreciation Week gives us a chance to visit all different types of businesses. In just one day, we might visit a farm, a bioscience company, a retailer, a home-based business and a major employer. It may be a business that we’ve never met or one that just expanded or added a new product line. The variety of businesses we are able to touch in just a week is what makes this event so successful.”

The 2015 Business Appreciation Week will include an online social media Scavenger Hunt where pictures will be posted on OED’s Twitter and Facebook pages inviting people to guess which businesses they are visiting that day. All of those who guess correctly will be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit on Friday, October 23rd. Follow @FredCoOED on Twitter and www.facebook.com/discoverfrederickmd.com on Facebook  or #BAW 2015 for more details.

GROW: Volume 7

This series is part of a monthly blog series about Frederick County businesses that grow and expand. It is a snapshot of Frederick County business success stories. Check back each month for more businesses that grow in Frederick County or read volumes 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5, 6.

Patriot Technologies
Patriot Technologies, headquartered in Frederick, was named by Cybersercurity Ventures as one of the World's Hottest Cybersecurity Companies for 2015. The Cybersecurity 500 is a global compilation of leading companies who provide cybersecurity solutions and services. Patriot Technologies was one of 14 Maryland companies who made the list.

Patriot has 70 employees and has been in Frederick since 1997. They support both commercial and government customers worldwide with facilities in South America and Europe. They are a 20-year GSA contract holder and developed the industry's first dual-boot tablet for use in communications infrastructure.

The company reports they are looking to continue to expand their international presence, as well as take security into the world of industrial control systems. They have also recently become a supplier of healthcare systems, and are looking to continue to grow their presence in the healthcare sector.

NaturaLawn of America
Called “too far ahead of its time” in 1987, NaturaLawn of America—an organic-based lawn care company—today has 64 franchise locations in 24 states serving over 70,000 customers and generates annual revenues in excess of $50 million. Their natural lawn care system consists of a proprietary line of organic lawn care products and provides business opportunities to individuals wishing to secure their own franchise. 

In 2011, Inc 5000 ranked them the #4377th fastest growing company in America with a 3-year growth of 21% and revenue of $37.5M. They added 51 jobs in 2011 and have 271 employees nationwide.  With an average gross revenue of over $758,000 per location and the highest reoccurring revenues in the industry, the company was founded in Frederick with 13 people employed today at their headquarters location on Church St.

Clearwater Landscape & Nursery
Established in 1989 in Ijamsville, Clearwater Nursery has served 6,000+ homeowners over the last 10 years with their design build landscape needs. A Frederick favorite, Clearwater has won the Best of Frederick (Landscape Category) since 2007.

In 2009, Inc 5000 named Clearwater Landscape Contractors the #4487th fastest growing company in America with revenue at $7.8M and a 32% 3-year growth rate.  At the time they employed 67 people. Today, they employ 75 and their garden center is open to the public. Clearwater was established by owner Michael Rempe who started out completely on his own, catering to residential builders with small retaining walls and planting services. Over time, Clearwater expanded to a 20-acre facility with a team of professionals including landscape architects, designers, licensed horticulturists and certified technicians and is currently hiring for several positions.

Miscellaneous Metals
Miscellaneous Metals was established in 1977 and this month they more than tripled their existing space in a move from Frederick to Walkersville. Their new location at Monocacy Trading Center is 112,500 square feet compared to 35,000 square feet at their former location on Industry Lane. They signed a 20-year lease for the property earlier this year and the move will assist them in improving efficiency and storage. 

Miscellaneous Metals custom fabricates a variety of steel components including stairs, rails, and light structural. The company, which began in Mount Airy and moved to Frederick in 1982, has 150 employees and has an annual volume of more than $20 million.

Family Festival at the Farm Spotlight: Sycamore Spring Farm

Sycamore Spring Farm, located at 6003 Elmer Derr Rd, Frederick is one of almost 20 farms opening up their doors for Family Festival at the Farm this weekend. Farmer Carol has several unique attractions and products available for visitors. Sycamore Spring is family-owned and takes pride in farming the natural way. Check out some of the fun and taste some products grown right on the farm! Be sure to meet Applachaie, the most adorable Scottish highland calf!

The Farm also offers a CSA with naturally grown products grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, with an emphasis on soil health, conservation and permaculture.  For more information, click here.

2015 Family Festival at the Farm Attractions at Sycamore Spring Farm

• Farm tours every hour
• Pictures with The Peanuts Movie characters
• Highland beef cow chili
• Caramel apples in crock pot
• Feed the ducks and ducklings
• Farm Market with their naturally grown products

Animals available:

• Ducklings
• Kittens
• American Blue Rabbits
• Silver Apple Yard Ducks
• Turkeys
• Scottish Highland Cattle
• Goats

Products that are available at Sycamore Spring Farm:

• Blueberries
• Figs
• Pears
• Fresh grown vegetables
• Food forest with native foods such as Paw-Paw, Northern pecans, wild asparagus, sunchokes, fruit trees

Frederick County Downtowns Highlighted at the 20th Annual Business Expo

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development partnered with the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development yesterday for the 20th Annual Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo to promote Frederick County's downtowns. The joint booth expanded on the Chamber's "Pop-Up Frederick" theme and included information about Frederick County's five designated Main Street programs: Frederick, Middletown, Brunswick, Thurmont and Mount Airy.

The Business Expo provides OED invaluable networking opportunities with over 100 existing businesses and over 1,000 attendees. Also included this year was Main Street Thurmont's Manager Vickie Grinder and Main Street Brunswick's Manager Terri Householder, who passed out literature and invited attendees to participate in a Frederick County's Downtowns Trivia Contest to win a gift basket donated by their town's businesses. The joint booth was strategically across from Main Street Middletown's booth and the Downtown Frederick Partnership's booth to include facts about each area as well.

OED's Director Helen Propheter participated in a kick-off discussion panel on "Tax Credits" and was joined by the State of Maryland Department of Commerce's Heather Gramm and City of Frederick Department of Economic Development's Bobby Baumler.

"Pop-Up Frederick" is a play on the concept of a pop-up shop (a temporary store, restaurant, or gallery). The Expo, held at the Frederick Indoor Sports Center (FISC) this year, is a massive one-day portrait of Frederick, with local businesses, cuisine, seminars, demonstrations and opportunities from across the county all under one roof. Click here to view the story by WHAG-TV which aired yesterday evening and catch a glimpse of our booth at the end!

Tech-Frederick To Offer Free Training For Candidates Pursuing Careers in IT

Tech Frederick is proud to partner with Leadership Techniques to offer a free array of classes within IT to allow people to strengthen their skill sets to make themselves more qualified candidates within IT-related fields.

Tech Frederick is proud to partner with Leadership Techniques (co-founded by David Newman and Lisa Hammer), to offer a free array of classes within IT to allow people to strengthen their skill sets to make themselves more qualified candidates within IT-related fields.

The Tech Frederick program is especially geared towards candidates who are unemployed or underemployed due to outdated skill sets. It is ideal for candidates actively searching for a position within IT networking, website development, systems administration, website application, and are seeking to improve professional communication and project management skills.

Cross-Functional Training is the first offered through this program and will be offered in five full-day sessions for candidates who are seeking employment in IT. These are skills identified by area businesses as being desired across all IT specialty areas. Training is free for candidates selected to participate. Seats are limited and selection may be competitive.

Cross-Functional Technical Training
Training sessions are scheduled as follows and will be held at the BEC -Tuesday, 10/20; Friday, 11/6; Thursday, 12/10; Tuesday, 1/12; Thursday, 2/4
Attendance at all five sessions are required for Professional Management Techniques Certification that validates the recipient has received 35 hours of formal management training in the following areas of competence:

• Customer Service
• Leadership and Communications
• Integrative Negotiations
• Project Management
• Performance Management and Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving

Additional Technical Training will be offered staring in the spring of 2016 and will focus on the following tracks:

• Modern Web Application Development
• Front-end/ Back-end Website Development
• Systems Administration
• Marketing Automation
• Sales Training

Individuals have the opportunity to sign-up to receive email notifications when new classes are added to this program. Additional information and registration is now available online at www.techfrederick.org/earn-grant

This project is funded by the State of Maryland’s EARN Maryland Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

About Tech Frederick
Tech Frederick is a joint venture of The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, and the local tech community. The organization supports local IT business owners providing advocacy, communication, networking and developing partnerships. Tech Frederick is a peer group for people in the IT industry to bring area experts together to work towards a common mission and set of objectives. There is no membership fee; anyone in the IT field is invited to participate.

Family Festival at the Farm Spotlight: Rights of Man Farm

Rights of Man Farm is one of almost 20 farms opening up their doors for Family Festival at the Farm October 17 and 18. Farmer Doug has several unique attractions and products available for attendees. Rights of Man Farm is family-owned and located at 9120 Ball Rd, Frederick, MD 21754. Stop by and check out some of the fun and taste some products grown right on the farm!

The Farm also offers free range turkeys available at Thanksgiving and two-five months a year CSAs. The farm store is open Saturdays from 9 am-6 pm and Wednesday from 4-7 pm. 

2015 Family Festival at the Farm Attractions at Rights of Man Farm

• Haymaze
• Cornpit 
• Pedal Tractor Derby Course
• Hayrides
• Tasting of products grown on the farm

Products raised on the farm and offered year-round:

• Grassfed beef
• Organic chicken 
• Pork
• Organic vegetables
• Organic eggs
• Goat meat is available several times per year

New this year:

• Organic raspberries organic strawberries
• Rights of Man is also raising bees and selling honey on the farm

Patriot Technologies Named One of the World's Hottest Cybersecurity Companies

Patriot Technologies, headquartered in Frederick, MD, was named by Cybersercurity Ventures as one of the world's Hottest Cybersecurity Companies for 2015. The Cybersecurity 500 is a global compilation of leading companies who provide cybersecurity solutions and services. Patriot Technologies was one of 14 Maryland companies who made the list.

Patriot Technologies offers the ability to integrate multiple platforms to provide a holistic approach to Mobile Device Security Management. They bring their clients mobile device visibility, awareness, compliance, authentication & authorization, mobile application security, and continuous monitoring, and can assist in establishing mobile policy and security architectures.

The selection criteria for the Cybersecurity 500 is subjective and includes some or all of the following when evaluating each company:

• Cybersecurity Sector (market category)
• Problem(s) Solved
• Customer Base
• Feedback from CISOs and Decision Makers
• Feedback from IT Security Evaluators & Recommenders
• Feedback from VARs, SIs and Consultants
• VC Funding
• Company Growth
• Published Product Reviews
• Demos and Presentations at Conferences
• Corporate Marketing and Branding
• Media Coverage
• Notable Implementations
• Founder and Management Pedigree
• Interviews with Senior Management

About Maryland's Cybersecurity Industry

Maryland is home of the U.S. Cyber Command, and at the epicenter of Cybersecurity with 12 major military installations, 50 Federal agencies, Defense Information Systems Agency, National Security Agency, NIST and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. The state of Maryland offers Cybersecurity companies industry specific incentives such as the Cybersecurity Tax Credit, Cybersecurity Funds through the Maryland Venture Fund as well as a Tax Credit for Employer Security Clearances Costs.

The Cybersecurity industry worldwide is growing from $77 billion in 2015 to $170+ billion in 2020, according to consolidated estimates by IT research firms and analysts cited in the Cybersecurity Market Report, published quarterly by Cybersecurity Ventures.  

Economic Development Week Wrap-Up

Last week, the Frederick County Office of Economic Development celebrated Economic Development Week in Maryland with two events for the business community and a visit to a leading employer.

This statewide week long event is sponsored by the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) and is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the State’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base and the overall quality of life in Maryland. MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner issued a proclamation for the week and OED kicked off the celebration with a free seminar on "How to Write a Press Release that People Will Read." Recognizing that businesses who write effective news releases helps sell the community as an ideal place to do business, Vivian Laxton, Communications Director for Frederick County Government, presented information to businesses on the basics of writing an effective press release and how to choose the appropriate channel for news releases. Attendees also receive information about how to use PRFrederick, a free online press release tool that any business in Frederick County can use as service of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and City of Frederick Department of Economic Development.

The work week ended with a business visit to BlueLinx, a leading building products distributer in Frederick County with 72 employees. Formerly Georgia Pacific, BlueLinx employs 1,700 people in North America.

In the spirit of celebrating economic development and the role that minority business play in Frederick County's community, the Minority Business Vision hosted a networking event at Cafe 611 on Friday evening. Despite the hazardous flooding which prevented many people from driving that evening, the event was still well attended.

While economic development took center stage in counties, cities and towns throughout Maryland where proclamations were made heralding the significant projects that have made Maryland a great place to live, work and play, Frederick County was no exception. Recent major economic development projects ranging from the Carroll Creek Project, Research Park development, Frederick Municipal Airport growth, planned communities like the Villages of Urbana and Jefferson Tech Park, Frederick's Innovative Technology Center, Inc. to major economic development projects underway like the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center and the Frederick Center for Research & Education in Science & Technology (CREST) all have the potential for having longstanding economic, social and cultural benefits to citizens and businesses alike.

New Collaborative Brochure Promotes Frederick County’s Unique Downtown Shopping

The Shop Downtown Brochure project, an effort by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and the Tourism Council of Frederick County with collaboration from all five Frederick County Main Street organizations, promotes the vibrancy, beauty and rich history of Frederick County’s municipal downtown shopping areas.

The City of Frederick, City of Brunswick, Town of Middletown,  Town of Thurmont and the Town of Mount Airy are designated Main Street Maryland communities and the brochure highlights Main Street shopping opportunities. Main Street Maryland is a comprehensive downtown revitalization program created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The mission of the program is to accelerate the economic progress and revitalization of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods. There are 28 designated Maryland Main Streets statewide.

 “This project gave our office the opportunity to work closely with our Main Street organizations to further strengthen our relationships with our towns,” said Helen Propheter, Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. “We are fortunate to have many beautiful downtowns, each uniquely positioned with a culture that promotes their history but also offer economic opportunities to the surrounding areas.”

Executive Director for the Tourism Council of Frederick County John Fieseler said, “Visit Frederick (the Tourism Council) is excited to have this new brochure highlighting the unique shopping and dining experiences located in Frederick County’s historic municipalities.  It was a joy to partner with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development to produce this helpful guide for residents and visitors alike.”

The Shop Downtown Brochure is available at Frederick Tourism and Main Street offices throughout Frederick County. It will also be featured in the November issue of Frederick Magazine.