SEXUAL HARASSMENT by Susan Kim Staff Writer Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace Has Been Getting a Lot of Attention – Both in the News and in Business

Home , Long Reach High School, Maria Ressa, Troy Park

January 2019 Volume 27 Number 1 YOUR FREE ISSUE COLUMBIA MALL: Great sales and new owner HACKER CONVENTION: Techmasters gather BIZKIDZ: Youth compete with new businesses The Business of Howard + Anne Arundel Counties and the BWI Business District What will it cost your business this year? SEXUAL HARASSMENT By Susan Kim Staff Writer Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace has been getting a lot of attention – both in the news and in business. After offering training on sexual harassment prevention for many years, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights has noticed a large uptick in interest this year, not only from state employees who are Photo courtesy of Live! Casino & Hotel required by law to complete such training, but from the private sector, too. Look at it more like “While we have seen a large number Is Maryland ready for the an investment in your of sexual harassment ❝ complaints come in, organization’s immune we’ve also seen more sports betting game? system. Take that employers reaching By Mark R. Smith gambling, 53 percent of registered voters favor doing preventive approach out to get ahead of it,” Senior Writer so (with 37 percent opposed and 10 percent having right up front.” said Spencer Dove, an no opinion). executive associate West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware have D.C. and Virginia are also making noise about with the commission. voted sports gaming into law. legalizing gambling, period; but even if sports gaming What if employers ignore it? Your business Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia is approved in both states and the District, it won’t potentially faces not only the cost of a lawsuit, but have not. result in a huge windfall, as was the case with the deeper-gouging costs related to retention and recruit- Those last three facts will be under discussion approval of slots. ment of staff and a tarnished reputation that repels when the next legislative session starts at noon on Where we are today,” said Frank Turner, recently customers. Jan 9, in Annapolis. retired delegate from District 13, who sponsored the As much has sexual harassment has captured the Session 2019 will come after the House passed sports gaming bill last session, “is in limbo. I haven’t headlines this year, it’s hard to pin a price tag on it, a bill to allow sports gaming in Maryland, but seen a bill put in for the upcoming session, but it’s though everyone from human resources experts to the Senate did not; and on the heels of a recent likely one will be. Then the question becomes, ‘Will the U.S Senate to human rights advocates are call- Washington Post-University of Maryland poll that there be an agreement between the House and the ing for more research on what those costs might be. revealed that, while voters likely will have to wait Senate as to what the bill will look like?’ ” Clearly, the costs are mounting. at two years to decide whether to legalize sports Last year, the House wanted sports gaming at the

continued on page 18 continued on page 10 GOLDEN CELEBRATION AND THEY'RE OFF KITTLEMAN REFLECTIONS Howard County Chamber marks Laurel Park looks to the future Former county executive reviews 50 years as the ‘voice of business’ as Pimlico seeks $425 million the ups and downs of public service page 3 page 5 page 12 2 The Business Monthly January 2019 Tourism spending grows past $17B Visitors to Maryland spent more so travelers return again and again. than $17 billion in calendar year 2017, Maryland tourism is open for business!” up 2.1 percent from the previous Tourism is Maryland’s 10th largest year, officials announced today at the private sector employer. The study Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit. showed that there was a 2 percent The study, conducted by Tourism increase in employment to 149,000 in Economics, also showed that $2.4 2017, and a 4 percent increase in wages billion in state and local taxes were to $6.3 billion. generated by visitors, which saved Starting in 2015, the Maryland every Maryland household $1,100. Office of Tourism Development “Maryland has so much to offer, it’s no began promoting Maryland as a travel surprise that tourism is one of our most destination to a number of states important economic generators and job and cities in the region, and last year creators,” said Governor Larry Hogan. reported visitors from New York have “Our goal is to give each and every visi- increased 10 percent, with visitors from tor, whether they are here for vacation Pittsburgh up 4 percent, and visitors or business, the best possible experience from Washington, D.C. up 3 percent.

PUBLIC RELATIONS 410.730.0316 [email protected]

Publisher and Editor Daniel Medinger Ad Sales Senior Writers Staff Writers Cathy Yost Mark R. Smith Susan Kim Regina Lasco George Berkheimer John Powers Kathy Berlin Art Director Political Analyst Billing Stacy Sutton Len Lazarick Doris Carbaugh Composition Photographer Social Media Pantea Tofangchi Mihir Majumdar Christen Murphy Regina Lasco www.bizmonthly.com 410-740-5077 Published monthly at 5397 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 17, Columbia, MD. Mailing address P.O. Box 1529, Ellicott City, MD 21041. Telephone 410-740-5077. Fax: 410-740-5888. Email: [email protected]. Comments are welcome. @ Copyright 2018. Subscriptions are $35 per year. January 2019 The Business Monthly 3 Howard Chamber marks 50 years By George Berkheimer and CEO Leonardo McClarty. “Now Early Days other for news, advice, business leads Senior Writer everything we do is electronic, it’s on Ed Kasemeyer, former District 12 and leadership. a computer, submitted online and filed State Senator, served as a past Chamber “Now it’s vibrant, highly sophisticated The Howard County Chamber of electronically.” and focused in terms of the number of Commerce (HCCC) marks its 50th president in 1980 and remembers the It was a time, he said, when the organization’s early days. employees and their functions, and the anniversary in 2019. speed of business was measured in depth they go to in terms of subject Established when Columbia itself “We didn’t have a home or a perma- days, and by most accounts, Columbia nent executive director,” he recalled. matter and skill,” Kasemeyer said. was just two years old, the Chamber was a sleepy town and Howard was a Along the way, the Chamber has followed a similar trajectory of “We rented an office next to the Clark sleepy county that business profes- building for our monthly meetings.” evolved to take on new roles and growth and evolution alongside its sionals passed through on their way to become a significant player in the home of record. It was during his term that the where the real action was, in Baltimore Chamber hired its first full-time exec- greater Baltimore economy, but still “When I look at the founding docu- or Washington, DC. maintained its basic identity as a local ments, they were done on stencil paper utive director, at that time a significant How times – and the Chamber – step in terms of expense and services business advocate. and typewriter in multiple copies,” have changed. observed current HCCC President when members still looked to each continued on page 18 Visit Howard County names executive director By Dan Medinger Welcome Center. Editor “I was grateful for the opportunity to learn about the county and how the Amanda Hof has been named the tourism office worked from the ground new executive director of Visit Howard up. I learned a lot about Howard County,” County. she said. Hof oversees all operations that Now in the top job, she plans to promote. the hospitality industry locally take advantage of the county’s location and nationally for the rapidly growing between Baltimore and Washington, county. D.C. “We have lots of meeting space Her staff of five full-time and several with traditional and unique venues. We part-time employees promote hotels, have first class amenities and the qual- restaurants, attractions and events. ity of life is great here.” They also staff the Welcome Center, She said that she plans to market located on Main Street in Ellicott City, the county in a “close radius” but she seven days a week. also sees national opportunities. She Chuck Chandler, Visit Howard is pleased with the Maryland Office County Board Chair said in a prepared of Tourism’s efforts which show “an statement, “Amanda is the right person increase in visitors and an uptick in at the right time to continue to grow spending.” and develop tourism and tourism-re- Hof said Visit Howard County will be lated events for Howard County now expanding local initiatives and increas- and into the future.” ing digital and mobile promotion efforts. Tourism is a big economic driver Last fall, Visit Howard County released bringing nearly three million visitors its first ever destination video. to the county in 2018 resulting in more “We want to do more data driven than 1.25 million overnight stays. marketing,” she said. “We are develop- The $1.1 million Visit Howard ing marketing campaigns to induce more County budget is raised mostly from overnight visitation. The longer visitors hotel taxes. stay, the more they spend.” According to the Visit Howard Notably, traffic to the Visit Howard County annual report, tourism supports County website has spiked 200 percent. nearly 11,000 jobs and generated The county tourism team has been $628.8 million in sales last year. recognized by the Maryland Office of Leading all of this promotional Tourism Development (OTD) – a divi- activity is Hof, who said that she sion of the Maryland Department of first promoted Howard County when Amanda Hof greets visitors at the Visit Howard County office in Ellicott City. Commerce – and the Maryland Tourism she asked her parents to move from Development Board (MTDB) for the Catonsville to the county when she was It wasn’t long before her family parks management from Frostburg first-ever Market Expansion Award four years old. moved to Ellicott City and she has lived University. “I was sure that I wanted to to recognize Visit Howard County, in “Howard County was a magical place in the county ever since. Hof now resides do something in Howard County,” she partnership with the Korean Society of for me,” Hof remembered. “It had the in Columbia with a family of her own. said. Maryland, for their work on Maryland’s Columbia Mall and the Enchanted A graduate of Centennial High School, She started with the Tourism Council Korean Way culinary trail. Forest. I loved the Howard County Fair.” she earned a degree in recreation and as a ghost tour guide and staffed the continued on page 10 4 The Business Monthly January 2019 Holiday sales grow Cegielski, also mentioning grocey Columbia Mall stores and gyms. “Any turnover is quickly being replaced with these types of offerings, as well we formerly sold to online-only retailers who moving into the physical space.” new owner Cailey Locklair Tolle, executive director of the Maryland Retailers Association, said mall owners are By Mark R. Smith Senior Writer focusing on creating experiences. “The addition of Dave & Buster’s at It’s been a busy month-plus for [Westfield] Annapolis is one example. Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc. (MCE) has been awarded $50,000 from the Business Finance area malls during what they, no doubt, It has a new food court, too, because Group to provide microloans to small businesses on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in the consider the most wonderful time of they want to offer a comfortable Baltimore-Annapolis area. Pictured from left to right Maurice Ames, executive director of MCE, the year – with sales expected to grow environment.” Senator Ben Cardin and Richard Frank, president & CEO of Business Finance Group between 5 percent and 5.6 percent Events like a Christmas tree lighting, from a year ago, according to Deloitte’s musical performance and getting pet SC&H plans Howard expansion annual holiday retail sales forecast. But now, it’s time to start focus- SC&H Group has signed an agree- the power of Oracle’s finance and ing on 2019, especially after General ment that will double its Ellicott accounting solutions. Growth Properties, the long-time The Mall in City office space early next year. The The new office footprint will allow owner of The Mall in Columbia was expansion will primarily accommo- the office to house more than 100 sold to Brookfield Property Partners ❝Columbia date the growth of the firm’s Business employees. The office redesign will in a $9.25 billion transaction. Performance Management (BPM) prac- focus on the important and evolving Representatives from Brookfield was sold in a tice group and investment banking needs of the Capital and BPM business declined to be interviewed for this arti- arm, SC&H Capital. practices – including modern, multi- cle. However, said Stephanie Cegielski, $9.25 billion SC&H Capital’s business special- functional space that can be used for vice president of public relations for izes in advising manufacturers, training, meetings, and video confer- the New York-based International transaction. clinical healthcare providers, govern- ences, as well as the latest technology Council of Shopping Centers, said the ment contractors, and other businesses for communicating with global clients. net number of malls in operation had pics taken with Santa are also increas- on mergers, acquisitions, and strate- “Growing our footprint in Howard increased “during the past five years ingly important. “They make shoppers gies to sell their companies. County makes sense. We have a strong and mall occupancy rates remain high, want to stay longer, like having a train The firm’s BPM group, which special- workforce presence here and are at about 93 percent.” for kids that runs through the malls izes in Oracle-Hyperion Enterprise conveniently located between SC&H’s To stay relevant, malls are diver- or even a tram for adults, or offering Performance Management (EPM) and other locations in Tysons Corner, VA sifying their tenant base to appeal phone charging stations.” Business Intelligence (BI) solutions, and Sparks, MD,” said Christopher to their communities. “In areas with Still, Locklair Tolle added that she’s is one of Oracle’s premier consulting Helmrath, SC&H Capital’s founder. Millennials and Gen Z, who want “not sure we’ve seen some struggling partners and advises clients ranging Partnering with Merritt Properties, more experiences, there are more malls come out of the deep end yet. from global Fortune 500 companies to SC&H Group’s Ellicott City expansion food and beverage choices, dine-in However, we are seeing is mall owners mid-market organizations leveraging is now underway. movie theaters and escape rooms,” said taking new approaches.” January 2019 The Business Monthly 5 Laurel Park track ready to host Preakness By George Berkheimer caught the attention of the Breeders’ Staff writer Cup board of directors, who are considering holding a future running of the The Maryland Stadium Authority cup in Laurel. (MSA) released its Phase Two Pimlico “The only commitment they’re look- Race Course Study on Dec. 13, providing for from us is what our full-scale ing three potential planning scenarios build out would look like and how long it ranging from partial redevelopment to would take,” Ritvo said. “I think we could complete demolition and redesign. see a Breeders’ Cup in 2022 or 2023.” With the start of the Maryland General Assembly’s 2019 session only What If... days away, it leaves The Stronach The MSA study has convinced Group (TSG), which owns both Pimlico TSG’s planners to consider relocating and Laurel Park, precious little time for Pimlico’s stables and shipping horses in legislative strategy. for race days, a standard model at other It also adds to the list of stresses tracks, but there’s a logistics problem. that have been piling up lately for the “Laurel couldn’t accommodate as Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), which many horses as we need, especially if operates the tracks and is currently we want to grow the business, so the focused on rehabbing several older Drawing Courtesy of Crossroads Consulting/Populous Bowie Training Center has become barns at Laurel Park, constructing six Conceptual rendering of full redevelopment at Pimlico Race Course. a very valuable instrument,” Ritvo new cinderblock barns, and finding a said. “We’ve thought about a complete location for a stick barn that will deliver accessibility concerns. Laurel’s Rising Stock rebuild and revitalization along the line 150 new backstretch dormitory rooms. The Phase Two study goes a In 2015, the MJC’s $7 million invest- of Palm Meadows. It would be a great “With everything going on with step further, developing a detailed training center.” Pimlico, changing the backstretch at ment in clubhouse and grandstand program of seating and hospitality improvements brought new dining Moreover, he noted, Bowie is more Laurel and possibly the resurrection of products considered ideal for hosting centrally located to Laurel, where most the Bowie Training Center, there’s some areas, new concessions, a new simulcast the Preakness Stakes, and optimiz- center and a new look to Laurel Park. of the year-round racing occurs. confusion within the organization as to ing the availability of land that could That quite naturally prompts what we’ll do next,” said MJC President “We’re continuing to improve, but be used for non-racing development Laurel is in its infancy of what we really an intriguing question: could the and General Manager Sal Sinatra at the opportunities. Preakness perhaps find a permanent Maryland Racing Commission (MRC)’s think we can do there,” said TSG COO The most drastic redevelopment Tim Ritvo. home at Laurel instead? December meeting. option calls for complete demolition, “Everything is on the table,” acknowl- Another thing on everybody’s minds He credited Belinda Stronach for including the tracks; realignment and setting a new course for the track after edged Ritvo. “Maryland owns the is the Canadian lawsuit filed in October construction of new tracks and a new Preakness, it’s a huge state event and against TSG President and Chairman taking a hard look at the industry. infield; construction of a new multi-use “People are betting more on our races we understand that, but the bottom Belinda Stronach by her father, TSG clubhouse with premium seating prod- line is that the economic impact that Founder and Honorary Chairman and we’ve outgained the industry on ucts; a new paddock plaza termed the market share through the last couple delivers a good healthy economy to Frank Stronach, and mother, Elfriede. Palio; and improvements to roadways as Maryland ... doesn’t revolve around The elder Stronachs are seeking of years,” Ritvo said. “We’ve done well as both on-site and off-site utilities. a good job with the racing product, the Preakness, it revolves around the $520 million in damages from Belinda At an estimated minimum cost of rest-of-the-year racing.” and TSG CEO Alon Ossip, alleging but [Belinda Stronach] thinks we’ve $424 million, it also requires moving lagged behind in the hospitality end of It makes little sense from a business mismanagement of assets and trust the Preakness to Laurel Park for two perspective to invest so heavily in two funds. the business, the entertainment, the years while the three-year project is refurbishment of the buildings and tracks, he added. “We view the ongoing litigation as completed, beginning immediately “We believe that a $120 million strictly a family matter,” said MRC innovation. She believes it’s one of after the 2021 Preakness event and the last [sports] industries that hasn’t investment in Laurel could give Executive Director Michael Hopkins. returning the race to Pimlico in 2024. us a super track that people would While the rest of the racing industry gotten into the times and evolved.” The study’s non-racing land use Enhancements planned for 2019 just be amazed at, and then the has taken the same position, nobody concept reserves four districts around Preakness could be run there, the DC can say for sure whether the outcome target digital innovations, including the track for residential, retail and way finding around properties, wager- International, and the Breeders’ Cup,” might have repercussions for the fami- commercial uses, and suggests that a Ritvo said. ly’s racing business. ing applications and new kinds of bets, shared-use infield could provide off-sea- he said. No matter what direction the collec- son public amenities including athletic Preakness 2.0 Aside from new fans, the strategy – tive stakeholders choose regarding fields, entertainment and leisure space. and the venue’s location between two Pimlico, “the decisions have to happen The MSA’s initial Pimlico Study metropolitan cities – might have also fast,” he said. “In all fairness, someday concluded that the facility’s physical that building’s just going to fail. We conditions threaten its continued exis- have to think about what the Preakness tence and the success of the Preakness looks like 100 years from now, not just Stakes. It proposed extensive reno- The venue’s location caught the attention of the the next two or three years. We have vations ranging from $248 million to two facilities and alternate solutions $321 million to address code, safety and ❝Breeders’ Cup board which is considering holding for the stadium, but everyone has to security, operational efficiency, revenue a future running of the cup in Laurel. work together to see if those satisfy enhancement, visitor experience and everybody’s needs.” 6 The Business Monthly January 2019

DOG THRIVELane, in Ellicott City. EXPANDS While boarding facilities are noth- 24-7 care ing new, “Our breadth of services, with grooming and training, isn’t the norm,” supports pet said Tyler Parker. The staff is on hand 24/7 from June through September at the Gambrills owners location, which hosts “about 70 dogs By Mark R. Smith Senior Writer per day. Annapolis hosts about 50,” Parker said, with costs running from A couple of years ago, four friends $25 for a half-day, $29 for a full day that happened to be two sets of broth- and various packages; suites cost $75 ers – Matthew and Mark Stewart, for 24 hours. and Scott and Tyler Parker – jointly Carmen Rustenbeck, CEO of embarked on new career chapters. the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Some said they were going to International Boarding & Pet Sitting the dogs but they are proud to have Association, called the setup of such founded Dog Thrive, aiming to get a facilities “a market issue. The local slice of the $72 billion pet industry. population dictates what’s expected,” Because there was a need for indoor/ she said. “What you see in New York outdoor pet day/night care service City is quite different than what’s in the Crofton/Gambrills area, they offered in a small town.” opened a location on Route 3 at Johns Rustenbeck said, “New Yorkers may Hopkins Road. In 2017, they opened want their white Westie to be even a second location near Westfield whiter, so they can order a blueberry read or aromatherapy. One facility in her zoning permit in 2008 and founded Annapolis (the mall) and are contem- masque, or request other options Wisconsin employs a chef.” Club Pooche, “That’s when the indus- plating another location on Bethany like special treats, having a story Anything that can be done for a try expanded,” she said, calling the human “can also be done for a pet. Columbia market “saturated. I have 20 That means opportunities for service competitors, including [the Snowden providers,” she said. “The big issue Square] PetsMart.” here is finding certified professionals She accommodates “up to 65 dogs and explaining to pet owners why that at $65 per day,” all costs included. approach is solid.” Kamens said clients need to be sure Elisa Kamens, owner of Club Pooche, to ask boarding facilities various in Columbia, concurs. She’s been in questions about costs, kennel cough, the business for 25 years and was “the sanitization, how emergencies are first person in the area who got proper handled, etc. zoning in Howard County to allow dogs There’s always plenty to know. in buildings,” she said. “What this industry is about,” said After caring for two dozen dogs in Rustenbeck, “is understanding what’s her home for many years, she received best for your pet.” Consumers deplete electric cars credits The Maryland Department of The monies for the Vehicle Excise Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Tax Credit were included in the Administration (MDOT MVA) Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2017. The announced that the Vehicle Excise legislation allows a tax credit of up to Tax Credit, which has been available $3,000 for electric and plug-in hybrid to the purchasers of qualified electric vehicles with a sale price up to $60,000. and hybrid plug-in vehicles, has been During the 2017 legislative session, Sponsorship Opportunities: Prominent visual recognition at event and on promotional material depleted. funding for the Plug-In Electric Vehicle $1,000 District Host Six tickets at table of 10 with District elected officials Podium recognition Since funding of the fiscal 2019 Tax Credit program was increased by Opportunity to distribute corporate literature at event program began in July, $3 million in more than 30%. Corporate logo on sponsor slideshow, signage & social media rebates have been requested, which Currently, there are 15,074 regis- $650 Table Sponsor Table of 10 seats with table signage is the full funding allocated by the tered electric and plug-in hybrid Podium recognition Corporate logo on sponsor slideshow, signage & social media Maryland State Legislature for this vehicles in operation in the state; fiscal year. Since July 2016, the Vehicle during the past two years, the number $350 Business Advocate Five tickets to the event Podium recognition Excise Credit has provided more than of registered EVs in Maryland have Corporate logo on sponsor slideshow $7.2 million in rebates and helped place doubled. Since 2015, the number of Register at www.centralmarylandchamber.org more than 2,500 electric vehicles on EV charging stations in Maryland have Maryland roadways. increased 35%. January 2019 The Business Monthly 7 Taking a look inside Google maps Gambrills photo firm brings the world to you By Mark R. Smith Adam Winer, director of business Senior Writer development for Odenton-based A.J. Properties, which owns Savage Mill, Seeing is believing. That phrase said few companies offer this service might be trite and tired, but to Frank “and he’s qualified via Google, which Clark, that’s been the mantra since is a huge marketing asset. Every busi- he began serving as vice president, ness owner is trying to get a leg up on corporate outreach of Gambrills-based their marketing efforts and BPA offers Business Photos America (BPA), an something truly unique.” international contractor for Google Winer said working with Clark Maps.It’s led to assignments taking “greatly increased the visibility of still photos and creating 360-degree Savage Mill and its stores. We featured images for a variety of businesses, ArtCraft (of which Winer is part owner) from defense contractors to fitness in our project, which boosted ecom- centers and from funeral homes to car merce and opened a new universe for dealerships. the store.” “Typically, we look around and get the scene ready to shoot with the Canon DSLR EOS 80D, with a special lens,” said Clark of the setup, which A 360-degree also includes tripods, rotators, GPS virtual experience devices and remote triggers. ❝ A 360-degree virtual experience for for a small a small company costs about $1,300, Adam Winer, of A.J. Properties (left), and Frank Clark, of Business Photos America, created a 360-degree video to market Savage Mill that garnered more than 28,000 views in a month. while big jobs can reach $100,000. In company costs the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, a about $1,300, while good example of the latter would be a contractor, “because the government big jobs can reach wants to see what kind of spaces these $100,000. businesses work from,” he said. Going Big BPA is in the midst of a huge proj- Google Juice ect with Kaiser Permanente (KP) that As for KP, Clare Callaghan, senior started in 2015. “The corporation digital consultant for the mid-Atlantic called us in to scan each of its medical states, said BPA will eventually shoot all offices. We’ve already shot more than 30 of the corporation’s current regional two dozen facilities in Washington, medical centers, and is adding three D.C., Virginia and Maryland,” said more next year. She said the virtual Kick it up a notch with Clark. “They seem to discover new experience tours “have contributed jobs for us every day, for corporate significantly to our search presence. and government reports, architec- “Our Google My Business dashboard Howard County tural updates, American Disability Act reports if similar businesses have (ADA) requirements,” and more. similar amounts of photography, and Restaurant Weeks And it’s not all local. “We’ve already we have significantly more imagery worked in Georgia, and we’ll also be than many others. We have about 100 heading to Colorado, Washington state, photos just for our Columbia Gateway Perfect for Entertaining Clients California and Hawaii. location, most of which were taken by Half of the projects include overlays, BPA,” she said, noting images can be January 21 - February 4 too. “We shot at a small college where added by clients and others. the dean comes on the image to address Moving forward, Clark noted that Warm and hearty plates at prixe fixe prices! the viewer. That deal also included a 2018 ADA requirement has him audio, hyperlinks and a menu system.” looking forward to a strong 2019. “It www.HowardCountyRestaurantWeeks.com Another recent client was Savage calls for businesses with more than 15 Mill. “We were going to use it during employees to have an ADA-compliant www.VisitHowardCounty.com an event, but the video went viral. We web site,” he said. “That’s meant even were expecting 2,600 views the first more work, since we have to update 800-288-TRIP(8747) month, but we got 28,000,” Clark said. the visual presence on many sites to “So, we nixed the event.” indicate those adjustments.” 8 The Business Monthly January 2019 Hacker convention is a family enterprise on the Shmoo Group’s project list, but rather a response to an on-stage Shmoocon incident at a Las Vegas security conference in which the speaker was not held gathers techies accountable. “One of our group members said, ‘We’d never let that stand if we ran the for 20 years conference, we should do a conference,’ ” he recalled. By George Berkheimer The Potters thought their colleague Senior Writer was joking – until he mortgaged his house to secure the seed money. Photo by Carson Zimmerman Running annually since 2005, the ShmooCon organizers Bruce Potter (front left) and Heidi Potter (front right) rely on a large “At the time there wasn’t a hack- team of volunteers to produce the annual hacker convention in Washington, DC. ShmooCon hacker convention in ercon on the East Coast,” said Heidi Washington, DC, is so popular that Potter. “There are many of them now, tickets for this year’s January event but ShmooCon continues to be a prod- Potter said. “We don’t make money off school students. sold out in less than 12 seconds. uct of an amazing group of volunteers of this, we’re not a nonprofit, and we “This year we had 36 Shmoozers and The event is the last vestige of the who show up, work, and support us release our financials at the Con every 82 students, so nearly half of those Shmoo Group, a band of security and every year, giving us many hours of year.” students were directly supported,” privacy professionals who joined forces their time.” In keeping with the spirit of hacker Heidi Potter said. some 20 years ago to collaborate on society, the organizers go to great projects, presentations and books. Broad Appeal lengths with ticket sales and a rapid, Cultural Exchange Since ShmooCon I, which attracted The convention’s stated purpose is Philosophically, Bruce Potter said, some 400 participants, the convention to provide an interesting atmosphere ShmooCon aims to provide people has grown to the point that its orga- for demonstrating technology exploita- wide viewpoints so they realize there’s nizers impose a limit of 2,200 guests. tion, inventive software and hardware In keeping with the more going on that what they see in The upcoming ShmooCon XV event, solutions, and open discussions of crit- spirit of hacker society, their own spheres, allowing public running from Jan. 18-20, will feature ical information security issues. ❝ sector and private sector attendees to 40 different talks and presentations on “We have a large contingent of barcoded badging meet one another and discuss trends subjects related to cybersecurity, cyber attendees coming from service acad- check-in helps attendees and policy. culture, encryption, electronic voting, emies and universities around the “The industry has grown up and and a host of late-breaking computer country, a lot of federal employees, maintain anonymity. formalized quite a bit, and I think security topics. commercial sector folks, engineers and it’s led to some preconceptions about To the casual observer, ShmooCon software engineers,” Heidi Potter said. cybersecurity,” he said. “You’ve got would appear to be just an ordinary It’s a venue where three-star barcoded badging check-in procedure to talk to the practitioners in a more industry convention with an arcane generals, researchers and directors of to help attendees maintain anonymity. casual setting, often times you can’t focus, but true to its nature, few agencies can mingle with the commer- “We don’t really know who’s at the really find out what’s happening any attendees are aware of the real truth cial sector, high school students, and conference until we’re there,” Heidi other way.” behind this facade: the whole event shadowy characters who introduce Potter said. Generally speaking, the hackercon is fundamentally a family enterprise themselves by their cryptic online Because of the emphasis on secrecy, scene promotes those interactions and orchestrated from the organizers’ handles. everything is run out of the Potters’ continues to push those conversations home in Ellicott City. Speaker tracks this year are cate- home. forward. gorized by offensive and defensive “It’s kind of a family business,” Bruce “These events are important to have Unplanned Roots topics, and a third track for topics that Potter explained. “The kids all pitch in, in the face of maturity and commercial- Shmoo Group Founder Bruce Potter fit neither description. they do graphic design, help update ization of the cybersecurity industry, and his wife, Heidi Potter, have spent There are also some fun diversions patches, whatever needs to be done.” we try to poke a little fun at that and their careers involved in computers that include the Lockpick Village, a For the past 10 years, ShmooCon be a little irreverent to help people and cybersecurity. hands-on learning experience focused has incorporated a charitable side, remember what’s really going on,” Currently the Chief Information on physical security operated by The giving away free t-shirts to attendees Potter said. “My day job is defending Security Officer for Herndon, Va.-based Open Organisation of Lockpickers, who donate a fixed amount of money networks. It’s important to remem- Expel, Bruce Potter ran his own cyber- as well as Hack Fortress, a combined to one of three charities: the Electronic ber that there are bad actors trying to security company with a partner in video game tournament and hacking Frontier Foundation, Hackers for do bad things to our enterprises and Ellicott City for nearly seven years competition that requires cooperation Charity, or a third option chosen to our public networks. Remembering before selling the business to Hanover- from teams of players engaged in each reflect the year’s themed event. To that they don’t always play by the based KeyW Corp. of the skills simultaneously to compete. date, cumulative donations total more rules and are a little irreverent as well Heidi Potter owns the company that than $60,000. helps people stay on their toes and runs ShmooCon and is the event’s lead Serious Fun Additionally, attendees can make good decisions around cyberse- organizer. ShmooCon is a serious convention Shmooze a Student by donating a $100 curity that are in the best interests of What’s ironic, said Bruce Potter, is covering serious topics, “But to be clear, stipend that is matched by ShmooCon the people and organizations they’re that a convention was never something this is something we do for fun,” Bruce to cover the cost of admission for high trying to protect.” January 2019 The Business Monthly 9 Q &Awith Sam Minnitte BWI Business Partnership readies for a new era By Mark R. Smith expand services. This is all a part of the Senior Writer “first and last mile” transit challenge. It’s the dawn of a new era for the BWI Business Partnership. Founded in 1993 as the BWI Commuter Assistance Center at a time when only a few Do you think the Linthicum Light Rail hotels operated within what was becoming the BWI Business District, it is station should close? now home to more than two dozen lodging options. The organization is also I’ve always wondered why it was a leader in promoting economic development in the area. there and assumed it was for walk-ups, With the hiring the entrepreneurial Gina Stewart as executive direc- given that it does not offer parking. tor, Board Chair Sam Minnitte, vice president and area manager with the I’ve never seen many folks stop there, Airport, in Northern Virginia] Baltimore office of engineering professional services firm WSP, is excited but I don’t know what the MTA would does. However, Maryland Aviation about the partnership’s new direction. gain by closing it, either. Administrator Ricky Smith and his team are always addressing efficiencies, What will the $1 million Anne Arundel we’re always looking for grants that What are your thoughts about expand- which allows BWI Marshall to success- County Local Development Council help make us more viable. ing Baltimore Washington Parkway? fully attract patrons from all over the (LDC) grant be used for? It’s critical that it happens. It’s Baltimore-Washington region. It will be used for the circulator bus What’s your opinion of the Mass a tough subject to tackle, due to the program for the county, which will Transit Administration’s (MTA) Light ownership of the parkway by the federal What would you tell residents who are allow for a full-time transit service to Rail service? government west of Route 175 and affected by noise around the airport? run through most of the high employ- Light rail has one really import- the state east of that artery; however, The Federal Aviation Administration ment areas within the BWI Business ant characteristic: it has a dedicated I know that MDOT [the Maryland manages the planes in terms of how District, including BWI Thurgood right-of-way and thus does not have Department of Transportation] and flights are directed and that’s where Marshall Airport, the car rental facil- the challenge of traffic with conges- [Secretary Pete] Rahn are working hard they need to focus. We cannot affect ity, Arundel Mills, Airport Square, the tion uncertainties. That’s important, on that issue. operations at BWI Marshall due to Cromwell Light Rail station (in Glen because when you look at transit, you It is so over capacity that more acci- federal program actions that it’s not Burnie) and other locations, to run analyze a series of options, such as dents have been occurring there. Maryland’s policy to address. However, more frequently. It currently serves pedestrian traffic, buses and bikes, and BWI Marshall, is doing all it can do about 200 passengers a day. more recently, shared rides and scooters. What will the upgrades to the BWI locally to work with the airlines and The purpose is offering options for MARC station accomplish? residents. What other grants has the partnership improved mobility. Remember, five received? years ago Lyft and Uber didn’t exist, and When I used the garage regularly, I was always shocked at how full it was What’s your take on the MagLev? We’ve received a beautification by 2025, they will be employing auton- at 5:15 a.m. It is a necessary option for intercity grant, also from the LDC. People omous cars. All of these will improve We recognize the value of the mobility, but we will need to address sometimes ask, “Why is the partner- mobility for patrons in the Greater station to the MARC Penn Line and area residents’ concerns. We look ship involved in beautification in the BWI Marshall area. Coordinating these the access it provides to the northeast forward to hearing more from the district?” But understand that how it alternatives is the need and challenge corridor. Construction will modern- MagLev team in 2019. looks and functions has much to do to improve mobility for all. ize the station from an infrastructure with perceptions of the market and standpoint. Construction is moving What would you like to see happen in people who want to establish a busi- How is the partnership getting involved quickly and it appears that it will be the BWI Business District? ness here. in microtransit opportunities? complete during the first half of 2019. We may also work on creating more Greater involvement that would By investing grant money in the At that point, I think the station will signage for the area, too. As a nonprofit, circulator and working with the MTA to help elevate the Greater BWI Marshall really take off. area as the economic engine between Washington and Baltimore that it truly is. What are your thoughts on the expan- We need to elevate the partnership’s sion at BWI Marshall? game to support this goal for the area’s The airport served 27 million thoughtful development and transpor- passengers a year ago. When I heard tation infrastructure, as well as local that news, I recalled a conversation I mobility. With the hiring of Gina and had with [long-time area businessman] a renewed focus by the partnership Lou Zagarino, when he mentioned that board, we’re poised to achieve that goal. BWI Marshall’s goal 20 years ago was to reach 2 million patrons; no one imag- Is joining the partnership economical ined the growth to 27 million. for small businesses? So, the expansion will only make It’s one of the best bucks a busi- a great airport even greater. Actually, ness can spend. We have about 200 the main challenge today is that BWI members from public and private Photo by Eric Stocklin Photography Marshall doesn’t have the real estate sectors, from the southern side of BWI Business Partnership Board Chair Sam Minnitte welcomes the crowd at a recent breakfast event. to expand, like Dulles [International Baltimore to Annapolis to Columbia. 10 The Business Monthly January 2019 Maryland to consider expanding gambling options continued from page 1 race tracks and the casinos; the Senate only wanted it at casinos. “That’s the hang up,” Turner said, “and I don’t think either side is rushing to take a position, since it can’t come into play until 2020, when it has to go to referendum” As for what legalization would mean for Maryland, Turner said in Las Vegas sports gaming only accounts for “5 percent to 6 percent” of gambling revenues, “so I don’t think it would be the kind of windfall people might assume it would be.” The state gets about $1.4 billion from casinos and $1 billion from the lottery, he said. “Sports betting won’t stop that.” The deal today, he said, is that With many gambling options already available in Maryland, state lawmakers will be considering adding sports betting. “people who really want this are very vocal, and they don’t want to drive [out enabling legislation will occur by Lastly, the 75-year-old Wire Act, a Super Bowl (LII), customers at the 198 of state] or go to Vegas to get it.” mid-2019. “Maryland almost got there federal law that prohibits information sports books in Nevada wagered $158 While Maryland has come to the last time,” he said, offering three issues sharing on national level for horse million – combined, they made $1.17 gaming party later than other states, to contemplate until then. racing, “needs to be updated, since it million. That was it,” she said, though Turner isn’t sure that’s a bad thing. First the legislature “must address restricts the sharing of betting patterns noting that other Super Bowls “made “People complained about how late whether they will give away licenses for across states. The immediate goal here,” much more money. It’s a volatile market.” we got into gaming here, but Maryland free, as most states do and as happens said Hooke, “is to legalize sports gaming So, don’t expect the earnings in is far ahead of other states in [gambling] with casino licenses, or sell them to in every state, give away the licenses Maryland or anywhere else to pay for revenues,” he said. “Much of that is to large corporations. They have a market for free and try to have a low betting new schools, roads or bridges. “But do with D.C. and Virginia not having it. and are worth millions. The state must tax rate – then establish the integrity it will add to employment and keep We even get people from North Carolina address that point from a taxpayer point system on the state level.” some money in the state,” she said. who come here and sightsee, too.” of view.” Nationally, 10 states have authorized Revenue Plus Next, the state “will need a regula- sports betting and approximately 20 While Turner would “like to see Three Points tory system” to police illegal conduct, others are pursuing authorizing legisla- agreement between the Senate and such as inside information, bribes, and tion, which is not lost on Joe Weinberg, House,” there won’t be any pressure this Jeffrey Hooke is managing director so on. “How are bettors being screened?,” CEO of Cordish Global Gaming, which year to get it done. of Hooke Associates, of McLean, Va., he said. “Other states haven’t put much runs Live! Casino, in Hanover. In addition, he said, the state has a and a senior lecturer with The Johns effort into monitoring the integrity “Maryland, with one of the smallest $1 billion surplus in revenue, “so there’s Hopkins University, and he thinks function.” populations in the U.S., has the fourth no pressure to raise more money. There highest gaming tax collections in the will be in a couple of years, because country, with more than $3.5 billion educational bills need financing and Visit Hoco gets new director to date,” he said. “It is important that prescription drugs for retired state Maryland casinos continue to have the employees need funding,” he said, “plus continued from page 3 program with our farms, breweries ability to offer a full suite of products the economy could [weaken].” From her office in the old Post Office and farm to table events. Restaurant to remain competitive with surround- With Turner retired, the point man building in Ellicott City, Hof said Visit Weeks are one of our most success- ing states which already offer, or will for a bill will be Del. Eric Ebersole Howard County is committed to doing ful campaigns.” Hof has coordinated shortly, allow sports betting.” (District12, Howard and Baltimore everything it can to help Old Ellicott the Howard County Restaurant Week counties), subcommittee chair for City recover. But she said efforts are also events since its inception 10 years ago. ‘Volatile Market’ finance resources in the Ways and underway to promote other commu- Last fall, the county hosted the That “could well happen in 2020,” Means Committee, the umbrella group nities including Elkridge, Laurel and US Quidditch Mid-Atlantic Regional said Jennifer Roberts, associate director for all gaming interests. He agrees that Savage. Championship at Troy Park in Elkridge at the International Gaming Institute it’s hard to ignore any extra money that Visit Howard County cultivates which brought 30 teams to the county at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. sports gaming would generate, as well signature events like the Festival of the that booked 238 hotel rooms. “They “What’s going on in the mid-Atlantic as a new synergy it would provide for Arts, the Sheep and Wool Festival, hot would like to come back. They had a is like the Mississippi-Louisiana rela- the overall gaming market. air balloons during the Preakness and great experience,” she said. tionship, where residents of Louisiana “Many people will be looking forward Wine in the Woods. Hof looks forward to growing gamble on sports in Mississippi,” she to the additional financial resources,” Other notable successes include Howard County’s tourism industry said. “The politicians of Louisiana said Ebersole, noting it could be directed bringing The Made Marketplace event with the board, staff and industry would rather have their people gamble to making community colleges debt free, to Elkridge and working with a local tour stakeholders. on sports in state.” 3-4 year old pre-kindergarten, school operator on the launch of Maryland “We want to work for all of Howard Roberts also said the revenues would construction, etc. Brewery Tours. County,” she said. “This is my dream job. not amount to as much as people think, “There would be,” he said, “plenty of “We have a robust agri-tourism I love promoting Howard County.” however. “For instance, before the last places to spend it.” January 2019 The Business Monthly 11 BY THE NUMBERS By Susan Kim, Staff Writer SNO WAY! Slick, thick, heavy and wet and it’s gotta’ go

Frosty may think it’s fun but most Marylanders dread the S-word. While many prepare for cancellations and closings, a small army of snow removal teams are prepared to push and plow so we can go about our business. Below, a numerical look at what goes into snow removal.

12-18 hours The time goal for Howard County, 1,036 after a 6-12” snowfall, to have all Miles of roadway from which Howard 32,500 Tons of salt stockpiled by Howard county roadways cleared. County removes snow every winter 27Degrees Fahrenheit or higher = County each winter in preparation for winter. Plus, 32,300 gallons of liquid the temperature at which salt is magnesium and 30,000 gallons of most effective after snow has 2,336 brine are at the ready, too. accumulated about an inch. Cul-de-sacs in Howard County that, 300 of course, also require snow removal People hired by SnowMovers to shovel or snow blow sidewalks during 20 the blizzard of 2010, commonly 23 Degrees Fahrenheit or lower = the Inches of average annual snowfall 13,000 referred to as “Snowmageddon.” Tons of salt stored by Anne Arundel temperature at which salt will not in Howard County, with the majority melt the snow and ice. In this case, 23 falling in January and February County at six different locations. A growing portion of Anne Arundel other methods are used, including Average number of out-of-state County’s fleet is also equipped with the use of calcium chloride to melt crews hired by SnowMovers during 15 the ice and snow. Inches of average annual snowfall in liquid calcium chloride pre-wetting a blizzard. Anne Arundel County equipment. Pre-wetting dry salt during its application helps the salt 26 adhere to the roadway. In contrast, dry salt can bounce, blow off the 135 Inches of average annual snowfall in Pieces of snow removal equipment, 40 roadway, and be less effective. the U.S. all with automated vehicle-locating Number of years Rooney Anderson devices to allow the Bureau of owner of SnoMovers has been in Highways and the public to see the snow removal business. “I was which Howard County roads have making money shoveling snow long been serviced. before I had my driver’s license,” he said.

The tolerance Washington Adventist Hospital has for snow and ice, leading them to hire the Severna Park-based company SnowMovers, Inc. The hospital, between offering emergency and patient care, being located on a hill, and maintaining a helicopter pad, presents one of the most challenging snow removal situations around for SnowMovers owner Rodney Anderson. At Washington Adventist Hospital, Anderson said, “We never let the snow get0 very deep,” he said, “so we constantly remove it. We shovel in between parked cars, we shovel all the curb lines. In a one-foot snow storm we might be there for two or three days nonstop. Crews go in 12-hour shifts.” 12 The Business Monthly January 2019 Kittleman reflects on decades of service A legacy of accomplishment follows former county executive By George Berkheimer His administration also advanced Senior Writer several significant projects initiated by his predecessor, Ken Ulman, Nine days out of office, former across the goal line, notably a redevel- Howard County Executive Allan opment plan for Long Reach Village Kittleman sits in an otherwise vacant Center and construction of the Leola dining area of the Bagel Bin in the Dorsey Community Resources Center Enchanted Forest shopping center, that provides housing units for taking shallow sips from a bottle of chronically homeless individuals and fruit punch. modern facilities for the Grassroots He’s giving one last interview Crisis Intervention Center’s homeless exclusively to The Business Monthly, services. reacquainting himself with the luxury of late afternoon down time, taking The Downs the opportunity to reflect on four Some of Kittleman’s darkest days years in county government’s highest were spent in Ellicott City. He shakes office. his head, gazing into the distance to recall the succession of challenges that While the two floods in Ellicott City had a major impact on the four years that Allan Kittleman served as Howard County Executive, he was also ubiquitous throughout the county. The Ups hijacked his attention in 2016. Looking back, Kittleman found “We had the biggest blizzard in the more purpose in identifying meaning history of Howard County in January, I in his administration’s accomplish- slept in my office six nights that week,” ments than in trying to rank them in he said. “In June we had a tornado that any particular order. went through 13 miles of Howard “[With] the NonProfit Collaborative County, then on July 30 we had the and the Community Resources Campus, first flood. Yeah, 2016 itself was a hard we have our human services almost all year for me.” in one location now,” he said, making July 18, 2018, the day Howard it easier for the people who need those County Firefighter Nathan Flynn died services to get them. in the line of duty, marked the lowest Preservation of the Harriett point of all for Kittleman. Tubman School and its repurposing as “I [accompanied] the deputy fire chief a cultural center constitutes a personal and the president of the Firefighters triumph, he said. “I’m proud of [what] Union to notify his wife, it was prob- we did with the ... Harriett Tubman ably the hardest thing I saw or did in Foundation and the school system, it my four years,” he said. “Around 5 a.m. was a joint accomplishment.” we were at her door in Havre de Grace His administration’s education and I was thinking, ‘Celeste is in there priorities included school construc- sleeping with her children, and her life tion and acceleration of the county’s is going to change in five minutes.’ A 13th high school to help relieve some low point for sure.” Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Seeing the fire service’s response (APFO) pressures and increase and the commitment of Flynn’s bipartisan administration,” Kittleman Kittleman said. “You don’t want the high school capacity; the cost-free colleagues to each other and the said, knowing he would be working State’s Attorney not in the court- ReadyRosie initiative to help fami- community was heartening, Kittleman with a majority opposition council. house, you don’t want the Sheriff’s lies better prepare pre-school-aged noted. “My Chief Administrative Officer was Department not in the courthouse children for entry into the school Likewise, he said, the resilience of a Democrat; my Chief of Staff was a when the Sheriff’s primary job is to system; and Achieve 24/7, focused on victims who survived two Ellicott City Republican; my two Deputy Chiefs of protect the courthouse.” improving outcomes in early childhood floods, the community’s compassion, Staff were both Democrats.” As to his decision to raze historic education, mental health, summer response and support, and the lack Several of the former executive’s buildings in Ellicott City, “I still think food access and support for children of partisanship in dealing with the decisions continue to stir debate, chief it’s the best way to go forward,” he said. at risk. aftermath of the disasters provided a among them the decision to replace Kittleman’s shifts on mulch From doubling the number of police measure of encouragement in the face the county courthouse. bill legislation and the Downtown officers working human trafficking of daunting crises. “People were talking about getting Columbia Tax Increment Financing issues to multiple prevention initia- a new courthouse when I was on the (TIF) plan garnered plenty of criticism. tives, “We did an awful lot to make The Clashes county council 20 years ago, but we State regulations require farmers this issue more visible,” Kittleman said. “I made a concerted effort to have a kept moving things around the county,” to get rid of mulch after a year, he January 2019 The Business Monthly 13

said, meaning it might make sense Something people may not know, County Executive Calvin Ball as well, work for?’, and they eventually figured for them to sell leftover mulch to the Kittleman said, is the support he make sure your family still comes first,” out that I work for them. That was my county’s composting program at Alpha received from a group of men who met he said. “Dr. Ball is up to the challenge. mantle for four years. Being County Ridge. “That’s one way I was going to be with him monthly to pray and hold It’s not an easy job. He has a whole Executive was an honor and a privilege, moving had I been reelected.” him accountable for making time for county wishing him well, including me.” something I’ll always be thankful to the In regard to the TIF, the business his family. He recalled, “When I visited our citizens of Howard County for allowing community criticized the county’s “That would be my advice for Howard schools, I asked the kids, ‘Who do I me to do.” ownership of a garage that would be used by a commercial property, while some council members felt the TIF should have been reevaluated rather than simply changing the infrastructure it covered. “It was frustrating that we were trying to compromise and make it work for everybody,” Kittleman said. Aside from the major development the TIF enabled, “Merriweather would never have been given to the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission as early as it was without the TIF ... and we wouldn’t have had 900 affordable housing units downtown,” he said. Thankful Departure After four years in office, what has Allan Kittleman learned? “What was surprising was the commitment of the people who work for Howard County, and that goes to the top,” Kittleman said. “I learned how great ... professional associations are, particularly those that I maybe didn’t have as strong a respect for when I ran for office, and the resiliency of our community. When something happens in Howard County that may be considered negative, man, does the community come out.” He added, “Things even happen outside of our community and we have to have a town hall because we’re upset, and that’s okay. I’d much rather do this than have a community that’s apathetic.” 14 The Business Monthly January 2019 Entrepreneur Expo seeks connections Maryland tech sector preparing for innovative collaboration By George Berkheimer different stages of development. Senior Writer “We’re getting really good feedback from that,” said TEDCO CEO George Now in its eighth year, the Maryland Davis. “We’re trying to get more money Technology Development Corp. for our venture side as well. I think (TEDCO)’s Entrepreneur Expo moved we’re totally undercapitalized.” further afield in 2018 to highlight the Currently, TEDCO is working with importance of community and place the governor’s office on new ideas to making. improve the startup environment. More than 900 entrepreneurs, inves- “We have all this great service deliv- tors and business leaders attended ery, all these research assets, but the event at The Hotel in College Park, we’re not connected; it’s kind of a the anchor of Discovery District West, fragmented ecosystem,” Davis said. the first phase of the University of “We’re working very hard to bring that Maryland Discovery District. together through partnerships with Taking shape under the guiding other state agencies and bringing the hand of Ken Ulman, chief strategy offi- private sector more into play.” cer for economic development at the One of the most promising changes University of Maryland College Park TEDCO CEO George Davis (left) interviews AOL Co-founder Steve Case during the 2018 on TEDCO’s horizon is a new commu- Entrepreneur Expo in College Park. Foundation, the project will soon be nity development program created home to a collection of startups, estab- under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Bank, two U.S. intelligence agencies startups and job creation, Case said he lished technology businesses, and the that will enable private investment in and another in the United Kingdom. has observed a lack of the connection venture capital, legal and accounting economically stressed Opportunity In the blockchain arena, the tech- and collaboration that are hallmarks of firms that support them. Zones. So far, the U.S. Treasury has nology is poised to move beyond its Silicon Valley. “We have always been a great univer- designated 149 such zones in Maryland. initial cryptocurrency and supply chain “People who should be working sity, but we haven’t always been a great “It has the power to unleash hundreds applications. together often don’t even know each innovation ecosystem,” Ulman said. of billions of dollars sitting in untapped “I think it’s got a lot of potential in other,” he said. “Figuring out ways to “That’s what we’re working really hard on.” capital gains,” Davis said. “Here’s the many areas across healthcare, health drive that collaboration are critical. Tenants of the newly opened opportunity to take that money and research and very specific niches of There are a lot of things that are basic Diamondback Garage, a startup hub move it to a shelter ... that will focus research including stem cells,” said that can be worked on.” located on the first floor of The Hotel’s on investing in areas of need. It’s going Sean Manion, CEO of Windsor Mill- The first wave of the Internet parking structure, include Capital to be huge.” based Science Distributed, a science involved getting everybody connected, One’s technology innovation lab and and health research business. and the second wave saw the estab- enterprise data management provider Deep Trends “There are pitfalls we need to watch lishment of software services and Immuta. Among trending topics explored out for before mass adoption can occur,” applications on top of the Internet. Software giant Adobe has also at this year’s Expo were the complex added Tim Gilday, technology acceler- The third wave – integrating tech- located a research laboratory adja- domains of blockchain technology and ation principal for General Dynamics nologies to meaningfully improve cent to the garage. Other neighbors artificial intelligence (AI). IT. “Once we crest that hill, blockchain healthcare outcomes, food and agri- expected by spring include the Brendan Immuta is one of the fast rising will be unleashed on a more commer- culture, education, government Iribe Center for Computer Science and companies working to evolve the role cial scale.” services and other important aspects Innovation across the street, and the of data science and AI across industries. The challenge that lies ahead, he said, of life – will not only drive entrepre- first WeWork co-working office space “We built a way where data scien- is to create a more robust technology neurship for the next 10 to 20 years, in a campus environment. tists, data owners and lawyers can that allows changes without breaking Case said, but will once again redistrib- Activity is also underway at the work together on a single platform,” the integrity of the blockchain ledger, ute opportunity geographically and second phase Discover District East, CEO Matthew Carroll told participants one example being the expungement of demographically. located near the College Park Metro attending a morning panel on the topic. Department of Justice files or subpoe- Last year, Case said, California, New station. “We had to automate the legal engineer- nas after a specified period of time. York and Massachusetts claimed 75 “We are signing leases with private ing part into the data science process.” “We’re investigating ways to have percent of venture capital investing, sector companies there as well, and the That may not sound very exciting, malware injected into blockchain with one percent going to Maryland. Purple Line will run through all of this but the result is akin to building ethics so you set a certain time and then More than 90 percent of those funds and provide connective tissue to our into complex decision-making code. In malware destroys information from went to men, but less than one percent Discovery District and main campus,” the intelligence community, for exam- the inside,” he said. went to African Americans. Ulman said. ple, it could enable data scientists to “I think you’re going to see innova- build algorithms for analyzing raw data Third Wave tion dispersed, I think you’re going to Opportunity Zones so that machines learn to exclude data Steve Case, chairman and CEO of see a lot more companies in places like Since revamping itself as TEDCO pertaining to U.S. persons, ensuring Revolution LLC and co-founder of Maryland break out and be the next big 2.0 last year, the early stage venture that the computer-aided process does America Online, delivered the day’s successes,” he said. “I think that’s actu- capital investor created a new Gateway not break any laws. keynote. ally critically important for our country. Services concept designed to better Immuta’s initial clients include During his Rise of the Rest bus I think we need to have a more evenly support the needs of startups at Mercedes-Benz, Barclays Investment tours of the United States to promote dispersed innovation economy.” January 2019 The Business Monthly 15 KID-PRENEURS BizKidz dive into the shark tank By Susan Kim The shark tank event was also Staff Writer supported by the Maryland Lt. Governor's Office, Girl Scouts of “Who wouldn’t want their hands to Central Maryland, Howard County smell like cotton candy?” Chamber of Commerce, and Howard For 9-year-old Serena Soldavin, this County Public School System (HCPSS). question is an important part of her Judges included Howard County business pitch for“Serena’s Soaps and State’s Attorney Kim Oldham; Mary Scrubs.” Schiller, manager of HCPSS part- As she hands her customers a pastel nerships; and Anne Arundel County pink-and-blue bar of soap, Serena Councilman Pete Smith. explains why her soaps are made of the As the judges circled the exhibit floor, “finest ingredients.” the young entrepreneurs explained The young entrepreneur began their wares and their reasons for start- making soap when she received a ing a business in the first place. soap-making kit as a gift. Now, she said, Khalik Newbold, the 11-year-old “I have whole vats of ingredients and I CEO of New Bold Works, talked easily don’t use a kit anymore.” about his goals: “I love to make money!” Her pitch – and perhaps the effect of he said. When his family drove to the cotton candy scent – went over well Colorado last summer, he and his father with a panel of judges at a November collected rocks. “My dad shaped one of “Biz Kidz” Market Day and Shark Tank the rocks into a heart for my sister. I Competition at Long Reach High School thought, ‘We can make money off of in Columbia. this.’ ” Serena was the elementary Khalik’'s short-term goals are to buy school-age winner among two dozen a cash register and a receipt machine. competitors. He brims with confidence. He said, “I Danielle McNerney, founder of “Save will be a successful businessman and I the Moms” Recipe Cards, won the high will help other people reach their goals.” school category for her business that BizKidz founders Dr. Marlene teaches kids to cook. “Every time I’m Jackson and her daughter, Ashley Nine-year-old Serena Soldavin, founder of “Serena’s Soaps and Scrubs.” not thinking about schoolwork, I’m Jackson, created the organization to single-parent household, Jackson said and her daughter, a counselor for thinking about this business,” said empower young entrepreneurs with she and her seven siblings did not have Baltimore County Public Schools, first Danielle, who won a $500 scholarship. the guidance, resources and tools they many opportunities or much money to founded Le’ Chic Academy, which Biz Kidz Academy is a faith-based need to be confident, cultivated, and participate in things that would inspire started out as a girls’ empowerment non-profit developed to inspire young self-assured decision makers. them to reach their goals. program before evolving into Biz Kidz. entrepreneurs ages 5-18. Growing up in Chicago in a Now a Columbia resident, Jackson

n Customized staff training with the n Nursing and allied healthcare Discover the Value of Learning Business Training Center, programs and courses Howard County’s at Howard Community College n Degree and certificate programs Maryland WorkSmart Center for in-demand careers Programs, courses, and training that can n Professional certification n Accounting and CPA exam programs help your business and employees candidacy work smarter and better. n Project Management Professional n Center for Hospitality and Culinary certification and courses (PMP) Learn more about the value HCC can bring to Studies n Society for Human Resources your business, organization, and employees. n English language training Management training (SHRM) for professionals to improve howardcc.edu/business n Cyber and information technology English in the workplace and degrees and certificates understand U.S. work culture n Center for Entrepreneurial n Internships, career fairs, and Business Excellence job listings 16 The Business Monthly January 2019

AthelasBy Len Lazarick Institute: Putting the disabled to work Named for a healing herb in the Lord of the Rings books, the Athelas Institute began small in 1976, serving about 20 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a staff of three or four people based at Catonsville Community College. Today, with a headquarters on Red Branch Road in Columbia, Athelas (ATH-uh-las) serves over 350 clients with a wide range of disabilities and a staff of 250 in Howard, Baltimore and Carroll counties, including 19 residential homes. The state and federal government provide most of its $13 million budget. Not as well known as some of the local ARCs and Humanim, which provide similar services, Athelas was somewhat publicity shy until recently, when it began greater outreach to businesses and the community at large as it faced new challenges. The state is making a major change in how reimburses care providers like Athelas and there are even stronger government requirements that its clients work or volunteer in the community. Major change It all represents a massive change from the 1960s, when large institutions once housed the developmentally disabled out of sight and out of mind. Even the idea of “sheltered workshops” where the disabled were paid subminimum wage “is no more,” said Athelas executive director Diane LaSov. “The philosophy now is that everyone should be seven years ago and now works there full time in minimum wage leads to high turnover. having community experiences and integrated in the maintenance department. “You’re working with people and you have a lot of the community. So even our least capable folks are “Maintenance is a great thing,” Powell said enthusi- responsibility because you’re caring for that person,” out and about in the community. They volunteer at astically in an interview. His supervisor and job coach said Andrea Callahan, director of day services.” So, soup kitchens or the library or wherever. They can picks him up at home “and then he tells me the plan it’s a lower paid field but if you are the right person, do Meals on Wheels and they also get involved in for the day, what I’m going to do, and what he’s going the worth of what you’re doing for humans is what activities of their choice for their enjoyment” to do. So we split up. When he does electricity, I do drives you.” LaSov has witnessed all the changes over her 39 raking; after raking, I go do painting. If he does paint- years with Athelas. She took over as executive direc- ing, I do plumbing ... I love this job.” Hard to retain staff tor last year after the death of founder Ray Jordan. Some day he’d like to work at an electronics or “Staff retention in this field is hard for any agency “What kept me here all that time was the ability appliance store. Other clients have moved on from but we have good people that have been retained to learn new things all the time I’ve done program volunteer tasks to full-time work, such as a woman a very long time,” Callahan said, who returned to management. I’ve done H.R. I’ve done admissions. who loved animals and began as a volunteer doing Athelas after supervising a larger program in New I’ve done a little bit of everything over all these years.” clean-up at an animal shelter. After watching the York City. “Years ago veteran staff that we have now, The state is now insisting on “Employment First” spaying and neutering, she has moved on to be a they would come in and they’d love the guys and it for adults with developmental disabilities, but that veterinary technician and is now working in doggy just became their career. We have many people here has always been part of the Athelas model. day-care. 20, 30 years.” In its first years, Athelas had its clients working in “Everybody can do something even for an hour “It’s more difficult getting the newer ones in now the recycling business, collecting paper long before at a time,” LaSov said. “It’s all very individualized and holding them,” with the attraction of higher counties made it a standard part of their trash removal. based on the person’s choices and needs and what wages at McDonalds or Walmart, Callahan said. Now, through its Supported Employment program, they want to do. But we try to get everybody out,” “Part of our job is teaching the community how to the institute places clients in businesses with job even if it’s just miniature golf or listening to a music accept people that are different. As diverse as Howard coaches that assist them with a transition into a performance. County is and as wonderful as they are with disability regular workplace, doing work suited to their abilities. Integrating into the community can be a fear- we have some citizens that are not so kind to people some experience for the clients who might prefer the that are different and we’ve had some issues. There’s ‘I love this job’ comfort of home, and is hard work for staff whose been times I’ve had to call the police just to help my James Powell is one of those. Now 27, Powell job is to help them fit in with new tasks and new individuals in a library or in a park.” was adopted from Romania at age 5 and went to surroundings. That hard work along with reimburse- The institute and its fellow providers want more Maryland schools. He began at Athelas part-time ment from the state that has barely kept up with businesses to understand that there is a work force January 2019 The Business Monthly 17 Athelas Institute: Putting the disabled to work

Athelas Institute by the numbers

•HQ: 9104 Red Branch Road, Columbia 21045 •Staff: 250 •Clients: 350-400 intellectually and developmentally disabled •Budget: $13 million •Residential homes: 19 homes serving 64 people in 3 counties •Dances: Once a month for 18 years available that can be supported by job coaches. “Staff will go with them until such time that they’re comfortable in their job and they understand all the requirements of that job,” said Callahan. Besides the difficulty of the work itself and the low reimbursement rate for many of its staff, Athelas and the other providers are also facing a big change in how the state reimburses them. In the past, the state has paid for the services they provide up front every quarter, then the payments were adjusted based on the number of actual clients and the kinds of services rendered. Now the state wants them to bill for services as often as weekly. “That’s a bit nerve racking,” says LaSov. “We’re not quite sure how long they’re going to take to pay. They’re saying it’s a quick turnaround. That’s what they’re saying. And you hope that’s true.” And the providers hoping for a bridge loan to take them through the transition. All pictures are courtesy of Athelas Website 18 The Business Monthly January 2019 Safe workplaces prevent harassment continued from page 1 to another job or another location to A 1988 survey, answered by person- Big problem: Bigger Costs “protect” them. nel and human resources directors and Finally, Taylor said, if you have never equal opportunity offices representing ❝√ More than 70 percent of women and 27 percent of men received a complaint of any kind related 3.3 million employees at 160 corpo- say they have been sexually harassed at work. to sexual harassment, ask yourself: do rations, found that a typical Fortune people feel comfortable complaining? 500 company lost $6.7 million a year √ Out of court settlements cost $125,000 and more because of absenteeism, low produc- √ Low productivity, staff turnover and absenteeism A new era tivity and staff turnover as a result of Sexual harassment has been around sexual harassment. follow hostile work environments a long time, pointed out Amy Polefrone, In 1994, the Merit Systems online, perhaps after sitting through a that, through sophisticated instruc- president and CEO of the HR Strategy Protection Board estimated that, over slide presentation and checking a box? tional design, truly puts people in Group in Ellicott City. “It’s illegal under the course of two years, sexual harass- That type of training doesn’t work, each other’s shoes. One of the many the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII,” ment in the federal workforce cost the agreed Levitt and many others in the important concepts Kantola focuses she said. Yet, until comparatively government a total of $327.1 million as field. “The reality is that we have to on is “bystander intervention,” or ways recently, sexual harassment prevention a result of job turnover, sick leave, and change behaviors,” said Levitt. “As an to support your coworkers when you training was a “check-the-box” routine. decreased productivity. organization, we have to hire people witness harassing behavior. At its heart, good training should In 2017, the human resources that have behaviors we want to emulate.” The key to good training is real-life be about gathering people together to consulting firm ERC estimated that, scenarios, agreed Tara Taylor, direc- answer a positive question: what kind assuming that a sexual harassment Nurturing a healthy workplace tor of Education & Outreach for the of workplace do we want to have? claim is settled out of court, the average Instead of thinking of sexual harass- Maryland Commission On Civil Rights. As the millennial generation and cost to an organization runs anywhere ment as a hopelessly inevitable fact of Taylor also recommends having clear younger generations enter the work- from $75,000 to $125,000. office life, start thinking about a mind- timeframes in policies that outline force, they are increasingly choosing ful approach to developing your team’s when a response to a complaint should workplaces in which harassment of How can businesses avoid capacity to prevent harassment in the be expected. “Most state agencies have any kind is unacceptable. And, perhaps these costs? first place, suggested Sarah Rowell, to investigate and respond within 30 in part due to anti-bullying training Eileen Levitt, president of the CEO of Kantola Training Solutions, a days,” she said. “But private businesses they’ve had in their school years, this Columbia-based The HR Team, Inc., company that has trained more than and nonprofits don’t always have a generation is proficient at identifying recommends three steps: have a policy, 13,000 organizations in sexual harass- clear timeframe.” and combating harassment on the spot. follow that policy, and train your ment prevention in the last five years. A common mistake by employ- “Readiness training” in sexual managers and employees. Look at it more like an investment ers is retaliation against the alleged harassment prevention seems key If this sounds over-simplified, ask in your organization’s immune system,” victim for complaining, Taylor added. to creating a team that protects each yourself what your company’s policy on Rowell said. “Take that preventive “Sometimes employers are uncon- other. It’s time, said Polefrone: “Dust sexual harassment is and what it means. approach right up front.” sciously retaliating,” she explained. An off your policy, and ask yourself: how Is it something you blindly signed Kantola uses story-based training example? Moving alleged victims away do we respond?” Howard Chamber begins 50th anniversary celebration continued from page 3 with the creation of the Jim Rouse and the Chamber was very much a part “One role that hasn’t change is provid- Entrepreneurial Fund. of the conversations we were having,” ing a way to get [members] substantive “The economy was coming out of she said. “Its leaders helped inform our information to help them make deci- a recession, and we recognized that decision making.” sions in a more timely fashion, which more jobs were being created by small continues to add value,” McClarty said. business than by big businesses,” Milestone Events Armiger said. “Our idea was to get the These days, the Chamber’s role also Meaningful Spinoffs commitment of eight banks to put up a extends to helping partners in educa- Along the way, HCCC has had a hand combined $250,000 to start a low-inter- tion, and it serves the government in creating some of the most meaning- est loan fund for startups.” contracting community by continuing ful quality of business life aspects the When the Chamber asked for permis- to refine its GovConnects program. county has to offer. sion to use Rouse’s name, the Columbia To mark the milestone, the Chamber “The Chamber was the original developer challenged the organization Howard County Economic Development plans to introduce the anniversary founder of Leadership Howard County,” to think bigger and target $1 million. Authority (HCEDA) in 1992. theme into events that it already has in McClarty noted. “It was an affiliate of Two years later, Armiger said, the Dyan Brasington, now executive vice place, rather than create stand-alone the Chamber for a number of years and fund had amassed to $3 million. president for Economic Development events that compete for attention. we were housed in the same space until By the year 2000, the fund had for the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, led “Our annual signature event, typically it found its own office.” provided more than $1,000,000 in the HCEDA from its existence as a small held the first Friday in October, will be In 1992, under the presidency of funding, leading to the creation of more county organization to its inception as a Saturday event and a black tie gala,” Orchard Development’s Chair and than 250 new local jobs. a stand-alone authority. McClarty said. “We’ll plan to do some- CEO Earl Armiger, the Chamber The Chamber also played a small “We consulted with many other thing special with our annual meeting spun off another successful mission but important role in the start of the economic development organizations, in May.” January 2019 The Business Monthly 19 Howard County: At the Center of Cyber By Larry Twele and our efforts have worked. Howard County is Cyber Central. We are building upon these efforts It became that before we realized it. New companies land in early 2019 as we look to open an Before the media started paying atten- Innovation Center in Howard County. tion. Before it was cool to be in cyber. here, companies This resource will be a centerpiece to ❝ support the growth and development Before people even thought about what start here, companies their digital footprint was. Before it of this sector, providing the programs even got a name. relocate to and from and strategic partnerships needed to This area became the epicenter here, but they don’t foster small business innovation. and it happened naturally; growing, New companies land here, compa- expanding and evolving. Each success leave here. nies start here, companies relocate to and failure spurred more attention, and from here, but they don’t leave more innovation, and more invest- here. They may move to and from one ment in the community. Ideas became have seen it day after day, year over of our neighboring jurisdictions, but bolder and companies grew bigger. year. Companies start, make break- they don’t leave the thriving commu- This community quietly became one throughs, spin off new companies, get Larry Twele, CEO of the Howard Count nity in this region. of the nation’s leading cyber centers, acquired, employees turn ideas into Economic Development Authority As economic development profes- just out of the public eye. companies, founders invest in the next sionals, it is our job to support these Initially fueled by talent out of the big thing, and firms leave the nest. All nestled in secure facilities, encased companies and connect them to the Department of Defense and Ft. Meade, this activity raises the profile of the in unassuming office buildings, there community to aid them in their growth. the industry meticulously grew, along entire region higher. are also internationally recognized With each company we support, the with the need for information security. The cyber industry continues to sow companies choosing to make their entire region benefits. Together, we The innovation of employees, success and reap its innovation right here in our future here in Howard County. From have created a market that now can of neighboring firms and pressure of county. This region has nearly twice as defense to agriculture, their services compete against any national market competing companies expanded the many cyber professionals as anywhere have become vital for every industry, who wishes to rival us. momentum sustained by the ever-in- else in the country. The best of the best, and are now as important as facility This industry is here to stay. The creasing amounts of investment and from leading markets all over the world, and financial security. Often, the firms innovative professionals who support entrepreneurship. are packing up and relocating here doing the most incredible things don’t it have found something special here, Thus, success begets success. We to play in the major leagues. While have names on their buildings, sales and Howard County is at the heart of some companies surreptitiously grow pitches on their website, or come up that effort. Our combination of geog- in conversation. raphy, welcoming business community, We are proud to serve this unique high quality of life, and access to the and expanding market. Several years industry’s leading talent has made ago, we made a special effort to us a “must be” location. Seemingly, Thayer elected Better support the growth and expansion as soon as a company outgrows their of this industry in Howard County space, another moves in. Despite new as part of our business development construction underway and steel going Business Bureau chair strategy. As a team, we have traveled up in the air; vacancy rates remain low. Arlene R. Thayer, executive vice to many of the world’s largest cyber This is a unique time for Howard president and chief operating officer security conferences, together with County and the surrounding region. at KatzAbosch, was elected chair of many of the business who already call We are proud to continue to do our the Better Business Bureau of Greater Howard County home. Collectively, part to support the incredible cyber Maryland’s Board of Directors. we are ambassadors for this region, security industry and are humbled they As a private, non-profit organi- promoting the unique combination of have chosen to make Howard County zation, Better Business Bureau is resources and community present here, their home. dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers by establishing consumer confidence and advancing a Practicing Estate Law in Greater Howard trustworthy marketplace for all. They do so by setting and upholding high County for Over 20 Years standards for fair and honest business behavior. Thayer, along with a new group of accomplished business leaders, were appointed at the September meet- experience. She has been involved with ing of the Better Business Bureau’s a number of boards and committees. Board of Directors. The board sets In addition, she has won numerous policy, approves new applicants for awards recognizing her mentoring and Accreditation, and advances BBB’s leadership qualities. Exclusively Estate Law mission. Founded in 1969, KatzAbosch is Thayer joined KatzAbosch in 2003 one of the largest CPA and business Wills • Trusts • Probate • Medical Directives • Special Needs Planning • Charitable Planning & More and has over 20 years of industry consulting services in the region. Rockville • Columbia • D.C. • Northern Virginia • 301-468-3220 • altmanassociates.net 20 The Business Monthly January 2019 Tax collector more popular than governor Peter Franchot is carrying on a major windfall, as has a Supreme long tradition on Maryland: A tax Court ruling collector more popular than the ANNE ARUNDEL POLITICAL permitting taxing of all Internet governor. by Len Lazarick sales. It was a tradition begun by the These leave the state with late great Louie Goldstein, comp- perhaps $1.6 billion more to troller for almost 40 years until spend in the coming year. Franchot his death in 1998. Franchot has wants the governor and legislators a corner office in the treasury to put it all away in the rainy day building named after Goldstein, fund, recalling the drastic midyear whose statue stands outside budget cuts he helped make after Franchot’s window. the 2008 recession. Like Goldstein, Franchot hands “I know the General Assembly out medallions, heavier and more will be considering a number of elegant than Goldstein’s, but very worthy and critically import- without his trademark send-off, ant programs and proposals in “God bless you all real good.” Like the upcoming year,” Franchot said Goldstein, Franchot crisscrosses when announcing the latest reve- Maryland, talking to business or nue estimates. civic groups, as he did to a sold-out But Franchot freely admitted to BWI Business Partnership break- the business breakfast, “I’m sure it fast last month. will be completely spent by the end “You may roll your eyes at this, of the session.” but as the state tax collector I As the man who collects all the received more votes for state office taxes, and signs all the checks, than any Marylander in history,” Franchot can take positions on Comptroller Peter Franchot glee- spending but, unlike a sitting fully told them. “And if you bump governor, he doesn’t actually have into Governor Hogan, could you to do anything about it. tell him I happened to get 300,000 more votes than he did?” A perilous run for governor (Gov. Larry Hogan likes to This is what makes a run for remind people than he just got governor more perilous than more votes than any Republican in his record-setting vote totals Maryland history.) would suggest. The Democratic Democratic Sen. Chris Van Party State Central Committee Hollen “got 20,000 more votes – activists elected by Democrats than I did” in 2016 when Franchot across Maryland – recently chose wasn’t on the ballot, he concedes in Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot spoke to the BWI Business Partnership Dec. 13. a new state party chair, Maya a brief interview. Rockeymoore Cummings, wife of “Other than that, I am numero Rep. Elijah Cummings, to lead a more progressive uno,” Franchot said. No wonder that Franchot is happy with the job party out of its two-term shutout for governor. that he has now. It is a lot easier than being governor, These activists have been complaining for years A potential run for governor but has some of the same perks. He gets an executive that Franchot is no longer a real Democrat, especially As the most popular Democrat on the ballot for staff, a state SUV with a state trooper to protect and given his coziness with Hogan. the last three gubernatorial elections, “People are drive him, and he gets to serve as an equal vote with If he ran for governor, Franchot would actually saying you might run for governor,” I said to him. the governor on the Board of Public Works, approv- have to take detailed positions on beefing up fund- “Well that’s a long, long time away. I’m very happy ing over $10 billion a year in state contracts. ing for the school reforms proposed by the Kirwan with the position I have and I’m not term limited.” This board also gives him a bully pulpit on all Commission, on expanding health insurance, on “And you will be 75,” I pointed out. manner of state issues, and he’s particularly used it easing Maryland’s increasing traffic crunch, on “Exactly.” to campaign for better maintenance of state schools understaffing at prisons and on a host of other issues “But 75 is the new 65,” smiled Franchot. and air-conditioning for schools in Baltimore City where his current views seem out of step with the “Seriously, I am flattered that people would say and County. Beating up on bureaucrats appearing most progressive elements of his party. that. And you know, it’s kind of a different landscape before the board also follows in the long tradition of He may continue his crusade for loosening after the election. A lot of Republican executives lost. Goldstein and William Donald Schaefer. Maryland’s antiquated alcohol regulations that There doesn’t seem to be an heir apparent in either hamper the expansion of craft beer or improving party. So, we’ll see.” Converting to fiscal conservative air-conditioning and maintenance in public schools That’s not exactly closing any door or any window Contrary to his record as a fairly conventional but these are peripheral issues without broad impact. of opportunity. Takoma Park liberal during 20 years in the House For the moment he is content to play the outsider, Maryland just finished an election that dragged of Delegates, Franchot’s conversion to fiscal conser- prodding and poking the Annapolis Democratic on for months, but political junkies who thrive on vatism appears to be both sincere and permanent. establishment with little consequence and limited campaign tussles always have their eyes on the next Yet again, at the BWI breakfast, he called for fiscal effect. That is certainly popular but will take a lot election. restraint. The federal tax changes have produced a more to jump from tax collector to governor. January 2019 The Business Monthly 21 Schuh to run state’s opioid crisis program My gallbladder surgery Nov. 19 did almost evenly divided between the not go as well as planned – with the parties last term, now is solidly enlarged bladder bursting as it was STATE POLITICAL Democrat with 10 Democrats and 5 being removed – so instead of heading by Len Lazarick Republicans. Two Democratic women home, I spent two nights in the hospital. took the seats of two Republican men. Minutes after arriving in my room, The biggest change in the county’s a nurse arrived with two little vials. diverse representation came in District “Would you like some morphine?” I 32, which includes the area around BWI, was surprised. I had been reading and Jessup and all the way south to Laurel. writing about opioids and addiction For the first time since Dr. Aris Allen to pain medication for years now, but represented the Annapolis area in the I had never recently been confronted House in the early 1990s, the county with a personal choice. will have two African American dele- I think I said no, but I got needles gates, Sandy Bartlett and Mike Rogers. with so many different things, I might At the BWI Business Partnership have said yes. breakfast last month, Comptroller And as I was leaving the hospital two Peter Franchot gave a shout-out to days later, I was given a prescription for Senator-elect Pam Beidle, who has long oxycodone – 15 tiny 5 mg pills. I don’t represented the area on both the County much like how oxycodone makes me Council and in the House of Delegates. feel, so I only took one at bed time for In a brief conversation, Beidle a few days. said she planned to “pull together” But the experience reminded how the State House delegation and the prevalent oxycodone and other pain council members of both parties to killers are across medicine. They are create a unified front on the issues important and effective in the treat- facing the county. ment of pain, but they have also “We have to work together,” Beidle become the new gateway drugs with said, particularly on the issues of lethal consequences. overcrowded schools and poor public Many doctors and prescribers have transportation. become more careful about prescrib- Newly elected Del. Mike Rogers ing pain killers. Ironically, this has agreed. Rogers, 54, is a retired Army led those who got addicted with colonel, making him a rare breed in prescription drugs to turn to the street the legislature where the contingent equivalents like fentanyl. of military veterans is small. As he Anne Arundel County was one of the first in the region to see a dramatic spike in overdoses and deaths. Former County Executive Steve Schuh became one of the first suburban executives to and communities on the impact of November election increased gender confront the problem aggressively. substance use disorder. balance in both the Anne Arundel That’s why Gov. Larry Hogan The county has mobile crisis teams County Council and its State House appointed Schuh as executive direc- that work with police and emergency delegation. The council, all male for tor of Maryland’s Opioid Operational providers on addiction and mental two terms, now has a majority of five Command Center, much as the gover- health issues. nor found a job for defeated Howard New County Executive Steuart Rogers County Executive Allan Kittleman as a Pittman and incoming State’s Attorney went door knocking in the campaign, Workers Compensation commissioner. Anne Colt Leitess are looking for a way he found consistent concerns about Both men have significant expertise in to provide long-term residential treat- schools and transportation. their new positions, Kittleman as an ment for addicts. There is a shortage of Joining him in the House is Sandy attorney with decades in the field. beds for such treatment. Bartlett, 52, an intellectual property Under Schuh, Anne Arundel County Overall, the county and the state attorney from Maryland City who launched the Safe Stations program, have a multi-prong approach to a prob- served two terms on the Democratic which designates each fire and police lem that has shown no signs of abating. Central Committee and also teaches station as a safe environment for indi- As of Dec. 11, Anne Arundel County Bartlett business law at the community college. viduals looking for assistance to start has experienced 1,026 overdoses this During her campaign, Bartlett said their path to recovery from heroin and year, only a slight .2 percent increase, women on the seven-member body, education funding was a priority as opioid addiction. The stations have the but 159 deaths, an almost 10 percent three Democrats and two Republicans. well as improving low performing anti-overdose drug, too. increase from last year. The county’s five senators, all male schools. The county also created “Not My for two terms, now has two Democratic Incumbent Del. Mark Chang was Child,” an initiative aimed at provid- women, both more progressive than also re-elected. ing the facts of prescription drug More diversity the long-serving men they replaced. Committee assignments for the new misuse and educating parents, families, As I wrote last month, the The 15-member House delegation, delegates have not been announced. 22 The Business Monthly January 2019 New county executive, council members installed Newly elected Howard County Ulhorn, a 29-year veteran of the Executive Calvin Ball (D) took the oath department and a third-generation of office and the county’s new council firefighter, is the county’s first female members were installed during a public HOWARD POLITICAL fire chief. She replaces former Chief ceremony at Howard High School on by George Berkheimer John Butler, who resigned to accept Dec. 3. a post as chief of the Fire and Rescue During his first official address, Department in Fairfax County, Va. Ball said he was honored to be county Uhlhorn served in various lead- executive for all of Howard County and ership roles throughout her career expressed a desire for Ellicott City to and held positions as the Fire Officer become “a national model for unity, Association president and Safe Kids safety, strength and resilience” under Coordinator. his administration. “I was looking for an exceptional He also laid out a broad vision for leader with demonstrated experience priorities in the next four years. and vision, suited to solve not just the Working together, Ball said, the big problems of today, but the poten- county can move toward making prog- tially bigger problems of tomorrow,” ress on building new schools, becoming said Ball. “[S]he has dedicated her life a model for energy independence and to protecting the residents of Howard innovation while preserving open space, County. Chief Christine Uhlhorn is an creating a more business-friendly envi- innovative thinker who always puts ronment of economic growth, and safety first.” helping those struggling with addic- “Educating, protecting, and serv- tion, mental health challenges and ing Howard County is all I’ve known homelessness. for the past 29 years,” said Uhlhorn. “We can become the best example “I’m humbled to be recognized for my of embracing the future of agricul- leadership, appreciated for my values, Deb Jung, District 4, (above) and Christiana Rigby, District 3, (below) were among elected ture and the quality of life for rural officials who met with Howard County Chamber members Dec. 4. and encouraged to implement a shared communities,” he said. “I will [advocate vision through County Executive Ball for Howard County] with innovation, for continued inclusion within our fire transparency, proactive and sensible 4, promised to listen to all sides and department.” leadership ... rooted in the values and be accessible. “I will work hard to quality of life we all cherish.” preserve our environment, support Apprenticeship Academy the most vulnerable among us, tackle The Howard County Public School Future Focus our infrastructures, mitigate flooding System (HCPSS) announced the launch After taking office, the new council in Ellicott City and keep our school of a new career academy in December. members also gave brief overview of system strong,” she said. Apprenticeship Maryland, which helps their focus for their upcoming term of District 5 Councilman David students gain sustainable employ- service. Yungmann (R) said he will work to ment and further education based on “This was always a campaign about our continue to deliver a high quality of life career pathways in manufacturing and kids, and what we leave for them,” said while keeping the county on a sustain- Science, Technology, Engineering and District 1 Councilwoman Liz Walsh (D). able economic foundation. Mathematics (STEM) occupations, will “I’m inspired in what we could do, all of us “We have a great group on this coun- begin in 2019. together, in the next four years for our cil and we’re already finding common The youth apprenticeship program kids, neighborhoods, main streets and ground and ideas on which we can Yungmann as her vice chair. offers on-the-job training for the towns.” work together to make Howard County Moving on to external committee information technology, construction Stressing the need for inclusivity of all even better,” he said. “I pledge above appointments, the council tapped Jung and design, manufacturing, engineer- members of the county’s communities, all to make doing my job a priority to serve as council representative to ing and technology, and banking and District 2 Councilman Opel Jones (D) over keeping my job, and I hope my the Maryland Association of Counties finance industries. pledged his commitment to “remaining colleagues will all do the same.” Legislative Committee, and Rigby will The program is a partner- a rational, fact-based, data-driven prac- serve as alternate. ship between the Maryland State titioner of issues, challenges, concerns Council Officers Jung will also serve as the coun- Department of Education and the and ideas. For those who did not vote for Following the installation ceremony, cil’s representative to the National Maryland Department of Labor, me, I hope to earn your support in the the new council held its first legisla- Association of Counties, with Yungman Licensing and Regulation, HCPSS, near future.” tive session and elected officers for the as the alternate. community education, and local busi- District 3 Councilwoman Christiana first year of their terms, which lasts The council’s next legislative session ness partners and employers. Mercer Rigby (D) said she will focus on through Dec. 2, 2019. is scheduled for Jan. 7. “Apprenticeship Maryland ... offers creating opportunity for all residents. Council members selected Rigby our students a new pathway to career “We need a renewed commitment to our to serve as council chair, with Jones New Fire Chief success by enabling them to enter the public education system, to affordable serving as vice chair. Walsh will head Ball named current Howard County workforce in high-skilled, high growth housing for seniors and families, and up the Howard County Zoning Board, Fire and Rescue Services Assistant Fire sectors while still in high school,” also to sustainable growth in our county.” with Jung as vice chair, and Jung was Chief Christine Uhlhorn as the depart- said HCPSS Superintendent Michael Deb Jung (D), representing District tapped to chair the Liquor Board, with ment’s new chief on Dec. 18. Martirano. January 2019 The Business Monthly 23 Expert insights to help your business Last month, I shared insights provided by three do that you need well-trained staff. experts who participated in BBB’s Meet the Mentors 3) Be a BBB Accredited Business. event. Those topics included things to consider when She continued by stressing the importance of you establish your business, lease negotiation, plan- BBB ADVICE having cybersecurity insurance. The policy is usually ning for growth, commercial banking and more. by Angie Barnett available as part of your commercial liability insur- This month, I’ll introduce the second group of ance. The policy will help you rebuild. If not, you’re mentors talking about marketing, HR, cybersecurity, Digital campaigns change in months.” What worked on your own. “Small businesses are a huge target,” and workers compensation insurance. four months ago, may no longer work today. She she says. “Sixty percent of small business that are recommends clients give the experts a project, the breached are out of business within two years.” Marketing: Diane Devaney, Founder and biggest pain point. If and when it makes sense, let Workers’ Compensation Insurance: George President, Devaney & Associates. them train your in-house staff to take over, and then Johnson, Territorial Account Executive, Chesapeake When asked about marketing tools and strategy let the pros tackle “the next biggest thing.” Employers’ Insurance Company. for a young company, Devaney says, “Don’t just Johnson understands that new business owners describe your company, position your company.” She Human Relations & Cybersecurity: Angela are generally fee sensitive. So, when it comes to find- added that a business can implement this strategy Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, EZ Shield. ing the best insurance coverage at the best price, he on their website, in their elevator speech, and every- In light of historically low unemployment rates, tells them, “Go find an independent agent that has where they market their company. recruiting and hiring the best talent may seem daunt- many carriers he can shop.” Not only should you Devaney insists organizations should, “Tell me ing to many business owners. But, Murphy advises, do that at the onset of forming your business, but why I should work with you.” In addition, you need “Ask for referrals. Who do you know? Who’s the best Johnson argues, “Go to the marketplace every two to know your target market and your competition. you know?” It’s important to build a hiring plan, to three years and shop. Think of your business as These days, every business needs a website and create a job description and establish how to measure a consumer.” it should be professional. But being professional for success. If your business employs one person, you need doesn’t mean your site needs to be extensive. You She encourages businesses to look for low-cost workers’ compensation insurance, says Johnson. “If can always add to and change it. “Digital [customer] and no-cost ways to help their employees. Bring in you don’t have it,” he says, “you will pay twice what contact information is critical,” Devaney adds. your healthcare partners, have a nutritional seminar, the carrier will pay if there’s an issue.” While I couldn’t agree more, as a columnist wear- schedule a talk with your 401K provider, find some- Johnson also cautions executives that a workers’ ing my BBB hat, I’ll remind you to always disclose one to educate your employees about credit scores compensation policy is required should they employ to your customers what data you collect. You need and how to improve them. a domestic worker in their home. to post a privacy policy that explains how you’ll use To fellow employers, Murphy asks, “Why would A workers’ compensation policy doesn’t just their information, In fact, the lack of a privacy policy someone work for you?” Without hesitation, she protect you when it comes to your own employees. is something that prohibits a business from obtain- adds, “Hire a fit for the company culture. People leave Johnson likes to remind everyone to ask for a copy of ing BBB Accreditation. If you’d like to see samples bosses, not jobs.” a company’s certificate of insurance whether they’re or have us take a look at your website, our office is When the topic of trust was posed, Murphy said working at your home or your office. Otherwise, you happy to assist. it comes down to three things: bear the risk if the company or worker is not insured When the discussion turned to the pace of today’s 1) Keep customer and employee data safe and and an accident occurs. changing technology, Devaney believes owners protect their privacy. Angie Barnett is president and CEO of the Better should, “Bring in a professional as soon as possible. 2) Provide customers with good service. And, to Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. New opportunities, initiatives for 2019 It is the start of a new year, which brings new numerous boardwalks and bridges. opportunities and new initiatives as we look forward The Millennials Work Group is expected to final- to the 12 months to come. ize its findings and recommendations, following a Columbia Association’s board of directors is FROM CA PRESIDENT year in which the work group looked at how CA can currently in the process of reviewing the budget for by Milton Matthews better serve and reach individuals between the ages Fiscal Year 2020, which is the second year of CA’s of 17-35, who presently are one of Columbia’s largest two-year budget cycle. In 2018, the board of directors update our facilities and infrastructure. Supreme demographic groups. passed the budget for Fiscal Year 2019 (which runs Sports Club is set to undergo additional improve- We are working to improve CA’s website and make from May 2018 through April 2019) and a condi- ments beyond the work completed there in 2018. The it easier for everyone to use, from finding the infor- tional budget for Fiscal Year 2020 (which runs May tentative plan for the first phase is to renovate the mation you are looking for to registering for classes. 2019 through April 2020). upstairs fitness area, as well as the shower areas. Internally at CA, we are excited about launching a The public – including residents, representatives We will replace the wading pool at Running Brook new human resources information system, including of village community associations, advisory commit- Pool with a water play feature and will complete ADA features that will present more opportunities for our tee members and others – still has opportunities for renovations to the wading pool at Hawthorn Pool. learning and organizational development programs. input at CA Board work sessions and meetings, which Also, there are additional renovations scheduled in Though it is not something the public will notice, the are, respectively, scheduled for the second and fourth 2019 for the Columbia Horse Center, continuing with platform will save tremendous time and effort for our Thursdays in January and February. a list of recommendations identified in a recent facil- team members, which will then allow us to focus more While the budget for Fiscal Year 2020 is yet to be ity assessment. energy on serving our customers and the community. approved, there are priorities, including specific proj- And our investment in Columbia’s open space ects, that we at CA are looking forward to in calendar is ongoing, including pathway renovations, pond Milton Matthews is president and CEO of the year 2019. Columbia Association will continue to improvements, and upgrades to or replacement of Columbia Association. 24 The Business Monthly January 2019

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAMBER HOWARD COUNTY CHAMBER by Raj Kudchadkar by Leonardo McClarty Spotlight on Tax Cuts Howard Chamber Tackles Opioid Epidemic in 2019 and Jobs Act (TCJA) The country The Central Maryland Chamber is community. is in the midst committed to supporting small busi- Our first legislative forum will be a of an opioid nesses throughout the region. Our joint-chamber breakfast for which we epidemic and bi-monthly seminars provide vital have invited the Anne Arundel County our state and information and supports to help small Executive, County Council, and State county have businesses thrive! Please join us for Delegation. As of mid-December, the both been our first seminar of 2019 to review key following leaders have confirmed their impacted. tax changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs participation: According Act (TCJA) affecting small businesses Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel to the Howard and individuals. The passage of TCJA County Executive; Sarah Lacey, County govern- ushered in major tax reform that took District 1; Andrew Pruski, District 4 ment, opioid effect in 2018 and significantly impacts (Chairman); Amanda Fiedler, District overdoses are most small businesses. 5 and Jessica Haire, District 7. on the rise in Barry Fields of Bormel, Grice and From the State Delegation, the our commu- Huyett, PA will walk executives through following are confirmed to attend: nity. As of Dec. important tax changes that affect small Senator Pam Beidle, District 32; Senator 6, 2018, the businesses such as depreciation, disal- Sarah Elfreth, District 30; Senator Howard County Police Department from the larger Howard County busi- lowance of entertainment expenses Ed Reilly, District 33; Delegate Seth reported 213 opioid overdoses this ness community to join us on Jan. 30 for and more. He will also explain the new Howard, 30B; Delegate Mark Chang, year alone, and that includes 40 a discussion on Opioids, Employment deduction for Qualified Business Income. District 32 and Delegate Heather people who died. and Business moderated by Zach Snitzer, Join us for this free small business Bagnall, District 33. th This is a crisis that affects every part director of business development for the seminar on Wednesday, January 16 This legislative breakfast will be held of our county, including the business Maryland Addiction Recovery Center. from 9:00am – 10:00am. A light break- on Monday, Jan. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to community. Snitzer will lead the discussion with fast will be provided and sponsored by 9:30 a.m. A full breakfast and beverages As we started planning our events panelists including James E. Fagan, Speedpro Imaging Annapolis. Seating will be provided by Blackwall Barn & calendar for 2019, we knew it was our III, Labor & Employment Law, Offit is very limited, so please register early Lodge. The event is $35 for chamber responsibility to help our members, Kurman, Bob Claire, General Manager, at www.CentralMarylandChamber.org. members and $45 for non-members. and the business community at large, Mobern Lighting Company and a This legislative breakfast will be your come to a better understanding of representative from the Maryland Legislative Breakfast prime opportunity to learn about initia- opioid addiction, what programs are Department of Labor, Licensing and Anne Arundel County, Howard tives on the horizon that could impact already in place in our community Regulation. County, and Prince George’s County your business! To learn more or regis- and how businesses can be a part of You can register for the event, all have newly elected leadership! All ter for the event please visit www. the solution. Opioids, Employment & Business, at three jurisdictions have new county CentralMarylandChamber.org. We invite our members and anyone www.howardchamber.com. executives, new county councils, and new state delegations. There have New Membership Director been a lot of changes in government Karen Russell has joined the and we need to better understand what Central Maryland Chamber as its new those changes mean for the business Membership Director. She comes to the chamber with a business administration degree from West Virginia University and over 20 years of executive-level experience in sales and membership. She is a past Senior Account Executive with Baltimore Marriot Waterfront & Inner Harbor at Camden Yards Hotels and most recently served as an Account Executive with White Coat Productions. She is an extremely effective relationship-builder who will surely enhance the chamber’s membership experience. We are very excited to have Karen join the chamber team! She can be reached at Karen@ Anirban Basu and Leonardo McClarty at the annual Economic Forecast Breakfast for the CentralMarylandChamber.org. Howard County Chamber, Nov. 28. January 2019 The Business Monthly 25 Massive Changes Coming to GSA’s Schedules In the biggest change to Multiple various Schedules to find the solution Award Schedules (MAS) in 30 that fits for them. years, the U.S. General Services GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING The streamlined list may also by Gloria Berthold Larkin Administration (GSA) announced on become more appealing to smaller Nov. 27 that it will merge the agency’s businesses who are often deterred by 24 Schedules into one consolidated combined with the first, will be the consolidated schedule aims to remedy the complexity of the federal procure- schedule by the end of 2020. shutting down of the current individ- this. ment process, as well as the amount This change modernizes the ual schedules. “The consolidation to a single GSA of time the entire process takes. This federal acquisition process, while also In the third phase, currently Schedule will result in reduced cost may mean a larger boost of small busi- improving customer service, reduces individual schedule holders will be and administrative burden which nesses seeing growth in the federal duplication for all vendors, and, most migrated to the new schedule through will be of tremendous benefit to marketplace. importantly, makes it easier for small mass modification while maintain the GSA Schedule contractor holders as While the new schedule does bring businesses to access the schedules same contract numbers and expira- well as future bidders,” said Global about a much-welcomed change in program. tion dates. Services President and CEO, Courtney federal procurement, the details for Dubbed the “Federal Marketplace The final phase will be the migra- Fairchild. “The consolidation will also how this change will take place have Initiative,” the new process addresses tion of multiple contract schedule provide a single storefront for govern- not yet been outlined. feedback from GSA stakeholders about holders; however, how this will occur ment purchasers that may have been In their news release on the topic, improving the Schedules experience, has not yet been determined and will confused by the differences in the 24 the GSA strongly urged anyone inter- which was solicited over the course operate on a case-by-case basis for different Schedule contracts as well ested in learning more to attend of a year through events, meetings, each contract. as the terms and conditions for each.” the Federal Marketplace Initiative and surveys. The GSA noted that the Over 10 million commercial Many of the products and services Industry Day on Dec. 12 to learn more initiative will be implemented in three products and services are offered by offered do not fit within just a single about the new initiative. to four phases over the course of 24 commercial firms through long-term schedule, which adds to the confu- Gloria Larkin is president and CEO months to “incorporate stakeholder GSA Schedules, leading to roughly sion that is often faced by vendors of TargetGov and a national expert in feedback throughout the process.” $31 billion spent each year through and federal buyers. The new list now business development in government The first phase will see the creation MAS. Despite this, the process for allows for customers to find and markets. Email glorialarkinTG@target- of the new consolidated schedule. finding and purchasing contracts has purchase products and services from gov.com. The second phase, which may be always been cumbersome. The new one Schedule, rather than sifting from Awarded Contracts

The following information is Inc., Upper Marlboro, MD, won an Arora Group Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, won a contract for repair of 58 dome sonars regarding awarded contracts and can $8,217,493 contract modification to $85,457,545 firm-fixed-price contract in support of the H-60 airborne low be used to develop prime contractor, exercise option three for custodial to provide personal and non-personal frequency sonar system from the subcontractor and teaming partner services at the U.S. Naval Academy services from the U.S. Army Health Naval Supply Systems Command. relationships on these and other Complex, Annapolis from the Naval Contracting Activity. http://www.aror- http://www.thalesdsi.com/ opportunities. Facilities Engineering Command. agroup.com/ Grove Resource Solutions Inc., Frederick, The Concourse Group, LLC, Annapolis, https://www.melwood.org/ URS Federal Services Inc., Germantown, MD, won a $14,704,521 contract to MD, won a $29,000,000 contract for Federal Resources Supply Co., Stevensville, MD, won a $20,000,000 contract provide systems engineering support professional services in support of the MD, won a $19,569,771 firm-fixed-price for logistic support services, main- for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Department of Navy’s Public Private contract for refilling of fire suppression tenance, supply and transportation Center Pacific command, control, Venture and Real Estate Programs bottles and systems from the U.S. from the U.S. Army Contracting communications, computers, and from the Naval Facilities Engineering Army Contracting Command. http:// Command. http://www.aecom.com/ intelligence programs from the Space

Command. http://theconcoursegroup. www.federalresources.com/ Thales Defense and Security, Inc., and Naval Warfare Systems Center. com/ BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Clarksburg, MD, won a $13,999,410 AAI Corp., doing business as Textron, Services Inc., Rockville, MD, won a Hunt Valley, MD, won a $152,707,618 $13,903,935 firm-fixed-price contract contract modification for logis- for the operation and maintenance of tics services from the U.S. Army Navy communication, electronic, and Contracting Command. http://www. computer systems from the Naval textronsystems.com/ Supply Systems Command Fleet BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Logistics Center Pearl Harbor. https:// Services Inc., Rockville, MD, won a www.baesystems.com/ $28,893,602 contract modification Lockheed Martin Corp. Mission Systems to provide systems engineering and and Training, Baltimore, MD, won a integration services in support of the $7,105,135 firm-fixed-price contract Trident II strategic weapons system, for the manufacture of spare and the SSGN attack weapon system, repair parts used in the MK-41 and strategic weapon surety from the Vertical Launching System from the Strategic Systems Programs. https:// Naval Supply Systems Command www.baesystems.com/ Weapon Support. http://www.lock- Melwood Horticultural Training Center heedmartin.com/ 26 The Business Monthly January 2019 HCPSS renews Conservancy partnership For more than 15 years, the Howard screech owl, conducted a soil test, and County Conservancy and Howard hiked the grounds to identify changes County Public School System (HCPSS) in landscape and habitat. Over the have worked closely together to give years, Conservancy staff have worked students hands-on experiences to learn with HCPSS science coordinators to about the wonders of the natural world, align their programs and field trips land preservation, and responsible with school system curricular objec- environmental stewardship. tives, Maryland Science Standards and HCPSS and the Conservancy environmental literacy standards. recently renewed its long-stand- On-site field trips and school-based ing partnership during a Pointers programs give elementary, middle and Run Elementary School field trip to high school students the opportunity Conservancy grounds. to learn about the local watershed, soil “The strong partnership between science, monarch butterfly migration, the school system and Conservancy Maryland reptile and amphibian habi- provides hands-on experiences to tats, the importance of biodiversity. complement student’s classroom “We are so pleased to renew our learning,” said HCPSS Superintendent county-wide partnership with HCPSS. Michael J. Martirano. “I’m grateful to Our curriculum based programs get the Conservancy for its support of more than 18,000 students outside our students’ work, which has had a for science learning each year,” said positive impact throughout our county Meg Boyd, Executive Director, Howard and beyond, and look forward to our County Conservancy. “Hands-on explo- continued collaboration in providing ration of soil, streams, trees, rocks and these valuable learning experiences.” bugs is the best way to learn about During the field trip, Pointers Run nature and develop future environ- Meg Boyd, executive director of the Howard County Conservancy, and Dr, Michael Martirano Elementary school students met a mental stewards.” superintendent of Howard County Public Schools, sign a 15-year agremeent.` Executive director named for BWI Business Partnership Gina Stewart was appointed as the has served as a Board of Directors with our regional partners both in the BWI Business Partnership’s Executive member, Membership & Sponsorship private and public sectors to make the Director, effective Dec. 5. Chair. These roles bring a breadth of BWI Business Partnership, the most Stewart will take over from COL Ret. knowledge and experience that will be influential organization in central Edward Rothstein, who was serving valuable to the Partnership. Maryland,” Stewart said. as Interim Director. The selection was “I am very excited to lead the The BWI Business Partnership is made after an extensive regional search Partnership to new heights in continu- an organization of major local and and selection process led by the Board ing its mission of transportation regional businesses and local, state of Directors. advocacy and economic development and federal government agencies. The “We are very pleased to announce for the region. I am also pleased to central Maryland region - with BWI this appointment,” reported Sam be spearheading the organization’s Airport, NSA, Ft. Meade and Arundel Minnitte, Partnership Board Chair. visioning process determining its Mills Mall as its economic engines – “Gina will bring leadership and insight future evolution. I am looking forward has led the state in job growth over the to the Partnership’s programs and to broadening our reach, working last five years. a deep sense of commitment to our region’s transportation and economic Gina Stewart Commercial Insurance Managers has provided comprehensive coverage and competitive rates in commercial8170 Larkinsurance Brown and Road development initiatives. She has employee benefits since 1989. As a VOSB, we can provide our served nonprofits, business, and services to the Federal Government and other small businessSuite 102 government at many levels, in exec- I am pleased to be contractors who need insurance, a partner or a primeElkridge contractor. MD 21075 utive and leadership levels, and has a 410-799-2142 breadth of perspective and experience.” ❝spearheading the Lighting the Way to Business Securitywww.businsure.com Stewart’s resume includes over organization’s visioning 25 years of business and economic BUSINESS EMPLOYEE development that has spanned the process determining its INSURANCE BENEFITS central Maryland region. She recently held the position of Senior Business future evolution. We alsoBUSINESS specialize in insurance forPERSONAL nonprofit and social serviceEMPLOYEE organizations. Development Representative for the industries with companies such as: INSURANCEGet a quote, apply online,INSURANCE and purchase your coverage.BENEFITS Maryland Department of Commerce. Manekin LLC, Merritt Properties and Voted 2017 Small Awarded the Her previous experience included Business of the SBA Veteran Owned Mullan Contracting. Go to www.businsure.com or Small Business of Business Development for the commer- Year by the Howard Stewart has been a long stand- County Chamber 2018 cial real estate and construction CheckCall usout at our 410-799-2142 new website at ing member of the Partnership and www.businsure.com Get a quote, apply online, and purchase your coverage.

We also specialize in insurance for nonprofit and social service organizations. Go to www.businsure.com or call us at 410-799-2142

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. January 2019 The Business Monthly 27 Bello to chair CMC board HOCO police chief retires Mary Bello has been named the new board chair After a 35-year career with the Howard County for the Central Maryland Chamber (CMC). She has PEOPLE IN BIZ Police Department, Police Chief Gary L. Gardner served as manager, physician relations at Anne retired Dec. 31. Arundel Medical Center for nearly a decade. It has truly been an honor and pleasure working Schulz replaces Gill with so many wonderful people over the past 35 years. Schuh to run OOOC Gov. Larry Hogan has appointed Kelly Schulz as I have been blessed to serve alongside the finest men secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce. and women in law enforcement, as well as an excep- Gov. Larry Hogan has appointed former Anne Schulz currently serves as secretary of the Maryland tional civilian and volunteer staff,” said Chief Gardner. Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh as executive Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation “While this was a challenging decision, I look forward to director of Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command (DLLR). She replaces Mike Gill, who held the position the future and spending more time with family. I am Center. Schuh will replace Clay Stamp, who will return for the previous four years. proud of what we have accomplished over the past four to Talbot County as the assistant county manager In her role at DLLR, Secretary Schulz is responsible and a half years, and I know the agency will continue and emergency services director. for managing an agency with nearly 2,000 employees to build upon a foundation of excellence.” and an operating budget of more than $375 million. During Chief Gardner’s tenure, Howard County saw significant reductions in crime and is on pace to Board of Ed welcomes report record lows in some categories in 2018. Chief members, leaders Live! Casino appoints Felton Gardner also created and expanded a new Community New members were recently sworn in by the Live! Casino & Hotel has appointed Nikolina Outreach Division; expanded the Mental Health Unit, Howard County Board of Education. They are Mavis Felton to senior vice president of marketing. She which includes a state-licensed counselor; established Ellis as chair, Kirsten Coombs as vice chair, and Vicky previously served as vice president of loyalty market- new youth programs, like the Youth Advisory Council Cutroneo, Jennifer Mallo, Sabina Taj and Chao Wu. ing for the property. and Teen Court, and assigned a full-time youth liaison officer; launched a Pathway Patrol unit to put officers on bikes throughout Cyphers hires Jans PGCMLS announces new CEO the extensive trail The Cyphers Agency, of Crofton, has hired Michael Roberta Phillips has been selected by the Board of system in Columbia; Jans as graphic designer. Jans previously worked in Library Trustees as the CEO of the Prince George’s added a full-time offi- print and digital advertising, and created branding County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS). Phillips, cer as a police liaison and design services. who currently works for the Richland Library in for the county’s grow- Columbia, S.C., will begin her new job in mid-Jan- ing Asian community; uary 2019. expanded partner- Miller’s Grant founder to retire ships through the faith Geary Milliken, community and vari- President/CEO of Arundel panel names Leib ous multi-cultural and specialty-needs groups; Carroll Lutheran Village, The School Board Appointment Commission Gary L. Gardner The Lutheran Village at voted for retired county government employee Bob and implemented Miller’s Grant, and the Leib to fill the school board’s District 30 seat. Leib, a training in the areas of Fair and Impartial Policing, newly formed Lutheran U.S. Naval Academy graduate, is also a retired Navy De-escalation Techniques and Customer Service. Social Ministries of surface warfare officer. “For over three decades, Howard County Police Chief Maryland, will retire in Gary L. Gardner has dedicated his professional life to his June of 2019. He began sworn brothers and sisters of the Howard County Police his tenure as President/ Thomas graduates from LMD Department while risking his safety and sacrificing CEO in 1994. Tammi Thomas, vice president, marketing, for time away from his family in order to protect us,” said Through his nearly Columbia-based TEDCO, is part of the Leadership Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “He was a pillar 25 years at Carroll Maryland (LMD) 2018 graduating class. She was of great character in our community. We appreciate him Lutheran Village in among 50 applicants chosen to complete its eight- and his family for their unwavering commitment to our Westminster, Milliken oversaw the construction of month learning program focused on social, economic safety and security. I thank Chief Gardner for 35 years the Diven House for assisted living, Krug Chapel, and environmental issues. of service to the residents of Howard County and wish and the consolidation of administration offices; the him well in his future endeavors.” construction of the Wakefield Overlook neighbor- Throughout his career, Gardner has served in nearly hood, which doubled the size of the Carroll Lutheran Remick to run Black Bears every component of the police department, including Village campus; the planning and construction of The Robyn Remick, a former vice president of market- as the deputy chief for administration, commander Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant in Ellicott City; ing and events at ESPN, has been named president of the criminal investigations bureau, chief of staff, and the founding of Lutheran Social Ministries of of the Odenton-based Maryland Black Bears of the commander in the patrol division and public informa- Maryland, a parent organization to manage the two North American Hockey League. She is the first tion officer. senior living communities. female team president in league history. Gardner’s contributions and accomplishments over He initiated an in-house philanthropy depart- three decades have included crime-fighting and public ment, an in-house therapy program, fundraising safety strategies to address the county’s evolving popu- golf tournaments for both communities, developed The Arc hires Dols lation and changing needs. He oversaw the realignment an employee scholarship program, and the annual The Arc Maryland, of Columbia, has hired Sharon of patrol beats for improved response services; imple- Creative Expressions magazine featuring resident art Dols as office manager. She has worked for 15 years mentation of a crime analysis-driven system for better and creative writing. with students, developing outreach and social allocating resources in patrol operations; development The board of trustees for Lutheran Social justice programs. She was most recently employed of the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center Ministries of Maryland will launch a search for a new at Archbishop Spalding High School, in Severn. as the head of the police planning team; and creation President/CEO after January 1, 2019. of the department’s Police Memorial Courtyard and Garden at headquarters. 28 The Business Monthly January 2019 BIZ ROUNDUP researchers looked at a variety of opti- much as two decades before global The monies for the Vehicle Excise Tax MSA releases Pimlico cal biomarkers from people with known average temperatures reach such a Credit were included in the Maryland preclinical Alzheimer’s and those with- similar milestone. The report also finds Clean Cars Act of 2017. The legislation study for new track out,” said Dr. Mark Ruchman, CMO, that the Chesapeake Bay will experi- allows a tax credit of up to $3,000 for The Maryland Stadium Authority Versant Health, of Linthicum. “They ence stronger, more frequent storms, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with (MSA) has completed Phase Two of found that people in the very early an increase in precipitation events, an a sale price up to $60,000. During the Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course Study, stages of the disease consistently had increase in bay water temperatures and 2017 legislative session, funding for which revealed that the cost of replacing changes to the retina. As such, the a rise in sea level. the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Tax Credit the 148-year-old facility with mini- OCT-A holds promise for the early “The Trump Administration wants to program was increased by more than mum capital improvements would cost detection of Alzheimer’s disease for bury this new report because it doesn’t 30%. approximately $424 million. patients at risk, possibly before symp- align with the president’s completely Currently, there are 15,074 regis- Key findings included the following: toms of cognitive decline appear.” unhinged claim that climate change is a tered electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles • The physical condition of the facility “The reality is one in every five ‘hoax.’ Unfortunately for them, ignoring in operation in the state; during the past presents significant challenges, which, if Medicare dollars goes to someone with facts never succeeds in making them two years, the number of registered EVs not addressed, may threaten its contin- Alzheimer’s disease,” says Elizabeth any less true,” said Cardin, a senior in Maryland have doubled. Since 2015, ued existence and the success of the Klunk, RN, BSN, CCM, vice president, member of the Senate Environment the number of EV charging stations in Preakness Stakes. medical management, Versant Health. and Public Works Committee. “The Maryland have increased 35%. • Despite its physical condition, there “Early detection through the non-inva- consequences of our inaction on do not appear to be situational factors sive OCT-A eye exam offers hope to climate change can be found every- such as location, accessibility, the patients and their families.” where, from the record-breaking Permit fails, Tastee surrounding neighborhood, etc. that wildfires in California to the repeated, Diner lives would negatively affect Pimlico Race historic flooding in Ellicott City. This Course’s ability to remain the long-term report highlights how these and other The Laurel Board of Appeals was home of the Preakness Stakes. climate consequences will have an scheduled to hear an application for a • The study proposed an extensive increasingly catastrophic effect on our Special Exception application on Dec. renovation of the existing facility to economy – unless we act now.” 20 concerning a request to allow the address issues related to code, safety On Oct. 8, the IPCC released a opening of a medical cannabis dispen- and security, operational efficiency, report outlining the consequences sary at 118 Washington Boulevard, revenue enhancement, visitor expe- of rising global temperatures and home of the Tastee Diner. rience and accessibility. The order of the ways in which climate chaos will However, in a surprise twist to the magnitude cost estimate range to become substantially worse as the saga, city planning commissioners complete the renovation was between planet continues to experience pre-in- rejected a permit that would have $248 million and $321 million. dustrial levels of warming. The report turned the city landmark into a mari- The initial Pimlico Race Course concludes that unless the current path juana dispensary. The five-member Study was released in February 2017. of climate change is slowed, massive commission voted unanimously to The full version of the new report is impacts – such as limited water supply deny the permit sought by Pure Hana available at www.mdstad.com/studies/ availability, sea-ice free Arctic summers, Synergy, pointing out that there is pimlico-race-course-study-phase-1-2. mass die-offs of coral reefs, and intense already a medical cannabis dispensary and unprecedented heat waves – will operating nearby, with a second set to open in the neighborhood soon. Ocular Technology Cardin, Van Hollen become reality as soon as 2040. provides Alzheimer’s endorse climate State electric vehicle Odenton addiction early detection change reports tax credits all gone center proposed Results from a recent study from U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris The Pascal Community Services JAMA Ophthalmology have revealed The Maryland Department of Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have joined Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Intercept is in the process of relocat- that a specific type of non-invasive a Senate resolution outlining key finding from Severna Park to the Odenton eye test is helping to assess risk for Administration (MDOT MVA) ings of the recent Intergovernmental announced that the Vehicle Excise Medical Center, at 1215 Annapolis Road. Alzheimer’s disease, and a Linthicum Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) The mental health outpatient facility company that offers a managed eye Tax Credit, which has been available report and the recent National Climate to the purchasers of qualified electric links clients to appropriate substance care plan is backing the procedure. Assessment. The resolution affirms abuse services. One in 10 Americans older than age and hybrid plug-in vehicles, has been the signing members’ recognition depleted. While the organization’s 65 has Alzheimer’s, while one-third and acceptance of these findings, and 16-bed crisis site is still located at the old older than 85 have the disease. The Since funding of the fiscal 2019 calls for bold action to combat climate program began in July, $3 million in Crownsville State Hospital grounds, it is new research shows that eye doctors change. The senators were joined on hoped that a new facility will rise, also in can detect small alterations in retinal rebates have been requested, which the resolution by 23 of their Senate is the full funding allocated by the Odenton, almost directly across the street blood vessels that are known to be colleagues. Notably, the IPCC from the medical center. The proposed biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease – Maryland State Legislature for this report found that the Northeast fiscal year. Since July 2016, the Vehicle new facility would accommodate 32-beds years before it begins to affect memory. Region of the United States – which site under roof on land that is currently “By using a non-invasive tech- Excise Credit has provided more than includes Maryland – will see the larg- $7.2 million in rebates and helped the site of two houses; they would be nique known as optical coherence est temperature increase in the country, incorporated into the new design. tomographic angiography (OCT-A), place more than 2,500 electric vehicles and the warming will occur here as on Maryland roadways. January 2019 The Business Monthly 29

BIZ ROUNDUP

Aimed at solving the industry’s be joining the UHY office in Columbia. this challenge, NuMSP is building a Columbia safest city skills gap problem, the partners are “The addition is part of UHY’s nationwide company with the scale developing new ways to create talent growth strategy to add quality firms and resources to deliver advanced in America on a micro and macro level. Users can and partners in the region, expand IT services to SMBs that will rival WalletHub’s 2018 Safest Cities immediately access Woz U’s content our footprint, provide added services incumbent solutions at Fortune 500 in America survey has revealed that and delivery system for career training and gain critical mass,” said Anthony companies. Columbia is the safest city in the courses, as well as align their career Frabrotta, chairman and chief execu- United States. The personal finance goals with CareerSkilling, mentoring tive officer, UHY Advisors. site studied 182 cities, including and coaching opportunities. Plans for Versant Health the 150 most populated U.S. locales, a full rollout, with additional courses partners on Vision across 39 key indicators, including and more skill sets, are set for later Cybersecurity event home and community safety, natural in 2019. planned for APL Loss Simulator disaster risk and financial safety. “The number of available jobs Organizations will have the Linthicum-based Versant Health, Columbia ranked No. 4 in home continues to exceed the number of a national managed eye health and and community safety, a category that job seekers in the United States,” says opportunity to recruit from a pool of aspiring cybersecurity profession- vision plan company, has partnered weighted murder and terrorist attacks, Neil Bryson, senior vice president with Transitions Optical to create a while also considering the number of of digital transformation at Allegis als by becoming a sponsor at the annual Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Vision Loss Simulator to help people mass shootings, rapes, thefts, traffic Group. “While information technol- see how failing eye health can impact fatalities, etc.; for natural disaster ogy is a natural starting point, we will Defense Competition (MACCDC), which is set for March 28-30 at the your vision. The Vision Loss Simulator risk, it ranked No. 63, which took expand our CareerSkilling initiatives was sent to 10,000 vision care provid- into account floods, tornadoes, earth- into non-IT skill sets, like health care, Kossiakoff Center at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics ers to use in their practice to educate quakes, hurricanes, wildfires and quickly to help support the demand their patients. With this tool, viewers other risks; and for financial safety, for new talent in the gig economy.” Laboratory, in North Laurel. Top qualifying cybersecurity teams can see through the eyes of some- Columbia checked in at No. 34, consid- one living with glaucoma, cataract, ering an unemployment rate, poverty from the mid-Atlantic’s two- and four- year colleges and universities will be diabetic retinopathy, presbyopia, glare rate and other factors. Time honors Capital- and macular degeneration. The survey also noted that competing. They’ll be tasked with maintaining an existing network infra- “The Vision Loss Simulator allows Washington, D.C., has the highest Gazette staff patients to see for themselves ‘what if’ number of law enforcement officers Time magazine has chosen various structure and engaging in business injects and real-world IT activities, long before the reality of any potential per capita and ranked at No. 155 on “Guardians and the War on Truth” for vision impairment sets in, as well as the list, checking in at No. 166 for its annual Person of the Year award, while being attacked by a team of “hackers.” This year’s MACCDC cham- allowing caregivers to see for them- home and community safety, No. 80 and the staff of Capital-Gazette selves the impact vision loss is having for natural disaster risk and No. 61 Newpapers, of Annapolis, are among pion will be defending the MACCDC’s role as the national champion for the on their loved ones,” said Nate Kenyon, for financial safety; Baltimore City those saluted on one of four covers. vice president of provider operations ranked No. 156: it listed at No. 155, Capital-Gazette’s editorial board previous two years. For more information, visit http://maccdc.org/sponsors. and support, Versant Health. No. 67 and No. 149 in the three cate- wrote that “despite the death of our gories, respectively. colleagues on June 28, we’ve carried on. We’ve put out the newspaper, just Swift acquired Dragos raises $37M Woz U announces as Chase Cook vowed that day.” Series B Others saluted were slain by NuMSP Upskilling partnership Washington Post Columnist Jamal Hanover-based Dragos Inc., devel- Khashoggi; Reuters journalists Wa NuMSP, a growing national opers of the Dragosthreat detection with Allegis Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who are repre- managed service provider offer- and response platform, has raised Woz U, Apple Co-Founder Steve sented in photos held by their wives; ing IT and cybersecurity solutions, $37M in Series B funding. The new Wozniak’s education as a service and Maria Ressa, editor of the Rappler announced its entry into the Eastern investment comes at a time of rapid company that transforms how individ- news website in the Philippines, who Seaboard SMB IT services market growth in the Industrial Control uals are educated with personalized, is facing a possible 10 years in prison. with the acquisition of Maryland- System (or ICS) cybersecurity market, tech-based career training, announced based Swift Systems, a full-service and specifically, demand for Dragos’ a pilot program with CareerCircle, a managed service provider (MSP) industry-leading asset identification company funded by the Hanover- UHY merges with offering comprehensive IT solutions and threat detection software. based Allegis Group. for small and mid-sized businesses “Industrial equipment is one of the CareerCircle takes a candidate-first bgr CPAs that operates an office in Columbia. last largely unprotected vectors for approach to connecting talent with Columbia-based UHY Advisors This acquisition, the fifth for cyberattack, one with potential for partners that can enable their skills and UHY LLP (UHY) have expanded NuMSP, continues its buildout of a massive damage to the global econ- growth and access to new career its mid-Atlantic office through its national managed service platform omy including loss of human life,” opportunities. Woz U’s Full-Stack web merger of the professional services targeted to the small and mid-size said Joydeep Bhattacharyya, partner development, cybersecurity and data firm Berman Goldman & Ribakow business (SMB) market. SMB orga- at Canaan. “The Dragos threat detec- science programs will be offered to (bgr CPAs), also of Columbia. The nizations face rapid advances in tion and response platform delivers an talent in Baltimore, Chicago, Boston merger doubles the size of UHY in the technology, making it increasingly unmatched solution to a fast-growing and Charlotte through immersive, Maryland area. Marc Rubin, managing difficult for smaller businesses to list of large industries and customers, instructor-led and self-paced online partner of bgr, and Steve Wolf, part- stay current and realize the full ROI and we are thrilled to partner with courses at CareerCircle.com. ner, and their 20-plus colleagues will on their IT investments. To meet this team of leaders in the industry.” 30 The Business Monthly January 2019

GOV ROUNDUP Career academy launched The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will launch a new career academy, Apprenticeship Maryland, which helps students gain sustainable employment and further education based on career pathways in manufacturing and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) occupations. The youth apprenticeship program provides students the opportunity to “earn and learn” through on-the-job training in information technology, construction and design, manufacturing, engineering and technology, and banking and finance. Participating HCPSS seniors will complete at least 450 hours of paid work-based training under the super- vision of an eligible employer as well as related instruction. The students Construction of the long-planned second sheet of ice at Piney Orchard Ice Arena is well underway. It is slated for completion this winter. benefit from the program by earning a salary while learning valuable and eligibility status and apply, visit www. Education, local schools and students, will be recruiting participants over the marketable industry skills, receiving hcpss.org/farms. Resolution No. 5-18 was passed by phone. The survey can also be accessed instruction at the worksite from a the Laurel City Council on Sept. 24; at TellHCRecycles.org. skilled mentor, and gaining techni- Bridge in Columbia it established the Education Advisory cal skills and experience in an area of Committee to develop and recom- CAPA partnership employment interest, while still in high complete mend programs, projects and other school. initiatives impacting the educational encourages Improvements have been completed development of Laurel’s citizens and to the pedestrian bridge that crosses students. involvement, advocacy Leaders encourage Route 29 in Columbia. The improve- Resumes may be sent to Sara Green, ments included the installation of a The Howard County Public School Chief of Staff, 8103 Sandy Spring System (HCPSS) has partnered with the FARM program use new spiraling geodesic tube around Road, Laurel, MD 20707; or emailed the bridge, upgraded lighting and addi- Chinese American Parent Association Howard County Executive Calvin to [email protected]. of Howard County (CAPA) to encour- Ball and Howard County Public School tional safety enhancements. A feasibility study on bridge age collaboration, communication and System (HCPSS) Superintendent mutual understanding among HCPSS Michael Martirano released a video upgrades began in 2014 and was DPW seeks input completed in 2015. Public meetings staff, students and families with urging families to take advantage of The Howard County Department Chinese background. support for which they qualify – specif- and opportunities for input were held of Public Works’ (DPW) Bureau of in fall 2016 and a design study was The agreement calls for CAPA repre- ically the Free and Reduced Meals Environmental Services Recycling sentatives to collaborate with the HCPSS program (FARMs). completed in December 2016. The Division released an online survey to spiraling geodesic tube was the clear International Student and Family In the video, Ball and Martirano gather community input regarding Services Office to offer an International experience the school lunchline the community choice among four options recycling habits at home and in the for the bridge. In addition to enhanced Parent Leadership Program for Chinese way a student receiving FARMs assis- workplace. families. CAPA will offer parent-friendly tance and a student not receiving the lighting, the county is in the process The survey, available at of upgrading the security cameras to panel discussions to help Chinese fami- financial assistance would. Showing www.HowardCountyRecycles.org, is lies new to Howard County learn about that the experiences are identical, they allow the police department to access part of the DPW’s effort to evaluate the clearer images from the bridge. the variety of HCPSS offerings available hope to eliminate stigmas associated county’s residential and business recy- for students and parents. Topics will with the program so that students may cling education and outreach programs. include dual enrollment, Gifted and receive the support they need. Laurel accepting Responses will be used to refine the Talented programs, managing school The FARMs rate in Howard County division’s education and outreach transitions and college readiness. is 22.5 percent which is up from the resumes for panel campaigns in an effort to increase the CAPA members will also collaborate 2017-18 school year. Martirano has Laurel Mayor Craig Moe is accept- County’s recycling rate to 45%. with school staff to support school made connecting more families to ing citizens’ resumes for appointment In addition to the survey, the DPW celebrations and international nights, benefits offered as a result of FARMs to the new Education Advisory will also conduct focus groups to gain provide information about Chinese eligibility a major priority for the Committee. Set up to strengthen the additional input from both residents food history, and participate as class- school system. To learn more about the relationship between the City of Laurel, and businesses. An outside, focus room speakers to share Chinese culture benefits of the FARMs program, check the Prince George’s County Board of group recruiting firm, You Can Group, and experiences as immigrants. January 2019 The Business Monthly 31 ALL AROUND

Raj Kudchadkar, CMC Town CEO and President thanking event sponsors, members and silent auction Left to right: Jonathan Williams of Real Projectives, donors for their support Martin Fisher of Proshred, Mike Cammarata of Tide Creek Financial Group and Raj Kudchadkar, CMC CEO & President enjoy good company and great food.”

Photos by Nina K.Photography The Central Maryland Chamber The Central Maryland Chamber (CMC) Kathy Berlin (left) and Cathy Yost (right) M&T Bank colleagues getting into the holiday spirit. Left to of The Business Monthly enjoy meeting right: Jeremy Schneider, board member Helaine Gulliams, ushered in the holiday season with its friends Meghan Belcher and Tyler Schepers. traditional party at The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill. The silent auction is always a popular feature at the event.

Photos by Pam Long Photography The Howard County Chamber held its annual Jingle Mingle party at Laurel Park Race Track. It was a festive celebration of the season and the end of a Donald Kropfelder, Susan G. Komen Maryland, Mark Thompson, Dan Medinger, Advertising Media Plus, and Ryan Brown, The Maryland Jockey Club and Leonardo McClarty, Howard Howard County General Hospital. successful year. County Chamber.

Members of the Young Professional Network of Howard County’s Board, David Erskine, Atlantic David Anderson, chair, Howard County Chamber Board of Directors (from left to right), Financial, Inc., Antony Justin, Howard Hughes Corporation, Nicholas Williams, Morgan Stanley, Jeff Agnor, Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC, Gina Abate, Edwards Performance Elyssa Auerbach, Maryland Association for Justice, Inc., MaryBeth Dulin, Mary Kay and Mark Cruz, Solutions and John Olenick, PSA Financial. Tower Federal Credit Union. 32 The Business Monthly January 2019

1969 2019

OF THE HOWARD COUNTY CHAMBER

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PEOPLE, POLICY & PROSPERITY

Howard County Chamber 6420 Old Dobbin Lane Suite 110 Columbia, MD 21045 HowardChamber.com