Blog | Frederick County Office of Economic Development

The State offers Financial Help to Businesses

2012-01-19T11:46:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-13T10:58:00.005-05:00

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!

2012-01-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

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!..

MD has the highest concentration of employed doctorial scientists and engineers

2011-12-22T09:39:00.001-05:00

Workforce

Maryland has the highest concentration of employed doctoral scientists and engineers. The state ranks first in employed PhD scientists and engineers per 100,000 employed workers. Maryland also ranks first in mathematical sciences (71), first in biological sciences (398), first in health (63), and third in physical sciences (197) per 100,000 employed workers.

Maryland ranks second in the percentage of professional and technical workers (26.1%) in the workforce.

Maryland ranks second in the percentage of the population age 25 and above with a graduate or professional degree (16.4%), and third in the percentage with a bachelor’s degree or higher (36.1%).

Maryland ranks fourth in the concentration of technology jobs, which employ 87 of every 1,000 private sector workers. Further, the state ranks fourth by employment in space and defense systems manufacturing, sixth in computer systems design, and eighth in engineering services.

Maryland ranks fifth in federal government employment, with 131,855 non-military federal jobs in 2009. On a per capita basis, the state ranks third with 231 jobs per 10,000 residents. Non-military federal jobs generate $11.4 billion in total wages in Maryland, ranking fourth among the states. Further, these jobs pay better in Maryland than in any other state, with an average annual wage of $87,767, which is 28% higher than the national average.

Riverside Tech Park attracts AT&T, Tox Path

2011-12-22T09:31:00.001-05:00

AT&T's Government Solutions Division and Tox Path Specialists signed leases representing nearly 20,000 square feet of R&D and office space at St. John Properties' Riverside Technology Park in Frederick. AT&T, led by Senior VP Thomas Harvey (left), will relocate 50 employees from Virginia in part to be closer to a key government contractor. To accommodate its rapid expansion from a start-up to an industry-leading biotech, Tox Path will move 20 employees from the Technology Innovation Center in Hagerstown because of Riverside's proximity to the National Cancer Institute's new state-of-the-art R&D facility.

Frederick County Diabetes Coalition Announces Restaurant Challenge Winner

2011-12-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

The Frederick County Diabetes Coalition is pleased to announce that La Paz Mexican Restaurant is the winner of this year’s Frederick Restaurant Challenge. The Challenge was coordinated by the Frederick County Diabetes Coalition and held in November to coincide with American Diabetes Month. The Challenge featured ten restaurants who agreed to offer a healthy meal option for people with diabetes (or for anyone wishing to eat healthier). During the month of November, nearly 250 diners chose and rated the healthy meal offered by these restaurants. An average rating was calculated for each restaurant who received at least 15 votes. La Paz edged out the competition and received a plaque, donated by Trophies Unlimited, to recognize their achievement.

New this year, a prize was also awarded to the participating restaurant who sold the greatest number of healthy meals. The winner for this category is Acacia; they had 84 diners order and submit a vote for their healthy meal. Acacia received a gift certificate for a massage donated by the YMCA of Frederick County.

Angela Blair, Chairperson for the coalition states, “On behalf of the coalition, I wish to commend all ten restaurants for participating and for demonstrating that healthy meals taste delicious! We also want to recognize the restaurant patrons who tried the healthy meals and voted. Their positive feedback and interest creates the demand for restaurants to offer healthy meal options as part of their standard menu. This is the ultimate goal of the Challenge.”

Ten restaurants elected to participate in this year’s event: Acacia, Asian Bistro, Brewer’s Alley, Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, La Paz, Mariachi Restaurant, Mexicali Cantina, Subway (69 S. Market St.), Subway (913 W. 7th St.), and Wegmans.

USDA Funding Assistance Available for Businesses Affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

2011-11-29T15:46:00.002-05:00

Senator Benjamin Cardin announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved 2011 disaster designations for several counties in Maryland, including Frederick County. Any business who suffered a loss during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee may be eligible for USDA disaster funding assistance.

Please visit http://fsa.usda.gov/FSA/stateoffapp?mystate=md&area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing for more information.

2011 Business Appreciation Week Report Now Available

2011-11-02T13:49:00.002-04:00

As part of OED's annual Business Appreciation Week, a key annual business retention event, a total of 108 business were visited by 69 ambassadors. The top positive comments heard from businesses related to location, quality of life, growth and education system. For the complete report, please click here.

Congratulations to the 2011 Best Places to Work in Frederick

2011-10-19T14:53:00.008-04:00

Yesterday evening, four local companies were honored as the Best Places to Work in Frederick County at an awards ceremony held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center in Frederick. The campaign, now in its 9th year, is a partnership between the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and Frederick County Workforce Services.

Each business in Frederick County was invited to take the survey to identify what makes them the best place to work. Winners were identified based on the following criteria:

1. an enhanced workplace culture
2. a strong professional development program
3. benefits and amenities to provide a work and life balance
4. the encouragement of community and social responsibilities
5. and tools for healthy living

The winner of this year's campaign are:

EmpiriStat (Small Business Category with 1-10 Employees)
Default Resource (Medium Business Category with 11-50 Employees
DynPort Vaccine Company, LLC (Large Business Category with 51-200 Employees)
Hood College (Major Employer with 201+ Employees)

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development is proud to add these four companies to an elite group of past award winners that make up the Best Places to Work in Frederick!

A huge thank you to our sponsors who are also past year's winners. Without their support, this event would not have been possible: AOPA, DMS, Inc, Frederick Memorial Healthcare Systems, and Mount Saint Mary's University.

Certifed Tourism Ambassador Training in Frederick

2011-10-17T11:37:00.001-04:00

Certified Tourism Ambassador ClassTuesday, October 25, 2011
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Residence Inn 5230 Westview Drive Frederick, MD 21703
$49 registration fee includes pre class reading materials.
Register at http://www.ctanetwork.com/app
The Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Program is a groundbreaking, nationwide certification program that serves to increase tourism by training and inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to work together to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. Come learn more about the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area!The Journey Through Hallowed Ground (JTHG) CTA Program goes well beyond basic customer service training; it:
Enhances your skills in serving customers
Increases your awareness of information resources
Allows you to discover the power of tourism
Provides freebies & discounts to attractions, restaurants and tours. Connects and networks you with more than 600 current Journey CTAs

VIP List Under 40: Scott McCaskill

2011-10-03T11:15:00.003-04:00

Each year, The Daily Record publishes a VIP List of very important professionals age 40 and under. This year's winners were featured on September 30th and include Frederick County's own Scott McCaskill of Voso Financial Advisors.

The VIPs are selected by the Daily Record's editorial board based on their professional accomplishments, a commitment to inspiring change in their community, and their tremendous accomplishments achieved before or by age 40.

For more information on Voso Financial Advisors, visit http://www.vosoadvisors.com/. You can also view the entire VIP List for 2011 here www.thedailyrecord.com/vip-list/about/.

Business Appreciation Week Kick Off Breakfast

2011-09-27T13:56:00.011-04:00

Yesterday kicked off Frederick County's Business Apprecation Week! A breakfast sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney was held at Ceresville Mansion with guest speakers Brian Keane and Matt De La O from Seabrook Partners who gave a presentation titled, "What's Your Business Worth?". Ambassadors and businesses participating in Business Appreciation Week this year were invited. This year, Cindy Palmer from Sandy Spring Bank and a member of Frederick County's Revolving Loan Fund Committee, was honored as the Ambassador of the Year for her efforts in volunteering her time to represent Frederick County. The event was well attended and it set the tone for a the beginning of a wonderful week appreciating businesses!

Important Information for Small Business Owners

2011-09-09T11:34:00.002-04:00

By Richard Sorian, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

If you’re a small business owner, there are a few deadlines approaching that you won’t want to miss in order to help provide health coverage for your employees.

As you might know, if you have up to 25 employees, pay average annual wages below $50,000, and provide health insurance, you may qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35% (up to 25% for non-profits) to offset the cost of your insurance. This will bring down the cost of providing insurance.

In order to take advantage of these tax credits, you must file by a certain date. Here are two important tax filing deadlines in coming weeks that you should be aware of:

• September 15. Corporations that file on a calendar year basis and requested an extension to file to September 15 can calculate the small employer health care credit on Form 8941 and claim it as part of the general business credit on Form 3800, which they would include with their corporate income tax return.

• October 17. Sole proprietors who file Form 1040 and partners and S-corporation shareholders who report their income on Form 1040 have until October 17 to complete their returns. They would also use Form 8941 to calculate the small employer health care credit and claim it as a general business credit on Form 3800, reflected on line 53 of Form 1040.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with the IRS, wants to make sure that businesses who qualify take advantage of the credit. In order to get the word out, there is a big outreach effort that will include IRS YouTube videos in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Targeted e-mails and tweets will be sent to the small business community and tax preparers. The goal is to remind employers about the upcoming extension deadlines and also provide details on other important information about the credit, including:

• Businesses who have already filed can still claim the credit: For small businesses that have already filed and later determine they are eligible for the credit, they can always file an amended 2010 tax return. Corporations use Form 1120X and individual sole proprietors use Form 1040X

• Businesses without tax liability this year can still benefit: The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 provided that for Tax Year 2010, eligible small businesses may carry back unused general business credits (including the small employer health care tax credit) five years. Previously these credits could only be carried back one year. Small businesses that did not have tax liability to offset in 2010 should still evaluate eligibility for the small business health care tax credit in light of this expanded carry back opportunity.

• Business that couldn’t use the credit in 2010 can claim it in future years: Some businesses that already locked into health insurance plan structures and contributions for 2010 may not have had the opportunity to make any needed adjustments to qualify for the credit for 2010. So these businesses may be eligible to claim the credit on 2011 returns or in years beyond. Small employers can claim the credit for 2010 through 2013 and for two additional years beginning in 2014.

The Administration will also continue to work with and encourage private-sector outreach. For example, a number of Blue Cross Blue Shield plans implemented a wide variety of innovative outreach initiatives to promote the program and encourage small employers to offer insurance coverage to their workers. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City is a leading innovator with a promotion campaign built around the H&R Block tax calculator and the small business tax credit on its site www.BlueKCTaxcredit.com. Since April 2010, they have enrolled over 9,000 new members covered in over 400 new employers. Thirty-eight percent of these employers previously did not offer insurance.

Additional information about eligibility requirements and calculating the credit can be found on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers page of IRS.gov.

Focus on Green Business Practices

2011-09-07T10:28:00.003-04:00

Dear Frederick County Business:
The Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management is putting local businesses in the spotlight this fall with two programs that focus on local commercial recycling and waste reduction activities.
· For businesses interested in starting or expanding a recycling program, a free seminar will be held October 5, 2011. http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx?NID=4736
· For businesses already leading the way in reducing, reusing and/or recycling their waste, an awards program is now accepting nominations. http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx?nid=3928

Call for Sessions is Now Open - BIO 2012

2011-08-31T10:33:00.001-04:00

Call for Sessions is Open – Submit Your Proposal Today
Submission Deadline:Friday, September 30, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Two ways to be in the Spotlight:
Organize a Breakout Session
Submit a Company Presentation
Join a blend of international and domestic executives and management professionals from research, business, academic, and investment communities by submitting your own compelling session topic. Learn more at convention.bio.org.
There's real value in participating in the 2012 BIO International Convention as a session organizer and speaker including:

Superior Networking: Unparalleled business-to- business and deal-making which puts you in a position to gain credibility and further establish yourself as an industry thought leader.
Publicity and Recognition
Registration Discounts

Questions about submitting a session? Email Program@bio.org.

Applications Available $200,000 Biotechnology Awards

2011-08-17T11:43:00.002-04:00

The Maryland Biotechnology Center’s (MBC) Biotechnology Development Awards provide funding to advance biotechnology research and development in Maryland along the path to commercialization.
MBC has two Biotechnology Development Awards programs available: the Biotechnology Commercialization Award and the Translational Research Award. The primary difference in the types of projects funded by these two programs is the stage of commercialization of the technology associated with the proposed project.
Both programs provide a maximum of $200,000 funding and are for projects of one year or less. Projects typically require more than $200,000 for completion. Funds are released in phases tied to successful completion of identified milestones (50% initially, 40% with the midterm report, and 10% with the final report). Companies must apply costs financed by the award to expenses for tasks associated with the milestones. Funding can be used for equipment, salaries and other business expenses, such as rent, IP expenses, or professional services. A balance between personnel and operational expenses will be reviewed as a criterion. Personnel costs supported by the award should be no more than 50%. Payment for university overhead is not included.
MBC’s awards complement Maryland’s nationally-recognized programs that provide early stage technology commercialization funding to companies such as DBED's Maryland Venture Fund's Challenge and Enterprise programs,DBED’s Biotechnology Incentive Investment Tax Credits, TEDCO’s Maryland Technology Transfer and Commercialization Fund (MTTCF), and the University of Maryland’s Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program.
You can contact our office to determine which program best fits your needs and to understand the qualifying criteria for each program. Our staff also will be happy to help you access other resources available at the Center and throughout the state.
Important Dates
Application Deadline Sept. 30, 2011
Finalist Notification Oct. 21, 2011
Finalist Presentations Oct. 31 - Nov 10, 2011
Award Notifications Dec. 1, 2011

Registration Now Open for Embassy Night 2011

2011-08-11T11:44:00.001-04:00

The World Trade Center Institute invites you to Embassy Night 2011 - a VIP dinner showcasing global markets and business success. Seating is limited, sign up today.

Reserve Your Ticket - In just one evening, Embassy Night attendees will have the chance to connect with the region's key decision makers, high level executives, Ambassadors and Senior Embassy Representatives. The program will honor top global connections that countries and companies have made in 2011 while offering unparalleled networking opportunities.

Reserve Your Table - Embassy Night sponsorships offer the unique opportunity to gain premium company exposure AND host a diplomat from one of your top growing markets.

Visit the event website to view company/country connections to date, sponsorship levels and benefits, registration information and more!
________________________________________

Date: September 20, 2011
Location: Ronald Reagan International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004 Time:
5:30-8:30pm

Tickets:
$150 members
$200 non-members

Register:
https://www.wtci.org/event-registration/?regevent_action=register&event_id=3&name_of_event=Embassy+Night+2011&utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Registration%20Now%20Open%20for%20Embassy%20Night%202011&utm_term=Register+Now

Maryland had 43,207 clean jobs in 2010

2011-08-04T14:55:00.000-04:00

A new study, "Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment" helps to more clearly define and measure the clean economy. Maryland had 43,207 clean jobs in 2010, or 1.7% of all Maryland jobs, according to the report released by the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings. Between 2003 and 2010 Maryland added 8,370 clean jobs to see the sector grow by 3.1% annually. On average, each clean economy job in Maryland produces $9,143 in exports, and pays a median annual wage of $44,790

Rita's Italian Ice Honored By BOCC

2011-08-04T13:33:00.004-04:00

The Rita's Ice in Frederick was among the top 10 fundraisers among 550 stores in the company for Alex's Lemonade Stand. In a worksession this morning, the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized their efforts.

The Frederick location raised more than $10,700 in June, when guests were asked to purchase a paper lemon for $1.

Alex's Lemonade Stand raises funds for childhood cancer research. More than $545,00 was donated to the charity by 550 Rita's Ice locations.

Get Out and Enjoy What Frederick County Has to Offer

2011-08-03T09:25:00.001-04:00

Gambrill State ParkPhone: 301-271-75748602 Gambrill Park Rd.Frederick, MD 21701 http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/gambrillguide.htmlMiles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, camping, scenic views

OJT: Earn While You Learn!

2011-08-03T09:19:00.001-04:00

If you are unemployed and interested in earning a paycheck while you learn new skills at work, then you won't want to miss this SPECIAL EVENT:

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Information Session
To be offered on the following dates and times:
(Please choose ONE session only.)

Monday, August 8 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Monday, August 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 11 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 11 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

* These information sessions will provide an overview of the On-the-Job Training program. There is NO guarantee of employment.

Business and Employment Center
5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick, MD 21703

How to Prepare for the Session
Please plan to bring the following documentation with you, so that we may determine your eligibility to participate in the OJT program:

§ Social Security Card
§ Proof of Address (acceptable documents include: driver's license, mortgage statement, utility bill)
§ Proof of United States Citizenship or proof that you are eligible to legally work in the United States (acceptable documents include birth certificate, voter registration card, passport, I-94 card, permanent residency card)
§ Documentation of your employment status (acceptable documents include a lay off letter from a Frederick County company)
§ For Veterans ONLY: Provide a copy of your DD 214

* Please note: ALL eligible OJT participants MUST be enrolled in the Maryland Workforce Exchange (www.mwejobs.com).

RSVP Now!
Please reserve your spot in advance, as space is limited.

To RSVP, please email Max Douge no later than Friday, August 5 at mdouge@frederickcountymd.gov.

Get Out & Enjoy What Frederick County Has to Offer

2011-08-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

Cunningham Falls State ParkPhone:
301-271-757414039
Catoctin Hollow Rd.Thurmont, MD 21788 www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/cunninghamguide.html
Largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, Catoctin Iron Furnace, hiking

MD Ranked More Innovative than any Country

2011-07-28T16:21:00.001-04:00

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation released a 2011 report measuring each of the 50 states against 44 foreign countries and regions and found that nine states, including Maryland, would be ranked number one in innovation-based competitiveness if they were countries. The report noted that Maryland benefited from national laboratory funding and state programs to help transfer technology from labs into the marketplace. The study considered 16 key indicators, such as scientists and engineers, corporate and government R&D, and venture capital.

See the complete article and more in July's Economic Pulse-An Overview of Maryland's Economic Indicators at http://tinyurl.com/3sgrsfg

Technology and Investor Forum, Marymount University September 13

2011-07-25T13:38:00.004-04:00

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development will team up with the Mid-Atlantic Federal Lab Consortium to bring together a forum to host a group of financial professionals as well as researchers from federal labs/agencies, academia, economic development organizations, and private sector firms in the Washington Metro region of Maryland, Washington D. C., and Virginia that will highlight effective business strategies in technology development, as well as technology transfer. In addition the forum will focus on lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities in this economically active region.
A financial seminar in the morning will be followed by panels which will address technology and financial challenges and opportunities in the fields of biomedical/life sciences; electronics/IT cyber security; advance material sciences; and energy.

Forum registration fee of $25 includes refreshments and lunch. Registration deadline is Monday August 29, 2011. Register @ http://www.hrtc.org/en/cev/645 . If you have questions, please contact Mr. John Emond, john.l.emond@nasa.gov, 202-358-1686.

Laurie Boyer Talks about Being Business Friendly!

2011-07-15T11:47:00.004-04:00

Check out our own Laurie Boyer on Comcast Newsmakers giving an update Frederick County business friendly initiatives, social media, Business Appreciation Week and Frederick County farmers markets.
http://www.comcastcreative.com/video/NMFR0707LaurieBoyer_01.wmv