Business News Elsewhere in Maryland

United Therapeutics Announces Hypertension Drug Approval in Europe

2011-12-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

SILVER SPRING, Md. and CHERTSEY, England, Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ: UTHR) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, United Therapeutics Europe, Ltd., announced today that the French regulatory agency Agence Francaise de Securite Sanitaire des Produits de Sante (AFSSAPS) has approved intravenous use of Remodulin® (treprostinil) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Remodulin is already approved in most of Europe for the continuous subcutaneous infusion treatment of idiopathic or heritable PAH to improve exercise tolerance and symptoms of the disease in patients classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III. The AFSSAPS' approval follows a review period during which 22 European member nations, each of which had previously approved subcutaneous Remodulin through the mutual recognition process, reviewed and endorsed the final variation assessment report (FVAR) issued by AFSSAPS, which will allow the use of the intravenous route of delivery to the Remodulin in the labeling in those nations.

"It is with great satisfaction that intravenous use of Remodulin will now be available to PAH patients in Europe," said Roger A. Jeffs, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer. "This approval significantly expands the treatment options for PAH patients using parenteral therapy in Europe."

In Europe, risk management plans (RMPs) are routinely required as part of the regulatory approval process for new medicines and also for significant variations involving a change to the route of administration, formulation or indication. For intravenous Remodulin, United Therapeutics will implement an RMP focused on minimizing the known risks of central venous catheter-related blood stream infections associated with intravenous administration.

Oral Treprostinil New Drug Application Submitted to the FDA

United Therapeutics also announced today that it submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a New Drug Application (NDA) for treprostinil diethanolamine sustained release tablets (oral treprostinil) for the treatment of PAH on December 27, 2011. The submission starts a 60-day period during which the FDA will examine the application for completeness. If the FDA accepts the NDA for review, then it is expected to be subject to the standard review period of 10 months from the submission date, before an action letter is issued.

About Remodulin (treprostinil) Injection

Indication
Remodulin is a prostacyclin vasodilator indicated in the United States for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to diminish symptoms associated with exercise. Studies establishing effectiveness included patients with NYHA Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (58%), PAH associated with congenital systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (23%), or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (19%). Remodulin may be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion or continuous intravenous infusion; however, because of the risks associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters, including serious blood stream infections, continuous intravenous infusion should be reserved for patients who are intolerant of the subcutaneous route, or in whom these risks are considered warranted.

In patients with PAH requiring transition from Flolan® (epoprostenol sodium), Remodulin is indicated to diminish the rate of clinical deterioration. The risks and benefits of each drug should be carefully considered prior to transition.

Important Safety Information
Chronic intravenous infusions of Remodulin are delivered using an indwelling central venous catheter. This route is associated with the risk of blood stream infections, or BSI, and sepsis, which may be fatal. Therefore, continuous subcutaneous infusion is the preferred mode of administration.

Remodulin should be used only by clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of PAH. Remodulin is a potent pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. It lowers blood pressure, which may be further lowered by other drugs that also reduce blood pressure. Remodulin inhibits platelet aggregation and therefore, may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients on anticoagulants. Remodulin dosage adjustment may be necessary if inhibitors or inducers of CYP2C8 are added or withdrawn. Initiation of Remodulin must be performed in a setting with adequate personnel and equipment for physiological monitoring and emergency care. Therapy with Remodulin may be used for prolonged periods, and the patient's ability to administer Remodulin and care for an infusion system should be carefully considered.

Remodulin dosage should be increased for lack of improvement in, or worsening of, symptoms and it should be decreased for excessive pharmacologic effects or for unacceptable infusion site symptoms.

Abrupt withdrawal or sudden large reductions in dosage of Remodulin may result in worsening of PAH symptoms and should be avoided. Caution should be used in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency.

The most common side effects of Remodulin included those related to the method of infusion. For subcutaneous infusion, infusion site pain and infusion site reaction (redness and swelling) occurred in the majority of patients. These symptoms were often severe and could lead to treatment with narcotics or discontinuation of Remodulin. For intravenous infusion, line infections, sepsis, arm swelling, tingling sensations, bruising, and pain were most common. General side effects (>5% more than placebo) were diarrhea, jaw pain, vasodilatation and edema.

For full prescribing information for Remodulin in the United States, visit http://www.remodulin.com/images/pdf/PI.pdf, or call 1-877-864-8437.

Rockville Biomed Firm Advances Neuroregenerative Drug to Phase Ib Clinical Trial for Depression

2011-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuralstem, Inc. (NYSE Amex: CUR) announced that it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to advance to Phase Ib in its ongoing clinical trial to test its novel neuroregenerative compound,NSI-189, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Phase Ib will test the safety and tolerability of the drug in depressed patients. NSI-189 is a proprietary new chemical entity discovered by Neuralstem that stimulates new neuron growth in the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is believed to be involved in MDD as well as other diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"We are pleased to be approved to begin testing NSI-189 in patients who suffer from depression," said Karl Johe, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Chairman of Neuralstem's Board of Directors. "Loss of hippocampal volume is a known characteristic in depressed patients. NSI-189 stimulates neurogenesis and increases hippocampal volume in healthy adult mice, at the same time reversing behavioral symptoms in mouse depression models, so it could address depression at the source."

"It is exciting to see a new class of drugs that potentially offers a novel and different approach to this disease moving into patients," said Maurizio Fava, MD, Slater Family Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Fava, one of the world's leading researchers in MDD, helped design the Neuralstem trial.

About NSI-189

Neuralstem's technology enabled the creation of neural stem cell lines from many areas of the human CNS, including the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain involved in memory and the generation of new neurons. It is also implicated in several major neurological and psychiatric diseases. From its hippocampal neural stem cell lines, Neuralstem has created virtually unlimited amounts of mature human neurons and glia in laboratory dishes. These can be used to mimic the natural brain environment in order to test drug effects.

Neuralstem has been engaged in its own drug discovery program with these human hippocampal stem cell lines since 2000. In 2009, Neuralstem was granted U.S. patents on four first-in-class chemical entities that boost the generation of new neurons. NSI-189, the first of these to be in a clinical trial, significantly stimulates the generation of new hippocampal neurons (neurogenesis) in vitro and in animal models, above and beyond the neural stem cells' innate differentiation.

NSI-189 is the lead compound in Neuralstem's neuroregenerative small molecule drug platform, which the company plans to develop into orally administered drugs for MDD and other psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

NSI-189 stimulated neurogenesis of human hippocampus-derived neural stem cells in-vitro. In healthy normal adult mice, NSI-189 stimulated neurogenesis in the hippocampus and significantly increased its volume, apparently by increasing its synaptic network after 28 days of daily oral administration. In mouse models of depression, NSI-189 significantly improved behavioral responses associated with depression. In humans, NSI-189 may reverse the human hippocampal atrophy seen in MDD and other disorders and reverse their symptoms. This program has received significant support from both the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

About the Trial

The NSI-189/MDD trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose escalating trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effect of NSI-189 in the treatment of MDD. Phase Ia tested escalating doses of single administration of NSI-189 in healthy patients. Phase Ib will test the safety of escalating doses of NSI-189 for 28 daily administrations in 24 depressed patients. The Phase Ib portion of the trial is expected to take approximately six months to complete.

Sandy Spring Bancorp to Acquire CommercialFirst

2011-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

OLNEY, Md. and ANNAPOLIS, Md., Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: SASR) and CommerceFirst Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMFB) today announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement for Sandy Spring to acquire CommerceFirst Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CommerceFirst Bank, in a transaction currently valued at approximately $25.4 million in stock and cash. Sandy Spring's acquisition of CommerceFirst will add approximately $205 million in total assets, $181 million in gross loans, and $180 million in total deposits, before purchase accounting adjustments. The transaction will expand Sandy Spring's presence in Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George's counties in central Maryland, where CommerceFirst Bank operates 5 full service branches.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sandy Spring will acquire all of the shares of CommerceFirst common stock for a combination of 50% Sandy Spring common stock and 50% cash. The stock consideration will be at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.8043 Sandy Spring shares for each CommerceFirst share and the cash consideration will be $13.60 per share, in each case subject to possible adjustment. The aggregate merger consideration will consist of approximately 732,000 shares of Sandy Spring common stock and $12.4 million in cash. CommerceFirst shareholders will be permitted to elect Sandy Spring common stock or cash, or a combination of each; subject to proration procedures to preserve the aggregate 50% stock and 50% cash consideration mix. The stock portion of the consideration to CommerceFirst shareholders is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction. Sandy Spring expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to its earnings per share, excluding one-time transaction expenses.

"CommerceFirst has done an excellent job of effectively serving small and mid-sized businesses, a prime market segment for Sandy Spring. In particular, they are a recognized leader in local SBA lending, and we look forward to adding these strengths to our own," said Daniel J. Schrider, President and CEO of Sandy Spring Bancorp. "As a prominent Maryland-based bank, we are also very pleased to have the opportunity to further expand our presence in the heart of Annapolis and the surrounding area. The products and services we can offer CommerceFirst clients and the additional locations we will be able to offer our existing clients makes this a winning combination for all concerned."

CommerceFirst's President and CEO, Richard J. Morgan, will join Sandy Spring as Market President for the greater Annapolis region and will help build upon both banks' presence in the Prince George's County market as well. "We are thrilled to have someone of Rick's reputation on our team to lead the newly combined market," said Schrider. "His business acumen and expertise in small business lending will benefit us greatly as we grow our franchise and gain market share."

"Sandy Spring Bancorp has a strong reputation for quality in our industry and the community," said Milton D. Jernigan, II, Chairman of the Board of CommerceFirst Bancorp. "We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with the team at Sandy Spring Bank, which shares our commitment to community banking. Combining our organizations significantly increases the opportunities for our clients, employees, and adds value to our shareholders."

The transaction, which has been approved by both CommerceFirst's and Sandy Spring's board of directors, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including the approval by CommerceFirst's shareholders and customary regulatory approvals.

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated acted as financial advisor to Sandy Spring and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP acted as Sandy Spring's legal counsel. Scott & Stringfellow, LLC acted as advisor to CommerceFirst and BuckleySandler LLP acted as its legal counsel.

E-Learning Platform Helps Charles County Students Learn Finance Skills

2011-12-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

WALDORF, Md., Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Charles County Public High School students have adopted a new web-based e-learning platform designed to promote financial literacy. The e-learning platform, powered by EverFi, Inc., uses the latest in new media technologies: adaptive pathing, 3-D gaming, social networking, online animations, video and messaging tools to bring complex financial concepts to life. Through the EverFi platform, students become certified in over 600 topics in financial education and become more informed financial citizens. Community Bank of Tri-County has partnered with EverFi to bring the interactive financial management program to these high school students at no cost to the schools.

"One of the best things that we can do for the upcoming generation is to help educate children about the importance of making wise financial decisions," said Jim DiMisa, Chief Operation Officer for Community Bank of Tri-County. "Partnering with EverFi allows us to provide effective and engaging content on topics that can often be very confusing to children and adults, alike. It's just one more way that Community Bank of Tri-County is striving to give back to our communities."

"I really like EverFi. I learned about different types of banks and student loans. I also learned the difference between a credit card and debit card. My favorite section was savings. I really learned a lot about savings and all that goes along with saving like needs and wants and how to budget my money. EverFi helped me learn things that my parents didn't learn until they were grown and on their own. I appreciate EverFi and all I had a chance to learn and further my education that will help me get through life a lot easier," said Ebony Poe, North Point High School student.

The 10-unit course offers six hours of programming aimed at teaching, assessing and certifying students in a variety of financial topics including credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks, savings, 401(k)s and other critical concepts. The system uniquely tracks the progress and score of every student and provides students who successfully complete the course with a Certification in Financial Literacy, a powerful tool on college applications, resumes, and more.

"EverFi is a unique way for me to connect with students on a variety of subjects," says Debra Davis, teacher at North Point High School. "The students enrolled in the program ask better questions and engage in conversations that may not take place without EverFi. I have found that this supports objectives, assessments and instruction in a positive manner."

Verizon Wireless Donation Supports Walter Reed

2011-12-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

LAUREL, Md., Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, Verizon Wireless is donating $10,000 worth of long distance calling cards to benefit wounded U.S. servicemen and women recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, now located in Bethesda, Maryland. The donation will provide hundreds of minutes of talk time for thousands of recovering soldiers during this holiday season and next year. Verizon Wireless' most recent $10,000 contribution supplements three earlier donations and brings total giving to organizations supporting Walter Reed to $40,000.

Verizon Wireless teamed with the ASIS Foundation's Wounded Veterans Phone Program to make the donation. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ASIS is an association dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals worldwide and counts among its members more than 4,000 U.S. Military personnel

Mike Maiorana, Verizon Wireless president in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and the region's leadership team delivered the calling cards to wounded veterans recuperating at the hospital. He said, "We're proud to make this donation to support injured soldiers, whose selfless sacrifice is a constant source of inspiration. For wounded servicemen and women who aren't able to travel home during the holidays, a long distance phone call can provide a healing touch. I am proud to work for a company which recognizes their contributions through this program."

Verizon Wireless is a proud supporter of our nation's military and has been honored for its commitment to preserving jobs and benefits for those who deploy overseas. Verizon now has 12,000 on its active employee roster. In addition, Verizon Wireless has policies in place to suspend service and/or billing for customers who are called to active duty.

Bank Executive Announces Retirement

2011-12-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

BALTIMORE, Dec. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 1st Mariner Bancorp (OTCBB: FMAR.OB), parent company of 1st Mariner Bank, announced today that Edwin F. Hale Sr., chairman and chief executive officer of the company and bank, retired from the board and his executive capacity effective December 22, 2011. Hale turned 65 in November and elected to announce his retirement plans in conjunction with the company's year end Board of Directors' meeting. Plans for Hale's retirement were initially contemplated in April in conjunction with the Company's announcement of the execution of a stock purchase agreement with Priam Capital Fund I, L.P.

"While it is difficult to leave 1st Mariner, the time is right," said Hale, who launched the bank in 1995. "I am proud of the commitment to community banking 1st Mariner has embraced and the hundreds of financial services jobs the company has created in the Baltimore metropolitan area."

Captain Michael R. Watson, will become interim, non-executive chairman of the banking company upon Hale's departure. Watson, a 1st Mariner Bancorp director since 1998, is the President of the International Maritime Pilots' Association and the President of the American Pilots' Association and is a Past Chairman of the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Mark Keidel, currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of the company and the bank will assume the principal executive responsibility on an interim basis, subject to regulatory approval. Keidel has been a senior executive at 1st Mariner since June, 2000.

1st Mariner also announced that Jack E. Steil, formerly president of Wilmington Trust Mid-Atlantic Region, and Robert D. Kunisch Jr., formerly president of Wilmington Trust FSB, Maryland, have been engaged by the company since July of this year to advise the board of directors with respect to strategic planning, and they will continue to serve in this capacity. Prior to joining Wilmington Trust, Steil and Kunisch were both executives at Mercantile Bankshares Corporation. Steil spent 32 years with the Mercantile during which time he served in many capacities including Chief Credit Officer. Kunisch has 21 years experience in the banking industry primarily in the commercial lending specialty.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Opens in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2011-12-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

MEXICO CITY and BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfield Inn Los Cabos opened its doors and welcomed guests today in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, offering a moderately priced lodging option in the heart of the popular resort destination. The 128-room hotel is Marriott International's first property in Los Cabos and is located on the principal avenue of town, Lazaro Cardenas, an easy walk to the popular Medano beach and major tourist attractions such as El Arco, Lover's Beach, the Puerto Paraiso Mall and Cabo Dolphins.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111208/PH19644 )

The Fairfield Inn Los Cabos is operated under a franchise agreement with Pulso Hotelero a subsidiary of Pulso Inmobiliario and management contract with Optima Hoteles de Mexico.

"In today's economy, travelers are looking for great value in prime destinations," said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager for Fairfield Inn and Suites. "We are thrilled to be adding this exciting new hotel to our portfolio, offering a memorable experience in an ideal venue to both locals and tourists."

Located two minutes away from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, the Fairfield Inn Cabo San Lucas features innovative design and great service at a moderate price. From the hotel, guests can walk to the international tourist destination's main beaches, historic areas and shopping.

"This hotel represents the beginning of a close relationship with Pulso Hotelero and the expansion of the Fairfield Inn brand in Mexico," said Rob Steigerwald, chief operations officer of Marriott International, Inc., The Americas, Southern Region.

"We are thrilled to partner with Marriott," said Salomon Kamkhaji, President of Pulso Hotelero. "We are confident that the Fairfield brand will be a success in the Mexican market, so much so, that we plan to open a total of 36 Fairfield hotels throughout Mexico, with many markets to come." The next Fairfield hotel to open will be the 120-room Fairfield Inn Queretaro in fall 2012.

The modern, five-story hotel has a comfortable, contemporary feel, with a spacious and inviting lobby, fitness center, pool and a business center open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bright, airy guest rooms are equipped with LCD screen televisions, mini bar, and an in-room safe. Room rates include free wireless Internet in guest rooms and public spaces and a free hot breakfast every morning. Rates in the opening months will start at $99.00 USD.

Launched in 1987, the Fairfield Inn & Suites brand is a leader in the moderate tier lodging category inNorth America.

"With more than 670 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Fairfield is also expanding into key emerging markets around the globe including India and Brazil," said Buckley. "With complimentary hot breakfast and high-speed internet access in all guest rooms and free Wi-Fi in public spaces, guests can rely on Fairfield Inn & Suites to deliver outstanding service so travel is easy, comfortable and productive, wherever their travel may take them."

Fairfield Inn & Suites participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent guest program. Members earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage for dollars spent at nearly 3,200 Marriott hotels worldwide.

Giant Food Alerts Customers to Voluntary Recall of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Garden Vegetable Packages

2011-12-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

LANDOVER, Md., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Following notification from its supplier, Mars Food, Giant Food of Landover, Md. has removed from sale Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Garden Vegetable packages. The product may contain milk, an undeclared allergen.

The following product is affected by this recall:
Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Garden Vegetable, 4.7 oz., UPC 5480040778 with best before date of 08/12 and code dates of 133BA4RP06 or 133BB4RP06

To date, Giant Food has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. This product is safe to consume for individuals who do not suffer from a milk allergy. Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions or bring their purchase receipt to Giant Food for a full refund.

Symptoms of food allergies typically appear from within a few minutes to two hours after a person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic. Allergic reactions can include: hives; flushed skin or rash; tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth; face, tongue, or lip swelling; vomiting and/or diarrhea; abdominal cramps; coughing or wheezing; dizziness and/or lightheadedness; swelling of the throat and vocal cords; difficulty breathing; loss of consciousness.

Customers looking for additional information on the recall may call Uncle Ben's consumer care line at 1-800-548-6253 or the Giant Food Customer Service line at 1-888-469-4426. Information is also available on the Giant Food Web site, at www.giantfood.com.

PCTEST Lab Obtains PTCRB Accreditation

2011-12-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

COLUMBIA, Md., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, Inc. (PCTEST Lab), a premier independent test laboratory for device manufacturers and carriers, announced today its approval as a PTCRB Certification testing facility.

PCTEST Lab has been approved as an E-UTRA accredited laboratory by the PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) during this week's meeting in Baltimore, MD. Approval by the PTCRB Operators propels PCTEST Lab's leadership in 4G LTE testing and certification.

"PTCRB certification ensures GSM/WCDMA/LTE devices are compliant with the technical specifications as defined in the NAPRD (North American Permanent Reference Document) and Network Operator requirements," explained Steve Coston, PCTEST Lab's Conformance Technical Manager. "PTCRB-certified devices give North American operators confidence that the devices will not harm their network."

"True to our pioneering spirit, we are an established leader in LTE testing," said Randy Ortanez, the president and founder of PCTEST Lab. "Receiving PTCRB approval will enable device manufacturers and operators to accelerate their LTE deployment schedules in the North American market. This milestone is unprecedented as PCTEST is the first U.S. originated lab that received PTCRB accreditation. We are excited to be in the forefront of 4G LTE testing in North America."

S&R Foundation Announces 2011 S&R Washington Award Winners

2011-12-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The S&R Foundation, a non-profit organization created to encourage and stimulate scientific research and artistic endeavors among young individuals, today announced the winners of the 2011 S&R Washington Award. The S&R Washington Award was established to recognize talented young artists in the fields of fine arts, music, drama, dance, photography, and film who contribute to U.S.-Japanese understanding.

"It is with great pleasure and honor that we recognize this highly talented and inspiring group of young artists, and reward them for their dedication and achievements in the arts," said Dr. Sachiko Kuno, president of S&R Foundation.

The S&R Washington Award recipients for 2011 are:

Char Prescott – Grand Prize Winner Char Prescott is a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral cellist in New York City, N.Y. An active performer, Ms. Prescott has appeared as a soloist at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on several occasions, and has made solo appearances with the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, the Reston Chamber Symphony, the Barry Studio Orchestra, and the West Potomac Sinfonietta. Ms. Prescott received her Masters degree in 2011 from the Manhattan School of Music (MSM). Ms. Prescott resides in Alexandria, VA.

Ryo Yanagitani – A distinguished pianist, Ryo Yanagitani is considered one of Canada's most promising young concert artists, endowed twice by the Canadian Arts Council with a grant as an Emerging Artist. His most recent successes include winning the gold medal at the 10th Annual San Antonio International Piano Competition, the Dr. Luis Sigall International Piano competition inVina del Mar (Chile), and the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, and being named a laureate of the Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition.

Shizuo Kuwahara – Born in Tokyo, Mr. Kuwahara is music director of the Symphony Orchestra Augusta in Augusta, GA, and is also the first prize winner of the prestigious Georg Solti International Conductors' Competition in Germany. A renowned conductor, Kuwahara has also won awards at many international conducting competitions, including the Malko International Conducting Competition, the Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting, the Prokofiev International Conducting Completion and the Fitelberg International Competition.

Laura Eckelman – Ms. Laura Eckelman is a New York City-based lighting designer for theater, dance, opera, and other performance arts events. A magna cum laude graduate of Middlebury College, Ms. Eckelman's design work has garnered regional and national recognition for its subtlety, elegance and careful composition. Ms. Eckelman holds a Master of Fine Arts from theYale School of Drama.

The award recipients are selected by the Awards Committee and receive a $5,000 cash prize to further their artistic disciplines. In addition, the Awards Committee named Char Prescott as a Grand Prize winner. Ms. Prescott will receive an additional $5,000 and will be eligible to showcase her talents in a Foundation sponsored event.

Previous Grand Prize showcases supported by the Foundation have included debuts at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall and the Terrace Theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.

Several of these talented young artists will be performing at the S&R Foundation-hosted Concert Series at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Terrace Theater, in April 2012. This unique concert series, which is an official event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and is supported by the Embassy of Japan, will showcase seven world-class musicians during the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Centennial Celebration, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy exceptional presentations by Japanese artists.

Greater Baltimore Committee Announces Bridging the Gap Winners

2011-11-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

BALTIMORE, Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nine Baltimore-area companies and one individual have been named as winners of the 8th Annual Greater Baltimore Committee Bridging the Gap Awards.

The awards were presented during November 17 ceremonies honoring minority-owned and women-owned firms for achievement and others for their efforts to strengthen minority business development. The event was held at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel.

The awards program is part of Bridging the Gap, a minority business development initiative of the Greater Baltimore Committee, the region's most prominent organization of business and civic leaders.

"In order for Maryland's business community to reach its full potential, all businesses must be engaged and thriving," says GBC President & CEO Donald C. Fry. "These motivated, successful minority and women entrepreneurs and partners exemplify the kind of private-sector achievement that drives our economy."

Categories and winners of the 2011 Bridging the Gap Awards are:

Achievement by a minority or woman-owned business:

Audacious Inquiry, Catonsville, Md. This innovative management and technology consulting firm specializes in health care information systems. Since its founding in 2004, the company has grown to 22 employees and has been included in Inc. Magazine's 5,000 fastest-growing private U.S. companies.
Beacon Associates, Inc., Bel Air, Md. In less than 10 years, Beacon Associates founder Carol Koffinke has achieved success in the male-dominated federal contracting sector. This organizational development and performance consultant firm employs 200 and is among the Wall Street Journal's top 20 fastest growing woman-led firms in North America.
BEMO Corporation, Baltimore, Md. Seizing opportunity amid a "Green Revolution," BEMO performs home energy audits to BGE customers, delivering energy-saving value to customers and to BGE. In its second year, BEMO's 25 employees are servicing $2 million in contracts.
C. Jones Trucking LLC., Aberdeen, Md. This 25-employee firm offers a broad range of services including trucking, project management, construction management and asphalt manufacturing. It currently is Maryland's only MBE-certified asphalt manufacturer. The firm received a 2011 Contractor of the Year Award from the Maryland Washington Minority Contractors' Association.
Harris-Kupfer Architects, Baltimore, Md. Founded in 2004, this full-service architectural firm specializes in health care architecture and serves clients including the University of MarylandMedical System and assisted living facilities.
Integrity Title & Escrow Company, Owings Mills, Md. Since its founding 12 years ago this firm has grown into one of Maryland's leading title firms and a top-ranked woman-owned title company in the state.

Majority-owned commitment to inclusive business practices:

University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Md . UMMS has emerged as an industry leader in developing a successful and strategic approach to furthering the expansion of minority- and women-owned business opportunities. The system has generated as much as 42 percent MWBE participation in major construction projects and has increased MWBE supply purchases by more than 50 percent within the last fiscal year.

Key partnership or strategic alliances:

The Cordish Companies, Baltimore, Md.; and Commercial Interiors, Hanover, Md. The Cordish Companies have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to minority participation on projects that have MBE goals, as well as projects that don't. In both instances, Cordish has made minority-owned Commercial Interiors a valued construction management partner on high-profile projects, demonstrating the high value and positive impact on minority business development to be derived through partnerships between majority-owned and minority-owned companies.

President's Award

Stanley Tucker, president & CEO, Meridian Management Group, Baltimore, Md. For more than 30 years, Stanley Tucker has been on the front lines of minority business development, helping minority entrepreneurs overcome one of their greatest obstacles – gaining access to capital to allow them to pursue their business visions. His advocacy on behalf of minority-owned business development is legendary and, over the years, he has provided professional asset management and financing services to hundreds of small and emerging minority-owned firms in Maryland.

Nominations were submitted by businesses, civic organizations, employees, customers, elected officials and government agencies. Award winners were selected from among 26 finalists.

More information about the Bridging the Gap initiative is available on the GBC website, www.gbc.org.

SOURCE Greater Baltimore Committee

Business News Elsewhere in Maryland

United Therapeutics Announces Hypertension Drug Approval in Europe

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