Arundel Defense Tech Toolbox Opened to Boost National Security Companies
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp. (AAEDC) has unveiled its Arundel Defense Tech Toolbox. It offers a menu of financing, a workforce development grant and business development consultations specifically aimed at assisting technology companies with gross revenue of less than $5 million and fewer than 100 employees.
To access the toolbox, businesses must be located in Anne Arundel County or have a signed lease demonstrating their intent to move into the county. AAEDC is investing $1.2 million to launch the program.
The signature component of the Arundel Defense Tech Toolbox is the Next Stage Tech Fund. This financing program offers 0% loans from $50,000 to $250,000. Loans can be structured with flexible payment terms between one to five years to accommodate a company’s cash flow. Other components of the program include the following.
• Accessing AAEDC’s current workforce training grant program, which offers a reimbursable grant of up to $1,000 per employee; and
• Complimentary consultations with prominent experts in the fields of commercial technology marketing, federal contracting and intellectual property.
To connect businesses to the Toolbox, AAEDC hired Sarah Purdum, who has worked at the Cyber Incubator Manager for bwtech@UMBC Research Park and within the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Cyber Division, to serve as a Business Development Associate. Purdum will be focused on attracting, retaining and growing technology-focused companies to the county.
Kittleman Announces Tax
Credit Website
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman has announced the creation of a new interactive web site called Tax Credit Central, designed to help homeowners determine eligibility and apply for one or more of the county’s residential tax credits.
From this redesigned page, www.taxcredits.howardcountymd.gov, homeowners can use the county’s new Credit Eligibility Calculator to determine if they qualify for the tax reduction, explore all available tax credits and download application forms and relevant information regarding the application and screening processes for each of these credits, all in one easy-to-use site.
When visiting the site, residents will be asked to answer basic questions, such as age and income. The calculator then directs residents to the credits for which they might qualify. The site contains a list of all residential and commercial tax credits the county offers. Kittleman has recently created or expanded seven tax credit programs, including new credits for seniors and retired military as well as a tax rebate for homeowners who regularly pump their septic systems.
Howard County currently offers many residential tax credits, including an Aging-in-Place Tax Credit, a Senior Tax Credit, a Livable Homes Tax Credit and a credit against Trash, Bay and Stormwater Fees.
In addition, the Maryland State Homeowners Tax Credit assists lower-income residents in paying their taxes. All residential credits in one way or another assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, retired military and other lower income homeowners by lessening their property tax bill. Information on commercial credits is also available on the site. For more information on Tax Credit Central, contact the county’s Tax Credit line at 410-313-4076.
Trio From Howard Garner EY Entrepreneur of the Year Maryland Awards
EY has announced the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Maryland, and the list includes three winners from Howard County. This group was selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders; winners were cited at a gala on June 28 at the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore.
The winners from Howard County include Howard Bank, Mary Ann Scully, Ellicott City; IntelliGenesis, Angie Lienert, Columbia; and WaveStrike, Anne Wagner and Mike Wagner, Annapolis Junction. The other Maryland winners include Greenspring Associates, Ashton Newhall, Owings Mills; and PANDORA Jewelry, Scott Burger; Union Craft Brewing, Adam Benesch; and Visual Connections, Frederick Deese, all from Baltimore.
Historic Ellicott City Cited in
Country Living
Main Street in Ellicott City is included in a list of 23 Best Small Town Main Streets in America that was recently published by Country Living Magazine. The local entry was ranked No. 17; the online write-up reads as follows.
“After recovering from a massive flood, Ellicott City has rebounded and rebuilt their Main Street, reaching vibrant new heights. Running parallel to the Tiber River and cutting straight through the historic district, it’s hard to decide where to start. Here are our picks: First, get your flow on at Main Street Yoga, which places a strong emphasis on sustainable and green initiatives. Then drool over the loot at Sweet Elizabeth Jane, a vintage-inspired lifestyle store named for the owner’s grandmother. If you need a pick-me-up, delight in Tea on the Tiber, a Victorian tea room serving up a traditional high tea experience.”
Acquisition of Evergreen Health Approved by MIA
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) has approved the proposed acquisition of Evergreen Health by a group of investors, ensuring continued access to coverage for Evergreen Health’s 24,000 members.
The approval, marked by an official signing by MIA Commissioner Al Redmer at Evergreen Health’s offices, represented the final step in Evergreen Health’s transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. Representatives from the investor group, which is composed of JARS Health Investments, a group formed and funded by Maryland health care executives; Anne Arundel Health System; and LifeBridge Health, said they are enthusiastic about the future of the health insurer.
“This is an exciting day for Evergreen Health and the beginning of what now looks to be a very bright future. I have no doubt whatsoever that the infusion of resources and experience that our investors will bring to Evergreen will result in better and broader services for our members,” said Dr. Peter Beilenson, CEO of Evergreen Health.
Maryland Among Six States With Largest Tech Workforces
While popular TV shows such as HBO’s “Silicon Valley” and AMC’s “Halt and Catch Fire,” and movies such as “The Social Network,” may make it seem like most tech jobs are in the San Francisco Bay Area, California doesn’t make the top ranks for the most U.S. tech workers per capita.
Massachusetts, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Minnesota and Maryland rank from 1 to 6 in terms of having the largest tech workforces per capita, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was highlighted in a recent blog from the Arlington, Va.-based Consumer Technology Association. These states’ most common tech jobs include software developers, management analysts, computer systems analysts and computer user support specialists.
DOC, bwtech@UMBC Open
Cyber Center
The Maryland Department of Commerce (DoC) and bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park have established an international cybersecurity center, iCyberCenter@bwtech. Gov. Larry Hogan made the announcement in an address to cyberindustry leaders and officials at the Houses of Parliament, in London, during the administration’s recent economic development and trade mission to Europe.
The center will provide an executive training session, a 12-month incubator program and other support to companies from the United Kingdom and other allied nations to help them establish a foothold in the U.S. market. It is anticipated that 10–15 companies will participate in the program annually, with a minimum of 100 permanent jobs created in the next several years.
Applications for the executive training session, scheduled for Sept. 11–15, are already being accepted by bwtech@UMBC. For additional information, visit www.bwtechumbc.com.
Howard County Executive
Responds to Hacking
After a cyberattack that hijacked the Howard County Government website on Sunday, June 25, county information technology (IT) staff took the website offline and worked overnight to restore it the next morning.
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman issued a statement thanking the public for its patience and reassured county residents that no data or personal information was compromised in the attack. “This website is on a public network hosted by a third party contractor and is completely separate from the Howard County Government network,” Kittleman said. “I am grateful for the quick response of the IT staff.”
Kittleman said the county will work with service providers and undertake an investigation to determine if any additional steps need to be taken to increase the website’s security. “Howard County Government is cooperating with federal law enforcement agencies and will have no additional comment while the investigation is underway,” he said.
Millennium, Client Honored by French Yacht Manufacturer
Annapolis Junction-based Millennium Marketing Solutions and client Atlantic Cruising Yachts received top honors for worldwide marketing and communications for 2017 from leading French yacht manufacturer Fountaine Pajot. The firm is the agency of record for the Annapolis yacht dealer, which also took home its fifth consecutive award for top North American dealer.
In April, Millennium President Janice Tippett was awarded the Enterprising Women of the Year award, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs.
Residential ‘Green’ Building Tax Credit Extended to 2022
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman has signed legislation extending the tax credit for residential “high performance buildings” for another five years. Applications for this credit must be received prior to April 1, 2022. This effort encourages sustainable “green” building practices for new residential construction and remodeling projects.
“The residential High Performance Building Credit program has been successful in promoting sustainable building as 134 residents have purchased ‘green’ homes and received the tax credit,” said Kittleman. “In Howard County, we want to continue that momentum in a sustainable and economically viable way.”
Eligible residential buildings qualify for a tax credit not to exceed $5,000 per building, per year. This credit requires completion of nationally-recognized LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at the Silver level or higher from the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-government organization made up of industry experts, or an equivalent rating. Once approved, the credit ranges from 75% to 100% in the first year based on the level of certification and decreases in steps to a range of 19% to 25% over four years.
For more information, visit http://taxcredits.howardcountymd.gov and click on “Credits” for Residential and Commercial Properties, or call 410-313-4075.
Hogan Leads State Delegation to
Paris Air Show
Gov. Larry Hogan recently led a delegation of eight Maryland businesses at the 52nd Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace industry event. State representatives manned a promotional booth at the week-long show, which kicked off Monday, June 19, at Le Bourget Airport. The governor and executive team met with many of the world’s top aerospace companies to promote the state’s aerospace industry and to actively recruit investments and jobs for Maryland before approximately 2,300 visitors.
The Maryland companies exhibiting at the event were ASTec Metalworks, Middle River; Applied Defense Solutions, Columbia; Jackson & Tull, Greenbelt; OCR Services, Rockville; Orbit Logic, Greenbelt; Planar Monolithics, Frederick; Tecore Networks, Hanover; and WGS Systems, Frederick. The majority of the companies attending received an ExportMD grant from Maryland Commerce to help offset the cost of exhibiting at the show.
Following the Paris Air Show, Hogan, Department of Commerce Secretary Mike Gill and senior members of the administration traveled to London for a series of economic development meetings with international companies poised to establish or grow operations in Maryland.
Merkle Becomes a DoubleClick Certified Marketing Partner
Columbia-based Merkle has become one of DoubleClick’s Certified Marketing Partners. DoubleClick’s Marketing Partner program features some of the top digital marketing experts in the industry, all of whom are vetted to meet its qualification standards.
The certification touts Merkle as a digital marketing expert and trusted business partner that helps advertisers succeed within the DoubleClick platform. In the U.K., Merkle/Periscopix is also a Certified Marketing Partner for DoubleClick Search, Bid Manager and Campaign Manager, as well as for data and measurement, and for implementation and media management.
Hogan Joins DoC for Midlands Engine Signing Ceremony
Gov. Larry Hogan joined the Maryland Department of Commerce (DoC) and Midlands Engine for a ceremony during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to strengthen the relationship between Maryland, the center of research and innovation in cybersecurity in the U.S., and the Midlands region, a premier cybersecurity cluster in the United Kingdom. The agreement was signed during the governor’s recent trade mission.
The MOU is designed to promote economic development, assist cybersecurity companies in Maryland and the Midlands, and attract investments in each. As part of the agreement, an exchange program will be developed by which U.K. cyber companies will visit Maryland to explore the U.S. market and to establish or increase a presence in the U.S.; Maryland cyber companies will visit the Midlands region for similar purposes.
In June, Ken McCreedy, managing director of cybersecurity and aerospace for the DoC, led a delegation of Maryland cybercompanies to the INFOSEC Europe, in London. The group also traveled to the Midlands region, where they met with 70 U.K. companies to identify ways in which they could collaborate. The MOU is for a period of three years, and can be renewed by both parties.
Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate Ranked No. 1 in Nation
The Creig Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, of Clarksville, was ranked first in the nation for the third time based on sales volume, according to REAL Trends, a provider of statistical analysis for the residential real estate industry, in partnership with The Wall Street Journal. Northrop’s team also received the nation’s top-ranking position in 2010 and 2011, and the latest award marks the first time any real estate team has achieved the top ranking three times.
The Northrop Team earned a sales volume of $765,479,027, with 1,772 completed transaction sides in 2016. This year’s award also marks the 11th consecutive year for the team achieving the ranking of No.1 Real Estate Team in Maryland.
The Northrop Team’s ranking is part of REAL Trends The Thousand, which was developed jointly by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends and compiles rankings based on surveys of previous applicants, as well as more than 900 of the largest United States brokerage firms. An independent third party verifies all submissions, and staff from REAL Trends also reviews these submissions for accuracy.
Newberry Group Acquires Ellicott City-Based Line of Sight
The Newberry Group, an employee-owned information technology consulting and cybersecurity firm based in St. Peters, Mo., with its operational headquarters in Howard County, has announced the acquisition of Line of Sight, an Ellicott City firm with expertise in project management, organizational change and business process improvement services. The move supports the Newberry Group’s ongoing expansion, as the combined firm has more than 100 employees serving clients from Maryland to Hawaii.
“When I started Line of Sight 12 years ago, two of my goals included becoming an employee-owned company and achieving a 50-50 split serving government and commercial clients. Joining the Newberry Group accomplished both goals overnight,” said Line of Sight’s Founder Jon Weinstein, who will join Newberry as the executive director for the new division and is also chair of the Howard County Council.
St. John Center Dedicated at UMD
The University of Maryland (UMD) recently dedicated the new Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center, named for Baltimore-based developer, philanthropist and 1961 alumnus Ed St. John, founder and chairman of St. John Properties, who donated $10 million toward the building’s construction. The 187,000-square-foot space, which includes 12 classrooms and nine teaching labs with a total of 1,500 seats, is designed to elevate the culture of collaborative learning on campus.
Focused on a student-centered approach to learning and teaching, the center features labs, informal study spaces, group study rooms and technology-enhanced TERP (Teach, Engage, Respond and Participate) Classrooms with flexibility, such as tiered seating, mobile desks and swiveling chairs that encourage active learning and collaboration. Other unique features include four food spaces and two green roofs, one of which is intended for instructional use.
Kocide Acquires DuPont Copper Fungicide Facility
Columbia-based Kocide LLC has completed its acquisition of a state-of-the-art copper fungicide production facility in Houston, Texas, from E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. The acquisition of the facility began Dec. 1, 2014, when Mitsui & Co., acquired DuPont’s Kocide and ManKocide copper fungicide assets for Kocide Mitsui’s wholly owned subsidiary, to manage the assets.
“We now control the production of our products from raw ingredient to finished goods, which ensures our customers receive the highest quality copper based fungicide/bactericide products on the market,” said Glen Johnson, Kocide president and CEO. “Additionally, we are benefiting from the transfer of manufacturing knowledge and product innovation between Kocide LLC and Spiess Urania, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui, which manufactures and markets leading copper fungicide brands across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”
Holistic Industries Raises More Than $8M in Convertible Debt Offering
Holistic Industries, the only company in Maryland awarded license pre-approval for growing medical cannabis in Prince George’s County, has announced the closing of more than $8 million in investments in a private convertible debt offering.
In 2016, the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission announced that Holistic was awarded license pre-approvals for growing, processing and dispensing medical cannabis in the state. Holistic is the only grower selected to operate in Prince George’s County and is one of the few companies to be awarded preliminary approval for vertically integrated medical cannabis operations in the state of Maryland. Holistic is planning for medical cannabis product lines to come online in late fall.
BPW Approves New Ride-Sharing Operation for BWI Marshall Airport
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved contracts to authorize Transportation Network Companies (or TNCs) to provide ground transportation services at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. The contracts authorize two TNCs, Lyft and Uber, to pick up and drop off customers at BWI Marshall.
The contracts establish a mechanism for Lyft and Uber to operate at the airport. Upon full implementation, passengers will be able to request rides to and from BWI Marshall with the rideshare services. The airport will work with the companies to create designated zones for passenger pick-up and drop-off. TNC technologies allow users to hail a ride via smartphone apps.
Carrier Adds Two Markets at
BWI Marshall
Southern Airways Express will add new service between BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and two cities: Johnstown, Pa., and Morgantown, W.Va. Two daily round-trip flights to Johnstown are scheduled to begin on July 17, and three daily round-trip flights to Morgantown are scheduled to start on July 31. The new service will be the fifth and sixth markets for the airline at BWI Marshall.
Southern Airways currently offers nine daily round-trip flights at BWI Marshall Airport to four destinations: Hagerstown; and Altoona, Lancaster and DuBois, Pa. The airline started service at BWI Marshall in November 2016. The flights are offered on the airline’s nine-seat Cessna Caravan aircraft.
D.C. Firm Makes Initial Move Into BWI Business District
Feldman Bergin Development, in partnership with Kenwood Management Co., has acquired 1334 Ashton Road, a single-story, 38,000-square-foot flex/office building in the Hanover section of Anne Arundel County for $2.3 million. This represents the inaugural project for Washington, D.C.- based Feldman Bergin, a new entity founded last November by Evan Feldman, formerly with Archstone-Smith and Washington Property Company, and Robert Bergin, who was previously associated with Corporate Office Properties Trust.
“We believe the economic drivers contained within this region, led by BWI [Thurgood Marshall] Airport, the presence of the federal government and a diverse business climate, will enable us to quickly accelerate the leasing of 1334 Ashton Road,” said Robert Bergin, co-founder and principal of Feldman Bergin Development. “Our team continues to scour the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia region searching for our next value-add opportunity.”
New Obrycki’s Concept Offers Made-to-Order Seafood
The new R&R Seafood Bar is now open in the D/E connector at the AIRMALL at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. This spinoff from the award-winning Obrycki’s offers travelers a fresh dining experience, complete with raw bar and a made-to-order menu featuring Maryland seafood.
The menu features a selection of starters, salads, sandwiches and sides, along with breakfast offerings like the Crab Omelette; the raw bar offers a lineup that includes fresh-shucked oysters, little neck clams and steamed seasoned shrimp. R&R also serves the Crabby Mary, its signature house drink, made with Absolut Peppar vodka in a glass rimmed with Obrycki’s spicy seafood seasoning and garnished with a crab claw.
Dimensions Healthcare Board Agrees To UMMS Merger
The Dimensions Healthcare System (DHS) Board of Directors voted unanimously earlier this month to approve a Definitive Agreement by which Dimensions will become an affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).
According to a statement released by Dimensions, UMMS directors are expected to review and vote on the Definitive Agreement to become the sole corporate member of DHS over the summer. Upon approval by the UMMS board, the parties will work toward completion of several legal, regulatory, financial and transactional details required to complete the transition of ownership.
New Director for Economic, Community Development in Laurel
Laurel Mayor Craig Moe has announced the appointment of Christian Pulley as director of economic and community development for the city. She has served as acting director since Jack Brock resigned earlier this year.
As director, Pulley is responsible for zoning compliance, subdivision and development review, historic preservation review, economic development, affordable housing and implementation of the city’s Master Plan. Pulley has been employed with the City of Laurel since 2008 and previously held positions as a planner, then senior planner.
Prior to joining the city government, Pulley worked as an outreach associate with the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) in Washington, D.C. She worked with coalition members in 16 states and in the District of Columbia on housing policy and membership matters, and was involved with the organization’s Voterization Campaign and National Housing Trust Fund Campaign.
Certis USA Acquires LAM International
The Columbia-based biopesticide company Certis USA has acquired 100% of the shares of Butte, Mont.-based LAM International. LAM is a developer and manufacturer of several leading bioinsecticide products, including Botanigard and Mycotrol, and has a pipeline of newly registered products and others currently under registration and development; it also has a state-of-the-art solid fermentation production facility that complements the Certis USA liquid fermentation production facility in Wasco, Calif.
LAM International will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Certis USA, with Luis Mazariegos, founder and CEO of LAM, now serving as a consultant for Certis USA. “The addition of the LAM solid fermentation production facility significantly expands Certis USA’s capabilities for biological product development,” said Jow-Lih Su, CEO of Certis USA. “Having both solid and liquid fermentation technology platforms allows us to commercialize more new and innovative biological pest control products worldwide.”
Arundel Mills Welcomes Under Armour Factory House
Under Armour officially opened the doors of its new Factory House location at Arundel Mills. The 8,500-square-foot store will feature the brand’s signature performance gear.
The addition of Under Armour is just one of the new-to-the-market retail tenants to join Arundel Mills this season. Expanded retail options, new food concepts and a redesigned food pavilion, central to the mall’s extensive transformation, also soon will debut.
Franchot Presents Howard’s Bright Lights Award to Victoria Restaurant Group
Maryland Comptroller Franchot presented the Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Howard County to Victoria Restaurant Group at Manor Hill Farm in Ellicott City. The group, operated by Randy Marriner and his family, is composed of Victoria Gastro Pub, Columbia; Manor Hill Brewing; Manor Hill Tavern, Historic Ellicott City; and Food Plenty, which is scheduled to open in Clarksville later this year.
The Bright Lights Award recognizes innovation in the private and nonprofit sectors that strengthens Maryland’s economy, generates jobs and tax revenue, and develops new ideas that more effectively deliver services and products within the marketplace.
PrideStaff Expands With Office for Fort Meade-Bowie
PrideStaff, a national, franchised staffing organization, has opened a new staffing and employment agency to serve the Fort Meade-Bowie area. The new office will offer a full range of staffing and employment services in a variety of professional and light industrial disciplines.
According to Inavero, a business intelligence firm specializing in the staffing industry, PrideStaff earned a client Net Promoter Score (NPS) as high as (or higher) than other well-known brands, such as Southwest Airlines and Netflix. NPS is computed by subtracting a firm’s detractors from its promoters.
CAC Presenting Whitehead Exhibition
The Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) is presenting an exhibition of works featuring Christopher Whitehead. The exhibit will run in the Hal Gomer Gallery located at the CAC, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, through July 31. A free reception will take place on Friday, July 14, from 6–8 p.m. The exhibit features paintings and mixed-media pieces from the artist.
Whitehead is classically trained and primarily works painting, illustration and alternative media. His work focuses on the human form and the art is used to illustrate personal narratives and concepts. He has taught art in public schools in California and Maryland.
Wegmans Partners With Instacart, Launches Same-Day Delivery
Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service, has announced an exclusive partnership with Wegmans Food Markets that enables the supermarket’s customers to complete their grocery shopping online, and have their orders delivered to their doors in as little as an hour. The new service is currently available at the Alexandria, Fairfax, Dulles and Leesburg stores in Virginia; and at the Columbia, Hunt Valley, Owings Mills, Crofton, Woodmore and Germantown stores in Maryland.
With the new service, Wegmans customers can fill their virtual carts with their orders by visiting instacart.wegmans.com or downloading the Instacart App. At check-out, customers can add their Wegmans Shoppers Club number to receive available discounts, and choose a delivery window within one hour, two hours, or up to seven days in advance.
EverSafe Selected for CFSI Financial Solutions Lab’s 2017 Class
The Financial Solutions Lab (FinLab) at the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) with founding lab partner JPMorgan Chase & Co. recently selected EverSafe, of Columbia, for its next class of fintech innovators.
EverSafe, a fraud monitoring platform that focuses on the financial health of seniors and their families, uses artificial intelligence to detect scams, identity theft and age-related issues. The platform then alerts seniors and their family members to suspicious activity. EverSafe was among eight companies selected from more than 300 applicants for the highly competitive program.
Howard Bancorp Added to the Russell 2000 Stock Index
Ellicott City-based Howard Bancorp, the parent company of Howard Bank, has been named to the Russell 2000 stock index. The listing on the Russell 2000, which measures the performance of 2,000 small-cap companies in the United States, recognizes the growth in Howard Bancorp’s market capitalization — total shares outstanding, multiplied by its current stock price — which climbed to nearly $185 million on May 31, up 75% since the beginning of the year, and its stock price has risen 25% during the same period.
“The listing on the Russell 2000 index reflects the increased value of the market capital levels we have attained in support of our consistently executed regional growth strategy to be the go-to commercial bank in greater Baltimore,” said Mary Ann Scully, president and CEO of Howard Bancorp. “But even more important than what it reflects about our history, positive market reception is the value it provides to shareholders of our currency. Additional visibility, access and liquidity often accompany inclusion in the Russell 2000.”
Two Howard Companies Garner
Export Grants
The Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded 12 small and mid-sized Maryland companies with ExportMD grants — including Atlantic Data Forensics and Tecore Networks, of Howard County — to help promote their products and services in the global marketplace. The program helps businesses finance the costs of marketing internationally, including trade show fees, brochures and travel expenses.
“Creating more jobs and opportunities for Marylanders is one of our administration’s top priorities, and the ExportMD program is a perfect example of how partnership with our small and mid-sized businesses can help us fulfill this goal,” said Gov. Larry Hogan. “Through this innovative program, we have been able to connect companies in every region of our state with global partners, helping to boost their sales, grow their operations and ultimately bring new economic development opportunities to Maryland.”
State Resurfacing Two of Howard’s Main Arteries
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is resurfacing U.S. 40 (Baltimore National Pike) between U.S. 29 (Columbia Pike) and the Baltimore County Line in Ellicott City. Weather permitting, the $2.3 million project will be complete by early fall. The road was last resurfaced in 2000. Approximately 47,000 vehicles use this section of U.S. 40 each day, so motorists should plan extra travel time during project work hours.
Also, crews are resurfacing more than three miles of U.S. 1 (Washington Boulevard) between Route 103A (Montgomery Road) and Kit Kat Road, in Elkridge. MDOT SHA awarded the $3 million project to C.J. Miller, of Hampstead. The project will be complete by late fall, weather permitting. Last resurfaced 30 years ago, U.S. 1 needs new pavement and pavement markings. Approximately 35,000 vehicles travel on this section of U.S. 1 each day. Crews will work 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sundays through Friday mornings to minimize delays.
Luxberg Jewelers Opens in Linthicum Heights
Combining fine jewelry with fine art, Luxberg Jewelers has opened in the Stavlas Shopping Center, at South Camp Meade Road, Linthicum Heights. Brad Bergersen, a local entrepreneur with more than 15 years in the jewelry industry and experience building startups, created Luxberg to be “an experience for jewelry lovers and art aficionados alike.”
Following investments of $50,000 in construction renovations and $300,000 in merchandise, Bergersen has transformed a former Hair Cuttery site into an art deco jewelry store/art emporium. The 1,400-square-foot space now features white walls adorned with art, a chandelier overlooking the jewelry displays and a user-friendly tech area for online searches.
Chen Featured at Artists’ Gallery
Artists’ Gallery, in Ellicott City, will showcase the seasonal variations in the beauty of flowers, birds and landscapes during July through the Chinese watercolor paintings of renowned Laurel-based artist Jing-Jy Chen. The show will run until July 30, with an opening reception, on Sunday, July 9, from 2–5 p.m. at the gallery, located at 8197 Main Street.
Chen was born in Tainan, Taiwan. Most of her painting techniques are watercolor on rice paper in free-hand style, while some are on silk in “Gong Bi” style, a style characterized by fine brush works and close attention to details. She is a regular participant in the Artist-in-Residence program in Maryland schools.
BHC Recognized for Health Care Marketing
Bonnie Heneson Communications (BHC) has received silver and bronze Aster Awards recognizing excellence in health care marketing in 2016. BHC’s silver Aster Award recognizes the agency’s advertising campaign created for Calvert County Substance Abuse Services. The advertising campaign generated awareness about prescription drug misuse and the dangers of opiate use. As part of the campaign, BHC developed a graphic identity and media advertisements for billboards, movie screens, television and radio.
BHC’s bronze Aster Award recognizes an issue of Wellness Matters, a quarterly magazine the agency produced for Howard County General Hospital. The award-winning issue highlighted the story of a battalion chief with Howard County Fire and Rescue Services who had a heart attack and discussed what to do in the event of chest pain. The publication is distributed to more than 200,000 residents of Howard County and surrounding areas.