Nominate YOUR Frederick Business for a 2015 Best Places to Work award!

If you love the Frederick company you work for...

Then tell us!

Your company will have a chance to take home a coveted Best Places to Work award, window cling, and enjoy the fabulous awards ceremony. 

Share all the great benefits your company offers its employees with the Frederick business community. Great health insurance? Company picnics? Job training? Philanthropic efforts? Service awards? No detail is too small. Let everyone know just how great your company is.

Nominate Your Company

Deadline: March 30 

By completing the nomination form, your Frederick County business will be considered for a "Best Places to Work" award. Only one submission is needed per business. Be sure to answer all the questions to increase your chances of winning, which may require you to coordinate with your CEO or human resources department. 

This is a great opportunity to share your best practices and inspire other organizations. Finalists and winners will be announced and celebrated on July 30, 2015 at the awards ceremony at the Delaplaine in Downtown Frederick.

And just like last year, winners will receive coverage in the August issue of Frederick Magazine. So get those nominations in! Deadline is March 30th.

From 2014 Major Employer co-winner, Experient,

"I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all the great employees at Experient who make it one of the Best Places to Work in Frederick County. Winning this award has brought Experient more local press than we've ever had, and that kind of recognition goes a long way toward retention and recruitment."

                  –Shawn Pierce, Division President, Experient Registration & Housing

If you have any questions about the nomination form, program, or awards ceremony, please call us at 301-600-6360 or visit our Best Places to Work page on Facebook. 

The Best Places to Work awards is brought to you in partnership by The City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Business Development & Retention Department, Frederick County Workforce Services & The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

Downtown Hotel Update - January 30, 2015

Artist's conceptual illustration of the Downtown Frederick Hotel. Courtesy of Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC. 

January 30, 2015

The Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center project took a major step forward today in Annapolis with unanimous approval by the Frederick County State Delegation for a  letter of support to Governor Hogan and a recommendation of $7.5 million in FY16 for public infrastructure associated with the development of the project (parking and associated improvements and land).  

On hand to support the delegation request were Mayor Randy McClement, County Executive Jan Gardner, Chamber President Elizabeth Cromwell, Downtown Partnership Director Kara Norman, Frederick County Policy Director Roger Wilson, and Director of Economic Development Richard Griffin.   

“We are simply delighted to receive unanimous support for this critical project and look forward to working with the developer – Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC – to get the project designed, approved, and constructed,” stated Griffin.  He added that “the team will work hard over the next few weeks to secure a commitment from the Hogan administration for the requested investment.”  

The Downtown Hotel Advisory Committee had requested $15 million from the state in two installments of $7.5 million per year in FY16-FY17.  The full-service hotel and conference center is anticipated to be branded as a flagship Marriott hotel with 207 rooms and 24,000 square feet of meeting space.  The facility will be privately owned and operated with no ongoing subsidy from local or state government.

Seeking Marketing and Communications Intern - Spring 2015

The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development is seeking a communications and marketing intern.  Primary responsibilities will include writing and developing content for digital outlets (newsletters, blog posts, website, social media, etc.) and print collateral; photography; and updating website or blog posts to support business development activities of the department.  Candidate will also support business recruitment and retention efforts such as attending business visits, events, workshops, and supporting economic development projects. 

Ideal candidate will be have a positive attitude, experience writing digital content, experience with social media for an organization/business/non-profit, and be able to work independently in an office environment. Strong writers of all majors are encouraged to apply. 

We are seeking a college student that is looking to complete an internship for credit via their college.

 This is an unpaid internship opportunity. 

As a part of the internship, the student will:

• Develop a series of blog posts and other content for his/her end of semester portfolio

• Gain an understanding of local government by attending both staff level and public meetings

• Work with Frederick’s business community and directly interface with business owners

• Gain practical experience in marketing and communications

• Attend business and community networking events and professional development opportunities as schedules permit

Apply: Please email resume and writing samples (links to samples are fine) to Michelle Kershner – mkershner@cityoffrederick.com. Writing samples can include articles, blog posts, websites, promotional materials, or classroom projects. 

Deadline: January 30, 2015. 

Industry Spotlight: Tourism

Credit: C. Kurt Holter/Visit Frederick

Frederick businesses know that visitors make an impact on the local economy. Over the past 15 years, there was a $1B cumulative gain in visitor spending, an impressive figure that set a milestone for the local tourism industry. The announcement came during the annual membership meeting of the Tourism Council of Frederick County, where the organization also announced that Frederick County climbed from 11th place to 8th place among Maryland Counties in spending by visitors. 

More than 1.7 visitors come to Frederick County each year, spending $361 million during their stay in the area, according to 2013 statistics released by the Tourism Council.  These impressive figures only account for visitors traveling from more than 50 miles or more away. Because it doesn't include visitors from places like Montgomery County or Washington, D.C., the actual impact from visitors is even greater. 

Tourism is a major industry sector for the City of Frederick. One of the chief attractions is Frederick’s dynamic 40-block historic district, with its nationally renowned architecture, historic sites, arts and entertainment, and a thriving shopping and dining scene.  Downtown Frederick is home to approximately 850 businesses, many of which rely on visitors.  

Within minutes of Downtown Frederick are wineries, Civil War battlefields and historic sites, recreational opportunities, and scenic landscapes, making the area attractive to a variety of travelers.

“Tourism is one of our major industry sectors in Frederick” says Richard Griffin, Economic Development Director for the City of Frederick. Top business leaders in the city agree. In a recent survey of the Economic Development Advisory Council, an ad-hoc committee appointed by the Mayor, members were asked to rate targeted industries on a rating scale in terms of their importance to the City of Frederick’s economy. 92% of the survey respondents ranked it as an “important” to “very important” industry sector.

Looking towards the future, new plans for a Downtown Frederick hotel will help grow the industry provide overnight accommodations for groups and travelers downtown, an amenity many travelers seek. 

For more information, visit the Tourism Council of Frederick County or read the recent feature story on tourism in Frederick County in the January 2015 issue of Frederick Magazine. 

Proposed Downtown Hotel & Conference Center

Do you wonder what the new proposed Downtown Frederick hotel might look like? These artist's renderings of the proposed Downtown Hotel & Conference Center were unveiled at the Tourism Council of Frederick County’s annual fall membership meeting. 

The images were provided by the chosen developer for the project, Plamondon Hospitality Partners. 

Artist's rendering of downtown shopping and restaurants near the proposed hotel.

2014 Snapshot

2014 Snapshot

Thank you to our businesses, state and local partners, and community organizations for all of your efforts in 2014 that make Frederick a great place to live, work, and play. 

Changes in Policy to Enter Fort Detrick Starting January 2015

Please note the following changes will be implemented in January 2015 to enter into Fort Detrick or the Forest glen Annex. 

$100,000 Awarded to Continue and Expand Façade Improvement Programs

City Receives Community Legacy Grant 

$100,000 Awarded to Continue and Expand Façade Improvement Programs 

Example of a façade improvement through the Downtown Frederick Partnership's program. 

Frederick, MD - December 24, 2014:

The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development is pleased to announce that on December 17, 2014, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced that The City of Frederick was awarded $100,000 in Community Legacy Grant funds. The award will be used to continue and expand a façade improvement grant program. DHCD awarded $5.7 million in Community Legacy program grants to 67 projects in 20 counties and Baltimore City. Those grants support total project costs of more than $45.4 million. 

Frederick’s program funds will support the continuation and expansion of a Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program within the Patrick Street Corridor Community. The Frederick Façade Improvement Project will be administered jointly by the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and its partners - the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Golden Mile Alliance, and the East Frederick Rising. 

Since 2004, the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s Façade improvement program has resulted in more than 80 building improvement projects valued in excess of $520,000 and has induced additional neighborhood investment. 

“Façade rehabilitation serves as a catalyst for area-wide capital investment as we have experienced in Downtown Frederick. Expanding the Façade Program to include the Patrick Street Corridor through East Frederick and the Golden Mile will improve the attractiveness of the gateways and will help spur area-wide revitalization,” said City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement. 

The program will expand to include areas east and west of Downtown, including East Frederick and the Golden Mile neighborhoods.

The Frederick Façade Improvement Program is intended to expand the current Downtown Frederick Façade Improvement Program to include the areas east and west of downtown along the Patrick Street Corridor, including East Frederick and Golden Mile neighborhoods. Of the $100,000 grant award, $53,000 will be allocated to Downtown Frederick, $23,500 to East Frederick, and $23,500 to the Golden Mile. 

The Community Legacy program provides local governments and community development organizations with essential funding and gap financing for important projects that will strengthen local communities, supporting housing and homeownership goals and attracting and retaining businesses. 

The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development strives to increase economic opportunity for Frederick residents through job creation, revitalization and reinvestment. 

Program specific details and how to apply:

• Downtown Frederick - http://www.downtownfrederick.org/about-us/facadeimprovement 

• Golden Mile - http://www.goldenmilealliance.org/facade-improvement-grant-program/ 

• East Frederick Rising - Call the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6361

For additional information, contact Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick 301-600-6361 or rgriffin@cityoffrederick.com. 

Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?

New code changes could position Frederick to benefit from surge in growing craft spirit industry.

Craft spirits is a $10.2 billion market and growing at a rapid rate. On December 18, 2014, the City of Frederick, Maryland’s Board of Aldermen amended city code to allow small wineries, breweries and distilleries in the downtown area, paving the way for this growing industry to boom locally. This newest legislation expanded the area where these businesses could operate.  

According to the American Craft Spirits Association, there are at least 350 craft distilleries in the United States today – a figure projected to pass 500 in 2015. 

“We have all of the right ingredients for this industry to thrive,” said Economic Development Director for the city, Richard Griffin. “We have a thriving downtown, robust tourism industry, and the county has a concentration of wineries and breweries. More importantly, the codes are now in place to welcome this growing industry to Frederick,” Griffin added.

While many state and local governments across the country have restrictive legislation that limits this type of industry, the recent code change positions Frederick to be at the forefront of this industry’s growth. 

“Frederick is ready to embrace this industry,” said Griffin.  With a variety of available spaces, from flex to historic buildings, there are a number of locations that can accommodate the booming craft distillery, winery, and brewery business.

For information on opening a business in Frederick or for business assistance, contact the City of Frederick’s Department of  Economic Development. 

AstraZeneca Announced Plans to Expand its Biologics Manufacturing Center in Frederick

2011 Grand Opening

On Friday, November 21, 2014, AstraZeneca announced plans to expand its biologics manufacturing center in Frederick, Md. The more than $200 million project will increase production capacity at the facility to support AstraZeneca’s maturing pipeline, and will help position the company to keep pace with a growing demand for the development and use of biologics, which currently represent nearly 50% of AstraZeneca’s overall pipeline. 

The expansion is also expected to bring a total of 300 new jobs to Frederick.

“We’re very pleased by AstraZeneca’s demonstrable commitment to our local workforce and to our growing biotech community,” said Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement. “This expansion will help bring even more high-caliber life science jobs and career opportunities to Frederick and the surrounding region.”

For more information, read the AstraZeneca press release. 

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/1AeJ1h4to 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.