Tech Showcase Features Emerging Technologies

Woman in blue patterned jacket and hijab speaks with another woman wearing a dark blue jacket, both standing amongst a group of people and trees.

The annual Tech Showcase offered networking on the patio and tours of FITCI. 

On June 14, 2016, the Fort Detrick Alliance hosted its annual Tech Showcase at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) in Frederick, Maryland. The event featured FITCI's new Executive Director Kathie Brady; County Executive Jan Gardner; Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement; and Dr. George V. Ludwig, the Acting Principal Assistant for Research and Technology, USA Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick. 

“This annual event is an excellent opportunity to learn about new technologies and is an opportunity to connect with industry professionals,” said Richard Griffin, Director of The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development.

Fort Detrick Alliance President Dr. Harry Modrow opened the event with a welcome to attendees, followed by remarks from other speakers.

The evening concluded with tours of FITCI, Frederick County’s only business incubator. Attendees had the opportunities to meet with the entrepreneurs currently operating out of FITCI and learn more about their research and technologies.  

Five people, each at a wooden podium, speaking into microphones against a brick wall and green foliage backdrop, likely during a ceremony or press conference. Podium features a seal with a building silhouette. Each individual is dressed in business attire.

From left to right: Fort Detrick Alliance President Dr. Harry Modrow; Executive Director Kathie Brady; County Executive Jan Gardner; Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement; and Dr. George V. Ludwig, the Acting Principal Assistant for Research and Technology, USA Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick. 

BIO Recap: 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions at BIO 2016

A collage showing various aspects of a community: a nighttime aerial view of a canal lined with lights and buildings; a barista serving coffee; a scientist using a pipette; cyclists on a road; and an artist painting a building.

Carroll Creek and Cycling Photo Credit: Visit Frederick

The BIO International Convention is the largest biotechnology trade show in the world and was recently held in San Francisco.  Each year, the City and County economic development offices jointly exhibit within the Maryland Pavilion and prospect for new businesses and educate attendees on why biosciences thrive in Frederick.  Following the show, we compiled a list of the five most frequently asked questions by attendees at BIO. 

1. Which Bioscience Companies are located in the Frederick, Maryland area? 

Scientist's gloved hand holding a petri dish, blue liquid being dispensed from a pipette.

Frederick is home to Fort Detrick, the National Interagency Biodefense Campus and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research as well as private industry such as AstraZeneca, Lonza, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Frederick is the second largest bioscience hub in Maryland and the Northern anchor of the 270 Technology Corridor. Download a list of all 80 bioscience companies that are in the Frederick area. 

2. What can you offer start-up bioscience companies?

A smiling Black woman in a lab coat and gloves looking at the camera while adjusting a microscope in a laboratory, another woman working in the background.

Start-up companies benefit from Frederick's incubator, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), a facility serving up to 40 clients with 25 offices and 10 wetlabs. In addition to the incubator, our community offers networking opportunities and access to business support through the Frederick Economic Development offices and the Maryland Department of Commerce's biohealth and life science specialists. Our teams are ready to help connect you with state and local resources to help your company grow. 

3. Why should we locate our business in the Frederick area?

Stone arched bridge over a canal with reflections of surrounding brick buildings and a blue sky.

Proximity to Washington, D.C. Access to federal regulatory agencies. Business-friendly environment. Great schools. Educated workforce. Nationally acclaimed, award-winning communities. These are just a few of the reasons the biosciences thrive in Frederick County.  Learn more about why 80 bioscience companies call Frederick home. 

4. How can I connect with bioscience companies in your area?

An outdoor gathering with many people socializing near tents, a tree, and tables; some individuals hold drinks.

Businesses looking to connect with our bioscience community can attend or sponsor one of the many networking events hosted throughout the year. Popular ways to connect include:

To participate in or sponsor these events, connect directly with the host organizations. 

5. How can I stay connected? 

Five people, including a man in a suit and tie, smiling and posing in front of a Frederick County Economic Development booth at an event.

Connect with Frederick Economic Development to discover news, updates, networking events, and more:

Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

Three jars of preserves and the production of popcorn treats. The left jar is pumpkin butter, the middle shows chocolate being poured over popcorn, and the right jar is strawberry preserves. All jars have a label that says

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company

Catoctin Popcorn Company was established in 2001 and sold its signature kettle corn on roadsides and at local fairs. More than a decade later, the company's factory and retail store are located in Frederick, Maryland (behind AstraZeneca/MedImmune's biologics manufacturing facility). The store offers a variety of delectable treats, including its namesake's kettle popcorn.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory is fully-stocked with the company's complete product line. In addition to offering over 35 varieties of popcorn, customers can purchase roasted nuts, preserves and butters, peanut brittle, and more. Additionally, decorative tins and baskets are available for purchase and are especially popular at the holidays.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development had the chance to stop by Catoctin Popcorn's factory and retail store and talk to managing member Bryan Casey.

Q&A with Managing Member Bryan Casey

Bryan Casey took the time to answer a few questions about the business, its products, and why he enjoys doing business in Frederick.

Display of popcorn tins, wooden crate shelves with jars, and a wooden popcorn tub, likely in a shop.

Catoctin Popcorn's factory store is fully-stocked with the company's entire product line, including gift tins and baskets.

How long has your company been in business?

Catoctin Kettle Korn was started in 2001. In 2007, we purchased the business and changed the name to Catoctin Popcorn Company. 

What are your product/products?

We are most famous for our Kettle Korn and Caramel Popcorn, but have a large following who enjoy many of our other flavors. We make over 36 flavors - as diverse as Apple Pie, Peanut Butter Cluster or Dark Chocolate Drenched Popcorn.

What makes your product different?

Although not all of our products are all natural, we specialize in making all natural, delicious snacks from popcorn grown here in the mid-Atlantic region.

A bird's eye view of the production area.

Overhead view of a commercial kitchen, showing stainless steel equipment, stacked containers, and workers preparing food.

What do you want your customers to know about your product?

Our premium popcorn uses the best ingredients to make a product that is rich and delicious. It's an indulgent snack for any occasion. We are now carried by some of your favorite grocery stores as well. Our products can be found in Frederick at Weis Markets and Giant Eagle.  In Baltimore, we are in ShopRite and Weis Markets. In Pennsylvania, we can be found at Renders', Weis Markets and Kennie's Markets.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?

We love being located in Frederick. It's central for distribution purposes and loaded with great people to help us make, and eat, our popcorn.

Four sequential images depicting the chocolate-making process: an industrial machine, a conveyor belt, a worker operating a rotating machine, and gloved hands pouring melted chocolate into a large pot.
Exterior view of Catocin Popcorn Co. storefront with large red lettering, glass windows, and a brick facade, featuring a visible address of 104.

If you go

Catoctin Popcorn has a full factory store (650 MedImmune Court, Frederick, MD 21703) that is open to the public on most weekdays.  As the hours of operation vary throughout the year, visit Catoctin Popcorn's website for more information. Catoctin Popcorn's products are also available in Frederick at Giant Eagle and Weis Markets.

Six sealed plastic bags of Chesapeake Crab Corn popcorn displayed on a metal shelf with a black sign indicating the price as $1.99 per bag.
A gloved hand pours melted chocolate from a brown pitcher onto a tray of caramel corn, while other trays filled with plain caramel corn sit on a stainless steel work surface.
Industrial food processing machine composed of a rotating cylindrical screen, metal frame, a chute for exiting product, and an electric motor. The cylindrical screen has an exterior of wire mesh and a central drive wheel connected to a belt driven by the motor. A blue metal chute directs the flow of processed food.

Want to be featured?

If you or your business has a product that's made in The City of Frederick, contact us and let us know more about your business, product, and why Frederick is a great business location for you. 

City Releases First Comprehensive Retail Report

Collage of images showcasing diverse scenes: a store owner interacting with a customer, a handwritten restaurant menu, wooden barrels, baked goods, and a display of accessories with a handbag and hat.

The City of Frederick recently released "The City of Frederick Retail Report." The report was completed in April 2016 by a retail consultant and is the first comprehensive retail study to be completed by The City. It will assist the Department of Economic Development in identifying best practices and retail brands that are currently missing in Frederick. The report can be used as a valuable tool for both existing retailers in Frederick and for businesses considering the Frederick area.

Retail is an important community attribute for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Retailers and restaurants contribute to Frederick's quality of life, tax base, and provide employment opportunities for residents.  "Frederick is home to local and national brands canvassing the entire City, from the western edge of the Golden Mile, through Historic Downtown Frederick, and along the East Street Corridor," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

Despite a strong existing demand for retail and restaurants in Frederick, opportunities remain to attract missing brands and to better understand changing trends in consumer habits.

The report contains relevant demographic, spending, and economic data and can be used by businesses seeking to prepare or update a business plan, for property owners seeking new tenants, and for existing retailers interested in learning more about the changing trends in the retail market.

Download - The City of Frederick Retail Report - The Riddle Company (PDF)

Frederick Facts

Introducing Frederick Facts

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is introducing a new monthly feature: Frederick Facts.

Frederick Facts will highlight interesting statistics and data points unique to Frederick's business community. This feature will cover a wide range of industries and topics, including retail, office, tourism, and more. 

A compilation of all Frederick Facts will reside on the DED blog.

By Bobby Baumler

Frederick Facts graphic with a blue background states:

April 2017

The number of minority-owned businesses in Frederick continue to grow and follow many national trends. According to the Minority Business Development Agency, the formation of minority-owned businesses continues to significantly outpace the formation of non minority-owned businesses. From 2007-2012, the number of minority-owned businesses increased 39% according to the Census Bureau.

Blue background with white text reading,

March 2017

The office market continues to improve in Downtown Frederick.  Over the last year, the vacancy rate has fallen from 9.0% to 7.8%, according to CoStar.  This has resulted in over 24,000 square feet of absorption as new technology and professional companies locate to Downtown Frederick.


Blue background with white text stating 'Frederick Facts: Did you know? 60% of Hood College students would choose to stay in Frederick after graduation.'

January 2017

As Hood College students return to class this week, we are reminded that Frederick is well-positioned to retain future graduates. A survey of Hood students indicated at 60% of students "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that they would choose to live in The City of Frederick following graduation. Students interested in staying in Frederick can feel confident in their decision as GoodCall recently named Frederick as one of the 2017 Best Cities for New Grads (#43). The rankings considered factors including amenities, median salary, increased salary potential, and the availability of jobs.

Blue background with white text stating: 'Frederick Facts. Did you know? The bioscience industry employs over 2,700 people in Frederick County.'

December 2016

The bioscience industry employs over 2,700 people in Frederick County and created nearly 250 new jobs in 2015 according to Frederick County Workforce Services.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) remains committed to supporting this industry as the biosciences afford family-supporting wages and career growth.

Most recently, DED entered into a new partnership with BioBuzz Workforce Foundation Inc. to provide Frederick bioscience companies and their employees collaboration opportunities through the BioHive platform.

Blue graphic with text: 'Frederick Facts. Did you know? Frederick households spend over $3,500 a year on food away from home, including restaurants.'

November 2016

According to ESRI, Frederick households spend over $3,500 a year on food purchases made outside of the home, including restaurants. Much of this spending is anticipated to occur during the holiday season with special occasions, including family gatherings and holiday parties. According to data from the National Retail Federation, over 17% of annual sales at food and beverage stores occurs during the holiday sales season.

Blue background with white text stating: 'Frederick Facts. Did you know? The roughly 100 manufacturers located in Frederick employ nearly 2,000 people.'

October 2016

According to ESRI, the City of Frederick is home to nearly 100 manufacturers. This targeted industry for the City employs almost 2,000 individuals. As we celebrate Maryland Manufacturing Month, we are reminded that manufacturers provide family-supporting wages and career opportunities for the Frederick community. According to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MED), the annual average salary of a manufacturing worker in the United States is more than $77,000 a year.

Blue background with white text stating 'Frederick Facts: Did you know? More than 1,200 businesses and organizations partner with FCPS annually.'

September 2016

Frederick County Public Schools recently released its Educational Partnerships report for the 2015-2016 school year. The report recognizes the more than 1,200 businesses and organizations that partner with the school system annually. Many of the City's largest employers provided funding and staff resources to support public education in Frederick County. 

Blue background with white text reading: 'Frederick Facts. Did you know? There are over 700 retailers located within The City of Frederick.'

August 2016

As Fredericktonians prepare for the start of a new school year, back to school shopping is a part of the tradition.

According to the National Retail Federation, spending for the 2016 back to school season will reach nearly $76 billion, including spending for both K-12 and college students. This equates to K-12 families spending approximately $675 on their children and college families spending approximately $890. The same survey evaluated where shoppers plan to visit.

The research indicated that over 60% of consumers plan to shop at a discount store, nearly 60% plan to shop at a department store, and nearly 40% plan to shop at an office supply store. With over 700 retailers located within The City of Frederick, residents will not need to travel far to check off each item on their back to school shopping list.

'Frederick Facts. Did you know? The City's population will continue to grow at a rate of over 4% through 2020.' Informative tone.

July 2016

Frederick's residential population continues to grow at a time when many small towns are experiencing a contraction in population. Today, the City is home to over 68,000 residents and this number is expected to grow at a rate of over 4% per year through 2020.



Teal background with white text reading 'Frederick Facts: Did you know that millennials account for 24% of the city's resident population?'

June 2016

Frederick's millennials account for 24% of the City's resident population. Over 40% of millennials in Frederick hold at least a bachelor's degree and over 65% hold professional jobs. 




Teal background with white text reading 'Frederick Facts: Did you know that millennials account for 24% of the city's resident population?'

May 2016

The Frederick retail market analysis compared Frederick's spending on Food purchases by category. Citywide, Frederick consumers spend more than the national average in every category, most notably spending 17% higher than the national average on alcoholic beverages and 10% more than average on overall food purchases.


Teal background with white text reading 'Frederick Facts: The Golden Mile accounts for nearly half of the retail space within The City of Frederick.'

April 2016

The Golden Mile is Frederick's original retail corridor and is currently home to over 1.6 million square feet of retail space. Following the completion of the Golden Mile Gateway and Frederick Towne Center projects, the total retail along the Golden Mile will exceed 2.3 million square feet, or nearly half of the total retail space within The City of Frederick.

Why College Graduates Will Stay in the City

Outdoor street scene with people dining at tables along a charming sidewalk. Bright signage reads

In a recent survey of local college students, 76% indicated they want to live in a city with an active downtown after graduation.

By Michelle Kershner

Each year, local colleges and universities graduate hundreds of students in Frederick County, and cities all over the country are vying for this talent. 

According to a fall 2015 survey of local college students, 

Frederick has what it takes to retain this talented workforce after graduation.

Over half of all students surveyed indicated they want to call Frederick home after graduation. Almost 60% "Agreed" or "Strongly Agreed" that they would choose to live in The City of Frederick. 

According to a Gizmodo article, this new generation is seeking not just large cities, but cities right-sized for them. According to the story, 

“Thanks to the generation’s size and influence, millennials are moving to new places made just for them, by them—revitalizing smaller cities or opting for hybridized urban-burb enclaves where quality of life is the driving force.” 

Downtown Frederick also has the quality of life amenities these new professionals seek. 

According to the survey results, the following city attributes ranked high among students: 

  • 76%* want to live in a city with an active downtown after graduation

  • 76%* want to live in a city with many restaurants, bars, and shops

  • 78%* want to live near parks and outdoor activities

"We're pleased that Frederick's amenities align closely with what recent graduates are seeking," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

Frederick is increasingly recognized as a great place for young professionals. Again in 2016, Frederick was named one of the "10 Best Places Near Washington, D.C. for Young Professionals" by Movoto.com. 

Frederick ranked at the top on Niche.com's 2016 list of "Best Towns for Millennials in Maryland."

Sites ranking best cities for millennials or recent graduates use a variety of criteria, including job opportunities, access to bars and restaurants, and affordable housing. According to Niche.com a "high ranking indicates that a town attracts millennials with an affordable, diverse community and lots of things to do." Frederick was recently ranked by wallethub.com as one of the most diverse small cities in America, coming in at #8. The local survey also revealed other important information about how graduates choose where to live. Nearby 90% of all respondents want to live near where they work and 60% want to live with other recent graduates. 

"Having recent grads choose to remain in Frederick is great for our community and great for businesses that rely on a talented workforce," said Griffin. "We're proud they want to call Frederick home." 

About the Survey

- The survey was developed by Fall 2015 intern Nick Masucci from Hood College. 103 responses were gathered and 97% of respondents were undergraduate college students at the time of taking the survey. 85% of respondents were enrolled at Hood College at the time of taking the survey.

*percentage derived of students that "agreed" or "strongly agreed" they wanted to live in a city with these attributes.

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. 

How to Write an Effective News Release

A classroom lecture on

In 2015, the Frederick City and County Economic Development offices offered a free, one hour session on "How to Write an Effective News Release" to businesses. Led by Frederick County's Director of Communications, Vivian Laxton, the training was recorded and is available online.

The session was developed to help businesses craft effective news releases for distribution. It covers topics such as:

  • What is newsworthy

  • How to get the attention of the press

  • Anatomy of a news release

  • How to structure a news release

The session was developed to support local businesses that take advantage of PR Frederick, a free press distribution service. 

PR Frederick

The City and County jointly offer businesses access to PR Frederick, a no charge press release distribution service. This complimentary service is valued at $250 per release and enables local businesses to distribute business news that could be picked up by major search engines, regional/national/international new sites, and directly to over 30,000 journalists and bloggers.

How To Submit A Press Release to PR Frederick?

City businesses may write a press release about a newsworthy item (i.e. new product, business recognition award, new business partnership, grant opening, community service project, relocation/expansion, etc.) and may include images, links, and videos.  

Please submit all completed press releases to prweb@cityoffrederick.com. 

For more information, visit businessinfrederick.com. 

Frederick Wins Two MEDA Awards

By Michelle Kershner

 Frederick was presented with two Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) 2016 MEDA Awards, which celebrate the people, projects and programs bringing economic vitality to Maryland. Bert Anderson, owner of Everedy Square and Shab Row, was named the "2016 Volunteer of the Year" for his more than three decades of service to both Frederick City and County. MEDA also recognized The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) video, “Work Where There's Room to Play,”  as the "2016 MEDA Marketing Award Winner." 

“I am so proud of our team and partners and am delighted that Frederick is being recognized by MEDA for quality marketing and volunteerism in Economic Development," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

 An award ceremony was held on May 2 during the 2016 MEDA Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.

 2016 Volunteer of the Year: Bert Anderson

Before "adaptive reuse" was a trend, Anderson was acquiring underutilized buildings for renovation and reuse in Downtown Frederick. He bought deteriorating buildings including houses, warehouses and factories, and transformed City blocks into dining and shopping destinations for visitors and residents.

 "Bert Anderson has been at the forefront of progressive redevelopment and has given his time and talent for the benefit of the community for many years," said Griffin. 

 Anderson was nominated jointly by the City and County economic development offices for his contributions. Anderson has served as a founding member of the Greater Frederick Development Corporation, which is now the Downtown Frederick Partnership. He currently serves on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

 Learn more about Bert Anderson and his decades of volunteerism in Frederick.

 2016 MEDA Marketing Award Winner: The City of Frederick, "Work Where There's Room to Play"

"Work Where There's Room to Play" was developed after a local IT non-profit, Tech Frederick indicated that recruiting top technology talent to the Frederick area was a priority.

The video has been viewed over 62,000 times on Facebook and has been shared
over 1,500 times.

 The video had three objectives:
  • Develop a tool to support the local tech industry
  • Brand Frederick as a great place to live and work
  • Drive traffic to Tech Frederick’s jobs page
Learn more about the "Work Where There's Room to Play" video.

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. 

Case Study: "Work Where There's Room to Play" Video

Blonde woman with pink lipstick smiles broadly in front of a street with parked cars, text reads

Watch: "Work Where There's Room to Play"

Overview 

The City of Frederick developed a three minute film, "Work Where There's Room to Play," to showcase the benefits of working in Frederick, Maryland. From thriving Downtown Frederick to outdoor activities, the film highlights the opportunities of life outside of work.  

The project was developed after Tech Frederick, a Frederick area non-profit that advocates for the local IT industry, indicated recruiting top talent to Frederick was a priority. Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor, and is home to many IT companies. But when it comes time to recruit talent, many local tech companies say they are competing with larger cities with tech clusters such as Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA. The video was intended to promote Frederick as a great place to live and work and give IT companies another tool to attract high quality employees. The video also serves as a retention tool, giving our IT companies a way to attract talent and grow in Frederick. 

The video was launched at a live event and simultaneously via Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Facebook analytics was the primary method of tracking the viral reach of this video.

Goals 

“Work Where There’s Room to Play” specifically was produced to target the millennial workforce, and more specifically, millennials interested in tech careers. While this was the primary audience, the video was also produced broadly enough to bring out the pride people have in Frederick, so they were more likely to share the video.

The project had three main objectives:

  • Develop a Tool to Support the Local Tech Industry – IT is a targeted industry for Frederick. The video was developed to support local IT companies’ recruitment efforts. Both The City and local IT companies can use the video to grow the IT workforce and strengthen the industry in Frederick. By supporting local tech companies, the project also serves as a retention tool to help keep our companies strong and growing.

  • Brand Frederick as a Great Place to Live and Work -While the film was produced with IT professionals in mind, it was also developed to have a general appeal. It was important to showcase Frederick as a lively and active city with a great quality of life. 

  • Drive Traffic to Tech Frederick’s Jobs Page

Methodology

The development, collaboration, and quality production of the video were keys to its success. Local company, Digital Bard, produced the video in partnership with The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development (DED). 

DED developed the video's talking points, secured the volunteer cast, and managed the video launch strategy at a live event and online to maximize results. Digital Bard refined the storyline and oversaw the production and editing.

Real community members were recruited to deliver the points in the video. All of the characters are strong supporters of Frederick and well-known in the community. None of them were compensated for the video and all agreed to be in it on a volunteer basis.

Success relied on the viral spread of the video, not paid advertising. Only $50 was used to promote the video on Facebook, and accounted for less than 5% of video views across all platforms.

Casting was an important element to the video’s storyline. Digital Bard and DED identified four different “personas” to tell the story, and cast community leaders approriately. 

The Debut

A highly coordinated video release was planned to gain the maximum benefit and reach. It debuted in front of a live audience during “Movie Night on the Creek” on August 21, 2015 with 250 people in attendance. It SIMULTANEOUSLY launched on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The live debut was newsworthy, and was covered by regional news station WHAG and local newspaper Frederick News-Post. 

Collaboration

In the spirit of collaboration, partner organizations Downtown Frederick Partnership and Visit Frederick agreed to let DED use their b-roll at no charge. This supplemented original footage shot for the film. Digital Bard provided $2,500 in in-kind services to produce the project. The private in-kind contributions helped to leverage the project. For every $1 that the public sector put into the project, the private sector provided an in-kind contribution of $1.84. 

Results

The project was a success in every sense. Within 10 hours, the video was viewed 15,000 times on Facebook (organic) and it was clear it was “going viral.” 

Facebook

results* (as of May 2016) were outstanding:

  • 62,914+ viewed the video with a 26% completion rate (an additional 3,720 viewed the video on YouTube)

  • The post reached 139,372 

  • Engagement: 7,239 likes, comments, and shares

  • Post was SHARED 1,529 times

  • 1,221 comments 

  • 22,393 post clicks

*Results are largely organic; a $50 promoted Facebook post only accounts

Screenshot of a Facebook post details page, showing video engagement statistics for a post by Frederick DED, including video views, likes, comments, shares, post clicks, and negative feedback. The post features a video thumbnail with a blonde woman and the text

Reaching the Targeted Audience via Facebook

A small portion of our reach was via a promoted post ($50) on Facebook. This allowed us to access specific data on the demographics of who this post was reaching.  It demonstrated our post was primarily reaching those in our targeted millennial demographic. 

  • 65% of all video views are from people under 44 (3,100 views in this sample size)

  • 68% of all impressions are from people under 44 (9,056 impressions in this sample size)

Awards

The video has earned two awards: 

  • Silver Addy Award - American Advertising Federation of Greater Frederick (local chapter)

  • MEDA's 2016 Marketing Award - Maryland Economic Development Association (statewide) - Watch Video

PR/Additional Exposure

Collage of nine website screenshots featuring the city of Frederick, Maryland, showing various articles and promotions. Each screenshot displays a different web page with a consistent theme of promoting Frederick as a place to live, work, and visit. The pages include articles with headlines such as

Because of the quality and success of this video, The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development had additional opportunities for exposure.  They included:

41% Increase in Facebook Likes on DED Page

The DED Facebook page “likes” increased from 640 August 15 (prior to video) to 901 on September 10 (after video release). This represents a 40% increase in just a few weeks.

Traffic to Tech Frederick Jobs Page

A goal was to drive people to see the Tech Frederick jobs page. 548 clicks to their jobs page was a direct result of the video marketing campaign, as tracked by a bit.ly link.  

Use of Video by Tech Companies in Frederick

Webpage with a brochure and two video previews. The brochure promotes joining a team and shows hands stacked together. The first video preview is labeled

Regent's Careers Page

The video was unveiled at Tech Frederick’s quarterly event. Companies have anecdotally said they are using the video in recruitment efforts and are directly sending the link to interested applicants, especially those out of town, to help influence their decision. Our largest tech company in Downtown Frederick, Regent Education, has the video posted on their Careers page. Additionally, they worked with Digital Bard to produce a companion video,

“Why Work at Regent,” to accompany their recruitment efforts.

Budget and Leverage

Budget

$3,000 – Production of Video

$50 – Cost to promote the post in Facebook

TOTAL: $3,050 

In-Kind Contributions: Valued at $5,600

While there was not a direct private cash investment in the production of the film, there were several in-kind donations that contributed to the project that were valued at $5,600. T

he private in-kind contributions helped to leverage the project. For every $1 that the public sector put into the project, the private sector matched provided an in-kind contribution of $1.84. 

In-kind contributions included:

Digital Bard - Production costs for the video exceeded DEDs budgeted contribution. Digital Bard’s costs were a total of $5,600, which means they contributed $2,500 in in-kind services to produce the project.

B-Roll Footage – In-kind video footage was donated for the film from the following:

  • Tourism Council of Frederick County

  • Downtown Frederick Partnership

  • Mike Purks, citizen drone footage

Digital Bard, the production company, estimated that footage licensing from these entities is valued at around $2,000. 

Talent Fee for Narrator, Ashley Miles - Digital Bard, the production company, estimated that a reasonable talent fee for the narrator would be $600. She donated her time and talents. 

Use of video equipment and screen to debut film before feature presentation at Movie Night on the Creek (Downtown Frederick Partnership) – no hard figure

ROI

Cost Value of Project (calculated in December 2015) - To evaluate the value of the project from a cost perspective, DED determined the 

1) cost of each impression 

2) cost of each video view compared to the cost of the video production. Here is a summary of the results.

  • Cost per impression: $0.016 The total cost of the video production ($3,000) and to promote the post via Facebook ($50) was $3,050. The video’s Facebook impressions were 138,730. Additionally, a press release was distributed via PR Web. PR Web reported that there were an additional 49,988 headline impressions from the press release distribution. The total impressions from these two measurable distribution channels combined were 188,718. Considering these figures, the total cost per impression was approximately 1.5 cents or $0.016. 

  • Cost per Video View: $0.05 - The total cost of the video production ($3,000) and to promote the post via Facebook ($50) was $3,050. The video’s Facebook views were 62,126. Additionally, YouTube views accounted for an additional 1,494 views. The total video views from these two measurable distribution channels combined were 63,620. Considering these figures, the total cost per view was approximately $0.05 or a nickel. 

Based on these calculations, the exposure the video generated was pennies on the dollar compared to the costs of the project.  

Best Practices

A similar project can be developed within other communities. Attracting and keeping a skilled workforce is important for business retention. Developing a video that highlights the benefits of the community helps all businesses attract talent.  

Best practices for this project included:

  • Using local, volunteer talent to talk about the community 

  • Targeting the intended audience on a platform where they are active (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter)

  • Launching the video during a live event proved to draw additional media attention with local TV coverage

  • Leverage the opportunity for additional PR – Offer to guest blog about the success of the project and submit it to partner organizations

  • Provide a “toolkit” to businesses with links to the video and instructions on how to use it in their recruitment efforts 

  • Never underestimate the power of a proud community – The genuine pride in the video shines through in the testimonials from the characters and contributed to the viral spread of the video 

Frederick's Bert Anderson Named MEDA Volunteer of the Year

Bert Anderson, an older white man with gray hair, wearing a button-down shirt, speaks to the camera, with text below him reading

Bert Anderson, owner of Everedy Square and Shab Row, was named the "2016 Volunteer of the Year" by the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA). He was recognized for his more than three decades of service to both Frederick City and County. 

MEDA Awards celebrate the people, projects and programs bringing economic vitality to Maryland. 

Anderson was honored at an award ceremony on May 2 during the 2016 MEDA Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.

Anderson has been serving in leadership roles for over 35 years in Frederick County, and is still an active leader today. He has served with six different economic development organizations or commissions over the decades, and has been on numerous boards. He is a founding member of the Greater Frederick Development Corporation, the organization that later became the Downtown Frederick Partnership that implements the Main Street Program for community revitalization.

"Bert Anderson has been at the forefront of progressive redevelopment and has 

given his time and talent for the benefit of the community for many years," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. 

Two men in suits smiling for a photograph outdoors, one older with light hair seated in the foreground, and a younger man with glasses standing behind him.

MEDA 2016 Volunteer of the Year Bert Anderson with Richard Griffin

Before "adaptive reuse" was a trend, Anderson was acquiring underutilized buildings for renovation and reuse in Downtown Frederick. He bought buildings, including houses, warehouses and factories, and transformed City blocks into dining and shopping destinations for visitors and residents.

2016 marks the 40th Anniversary of Anderson’s Shab Row redevelopment project and the devastating Great Frederick Flood of 1976, which inspired today’s Carroll Creek Park and flood control project. In 2016, Frederick will commemorate the 40 year anniversary of the flood, the transformation of Everedy Square and Shab Row, and the rebirth of Downtown Frederick. These events are interconnected, and Anderson’s leadership role was fundamental in the revitalization of Downtown Frederick.

"As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of his accomplishments, there is no better time to recognize Bert Anderson’s four decades of vision, service, and investment in Frederick and Maryland," said Griffin. 

Anderson was nominated jointly by the City and County economic development offices for his contributions. Anderson has served as a founding member of the Greater Frederick Development Corporation, which is now the Downtown Frederick Partnership. He currently serves on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

5 Reasons the Biosciences Thrive in Frederick, Maryland

A collage of six images showcasing various aspects of a town or city; including an aerial view of a waterway lined with streetlights, a cafe scene with a barista, a scientist in gloves, cyclists on a road, and an artist painting outdoors.

Carroll Creek and Cycling Photo Credit: Visit Frederick

Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Frederick plays a key role within Maryland's bioscience cluster and has much to offer new and expanding biotech businesses.

Below are some of the top reasons the biosciences thrive in Frederick, Maryland. 

5 Reasons the Biosciences Thrive in Frederick, Maryland

  1. Location, Location, Location

Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor in Maryland, which is one of the largest bioscience clusters in the U.S. Frederick is home to Fort Detrick, the Frederick National Laboratory, 9,000+ businesses, and 80 bioscience companies. Less than an hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, it also offers close proximity to federal regulatory agencies.

2. Opportunity & Collaboration

Businesses enjoy strong biotechnology transfer opportunities from the federal labs at Fort Detrick and the National Cancer Institute. Start-ups can thrive in Frederick's local biotech incubator with state-of-the-art wet labs and offices available. The community is supported with partners offering local networking opportunities and workshops. 

3. Educated Workforce & Great Schools

Ranked among the 2nd smartest cities by Forbes.com, 36% of the workforce holds a bachelor's degree or higher and 13.3% have earned a Masters degree or Ph.D. Local public school achievement exceeds Maryland averages with scores that consistently surpass state and national averages on measures such as the College Board SAT.

4. Transportation

Two-thirds of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of Frederick, and the location provides convenient access to all major markets on the eastern seaboard. It is within 50 miles of three international airports (BWI, Dulles and Reagan National). Two commuter rail stations serve Frederick, offering daily weekday service to Washington, D.C.

5. Award-Winning Place to Live Frederick was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. by Livability.com in 2015.  It was also named one of the "10 Best Places Near Washington, D.C. For Young Professionals" and Frederick County was named among the “Top 10 Counties in America.”

Downtown Frederick is bustling with independently owned shops and restaurants, while close to area hiking, biking, wineries, and historic sites.  Frederick offers the ability for residents to “live, work, and play” and experience an excellent quality of life.

Frederick in the News: "Bio-tech hub in Frederick, Md. continues to expand"

Watch this 2015 news report on the expansion of the bioscience industry in Frederick and the importance of collaborations. 

A man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt holds a clear plastic rectangular container with a white top and orange liquid inside, appearing to be on a news broadcast with the WHAG HD logo visible.

"Bio-tech hub in Frederick, Md. continues to expand"

Want to learn more? Contact us and we can assist you with site selection assistance, how to start your business in Frederick, relocation assistance, and more information about the biosciences in our area.  

Banner advertising the City of Frederick and Frederick County economic development social media, featuring a sunset view of a city street and sidewalks with pedestrians, social media icons and handles. Text reads

For more information on the biosciences in Frederick, visit our partner, Frederick County Office of Economic Development. 

New Funding Available to Continue City's Facade Improvement Grant Program

A split image depicting a downtown area with a central canal and various businesses. The left portion shows the canal with walking paths on either side, lined with vendor tents and crowds. Buildings and a distinctive tower are visible in the background. The right side features four different storefronts:

Business owners along the Patrick Street Corridor may benefit from new grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Legacy program.

DHCD awarded $100,000 to The City of Frederick to continue and expand a city-wide façade improvement grant program and to pilot a building reuse program in Downtown Frederick. 

Frederick’s program funds supports the continuation and expansion of a Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program within the Patrick Street Corridor Community. 

The Frederick Façade Improvement Project is administered jointly by the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and its partners - the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Golden Mile Alliance, and East Frederick Rising.

Of the $100,000 grant award, $56,000 will be allocated to the Downtown Frederick Partnership, $22,000 to East Frederick Rising, and $22,000 to the Golden Mile Alliance.

Details on each grant opportunity is provided below:

Downtown Frederick

  • Facade Improvement Program - Eligible businesses may receive a 1:1 match on qualified exterior facade improvements up to $10,000. For details, contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership at 301-698-8118 or download the application.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.

  • Mission Interior - Eligible businesses may receive a matching grant of up to $5,000 on qualified interior improvements. For details, contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership at 301-698-8118 or download the application. The deadline to apply for this program is Friday, May 18th at 5:00 PM.

East Frederick

  • Facade Improvement Program - Eligible businesses may receive a 1:1 match on qualified exterior facade improvements up to $10,000. For details, contact the Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360 or download the application.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Golden Mile

  • Facade Improvement Program - Eligible businesses may receive a 1:1 match on qualified exterior facade improvements of up to $22,000. For details, contact the Golden Mile Alliance at goldenmilealliance@gmail.com or download the application.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Inspiring Offices: Integrity Consulting's Modern Office Offers Downtown Convenience

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, and historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs.  

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

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside an inspiring office in Frederick - Integrity Consulting. Integrity's office is located in Downtown Frederick. The rehabilitated building retains its original industrial feel while providing a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Read our Q&A with Integrity Consulting's James Cox, Director of Federal Business.

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has Integrity been located here in Frederick? 

We were located Downtown in 2007, moved for a larger space, but always wanted to move back Downtown. Through the process, we found this location with easy access to all that Downtown Frederick has to offer, including close parking, food, and meeting spaces and loved the building as soon as we visited!

A corner of a modern conference room with a wooden table, four black mesh chairs, brick walls, large arched windows with blinds, and an industrial ceiling.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

The location was move in ready for our purposes. As we continue to expand our business, we hope to take on more space. 

Hallway with wooden doors and a central wooden pillar, leading to a cozy seating area with chairs. Soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

We adapted what we had in the last space and added some new items. It’s a very modern space, so we continue to look for the right items to add. 

Office hallway with beige walls and exposed ductwork. A lit table lamp sits on a dark wooden side table displaying a framed document. Cubicles are visible in the background.

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

The building and entryway are very unique. We have added our own bit of flair with a dart board and corn hole games. The lower space has “open” offices which allow for collaboration as that is one of our key selling points. 

Cozy corner featuring a red armchair, a dartboard mounted on the wall, and a large window showing a brick building exterior.
Industrial-style interior featuring a dark metal staircase railing with circular accents overlooking a polished hardwood floor, set against an exposed red brick wall with arched windows.

What do you or your employees like best about the office space? 

Location, location, location! Close to home, close to Downtown, and nice big open work space with plenty of light!

View through a gridded window showing a distant cityscape of Downtown Frederick featuring two church steeples and bare winter trees on an overcast day that reads:
Collage showing Integrity Consulting's core values displayed on cards, including Passion, Service, Trust, and Fun, above the large red and gray company logo.

Integrity's Core Values of passion, trust, service, respect, honesty, fun, and INTEGRITY shine through in their work space.

Frederick Towne Center Groundbreaking Signals Strong Retail Opportunities on The Golden Mile

A collage of five images: One shows three men in hard hats holding shovels at a groundbreaking. Another is a speaker at a podium. People are mingling and standing around and lastly, a table with drinks and brochures labeled

A resurgence along Golden Mile is one step closer following the groundbreaking ceremony for the the Frederick Towne Center & Walmart Supercenter. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 in front of the former Bon-Ton department store and was attended by over 50 residents, business owners, and elected officials. Speakers included Mayor Randy McClement, Economic Development Director Richard Griffin, Golden Mile Alliance President Justin Kiska, Golden Mile Alliance Board Member and attorney Dave Severn, and Adam Greenberg, representing DLC Management.

A man speaks at a podium under a tent, with two construction plans displayed on easels nearby. The audience, seated and attentive, is visible in the foreground.

Mayor McClement delivering remarks on the City's commitment to the Golden Mile. 

Redevelopment of the former Frederick Towne Mall will include retail space opportunities for up to 16 new retail and restaurant businesses. This 500,000 square foot redevelopment project will be anchored by a Walmart Supercenter alongside the existing Boscov's department store and Home Depot. Additional details on the project, including a site plan for the project, are available on DLC Management's website.

Additional investment along the Golden Mile is either underway or in the planning stages.  Construction has started for a new Wawa fueling station at the former Maryland State Police Barracks. Planned residential along the Golden Mile includes the redevelopment of the former VFW (West Park Village) and the development of Summers Farm. For a complete recap and project links, review the recap from the Golden Mile Alliance's recent Development Showcase.

To learn more about The Golden Mile and to get involved, visit the Golden Mile Alliance's website.

The Golden Mile is Frederick's original retail corridor and is currently home to over 1.6 million square feet of retail space. Following the completion of the Golden Mile Gateway and Frederick Towne Center projects, the total retail along the Golden Mile will exceed 2.3 million square feet, or nearly half of the total retail space within The City of Frederick.

For more information, facts, and demographics about the Golden Mile and other areas within The City of Frederick, review the newly released Frederick Retail Market report.

This Week On Carroll Creek - April 20, 2016

The last few bricks are being laid, trees are being planted, and sod put into place. 

Benches, lighting, and trash receptacles are being positioned and secured for the final section of Carroll Creek Park's Grand Opening event on May 19, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Plan to attend the festivities, and continue the celebration at Downtown Frederick Partnership's Alive@5 event on the creek at the Amphitheater after the Grand Opening. The event program will gain you complimentary entrance to Alive@5.  

Here are a few pictures showing some of the final touches falling into place along the newest section of Carroll Creek Park. 

A photo collage showcasing the exterior of the Union Knitting Mills building, surrounding plazas, landscaping with winding paths, and waterfront canal views on a sunny day.
Construction workers sweep newly laid brick pavers on a sunny walkway with large brick buildings visible in the background.

 Sand gets brushed between bricks and pavers.

Young plants growing in neat rows in mulched garden beds. A paved walkway lined with lampposts and trees alongside a body of water, with modern buildings in the distance.

Trees, ground cover, and plants will provide shade and color in years to come.

Historic brick industrial building with windows and scaffolding. Street view of mixed architecture, featuring a rustic barn-like structure alongside modern buildings and a parking area. Street sign indicating

New windows and brick tuckpointing are the focus at the Union Mills building adjacent to the creek. This building joins other revitalization projects on the East side and along Carroll Creek: Monocacy Valley Canning building and the Visit Frederick building along East Street.