NEW: Small Commercial Tax Credit Program Available

The Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program, which provides funding to support renovations of historic structures in Maryland, expanded in 2014 to include small commercial buildings. This great opportunity to upgrade a facade or make other necessary updates. 

Rehabilitation costs may receive a tax credit of up to $50,000 on projects up to $500,000. Buildings must be located in state-designated Sustainable Communities and be designated historic. 

The credit, which is capped at $50,000 over two years, is available through the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) starting January 1. MHT will accept applications starting September 1. 

Learn more about the tax credit program and find application materials at MHT’s tax credit program page. 

4 Offers and Ideas from Clustered Spires Golf Course

For some industries, golf and business go hand-in-hand.  An article in The Economist (Why golfers get ahead, November 21, 2011), emphasizes that, “As a form of corporate entertainment, golf's first virtue is that people of any age can play it.” It is the preferred sport for many looking to connect with clients and coworkers outside of the office. 

Clustered Spires Golf Club was established in 1991 as the first public golf course in Frederick County, and is owned and operated by the City of Frederick. The 185 acre course was formally a working dairy farm and the Monocacy River surrounds the golf course on 3 sides, creating a beautiful setting while providing a natural barrier from outside distractions. 

Looking towards 2015, here are some current offers and ideas from Clustered Spires Golf Club that may be right on par for your favorite golf-loving colleague, client, or for your own company: 

1. Book Your Outing or Event – Clustered Spires Golf Course successfully runs over 110 outings per year, and its PGA Professional staff has collectively over 51 years of management of charity golf events. Learn more about booking an event.
2. Annual Golf Membership – Find yourself on the links a lot? Play unlimited golf anytime for a year with an annual Golf Membership. Learn more about membership online or call for details: 301-600-1295. (Price: Adults - $1,200; Juniors - $300)
3. Dress for the New Year- Happening Now: 25% Off all in-stock men’s and women’s golf shirts.
4. Golf Lessons & Personal Club Fitting With a PGA Professional – Clustered Spires’ Don Frost was named Golf Digest Top Teacher of 2013. Frost was ranked as one of the best teachers in the state of MD and top 500 in the country. He is the Director of Golf and General Manager of Clustered Spires Golf Club. Learn more about lessons.

Learn more about the amenities and offerings at Clustered Spires Golf Club. 

3 Local Holiday Shopping Ideas

Carroll Creek Park, Downtown Frederick, Maryland

Frederick is an ideal spot to show your shop local spirit this holiday season. Frederick was recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays. In the City of Frederick, 95% of businesses are small businesses, which means they have 50 or fewer employees. Based on recent InfoUSA data, 88% of City businesses have fewer than 25 employees. 

For those in or around Frederick, shopping small is a source of pride for many, and the options are endless. 


Here are three tips for shopping local this holiday season:

1. Visit the Golden Mile - While many think about the Golden Mile for services and larger retail stores, tucked into the many shopping centers are small, locally owned businesses. International bakeries, grocery stores, and more will help you serve up traditional tastes and new flavors for the holidays.
   
   
   
2. Gift a Local Taste of Frederick- For the person who has everything, give the gift of local sweets and treats. From Monocacy Brewing Company to McCutcheon's Factory Store, Frederick is a mecca for locally produced food and drink. Artisan chocolates, locally produced beer and wine,freshly baked sweets, and preserved and jellies can all be found here.
   
3. Get it in Downtown Frederick - Recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays, the 40-block historic district offers charm, locally-crafted gifts, and many small boutiques and specialty shops. Learn more on the Downtown Frederick website.
   
   
   
   

This Week on Carroll Creek: December 12, 2014

Work continues on Carroll Creek Park on the East end of the park including grading, stone work, and shared use paths. Most noticeable on the East end of town, Carroll Creek was drained as a part of the scope of work.  

A Drained Carroll Creek 

A portion of Carroll Creek that flows through town was recently drained as a part of Phase II of the Carroll Creek project.  Repairs and replacement work were necessary where the water normally flows. This work is all part of the overall project that is expanding the Carroll Creek Park improvements. 

From this vantage point, the Delaplaine and East All Saints Street parking garage are in the distance. Construction work is well underway East of these buildings where many of the new park improvements will be made. 

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.

3 Ways to Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Frederick

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before. The big day is November 29, 2014, and Frederick is an ideal spot to show your shop local spirit. Frederick was recently named in Yelp's Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the holidays.
  
Here are 3 ways you can show some local love and celebrate Small Business Saturday in Frederick:

1. Get Up Early to Get a Downtown Doorbuster Bag - Show up early in Downtown Frederick to be one of the first 200 people to receive a "Downtown Doorbuster Bag Giveaway." From 10-Noon, the first 200 attendees will receive a FREE custom-designed, reusable Downtown Frederick shopping bag with deals at 40+ shops and restaurants.  Learn more: http://bit.ly/1tf21o5  
2. Receive up to $30 back with your American Express Card - If you have an American Express card, visit http://amex.co/1AeJ1h4 to register your card and receive up to $30 back for shopping in registered small businesses. Visit the Shop Small Map to see locations city-wide. 
3. Share How You Shop Small - In addition to using #ShopSmall on November 29, use #ShopSmallFredco to share how you shop small in Frederick.  We are partnering with the Frederick County Department of Business Development and Retention to feature photos capturing the spirit of #ShopSmall and tagged with #ShopSmallFredco via Facebook and Twitter. The photo could be you dining at a restaurant, picking up bread at a local bakery, a favorite shop or business, or just getting a jump start on your shopping.  

In the City of Frederick, 95% of our businesses are small businesses, which means they have 50 or fewer employees. Based on recent InfoUSA data, 88% of City businesses have fewer than 25 employees. 

If you live in or around Frederick, you know shopping small is a source of pride for many, and the options are endless.

Director of Economic Development Richard Griffin getting ready to shop small this season in Downtown Frederick.

City of Frederick Awarded $350k in SGIF Grant Funding

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development applied for and was awarded  $350K in grant funding through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s Smart Growth Impact Fund (SGIF) Program to be used for the Downtown Hotel Project.  The new SGIF is a funding program to catalyze activities that accelerate economic development, job production and smart growth in existing Maryland communities. The SGIF aims to improve the economic viability of “grey field development”, which often faces more barriers than sprawling “green field" development.

Funding from the grant will be used in part for consultative services with Jones Lang LaSalle and to assist with site control and pre-development/entitlement costs for the project. 

The Downtown Hotel & Conference Center will be developed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners and located at the intersections of Patrick Street & Carroll Street, site of the old Frederick News-Post building. The project is expected to feature 207 guest rooms, 24,000 SF of meeting/ballroom space, on-site parking, a restaurant and rooftop lounge, among other amenities.

For more information on the project, visit the City’s Economic Development website.

This Week on Carroll Creek - November 12

Work continues on Carroll Creek Park on the East end of the park including grading, stone work, a fountain and shared use paths. The stone work in the picture above is part of the fountain and is just east of the Delaplaine and on the south side of the creek. The large structure behind is the City's All Saints Street parking deck.

Grading is nearly complete for the shared use path on the north side of the creek.

Equipment and materials continue to arrive in preparation for work on the far east side of Carroll Creek, near McCutcheon's Apple Products location.

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.

State, Local Officials Gather to Celebrate Fairchild Controls

State and local officials along with area business leaders gathered at the headquarters of aerospace firm, Fairchild Controls Corporation, on Oct. 2 to celebrate its 20 years of operations and community support in Frederick, Maryland. The anniversary celebration was held at the company’s Highland Street facility, adjacent to the Frederick Regional Airport, and drew nearly 200 attendees.

In attendance were U.S. House Representative John Delaney (D-MD-06), representatives from the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD-Sr.), Frederick mayor, Randy McClements, and Frederick County Commission president, Blaine Young.

Congressman Delaney captured the essence of the celebration with his comments recognizing Fairchild Controls as an economic anchor in the community and a world-class supplier of aerospace products. He went on to praise the company for providing well-paying jobs locally, and helping to strengthen the community through vigorous support of local philanthropic organizations.

On behalf of Senator Mikulski, staffer Julianna Albowicz presented Fairchild Controls president Peter Borgel with a certificate recognizing the company’s global market performance and commitment to the local economy.

Mayor McClements, in presenting an award of appreciation from the City of Frederick, spoke of his own professional interactions with Fairchild Controls years earlier, when, as owner of a bagel business, he used to deliver bagels to the facility.  “This award is presented in honor of your efforts in providing job opportunities for the local workforce, upholding environmentally conscious beliefs and philanthropic efforts,“ he said.

In addressing the crowd, Borgel was quick to remind attendees that the company’s growth and success is a testament to the commitment and strong work ethic of its personnel – traits that made the Frederick area the ideal choice when the company relocated from its Manhattan Beach, California birthplace in 1994.

“Twenty-nine of the original sixty-four employees at this site are still with us today – that’s almost half of the original population. It is your experience and your dedication that has sustained the company over the past two decades, “Borgel said.

A Tradition of Innovation and Excellence
Fairchild Controls has a rich history that traces back to the early days of American aviation, when industry pioneer and company founder, Sherman Fairchild, developed aircraft and flight controls for use in aerial mapping and photography in 1920.

That tradition of innovation continues today in commercial and military aviation markets as the company develops products and services that allow aircraft to operate safely, help passengers travel comfortably, and enable Allied warfighters to defend security and protect freedoms around the world.

Fairchild Controls has grown steadily over the years since relocating to Frederick with only a few dozen employees. Today, the firm has 150 employees – 16 percent of them military veterans – and is well-recognized for excellence in providing a range of avionics and flight control systems.  Earlier this year the company was recognized as the Boeing Company’s 2013 Supplier of the Year in the Electrical/Hydraulic/Mechanical category, highlighting its record of 100% on-time delivery and a quality rating of 99.9% or better.

Only one-tenth of one percent of all Boeing suppliers worldwide – just 12 of approximately 12,000 - achieve this distinction, each in an individual category.

A partner to the Frederick community
This commitment to meeting the needs of its customers is similarly reflected in the company’s commitment to helping meet the needs of the local community.  Fairchild Controls employees have volunteered countless hours of service over the years and have donated more than $500,000 to various local organizations, including the United Way, Frederick 48, the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, the American Red Cross, and others.

Economic Development Advisory Committee to Focus on Attracting Business Investment

The 15-member Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC), recently appointed by Mayor Randy McClement, is poised to provide advice and specific recommendations on how to help ensure The City of Frederick, today and in the future, is a preferred community on the Baltimore-Washington region to attract private business investment, jobs and economic opportunity.

The group will be focusing providing guidance on:

• Sound regulatory policies affecting business & industry
• Annual economic development work program & budget
• Business development incentives
• Evaluation methodology to determine efficiency of economic development programs
• Special issues/projects assigned by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen
• Community education on economic & business development topics

The EDAC has had several preliminary meetings and co-chairs have been appointed by the Mayor as well, April Reardon and Rocky McIntosh.

“Guidance from Economic Development Advisory Council members can help ensure that The City of Frederick, both today and into the future, is the preferred community in the region for attracting private business investment, jobs, and economic opportunity,” said Mayor McClement.

The 16-member council has representation from the following sectors in Frederick: manufacturing, biotechnology, advanced technology, information technology, healthcare, tourism, retail, financial institutions, commercial brokers and developers, and major employers. The Council will have additional multi-organizational representation from its economic development partner organizations to round out discussion and input on issues/policies from varying perspectives.

“It’s important for us to hear directly from our business community,” said Alderman Josh Bokee, who was instrumental in developing the ad-hoc committee. "They're participation is key in helping the City to be one of the best places for both private investment and job creation to occur", said Bokee.
Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick shares,“The Council is intended to provide multi-discipline expertise to supplement staff skills and identify ways to improve its business services, programs, incentives, policies, and advocacy,” he added. 

Questions, contact the DED office at 301-600-6360.

This Week on Carroll Creek: October 3

Work Begins East of East Street

This week on Carroll Creek, dirt is moving East of East Street.  Construction equipment, materials, and crews are turning their attention to this side of Carroll Creek as a part of the Phase II construction. 

Meanwhile, masons are working between the Delaplaine and East Street in the area where there will be a large fountain, and work on the shared use path along the entire creek is ongoing.  

 

 

  

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: 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 ParkThis 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 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)."