Commercial real estate professionals from Frederick and beyond attended the 2016 Taste of Downtown Frederick Property Tour on October 20, 2016. Participants had the opportunity to tour Downtown Frederick and learn more about available office and retail properties, major City projects, and available programs to encourage rehabilitation within Downtown Frederick.
Made in Frederick: Equipment Development Company (EDCO)
Inspiring Office: Blue Pillar grows into its Downtown Frederick office
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 highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.
3 Tools for Small Businesses at the Library
Did you know businesses have free access to specialized databases and resources from the Frederick County Public Library (FCPL) Business Library? Whether a start-up business working on your first business plan or an established business researching new business opportunities, the data and tools available from the library will assist with your research. Read on to learn about three tools for small businesses.
5 Office Spaces That Inspire Every Day
Throughout the year, Inspiring Offices showcases unique, beautiful, and collaborative office spaces in Frederick. From standing desks to snack bars, these spaces stretch beyond the imagination to ignite creativity and spark innovation. Frederick's stock of historic and industrial buildings provide opportunities for businesses to express themselves through unique spaces.
Brewing Up Business: Frederick Changes Code to Allow Breweries to Host Food Trucks, Vendors, and Events
The craft brewing industry contributes $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and Frederick is well-positioned to attract and support this rapidly expanding industry. On August 4, 2016, The City of Frederick amended City code to allow breweries, farm breweries, and wineries to hold special events, including the ability to host events with food trucks and vendors.
Grants Give Downtown Businesses a Facelift
In collaboration with The City of Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), nearly 100 businesses in historic Downtown Frederick have received matching grant funds to enhance their facades since 2004.
The Facade Improvement Program is funded through DHCD's Community Legacy program and is targeted at strengthening the community through commercial revitalization, business retention, and attraction
Take a look at some of the most recently completed facade improvement projects within Downtown Frederick
Made in Frederick: Uncle Ralph's Not Yet Famous Cookies
Made in Frederick: Uncle Ralph's Not Yet Famous Cookies
Located on Frederick's east side, Uncle Ralph's has been offering their baked goods for over three decades. Their sweets and cookies more closely resemble home-baked goods than factory-baked desserts. Anne-Margaret Denlinger, Sales and Marketing Specialist and daughter of owners Margaret and Ralph Wight, answered a few questions about Uncle Ralph's and let us have a behind-the-scenes tour at how their products are made.
7 Ways to Participate in the Buy Local Challenge
The annual Buy Local Challenge encourages participants to make a personal commitment to eat local during Buy Local Week, July 23 - July 31, 2016.
It's easy to sign up to take the challenge. Residents can easily step up to the challenge any time of the year, not just during the Buy Local Challenge week. Here are some tips to get started.
3 Key Takeaways From the Frederick Retail Report
The report was completed in April 2016 by a retail consultant and is the first comprehensive retail study 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.
Inspiring Offices: Rustic attic office offers light and warmth
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside TWO inspiring offices in Frederick - Warner Commercial and Gallagher Design. These offices share an eclectic and rustic attic space in the heart of Downtown Frederick. On the corner of West Church and North Court Streets, the offices have high ceilings, wooden beams, and natural light.
Tech Showcase Features Emerging Technologies
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“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.
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| 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
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| 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?
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 80bioscience companies that are in the Frederick area. 2. What can you offer start-up bioscience companies?
3. Why should we locate our business in the Frederick area?
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?
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:
- The Fort Detrick Alliance hosts networking events, including the well-attended Tech Showcase in Frederick
- The FredCoBio Chapter of BioBeers offers Meetups to cultivate business relationships and foster collaboration
- Frederick's incubator, FITCI, hosts seasonal "Summer Networking on the Patio" events monthly.
5. How can I stay connected?
Made in Frederick: Catoctin Popcorn Company
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.
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| 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.
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| A bird's eye view of the production area. |
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.
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
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)