Odenton Town Center Master Plan Final Draft Released
County Executive Steve Schuh has released the final draft of the 2015 Odenton Town Center Master Plan. The plan establishes goals, policies and requirements for development in the town center with an overall mission of creating a vibrant, transit-oriented, mixed-use community located around the Odenton MARC Station.
“Odenton is helping fuel our county’s economy, and this master plan will ensure that we grow responsibly,” said Schuh. “We are excited as we move forward with this blueprint for progress.”
The plan represents an update to the current 2009 Odenton Town Center Master Plan and incorporates input from a range of stakeholders in the community. Visit www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/MasterPlans/OTC/Odenton to view and download the draft plan and for other related information.
BWI Marshall Announces New Low-Fare Airline
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport has welcomed low-fare carrier Allegiant Air, which will begin offering round-trip service to six markets: Cincinnati, Ohio; Asheville, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Savannah, Ga.; and Tulsa, Okla.
The service from Cincinnati and Savannah will be year-round, starting on April 29. The Allegiant flights from Asheville, Knoxville, Lexington and Tulsa will be seasonal, with service to those markets starting in May and early June. Cincinnati is the only destination of the six that is currently served from BWI Marshall.
Allegiant Air is the low-cost airline subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Co. Based in Las Vegas, it links travelers in small cities across the U.S. to destinations with low base airfares. The company also provides other travel-related services, such as hotel rooms, rental cars and attraction tickets. Allegiant offers service to more than 100 markets nationwide, more than any other domestic low-cost carrier.
Force 3 Awarded BPA With U.S. Census Bureau
Force 3, of Crofton, has been named the sole award winner of a new blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with the U.S. Census Bureau. The agreement applies to the installation and service of VMware products to support the bureau’s mission to technologically transform the way the 2020 census is taken.
The BPA was fully executed by the U.S. Census Bureau on Sept. 10, 2015, and consists of four operational phases. It is scheduled to run through March 31, 2020, and has an estimated total order amount of $18 million.
To conduct the 2020 census in the most efficient, technologically advanced and cost-conscious manner possible, the bureau is currently undergoing an intensive process to automate, mobilize and update data collection practices. This includes the expanded use of mobile-optimized web sites, web sites in diverse languages, electronic data entry for workers collecting information door-to-door and use of GPS data to automate updating demographic information.
Ciena Acquires Certain TeraXion Assets for $32M
Hanover-based Ciena Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement with TeraXion Inc., of Quebec City, Quebec, to acquire its high-speed photonics components (HSPC) assets for approximately $32 million ($46.6 million Canadian) in cash.
The asset purchase includes TeraXion’s high-speed indium phosphide and silicon photonics technologies, as well as the critical underlying intellectual property. These technologies are key enablers of Ciena’s WaveLogic coherent optical chipsets, which make the optical layer of next-generation networks more intelligent and responsive to today’s web-scale demands.
“The TeraXion HSPC assets advance Ciena’s established leadership in high-speed optics and enhance our ability to develop differentiated solutions that enable service providers to scale their networks with greater programmability and agility,” said Scott McFeely, senior vice president, Networking Platforms, Ciena. “This acquisition also reinforces our commitment to serving as a growth and innovation engine in Canada, which is home to our largest employee base and more than 50% of our global research and development team.”
Schuh Signs Lodging Health and Safety Reform Bill
Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh has signed bipartisan legislation to protect visitors and residents from unsafe and unhealthy lodging establishments in the county. The legislation allows both the county’s Health Department, and Inspections and Permits, to shut down hotels or motels that continue to violate health and building safety regulations.
Currently, the county only has to ability to fine lodging businesses that continually violate certain provisions of the health and building code. “No one should ever be subjected to substandard living conditions in Anne Arundel County,” said Schuh. “Thanks to the efforts of our administration and Councilman [Andrew] Pruski, we can now force hotels or motels that have rampant health and safety violations to be held accountable.”
Under the new ordinance, county officials also would have increased inspection authority to ensure the living conditions of facilities are maintained and adequate. The legislation was introduced to the Anne Arundel County Council the night of Dec. 7 and passed on Jan. 4 by a vote of 6-1.
Arundel’s Winter Farmers Market Kicks Off in Annapolis
The Anne Arundel County Winter Farmers Market will be open at the intersection of Riva Road and Harry Truman Parkway every other Sunday, through March 20. Market hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The winter market is a producer-only market, which means that all products being sold are grown or produced by vendors themselves. Products available include winter/seasonal produce; beef; lamb; pork; chicken; eggs; dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and butter; vegetables such as mushrooms and hydroponic tomatoes; wine; herbs; and ready to cook/eat foods like pierogies, baked goods, coffee, tea, honey, vinegars and jams. Local artisans and craftsmen also are taking part in the winter market to showcase and sell jewelry, knit goods and pottery. Visitors also will be able to purchase ready-made food such as breakfast sandwiches and pork BBQ.
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. For additional information, contact Lisa Barge at AAEDC at 410-222-7410 or visit www.aaedc.org.
Delaware Supreme Court Affirms Chancery Ruling in Favor of PharmAthene
The Delaware Supreme Court has affirmed the Delaware Court of Chancery’s decision to award Annapolis-based PharmAthene lump sum expectation damages for the value of PharmAthene’s lost profits for SIGA’s smallpox antiviral, Tecovirimat. The Delaware Court of Chancery awarded PharmAthene $113 million in expectation damages plus interest and other costs, which, if calculated based on the original decision (and including post-judgment interest), would provide for an estimated total of approximately $205 million.
PharmAthene’s ability to collect a monetary judgment, including post-petition interest, from SIGA remains subject to further proceedings in the Federal Bankruptcy Court. SIGA has filed a reorganization plan with the court that provides for, among other things, the process by which PharmAthene’s judgment may be satisfied, but that plan has not been approved by the Bankruptcy Court and remains subject to change, withdrawal or rejection by the court.
TCS Expands Location-Based Services in the Middle East
TeleCommunication Systems (TCS), of Annapolis, has announced that the company has expanded its presence in the Middle East by adding two of the largest mobile network operators in the region to its customer portfolio. With more than 22 million mobile subscribers combined, the two operators are utilizing TCS’s Location Based Services (LBS) solutions to meet the rapidly growing demand for mobile Internet offerings in one of the strongest markets for smartphone growth worldwide. The combined value of the two contracts is approximately $3 million.
“Remarkable advances in Middle East broadband and mobile location technologies are fueling increased demand for services that use them from enterprises and subscribers,” said TCS Commercial Software Group President Jay Whitehurst. “We are pleased to partner with these leading operators to help shape the future of location technology in this dynamic region.”
UHY Advisors Expands Presence in Mid-Atlantic
UHY Advisors, a professional services firm with an office in Columbia, has announced its merger with MohnAllen PC, a CPA firm with locations in Olney and Frederick. This merger doubles the size of UHY in Maryland and is in response to continued client demand for increased services and capabilities. Harold Mohn, managing partner of MohnAllen, and his more than 20-plus colleagues, will be joining the existing UHY office in Columbia and will maintain the Frederick location.
The transaction is also consistent with the UHY Advisors Strategic Plan to enhance the company’s geographic presence and service capabilities throughout the U.S. “We are very happy to welcome our newest associates from MohnAllen,” said Tony Frabotta, CEO of UHY. “We found a firm with a comparative culture of client service and professional growth and are excited about the increased skills and services that are an enhancement to our existing presence in the Maryland business community.”
SECU, Terps Basketball Partner to Support Children’s Hospital
For the fourth year in a row, Linthicum-based SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union, is partnering with the University of Maryland Men’s Basketball Team to support Points for Pediatrics. SECU will donate $5 to Points for Pediatrics and the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital for every point scored by the Maryland men during the Terps’ 2015–16 regular season.
During the past three years, SECU has donated more than $33,000 to the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital through Points for Pediatrics. Last year alone, a memorable regular season turned into a SECU donation of $10,800 to the hospital, after the Terps finished the 2014–15 regular season scoring 2,160 points.
Cardoni Waddell Merges With Dembo Jones
Columbia-based accounting firm Cardoni Waddell has announced its merger with Dembo Jones, with the combined firm now operating under the Dembo Jones name. The strategic merger brings together two organizations with parallel visions of personalized client service and will strengthen the group’s position as a top full-service accounting, auditing, tax and consulting firm in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Founded by Ed Waddell and Bob Cardoni in Columbia in 1999, Cardoni Waddell was among the largest firms in Howard County. Operations will continue in the current location, on Stanford Blvd. in Columbia; Dembo Jones was founded in Bethesda in 1954.
Significance Inc. Opens New Division
Significance Inc., an Annapolis-based professional services firm, has entered into the federal government’s new Shared Services directive by adding a new division with two experienced professionals in management and information, as well as financial management systems.
Heading the division are Michael Cianciolo and Brian Opperman. Their expertise will allow clients to shrink their information technhology (IT) footprint through an increased focus on IT portfolio management or through the implementation of shared services. The Shared Services strategy seeks to enhance government efficiency by encouraging agencies to work together to deliver support functions, such as financial management and human resources, according to www.whitehouse.gov.
New Exhibit at The Meeting House
The Meeting House Gallery, of Columbia, is presenting “Works From Our Member Congregations,” by Peter Barbernitz, Barbara Bednarzik, Stuart Berlin, W. Dan Brown, Judith Estrin, Lewis Jones, Brigid Linsenmeyer, Annette Morgan, Linda Pescarmona, Ronee Rothman, Barbara Siskind and Roslyn Zinner. Their works include photography, water color, acrylic and oil painting, relief prints, mosaics and ceramics.
The show will run until April 2. The Meeting House Gallery is located in The Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The gallery is free.
HCCC Retains Lobbying Concern
Public policy and advocating for a pro-business agenda have always been major priorities of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) and, over the years, chamber policy efforts have been led by a full-time staff person or contracted professional.
In 2016, the HCCC will utilize the services of the Public Sector Consulting Group, of Baltimore, which is led by Christopher Costello and Otis Cutler. They will assist the chamber with facilitating communications with public policy leaders to ensure the organization’s legislative agenda is heard and understood. This effort includes attendance at hearings and meetings, as well as the preparation of correspondence, reports and testimony as requested.
Exhibits at the Bernice Kish Gallery
The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, announced a three-woman show will be held in the galleries until Feb. 13. Karen Carpenter, Irene Whitaker and Martha Lohaus will show their work in the lobby and Bill White Room Galleries, titled “Voices.”
Carpenter, of Ellicott City, has exhibited throughout the region, including Studio 180 Dance in Annapolis, Willowbrook Studio Shows at Oliver’s Carriage House and the Howard County Conservancy; Whitaker, of Columbia, exhibited throughout the region, including Studio 180 Dance in Annapolis, Willowbrook Studio Shows at Oliver’s Carriage House, Howard County Conservancy and River Arts Chestertown; Lohaus, of Clarksville, has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the region, including the Dutch Gallery in New Hampshire, Oliver’s Carriage House and the Howard County Conservancy.
The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House also has a two-person exhibit in the galleries for February and March.
Yolanda Koh, of Columbia, will exhibit her work in alcohol ink and watercolors, in an exhibit titled, “Simple and Fun Discoveries” in the Lobby Gallery; and David Pumplin, also of Columbia, will exhibit his photography, in an exhibit titled, “Off My Wall: Favorite Images From Near and Far,” in the Bill White Room Gallery. These exhibits will run from Feb. 18–March 26.
There will be a reception on Sunday, Feb. 21, 3–5 p.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 410-730-3987 or 301-596-4883, or visit www.wildelake.org.
Meet New Members at Artists’ Gallery
After celebrating 20 years as the only art gallery in Downtown Columbia, Artists’ Gallery is taking the month of February to introduce five new artist members and to reacquaint visitors with existing and founding members.
The February show, “Introductions,” will feature an all-member show with bios and photos of members so patrons can put faces and information about each artist with the artwork. It runs until Feb. 26 with a reception on Friday, Feb. 5, from 6–8 p.m. at the gallery, which is located in the American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia.
Hours are Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and closed on Sunday; the gallery will also open by appointment. For more information, call 410-740-8249 or visit www.artistsgallerycolumbia.com.
Slots at BWI Marshall?
Among new legislation introduced for consideration during the 2016 Maryland legislative session is a bill (HB187) seeking expansion of the state’s video lottery terminal operation licenses to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Sponsored by Del. Eric Bromwell (D-Dist. 8), the bill would increase the number of licenses from six to seven and increase the total number of authorized video lottery terminals from 16,500 to 19,000.
Bromwell has submitted similar legislation, which would be contingent upon a referendum vote, during each state General Assembly session since 2009. A hearing on the proposed bill is scheduled for Feb. 9.
Consortium Closes Mount Airy College Center for Health Care Education
Carroll, Frederick and Howard community colleges partnered in 2000 to form the Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium, with the goal of bringing health care education to greater numbers of students. In 2012, the partner community colleges opened the Mount Airy College Center to expand upon the work of the consortium in a centralized location.
Since, more than 2,000 students had the opportunity to pursue education and workforce training in a range of academic programs at Mount Airy. However, the economic and enrollment realities for the partner community colleges have changed and, while the consortium will continue, it has decided to return the center’s programs to their respective home campuses.