June 2015 - Downtown Hotel & Conference Center Project Update

The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center Project (Hotel Project) continues to advance as legal agreements are negotiated and financing is secured. Continue to follow DED on Facebook and Twitter for the latest project updates.

A rendering of the Project as viewed from Carroll Creek Linear Park.  Photography courtesy of Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC.

The Latest

• Completion of Parking Study - Walker Parking Consulting recently completed a comprehensive parking study for the City of Frederick to analyze the projected impact of planned development in Downtown Frederick, including the demand anticipated from the Hotel Project. Findings from the study will be presented at a Mayor & Board workshop on June 10th. A draft report of the study may be accessed here.
  
  
• Finalization of Memorandum of Understanding - The City of Frederick and Plamondon Hospitality Partners continue to advance a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to define the terms of the public-private-partnership. The MOU is anticipated to be approved later this year.
  
  
• Presentation to City & County Elected Officials - On May 27th, the City and County held the first joint meeting between the City's Board of Aldermen and the County's Council.  The City of Frederick's Economic Development Director, Richard Griffin, briefed both entities on the Downtown Hotel & Conference Center project and received positive support from both City and County legislators. The historic first joint meeting was covered by local media, including NBC affiliate WHAG.

Next Steps

• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding - The final MOU will be presented to the Mayor & Board for approval later this year.  Completion of the signed MOU will enable the developer (Plamondon Hospitality Partners) to finalize project design and begin entitlements and approvals.
  

• Getting the Project "Shovel Ready" - Projects, like this one, go through a process called development entitlements in order for them to be "shovel ready" or ready to construct. The entitlement process refers to the various approvals, permits, and regulatory review needed to move forward. For the Hotel Project, the developer will finalize project design and begin the entitlement process, including necessary approvals from the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation, APFOs, etc. Once started, the process is anticipated to take approximately 12 months.

• State Investment - $15 million in state investment is needed to help cover the public infrastructure costs of the project.  The Frederick legislative delegation unanimously approved a request for $7.5 million in FY16 with the understanding that an additional $7.5 million would be needed in FY17. While this funding request ultimately was not successful, the Downtown Hotel Advisory Team remains committed to making a new request in the FY2017 budget.  Additionally, the City intends to apply for a Smart Growth Impact Fund grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to support site acquisition costs.

About the Project

The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center project is proposed as a 207 room full-service Marriott hotel.  The project will feature on-site parking and nearly 24,000 square feet of meeting space and will be located in Downtown Frederick, adjacent to Carroll Creek Park.  For additional project details, please access the Department of Economic Development's Document Center.

A rendering of the Project as viewed from E. Patrick and N. Carroll Streets.  The Frederick Railroad Company (Trolley) Building will be rehabilitated and incorporated into the overall Project design.  Photography courtesy of Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC.

This Week on Carroll Creek - May 11, 2015

Improvements are in full swing down at the Creek, with all sections at different levels of construction. Follow along with our blog to be 'in the know' on the status of Carroll Creek Park.


Looking West to the East Street bridge in the back ground.  The green reinforcing steel will be the new walls for the Mill Pond and Fountain.  The Mill Pond Fountain will be lit and the largest of the fountain/ponds.  The Contractor has planned the work so that this pond will be the final fountain pond to go into service. Water levels at this point will be at least to the top of the green rebar and will cover the flat concrete within the rebar walls.

Standing on the East Street Bridge looking to the East (the old Union Mills building is the left), you can see the full  layout of the Mill Pond as the bulging north and south walls of the creek gives an idea of the magnificence of this planned creek widening and fountain. 

 A rendering of the creek improvements and pedestrian access at the proposed Union Mills improvements.

With all the talk of fountains, we thought you might want to see the massive structures that make the fountains work.

The three structures pictured are the underground fountain pumping vaults.  There are four total being installed along Carroll Creek.  One has already been installed at the Galleria Fountain (See the picture below), near the Delaplaine and is nearly complete.  Of the three pictured above, one will be installed at the turning basin which is located to the south side of East Patrick Street. The remaining two pumping vaults will be buried on the north side and south side of the Mill Pond Fountain.  All work is scheduled to be completed between October and December of this year.

 Fountain at the Galleria (Delaplaine) with the pumping vault buried just beyond the fountain.

And amid all of the construction, we wanted you to know the ducks and new babies are doing well! 

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.

Inspiring Offices: LTD Creative

The location of LTD Creative used to be grocery store warehouse with wonderful hardwood floors. Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires.  From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs. 

Inspiring Offices is a feature that will highlight some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Find Your Own Inspiring Office
If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.  Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream.  

In the meantime, we will be highlighting one funky, cool space a month and perhaps you can be inspired to do creative things to your own space. 

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside this month's inspiring office in Frederick - LTD Creative.

May 2015 Inspiring Office - LTD Creative

LTD Creative is a strategic web and graphic design firm.  Their knowledge base encompasses vast expertise in the association community, including work with education, medical, science, travel, and housing organizations. LTD Creative helps clients achieve their objectives with targeted materials which deliver powerful messages and inspire action.

We recently met with Louanne Welgoss, Principal & Business Relations, and Timothy Finnen, Principal & Creative Director in their cool studio space. They gave us a tour and answered a few questions about their great space and what inspires them. 

1. Why did you choose your current office location and how long has LTD Creative been located here? 
We have been here since 2006 and we chose this location because we want to work downtown where we can walk everywhere. We were previously in a smaller space on E. Church Street.
 

LTD Creative staff Timothy Finnen, Louanne Welgoss, Evan Wiegand, Lauren Noll, and the office dog, Maggie. Photo by DED.

2.  Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?
It was almost move in ready, we took down a wall and custom painted and added some touches to make it more personal, like custom doors and ceiling tiles.

3.  What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?
We love color and we let the staff pick the colors of their office cubes, as long as it matched the overall color palette!

Colorful cubes at LTD Creative. Staff is encouraged to pick their own colors from a master palette. Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

4.  What are the most unique aspects about your office space?
It’s in an old grocery store warehouse and has wonderful hardwood floors.

5. What do your employees like best about the office space?  
Free parking, bright colors and the openness.

Bright colors and open atmosphere are two of the many attributes the employees love.
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography.

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature!

Tell us Where You Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Frederick

By Nick Masucci, Intern (Hood College)
 

As the first week of May and the beginning of summer approaches, many Frederick residents will be looking forward to celebrating the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. 

The day is very important to Mexican culture and heritage as it commemorates the Mexican Battle of Puebla during the Mexican Reform Wars. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army in the Battle of Puebla, which people during that time thought was unlikely. Today, Cinco de Mayo is seen as a holiday that both celebrates and commemorates Mexican heritage. 

One way to celebrate this holiday is to check out some of the city’s businesses that feature Mexican cuisine. 

Where's your favorite place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Frederick? Leave a comment on the blog or Facebook post. 

How to Participate in Bike to Work Day - May 15, 2015

Bike to Work day is an annual event, and this year it is celebrated on May 15, 2015. Join over 10,000 area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work.

Frederick Pit Stop participants can also attend a Bike to Work Day Pre-Registration Party on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 5-8pm.  Bike to Work Day is celebrated on May 15 in Frederick at the Transit Center on 100 South East Street, rain or shine, from 6:30am-8:30am. 

During the Bike to Work Day event, join other commuters and local dignitaries for a fun-filled morning of giveaways (including the chance to win a free bike!), commuter information, food, drinks, prizes, vendors, and FREE donuts courtesy of local business Glory Doughnuts. 

To participate, just follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Register to attend Bike to Work Day in Frederick.
   
   Make sure to choose the Frederick Pit Stop when registering so you can get your free t-shirt. T-shirts are available for the first 14,000 registrants.
    
2. Attend the FREE Bike to Work Day Pre-Registration Party.
   
   The Pre-Registration Party is an opportunity to register in person for the event OR if you've already registered, pick up your free tee shirt and celebrate with other participants. The Pre-Registration Party is on Friday, May 8th from 5-8pm at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick (7820 Worman's Mill Rd., Frederick, MD 21701).
   
   At the party, pick up your free tee shirt, get a free bike safety check, visit neighboring businesses for great offers, and more.
    
3. Join the Ride and Attend Bike to Work Day Activities on May 15.
   
   Ceremonial Ride - 6:30am
   Join us for a ceremonial Bike to Work ride with many of your commuter friends leaving Hood College / Alumnae Hall at 6:30am. This ride is just under five miles and rides many of the City’s bike lanes and routes.
   
   Frederick Pit Stop Ceremonial 2015 Bike to Work Day Route & Pick Up Spots
   6:45am - Depart Alumnae Hall, Hood College*
   Exit onto Rosemont and head west
   Continue on Rosemont to Lee Place
   Turn right onto Lee Place and continue north to 7th Street
   Pick up Fort Detrick riders at 7th Street and Lee Place
   Turn right on 7th into the bike lanes and continue east to East Street
   Turn right on East Street and continue south to 2nd Street
   Turn right onto 2nd Street and continue to Court Street to City Hall arriving 7-7:05am
   7-7:05am - Pick up City Hall riders and exit to Church Street
   Continue east on Church Street to East Street
   Turn right on East Street and continue south to MARC Station on left
   7:15-7:20 am - Arrive MARC Station  *Departure time is set, all others are approximate
   
   Bike to Work Day Event - 6:30am - 8:30am*
   Frederick Transit Center
   100 South East Street
   Frederick, MD 21701
   Rain or shine, from 6:30am-8:30am
   Enjoy a fun-filled morning of giveaways (including the chance to win a free bike!), commuter information, food, drinks, and prizes.
   *Opening Remarks to Begin Around 7am-7:15am

Learn more about how Frederick County TransIT can help with transportation needs and commuter services for employees and employers. 

This Week on Carroll Creek - April 14, 2015

The warmer weather is allowing work on Carroll Creek to really take off. Several sections of the creek are being worked on at the same time with major improvements catching the passerby's eye. 

On the West end of the Creek, just past Market Street and across from LaPaz, fountains are being installed with beautiful stone work. The large box shaped structure will be a replica of a Spring House with a fountain on either side. 

On the East end of the Creek, pavers and paths continue to be laid, like the one below which is situated just past the Delaplaine and before East Street.

On the far East side, close to McCutcheon's Apple Products, the creek will widen in a section named Mill Pond. The picture below shows low green fencing/edging (epoxy coated rebar) that represents just how wide the Creek will be once complete. The green rebar will be covered by concrete and stone veneer to complete the new creek edge. At that edge, jets will shoot water back into the center of the creek. As well, water propulsion jets will be placed under the water to help with flow.

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 Funding Sources for Small Businesses

East Street, along with much of Downtown Frederick, East Frederick, and the Golden Mile, are designated sustainable communities.  This designation opens up benefits, such as eligibility for the Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program.

What business couldn't use a little extra funding? Here are 3 loan programs that can help you fund your small business. Find a program that works best for you. 

1. Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program

• Offered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
• First floor business or retail space use that generates street level activity in mixed use projects 
• Loans from $10k-$500k
• NBW financing can represent up to 50% of the total project cost
• A minimum of 5% of total project costs must be contributed by the applicant
• Primary Lender is required - the NBW program subordinates to the primary lender
•  For more information, contact Michael Haloskey at 410-514-7237

2. Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)

• Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
• No interest loans from $1k - $50k
•  Businesses owned by military reservists, National Guard members called to active duty, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
• Options available for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and businesses that employ service-disabled veterans
• For more information, contact Jerry Boden, Maryland Dept of Veteran Affairs at 410-260-3841

3. Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT) 

• Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
• 50% of VLT allocations will be deployed to small, minority & women-owned businesses located within a 10-mile radius of casinos. The other 50% will be available to the same type of businesses located anywhere within the State
• For more information, contact any of the fund managers listed here. 

businesses owned by service-disabled veterans

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf

businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax

City of Frederick Passes Legislation to Eliminate Business Personal Property Tax

UPDATE: The Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to eliminate Business Personal Property Tax with an immediate exemption for new manufacturing investment and a phase-out approach for all businesses over a 10-year period. 

First, A Little History

Personal property tax dates to Colonial America and was levied on individuals. Imagine a tax assessor showing up at your home annually to review your personal belongings such as rings and jewelry, furniture, household goods, paintings, and silverware. These items are known as tangible personal property. According to the Tax Foundation, "tangible personal property (TPP) is property that can be touched and moved, such as equipment, furniture, and other possessions." 

Today, no tax collector rummages through our homes to assess the value of our possessions for tax collection purposes. However, in many areas, this tax is assessed on businesses. 

"Because most states have exempted personal property used for personal reasons, most citizens are not aware that the tax on personal property exists. TPP tax is invisible to most individuals, although it is a significant expense for businesses," states a report issued by the Tax Foundation. 

Taxing businesses on personal property has remained in many jurisdictions, including the City of Frederick, but a proposed change is under way. 

What is the Current Situation of This Tax in The City of Frederick?

Frederick County as a whole does not have a Business Personal Property Tax, but municipalities can assess this tax.  The City of Frederick currently is one of the jurisdictions within Frederick County that does. Only a handful of companies pay the majority of this tax. 

What is Being Proposed? 

The City's Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) has recommended a fiscally sound phase-out of this tax, and City officials agree. According to the Tax Foundation, the elimination of business personal property tax improves the business competitiveness of a jurisdiction and encourages reinvestment in a business.  

"The types of businesses that are hardest hit by this tax are also the same businesses that provide family-supporting jobs in Frederick," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "We want to attract and retain these companies and their jobs in our community."

The proposed ordinance would:

1. Exempt manufacturers (as a business category) from paying business personal property tax on NEW investments.  The tax credit only applies to manufacturers that are expanding or locating to the City. All business personal property, including items such as computers, printers, shelving, etc., would be eligible for the tax credit.
     
2. Implement a 10-year phase out of all business personal property tax. This includes both manufacturing personal property (currently 77.5% exempt) and non-manufacturing personal property (currently 62.5% exempt).  This portion will be achieved by gradually raising each exemption percentage until at the end of year 10 (and moving forward), the exemption percentage is 100%. The proposed ordinance does not exempt utilities or railroads.

According to the Tax Foundation, "Localities that choose to exempt the TPP base, even in part, have an advantage over neighbors with regard to the location of business personal property due to their lower tax costs." With a phase-out approach over 10 years, the increased real property, new investment, and new development generated is expected to replace the revenue stream that this tax historically provided the City. 

"Businesses can choose to locate, relocate, or expand in a number of jurisdictions in the region," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "There are many reasons to choose Frederick, and eliminating this tax gives them one more." 

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax

1. It levels the playing field. Elimination of the tax places The City of Frederick on a level playing field with Frederick County and regional jurisdictions with lower overall business costs. 
2. It encourages investment and reinvestment. Businesses won't be penalized for reinvesting in aging infrastructure such as manufacturing equipment.
3. It gives Frederick a regional competitive advantage. Many nearby jurisdictions still assess this tax on businesses. This change allows both the City and County to market this advantage to businesses looking to locate or expand in the Frederick region.
4. It attracts new business. When a businesses is looking to open or relocate a business, every expense matters. This can tilt the scale between Frederick and another jurisdiction. 
5. It helps small businesses. 95% of all businesses in Frederick are small businesses. The plan to eliminate this tax doesn't just assist large corporations. It also assists small, locally-owned restaurants, retailers, and business owners that have invested in equipment, shelving, and fixtures. 

For more information about business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com. 

Originally posted April 15, 2015 by Michelle Kershner

Meet Spring Intern Nick Masucci

Nick Masucci, Spring Intern for the Department of Economic Development.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development frequently has interns from local colleges. They assist with anything from data analysis to writing content, depending on their interests and skills. Students bring a fresh perspective to our office, and in return, we seek to provide them with hands-on project experience. This spring, we have welcomed Nick Masucci. Take a few minutes to get to know Nick. 

Tell us about yourself.
I am a sophomore at Hood College from Berkeley Heights, NJ currently studying Business Administration and Public Relations. Outside of school, I play midfield on Hood’s Varsity Lacrosse Team and am a member of Tau Beta Eta, Hood's first fraternity. In my spare time I listen to and collect vinyl records. I also love watching The Office and Friday Night Lights.

Why were you interested in this opportunity?
I was interested in this internship because of the marketing and social media aspects of the internship. I want to work in public relations after college, and I think social media and marketing experience are very important for people trying to work in PR. Social media is becoming a big part of our society so I think it is definitely important to get real world experience working with social media and learning how to use it in a corporate setting. 

What will you be doing?
This spring I will be posting a series of short feature stories, called “Made in Frederick,” which will showcase different products that have been made here in Frederick. I will be speaking with the local businesses that make these products to get a better understanding of how these products are made and what kind of impact they have on the local community.

What do you enjoy about going to college in Frederick?
I enjoy going to college in Frederick because of how much there is to do in the city. I love going Downtown and going to The Record Exchange or getting food at Pretzel and Pizza Creations. There's a lot to do Downtown, especially for college students. I'm also a big fan of going to Baker Park when the weather is nice. Whenever I get the chance, I like to go running in Baker Park.

What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to work in public relations, either to work for a firm or to be part of a business's PR team. I would also like to try and coach high school lacrosse part-time.

Growing our Region to Become a Top 3 Biotech Hub by 2023

Maryland Regional Biotech Forum Discusses Growing the Biotech Ecosystem

The City of Frederick's Economic Development Director Richard Griffin recently participated in the Maryland Regional Biotech Forum held on March 30-31, 2015 at the MedImmune campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The first event of its kind, the forum included private sector companies; federal, state, and local government; nonprofit institutions; investors; and academia. Griffin was on a panel entitled "The Role of State and Local Government in Increasing the Return on Our Biotech Assets." 

"It was an honor to participate in this forum and discuss the role of local municipalities as the region grows this industry," said Griffin. The importance of collaboration and building the biotech ecosystem is essential to our success, said Griffin. "The rising tide lifts all boats." 

Follow the #MDBiotech15 Twitter hashtag to see tweets from the event.

The DC Metro area is a biotech hub with more than 800 life sciences companies, 70 federal labs, and numerous world-class academic and research institutions. The focus of the forum was to chart the future of growing the regional biotech ecosystem.

Forum discussions focused on how the MD/DC/VA biotech cluster can become a Top 3 Biotech Hub by 2023. Currently, the region is ranked in the Top 10 and frequently ranks between 5th and 7th depending on the source. 

Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor with approximately 80 biotech companies in and around the city. It is an integral part of the regional biotech ecosystem and is poised to grow this industry. To learn more, visit the Business in Frederick website. 

This Week on Carroll Creek: March 18, 2015

The snow is melting, revealing the progress on Carroll Creek Park.  With warmer weather ahead, work will continue to build the shared use paths and Phase II improvements. These images show recent work and progress along the creek.  

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. 

City of Frederick Day 2015 Showcases Frederick Projects

View all photos from this year's City of Frederick Day in Annapolis: http://bit.ly/cofpics.

Thursday, March 12, 2015 marked City of Frederick Day in Annapolis. Each year, the City of Frederick and its partners update legislators and state leaders on City projects and reports on the key infrastructure and growth projects underway. 

"This provides a unique opportunity for Frederick to really showcase our community and the projects that are moving Frederick forward," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick. The Department of Economic Development coordinates with the Mayor's office and city departments each year to plan the event.

The attendance for 2015 was strong, with representation from state delegates, senators, legislative aides, and cabinet secretaries. This year, the event had a visit from Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6), who was in Annapolis that day. He addressed the group and emphasized the importance of the proposed new hotel and conference center in Downtown Frederick.
  

Projects highlighted at City of Frederick Day 2015 included the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center / Parking Deck 6, Weinberg Center for the Arts HVAC Replacement, Frederick Municipal Airport expansion, Monocacy Boulevard/US 15 Interchange, Culler Lake Renaissance in Baker Park, Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, and Carroll Creek Park Phase II. To learn more about these projects, visit http://bit.ly/cofday2015. 

This event was made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Council of Frederick County, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Fort Detrick Alliance, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, The Golden Mile Alliance, Tech Frederick, and Downtown Frederick Partnership.  

Gift bags were provided to elected officials thanks to support from McCutcheon's and The Perfect Truffle. 

View the photo album with photo highlights from this year's City of Frederick Day in Annapolis: http://bit.ly/cofpics. 

Thank you to our 2015 City of Frederick Day Sponsors

International Documentaries Showcase Frederick's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Sam Delgado, 21, Founder and Creative Director of The Surge Agency, discusses their creative work for the media team from Niger. The team was in Frederick filming a documentary on business development for youth and young entrepreneurs on March 8-10, 2015.

Across the globe, developing countries are working towards building an entrepreneurial business climate, and some are looking to Frederick as an example. The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development works collaboratively with the State Department to host media teams from developing countries to film documentaries on topics such as entrepreneurism, business development, and government support for start-up businesses.

To date, Frederick has worked with teams from Iraq, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Romania, and most recently, Niger. 

"Frederick is an ideal location for this type of documentary," says Richard Griffin, Economic Development Director for the City of Frederick. "We have a growing business community, strong entrepreneurs, and programs in place to assist businesses at all stages of growth."   

The most recent media team from Niger was in Frederick March 8-10, 2015, and focused on business development for youth.  During their visit, they met with organizations that have programs that help youth prepare for business opportunities and interviewed young entrepreneurs in our community.

Frederick businesses on their itinerary for interviews included The Surge Agency, Zach's Auto Clinic, and Cakes to Die For. All three of these business owners have launched their businesses at a young age and are examples of the entrepreneurial spirit that is in the Frederick community.

Sam Delgado of The Surge Agency about to begin his interview.

Youth development programs and entrepreneurial support organizations on their itinerary included My Bank! First United Bank & Trust on small business loans, Frederick County Workforce Services on their youth services and summer jobs program, The City of Frederick Economic Development Department, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Seeds of Life youth development program, and Frederick County Public School's Career and Technology Center and Finance Academy at T.J. High School. 

"The seek to tell the whole story of what it takes to have a healthy business community - from an individual's personal drive to the small business loans needed to launch a company," said Griffin.  

If you are a business located in the City of Frederick and are interested in being featured in future documentaries or other opportunities to discuss your business, please contact the City's Department of Economic Development. 

 Kuwait TV Documentary Film

View the documentary that was filmed in Frederick in 2014 and broadcast on Kuwait TV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEo3Z7OC-Sg. 

City of Frederick Day in Annapolis Highlights Priority Projects

Thursday, March 12, 2015 is City of Frederick Day in Annapolis. Each year, the City of Frederick updates legislators and state leaders on select City projects and reports on the key infrastructure and growth projects underway.

Below are the projects that will be highlighted at this year's City of Frederick Day in Annapolis.

Together We Can Grow Frederick’s Future

Building a Stronger and Safer Maryland

Downtown Hotel and Conference Center / Parking Deck 6

The City of Frederick is partnering with a hotel developer, selected through a competitive RFP process, to construct a privately owned and operated $64M full-service hotel and conference center in Downtown Frederick. The public on-site improvements, including public parking, will cost approximately $20M. This is the top priority of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Major Employers Group, and projected to offer many benefits, including:

• 207 rooms with 24,000 square feet of meeting space
• Public Parking Garages: 750 spaces (100 on-site/650 off-site)
• 280 total jobs
• $1.5M annually in State taxes
• $25.8M in direct, indirect, and induced spending

Weinberg Center for the Arts HVAC Replacement

HB0364/SB0024

The Weinberg Center for the Arts is a 1,100 seat historic performing arts theater that generates 70,000 patrons and $7M in economic impact annually. The facility is in need of a HVAC replacement to continue providing programming throughout the year. After analysis by a HVAC engineering company, full replacement was recommended. The new system will provide:

• Operational and maintenance savings in the future
• Control of separate areas of the theater
• Efficient and environmentally-friendly design
      

Frederick Municipal Airport

Increasing Airport Safety and Capacity

Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) is the second busiest airport in Maryland and well positioned to become the preferred executive airport in the region. It is seeking funding to support Phase I of a multi-year project to improve airport safety and capacity. 

This phase will include:

• Design and demolition of aviation obstructions along Bailes Lane, etc.
• Washington gas line relocation
• The project will ultimately result in added capacity with corporate hangar space and extend the runway.

Monocacy Boulevard/US15 Interchange Improves Safety and Relieves Congestion

The #1 Infrastructure Priority for Frederick City and County for over 5 years

The Monocacy Boulevard and US15 Interchange will provide a full-diamond interchange, improving safety by eliminating at-grade intersections on US15. Design is complete, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2015.  The project provides:

• Congestion relief from pass through traffic, local development, and Fort Detrick growth
• Hiking and biking tails, sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian accommodations
• Park and Ride with 390 spaces connects to future Rails With Trails
• This improvement complements other road improvements, such as Monocacy Boulevard Center Section Phase II, which will add 14,000 linear feet of a 4-lane roadway, alleviate congestion, create safe routes for emergency access during flood events, and add hiking/biking trails, sidewalks, and trees

Culler Lake Renaissance in Baker Park

Restoring water quality and aesthetic character

Culler Lake, in the heart of Baker Park, was established 90 years ago. Today, the park is in need of restoration to improve water quality and the aesthetic character of the lake. In partnership with Friends of Baker Park, a two-phased plan is in place to address the restoration. The project will:

• Dredge and restore Culler Lake (Phase I)
• Install wetlands and stormwater infrastructure to treat approximately 60 acres of untreated impervious area (Phase I)
• Add new shared use paths and fountains (Phase I)
• Add a pavilion and overlook, additional paths, benches, signage, pedestrian crossing and entrance features, and skate house improvements (Phase II)

  

Cleaner Water Starts Here: Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

Phase II Brings Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) Upgrade

Phase I Upgrades— Complete

Frederick is in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and our waterways impact the bay’s health and local sustainability. Phase I upgrades to the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) have:

• Improved solids digestion component of the plant
• Enabled the harvesting of methane gas while virtually eliminating reliance on landfill for waste sludge
• Reduced the city’s energy costs through co-generating electricity

Phase II Upgrades—In Progress

Phase II of the project brings an enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) upgrade to the system. Already designed, construction is expected to start in March 2015 with completion in December 2016. These upgrades:

• Bring the waste water treatment plant into compliance with recent EPA mandates for ENR
• Will reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges to the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries

Carroll Creek Park Phase II Completion on Target for Fall 2015

A thriving world-class, mixed use urban park in Downtown Frederick

This public-private partnership has spanned six administrations. Carroll Creek Park, as a  flood control project, effectively removed Downtown Frederick from the 100-year

floodplain and restored economic vitality to the historic commercial district.

Today, more than $100 million in private investment is underway or planned in new construction, infill development, or historic renovation along the park. Phase II provides:

• Extended park improvements totaling $15.7M in construction
• 1 mile of new and widened multi-use paths
• Landscape planters, lighting & water features
• Crosswalk improvements
• 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

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile

Fajita Grande restaurant on the Golden Mile is a local favorite with colorful decorations and daily specials.

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile

By Michelle Kershner, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development

Originally printed in the Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide

Stretching towards the mountains, the Golden Mile is a major retail district in Frederick. Representing a portion of the historic National Road, it naturally connects Downtown Frederick with points westward, such as Braddock Heights and Middletown.

  

Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide

Locals flock to this corridor, also known as Route 40, for retail stores and services. But insiders know that tucked inside the shopping centers, diners can find some of the most delicious and authentic international cuisine in the region.

“Nearly half of all establishments along the Golden Mile are associated with retail trade,” said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler.  “Additionally, accommodation and food services represent nearly a third of all employment in this area, a strong indication that people are heading to the Golden Mile to dine.” 

Amid the numerous strip-style shopping centers, standalone specialty stores and authentic international cuisine can be found.  From freshly baked breads and sweets at La Colmenita Bakery to international grocery stores, flavors from across the globe can be found along the Golden Mile. Diners can try Pho TNT’s banh mi, a crusty Vietnamese-style sandwich, Peruvian-style chicken at Sardis Pollo a La Brasa, warm naan bread and butter chicken at Clay Oven, or gyoza and sushi at Roppongi. 

Established in 1987, Casa Rico has been an anchor on the western end of the corridor for decades with gourmet tacos, tequila, and traditional Mexican favorites like chile rellenos. Fajita Grande offers up fresh salsa with their sizzling platters, and Santa Rosa restaurant and Ana's Papuseria serve pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, handmade corn tortillas.  On select summer nights, a taco truck parks at Dutrow’s Sales & Service at the end of the Golden Mile, and dishes up favorites like tongue tacos and tamales.

The Golden Mile could very well be dubbed the “International Mile” for the corridor’s concentration of global flavors and offerings. 

La Colmenita Bakery is tucked in a storefront at the Willow Tree Shopping Center and offers freshly baked breads and sweets.

“The authentic international food scene on The Golden Mile is exploding,” said Justin Kiska, president of the Golden Mile Alliance and owner of Way Off Broadway. “These gems are tucked into traditional shopping centers, and new places are opening all the time. We recently welcomed Modern Asia Bar & Restaurant to our dining scene.”

Traditional favorites also have flourished on the Golden Mile over the years. The Barbara Fritchie Restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals since 1910.  This retro diner features comfort foods and freshly baked desserts.  Nearby, Il Forno Pizzeria has served their famed wood-fired pizza for over 18 years. 

For over six decades, Red Horse Steak House has been considered a family dining tradition for their open-flamed grilled steaks and seafood.   Doc Geiser’s Carryout & Catering is home to Watson’s famous fried chicken, and Mountainview Diner is a local favorite as well. 

“There is this perception that the Golden Mile is mainly a big-box destination, but small and family businesses, like these restaurants, also thrive alongside the larger retailers and chains,” explains Baumler.  

In the City of Frederick, 95% of all businesses are small businesses, and the Golden Mile is no exception.   Thanks to business investment, planning, and community involvement, this traditional retail corridor’s future is bright.  The Golden Mile, along with portions of Downtown Frederick, was recently accepted into Maryland’s Sustainable Communities program, which will open up additional resources. The Golden Mile Alliance, a non-profit organization comprised of business owners, property owners, and residents, also is working to strengthen the thoroughfare. 

The Golden Mile Alliance is reviving Pangaea, a festival celebrating heritage and diversity, with the next celebration slated for Oct. 4, 2015.

“We are looking forward to bringing back this cultural event,” Kiska said, with international cuisine featured prominently.  “Food brings communities together, and it will be a great time to celebrate all that Frederick’s Golden Mile has to offer in this area and others."

To learn more about the Golden Mile and business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com.