Signs. Signs. Signs. Signs are everywhere with the same message: Help Wanted. Given the tight labor market, those two words are often accompanied by two more: “Signing Bonus.” While many observers point to long-running unemployment benefits in the wake of COVID-19 as the reason for the issue, others call it only part of the problem. […]
Mark Smith
Posted inTourism
Q&A with VAAAC’s Kristen Pironis
It’s only been about four months since Kristen Pironis was named executive director of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC). For the past 16 years, Pironis worked with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, most recently as executive vice president of marketing and communications. Today, she’s laying the groundwork for VAAAC as the […]
Posted inTourism
Five trips that keep you close to home
Feeling the need to break out? A day trip around the mid-Atlantic region may be the way to shake off COVID lethargy. Many unique locales are within an hour, give or take, from Central Maryland. All that’s needed is a half-day, or so, to enjoy their plentiful charms. Harpers Ferry, W. Va. Harper’s Ferry lies […]
Posted inSports
Businesses to jockey for sports gambling
Maryland lawmakers ended the 2021 legislative session by passing a sports gaming bill. The Senate approved the amended bill 47-0, then the House of Delegates approved the final version 112-16-1. Maryland voters supported a 2020 ballot measure to approve sports gaming by a tally of two-to-one. It was anticipated that House Bill 940 would be […]
Posted inAnne Arundel County, BWI Business District, Environment, Transportation
SCMAGLEV route raises concerns
A superconducting Magnetic Levitation (SCMAGLEV) train may one day swooshing by at 311 miles per hour, underneath significant portions of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. One proposal calls for the facility to store these SCMAGLEV trains to be located at the intersection of the Baltimore-Washington (B-W) Parkway (Route 295) and Route 198. Construction of the more than […]
Posted inBusiness News
Improving profits during a downturn
Starting a new company or rebooting an established concern is rarely easy but doing either during a pandemic requires intestinal fortitude and a game plan. Companies that are restarting after COVID-19 shutdown face a formidable task that requires changes. Management experts say the key is to add revenue, without increasing indirect costs and overhead, to […]
Posted inEducation
Bowie State to launch animation offerings
The animation business needs more people of color, women, LGBTQ and other underrepresented groups. “There are not many people from those communities in that part of the industry,” said Tewodross Melchishua Williams, chair of the Bowie State University (BSU) Department of Fine & Performing Arts. Now, LAIKA Studios is partnering with BSU to offer the nation’s […]
Posted inBusiness News
Thriving today: Central Maryland Chamber businesses
The Business Monthly connects with businesses to inquire how they are faring during the pandemic. April 2021 features members of the Central Maryland Chamber. Epoch Inc. As employees of an information technology (IT) firm, the 10-person team at Ellicott City’s Epoch Inc. has always had the ability to telecommute. They’re also “essential workers and have […]
Posted inBanking & Finance
Q&A with the MBA’s Ramon Looby
Fulton resident Ramon Looby recently took the reins as the new president and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association (MBA). Looby comes on board at the MBA after serving as senior vice president and public policy lead at Bank of America (BofA), which gave him access to legislators and associations in a number of states, […]
Posted inBusiness News
Women, people of color drive gun sales
Gun sales have boomed during COVID-19 with reports indicating that purchases have tripled in recent months. The pandemic exacerbating social ills like lost jobs, financial issues and mental health problems has resulted in a spike in theft, armed robbery and home invasions. Now it’s not easy finding a gun to buy. Would-be gun owners might […]