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TheBusiness Business of Howard + Anne Arundel Counties and the BWI Business DistrictM | www.bizmonthly.comonthly | July 2019 Volume 32 Number 7

A12 The Business Monthly July 2019 July 2019 The Business Monthly B1 www.bizmonthly.com www.bizmonthly.com PEOPLE IN BIZ APL names Forte, Stewart hired Harrison Hascoe as manager of Girls on the Run hosts 5K John Forte has been named business operations and sponsorship. Girls on the Run mission area executive for Homeland Most recently, Hascoe was the event of Central Maryland Protection at the Johns Hopkins operations manager for the National hosted a celebratory University Applied Physics Laboratory Women’s Hockey League. 5K in Howard June (APL) in North Laurel. He will direct 1. efforts to create disruptive capabil- Siff joins Cardno More than ities that safeguard and secure the Cardno TEC, an environmental 1,100 girl runners homeland against asymmetric threats. consulting firm in Annapolis, has completed the Summer fun for you Also at APL, Jessica Stewart has been named Dan Siff as a senior project untimed 3.1 mile celebrating appointed mission area executive. manager. He has worked with clients run. She most recently served as the lab’s such as the Army Corps of Engineers, The race day in program area manager for Innovative the Naval Facilities Engineering Howard County also Operational Concepts. Command and the U.S. Air Force. honored local hero, RELAX Suzy Serpico who Two exit TEDCO Berrier new MDDC ad director recently finished the Kevin Berrier has been named Epic5 Race in Hawaii. The Maryland Technology Three girls celebrate after completing their 5K at Girls on the Run. Development Corp. (TEDCO) has advertising director at the Maryland- Epic5 is a total of 5 REWIND announced that CEO and Executive Delaware-D.C.-Press Association. For Ironman’s (2.4-mile swim, 112 mile bike, The program culminates with girls Director George Davis is stepping down the past six years, he worked for the and 26.2 mile run) in 5 days on 5 islands positively impacting their communi- from his position, effective July 31, to Frederick News-Post; he also spent more of Hawaii. She is one of three women to ties through a service project and being REFRESH pursue a new opportunity. Davis joined than a decade with the Carroll County ever complete this race. physically and emotionally prepared to the organization in 2017. TEDCO also Times. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit orga- complete a celebratory 5K event. Our community announced that Andy Jones, chief nization with local Councils in all 50 A recent independent study indicated It’s summer in our investment officer of the Maryland McNaboe joins VAAAC states, with nearly one and a half million that the girls who were the least active has great places to Venture Fund, has also resigned to Erin McNaboe has joined Visit girls. Over the course of the ten-week before Girls on the Run increased their community and it’s pursue other opportunities. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County program, girls in third to fifth grades physical activity level by 40 percent from time to enjoy some (VAAAC) as chief operating officer. She develop essential skills to help them pre-season to post-season and main- Black Bears hire Hascoe has spent the past two years as owner navigate their worlds and establish a life- tained this increased level beyond the of our favorite The Maryland Black Bears have of Moxe Marketing of Annapolis. time appreciation for health and fitness. program’s end. things. Wecker wins state restaurant award Riding a wave or a Continued from page 1 percent of the customers he serves are an absolute the Republicans,” he said. “If everybody took better roller coaster. month is the most challenging part of the business. joy. Over the years, he has gotten to know a great care of each other, instead of arguing we’d be further An owner’s job is to do whatever is needed, a fact he many of them on a personal level and they are more ahead as a country.” never seems to forget as he pitches in busing tables if than customers … they are friends. On Monday nights at 18th and 21st, the speakeasy the crowd gets too big at any one of his establishments. When The Iron Bridge Wine Co. became a success, often becomes a fundraising arm for the community. Visiting an historic Before a recent show at Merriweather, he said, it also meant that key members of that restau- Through “Gin & Jazz” nights, the restaurant helps site or hiking a “from 5 to 7:30 p.m. I’m busing tables, running food, rant’s staff had topped out of their careers. Wecker raise money for local nonprofits ranging from Camp seating people, everything I can do to help.” observed some of them leaving for other challenges. Attaway to Bridges for Housing Stability. The venues new trail. “My brother Rob noticed people leaving, and he said: lends itself to regular charity nights, Wecker said, Humble beginnings ‘How about we open a pirate bar?’ ” and Iron Bridge has continued its track record of When Wecker was 19, he started washing dishes at Steve and Rob opened Mutiny in Glen Burnie in donating wine and dinners to many local fundraising the Magic Pan in Columbia. “I came in and told them 2011. And the list goes on: after 25 years of being efforts and causes. Moving ahead Going to a concert I’d like to wait tables. But they said I was too young, a restaurateur, Wecker now has 240 employees Wecker aims for the experiences at his restaurants so I ended up washing dishes.” between the five restaurants. And he considers each to be totally different from one another. “Some nights or an outdoor play. His dish washing skills were noticed by the restau- employee an important part of his success. I want a burger and a lager at Cured. Some nights rant manager, who said he was the second-fastest “When I put my dishes down at the dish stand, I I want oysters and a mojito at Mutiny, sometimes dishwasher he’d ever seen. “There was a guy in say ‘thank you.’ Because I appreciate what the folks I want seafood at Iron Bridge with a buttery oaky Finding a new Florida he knew who was faster than me. He called who wash the dishes contribute to our success,” he Chardonnay, and some nights a 28-ounce porter- him The Man With the Electric Hands. I thought that said. “Operating a restaurant is about every indi- house, a cabernet, and some music at 18th & 21st.” restaurant or a was pretty good, being second to The Man With the vidual contributing to the whole. It continues to be But is he having fun? Electric Hands.” about putting together a team that makes you look “If you think owning a restaurant will be fun, it picnic in a park. From there, Wecker became a host, then a busboy, better than you are,” he said. can be. It’s spectacularly hard work but if you love it, then a waiter at Magic Pan. He also realized he was Wecker said he and his brothers were taught by there’s nothing better,” he said. a “people” person. His very first restaurant owner- their parents to give back to the community and In the meantime, Wecker continues to appreciate Many great options ship was the Elkridge Furnace Inn, which realized his through his restaurants he has provided an incalcu- his employees, his customers and even his accolades, dream of owning a small inn and restaurant. Though lable amount of support to charities and non-profits. though they surprise him. are close to home. he is no longer associated with the establishment, He often urges people to quit arguing about poli- He remarked, “OpenTable named Iron Bridge one Wecker said it taught him the ropes of restaurant tics and social beliefs and go help their neighbors. of the top 10 restaurants in America for wine lovers. ownership - and relating to customers. Happily, 99.9 “I’m done with the Democrats and done with How on earth?! That little place on Route 108.” So, enjoy and GO! go B1

Photo by Seth Hoffman 50 YEAR ODYSSEY Space Research Howard police run for Special Olympics celebrates 50 years of Detective Zachary Perchinski of the Howard County Police Department carries the “Flame of Hope” down Centennial Lane June 6 exploration and success. in Ellicott City in the Torch Run, an annual event that raises money and supports Special Olympics. The Torch Run is a year-round fundraising effort organized by law enforcement officers. A6

‘Restaurateur of the Year’ TALE OF TWO COUNTIES Howard faces challenges and Anne Arundel makes major investments. Wecker wins state honor A10, A11 By Susan Kim the eyes of his/her fellow opera- Staff Writer tors, and demonstrates leadership on behalf of the food service indus- Steve Wecker is Maryland try,” according to the association. TICK TICK TICK Restaurateur of the Year “When they called me and said I Researchers looking An owner of The Iron Bridge was one of five finalists, I realized I for ways to reduce Wine Co., Cured, 18th & 21st, and don’t see myself that way. I’m really Lyme Disease. A13. two locations of the Mutiny Pirate humbled.” Bar and Island Grille, Wecker and But receiving Restaurateur his partners have received many of the Year from the Restaurant FORT MEADE awards over the years, includ- Association of Maryland in May With 55,000 ing Corporate Philanthropist of was a big surprise, Wecker said. employees, the the Year from the Community As he spoke with The Business fort keeps us safe Foundation of Howard County, Monthly about his evolution as a and grows our Entrepreneur of the Year from the restaurateur, Wecker sported his economy. Howard Chamber of Commerce, daily style choice for summer – an A 20 Tourism Partner of the Year and Hawaiian shirt, with pineapples, a Wine & Beverage Program of Steve Wecker symbol of hospitality. the Year from the Restaurant training and restaurant-focused He exudes a sense of hospi- MY TURN Association of Maryland. vendors. The Restauranteur of tality with his staff, friends and Lisa Markovitz asks The association is the state’s the Year Award is given annually customers – even though he says, if raising developer largest source of restaurant to a restaurant owner who “shows that satisfying the thousands fees will fix the county advocacy, regulatory compliance originality, offers quality customer of customers that he sees every budget? information, foodservice employee service, demonstrates success in Continued on page A12 A14 A2 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com The veggie fix CSAs bring key revenue to farms By Susan Kim Staff Writer Photo by Emily Calkins Shoshana Nachman tends to early CSA crops at Clark’s Elioak Farm. Local farms and residents are collaborating in arrangements called “community-supported the rush of daily suburbia. It’s a little dose of agri-tour- base,” he said. agriculture.” ism that keeps people in touch with their food. And the resident-to-farm connection is also very The arrangement brings early-season revenue to “And as far as value,” said Crist, “compare the important, Zoller reflected. “When someone joins local farms and consumers benefit from healthy diet prices to the grocery store.” She never wants her a CSA, they have direct contact with that farm for options while getting a taste of agri-tourism. CSA to come across as an aloof operation only for several weeks. They see the different crops coming At Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, farmer Nora kale-centric, wealthy people. in depending on the season, and see the farmer each Crist grows vegetables for her summer communi- “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who week when they receive their share.” ty-supported agriculture (CSA) program, which is say they can’t join my CSA because they don’t like CSAs continue to evolve in other ways as well. fully subscribed with about 40 families. kale,” Crist says with a smile. “No, no, no! We can Some offer volunteering options and work-share Though the petting zoo at the farm is currently work this out.” (Although for kale-lovers, Crist’s is programs which let people experience life on a farm the biggest source of its income, CSA revenue, which top-of-the-line.) firsthand. “Now farms are offering choices of what is paid in advance, greatly helps with cash flow. Since you get in your share and also offering home delivery. CSA members pay in late winter or early spring, Crist The dish on CSAs CSAs are a great example of the ingenuity of our local can buy seeds, plants and equipment and hire labor There are about a dozen CSAs operating in Howard farms to meet the communities’ needs and generate before the farm starts producing food. County each season, with some fading in and out income. This ability to adapt to current markets is The cost of a CSA full share is $375 and a medium depending on a particular farm’s focus, expenses or abil- necessary for our local farms to survive.” share is $250. ity to cope with the weather. CSAs peaked in Howard “Farmers are now more aware than ever that they County about three years ago and then decreased, said If you grow it they will come need to diversify their income sources,” said Crist. James Zoller, agricultural coordinator for the Howard David Liker has so much faith in the CSA model She has offered a vegetable CSA since 2013, at County Office of Community Sustainability. that the entire income of Gorman Farms depends on one point expanding to about 60 families but settling “If you talk to any farm running a CSA currently its 600 CSA participants. into the current 40, which for Crist brings the right that had one five years ago, they would tell you that the Liker’s 2019 summer CSA offers 20 weeks of vege- balance of sales versus labor. number of participants in their CSA has decreased,” tables for $830 for a full share and $635 for a medium In addition, Clark’s Farm also hosts a beef and said Zoller. “Initially, this decrease was due to new share. pork CSA. During each 3-month season, consumers CSAs being created, then later more consumers opting Over the decade since he started the farm, Liker pick up meat once a month, with a large share selling for meal kit programs and buying clubs.” has added an early winter option as well as special for $600 and a small share for $250 for the season. Yet CSAs have steadily remained an important strawberry picking and local honey to CSA members. The vegetable CSA is always filled, said Crist, who source of farm revenue. “CSAs allow farms to have The amount of rainfall in 2018 – nearly 72 inches offers it to returning members first, then to new income to help with planting costs and also allows as opposed to the average 40 – was by far the biggest families. As far as competition from meal kit deliv- them to better plan, having a committed customer challenge Liker has ever seen. “I’m proud of the fact ery companies such as Blue Apron, Crist believes for that we survived 2018, that we pulled that off,” he said. there is room enough for both. Though Gorman Farms has, from its beginning, “The CSA model lets me focus on growing food,” CSAs allow farms to have identified as a CSA-based operation, for a few years said Crist. “I don’t want to be a delivery person.” income to help with planting Liker operated a farm stand. “The farm stand was She also wants people to know the unique advan- ❝ really popular, but we had to make some diffi- tages of buying directly from the farm. At Clark’s costs and also allows them to cult business decisions. We asked, what’s going to Farm, with its bucolic beauty and baby goats cavorting produce the best results for us? Bottom line is, we around, a CSA pickup gives consumers a break from better plan exist because of the community.” July 2019 The Business Monthly A3 www.bizmonthly.com

Anne Arundel budget invests and takes action The Anne Arundel County Council Thirteen new detention officers will adopted a Fiscal Year 2020 budget that be added to the new Central Booking closely mirrors the budget proposed by facilities. County Executive Steuart Pittman. Total funding for the Board of The FY20 budget includes increased Education increased $87.2 million funding to invest in education, public compared with last year, which includes safety, infrastructure, and environ- funding from the state Blueprint for mental enforcement. Education (Kirwan Commission) The Council also passed an income legislation. The FY20 budget supports and property tax revenue package compensation packages for educators that keeps Anne Arundel taxes at and new positions, including more much lower rates than other suburban than 140 new classroom teachers, 50 counties. special education positions, and 35 “This budget is a much needed mental health positions. correction to years of kicking the can Other investments include: down the road … I am proud to have Four new environmental inspectors worked with our budget office and the to protect our environment Above, Liz Johnson, Liz Johnson Design Studio; Community Foundation of Howard County County Council to make investments Six new planners to support better Board Member Mireille Grangenois; Community Foundation of Howard County President that will help our county now and in environmental planning and the Beverly White-Seals and Toba Barth. Below, Community Foundation of Howard County Board the future,” said County Executive General Development Plan Member Kimberly Prescott of Prescott HR Consulting with Sue Ann Shafley, Camp Attaway.. Pittman. Creating a county-stat program to The County Council passed 48 increase efficiency and accountability amendments to the budget and Additional support for community Community resulted in a $1,291,400 reduction to development housing programs and the general fund. rental assistance Foundation The Council added eight behav- One new park ranger and $1 million ioral health positions to the Board of in additional funding for maintenance celebrates Education budget, and with support of and renovations at county parks County Executive Pittman, also added Making the library branch at the 50 years 15 new firefighter positions, a new Annapolis Mall permanent and adding Hundreds gathered at the annual planner position in Office of Planning to the libraries’ materials budget Community Foundation of Howard and Zoning and a new deputy sheriff The proposed income tax rate is County spring party, celebrating its for courtroom security. 2.81% and the proposed property tax 50th year of serving the community, The FY20 budget provides a boost rate is 93.5 cents. These new rates May 30 on the Howard Community to public safety agencies. Fifty new place Anne Arundel County as the College campus. The Foundation firefighter positions will be added. fourth lowest local income tax rate in promotes local philanthropy and The budget also fills 29 police vacan- Maryland and the fifth lowest prop- provides critical grant funding for cies and adds 10 new sworn officers. erty tax rate. nonprofits serving Howard County.

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reverebank.com Severna Park Gateway - 443.274.1020 Columbia Corporate 100 - 443.574.3600 Committed to Your Success Serving Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties, and the District of Columbia A4 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com Digital Harmonic making inroads Digital Harmonic’s patented technol- ogies that are used to analyze images Defense, medicine benefitting We had an initial in videos, Pure Pixel and Precision Measuring Matrix, which are used to from guitar algorithms ❝investment goal of analyze radio frequency and acoustic several million dollars signals – and can be used with radar or By Mark R. Smith not only made inroads into medicine and sonar. Senior Writer defense, but CEO Scott Haiges said it is that we were seeking While Haiges said the company “can now poised to venture into new markets give a significant competitive edge to Paul Reed Smith made Maryland- en route to what he called “explosive and we’re closing in on any entity that is looking to process any based PRS Guitars a success. growth.” that milestone. image or signal,” he also pointed out that His craftsmanship was displayed the company does not market itself as by famed artists Carlos Santana, Alex Beginnings Scott Haiges experts in radar or sonar. However, he Lifeson of Rush, Journey’s Neal Schon Digital Harmonic was incubated at when we realized that this technology added, “Our technology gives us the and eventually John Mayer, among many PRS, the third largest electric guitar had commercial implications, too.” ability to extract highly relevant and others. manufacturer in the United States, As for any funding, “I felt the valuable information from their images But one day, while out fishing with his by Smith and an engineer until 2016. company wasn’t far enough along at that and signals. mathematician father, a thought struck Haiges has been with the company since point from a venture capital perspec- “And those tools,” he said, “makes him. July of that year. tive,” Haiges said, “but I was still able to us really, really smart about acquiring Can the same algorithmic equations The company’s early steps forward, introduce Paul to a ‘family office’ (high intelligence.” used in building guitars be used in music fans will be interested to note, net worth families) that helped boost enhancing images and signals in other stemmed from Smith incorporating an him to the first threshold and start the fields, such as medicine and defense? FM radio staple into his early research. company.” The answer, they discovered, was yes, “He had a way to rip apart signals that For Smith, who still runs PRS and We’ve been operating which eventually led to the founding of was based on [the Led Zeppelin clas- mainly operates as an adviser to Digital in stealth mode and Ellicott City-based Digital Harmonic in sic] “Stairway to Heaven,” Haiges said. ❝ Harmonic, those efforts to acquire 2015. “When a representative from a govern- capital are ongoing. “We had an initial only late last year have The company, which operates in the ment contractor came to see it, he said it investment goal of several million dollars we talked much about signal and image processing space, has had national security implications. That’s that we were seeking and we’re closing in on that milestone,” said Haiges, who what we we’ve been declined to disclose company revenues. doing. We’re ready for More Interest explosive growth. Prescott HR Consulting The company’s imaging technology We help you connect your people strategy with your business strategy also has applications in other disciplines A Bigger Bang such as in health care. Smith reiterated Haiges’ thoughts “We have a board of advisers who are about the versatility of the technology. Audits and Compliance department heads from Johns Hopkins “I see new uses for it every day,” he Hospital,” said Haiges, “and in that case, said. “Recently, we had a group from Policy and Handbook Development we have demoed proof on concept of the aviation industry share with us an being able to enhance images, while issue they deal with regularly where our Hiring and Firing lessening doses of radiation for patients.” technology can be applied. The appli- At this juncture, that application “is all cations are almost unlimited, because investigative,” he said, “because it has to each industry is measuring some form Complete Outsource go through Food & Drug Administration of images and waveforms, and we’re a approval. We have not yet applied mathematical measurement company You focus on running your business because we’re a small company and have that reveals data in images and wave- opted to focus on building resources and forms with a high degree of accuracy.” Every business may not need an HR department, revenue.” All told, Haiges thinks those vari- but every business needs HR support. That said, “The amount of promis- ous applications of the technology has ing test results is very high and some Digital Harmonic, which employs 12 of the results are extraordinary,” Smith workers and eight contractors, well set said, who added that the company is to continue growing. Kimberly Prescott, President “actively working with the government Today, the plan is to “continue to gain Complimentary Consultation on contracts.” contracts in the commercial and govern- 443-599-9088 Indeed, Haiges said that “more and ment markets,” he said. “We’ve generally more contractors are contacting us to been operating in stealth mode and only www.PrescottHR.com learn about the technology” when they late last year have we talked much have images that are unrefined, foggy about what we we’ve been doing. due to weather.” “But now, we’re positioned to move He said, “We’re able to define, with forward,” Haiges said. “We’re ready for certainty, what’s in that image” with explosive growth.” July 2019 The Business Monthly A5 www.bizmonthly.com

Leadership Essentials celebrates the Class of 2019 The 2019 Leadership Essentials class University Applied Physics Laboratory successfully completed its six month Monica Herber, Columbia leadership development program at Association a June 6 Closing Ceremony at Loyola Peter Hill, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue University Maryland. Shield The Leadership Essentials program Lindsey Linton, Harkins Builders fosters skill and personal development Samantha Logan, Harry H. Witzke that allow our participants to stretch Family Funeral Home their leadership potential and contrib- Michael McLellan, Howard County ute significantly to their organizations. Public School System The LE Class of 2019 members were Colleen Monagan, The Columbia also recognized at the Leadership Howard Bank County Annual Dinner on June 11. Nelli Mosavi JHU Applied Physics The 21 young professionals who Lab comprised the Leadership Essentials Ben Scrivener, Stategic Wealth Photo by Eric Stocklin Class of 2019 include: Management Long-time BWI Business District businessman Lou Zagarino (center) was recently presented Christian Ahalt, Dembo Jones Serena Shapero, Girls on the Run with BWI Business Partnership’s Sam Heffner Legacy Award. The presentation was made at the Terrence Benn, Howard County Shannon Sipes, Humanim organization’s annual meeting, which was held at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Gina Stewart, Police Department/Police Foundation Patricia Walsh, JHU Applied Physics BWI Business Partnership executive director, and Sam Minnitte, Partnership board chairman, Joshua Bennett, Columbia Lab presented the award. Association Christina Willis, Enterprise Sydonia Garrott, Howard County Community Investment BWI Partnership honors members Government James Zammillo, Howard County Natasha Gray, Howard Community Police Department/Police Foundation The BWI Business Partnership held Live! Casino & Hotel, represented by College Christine Zimmerman, its annual meeting at the International Anthony Faranca, executive vice pres- Sonya Hargress, Howard County Enterprise Community Loan Fund Art Gallery in BWI Thurgood Marshall ident and general manager. General Hospital – member of Johns Applications are now available on Airport and welcomed new board Sam Heffner Legacy Award to Lou Hopkins Medicine the Leadership Essentials webpage. The members and presented special awards. Zagarino, president/CEO, Whitehall Steve Hayes, Johns Hopkins deadline for application is Oct. 4. New board members included: Management Group. Senator Pam Beidle, District 32; Named after the BWI Business Jerry Walker, CEO of Anne Arundel Partnership’s founder and longtime Economic Development Corporation; chairman, Sam Heffner, the Legacy Sam Sidh, chief of staff for Howard award recognizes individuals whose County Executive Calvin Ball; and dedication represents a legacy, an indel- Greg Slater, administrator for MDOT ible impression, moving the community State Highway Administration. Karen forward in numerous ways. The award Cook, dean of the School of Business recognizes a lifetime of commitment to for Anne Arundel Community College, region, and organization. was elected as secretary and executive The Zagarino’s tenure includes committee member. serving as the manager of the Maryland State Treasurer Nancy International Hotel at BWI, later Kopp and MDOT Deputy Secretary renamed the Sheraton, prior to of Transportation Jim Ports provided purchasing the Comfort Inn, Rose keynote remarks. Restaurant, and later, the Sleep The Partnership also presented the Inn. He has chaired and supported following awards: numerous causes, all characterized Rising Star of the Year to Tipton by his passion for helping people Airport, represented by Michael and strengthening organizations, Wassel, general manager, and Eric such as BWI Marshall Airport, Ft. Flamino, chair of the board. Meade, Baltimore/Washington Volunteer Award of the Year to Medical Center, the Chesapeake Denise Nooe, Maryland Department Arts Center, Visit Annapolis & Anne of Veterans Affairs. Arundel County and the BWI Business Ambassador of the Year Award to Partnership, where he was the first Lori Ratzburg, MD Department of membership-elected and non-found- Commerce. ing Chair. Following his Chairmanship, Small Business of the Year to HR he continued to step up with his Strategy Group, represented by Amy time and energy as a member of the Polefrone, president/CEO, and Donna Executive Committee, and as the first Miracle-Canuel President of the BWI Community Large Business of the Year to Development Foundation. A6 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com

Computer Applications in Science and Engineering at NASAs Langley Research Center,” noted Jeffry Isaacson, USRA’s president and CEO. Space “We also established the Division of Space Life Sciences in the 1980s,” he added, which has contributed significantly to knowledge about problems such as bone density loss in space, effects of intracranial pressure on research visual acuity in microgravity and space radiation effects on human tissue. USRA’s role includes the promotion of space and aeronautics policy, the development and operation of facilities and programs, and the engagement of univer- turns 50 sities and the private sector to help benefit humanity By George Berkheimer right here on Earth. Senior Writer As noted on USRA’s website, examples include the development of optimization decision support tools for As NASA prepares to celebrate the 50th anniver- en route air traffic controllers. These tools automatically Jeffry Isaacson, USRA (left), David Black, SETI Institute and generate improved routing around bad weather, provid- Bill Ballhaus, USRA, cut the cake at USRA’s 50th Anniversary sary of the first moon landing later this month, the Symposium. Universities Space Research Association (USRA) ing significantly shorter routes that save time and fuel in Columbia is marking its own half-century of and enhance passenger safety. above the majority of water vapor in Earth’s atmosphere accomplishments. USRA also led the deployment of flight hardware, where it can make infrared observations not possible on Arising from the need to provide NASA and the sensors, and instrumentation used on orbital and Earth. “SOFIA is also engaged in astrochemistry, look- National Academy of Sciences (NAS) with access to sub-orbital missions, deep-space systems, and aircraft ing at pre-biotic molecules that exist in space and how talent in universities and colleges, USRA was founded and high-altitude platforms. they become incorporated into comets and ultimately in 1969 as a private non-profit corporation. Aside from astronomy, astrophysics and lunar study, arrive on planet surfaces. The organization’s milestone celebration event took USRA also collaborates with NASA and other space “SOFIA allows us to look at very earliest phases of place in May at NAS headquarters in Washington, DC, agencies around the world to focus on earth sciences, star formation and planetary formation, things that can featuring a symposium highlighting past achievements study of the sun, and information technology inno- ultimately lead to the possibility of the formation of life and ambitions for the future. vations such as autonomous systems and quantum on these [forming] planets, Yorke said.” computer advancements that could revolutionize the Unsung Contributions ways in which scientists explore our solar system, the Adapting to the Future Since the USRA’s first task as operator of the Lunar Milky Way Galaxy and the universe. As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon Science Institute (LSI) in Houston, its institutional “[We] continued to evolve and have filled a mission and potentially use a Lunar Gateway as a stepping-stone members have grown from 48 U.S. colleges and univer- space that reflects the broad mission space of NASA for human exploration of Mars, USRA will continue to sities to a current list of 111, comprising 98 members and other federal agencies,” Isaacson said. adapt its role in space enterprise, adding to the business in 40 states and 13 non-US members hailing from eight opportunities it brings to the private sector. other nations. Incredible Discoveries “There are specific R&D opportunities for devel- “Our purpose ... has been to provide a means by One of USRA’s most prolific areas of scientific inquiry oping and advancing technologies, said Vince which universities, government organizations and comes from its involvement in developing SOFIA, the DeFrancisci, USRA’s vice president of Corporate other research organizations may cooperate to further Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy Strategy and Development. ‘Once that research the development and application of space-related that NASA operates in collaboration with the German matures up the bench, there are opportunities science technology and engineering,” said Bill Ballhaus, Aerospace Center. for commercial entities to design and build proto- chair of USRA’s Board of Trustees. Essentially an airborne laboratory packed into a 747 types and conduct tests and analysis for potential Along the way “We created the Institute for aircraft, SOFIA carries an 8.2-foot reflecting telescope commercialization.”

SOUVENIR KILL MOVE PARADISE By Steven Temperley By James Ijames Directed by Joseph W. Ritsch Directed by Danielle A. Drakes September 5-22, 2019 REGIONAL PREMIERE February 20–March 8, 2020

HCC E2 DAMES AT SEA repstage.org By Bob Bartlett Book and Lyrics by George Haimsohn Tickets on sale in July Directed by Joseph W. Ritsch and Robin Miller Music by Jim Wise WORLD PREMIERE Directed by Michael J. Bobbitt October 31–November 17, 2019 April 30–May 17, 2020 July 2019 The Business Monthly A7 www.bizmonthly.com Big video, big results for churches By Mark R. Smith Getting Small Senior Writer Dropping prices also mean that the large churches are expanding their Beth Eltzroth remembers what the AVL offerings. Like Bridgeway, Grace landscape looked like early in her career just bought property to build a second in the church audio/video/lighting (AVL) location and is taking the multi-site production market. approach. “None of the equipment or integration The new satellite location “will also companies wanted to call on us,” said the be in Howard County,” said Eltzroth. technical director of Grace Community “We’ll stream the main service from Church, in Fulton. “They thought that Fulton to the new place 85 percent of churches didn’t have enough money to the time, and may also use Living As create a substantial system.” The new AVL system at Mosaic Christian Church in Elkridge cost $1 million. One, which allows the user to create Looking back, that mindset seems a hotspot with their cell phone, then crazy. Not only are publications dedi- the church market gained traction, said Savings come in, said Collin Jones, stream video without an Internet cated to only that sector of the market Casey Serrano, marketing manager. vice president of sales with Living connection.” now, but representatives from the very “Our management team came from that As One, via multi-site streaming on She said the market allowing companies that didn’t want to give market and our system is a great fit for public Internet. “That saves money smaller players to get into the AVL fray churches the time of day are knocking churches. We dive into their DNA and on expensive satellite feeds and dedi- happened at the right time, because on the door. help them get their messages out.” cated connections. Most churches can’t churches are moving away from single, “In more recent years, churches The word is delivered by Mosaic afford that. Our technology brings the larger facilities in favor of smaller have commonly bought AVL installa- volunteers, who can now run an AVL cost down from hundreds of thousands community churches in populated tions that cost $1 million or more, we install that Moynihan called “on the of dollars to a few thousand dollars.” areas. “That’s so people can invite neigh- constantly hear from them,” she said. upper end of the church scale. We only Churches, Jones said, “generally bors, instead of asking them to drive “Those companies came to realize how had one shot to do this right and it was buy from the bottom of the broad- 20 minutes to church – and passing 10 big the church market would become.” 10 years before we had the resources to cast market. It’s all about the room other churches on the way,” she said. make it what we wanted to, and thus size. The quality of the equipment That’s a little different than it is at A Cool Mill honor the gifts we were given by our they employ tends to be better than a present for Bridgeway, with its main A system valued at nearly $1 million people over the years.” school would have but less than that of room that holds 1,800 seats. “We’re was recently installed at Mosaic a concert venue.” well established, but we’re out of space,” Christian Church, which recently moved Dropping Prices said Eltzroth, “so the satellite site is into a $3.6 million, 40,000-square- While Mosaic is a newer player about integrating the congregation into foot renovated flex space, in Elkridge. in the AVL market, such elaborate Our technology the community.” Mosaic’s setup features an open floor systems are not a new phenomenon. brings the cost down area in front of the stage that can In Howard County, Grace Community ❝ C’mon Over accommodate 600 seats, with 400 more Church and Bridgeway Community from hundreds of Eltzroth said that Grace went digi- in its raised stadium section. Church, of Columbia, are two houses thousands of dollars tal only about 18 months ago, buying The goal of Mosaic’s AVL setup is of worship that invested heavily in AVL a Yamaha CL5 and adding the ETC Gio “to help us mobilize people and boost technology years ago. Today, however, to a few thousand to maneuver about two dozen moving them to grow outside of the Sunday Derwent Williamson, technical director lights. experience,” said Jonathan Moynihan, at Bridgeway, knows making the entre dollars.’ “We have also purchased four more associate pastor. It includes new equip- to AVL prominence is much easier than Collin Jones Yamaha digital audio boards for other ment, such as the Yamaha CL5 digital it used to be. rooms in the main church, which has audio mixer, which is synced for the “We opened a second campus At its new Owings Mills location, 14 AVL systems and requires about church’s weekly webcast; a Ross video in Owings Mills a year ago,” said Bridgeway runs the Avid VENUE S3L-X 80-100 volunteers to operate,” she said. switcher and Yamaha Nexo speak- Williamson. “The sermon for each is for audio, and Blackmagic Design “We’re planning to upgrade our roster ers; they are used with three Fujinon based out of Columbia and streamed technology for video and cameras; in of cameras, too.” cameras, the Chroma-Q Inspire LED for Owings Mill. The remainder of the Columbia, it’s the Avid ProTools S6 and Grace entered the AVL space 13 lighting system and a 40-foot by 9-foot services are live at each church.” Broadcast Pix switcher for video. years ago, Eltzroth said, and she feels screen that is flanked by two smaller To broadcast the sermon in Owings “In this age of digital, this is all scal- the investment has been worth it. side screens. A Pea Soup PS49 DMX Mills, Bridgeway uses a multi-site able because the technology is more “We look at it as a necessity for a large hazer is also used for fog-like effects. encoder/decoder to split the signal and affordable,” said Williamson. “Churches room like ours, but our overall goal is Mosaic worked on the install with an send one stream of audio and two video can do high-quality productions on a to support and enhance the service. We integrator that focuses on the church signals via a platform called Living As somewhat limited budget. For instance, feel like we’ve done that.” market, Summit Integrated Systems, of One, from a Richardson, Texas-based a church can buy a digital audio plat- Moynihan shared a similar view. Lafayette Colo.; the cost of the new AVL tech company that, like Summit, caters form for a 500-600 seat auditorium for “When potential new members of our equipment, Moynihan noted, included to churches. about $80,000.” church see our setup on social media, the gear as well as the install, consult- “It’s not expensive,” said Williamson. But overall, prices vary wildly, “from people become intrigued. It helps to ing and training. “We purchased the proprietary encoder/ just a few thousand dollars up to a few get them in the door,” he said, “but Summit shifted from working with decoder and pay a $400 monthly million. What a congregation spends,” ultimately, we hope that it’s our a mix of corporate, government and subscription fee (which varies from he said, “depends on the church’s reach authenticity that keeps our people church clients about 10 years ago, when church to church).” and mission.” here.” A8 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com

Q &A With Brian Darmody Growing a Maryland research business What is the role of incubators? By Mark R. Smith Senior Writer They are vitally important to the success of research parks. The short What’s it like having two high-profile jobs at once? Ask Brian Darmody, answer is they’re a big part of those who’s been serving the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) since facilities and communities, starting with Brian Darmody AURP CEO 1982 and long ago ascended to the position of associate vice president. students who are able to gain support Darmody recently accepted a new position as CEO with the Association of for their ideas to faculty that want to Do you plan to add new programs? University Research Park (AURP), which will keep him in the local focus as develop their intellectual property to Yes. We created the BioHealth Caucus he works toward retiring from UMCP at the end of 2019 – while continuing corporations that want to set up shop for a segment of our members who are to work out of the Discovery District at UMCP and pursue new challenges. near the universities. related to the biohealth and health A new federal tax tool called oppor- science campuses, like UMB. It takes a What instigated your career shift? entry for other countries that want to tunity zones are a way to defer capital very long time to develop new drugs, I joined AURP many years ago, when do business here and along the Eastern gains to provide tax incentives. Many roughly about 10-15 years, and there are the College Park/UMD Metro station Seaboard. research parks are in the opportunity many regulatory challenges, so we need opened. At that point, I helped recruit zones and the amount available to invest a group within AURP that can focus on the American Center of Physics to the Are research parks changing? in real estate and companies could reach that market. site and UMCP built a research park adja- The model is evolving, since they $100 billion nationwide during the next We are working with BioHealth cent to the station. Later, I was elected to are no longer stand-alone properties. several years. Innovation, in Rockville, to roll out a set the AURP board and served as president They’re being integrated into research of new programs for that segment of the What are your thoughts about start- for a year. The AURP CEO position came parks and communities of innovation. research park community. For example, in the Research Triangle, ups acquiring capital in Maryland? open last year around the time I had What do you feel were your high organized AURP’s Annual International there’s an area called Centennial Park at I helped write the legislation when North Carolina State University. It was I was a lobbyist at UMD to found the points of your long career at the Conference at the UMD Discovery University of Maryland? District and applied for the position. unpopular at first, since the faculty at the Maryland Technology Development engineering school didn’t want to move Corp. (TEDCO) about 20 years ago as a I was fortunate to have worked with What is AURP? from its old home. However, since other way to attract more capital to the state. a series of presidents and vice presi- AURP is a nonprofit that represents amenities grew around it, they now love The knock on Maryland is that you dents that gave me a lot of autonomy to research parks worldwide. The world’s it; it’s part of why the Research Triangle won’t get venture capital (VC) funding develop new projects, which is unusual in first research park debuted in 1951 with area has the great reputation it has. here because venture capitalists don’t a public setting. Helping start Maryland the Stanford Industry Park, at Stanford To some extent, that’s what we’re find enough opportunities. So, we need Day, which is the nation’s largest univer- University in partnership with the city trying to do in College Park. It’s all about to ensure that our research is presented sity open house that takes place the last of Palo Alto. That model was copied by building synergies. For instance, a hous- in a way that the opportunities are Saturday in April; coming up and draft- other states, like North Carolina when ing project at UMD, called the Aloft, just known to them and that we have gap ing the legislation that created TEDCO; it founded the Research Triangle, then opened near the Discovery District, on funding to facilitate it. That’s why the organizing the university’s first tech countries around the world. Baltimore Avenue. The apartments programs that TEDCO runs and the transfer office; and working on the are geared for young professionals, as university runs, such as UM Ventures, $62 million E-novate program, which What’s a key difference compared opposed to students. Know that we’re are critical to help secure technology matches state dollars with private to your former job? trying to get people employed where they [that’s] investable by the time they endowment funds to bring smart This new position is like building a work, which is the best thing you can do reach that stage by angels, gap funders, professors in areas of economic growth startup. We’re a membership associa- from an environmental standpoint. It VC investors, and so on. to Maryland, are among the highlights. helps reduce commuting and builds a tion that doesn’t receive money from the Photo courtesy of Warfield.co government. I have to build it by offering sense of community. Housing is becom- a service people find beneficial or we’ll be ing an important element of research out of business. parks. UMD also opened a public char- ter school in its Discovery District that Will AURP accentuate its East Coast is headed by the UMD president. presence at what’s called its “HQ2”? While we have our administra- Do we need more research parks in tive headquarters at the University of Maryland? Arizona Research Park, we’ve opened Maryland has a uniquely high the new office in the UMCP Innovation amount of research development that District. The new office is important to places us in the nation’s Top 3. But can our growth because many national orga- we always use more? Why not? We need nizations are in Washington, D.C., and to make sure that our universities and international delegations often come to federal labs are accessible by the private town that want the synergy of a major sector and research parks are a tool to university. We aim to become a port of make that happen. Brian Darmody is CEO at the Association of University Research Park. July 2019 The Business Monthly A9 www.bizmonthly.com The Enclave still a no-go in Crofton By Mark R. Smith site plans which still do not properly Senior Writer address structural, public safety, traffic, recreational, public street and walkway Many Crofton citizens were fear- problems. This ‘final plan’ is denied for ful that the saga of The Enclave, a the enumerated many reasons. community that would feature 66 “Clearly, planning and zoning is to two-over-two condominiums proposed be thanked for the time spent on this by The Hogan Companies on the south abomination of a submission,” Perry side of Crofton’s front gates, might said. “Why would Hogan want his finally fall into the category of lost name on such a plan?” battles. However, that’s not the case. The Latest Twist latest dust-up occurred in mid-May Yet another twist to the story after the Anne Arundel County occurred at press time for this issue Department of Planning & Zoning of The Business Monthly, when asked the consultant hired by Hogan to Pittman called a press conference at resubmit a plan it deemed “not accept- the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in able” after its latest review. Annapolis to announce two new poli- Many locals have been fighting the cies to improve the site development controversial project for three years, process and better protect wetlands with numerous objections including The front gates of Crofton have provided a welcoming entre to Anne Arundel County’s first and other natural areas. a lack of communication between planned-unit development since its first houses were completed in 1964. And while the recent denial has the developer and the community; not ended the saga, some of the locals poor access off of Route 3 at Crawford was “not acceptable” to submit an requirements and quality standards are becoming more optimistic than Boulevard, which would also require update that did not address previous in Anne Arundel County must be met. they were a month ago that it may frequent U-turns to facilitate exits on comments or meet code requirements. “Responsibility for actions finally come to an end in favor of the its eastern end at Crofton Parkway; He also added that is the applicant’s requested is always up to the entity opposition. poor access for emergency vehicles; a responsibility to ensure that the plans requesting the actions,” Overton said. Count Perry among those who share lack of free space and amenities; and are “correct, readable and meet all “It is a sign of the times that this tenet that optimism about what they see as concerns about a wetland that parallels applicable code requirements,” and is not how many companies choose the positive result. the highway. pointed out that it is not the respon- to conduct business. Anne Arundel “The new, active young Croftonites sibility of his office “to act as your County residents, current and future, joined with many long-time retired Blunt Tone [quality assurance/quality control] appreciate that [the office of planning residents to write e-mails and letters, There are three decades of history staff.” and zoning] continues to hold the attend meetings, voice their opinion on with this story. It began when the The final paragraph started with companies involved to the established social media and ask the correct ques- Crofton Civic Association gained Hager stating, “Dramatic improve- standards.” tions of those candidates running for approval rights in a 1988 agreement ment is expected with your next Marsha Perry, former delegate from public office,” she said. with William Berkshire, a Crofton resi- submittal. Additionally, we require that District 33 and long-time Crofton “The involvement on this issue,” dent who owns the property where you provide a project submittal that community activist, offered similar, if she said, “mirrors the enthusiasm various projects have been slated to satisfies all code requirements and is not more emotional, observations. of the early years of Crofton, during rise over the years. capable of being approved.” “I had, of course, hoped that it which the residents strove to protect In 1988, Berkshire gave up 23 acres would be a permanent ‘do not bother and preserve [founder Hamilton] of land he owned in the suburb in Sighs of Relief to submit any more such inappropri- Crawford’s dream of perfection in what exchange for development rights to the When the letter made the rounds ate, codebreaking, environmentally was the county’s first planned-unit seven acres in question that front to to the citizens of Crofton – many of destructive and visually offensive development.” Route 3. Eventually, a zoning variance whom were nervous about the result permitted him to pursue a residential of the most recent plan submission and project on the site. had been writing letters of their own But the plan is still up in the air. to Hager, County Executive Steuart In a letter to Jeff Smith, principal Pittman and others – there was a Publisher and Editor Daniel Medinger with Bowman Consulting, Phil Hager, collective sigh of relief that the plan, Ad Sales Senior Writers Staff Writers Anne Arundel County Department of while not permanently denied at this Kathy Berlin Mark R. Smith Susan Kim Planning & Zoning officer, wrote that juncture, was still not approved. Regina Lasco George Berkheimer John Powers the department “is very concerned Among those exhaling was Art Director Political Analyst Billing about the quality of the plans that were Winnifred Overton, a four-decade-plus Stacy Sutton Len Lazarick Doris Carbaugh submitted for review. Crofton resident who was promptly in Composition Photographer Social Media “The comments are extensive for touch with Hager after his letter was Pantea Tofangchi Emily Calkins Christen Murphy a project that is in the Final Plan sent to Bowman. “The Enclave is an Regina Lasco stage that has already been reviewed inappropriate use of the site for which www.bizmonthly.com 410-740-5077 multiple times” and that while new it is planned,” she said. “Despite the Published monthly at 5397 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 17, Columbia, MD. comments may be generated on a multiple submissions, the developer Email: [email protected]. Comments are welcome. @ Copyright 2018. revised layout, Hager wrote that it has never really ‘got it’ that code Subscriptions are $35 per year. A10 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com First in a series: Ellicott City Howard County faces budget dilemmas By George Berkheimer Ball acknowledged that the county Senior Writer Ellicott City buildings purchased by Howard County would also begin the process of acquiring an unspecified number of properties in Howard County To date, Howard County has spent $6.795 million to acquire seven of 10 properties on Main Ellicott City’s West End within the next Executive Calvin Street Ellicott City. The expenditure is part of the flood mitigation plan strategy to improve year, and said the county would begin Ball inherited two public safety that was initiated by former Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman. An addi- completing individual flood mitigation mammoth budget tional property, Tiber Park, was already owned by the county. The Main Street properties and the purchase prices or status of purchase are as follows: projects starting in 2020. dilemmas: a school system beset with Creative Financing  8049 Main Street (Phoenix Emporium), to be demolished: price under nego- growing pains and tiation. Owner: George C. Goeller, Catonsville Completing the flood mitigation more than $500  8055 Main Street (Discoveries), to be demolished: price under negotiation. plan within five years is “an ambitious million in deferred maintenance costs, Owner: Sally Tennant, Ellicott City best-case scenario, and it won’t happen and a dire need for flood mitigation proj-  8059 Main Street (Bean Hollow), to be demolished: under negotiation. Owner: unless we ... get to work with everyone’s ects to protect Ellicott City. American Touresorts Inc., Catonsville, Agent: Robert M. Ercole support,” Ball said. It will take a deft fiscal balancing act to  8069 Main Street (Great Panes), to be demolished: purchased on Feb. 13, Paying for it will require consider- address both problems simultaneously. 2019, for $985,000 from 8069 LLC, Ellicott City, Agent: Len Berkowitz ation of innovative funding models that The biggest questions: how will the  8081 Main Street (Tea on the Tiber): purchased on March 15, 2019, for $600,000 include additional state and federal fund- county pay its way out of these dilem- from Master’s Ridge LLC, Agent: Don Reuwer ing, public-private partnerships, and new mas; are the strategies and plans worth  8085 Main Street (Portalli’s): Purchased on April 12, 2019, for $1.4 million from revenue sources. “We will invest in this the cost; and are they likely to actually Blues Building Inc., Gambrills, Agent: Michael Baldwin plan like all government spending: one  happen? 8095 and 8101 Main Street (Shoemaker Country): purchased on April 10, year at a time, one step at a time, and 2019, for $1.55 million from Historic Ellicott Properties LLC, Agent: Bruce T. Taylor A few months into office, Ball’s Safe  largely with capital funding,” he said and Sound plan signaled his intentions 8109-8113 Main Street: purchased Feb. 25, 2019, for $1.05 million from Charles One new revenue option on the E. Wehland to invest heavily in aggressive solutions  8125 Main Street (Caplan’s): purchased April 10, 2019, for $1.21 million from table is the creation of a Special Benefit for Ellicott City. Ellen L. Taylor District to finance stormwater or drain- Under the plan, Ball committed the age infrastructure. county to a strategy that includes the Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation Database Based on existing Watershed construction of a 15-foot diameter Protection Fees, an equivalent assess- tunnel to divert Hudson Branch over- discuss what safeguards the county ment fee for residences and commercial flow. Beginning at Lot F, the North The county estimates a would consider to keep people and debris properties in the affected watersheds Tunnel will run 1,600 feet to the out of the tunnel. “would generate almost $300,000 Patapsco River following a course north ❝cost of $50 to $77 million annually in the Plumtree and $256,000 of Main Street. Added Expenses annually in the Tiber-Hudson water- to build the North Tunnel. To date, the county has acquired seven sheds,” said Pete Conrad, deputy director Big Money administration’s plan. of 10 historic buildings previously slated of the county’s Department of Planning Ball’s 2020 capital budget includes Aside from the tunnel, the primary for demolition and is still negotiating and Zoning. $15.3 million for storm drain improve- difference is that Ball’s plan removes with owners of the remaining proper- When it comes to confidence that ment and stormwater retention facility four historic buildings as opposed to 10, ties. Acquisition costs are included in Ball’s plan will actually get off the ground, projects in the Tiber-Hudson watershed, adds the NC-3 ($5 million) and H-4 ($4 the plan’s estimate. “Most of the constituents I’ve talked to but the investment comes at the expense million) retention ponds, and does not DeLuca said the county would main- have a can-do attitude, but others are a of delaying or scaling back some other expand the Hudson Bend channel ($20 tain ownership of spared buildings until bit more pessimistic,” Christina Rigby, planned or requested projects. million). flood mitigation is completed, and a deci- chair of the county council, said. “I think “We’ve heard in Capital Budget hear- The county estimates a cost of $50 to sion on the possibility of leasing out that the biggest concern is that we’ll have ings that [Department of Public Works] $77 million to build the North Tunnel. space on a short-term basis remains to another catastrophic flood before we can resources are depleted and Route 1 Contacted for their opinions on those be seen. complete these projects, and that will set Redevelopment isn’t going forward figures, two Maryland-based consultants “Our goal would be to get to them us back even further.” because all those resources are dedicated with expertise in tunnel construction back into use by the public, but that can’t Looking ahead, the Howard County to Ellicott City,” noted Councilwoman Liz indicated that the estimated costs happen until we feel it’s safe he said. School Board recently adopted a 2020 Walsh, whose district includes Ellicott appeared excessive. The county could incur additional operating budget that includes $607.2 City, during the council’s monthly meet- Speaking on background, they each expenses if it pursues the acquisition million in county funding, $82.1 million ing in May. speculated that details such as bedrock of parcels within floodplains to create short of its $689.3 million request. Meanwhile, continuing reductions fractures, pump stations and grouting to preservation areas, a recommendation The shortfall is roughly half of what in county revenues and growing debt prevent groundwater inundation could of the 2018 Watershed Safety Act (CB56) the county expects to pay for Ellicott service payments prompted the Spending partially explain an estimate they consid- passed by the previous council. City’s flood mitigation projects, and the Affordability Commission to recommend ered two to three times the normal cost According to DeLuca, 350 properties deferred maintenance figure is nearly as a General Obligation bond authorization of tunneling through bedrock, even with located within 100-year floodplains were high as the county’s budgetary outlay for of $70 million this year, $5 million below design-build considerations. identified throughout the county, with the school system in a single year. last year’s recommendation. With a request for proposal pend- 140 to 150 of those experiencing flood With enrollment growing, is there any The estimated cost of Ball’s flood ing, Mark DeLuca, the county’s Deputy inundations greater than 3 feet. way to break the cycle of robbing Peter mitigation plan ranges from $113.5 to Director of Public Works, declined to “None of them have been targeted to pay Paul? $140.5 million, compared to an esti- discuss the factors that influenced the with a dollar sign that says we’re going Part 2 of the series will be published in the mated $56.5 million for the previous county’s estimate. He also declined to to purchase,” he said. August issue July 2019 The Business Monthly A11 www.bizmonthly.com Anne Arundel 2040: How will it look? By Mark R. Smith We, as a chamber, need to share our information with Senior Writer the county executive’s office and make decisions” based on that collaboration. During a late May meeting at Arundel High School, This GDP is crucial for Odenton, since during the in Gambrills, a group of county employees greeted past decade it has experienced more growth than any members of the business and residential communities other area of the county, he said. “So at the CMC, we’re Courtecy of Baltimore Sun, photo by Tom Brenner who gathered to read, to observe and to discuss the focused on density and development, so we can main- A view of the Village of Odenton, a residential and commercial state of hyper local affairs. tain that growth in the most responsible way possible. area located across the street from the Odenton metro station. Billed as a Small Area Visioning Forum, the event Numerous developers are members with projects in the served as a precursor to completing the draft for Anne pipeline and we want to see them through to fruition.” Arundel County’s General Development Plan (GDP), Kudchadkar pointed out that the Odenton Town This marks the first time the known as Anne Arundel 2040. Center Master Plan is only three years old, “but it Many topics were discussed that evening, with the identifies the need to have a town center and proj- ❝county has gone this route,” he subjects ranging from development to transportation ects in the pipeline,” he said. “We want to make sure to the environment. One point several of the attendees [various] projects move forward,” including Elm Street said. “It’s already helped us noticed – or if they didn’t, were informed of – was that Development’s townhomes at the MARC station, the establish goals and objectives a significant number of projects included in the 2009 mixed-used project at Academy Yards Phase 2 and the GDP have not come to pass. parking garages in the transit-oriented development Ramond Robinson During the last hour, members of the crowd pontif- (TOD). which is six months sooner than the GDP is due. It’s icated about how to control development, alleviate The county agenda also includes negotiations for the now in draft form “and we’re getting comments from traffic and discard refuse properly, among suggestions; use of the former U.S. Naval Academy Dairy Farm and the public.” the final draft of Anne Arundel 2040 is due to County the Enhanced-Use Lease at Fort Meade, “which looks Perhaps the most intriguing part of Move Anne Executive Steuart Pittman in early 2020 and will be sent like it’s moving forward,” he said. “What happens in Arundel is its reliance on analytics. “This marks the to the County Council in March, with public hearings those two cases will impact what happens in Odenton.” first time the county has gone this route,” he said. “It’s to follow. County Councilman Andrew Pruski (D-4), like already helped us establish goals and objectives, based Kudchadkar, is also concerned about responsible devel- on performance.” Old SAPs opment and would like to see more TOD projects “to James Kitchin, community engagement and constit- prevent sprawl.” Market Dictates uent services officer for Anne Arundel county, said his But on Pruski’s mind today is building an aquatic Stuart Title, vice president of brokerage and devel- favorite part of the forums “is the first two hours of center, which has community support. opment with Odenton-based A.J. Properties, said the the open houses, when people see how much of the “We hoped to get a conference center, and that hope timing of this new GDP is noteworthy because “a new various plans from the early ’00s have not occurred. was realized with the opening of the Live! Hotel Event administration is trying to figure out [the appropriate When [Pittman] ran [for office], he kept all of the SAPs Center,” said Pruski. “Now, we’re hopeful of the county direction].” With A.J. Properties heavily involved in the in his car’s trunk to show people how many have not building an aquatic center by Fort Meade.” building of Odenton Town Center, Title weighed in on been completed. But with traffic on virtually everyone’s mind, Pruski a project he, Kudchadkar and many others would like “But the frustrating part” of that exercise, said is also taking a closer look at construction and other to see built. Kitchin, “is to see that parts of the old plan now can’t issues concerning routes 3, 175 and 198. “We need to “Building the garages is very important to Odenton be done, like [at routes 424 and 450] in Crofton, where think outside the box,” he said. “Traffic is not getting Town Center and I hope the state works with the county building a traffic circle would have alleviated conges- any better, so we’re certainly looking at a longer-term to get that done. I think we’re struggling to find a tion. The land isn’t available now because of the new plan for commuters.” purpose for the town center,” he said, while seconding High’s” convenience store and gas station. Pruski’s enthusiasm to build the aquatic center. “That Kitchin also expressed doubt about the viability of Getting Moving would help give it a sense of place.” an overpass that had been discussed to connect Crofton As for the transportation plan, that section of the Speaking of place, Title has concerns about the place to the Waugh Chapel shopping area. GDP is called Move Anne Arundel, which was endorsed of developers in this mix. “That people are still interested in some of these after the 2009 GDP. It provides framework for the “We’re called the problem in some quarters, though projects and recommendations shows that when the new GDP and “is being featured first because we have I think most people don’t think of us that way,” he said. communities are involved in planning, they come up a culmination of plans from the last five years,” said “The county’s budget is built on the backs of develop- with ideas that maintain their relevance,” Kitchin said. Ramond Robinson, county transportation officer. “It ers,” he said. “We don’t need more fees, since they just “That’s a testament into how much community input has many different parts.” get passed on to the homeowner or the renter.” went into the initial plans, and I’m glad that Steuart It has five parts, to be exact: contained within is Title said traffic is the No. 1 local issue, adding that values community-driven planning.” the Corridor Growth Management Plan, Bicycle & “it’s not the developers’ fault. It’s up to the county to Pedestrian Master Plan, Complete Streets Guidance, use developer’s fees to take care of that issue, which it Be Responsible the Major Intersection & Important Facility Plan and doesn’t always do.” While the more casual information sessions are the Transit Development Plan. “It’s truly comprehen- Still, he’s “not up in arms about this. All we’ve done valued, “The GDP is the big picture and that comes sive,” he said. was follow the county’s parameters. Part of this is just first,” said Raj Kudchadkar, CEO of the Central Robinson said his department plans to have Move the life of a developer,” Title said. “The market ulti- Maryland Chamber. “This is a marathon, not a sprint. Anne Arundel ready for the county council this fall, mately decides what works and what doesn’t.” A12 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com PEOPLE IN BIZ APL names Forte, Stewart hired Harrison Hascoe as manager of Girls on the Run hosts 5K John Forte has been named business operations and sponsorship. Girls on the Run mission area executive for Homeland Most recently, Hascoe was the event of Central Maryland Protection at the Johns Hopkins operations manager for the National hosted a celebra- University Applied Physics Laboratory Women’s Hockey League. tory 5K in Howard (APL) in North Laurel. He will direct County June 1. efforts to create disruptive capabil- Siff joins Cardno More than ities that safeguard and secure the Cardno TEC, an environmental 1,100 girl runners homeland against asymmetric threats. consulting firm in Annapolis, has completed the Also at APL, Jessica Stewart has been named Dan Siff as a senior project untimed 3.1 mile appointed mission area executive. manager. He has worked with clients run. She most recently served as the lab’s such as the Army Corps of Engineers, The race day in program area manager for Innovative the Naval Facilities Engineering Howard County also Operational Concepts. Command and the U.S. Air Force. honored local hero, Suzy Serpico who Two exit TEDCO Berrier new MDDC ad director recently finished the The Maryland Technology Kevin Berrier has been named Epic5 Race in Hawaii. Development Corp. (TEDCO) has advertising director at the Maryland- Epic5 is a total of 5 Three girls celebrate after completing their 5K at Girls on the Run. announced that CEO and Executive Delaware-D.C.-Press Association. For Ironman’s (2.4-mile swim, 112 mile bike, The program culminates with girls Director George Davis is stepping down the past six years, he worked for the and 26.2 mile run) in 5 days on 5 islands positively impacting their communi- from his position, effective July 31, to Frederick News-Post; he also spent more of Hawaii. She is one of three women to ties through a service project and being pursue a new opportunity. Davis joined than a decade with the Carroll County ever complete this race. physically and emotionally prepared to the organization in 2017. TEDCO also Times. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit orga- complete a celebratory 5K event. announced that Andy Jones, chief nization with local Councils in all 50 A recent independent study indicated investment officer of the Maryland McNaboe joins VAAAC states, with nearly one and a half million that the girls who were the least active Venture Fund, has also resigned to Erin McNaboe has joined Visit girls. Over the course of the ten-week before Girls on the Run increased their pursue other opportunities. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County program, girls in third to fifth grades physical activity level by 40 percent from (VAAAC) as chief operating officer. She develop essential skills to help them pre-season to post-season and main- Black Bears hire Hascoe has spent the past two years as owner navigate their worlds and establish a life- tained this increased level beyond the The Maryland Black Bears have of Moxe Marketing of Annapolis. time appreciation for health and fitness. program’s end. Wecker wins state restaurant award Continued from page 1 customers. Happily, 99.9 percent of the customers “I’m done with the Democrats and done with month is the most challenging part of the business. he serves are an absolute joy. Over the years, he has the Republicans,” he said. “If everybody took better An owner’s job is to do whatever is needed, a fact gotten to know a great many of them on a personal care of each other, instead of arguing we’d be further he never seems to forget as he pitches in busing level and they are more than customers … they are ahead as a country.” tables if the crowd gets too big at any one of his friends. On Monday nights at 18th and 21st, the speakeasy establishments. When The Iron Bridge Wine Co. became a success, often becomes a fundraising arm for the community. Before a recent show at Merriweather, he said, it also meant that key members of that restau- Through “Gin & Jazz” nights, the restaurant helps “from 5 to 7:30 p.m. I’m busing tables, running food, rant’s staff had topped out of their careers. Wecker raise money for local nonprofits ranging from Camp seating people, everything I can do to help.” observed some of them leaving for other challenges. Attaway to Bridges for Housing Stability. The venue “My brother Rob noticed people leaving, and he said: lends itself to regular charity nights, Wecker said, Humble beginnings ‘How about we open a pirate bar?’ ” and Iron Bridge has continued its track record of When Wecker was 19, he started washing dishes Steve and Rob opened Mutiny in Glen Burnie in donating wine and dinners to many local fundraising at the Magic Pan in Columbia. “I came in and told 2011. efforts and causes. them I’d like to wait tables. But they said I was too And the list goes on: after 25 years of being Wecker aims for the experiences at his restaurants young, so I ended up washing dishes.” a restaurateur, Wecker now has 240 employees to be totally different from one another. “Some nights His dish washing skills were noticed by the restau- between the five restaurants. And he considers each I want a burger and a lager at Cured. Some nights rant manager, who said he was the second-fastest employee an important part of his success. I want oysters and a mojito at Mutiny, sometimes dishwasher he’d ever seen. “There was a guy in “When I put my dishes down at the dish stand, I I want seafood at Iron Bridge with a buttery oaky Florida he knew who was faster than me. He called say ‘thank you.’ Because I appreciate what the folks Chardonnay, and some nights a 28-ounce porter- him The Man With the Electric Hands. I thought that who wash the dishes contribute to our success,” he house, a cabernet, and some music at 18th & 21st.” was pretty good, being second to The Man With the said. “Operating a restaurant is about every indi- But is he having fun? Electric Hands.” vidual contributing to the whole. It continues to be “If you think owning a restaurant will be fun, it From there, Wecker became a host, then a busboy, about putting together a team that makes you look can be. It’s spectacularly hard work but if you love it, then a waiter at Magic Pan. better than you are,” he said. there’s nothing better,” he said. He realized he was a “people” person. His very Wecker said he and his brothers were taught by In the meantime, Wecker continues to appreciate first restaurant ownership was the Elkridge Furnace their parents to give back to the community and his employees, his customers and even his accolades, Inn, which realized his dream of owning a small inn through his restaurants he has provided an incalcu- though they surprise him. and restaurant. Though he is no longer associated lable amount of support to charities and non-profits. He remarked, “OpenTable named Iron Bridge one with the establishment, Wecker said it taught him He often urges people to quit arguing about poli- of the top 10 restaurants in America for wine lovers. the ropes of restaurant ownership – and relating to tics and social beliefs and go help their neighbors. How on earth?! That little place on Route 108.” July 2019 The Business Monthly B1 www.bizmonthly.com celebratingSummer fun for you RELAX REWIND REFRESH It’s summer in our Our community has great places to community and it’s time to enjoy some of our favorite things.

Riding a wave or a roller coaster.

Visiting an historic site or hiking a new trail.

Going to a concert or an outdoor play.

Finding a new restaurant or a picnic in a park.

Many great options are close to home. So, enjoy and GO! go B2 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com IN TOWN or OUTTA TOWN Fun things to do By Susan Kim Staff Writer

Stay in town or take a day trip? Take small kids or get a sitter? Spend a lot or go for free? Sometimes summer fun involves too many decisions. To help narrow it down, we’ve chosen five activities that come in both local and not-so-local versions. Enjoy! Craft breweries. In town. The Howard on Tap Craft Brew Trail (find it at visithoward- county.com) is a great guide to local breweries. On the horizon: The Hops and Harvest Festival in Columbia on Sept. 29 will feature more than 50 Maryland breweries and artisans. Just outta town. A little over an hour’s drive, the craft brewers in Photo courtesy Downtown Frederick Partnership Southern Maryland have an emerging Movie Night on the Creek is in downtown Frederick, a 45-minute drive from Columbia. scene of their own. Check out Mully’s a map of hikes, which vary in inten- held each third Friday through October there, check out the Adventure Shack (www.mullysbrewery.com) Scorpion sity and length, see www.alltrails.com. at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater. for snack bar items, ice, live bait (www.scorpionbrewing.com) and the Another local option: the Patuxent Admission is free and beer, wine and and rentable fishing rods. Call the Ruddy Duck (www.ruddyduck.com). Valley Research Refuge, with 25 miles snacks are available for purchase before Adventure Shack and rentals status Combine your stops with a kayak trip of hiking trails and a kid-friendly visi- and during the show. Gates open an line at 410-313-7303 before heading available from one of many outfitters tors center. Visit https://www.fws.gov/ hour before dusk. Pets are welcome. to the park. in the region. refuge/Patuxent/ for the most up-do- Upcoming: Jumanji in July, 50 First Just outta town: Drive 45 minutes date information. Dates in August. See downtownfred- to National Harbor, where the kids will Festivals. Just outta town: Head to erick.org for full schedule. dig the pedal boats shaped like dragons In town. On July 13, experience the Jarrettsville, a one-hour drive from and swans. Other rentals offered by “Nextival” at the Anne Arundel County Columbia, to Rocks State Park, where Pedal boats. the outfitter “Boating in DC” include fairgrounds. Created for music lovers picnic areas are not overcrowded and In town: Head to Centennial Park, kayaking and standup paddle boards. and foodies, the Nextival also offers easy to access. The state park is one where you can rent 2- or 4-seat pedal Call 202-337-9642, or rent a craft on vendors with art, clothes, craft beer, of Maryland’s best-kept secrets. For a boats by the half hour. While you’re first-come, first-served basis. and even helicopter rides. All the rigorous hike, try climbing to the King proceeds go to charities, and military and Queen Seat, which rises 190 feet and kids under 12 are admitted for above Deer Creek for a breathtaking free. For details, see www.nextival. view. Call 410-557-7994 to reserve a com. pavilion, where you can cook out for Just outta town. On Aug. 2-4, take the whole family. a trip to the Triple Creek Winery to attend the Chesapeake Bay Balloon & Outdoor movie nights. Wine Festival. With more than 15 hot In town. On Friday nights through- air balloons (some for rides and some out the summer, at Granville Gude Park for viewing) the festival also offers live in Laurel, families can enjoy outdoor entertainment, a kid’s zone, boutique movies with the “Friday Night Flicks” vendors, food trucks and, of course, series. Bring a blanket or a chair, pack a wine. Visit triplecreekwinery.com. picnic or grab something at the conces- sion stand. On the schedule for July: Hiking. Incredibles 2, Christopher Robin, and In town: Appreciate the local gift How to Train Your Dragon 3. For a of Patapsco Valley State Park, which complete calendar, visit cityoflaurel.org extends 32 miles along the Patapsco Just outta town: In downtown Photo by: Boating in DC River south and west of Baltimore. For Frederick, Movie Night on the Creek is Kids dig pedal boats shaped like dragons in the Baltimore harbor, so do adults. July 2019 The Business Monthly B3 www.bizmonthly.com

EXPLORE Farms, Food & Fun in Howard County

www.visithowardcounty.com 1-800-288-TRIP (8747)

Howard County RESTAURANT WEEKS July 22 - August 5, 2019 Mix up your culinary experience with diverse specialty chef menus in restaurants across Howard County. Participating restaurants will be offering unique, multi-course cuisine for every taste and budget. www.HowardCountyRestaurantWeeks.com 1-800-288-TRIP (8747) B4 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com Team building at Patapsco Heritage Greenway Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG) with a site in the Patapsco Valley. is offering a new program designed PHG staff will provide TBO partic- for local businesses and organizations ipants with appropriate safety and looking for a unique staff bonding work materials, as well as encourage and service opportunity in their team building or friendly competition community. throughout the day. PHG’s Event costs begin at $500 but vary Team Building with size of the event and activity. Opportunity (TBO) Due to weather concerns, Fall and program creates a Spring are the most common targets Photo courtesy Visit Howard County custom program for scheduling, although exceptions Hike or bike the roads and trails of Patapsco State Park. for each group to can be made if necessary. engage in environ- Stream Cleanup events offer an problem solving to complete tasks. Tree plantings offer a simple way to mental stewardship opportunity for groups to work Invasive plant removal events help create visible and lasting change in our as a team. together removing trash and litter combat a growing problem in our local local community. With some physical These events will focus on several from our local water ways. ecosystems created by introducing labor required, tree planting is a simple areas of environmental stewardship, This engaging outing for staff is foreign species to a new environment. process to learn as your staff is guided including tree plantings, stream clean an important piece of cleaning up the Removing invasive plants can vary by our event leaders. ups, and invasive plant removals. Patapsco watershed. This event can be from an easy pulling of plants, to a test For more information, visit Groups may request a specific type of as physically demanding as desired, of endurance cutting vines off trees as www.patapsco.org/environment/ event if desired and will be matched and often requires team work and requested. team-building-opportunities/

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Anne Arundel County one’s list of tourist activities that attract more than $50 million on trip related operates a similar program in its parks. people to Howard and Anne Arundel expenses, including food, lodging, trans- Hunting generates $32 Howard County’s Deer Management Counties, it is an important option. portation, and other trip costs. million in state and local Task Force Report from 1998 found that Hunting does bring revenue to the “That statistic is important to those ❝ increases in residential and commer- state and counties and provides a local who own hotels, campgrounds, lodges taxes. Hunters pay an cial development coupled with better economic impact. and restaurants,” she said. 11 percent excise tax on land use and development practices Last November, business leaders Hunter spending supports 4,500 contributed to rising deer popula- from across the state who support hunt- Maryland jobs paying $128 million in equipment and those tions by creating more of the grazing ing gathered in Annapolis to announce salaries and wages, she added, with jobs, borders they need. With a decrease in the formation of Hunting Works For taxes and sales resulting in a $401 million funds are reallocated the number of hunters over the years, Maryland, a non-profit local grassroots ripple effect on the state economy. for conserving wildlife the unchecked deer population has partnership organization focused on become problematic, causing crop and explaining the role that hunting and Conservation Efforts habitat. Last year, vegetation damage and increased high- shooting sports play in Maryland’s heri- The Hunting Works for America Maryland received way accidents. tage and economic health. program launched as a pilot program in According to the Howard County “Hunting generates $32 million 2010 in Arizona, Minnesota and North $8 million for state Department of Recreation and Parks in state and local taxes, which obvi- Dakota, and has now expanded to 19 website, there has been an observable ously benefits everyone who lives in states with the addition of Maryland. conservation efforts. improvement in habitat quality and Maryland,” said former Maryland State According to Tony Reiss, a spokesman Influenced by unregulated market vegetation abundance in parks where Sen. John Astle, one of the organiza- for the national program, the goal of hunting in the early years of the 1900s, managed deer hunts takes place. tion’s co-chairs, who represented Anne Hunting Works is to help policy makers, waves of drought that resulted in the “We perform an extensive back- Arundel County’s District 30 for four the media and the general public under- Dust Bowl in the 1930s, and drainage of ground check on applicants, who also terms before retiring last fall. stand hunting’s benefits, which aren’t small wetlands in the Midwest during interview before a panel to answer “Hunters also pay an 11 percent limited to the economy. the 1960s and 1970s, their population ethics-based questions,” said Howard excise tax on equipment, under the “You see it a lot with game or wild- collapsed. County Deer Management Program Pittman-Robertson Act, and those funds life populations that are on the decline,” “My dad told me I’d never see one Manager Sam Richardson. are reallocated for the express purpose he said. “Hunters will step up and take alive and free,” Carter said, but efforts “We’ve had a good response, but are of conserving wildlife habitat,” he added. it upon everybody’s best interest to do by hunters to preserve and re-estabish getting some turnover now as hunters “That benefits non-game animal species a lot of the conservation [work] to help habitat made a difference. get older and fewer young people are too, and it benefits everyone who enjoys these species come back. It’s hunters “Today you can see canvasbacks every- getting into the sport,” he said. the outdoors. These are the kinds of facts who are out in the field observing wild- where again, and there are even special Over the past five years, a total of we want to make common knowledge.” life, who know what to look for and are permits for hunting them in Maryland,” 727 deer have been harvested through Last year, Maryland received $8 participating in testing programs to help she said. “That wouldn’t have happened Howard County’s managed hunts. million in Pittman-Robinson funds for keep things like Chronic Wasting Disease if hunters didn’t care.” The Maryland Office of Tourism and state conservation efforts. (CWD) under control and manage it to Development’s www.fishandhuntmary- stop the spread.” Managed Hunts land.com website, created by a steering Big Impact CWD, a neurological disease, affects Opportunities for waterfowl, large committee Astel served on in 2013, is More than 88,000 people hunt in deer, elk and moose, causing brain and small game hunting in Howard a helpful resource for anyone looking Maryland each year, including 19,000 deterioration resulting in emaciation, County are limited, confined mainly for information about where to hunt from out-of-state, said Deb Carter, execu- abnormal behavior, loss of bodily func- to private property and DNR Wildlife in the state. tive director of the Maryland Association tions and death. It is widespread in Management Areas within Patuxent “It tells you what’s available in the of Campgrounds and also a co-chair of Pennsylvania, and has been detected in Valley State Park and Patuxent River way of species in each county, where Hunting Works For Maryland. 27 Maryland deer since 2010, according State Park. to go, license requirements, season “Each of these hunters spends, on to the Maryland Department of Natural Since 1998, Howard County has also dates, lodging, everything you need average, $3,000 a year,” she said, noting Resources (DNR) website. used managed hunts to help maintain to know, particularly if you’re coming that hunters contribute significantly to Maryland’s canvasback duck popu- a stable, balanced white-tailed deer from outside the state,” Astel said. “It’s the thriving recreational vehicle business lation has also benefitted from hunter population in its parks, where heavy going to help us promote Maryland and and campground industry. intervention, said Carter. deer browsing has been shown to reduce its hunting industry.” July 2019 The Business Monthly B7 www.bizmonthly.com A sweet day trip Visiting the land of Hershey's chocolate By Mark R. Smith medals at the Great American Beer Senior Writer Festival and World Beer Cup, or staples including Vienna Red Lager and Pig Iron Much of the year, the town is known Porter. for its amusement park, one of profes- After sipping a few wet ones at sional sport’s greatest minor league Iron Hill, walk next door to another franchises and big-deal concerts. And of Hershey’s newest attractions, the chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. “Almost Famous” Primanti Brothers, Enjoying the charms of Chocolate which opened last fall. While offering the Town, with the streetlamps on Chocolate standard fare of pizza, wings and other Avenue shaped like Hershey Kisses, can snacks along with plenty of frosty beers, be a day trip into a chocolate dream or the Pennsylvania-based chain really is expand to other adventures. famous in the region for its sandwiches – the insides of which come to rest on soft Main Attractions French bread, with not only a generous Envisioned by business icon Milton portion of sliced meat and cheese, but Hershey, the town’s attractions blos- cole slaw and fries that rest … well, right somed from his belief that employee under that top slice of bread. production and retention stemmed from a well-rounded life. That was the More, More, More idea behind building Hersheypark, which On the way out of town, be sure to dates back to 1906. hang a right off of Hersheypark Drive on Open from May through September, to Walton Avenue and visit the quaint a ticket allows visitors three experiences village of Hummelstown for a walk and that encompass 70 attractions – includ- some easy browsing through the gift ing a variety of themed rides, a water shops and art galleries, and cap it off park and The Boardwalk. New this year is with a visit to the Warwick Hotel, which Reese’s Cupfusion, an all-new interactive is actually a restaurant. The spot on the gaming ride that “creates a sweet sensory map could easily pass for the backlot of adventure.” Mayberry. Admission to Hersheypark also Need accommodations? Every includes access to ZooAmerica North major hotel brand has a location in the American Wildlife Park, an adjacent Hershey-Harrisburg area, as well as other world of howling wolves and swim- independently-owned accommodations. ming otters, as well as roaring bears and The most notable are the Hershey Lodge, hooting owls. Open year ’round, visitors a full-service resort that’s popular with can attend a special VIP tour or plan a the convention crowd; as well as the personal “meet ’n greet” with group and upscale Hotel Hershey, a 1930’s-era outreach programs. masterpiece that’s offers great views that Just opposite Hersheypark’s east side has received the Forbes Four-Star Award is Chocolate World, where guests can not on July 26; and Cirque du Soliel Corteo, home to a cluster of craft brewers – so and the AAA Four-Diamond Award. only see how candy is produced, but can which starts a short run on Aug. 28. try a beer flight, grab a snack and get on Situated next to the Hotel Hershey create confectionary delights of all their Hersheypark Stadium hosts the larger to the next stop; or, if you can, pack your is the Hershey Gardens, 23-acre botani- own. shows, with Blink-182 & L’il Wayne, on growler and a cooler, which would be a cal garden and arboretum that features Further east, across the vast park- July 5; New Kids On The Block, on July good approach to take at the Dauphin seasonal displays and theme gardens, ing lot from Hersheypark Stadium and 6; and Thomas Rhett, on July 20, next County Brewfest, Harrisburg’s premier including the indoor, tropical Butterfly Chocolate World, lies the Giant Center, up. craft beer festival. It’s set for July 20, at Atrium. home of the Hershey Bears. Founded For touring Broadway shows, dance Fort Hunter Mansion & Park. The possibilities go on, with plenty of in 1938, the franchise was recently the attractions and smaller concerts, it’s New-ish in town is the Iron Hill outdoor activities, including golf at the subject of the documentary, “B’ars to the elegant Hershey Theatre, which is Brewery & Restaurant, which is billed as Spring Creek Golf Course and Hershey Bears,” the most expansive narrative of located just off Chocolate Avenue. a “scratch brewery with a craft kitchen,” Country Club; Cocoa Kayak; and even the team’s history to date. in what might be called a relaxed, yet mountain biking along the Milton S. The multi-purpose Giant Center also Wet Ones elegant, atmosphere in Hershey Towne Hershey Medical Center Trail System. serves as one of central Pennsylvania’s As is the case in most areas, the Square, on Chocolate Avenue. Among So, while Hershey and the surround- home to topline entertainment. Next on craft beer craze has descended upon its dozen-plus brew choices are Russian ing area may not require a week-long the calendar is the Kidz Bop World Tour, the Hershey-Harrisburg region and it is Imperial Stout, which has won gold trip, it’s surely great for a night. Or three. B8 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com DINING IN TBM CATERING& GUIDE Delicious Chinese food Dine in, Catering & Delivery

Fast, good and inexpensive, too By John Powers So, you are hungry. Do you want to eat in the office or go out? Or, maybe your entire office is hungry and they want to order in. Or, you are planning for an upcoming event and looking to cater in food. Jimmy John’s is an excellent option when you want food that’s fast, good and inexpensive. And with several convenient locations – many that deliver – Jimmy John’s is a superb choice for workplace dining. To begin, consider the Jimmy John’s website. It is user friendly with menu options and prompts to help you complete an order. I especially appreciated that each order can be assigned a name, which avoids the awkward unwrapping when the bag of goodies gets back to a hungry gang of office mates. Also, the website updates you on the status of your order 410-884-3888  www.hunanlegend.net so you know how long it will be before lunch break. To watch the Jimmy John’s team preparing food is a model of efficiency that would make Henry Ford proud. Along a countered assembly line, gloved staff members build sandwiches pouring requested ingredients on to one of several bread choices. The chopping, the slapping and the slathering of ingredients happens in rapid fire, which is a great relief for those on a limited lunch break or who are stepping up to bring back a group lunch that the boss didn’t tell you about! Sandwiches are quickly moved down counter until a staff member wielding a knife and wrapping paper neatly cuts and tucks your sandwich into a protective package. It’s fun to watch. Jimmy John’s has a wide selection of meats, vegetables and breads that should accommodate even the pickiest of office eaters. Also, for those who counting calories the “unwich” wrapped in lettuce is a delectable options. Gluten free choices are avail- able, too. But, hey, it’s a Jimmy John’s lunch. So, pick out a fun bread to perk up your chicken, turkey, beef, tuna or cheese. Also, their specialty chips add to the meal. Now, the really good parts. The pickles, which can be sliced to your liking, are juicy, tangy and crisp. Make sure they are part of your order. And, the cookies, well, let’s just say, you don’t have to wait to eat them at the end of lunch. July 2019 The Business Monthly A13 www.bizmonthly.com Study aims for tick management strategy outdoor activities are the best preventive measures. Tracking mice may reveal In 2013, researchers with JHU’s Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Lyme disease costs the ways to reduce Lyme’s U.S. health care system between $712 million and $1.3 billion each year, or nearly $3,000 per patient By George Berkheimer on average. Senior Writer

A team of researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Service (ARS) and the On some streets, people in University of Maryland (UM) descended on Columbia’s COLLAR White-footed mice sporting ear tags and tiny tracking collars in Howard County are helping USDA researchers understand six out of 10 homes have Cedar Lane Park on an early morning in May. more about Lyme disease and how it spreads. ❝ Armed with VHF (very high frequency) antennas had Lyme disease and plastic boxes filled with laboratory equipment, they quickly found their quarry: white-footed mice In Maryland, the incidence of Lyme disease is that they previously outfitted with tracking collars. found in areas of high population density, not in Tracking the mice is part of a new phase in the rural areas. According to CDC data, there were 4,410 Area-Wide Tick Control research study in Howard confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Baltimore City County, launched by the USDA in 2017. from 2000 through 2016, 3,169 in Montgomery By collecting mouse tissue samples and any ticks County, and 2,691 in Howard County, but only 25 in found on the mice for study by the Centers for Garrett County, 431 in St. Mary’s County and 149 in Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the scientists Worcester County. are breaking new ground in understanding nuances behind the transmission of Lyme disease and its The Right Combo continuing geographic expansion. Punch Savannah Carlson, a UM pre-veterinarian studies under- graduate, uses a hole punch to collect a tissue sample from an Matching up mouse movement with deer track- “This is novel, because the most recent literature anesthetized mouse’s ear. ing data should unmask correlations and provide on mouse movement and foraging behavior is 15 or researchers with a clearer picture of the disease’s 20 years old,” said Andrew Li, an ARS research ento- ecology, Li said. mologist and the study’s principal investigator. The USDA is conducting its studies in Blandair Explained Grace Hummell, a graduate student in Regional Park North, Cedar Lane Park, David UM’s Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) Force Natural Resource Area, Middle Patuxent program. “The hope is to reduce the tick load on the Environmental Area, Rockburn Branch Park and mice and the number of ticks in the area.” Wincopin Trails. Centennial Park serves as an untreated control area. Lyme Ecology Using four-poster feeding stations that use rollers Residential communities that border open space to apply tick-killing pesticide to the necks of deer, are a hallmark of Howard County’s quality of life. Fipronil-laced rodent bait boxes to treat mice and Unfortunately, they are perfect for tick-borne disease. Met52 EC natural fungal pesticide spray in park areas “We know the neighborhoods where it’s at, and Examine Grace Hummel, a UM graduate student participating in the tick study, monitors a white-footed mouse as it recovers from anes- bordering residences, researchers are comparing the it’s staggering,” said Jennifer Mullinax, an assistant thesia before releasing it. effectiveness of different treatments. professor of Wildlife Ecology in UM’s ENST depart- The five-year study’s overall goal is to identify the Those mice visit yards, homes and other build- ment. “On some streets, people in six out of 10 homes most effective way to control ticks in residential areas ings, carrying infected ticks seeking larger hosts that have had Lyme disease.” and to reduce the overall tick population in suburbs. include deer, pets and humans. Three tick species – the deer tick, dog tick and lone For Mullinax, the biggest questions are how treat- According to Howard County’s 2018 Deer star tick – act as Lyme disease carriers. About the size ment options influence animals’ behavior, whether Management Program report, current development of a poppy seed, deer tick nymphs are the most prob- enough animals can be treated to make a difference, practices provide more grazing borders that deer need, lematic, often going unnoticed until after they have and how many units are required to treat animals’ which also delivers ticks into centers of human activity. fed on and infected a human. home ranges. Aside from mice and deer, researchers now suspect Both uninfected tick larvae and the parasitic “This is information we’ll be able to take to the that bird migration and climate change may also play Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that cause Lyme disease county and homeowners’ associations,” she said. roles in the spread of ticks and Lyme disease. live in forest leaf litter where mice nest and forage, “We’ll be able to develop the next set of questions, but explained Matt Millholland, an ARS researcher and Numbers Increasing we’re also starting to build a solution. It’s not perfect, UM liaison. but it’s something that’s effective for us to start to do Lyme disease has become so prevalent that the “Tick nymphs and adults acquire the bacteria by to help people better protect themselves.” feeding on infected mice,” he said. The current study Johns Hopkins University (JHU) launched its own Lyme Disease Research Center in 2015. indicates that roughly 50 percent of Howard County’s Human Clinical Research mice are infected. “We’re working to develop markers for diagnosis,” said Dr. John Aucott, director of the research center, The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research estimating that some 300,000 to 400,000 cases occur Center focuses on patient-based research in all The current study indicates that annually in the United States. manifestations of Lyme disease. Patients are seen Aucott said, no FDA-licensed vaccines to prevent by physician referral. For more information on the ❝roughly 50 percent of Howard the disease exist. center and its research, or to make a private dona- County’s mice are infected. Vigilance and frequent checks for ticks after tion, visit www.hopkinslyme.org. A14 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com MY TURN Smart employers want Lisa Markovitz safer, better biking Will raising developer fees and walking in help fix the county budget? Howard County has a budget crisis. will have the legal right to change the fees Howard County How do we fix it? Do developers need to that developers pay per new residential pay higher fees? unit. The Council and County Executive The County Council will soon take on need to work together to increase these the issue of increasing residential devel- developer fees as soon as possible, and opment school fees. not allow unfounded concerns about lost Get ready for the same scenario tax revenues add to the County’s fiscal we always see unfold when faced with hole any longer. development concerns. The County is Some other wedge issues that get polarized. The civic advocates end up thrown into development arguments in opposition to the enjoined business need debunking. community. Those viewed as NIMBY (not in my back yard) people are pitted against fiscal business interests. Average new home Why? But is that right? Are Howard County commercial interests really well-served building fees are $5,400 Learn more at hcstreetsforall.org by defending all density increases? ❝ in Howard County and The long County history of granting virtually every residential development $13,390 in Anne Arundel. project has created a low supply of commercial retail space and rising rents. For example, some say that increas- Partly due to the County’s long-term ing developer fees will raise housing woefully low housing development fees, costs and lower the affordable housing business customers across the County supply. It is a little-known fact, though, are now facing a large property tax that the school fees don’t apply to lower- increase, which will decrease spending. priced homes. Why do we need a property tax Also, the amount of affordable hous- POWER increase? If development is profitable, ing required in development is very low and given our massive growth, why isn’t – none for low income, and only a small CONNECTIONS our current tax base covering our costs? percentage for moderate income. And, The answer is simple: It is a fallacy while affordable housing should be NETWORKING that residential development is a profit spread across the County, it is currently Join Us and See Why center for the County. segregated because higher market proj- BREAKFAST This Event Sold Out Public services are greatly over- ects pay a fee-in-lieu of providing it. Two Years in a Row! whelmed and development should be Currently, almost 250 fees for AUGUST slowed down. Expenses saved via student construction permitting, and develop- Maritime Conference Center enrollment and reduced costs from traf- ment are up for annual review. Notably, 14, 2019 692 Maritime Blvd. fic, health services, and public safety these fees have not been increased for 7:30AM-9:30AM Linthicum, MD Cost to Attend: needs, far outweigh the taxes produced almost 20 years! The County doesn’t need $30 Members Prepaid by new homes. a change in the law to increase these fees. $35 Members at Door For too long, Howard County has The Council has not acted on these 60 Second Speed-Networking $45 Non-Members collected incredibly low home develop- potential increases yet, but let’s make Valuable Connections ment fees compared to our neighboring sure the school charge fees are increased Door Prizes counties. Average new home building fees as soon as possible. Residents and the for 2019 are $5,400 for Howard County. business sector are in dire need of these Delicious Breakfast To Register, Visit Compare that to $13,390 in Anne new revenues. CentralMarylandChamber.org Arundel, $12,950 in Calvert, $17,385 in or call (410) 672-3422 Charles, $15,515 in Frederick, $45,159 Lisa Markovitz is president of the in Montgomery, and $24,094 in Prince Maryland civic/political group, The George’s! People’s Voice. Thanks To Our Sponsors: It is time for residential development to pay more of its share of the impact that YOUR TURN it has on public services such as schools, Share your views on this month’s roads and public safety. Development My Turn. Submissions must be signed, will continue but let’s have it add to the include a phone number and email address. Please keep your comment to county coffers rather than subtract. 250 words or less and send them to info@ This July, the Howard County Council bizmonthly.com July 2019 The Business Monthly A15 www.bizmonthly.com Governor, surprisingly, goes on the attack Larry Hogan ran for reelection as a lunch 13 years, Republican Gov. bipartisan consensus builder. But in a Bob Ehrlich had urged businesses speech to hundreds of business exec- to stop donating to Democrats who utives at the Live! Casino last month, FROM THE STATE HOUSE voted against their interests. But the the governor took a more contentious Democrats have moved even further tone. He said he was ready to fight the by Len Lazarick left. Democrats on increasing funding for education – and the huge tax hikes it Polarized legislature would require – on tough crime legisla- “The gap between the highest and tion, and on fixing traffic congestion. lowest scoring legislators has never The speech sounded more like a been higher, and never has the ‘middle red-meat campaign rouser rather than ground been so empty,” says the latest the Fifth Annual State of Business Maryland Free’s Roll Call, which has address at the Maryland Business been tracking scores since 1983. for Responsive Government lunch. Just 57 of the 188 legislators scored He urged more than 600 people to over 70 percent – all Republicans join him in the “fight for Maryland’s – and 128 lawmakers scored under future” and to keep lawmakers from 35 percent -- all but three of the turning back to the “failed policies” of Democrats, who occupied the middle the O’Malley years. ground. Senate President Pro-Tem It is a fight that MBRG – now Kathy Klausmeier had the best score rebranding itself as the Maryland among all Democrats with 59 percent, Free Enterprise Foundation – has been representing one of the few evenly waging for 36 years. It’s also a battle split districts left. it’s been losing, even by its own careful Western Howard County’s newest score card. senator, Katie Fry Hester, a Democrat The front and back covers of the representing an area that had been new Maryland Free Roll Call, its Governor Larry Hogan delivered a hard-hitting, campaign style speech at the annual Maryland represented by Republicans for seven annual rating of legislators, high- Business for Responsive Government lunch. terms, expressed misgivings about lighted the biggest legislative loss for More importantly, they were not able the minimum wage hike and has pro-business forces this year – the to persuade the constituents they convened a bipartisan work group to Fight for $15 to raise the minimum represent. mitigate its impact on small business. wage. They quoted from Hogan’s veto Multiple statewide polls this But while she tries to do “the purple message that the sharp hike “could year, including Gonzales Research thing,” as one political observer put cost us jobs” – 99,000 in one study and Goucher College polls, found it, her overall score from Maryland – “negatively impact our economic overwhelming support of the $15 Free Enterprise Foundation was just competitiveness and devastate our minimum among Democratic voters 23 percent. state’s economy.” and majority support among indepen- Many Democratic legislators ques- The fight to raise Maryland’s dents. Only a majority of Republican tion the votes MBRG-Maryland Free wage to $15 had been going on for voters were opposed, but even there, chooses to score. But there is no several years. Mike O’Halloran, state a third or more of Republicans question that the scores reflect the director of the National Federation supported the idea. increasing polarization of Maryland of Independent Business, told me Support went down when pollsters politics and the leftward drift of the that the small business owners NFIB told voters of the potential negative legislators. represents had turned out in force this consequences. But those negative There are few moderates on either past session to oppose it, especially outcomes never got communicated side and any compromise must happen since the state minimum wage had just to voters, or they didn’t believe in committee where there is often gone up to $10.10 last year. them. Legislative leaders scoffed at more bipartisan negotiation in the As often happens, business the job losses. And some businesses to 2025 for employers with over 15 less visible committee voting sessions. owners, like many people testifying who already pay their workers well people and to 2026 for smaller firms. It is there that the scores of profes- in Annapolis, waited hours to deliver supported the hike. The biggest percentage jump of almost sional lobbyists work around the a few minutes of testimony. 9 percent comes this January to $11. edges, working to kill bills or promote The legislators were unpersuaded Impact Overall, it’s a nearly 50 percent narrow business interests. Businesses by the small business people and the The Maryland Center on Economic increase over seven years, after a spent over $44 million last year to governor. The majority Democrats Policy, a left-leaning think-tank, esti- 39 percent increase since 2014. The lobby the legislature, and they are easily overrode his veto in straight mated that by the time the $15 is hidden employer-paid taxes for Social often able to succeed on narrow issues. party line votes. phased in 573,000 workers will get Security, Medicare and unemployment But in areas where the public has raises averaging $4,000 a year for a add another dollar to employer costs. largely made up its mind, such as Constituents were total increase in income – and business Hogan may talk about engaging paying people more or granting every unpersuaded expenses -- of $2.6 billion. the business community in the fight employee paid sick leave, as the legis- The business owners not only In some concessions to small busi- against more spending and higher lature did two years ago, business failed to persuade the legislators. ness, the wage hikes are spread out taxes. In a similar vein at a MBRG interests fall flat. A16 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAMBER HOWARD COUNTY CHAMBER by Raj Kudchadkar by Leonardo McClarty Join a Business Moving beyond networking Connections Network Throughout the course of this year, I can vividly recall seeing the 1948 The Central Maryland Chamber We invite guests (not yet a CMC the Howard County Chamber has been dinner program from my previous (CMC) Business Connections Networks member) looking for a dynamic, ener- celebrating 50 years of doing business. Chamber when they welcomed execu- (BCNs) are premier networking leads gizing networking experience to come This past May, the Chamber tives from General Motors when they groups focused on connecting busi- to one meeting to decide firsthand if a hosted its 50th Annual Meeting. opened their Doraville, GA plant. ness professionals throughout Central BCN is the right fit. Always a time of reflection and cele- In the late 70’s, early 80’s, a signifi- Maryland. If interested in learning more about bration, this luncheon did that and cant transformation took place. It was Here’s what makes the BCNs so any of the groups or visiting a meeting, more as the Chamber welcomed the the famed networking mixer or after unique: please contact any group leader directly Association of Chamber of Commerce hours event. CMC offers an open format that or call Karen Russell, CMC director of Executive’s (ACCE) President/CEO, This new phenomenon led to invites each group member to contrib- membership, at 410-672-3422. Sheree Anne Kelley who keynoted the unprecedented growth for local cham- ute to the conversation. In addition, All the BCNs are near their caps event. Kelley’s presentation focused bers as small businesses flocked to members are encouraged to meet with and could be closing-out real soon on recent ACCE research titled, “The these events all so they could network each other outside of the monthly (i.e. BCNs will soon stop taking new Horizon Infinitive,” which studied nine with community movers and shakers. meetings. members), so act fast! influences impacting Chambers over These events created one kumbaya These one-on-one or small group Business Connections Network the next 25 years. festival as members and host busi- meetings have been instrumental Millersville The association executive high- nesses were all ecstatic. in developing meaningful busi- 1st Wednesday of each month; 8 lighted the fact that flourishing Chambers were even happier as ness relationships that have led to a.m. - 9:30 a.m. in Millersville; led by Chambers have moved beyond solely money was plentiful due to ticket sales warm referrals, synergistic market- Tim Carey, Chesapeake Telephone, focusing on events, networking, and and sponsorships. So much so that ing, creative support and engaging 443-577-2208 or [email protected] festivals and instead are focusing on Chamber’s lost sight of their mission partnerships. community impact initiatives like and everything became centered on the While members are encouraged Business Connections Network education, community, workforce and next event. to support each other and provide Linthicum Heights economic development. Fast forward 30 plus years and referrals, there is no pressure to give 3rd Tuesday of each month; 8 a.m. - Growing Chambers are also moving Chambers have reached a crossroads leads for the sake of meeting a quota. 9:30 a.m. at the Maritime Conference from the fair share membership model as they no longer have a monopoly on Emphasis is on giving quality leads that Center; led by Alex McKeague, Sunrise to tiered dues and creating Foundations networking. Groups like BNI, Linked produce results. Solutions, 410-216-3227 or amck- to generate revenue that can’t be In, meet ups, and other gatherings In addition, all the BCNs set aside [email protected] obtained by memberships alone. bring people together. time for business development sessions Business Connections Network They are also focused on the profes- What does this all mean for the on technology, sales and marketing as Clarksville sional growth of its members and Howard County Chamber? It means well as educational topics presented by 4th Thursday of each month; issues that Chambers might not have balancing programs and events with group participants. 9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. in Clarksville; led considered business oriented. community impact initiatives. It means There is an exclusivity rule of one by Amy Lazas, Law Offices of Kirk All of this is relevant as Chamber’s that one should not be surprised if you member per business sector, which Halpin & Associates, 410-531-1700 have historically been economic and see programs focused less on gather- eliminates unfair competition among and [email protected] and Chris community advocates representing the ing and more on the development of members of the group and allows each Riismandel, Epoch Inc. 410-465-3955 interest of small businesses and major people and community. member to openly represent their or [email protected] employers. Chambers were often at business. the forefront of business recruitment, Leonardo McClarty is president Participation in a group is a free Raj Kudchadkar is president and CEO retention efforts, and major commu- and CEO of the Howard Chamber of benefit for members of the CMC! of the Central Maryland Chamber. nity infrastructure initiatives. Commerce.

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Certified Veteran-Owned Business Commercial Insurance Managers has provided comprehensive coverage and competitive rates in commercial insurance and employee benefits since 1989. As a VOSB, we are providing our services to the Federal Government and other small business contractors who need insurance, a partner or a prime contractor. July 2019 The Business Monthly A17 www.bizmonthly.com New law hits transparency BBB’s Standards for Trust include eight principles you decide to terminate their service. that enable a business to create and maintain trust. One BBB The law applies to merchant services providers with of them requires an organization to “Be Transparent.” fewer than 50 employees, or that process less than $2 Unfortunately, this standard was often lacking when ADVICE million in credit card sales per year. Providers must it came to the payment processing industry. The prob- abide by the law whether they’re based in-state or not. lem? It starts with the way contracts are executed. A by Angie Barnett Only month-to-month agreements, offered by provid- typical merchant services agreement is three to five ers that do not charge fees, penalties, and/or liquidated pages long. As far as contracts go, that’s not so bad. contract, and you find a better deal elsewhere, it might damages upon termination, are exempt. House Bill But scroll to the signature page and there’s usually a be cost prohibitive to switch. 777 will be enforced by the Commissioner of Financial tiny little clause that says something to the effect of “by Let’s say you decide to ride out the contract. Most Regulation with fines up $10,000 for a first violation signing this agreement you’re agreeing to our terms of agreements give you a very narrow window, just 30 and up to $25,000 per offense for subsequent violations. service listed here” with a link to a url. days, to provide written notice you intend to cancel. Once it takes effect, Maryland retailers, and businesses Are you ready for this? The terms of service docu- Miss the window and the fees reset, holding you accepting credit cards, will no longer be bound by unfair ment is usually 75 pages or longer! On top of that, hostage for another full term. credit card processing contracts, or forced to tolerate oftentimes when you try to follow the link, you’re Maryland House Bill 777 changes all of that. Starting substandard customer service for an extended period. stopped in your tracks by a login screen. Since you’re October 1, the signature page of the merchant services Much of the credit for this article – but not the pun not an account holder, you can’t even read the terms. agreement must spell out the length of the agreement, – goes to Jaron Rice, ETA, founder and CEO of Magothy Do you sign it anyway? In fact, a lot of businesses do. cancellation fees, liquidated damages, and the renewal Payments, an Anne Arundel County merchant services Unfortunately, buried deep inside the terms of service date. Each item must be listed in 12 point, bold font, provider. Rice worked tirelessly over the last session to lies the length of the contract, information on cancel- and each one must be initialed by the merchant. push the legislation and address an inherent problem lation fees, and even liquidated damages. Basically, And, there’s more good news for Maryland. busi- that had plagued the industry for years. everything the company can charge you for early termi- ness owners. Altogether, termination fees, damages, If you’re looking to renegotiate your payment nation is hidden in a link you probably never opened. etc. are capped at $500. That window of cancellation? processing, check BBB.org and consider a local, BBB A standard merchant services agreement is a three Now, merchant services providers will be required to Accredited Business you can trust. year contract with a $495 cancellation fee. Liquidated notify you at least 60 days prior to your renewal. If the damages can be $100 or more for every month left on agreement automatically renews, providers prohibited Angie Barnett is president and CEO of the Better the contract. If you’re halfway through the term of your from charging any type of fee, fine, or penalty should Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. Want an official performance source? The U.S. federal government has completed the or managing performance reports. merger of the Past Performance Information Retrieval Government personnel use CPARS to objectively System (PPIRS) with the Contract Performance GOVERNMENT evaluate the contractor’s performance during and upon Assessment Reporting System (CPARS.gov). CPARS CONTRACTING completion of a contract and review relevant perfor- now serves as the federal report card system for prime mance and integrity records before making a new contractors providing services and products to the U.S. contract award decision. federal government. by Gloria Larkin Contractors can access their own records only; infor- Government decision-makers now use CPARS to mation is not made public regarding these performance review contractors’ performance under previously completion of the individual CPARS, with their compli- reports. Upon review of the relevant reports, contrac- awarded contracts. Data points include requirements ance percentage being reported annually. tors can comment on the evaluation and concur with compliance, meeting deadlines, reporting processes, The mandated timeframes for contracting officials or provide additional information to support or refute integrity and business ethics, pricing and invoicing, and to file CPARS reports are as follows. For contracts less a rating. customer-service processes. than one-year duration, a completed evaluation is due After receiving notification of an interim or final These reviews often contain sensitive information 120 days from contract completion. CPARS report, a contractor has 14 days to provide and can also influence new contract awards; therefore, For multiyear contracts, a completed evaluation responsive comments. On the 15th day the govern- only authorized government personnel have access is due 485 days from the contract award date and ment CPAR and any response from the contractor are to these records, along with the specific awardee. No every 365 days thereafter through contract comple- automatically transmitted to the reporting database. records are available to the general public. tion. Evaluations are required annually for multi-year However, if the contractor disputes the CPAR within the The contracts tracked in CPARS must be prime contracts as either Interim Reports (those leading up 14 days, a reviewing official (not the contracting officer) contracts and fall above the Simplified Acquisition to contract completion) or Final Reports (after comple- will review both the CPAR and contractor response and Threshold (now $250,000 base plus option years). tion of work). Government officials can also submit provide an additional assessment. Subcontracts are not tracked in CPARS, however, the Addendum reports, however these are not required, CPARS records may be challenged through various Small Business Administration is considering a process nor do they affect the compliance metrics. entities including the Court of Federal Claims, and to create a pilot program to provide subcontractor Data from the legacy PPIRS database has been inte- competent legal counsel is strongly recommended for performance ratings. No updates from the SBA regard- grated into the new official system of record, CPARS, such challenges. ing the subcontractor program have been posted since for the purpose of simplifying functions such as creat- April 2018 when the Subcontractor Past Performance ing and editing contractor performance and integrity Gloria Larkin is president and CEO of TargetGov and a Pilot Program was published in the Federal Register. records, changes to administering users and running national expert in business development in the government Agencies are themselves tracked regarding their reports, generating performance records, and viewing markets. A18 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com OBITUARIES Jane Dembner Jane Dembner, from the University Columbia Association’s of Pennsylvania. She director of planning and then went on to a community affairs and a career that included well-known community serving as Principal at activist, passed away LDR International, a June 11 after a lengthy landscape architecture Photo courtesy of HCLS battle with cancer. and urban planning Tonya Kennon, Howard County Library System president and CEO, Calvin Ball, County Executive, Dembner was a firm, and later served Senator Clarence Lam, Saketh Sundar, Delegate Terri Hill, Deb Jung, Howard County Council, 20-year resident of as Associate Vice Ronnie Wooten, BB&T and Michael Martirano, Howard County Public Schools superintendent Columbia and she had President at HNTB, an join in a celebration of the national spelling champion at an event at the Miller Branch library. a great impact on the engineering and archi- community. tecture firm. Dembner guided Columbia and An avid bicyclist, Dembner led the Howard student crowned CA into the future, studying ways to development and implementation improve CA’s sport and recreational of “Connecting Columbia: An Active facilities, Columbia’s village centers, Transportation Agenda,” which outlined spelling champion open spaces, and other key amenities improvements for Columbia’s pathway Saketh Sundar, an eighth grade crowned National Spelling Champion. and infrastructure. system. student from Clarksville Middle Saketh had won the HCLS Spelling According to Milton Matthews, Dembner was also responsible for School, was the 2019 Scripps National Bee in 2016, 2017, 2018 as well as president and CEO of the Columbia creating the Community Building Spelling Bee Champion. 2019. Association, “Jane was incredibly knowl- Speakers series. The Howard County Library System He is the first student to win the edgeable, quick thinking, engaging, and She and her husband, Michael hosted a celebration for Saketh on June HCLS Bee four consecutive years. committed to making Columbia not just launched “Breathe Deep Columbia,” an 12 at the HCLS Miller Branch that The HCLS Spelling Bee is part of a place with a treasured past, but also a annual 5K walk, fun run, and lung cancer included community leaders, family the Library’s signature A+ Partners promising future.” awareness fair. and friends. in Education initiative designed to Dembner received a master’s In addition to her husband, she is Saketh is the first student from improve the overall academic success degree in city and urban planning survived by her son, Daniel. Howard County and Maryland to be of Howard County students. Warren Litchfield Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe announced He officiated the funerals of many the passing of Rev. Warren H. Litchfield Laurel elected officials, city employees on June 6. and their family members and countless Rev. Litchfield was born and raised city residents. in Laurel, graduated from Laurel High Rev. Litchfield was well known for his School, served in the Korean War, and talent in poetry writing. He would write worked at Fort Meade for 31 years. a tribute poem for close friends and local Since 1950, he lived in the house his dignitaries to provide special recognition father built on Nichols Drive. He was for recent awards and achievements. married to Mabel Litchfield for 34 years For many years, Litchfield delivered before her passing in 2014. They had the invocation at meetings of the Mayor one son, David Litchfield. and City Council and numerous city “Hulbert,” as he was familiarly known events. to many, was a past president and life He was a devoted source of comfort to member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire many as they mourned the loss of their Department. He was named LVFD loved ones, and warmly guided others Firefighter of the Year in 1972. He was through personal difficulties. inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Rev. Litchfield was very proud of Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire his father’s service to Laurel as its first and Rescue Association on September Building Inspector. He always enjoyed 11, 1986. sharing stories about his father’s city He was appointed chaplain of the employment and of him being one of Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue the city’s first retirees. Association in September 1998. “I am heartbroken over the news of In July 1997 Mayor Frank Casula the passing of my great personal friend, appointed him City Coordinating who has dedicated his life to the service Chaplain and was appointed City of of others, both in his career and as a Laurel Chaplain by Mayor Moe on April Chaplain for City Service Organizations,” 8, 2002. Mayor Moe said. July 2019 The Business Monthly A19 www.bizmonthly.com Turner appointed to Howard Community College Amy Kelly, (right) from the Howard County Diaper Project, received more than 50 large boxes of board size 4, 5 and 6 diapers at the Howard County Food Bank from members of the Sunrise Rotary Frank S. Turner has been appointed Frank S. Turner Club. Those delivering the diapers included (from left) Michael Palmiotto, Jack van Horn, Christine Lobo, Mark Ireland, John Halt, John Galleazzi and Karol Olson. The Howard County Diaper Project to a six-year term on the Howard career as an administrative aide to supplies diapers to low-income families in Howard County. Community College (HCC) Board of North Carolina Governor Dan Moore Trustees. from 1968 to 1969, before turning to A resident of Columbia, Turner real estate and business. He held posi- was elected to the Maryland House tions as a realtor and president of a Columbia Rotary awards of Delegates in 1994 and served until real estate investment company. 2019. For 40 years, Turner taught courses In the legislature, Turner proposed in business law, real estate, and income $2,000 to Neighbor Ride legislation that established the tax accounting to students at Morgan The Rotary Club of Columbia services and other personal needs. Maryland Community College Promise State University’s School of Business Patuxent awarded Neighbor Ride a Since the organization was launched Scholarship to provide tuition for and Management. $2,000 Charitable Trust Grant in support in November 2004, Neighbor Ride’s students entering community colleges Turner holds a bachelor’s degree of the nonprofit’s efforts to help those in volunteers have provided over 170,000 within two years of receiving their from North Carolina Central need in the Howard County community. trips for local seniors. high school diploma. Funding for the University and a J.D. from the Funds donated to Neighbor Ride Chartered in 1986, the Rotary scholarship was initially appropriated University of North Carolina School were raised by the members of the club members of Columbia Patuxent are a at $15 million. of Law and North Carolina Central through a variety of volunteer activities, diverse group of business and profes- Turner started his professional University. fundraisers and donations. sional leaders from the Columbia and Neighbor Ride is a volunteer-driven Howard County area who take an active nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the role in their communities while enriching Sofive Soccer opens in Columbia health and quality of life for Howard their personal and professional lives. The 50,000 square foot facility offers year-round play County’s older residents by providing Club meets Friday mornings at 7:30 a.m. transportation for health care appoint- at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. Visit Sofive Soccer ments, social outings, fitness and www.columbiarotary.com to learn more. Centers opened a educational activities, shopping, faith 50,000 square-foot indoor soccer facil- ity at 7125 Columbia Gateway Drive. Offering eight small- sided turf soccer fields designed for games with five players per side, plus a bar/ Sofive opened the indoor soccer café and locker rooms, Sofive provides facility adjacent to the 42,000 square a soccer experience for adults and foot EarthTreks climbing gym and youth all year long. fitness facility. Like EarthTreks, Sofive “We are thrilled to be opening Sofive adds a unique recreational amenity to in Howard County,” said Sofive CEO Columbia Gateway and the surround- and Co-founder Charles Lagayette. ing community. “Since opening our first Sofive location Sofive’s Columbia location is its in 2015, the business has really taken fifth in the nation and second in off. There are lots of soccer players Maryland. in the U.S. but very few high-quality Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 Biz Kidz Academy sponsored its annual Market Day/Shark Tank Competition/Award Ceremony May 18. Congratulations to Makayla Martin, Teenpreneur, CEO & founder of Golden Hands Jewelry indoor soccer fields. In the first year a.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 1 (All Handmade) for winning the $500 Frances Barber Educational Scholarship. Makayla won of operations, the New Jersey location a.m., Sofive’s indoor soccer fields are the scholarship for composing an outstanding 500-word essay that detailed how Golden Hands received more than 200,000 visitors, available to rent for pick-up games, Jewelry helps the community. Biz Kidz Academy is a non-profit 501(c) organization, founded and we’re hoping to match that success training space, soccer leagues, corpo- by Dr. Marlene Jackson and her daughter, Ashley Jackson, to inspire students (ages 5-18), to in Columbia.” rate events and birthday parties. become successful kidpreneurs. A20 The Business Monthly July 2019 www.bizmonthly.com

FORTmy MEADE

Photo courtesy Fort Meade Alliance. Fort Meade’s Fourth of July celebration attracts 5,000 people annually. Keeping us safe and stirring the economy

Fort George G. Meade, named for the U.S. Army general and civil engineer who served as commander of the Union Army of the Potomac during the Civil War, is the largest employer in the state of Maryland. It’s also the 6,000+ U.S. Army’s second largest installation in terms of employees. Staff and students from Anne Fort Meade’s first priority is readiness – ensuring that service members have the tools, infrastruc- Arundel County Schools on Fort ture, support while on duty, at home and in the community, to do the critical work they perform to carry Meade. Fort Meade also operates out their national security mission. Take a look at how the Fort Meade’s numbers impact us locally… three child development centers, with a fourth center under renovation, and planning for a fifth center underway. 55,000 $9 billion The number of employees is larger than the population of Annapolis Total wages paid at Fort Meade, (39,000). Forty percent of Fort Meade’s which is home not only to Army person- employees reside in Anne Arundel nel but also to Navy, Air Force, Marine County, with an additional 24 percent and Coast Guard personnel. Income in Howard County. It’s also import- earned by Fort Meade employees ant to remember that Fort Meade is a amounts to 8.5 percent of Maryland’s “forward-operating base,” or a front- annual revenues. line fort, said Tim O’Ferrall, general manager of the Fort Meade Alliance, an independent community organization $98,444 that supports the work and people of Average salary of personnel at Fort Fort Meade and helps Fort Meade drive Meade. economic growth in Maryland. “People deploy to Fort Meade just 11.1 million square feet like they deploy to any forward-oper- Amount of office space in Fort ating base. Service members are there, Meade’s 1,600 buildings. More than sometimes away from their families, half of all Department of Defense- and they are immersed in real-world related salaries are earned in the five challenges,” said O’Ferrall. square miles that comprise Fort Meade. Photo courtesy Fort Meade Alliance Fort Meade operates three child development centers.