The Cherry Blossom Tree Tour Celebration Comes to Baker Park

On Sunday April 15^th the “Cherry Blossom Tree Tour Celebration” will commemorate the Cherry Blossom Tree’s 100^th Anniversary in the United States. The celebration will take place from 12noon-2pm in Baker Park at the bandshell.  The event will feature a ceremonial tree planting, ribbon cutting, a live performance by the award-winning Yamakiya Taiko Club from Fukushima, Japan and much more.

The Baker Park Cherry Blossom Tree Planting and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held in historic downtown Frederick- Baker Park at 12:30pm-1:00pm near the Gazebo and Band Shell. The tree planting will be followed by the taiko drum performance in the bandshell.

The Yamakiya Taiko Club includes 13 students, ages 12-20, from the Yamakiya District of Kawamata Town in Fukushima Prefecture. In May 2011 they had to leave their homes in Yamakiya because of the high levels of radiation emanating from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Despite these circumstances, the Yamakiya Taiko Club, which has won first prize in a number of national competitions, has stayed together. The students continue to practice taiko drumming at a school in Kawamata Town.

In addition to the Baker Park performance on April 15^th, the Yamakiya Taiko Club will also appear in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, DC and perform at the Kennedy Center on April 16^th.

This Frederick event is coordinated by Cathy Allen, The Green Ambassador and supported in party by The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, City of Frederick Parks & Recreation, Frederick County Office of Sustainability, Frederick County Tourism Council, Friends of Baker Park, and the Certified Tourism Ambassador’s Network.

Please visit http://www.thegreenambassador.org/ for more information about The Green Ambassador’s Cherry Blossom Tree Tour Celebration Stops. 

 Cathy Allen, The Green Ambassador is a certified green-tourism ambassador, green real estate agent, green expert, award-winning environmentalist, social advocate, and Environmental and Green Technology Lobbyist for Maryland.  Her mission is to stimulate the urban community environmentally and socially. To be a part of this and other Green Ambassador campaigns please email callen@thegreenambassador.org or call 410.916.7043.

DED is a full-service economic development department of the City of Frederick with the mission to create economic opportunity in the City through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. To learn more visit www.businessinfrederick.com or call at 301-600-6360.

Golden Mile Alliance Seeks New Resident Board Member

Frederick, MD – The Golden Mile Alliance seeks a resident of the Golden Mile to fill a current vacancy on the Board of Directors. The vacant position must be filled by a resident of the Golden Mile area, which includes neighborhoods located between Butterfly Lane on the south, Shookstown Road on the north, US-15 on the east and Mt Philip Road to the west.

All interested residents should submit a letter of interest to:

The City of Frederick Dept of Economic Development

c/o The Golden Mile Alliance

101 North Court Street

Frederick, MD 21701

The deadline to apply is Friday March 9, 2012. Letters of interest must include the nominee’s full name, home address, phone number and why the person is interested in serving on the GMA Board of Directors. An email address is requested but not required.

The Alliance, which is being incorporated in the State of Maryland and applying for 501(c)3 designation, has formed four committees to support the goals and priorities of the organization. The committees are Business Development, Design, Organization and Promotions. Service on these committees is open to the community, and the Alliance encourages interested residents, businesses and property owners to get involved by volunteering to serve on a committee.

The Golden Mile Alliance meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm at the Hillcrest Community Center, and meetings are open to the public. For more information on the Alliance, contact the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360.

DED is a full-service economic development department of the City of Frederick with the mission to create economic opportunity in the City through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. To learn more visit http://www.businessinfrederick.com/ or call at 301-600-6360.

 

My Bank First United Bank & Trust Makes Donation to the Golden Mile Alliance

Frederick, MD – The Golden Mile Alliance received its first donation from the local business community this month. My Bank First United Bank & Trust, located on Baughman’s Lane along the Golden Mile, became the first private investor in the Golden Mile Alliance with a $500 check presented at the Alliance Board meeting.

“My Bank is delighted to support the community-minded volunteers that have come together to form the Golden Mile Alliance,” stated Dave Esworthy, Market President for My Bank First United Bank & Trust. “We hope this seed money will spur involvement by others to help this corridor become a more vibrant and attractive center for business as well as social interests like the arts, education, and healthy living.”

Mr. Esworthy attended the January Board meeting and presented the check to Diana Halleman, President of the Alliance Board, Alderman Carol Krimm, Aldermanic Liaison to the Alliance Board, and Denise Phelps, Community Office Manager at My Bank and an Alliance Board member.

“When My Bank First United came to Baughmans Lane, we wanted to be part of the exciting and diverse group of residents and businesses around the Golden Mile,” said Ms. Phelps. “Our financial and human investment in the Golden Mile Alliance will contribute to the continued development of this vibrant community, returning the Golden Mile to a top destination in Frederick County.”

In addition to the donation from My Bank, Mayor McClement committed up to $5,000 in seed funding from the City of Frederick. This money will be used for start-up costs such as incorporation and 501(c)3 application fees, creation of a website for the Alliance, and other administrative costs. NAC 8 also donated envelopes and postage in support of the Alliance.

“The Golden Mile Alliance is a great example of a public-private partnership,” said Mayor McClement. “Great things can be accomplished when neighborhoods partner with local government and take ownership in creating the change they want to see in their communities.”

The Golden Mile Alliance meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm at the Hillcrest Community Center, and meetings are open to the public. For more information on the Alliance, contact the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360.

DED is a full-service economic development department of the City of Frederick with the mission to create economic opportunity in the City through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. To learn more visit www.businessinfrederick.com or call at 301-600-6360.

Golden Mile Alliance Elects Officers, Seeks Members for Committees

Frederick, MD – The Golden Mile Alliance elected officers for the organization at the monthly committee meeting on January 17^th. Elected as the first slate of officers for the Alliance were:

President - Diana Halleman, Resident

Vice President – Maribeth Visco, Kline Scott Visco

Treasurer – Denise Phelps, My Bank 1^st United Bank

Secretary – Justin Kiska, Way off Broadway Dinner Theater

"To be the first elected president of the Golden Mile Alliance and to have the opportunity to be part of helping to revitalize the area is truly a dream come true for me, “stated Mrs. Halleman. “Even better is that I am supported by an amazing team of committed and determined individuals who have the same vision and goals.  I believe that we can make a difference for our community and that we can have a positive impact on the city as a whole.”

The Alliance, which is being incorporated in the State of Maryland and applying for 501(c)3 designation, has formed four committees to support the goals and priorities of the organization. The committees are Business Development, Design, Organization and Promotions. Service on these committees is open to the community, and the Alliance encourages interested residents, businesses and property owners to get involved by volunteering to serve on a committee.

The Golden Mile Alliance meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm at the Hillcrest Community Center, and meetings are open to the public. For more information on the Alliance, contact the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360.

DED is a full-service economic development department of the City of Frederick with the mission to create economic opportunity in the City through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. To learn more visit www.businessinfrederick.com or call at 301-600-6360.

Blighted & Vacant Property Ad Hoc Committee Members Announced

Frederick, MD -- Mayor Randy McClement recently named 16 members to the newly formed Blighted and Vacant Property Ad Hoc Committee.  The purpose of the committee is to recommend regulatory, incentive and / or disincentive programs to assist The City of Frederick handle   habitually blighted and vacant properties. 

Mayor Randy McClement said, “The overwhelming public response was very exciting. The City received over 25 applications for the 16 positions on the Blighted and Vacant Property Ad Hoc Committee. My vision for this Committee is to focus the first one hundred (100) days studying commercial blighted and vacant property issues once the Committee has its initial organizational meeting.  After the first 100 days, the Committee will submit a draft report to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.”

The Blighted and Vacant Property Ad Hoc Committee members are:

Nine (9) Voting Members

• Tamar Osterman & Kathryn MacKenzie - representatives from a residential

   property brokerage

• Steve Cranford & David Kaye - representatives from a commercial property brokerages

• Joe Fitzgibbons & Mike Bowersox - representatives from commercial property owners 

• Robert Murray & Matthew Donahue - at-large community representatives -

• Kara Norman - representative from a community not-for-profit organization 

Four (4) Ex-Officio Members

• Truby LaGarde- alternate non-voting member

• Alderman Michael O’Connor- Aldermanic liaison

• Richard Griffin - Director of Economic Development

• Josh Russin - Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Three (3) City departments will provide staff support to the Ad Hoc Committee throughout the deliberation process:

• Rachel Depo - City Legal Department

• Brandon Mark - Planning Department

• Roy Singer - Code Enforcement

“I am looking toward the community for recommendations regarding existing City practices, studying and recommending best practices from other communities and any other new approaches that may be deemed appropriate to tackle these issues,” said Mayor McClement.

Following the initial one hundred day milestone the Ad Hoc Committee will spend approximately the following one hundred and forty (140) days reviewing residential blighted and vacant property concerns. A second report will to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen will follow with their findings.  All totaled, the Blighted and Vacant Property Ad Hoc Committee will spend a total of two hundred and forty (240) days reviewing both commercial and residential property issues.  The Ad Hoc Committee will inform the Mayor McClement if additional time is needed to study the issues.

MBE/DBE/ACDBE Application Assistance Workshop

Attention minority and women business owners!
Interested in increasing your exposure to State, Local and Federal government contracting? This is your opportunity to learn more about Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification.

Get a comprehensive overview of the certification process. Meet with a certification expert and ask questions about the application as it relates to your business.

Who should attend?

• Firms interested in learning about the benefits of MBE/DBE certification
• Firms seeking to fulfill minority participation goals on government contracts
• Firms with questions about the application process
• Firms seeking one-on-one review of an application prior to submission

Friday, March 23, 2012
Check-in 10:30am
Workshop begins at 11:00am
5340A Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703

This is a FREE event. To register, call the Small Business Development Center at 301-600-1967 or email bsmith@frostburg.edu.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER TO FORM BREAKFAST CLUB FOR ENTREPRENEURS

(January 10, 2012 – Frederick, MD) – The Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County, in partnership with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, will launch the Emerging Entrepreneur Breakfast Club in February. The new forum will allow local business owners to share ideas, solve common problems, and improve their operations.

The new Breakfast Club will meet on the third Tuesday of each month, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., beginning in February. Meetings will be held at the Frederick Chamber’s office at 8420-B Gas House Pike, Frederick. Space is limited to 15 participants. Interested business owners must apply by January 25, 2012, and will be notified of acceptance by the end of January.

During the program’s first year, participants must attend at least 10 of 12 monthly meetings, and must agree to keep information discussed at each meeting confidential. By encouraging open dialogue with a small group of professionals, the Entrepreneur Council hopes to develop strong bonds that will contribute to each participant’s business success.

Each meeting will be facilitated by Jim Merkel, Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. In addition to nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including financial planning for small business owners, Jim is active within the local nonprofit community.

Participant applications are available online at entrepreneurcouncil.com and frederickchamber.org. For more information, contact Ric Adams, Chamber President and CEO, at 301.662.7851.

Frederick County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 950 organizations, representing over 35,000 local jobs in a wide variety of industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Service and Hospitality, Technology, Government, Nonprofit, and Education. Over 80% of members are small businesses with 20 or fewer employees. The Frederick Chamber is the first Chartered Chamber in the United States, and will celebrate its 100^th Anniversary on May 21, 2012. To learn more about the Chamber, call 301.662.4164 or visit frederickchamber.org.

Small Business Saturday Promotes Local Businesses

Saturday, November 26th marks “Small Business Saturday”, a day established to help support local merchants and the economy on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. “The Small Business Saturday” movement started nationally last year to counter the big box store sales on Black Friday.  Mayor Randy McClement is encouraging people in the City of Frederick to take part and shop locally.

“Shopping locally is about personal service, that personal touch, remembering your name, having a sample for you to taste or remembering your favorite color.  It’s about seeing people you know on the streets, in the stores and at the restaurants and supporting our local economy here in Frederick.’  said Mayor McClement.

Whether it’s Under the Sun and Chanticleer Shoes on the Golden Mile or one of the many unique specialty retail shops in historic Downtown, you’re sure to find that perfect gift for the holidays at one of Frederick’s many small, independently owned stores.

The City and the Department of Economic Development encourage you to ‘shop small’ and locally; help fuel the economy. Also, “Like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook!

DED Unveils New Website

The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) on Thursday launched a redesigned website at www.businessinfrederick.com. The new site, completed as part of a major overhaul to the City of Frederick website, provides better integration and uniformity between DED and the overall City website. In addition, the redesigned site gives a fresh look and feel while offering a number of upgraded user-friendly features.

Improvements to the site include easier access to project-specific information, including Carroll Creek Park, the Golden Mile and the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center. City staff has a greater ability to change and update content, allow for a more dynamic and adaptable website with timely and relevant information.

Additionally, a new section focused on “Starting a Business” provides information on state and local licenses, permits, funding, incentives and free business support providers both locally and regionally.

“The DED site has always provided a wealth of information – from industry data to market analyses and demographic and wage data,” stated Heather Gramm, Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick. “This new site has enabled us to present that information in a more intuitive, user-friendly interface.”

DED is a full-service economic development department of the City of Frederick with the mission to create economic opportunity in the City through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. To learn more visit www.businessinfrederick.com or call at 301-600-6360.

Golden Mile Sees Business Expansions, New Construction, Façade Improvements

The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Golden Mile Alliance Organizing Committee is pleased to report renovations and new business activity on the Golden Mile including:

• VERIZON store is renovating and will occupy the former Hollywood Video space at 1003 West Patrick Street, part of the Frederick County Square shopping center.
  



• FAMOUS DAVE’S restaurant, also located in the Frederick County Square shopping center, is undergoing major exterior renovations but remains fully open and operational during construction.
  



• RED LOBSTER restaurant recently completed a façade improvement of their location on the Golden Mile.
  



• IF THE SHOE FITS has signed a lease in the Cellular One Center at 1170 West Patrick Street.
  



• GOODWILL store is renovating the former 84 Lumber facility at 101 Willowdale Drive and is opening this month.
  



• MCDONALD’S restaurant is planning to demolish and completely rebuild their location at 1501 Garrett Drive. The project includes a complete overhaul of the exterior, new interior décor and improvements to the drive-thru.
  



• CVS PHARMACY is constructing a new 12,800 square foot location at 1460 West Patrick Street. Located on the west end of the Golden Mile on the corner of Old Camp Road, this new branch will replace the former Earthworks Garden Center.

“The Golden Mile continues to be a vibrant business location as evidenced by the investment being made by these businesses,” stated Richard Griffin, director of economic development for the City of Frederick. “We are pleased to see businesses growing, expanding and investing in our community.”

The City of Frederick in collaboration with residents, property owners, and businesses is establishing the Golden Mile Alliance. According to Mayor Randy McClement, the mission of the group which is nearing incorporation is “to promote and foster the Golden Mile gateway community through business, neighborhood and economic development programs.” The ad-hoc organizing committee meets at Hillcrest Community Center on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7PM and has established a vision “to ensure that the Golden Mile is an attractive, diverse, and highly dynamic, mixed-use commercial corridor with top retail, office, and service uses linked by safe pedestrian routes to healthy residential neighborhoods and parks.

World Trade Center Institute’s 22nd Founders’ Anniversary and Embassy Wine Tasting

Date: December 1, 2011 4:00-6:30pm

Location: World Trade Center Baltimore

                        232 East Pratt Street 21^st floor

                        Baltimore, MD 21202

WTCI’s Founders’ Anniversary and Embassy Wine Tasting is an annual event that celebrates our mission of connecting local businesses to global opportunities. We invite you to raise a glass to the founders and founding companies who play integral roles in Maryland’s growing global community.   This year’s highlights include:

·         Insights about Maryland companies on the move in 2011 – including major international contracts, acquisitions, and expansions

·         Opportunity to sample fine wines from around the world at Embassy hosted wine tasting - win a bottle to take home!  

·         Unparalleled networking, appetizers, raffles, and more! 

Tickets: Members - $50, Non Members - $75

More information about the event can be found at the Event Page.   Registration is easy!

Monocacy Boulevard Opening in Late 2012

Last week Mayor McClement announced that the center section of Monocacy Boulevard would be open to traffic by the end of 2012. This is welcome news for the business community, as this new roadway will greatly improve access and traffic flow to major employment centers in Riverside and on the north end of town.

Completion of Monocacy Boulevard and improvements to Gas House Pike will create a new access point from I-70 to the businesses located in the Riverside business parks, Clustered Spires Golf Course, and to Route 26. Once fully completed Monocacy Boulevard serves as a mini-beltway around Frederick, connecting I-70 to Route 15 N along the east side. Future completion of the Rt. 15/Monocacy Boulevard interchange will continue the connection to the west side of the city.

“Continued investment in the City’s infrastructure is a critical component of economic development and the creation of new jobs in our community,” said Richard Griffin, director of the City’s Department of Economic Development.

The City’s costs to construct Monocacy Boulevard will be off-set in part by the Maryland BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone program. In 2008, the east side of Frederick City became one of the first such zones designated in the State of Maryland. A program of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development, the BRAC Zone program was designed to assist communities with the development of new infrastructure projects in support of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) expansions at federal installations.

For more information on this project, or the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone, contact DED at 301-600-6360.

Green Business Practices are the Focus of Upcoming County Programs

The Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is putting local businesses in the spotlight with two fall programs that focus on local commercial recycling and waste reduction activities. The outreach efforts are intended to provide resources for businesses that would like to reduce their disposable waste stream and also to provide recognition for those that are already operating with a ―green‖ mindset.

Between September 1 and October 12, 2011 any local business, non-profit or public sector entity can be nominated for the County’s Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Award program. This annual award recognizes the efforts of organizations that have taken steps to reduce their impact on the waste stream, through preventative waste reduction practices or integrated waste management strategies. Examples of waste-preventative business practices include ordering supplies in bulk, distributing pay stubs electronically or avoiding disposable items where possible. While such front-end tactics can reduce the amount of waste generated, other strategies, such as equipment and supply reuse, materials exchange programs, composting and recycling, divert valuable resources that would have otherwise been disposed.

According to DWSM Superintendent Phil Harris, in 2010, almost 160,000 tons of waste were generated in Frederick County and sent for landfill disposal; local businesses contributed roughly half of that amount. Harris notes, ―"While much attention has been given to residential recycling in recent years, this awards program is part of our ongoing effort to promote integrated solid waste management practices to the local business community. We are committed to helping local business leaders recycle more and waste lessand to demonstrate that such practices are not only environmentally sustainable but are also economically feasible."

For businesses interested in establishing or improving a recycling program, the County is conducting a free, day-long forum on October 5, 2011; the purpose of the program is summed up in its title, Working Together: Helping Businesses Recycle. The goal is to provide attendees with information and resources for creating a recycling program that meets their particular needs. Dialogue will be facilitated to help identify and reduce perceived barriers to beginning a commercial recycling program.

To address concerns specific to individual sectors—such as retail, hospitality or multi-family housing—attendees will be able to converse with local business leaders who have already incorporated recycling into their enterprise as well as learn from regional recycling experts. Richard Anderson, principal consultant of CQI Associates, will present information on how recycling cooperatives were created in Howard County to assist businesses in arranging recycling collection service in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Local waste hauling companies that offer recycling collection will also be on hand to discuss the existing array of available services. Complete information for both the business awards program and the recycling forum are available on the county’s website, www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BusinessRecycle. Applications for the award may be downloaded online and submitted by fax or mail. Those interested in attending the forum may register online; there is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so advance registration is required.

These programs are being administered by the Department of Solid Waste Management, in conjunction with The Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, City of Frederick Economic Development and the Downtown Frederick Partnership. The Department of Solid Waste Management regularly assists businesses in developing waste reduction and recycling programs by providing technical assistance and outreach support. For more information on commercial recycling and waste reduction opportunities, contact Dave Helmecki, the county’s Commercial Recycling Program Coordinator, at 301-600-7404 or by email to DHelmecki@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Community Focused on Filling Vacant Buildings

Long-time vacant commercial buildings (and we can all name several), are major nuisances for their immediate neighborhoods and the City as a whole, creating unsightly health, safety, and welfare issues. Such vacancies are eyesores and can result in declining property values, crime, vandalism, loitering, and other undesirable effects. Recent articles in the media have focused on this issue as one that is particularly visible and distressing since there are a number of notable vacancies which current policies, codes, regulations, and incentives have not been effective in forcing renovation and leasing.

It is important to note that the vast majority of the commercial leasable space in the city is occupied by terrific businesses employing nearly 49,000. While commercial vacancies have crept up into the upper teens during the recession and slow recovery, these properties are not the ones causing public outcry for action. Most commercial landlords are focused on minimizing vacancies and routinely invest in their properties keeping them leasable, all in hopes of driving strong revenue. Landlords who don't are often referred to as "slumlords" and their properties eventually become deteriorated and unleasable. There is little understanding for why they choose to allow this to occur, but the reasons they give range from the high cost of renovation including life-safety and ADA improvements to simply feeling overwhelmed and not knowing how to reposition derelict buildings. The latter is a good reason for them to consider selling their properties to others who do.

There is a strong correlation between public safety and economically vibrant, healthy neighborhoods with low vacancy rates and capital investment. The City has tried a number of ways to encourage and force delinquent property owners to maintain and lease their properties including recently condemning properties which are unsafe to occupy. What we need now is a well-coordinated, focused set of regulations and incentives to achieve progress.

In an effort to advance this issue, the city administration has announced that a blue-ribbon panel of local property owners, brokers, residents, and staff is being appointed to recommend regulatory and incentive strategies within 90 days. The group is being asked to review current policies, regulations and incentives, as well as to explore best practices from other communities. Many options have been identified by city staff, residents, elected officials and organizations like the Downtown Frederick Partnership which has been exploring the issue. Some of the alternatives include required registration for vacant properties, vacant property taxes or fees for long-time vacancies, land-value tax system, and increased incentives for building renovation and capital re-investment.

We all want Frederick to maintain and improve its reputation as a vibrant and safe community with healthy commercial occupancy rates, jobs, and available retail products and services. For more information check out www.businessinfrederick.com.

Local Businessman appointed to Governor's Maryland Economic Development Commission

Congratulations to Dave Severn, local Frederick attorney with Severn O’Conner & Kresslein, for his recent appointment to Governor O’Malley’s Maryland Economic Development Commission. The Commission’s 31 member board was created in 1995 with the mission to establish policies to create a competitive economic climate for business growth to compete more vigorously in the global marketplace.

Dave was quoted as saying, "These are challenging and uncertain times and more than ever we need to develop, support, and initiate programs and initiatives to position Maryland’s economy for growth. Maryland’s economic engine is driven by broad and diverse industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing, tourism to technology, state and federal facilities to military bases. We need to invest in those economic drivers, promote entrepreneurial enterprises and make it easy to do business in Maryland. I look forward to lending my service and voice to the MEDC in its efforts to grow Maryland’s economy."