This Week on Carroll Creek: September 17, 2014

Where the Sidewalk No Longer Ends

In less than 8 weeks, significant progress has been made between the Delaplaine Arts Center and South East Street.  Where the sidewalk used to end, the grade has been brought up to continue the shared use path. Construction is moving at a fast pace in this area, and The City expects it to move beyond South East Street soon.  

September 16, 2014

September 16, 2014

Styrofoam blocks are used to reduce the weight of fill on top of the storm water conduits. 

Connect with Us for Updates

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

5 Facts About the Frederick Municipal Airport

Credit: Tim Davis, Transportation Planner, City of Frederick

The Frederick Municipal Airport has long been a vital and necessary asset to the community, including the business community.  

Here are 5 facts you may not have known about about our local airport:

1. Frederick Municipal Airport is the second busiest airport in Maryland after BWI. It is a general aviation reliever airport.

2. The airport has 110,000 aircraft operations annually.

3. More than 350 businesses use the airport regularly each year

4. Frederick Municipal Airport is the preferred corporate executive airport for the Baltimore/Washington region. 

5. Currently, the MetLife Blimp is at the Frederick Municipal Airport. MetLife Blimps do not have a home base, but they do stay at airports close to the events they are covering. The blimp flies out of Frederick to cover major events, such as sporting events, in Baltimore and DC.

Learn more about the Frederick Municipal Airport. 

Entrepreneurs, Get Ready to Make Your Pitch!

Got a great business idea? Ready to pitch your startup? You're in luck, because the

Startup Maryland Bus is coming to Downtown Frederick on September 23. On it, you can pitch your business idea and have a chance to get your plans off the ground.

Get on the Startup Maryland Bus to Make Your Pitch

Save the Date: September 23, 2014

1. Register to Make Your Pitch - All participants must register to get on the bus at the Frederick, Maryland stop. The bus will be in Frederick on the afternoon of September 23, 2014. Take just a few minutes to register: http://bit.ly/frederickpitch2014 

2. Let us Know You Want to Pitch -  Once you register, you will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-pitch meeting at FITCI. Here, you will practice your pitch and receive valuable feedback. The best pitches will be guaranteed a chance to pitch on the Startup Maryland Bus. Once you register, you will be contacted by the pre-pitch committee to make your appointment. Know you want to pitch? Email us to schedule your pre-pitch time now (info@fitci.org).

3.  Get on the Startup Bus to Make Your Pitch - On the afternoon of September 23, 2014, the Startup Maryland Bus will be at Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick (124 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701). 

From here, you will board the bus and make your pitch. Afterwards, network with other entrepreneurs at Brewer's Alley, and invite family, friends, and supporters to cheer you on and celebrate your accomplishment! 

Then what?

The Startup Maryland Bus is also a production studio, and your pitch will turn into a 2-3 minute video.  

After the bus tour wraps-up, videos are posted online. Two online voting competitions from September through November will determine "Fan Favorites” and which companies have the “Strongest Potential for High Growth” according to a panel of VC/angel investors.

Not pitching? Come for the fun & networking.

The bus will be parked in front of Brewer’s Alley, and Brewer’s will serve as the spot for those pitching, family, friends, business partners, and supporters to gather and network before and after the pitches. Join us for light refreshments and a chance to support entrepreneurs in the community. It's noteworthy that Brewer's Alley is also owned by a local restaurant entrepreneur, and an example of the opportunity in Frederick for small businesses.  

Startup Maryland Event

September 23, 2014 2-4 p.m. Brewer's Alley

124 N Market St.

Frederick, MD 21701

More Information & Registration: http://bit.ly/frederickpitch2014 

Job Opportunity! Frederick Based Small Business Consultant

The Maryland Western Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Frostburg State University, seeks applications for a Small Business Consultant. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Frederick, MD and includes University System of Maryland benefits package.

Responsibilities: Provide management and technical assistance to small businesses. Package loans. Client management via one-on-one counseling and client files. Outreach via marketing and informing of federal and state legislators. Facilitate training workshops. Maintain professional development.

Minimum Qualifications: MBA and at least five years of relevant business experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel). Interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of clients; excellent oral and written communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Five years of business ownership experience. Knowledge of the economic development community in Frederick County and an understanding of licensing and regulatory requirements, especially in technology.

Visit https://frostburg.peopleadmin.com to apply.
Application deadline is September 15, 2014.

Frostburg State University welcomes and encourages women, veterans and minorities to apply and seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.  FSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request.  Please notify us in advance. 
WWW.FROSTBURG.EDU

"Park and Shop" Program - Validated Parking Tickets Available at Downtown Businesses

The City of Frederick Parking Department wants Downtown Frederick business owners as well as any residents and visitors that come shop downtown to know about the "Park and Shop" program.

If you are a Downtown Frederick business owner, you can contact the City's Parking Department at 301-600-1429 or visit the Parking Staff at the Court Street parking garage to learn more and sign up for the program, which allows you to offer your customers validated parking passes in various dollar amounts.

Clyde Hicks, owner of The Trail House on S. Market Street shares this about the program, "We have been using the Park and Shop program for years and our customer's seem to really appreciate it. We encourage our staff to promote the program to our customers and over the years, more and more people are taking advantage of it. To us, its seems like a win-win for our business and our customers." 

Jeff Horowitz with Colonial Jewelers is a supporter of the program as well.

"The Park and Shop program provides a great service to our customers.   Downtown businesses are at a disadvantage compared to mall and free-standing stores, which have convenient, free parking.  This program allows downtown merchants to counteract at least the cost of parking in the decks to shop downtown, where there is limited on-street parking near their stores (which is not free)."

This Week on Carroll Creek: August 15

Phase two work continues along Carroll Creek between the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center and S. East Street. 

The photographs show the construction progress that will support new park amenities such as a shared use path and fountains. 

Fountain Construction - A prominent structure in most of the images shows the construction of what is called "Galleria Fountain." One of the unique aspects of this fountain is that it will have 70 nozzles that will spray water, providing a one-of-a-kind water feature in this area. 

August 14, 2014

Artist interpretation of phase two of Carroll Creek.  This drawing is conceptual only, and does not represent the actual plans that will be built, however it does illustrate how phase two will activate more areas along the creek and tie into the existing park. 

August 14, 2014

August 14, 2014

Outside of the construction trailer, samples of the finishes that will be used in the complete project are displayed. 

August 14, 2014

August 14, 2014 

Connect with Us for Updates

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

Chamber Thanks Members and Welcomes New President

On August 12, 2014, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2014 General Membership Reception at Frederick Community College. Josh Bokee, City of Frederick Alderman and Board Chair of the Frederick Chamber, kicked off the event by welcoming attendees and introducing incoming Chamber President & CEO Elizabeth Cromwell. 

 Bokee thanked past President and CEO Ric Adams and former acting President and CEO Paul Frey for their service and significant contributions to the Chamber. Over 200 attendees were in attendance.  

During the event, the Chamber recognized three City of Frederick businesses for their membership:

• Offutt, Horman, Burdette & May PA, member for 54 years

• Rice Tire, member for 58 years

• Frederick Brick Works Inc., member for 102 years 

The City of Frederick has been a Chamber member since 1986 and is a Silver Trustee Member.  

Annually, The City hosts a Chamber business card exchange at City Hall.  

The Department of Economic Development is proud to have a strong, collaborative partnership with the Frederick Chamber to support our local businesses community.  

Did You Know?

The Frederick Chamber of Commerce was issued “U.S. Chamber Membership Certificate No. 1” after submitting its application on the third day of the organizing conference that established the U.S. Chamber. 

For more information about the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, visit

www.frederickchamber.org. 

Join the Excitement: Frederick County Business Appreciation Week!

Frederick County Business Development and Retention is gearing up for the 2014 Business Appreciation Week. During the week of October 27-31, small groups of local ambassadors will be making brief visits to businesses throughout The City of Frederick and Frederick County. If you are a Frederick business and want a great way to get the word out about your product and services, sign up now!

This is a unique way to hear about your business, thank you for being here, identify any concerns or potential issues you might have and help spread the word about how fantastic your company is.

There are many other benefits to participating:

• Free press release service via prweb ($250 value)

• Invitation to the County's Annual Business Reception in December, the biggest Frederick County business networking event of the year

• Potential to win company awards at the Annual Business Reception

• Inclusion in a free BAW advertisement in the Frederick News Post

• Promotion on social media outlets during and after BAW

Sign-up today and you will be contacted in September with the exact date and time of your visit. Slots fill fast so please sign-up by September 5th. We are looking for companies we have not visited in the past 3 years. You may register now via the link or call 301-600-1058.

Register Now!

Farm-to-Fork Frederick Celebrates Locally Sourced Dining Options

From August 22 through September 1, 2014, Frederick restaurants, farms, and wineries will team up to offer locally grown dishes to diners.  In its second year, Farm-to-Fork Frederick is a dynamic 11-day culinary celebration of locally sourced foods.  During the 2014 promotion, eleven participating restaurants will offer a special menu featuring 70% Frederick County grown and raised farm goods. 

New this year, "Farm Fresh Overnight Stay" hotel packages are available. Participants can extend their stay at a special rate and have the opportunity to explore and sample at a nearby farm through the package.  

Agriculture has always been a significant part of the economy and social network of Frederick and the surrounding community. Founded in 1745, Frederick-Town sat near the center of a remarkably fertile and gently rolling landscape ripe for the production of grains, fruits, and livestock. By the middle of the 19th century, the town of Frederick was well established as a county seat and marketing center for Frederick County. This year, The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development is a sponsor of Farm-to-Fork Frederick. 

Frederick is a dining destination for residents and visitors alike.  It is home to shops, restaurants, and businesses that provide the quality of life so many enjoy. 

The Farm-to-Fork Frederick event brings attention to the locally-sourced dining movement, and raises awareness that many Frederick restaurants source locally all year long.  

2014 Participating Restaurants/Culinary Spots 

• A Better Choice Bakery (Brunswick)
• Barley and Hops (Frederick - County)
• Beans in the Belfry (Brunswick)
• The Buzz (Monrovia)
• Firestone's Culinary Tavern (Downtown Frederick)
• Shamrock (Thurmont)
• JoJo's Restaurant and Tap House (Downtown Frederick)
• La Paz Mexican Restaurant (Downtown Frederick)
• The Lodge (Frederick - County)
• Mistero (Downtown Frederick)
• Sumittra (Downtown Frederick)
• The Wine Kitchen (Downtown Frederick)
• The Kitchen Studio Cooking School (Frederick - County)

For more information, visit www.farmtoforkfrederick.com. 

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week: August 10-16

Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot visits April Reardon, owner of Velvet Lounge, in Downtown Frederick on Monday, August 11, 2014 during Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week.  

The Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week for 2014 runs Sunday, August 10 through Saturday, August 16. That means qualifying apparel and footwear, $100 or less per item, are exempt from state sales tax. Accessory items are not included. 

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week coincides with back to school shopping, but it's not just for students. The week is a great time for anyone to take advantage of the savings and shop locally for clothing and other qualifying purchases.  

For more information, visit "Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week."

12th Annual Frederick County Best Places to Work Awards

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Frederick County Best Places to Work Awards recipients.

Those recognized, shown left to right: Karen Smith, St. John Regional Catholic School; Vaughn Thurman, Swift Systems; Nick Damoulakis, Orases; Pat Fitch, Batelle National Biodefense Institute; Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., Fort Detrick; Michael Shollenberg, Regent Education; Jean Peterson, Jean Peterson Design; Lisa Shuster, iHire.com; Shawn Pierce, Experient; and Adrienne Weikert, Canapes.

On August 5, 2014, the 12th annual Frederick County Best Places to Work Awards event recognized local businesses for their workforce and family friendly practices.  The event was held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center and honors the top companies in the area while also bringing attention to the quality of life opportunities employees have in Frederick. 

For each nominee, five family-friendly criterion were evaluated, along with a review of each company’s median annual salary, turnover rate, and diversity practices.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners. View photos from the event. 

2014 Category Finalists and Winners

Small Employer: 

Swift Systems

Honorable Mention:

Jean Peterson Design

Medium Employer: 

Orases

Honorable Mention:

Canapes Catering

Large Employer: 

Batelle National Biodefense Institute

Honorable Mention:

Regent Education

Major Employer: 

Experient & Fort Detrick

This year, there was a tie in the Major Employer category.  Congratulations to both outstanding winners. 

People’s Choice: 

St. John Regional Catholic School

The People’s Choice Award was based on the company that has the most desired unique benefits. 

Most Creative Work Environment:

iHire

A new category, “Most Creative Work Environment,” was added this year.  

The event is a joint partnership between Frederick County Workforce Services, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Business Development and Retention, and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

Thank You

Thank you to this year’s sponsors, all of whom are previous award winners. Without their generosity, the 2014 event could not have happened: 

• Country Meadows Retirement Communities

• Canam Steel

• ClinicalRM

• En-Net Services

• Morgan-Keller Construction

• Hood College

• ImQuest BioSciences

• Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates

• The Law Offices of Scott Alan Morrison

• Plamondon Hospitality Partners

This Week On Carroll Creek: August 1

Phase two work along Carroll Creek has started 

between the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center and S. East Street. 

The current construction shown in these photographs is the development of initial infrastructure including retaining walls and grading needed to extend park amenities and the shared use path between the Delaplaine and S. East Street.  Other ongoing efforts include new park amenities, widened paths and improved lighting between Baker Park and Market Street.

Connect with Us for Updates

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

This Week On Carroll Creek Park - July 21, 2014

If you are down on South Market or Bentz Street, you'll see construction and improvements continue along Carroll Creek, bringing new, widened terra cotta shared-use paths for pedestrians, joggers and bikers. 

Just beyond the Delaplaine on S. Carroll Street, block is being laid to raise the creek walls to allow for flower beds and retaining walls, as part of landscaping improvements.

 Between Market Street and Court Street, excavation of top soil is underway for the installation of new fountains.

Connect with Us for Updates

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 

About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

Better Know A Business: Exotic Lumber

95% of business in Frederick, Maryland are small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. 

The diversity and variety of businesses speak to the strong spirit of entrepreneurship in this community. Staff from the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development recently visited one of these small businesses, Exotic Lumber. 

Get to know Exotic Lumber better by reading a Q & A with owner, Neil Gager.

Better Know a Business: Exotic Lumber

When did you open in Frederick?

Exotic Lumber relocated to Frederick in October last year (2013). I opened my business when we arrived here from South Africa in January of 2002. 

Why did you choose Frederick for your business location?

We were renting a warehouse in the Airpark in Gaithersburg since we opened, and last year, we purchased our current warehouse. Living in New Market the last seven or so years, we have gotten to know Frederick well, and really enjoy what the city offers.

Who are your clients and what do they make with your products?

Our clients range from commercial businesses, like small and medium cabinet makers, furniture makers, remodelers, contractors, deck builders, mill work shops, flooring companies, luthiers, boat builders, as well as wood turners and all kinds of hobbyist woodworkers.  We also supply wood for historic renovation jobs.

What makes your business unique/different?

What makes us unique is our range of domestic and imported woods (over 120 species) and the fact that our customers can hand select their own lumber and, for a fee, have it planed and cut on-site for them. We also keep unusual things like burls and live-edged wood slabs.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about your business?

We have a showroom and customers are welcome to come in and look at what the different species are like once they have been sanded and finished.  

We also sell certain species of paper–backed veneers and edge banding, as well as veneer core plywood, as well as wood for outdoor uses – (furniture - teak, Spanish cedar, mahogany, western red cedar), decks (Ipe wood decking from Brazil), and Western Red cedar for raised garden beds. 

Additional Information

Exotic Lumber Inc
329 E. 2nd Street
Frederick, MD  21701
301-695-1271
www.exoticlumberinc.com 

Hours 

4 Events to Help You Grow Your Business

1. FITCI Lunch and Learn - QuickBooks Set Up and Basic User Introduction

2. July 16, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM @ FITCIMore Details

3. Frederick County Chamber Monthly Business Card Exchange

4. July 16, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM @ Mental Health Association of Frederick CountyMore Details

5. SCORE Frederick - Business Plans for the Real World

6. July 29, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ Bernard Brown Community CenterMore Details

7. FITCI Summer Networking on the Patio

8. July 29, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM @ FITCIMore Details