Originally published March 10, 2011
The Frederick News-Post
By Ed Waters Jr. News-Post Staff
Chris Olson's professional and personal commitment to Frederick County will be missed, according to many of those who worked with him.
Olson, who died Sunday at age 45 after a struggle with cancer, was a consultant at the Frederick County Small Business Development Center.
"Chris Olson was an integral part of the team at the Office of Economic Development, even though he actually worked for the Small Business Development Center," said Laurie M. Boyer, executive director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.
"He worked in our office, and we interacted daily with him on shared clients, planning events targeted at small businesses and working on special projects. He was always willing to jump in and lend a hand to whoever might need it, with the best attitude and a wealth of knowledge," Boyer said.
One of Olson's greatest strengths was seeing the value in partnerships and bringing people together to work collaboratively for the betterment of the business community, Boyer said.
"He will be missed more than I can express," she said.
Olson's dedication was felt throughout the community, said Richard Griffin, director of the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development.
"Chris made an indelible mark on the Frederick business community and each of us through his intellect, dedication and sense of humor," Griffin said. "He cared deeply about his family, friends and clients. Frederick is a better community for his efforts. He will be sorely missed."
Olson helped many small businesses get off the ground and counseled those facing challenges in the tough economy.
"The chamber lost a thoughtful colleague and supportive friends and the community lost a strong advocate for local business," said Ric Adams, president and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. "We frequently partnered with Chris to present programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and he also served on chamber committees. We feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him."
Sandy Mehalko, a spokeswoman for the Small Business Development Centers in Western Maryland, said the Frederick Center at 5340 Spectrum Drive would continue operations as scheduled. Alice Growden of the Hagerstown SBDC is covering phone messages and meeting with Olson's clients, Mehalko said. Mark Malec, regional SBDC director, has been in touch with Boyer at the economic office to ensure that client work is taken care of, Mehalko said.
Olson had many achievements in his life. He was an integral part of the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School football team, undefeated for three years and state champions in 1982. He was elected class president in 1983, played in the school's jazz ensemble and appeared on the TV program "It's Academic."
A graduate of the Wharton School of Economics, University of Pennsylvania, he was elected president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduation he founded Olson Business Development, serving clients locally and internationally. At the same time, he served as art director for three local publications, was vice president of a venture capital firm, and was chief operating officer for a mail and data processing firm.
Besides helping businesses as a consultant at the Frederick SBDC, Olson was a past president of the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County and coordinated the Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network. He received the City of Frederick Partners Award and by the national Small Business Development Centers for his outstanding service.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 35 E. Church St., Frederick, with a reception to follow.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hospitality and Expansion News
OED attended the groundbreaking for Plamondon Hospitality Partner's TownePlace Suites by Marriott today at 5050 Westview Drive in Frederick. This new hotel is the first TownePlace Suites built under Marriott's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The new TownePlace Suites, slated to open in 2012, will feature 118 suites and 4 floors. Every room is designed as a suite with functional spaces for living and working and each hotel specializes in helping guests keep their routine and settle into the neighborhood.
Founded in 1996, Plamondon Hospitality Partners is led by a highly qualified team of owners and managers with more than 50 combined years of experience in the hospitality industry. Plamondon Hospitality Partners' current portfolio includes four select-service Marriott hotel properties in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, where they are nationally recognized by Marriott for ranking in the top percentages for guest satisfaction and quality assurance scores. In 2010, Plamondon Hospitality Partners became the largest hospitality company in Western Maryland.
The new TownePlace Suites, slated to open in 2012, will feature 118 suites and 4 floors. Every room is designed as a suite with functional spaces for living and working and each hotel specializes in helping guests keep their routine and settle into the neighborhood.
Founded in 1996, Plamondon Hospitality Partners is led by a highly qualified team of owners and managers with more than 50 combined years of experience in the hospitality industry. Plamondon Hospitality Partners' current portfolio includes four select-service Marriott hotel properties in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, where they are nationally recognized by Marriott for ranking in the top percentages for guest satisfaction and quality assurance scores. In 2010, Plamondon Hospitality Partners became the largest hospitality company in Western Maryland.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
CONTRACT CONNECTIONS FOR WOMEN
CONTRACT CONNECTIONS FOR WOMEN
Connecting Maryland Women-Owned Small Businesses to Federal Contracting Opportunities
Date: April 11, 2011
Location: BWI Marriott
1743 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
Learn how new WOSB rules can connect you to federal contracting opportunities.
Cost: $55.00
Who Should Attend?
Women Business Owners seeking to expand their market to the federal sector
Women Business Owners that have federal contracting experience and want to expand their sales
Prime Contractors
Federal and Military Agencies
How will you benefit?
Learn about the new SBA Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Business
Learn how to do business with federal agencies and what they buy
Meet with prime contractors looking for subcontractors
Meet with federal agencies that want to add more WOSB's to their contracting portfolio
MARYLAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Department of Business & Economic Development
Martin O'Malley, Governor • Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor
REGISTER
---------------------------
Helga Weschke, Director of Federal Business Relations
Office of Military & Federal Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
World Trade Center Baltimore 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410.767.0862 M 410.206.8870 E hweschke@ChooseMaryland.org
Connecting Maryland Women-Owned Small Businesses to Federal Contracting Opportunities
Date: April 11, 2011
Location: BWI Marriott
1743 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, MD 21090
Learn how new WOSB rules can connect you to federal contracting opportunities.
Cost: $55.00
Who Should Attend?
Women Business Owners seeking to expand their market to the federal sector
Women Business Owners that have federal contracting experience and want to expand their sales
Prime Contractors
Federal and Military Agencies
How will you benefit?
Learn about the new SBA Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Business
Learn how to do business with federal agencies and what they buy
Meet with prime contractors looking for subcontractors
Meet with federal agencies that want to add more WOSB's to their contracting portfolio
MARYLAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Department of Business & Economic Development
Martin O'Malley, Governor • Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor
REGISTER
---------------------------
Helga Weschke, Director of Federal Business Relations
Office of Military & Federal Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
World Trade Center Baltimore 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410.767.0862 M 410.206.8870 E hweschke@ChooseMaryland.org
Friday, March 4, 2011
Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County Now Accepting Nominations for the Entrepreneur Awards 2011
The Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County is now accepting nominations for its Entrepreneur Awards honors for 2011. The awards are given to Frederick County businesses owners whose ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance have created and sustained successful, viable business ventures that have contributed to the economic health of the community. The final selection will be announced at the Entrepreneur Council Awards Banquet held summer 2011. Nominations Deadline is April 15th 2011Submit Nominations toEd Robinson - President Entrepreneur Council robin_ed@capacity-building.com.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
DPI, IT Guys and Printing & Promotional Unlimited Announce Partnership and Open House/Business Card Exchange
FREDERICK, MD – DPI, IT Guys and Printing & Promotional Unlimited announce their partnership and Open House/Business Card Exchange at 5716-G Industry Lane, Frederick on Friday, April 1st at 6:00pm. Together, their goal is to provide businesses with a wide variety of quality services in one convenient centralized location. During this Open House and networking event, each company will be offering attendees a chance to win products, services, discounts and more.
DPI is a graphic design firm specializing in print & web design with an emphasis on innovation. With a comprehensive background in advertising and direct marketing design, their expert team combines experience and creativity with discipline and focus. By becoming a fan of DPI on Facebook and attending the free open house, DPI is offering a chance to qualify to win a free website designed by their experienced team valued at over $550. www.facebook.com/design.print.innovate.
With professional experience exceeding 15 years, IT Guys can provide businesses and homes with well thought-out and affordable solutions when the unthinkable has happened or when clients simply have a question. Several tiers for each type of services are available with a free initial quote. Become a fan of IT Guys on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Dell Inspirion 1018 Mini Netbook from IT Guys. www.facebook.com/itguystech
Printing & Promotional Unlimited, Inc. provides services to businesses, large and small, across the United States. They work with vendors and suppliers to provide quality products and services to convey their clients’ image to be a success. Become a fan of P&P on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Burke’s Bay Lambskin Classic Jacket. www.facebook.com/printpromounlimited
Customers are welcome to stop-in for a visit to find out more information on products and services. To become eligible for the grand prize drawings, please contact each company for more details.
DPI is a graphic design firm specializing in print & web design with an emphasis on innovation. With a comprehensive background in advertising and direct marketing design, their expert team combines experience and creativity with discipline and focus. By becoming a fan of DPI on Facebook and attending the free open house, DPI is offering a chance to qualify to win a free website designed by their experienced team valued at over $550. www.facebook.com/design.print.innovate.
With professional experience exceeding 15 years, IT Guys can provide businesses and homes with well thought-out and affordable solutions when the unthinkable has happened or when clients simply have a question. Several tiers for each type of services are available with a free initial quote. Become a fan of IT Guys on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Dell Inspirion 1018 Mini Netbook from IT Guys. www.facebook.com/itguystech
Printing & Promotional Unlimited, Inc. provides services to businesses, large and small, across the United States. They work with vendors and suppliers to provide quality products and services to convey their clients’ image to be a success. Become a fan of P&P on Facebook and attend the Open House event to qualify to win a free Burke’s Bay Lambskin Classic Jacket. www.facebook.com/printpromounlimited
Customers are welcome to stop-in for a visit to find out more information on products and services. To become eligible for the grand prize drawings, please contact each company for more details.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
BridgePath Scientific Selected into the Maryland Green Registry
BridgePath Scientific has been selected into the Maryland Green Registry. The Maryland Green Registry recognizes organizations working towards a sustainable Maryland. The Maryland Green Registry is a voluntary program offering resources to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. BridgePath Scientific is the first and only company in Maryland that refurbishes laboratory equipment to be added to the Registry.
“I applaud the State of Maryland for recognizing organizations that take sustainability seriously,” said Patrick Haley, President and CEO of BridgePath Scientific. “We are honored to be worthy of addition to the Registry. The list of Green Registry Members consists of some of the finest organizations in the State,” continued Haley.
“I applaud the State of Maryland for recognizing organizations that take sustainability seriously,” said Patrick Haley, President and CEO of BridgePath Scientific. “We are honored to be worthy of addition to the Registry. The list of Green Registry Members consists of some of the finest organizations in the State,” continued Haley.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Latest Figures Released from the Frederick County Equine Census
Frederick County Leads in Total Number of Equine Related Acres
The latest figures from the 2010 Maryland Equine Census show the significant value and size of the equine industry in state. “The results of the 2010 Maryland Equine Census help illustrate growing trends throughout industry, both at the County and State-level,” said Barbara Rater, State Director of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Maryland Field Office in Annapolis. “It shows the economic scope and importance of the industry in Maryland.” Frederick County leads the state with 21,400 acres dedicated to equine related activities.
Although the number of equine places decreased 21% in the State from 2002 to 2010, Frederick County ranked number two in the number of equine places (1,600). Frederick also ranked number two in total equine inventory owned (6,000).
For more information about the Census and to view the presentation to the Maryland Horse Industry Board, please visit www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/equinecensus10.pdf.
The latest figures from the 2010 Maryland Equine Census show the significant value and size of the equine industry in state. “The results of the 2010 Maryland Equine Census help illustrate growing trends throughout industry, both at the County and State-level,” said Barbara Rater, State Director of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Maryland Field Office in Annapolis. “It shows the economic scope and importance of the industry in Maryland.” Frederick County leads the state with 21,400 acres dedicated to equine related activities.
Although the number of equine places decreased 21% in the State from 2002 to 2010, Frederick County ranked number two in the number of equine places (1,600). Frederick also ranked number two in total equine inventory owned (6,000).
For more information about the Census and to view the presentation to the Maryland Horse Industry Board, please visit www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/equinecensus10.pdf.