This month, our Partner Spotlight highlights Tamar Osterman, Senior Business Development Representative with Maryland Department of Commerce.
The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) works closely with Tamar and her position at the State to connect potential, new, and expanding City businesses to assistance available through the State of Maryland.
Here’s what Tamar had to share with us!
Describe the basic services your position with
Maryland Department of Commerce offers.
MD Commerce is the State’s economic development agency. Our mission is to promote and support business development in Maryland through attraction, retention, and expansion resources -- technical, financial, and connectivity. I am based here in Frederick, and work with Frederick County and Carroll County businesses of all sizes, across industries, and in all stages of the business life cycle to connect them with state resources and assist with business challenges and opportunities. There is often the opportunity to make strategic B2B introductions and industry connectivity.
Tamar, Jodie Bollinger with Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Joe Bleach and Lou DiStefano with First Response Sewing, Mary Ford-Naill with City Department of Economic Development
Please share your favorite part of the job with our readers.
My favorite part of the job is definitely meeting with businesses and learning about their mission and operations. Usually, I have those meetings with our local economic development partners, and we have a conversation focused on the company’s opportunities and challenges. It’s very rewarding to provide information and resources that addresses a company’s specific business development interests. This is the first job where I have received handwritten thank you notes!
Are there any NEW programs or incentives offered
through the Department of Commerce?
City, County and State reps touring Stulz- ATS
The Hogan Administration is committed to providing hardworking Marylanders access to sick and safe leave. The Small Business Relief Incentive Program provides up to $500 per employee in state income tax credits to small businesses that provide paid sick and safe leave to their employees. A company can qualify for up to $7,000 per year in tax credits.
Another fairly new program is the Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit. This program provides a state income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans. A Maryland employer may qualify for an income tax credit equal to 30% of up to the first $6,000 of wages paid to a qualified veteran employee during the first year of employment (i.e. a maximum of $1,800 per qualified veteran employee).
Tamar representing the State Commerce Department at House Cat Brewery in The City of Frederick
Who are the most recent clients you’ve worked with in the Frederick region?
Although I can’t speak in specifics, as all clients enjoy confidentiality, I work mostly with B2B companies. Many are focused in the sectors that are putting Frederick County on the map state-wide and nationally: biotech, IT/Cyber, manufacturing, distribution, and technical services.
How can a business that interested in learning
what the state has to offer, get in touch?
Maryland is open for business! As part of a field team in our department’s Office of Business Development, it’s my job to be accessible. I am “embedded” here in Frederick and closely connected to the business community. My family has lived and worked here for more than 16 years; my kids attended Frederick County Public Schools. Just email me at tamar.osterman@maryland.gov or call/text me at 443-902-4487.
Tamar and other local representatives celebrating McCutcheon’s 80th anniversary with Comptroller Peter Franchot