Friday, January 15, 2010
Executive Director of the Maryland Biotechnology Center Named
BALTIMORE, MD (January 15, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley today named Dr. Judith A. Britz, a scientist, academician and entrepreneur with more than 25 years in Maryland’s bioscience industry, as Executive Director of the Maryland Biotechnology Center, a part of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. In her new role, Dr. Britz will lead Maryland’s bioscience efforts, reaching out to the State’s more than 400 bio and life sciences companies to help them grow and create new jobs and working with the Governor’s Life Sciences Advisory Board (LSAB) to move forward the 10-year, $1.3 billion BioMaryland 2020 initiative. She will also oversee the State’s newly launched Maryland Biotechnology Center, which coordinates and consolidates the vast number of State, university and private sector bio initiatives and resources and offers information and guidance on business strategy and development, access to capital, technology transfer and commercialization, grants, workforce development and training and federal resources. For more information: www.marylandbiocenter.org
New Media & Technology Conference
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present a New Media & Technology Conference at Mount St. Mary’s University Frederick Campus on Friday, February 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This all-day conference is a follow-up to the Chamber’s first social media conference, held in June 2009, and is part of a new series of “Emerging Ideas” conferences.
Interactive seminars will provide an intensive review of strategies and tools that businesses can use to reach out to customers and grow their bottom line. The day begins with a keynote presentation by Shashi Bellamkonda, Social Media Swami at Network Solutions, a web hosting company based in Herndon, Virginia. After breakout sessions and lunch, the day concludes with “Top 10 Tech Trends,” presented by Jimmy Gardner of Tech Cocktail.
Three concurrent breakout sessions for beginning, intermediate and advanced participants will cover topics such as Twitter, Facebook, email campaigns, blogging and more. An optional lunchtime bonus session offers the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss new applications, including Google Wave, Posterous and Hoot Suite. Those with little or no experience will have as much to gain as those who are skilled users. To encourage discussion and create opportunities for networking, registration will be limited to 120 participants. Lunch will be provided. There is a cost to attend, and discounts and other benefits are available to event sponsors and Chamber Trustees. Participants must register in advance by calling 301-662-4164 x 201 or visiting frederickchamber.org before January 27. The snow date for the conference is Friday, February 19, 2010.
Registered participants will also receive a link to download a PDF workbook prior to the conference. The workbook will include instructions for signing up on major social media platforms, a glossary of commonly used terms and other essential information.
VillageWorks Communications, an internet marketing company, is the Diamond Sponsor of the New Media & Technology Conference. Ruby and Pearl sponsorships are available to Chamber member companies who wish to support the conference and gain additional marketing exposure. Interested companies should call Jessica Hibbard at 301-662-0745.
Detailed descriptions of each session, list of presenters, complete schedule of events, and instructions for online registration are available at http://bit.ly/frednmt.
This all-day conference is a follow-up to the Chamber’s first social media conference, held in June 2009, and is part of a new series of “Emerging Ideas” conferences.
Interactive seminars will provide an intensive review of strategies and tools that businesses can use to reach out to customers and grow their bottom line. The day begins with a keynote presentation by Shashi Bellamkonda, Social Media Swami at Network Solutions, a web hosting company based in Herndon, Virginia. After breakout sessions and lunch, the day concludes with “Top 10 Tech Trends,” presented by Jimmy Gardner of Tech Cocktail.
Three concurrent breakout sessions for beginning, intermediate and advanced participants will cover topics such as Twitter, Facebook, email campaigns, blogging and more. An optional lunchtime bonus session offers the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss new applications, including Google Wave, Posterous and Hoot Suite. Those with little or no experience will have as much to gain as those who are skilled users. To encourage discussion and create opportunities for networking, registration will be limited to 120 participants. Lunch will be provided. There is a cost to attend, and discounts and other benefits are available to event sponsors and Chamber Trustees. Participants must register in advance by calling 301-662-4164 x 201 or visiting frederickchamber.org before January 27. The snow date for the conference is Friday, February 19, 2010.
Registered participants will also receive a link to download a PDF workbook prior to the conference. The workbook will include instructions for signing up on major social media platforms, a glossary of commonly used terms and other essential information.
VillageWorks Communications, an internet marketing company, is the Diamond Sponsor of the New Media & Technology Conference. Ruby and Pearl sponsorships are available to Chamber member companies who wish to support the conference and gain additional marketing exposure. Interested companies should call Jessica Hibbard at 301-662-0745.
Detailed descriptions of each session, list of presenters, complete schedule of events, and instructions for online registration are available at http://bit.ly/frednmt.
Maryland Schools Number One for a Second Year!
Education Week Magazine certified Maryland public schools as number one in the nation for the second year in a row.
The newspaper put Maryland at the top of the list, with the nation's only B+ average. The study looked at data in six critical categories over the last two years, including student performance, state accountability and teacher effectiveness.
New York and Massachusetts followed Maryland in the rankings with B grades. According to the report, most states received grades of C or less.Visit Education Week’s web site for the full report.
The newspaper put Maryland at the top of the list, with the nation's only B+ average. The study looked at data in six critical categories over the last two years, including student performance, state accountability and teacher effectiveness.
New York and Massachusetts followed Maryland in the rankings with B grades. According to the report, most states received grades of C or less.Visit Education Week’s web site for the full report.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
OED looking to fill vacant spot Business Development Advisory Council Board
Business Development Advisory Council
Meets the fourth Wednesday of every other month (Jan., Mar., May, July, Sept., and Nov.) at 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Seeking a person that has leadership experience in business and a vision for economic development in Frederick County. Please go to the Office of Economic Development’s website www.discoverfrederickmd.com to learn more about the Office of Economic Development and the Business Development Advisory Council.
The deadline date for interested persons to apply is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2010. As a reminder, all interested persons who wish to be considered for membership must be residents and registered voters of Frederick County.
To access a complete list of Frederick County volunteer board vacancies, please visit http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/.
If interested in serving, send a letter of interest indicating the specific board/commission/committee of interest and a current resume by regular mail or e-mail (no facsimiles) to the attention of:
Mrs. Joyce M. Grossnickle, Administrative Officer
Office of the County Manager Page 3 of 3
Winchester Hall - 12 East Church Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-600-1102
fcgboards@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Please include current contact information in the documentation submitted, i.e. home, work and cell telephone numbers, home mailing address and e-mail address.
Letters of interest and resumes must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2010.
Frederick County Government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
Friday, January 8, 2010
TransIT Connects People and Places
Connecting People & Places is more than just a slogan. TransIT connects people and places all around Frederick County, providing access to work, education, recreational and volunteer opportunities six days per week, 307 days per year. County resident, Larry Minnick, uses TransIT-plus to get from his Myersville home to Goodwill Industries in downtown Frederick where he attends adult basic education classes to develop reading, computer and travel skills. Afterwards, Larry takes a connector bus from downtown to his place of employment on New Design Road.
In addition to using TransIT for education and employment, Larry rides the bus to volunteer at Goodwill. He is one of Goodwill’s Volunteers of the Year. Store managers state, “Larry always brings excitement to the work area... and Larry is always motivated, happy and great to be around.” Patie Elsberry, Goodwill Program Manager, said, “None of this would be possible for Larry without TransIT.” Patie feels strongly that TransIT plays a vital role in her participants’ lives, as 90% of them do not have a driver’s license or own a car. She explains that TransIT benefits participants in many ways:
• Provides opportunity for participants to receive services in their many job readiness programs.
• Those who bicycle as a means of transportation can load their bikes on TransIT bus bike racks.
• Offers mobility for people with disabilities, as TransIT buses and shuttles are accessible. Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and steps can be lowered.
Many service agencies, including Goodwill and the Freedom Center, provide travel training on TransIT buses and some offer monthly TransIT passes to clients to enable them to reach their destinations — and their goals. A travel training video is available on TransIT’s website: www.co.frederick.md.us//index.asp?nid=224.
Can TransIT assist you or someone you know? For more information, visit their website at www.co.frederick.md.us/transit or call 301-600-2065. TransIT invites you to ride and find out what 792,000 riders already know ... TransIT Connects People & Places!
In addition to using TransIT for education and employment, Larry rides the bus to volunteer at Goodwill. He is one of Goodwill’s Volunteers of the Year. Store managers state, “Larry always brings excitement to the work area... and Larry is always motivated, happy and great to be around.” Patie Elsberry, Goodwill Program Manager, said, “None of this would be possible for Larry without TransIT.” Patie feels strongly that TransIT plays a vital role in her participants’ lives, as 90% of them do not have a driver’s license or own a car. She explains that TransIT benefits participants in many ways:
• Provides opportunity for participants to receive services in their many job readiness programs.
• Those who bicycle as a means of transportation can load their bikes on TransIT bus bike racks.
• Offers mobility for people with disabilities, as TransIT buses and shuttles are accessible. Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and steps can be lowered.
Many service agencies, including Goodwill and the Freedom Center, provide travel training on TransIT buses and some offer monthly TransIT passes to clients to enable them to reach their destinations — and their goals. A travel training video is available on TransIT’s website: www.co.frederick.md.us//index.asp?nid=224.
Can TransIT assist you or someone you know? For more information, visit their website at www.co.frederick.md.us/transit or call 301-600-2065. TransIT invites you to ride and find out what 792,000 riders already know ... TransIT Connects People & Places!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Local Business Utilizes OJT Program to Hire, Train and Promote Employees
Approximately three years ago, the owner of a local commercial cleaning franchise business (System 4) contacted Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) in need of a qualified worker to become a Field Consultant with the company. At the suggestion of a business consultant at FCWS, System 4 decided to participate in the FCWS On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. Through this program, employers agree to train an unskilled or under-skilled employee and during the training period (typically three months), the employee’s salary is partially covered through grant funding obtained by FCWS.
The FCWS job seeker selected to join System 4 and participate in the OJT has since been promoted and earned a national sales award with the company. When this individual was promoted, the transition created a new opening within the company, which was filled by another FCWS OJT candidate. After a period of time, the second OJT hire was promoted as well and the cycle continued, leading to a third hire in October 2009.
By participating in the OJT program, System 4 has saved time and money in recruitment costs, improved skills within its workforce and boosted morale by creating internal advancement opportunities for employees. To find out how the FCWS On-the-Job Training program can make a difference in your organization, please call (301) 600-2255.
The FCWS job seeker selected to join System 4 and participate in the OJT has since been promoted and earned a national sales award with the company. When this individual was promoted, the transition created a new opening within the company, which was filled by another FCWS OJT candidate. After a period of time, the second OJT hire was promoted as well and the cycle continued, leading to a third hire in October 2009.
By participating in the OJT program, System 4 has saved time and money in recruitment costs, improved skills within its workforce and boosted morale by creating internal advancement opportunities for employees. To find out how the FCWS On-the-Job Training program can make a difference in your organization, please call (301) 600-2255.
Tech Awards Nominations Needed
Now entering its 8th year, the Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration continues to showcase the established excellence and rising stars of the technology sector in Frederick County. Now is the perfect time to nominate those persons and companies that have paved the course of excellence in 2009. This year’s event will be held on March 25, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Dutch’s Daughter in Frederick, MD.
Nominations are now being accepted for Executive of the Year, Firm of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Service Provider of the Year. Executive of the Year honors executives who have made outstanding contributions and led their company to success through their leadership skills and personal impact during 2009. Firm of the Year honors firms that have exhibited strong growth of revenue, employment and contributed to the advancement of technology in 2009. Small Business of the Year recognizes small businesses that have shown vision and enterprise in starting up in their chosen market sector and, through a well researched business plan and marketing performance, have met their targeted financial outputs and have identified future growth potential in 2009.
Service Provider of the Year honors the dedication and consistent outstanding service to Frederick County’s technology and biotechnology communities in 2009. Don’t wait to nominate those companies that have made a difference for Frederick County in 2009. To nominate, please click on the following link: 2010 Frederick County Nomination Form. All nomination forms must be submitted by February 19, 2010. For questions, please contact Todd Hayes at thayes@techcouncilmd.com or 240-243-4049.
Register now and join us for the 8th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration, March 25, 2010!
We would like to thank our sponsors: Platinum – Frederick County Office of Economic Development; Gold – MedImmune; and Bronze– City of Frederick
Nominations are now being accepted for Executive of the Year, Firm of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Service Provider of the Year. Executive of the Year honors executives who have made outstanding contributions and led their company to success through their leadership skills and personal impact during 2009. Firm of the Year honors firms that have exhibited strong growth of revenue, employment and contributed to the advancement of technology in 2009. Small Business of the Year recognizes small businesses that have shown vision and enterprise in starting up in their chosen market sector and, through a well researched business plan and marketing performance, have met their targeted financial outputs and have identified future growth potential in 2009.
Service Provider of the Year honors the dedication and consistent outstanding service to Frederick County’s technology and biotechnology communities in 2009. Don’t wait to nominate those companies that have made a difference for Frederick County in 2009. To nominate, please click on the following link: 2010 Frederick County Nomination Form. All nomination forms must be submitted by February 19, 2010. For questions, please contact Todd Hayes at thayes@techcouncilmd.com or 240-243-4049.
Register now and join us for the 8th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration, March 25, 2010!
We would like to thank our sponsors: Platinum – Frederick County Office of Economic Development; Gold – MedImmune; and Bronze– City of Frederick