Business News

Frederick Wins Two MEDA Awards

By Michelle Kershner

 Frederick was presented with two Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) 2016 MEDA Awards, which celebrate the people, projects and programs bringing economic vitality to Maryland. Bert Anderson, owner of Everedy Square and Shab Row, was named the "2016 Volunteer of the Year" for his more than three decades of service to both Frederick City and County. MEDA also recognized The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED) video, “Work Where There's Room to Play,”  as the "2016 MEDA Marketing Award Winner." 

“I am so proud of our team and partners and am delighted that Frederick is being recognized by MEDA for quality marketing and volunteerism in Economic Development," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.

 An award ceremony was held on May 2 during the 2016 MEDA Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.

 2016 Volunteer of the Year: Bert Anderson

Before "adaptive reuse" was a trend, Anderson was acquiring underutilized buildings for renovation and reuse in Downtown Frederick. He bought deteriorating buildings including houses, warehouses and factories, and transformed City blocks into dining and shopping destinations for visitors and residents.

 "Bert Anderson has been at the forefront of progressive redevelopment and has given his time and talent for the benefit of the community for many years," said Griffin. 

 Anderson was nominated jointly by the City and County economic development offices for his contributions. Anderson has served as a founding member of the Greater Frederick Development Corporation, which is now the Downtown Frederick Partnership. He currently serves on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

 Learn more about Bert Anderson and his decades of volunteerism in Frederick.

 2016 MEDA Marketing Award Winner: The City of Frederick, "Work Where There's Room to Play"

"Work Where There's Room to Play" was developed after a local IT non-profit, Tech Frederick indicated that recruiting top technology talent to the Frederick area was a priority.

The video has been viewed over 62,000 times on Facebook and has been shared
over 1,500 times.

 The video had three objectives:
  • Develop a tool to support the local tech industry
  • Brand Frederick as a great place to live and work
  • Drive traffic to Tech Frederick’s jobs page
Learn more about the "Work Where There's Room to Play" video.

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. 

News: Tenth Ward Distilling Company Announces Plans to Open New Distillery in Downtown Frederick


Press release provided courtesy of Monica Pearce, 301-608-8645
monica@tenthwarddistilling.com 

Frederick, MD (September 2015) - A pair of local spirit enthusiasts are well on their way to opening a new distillery in downtown Frederick, MD. Tenth Ward Distilling Company will focus their products mainly on whiskey but will also be producing some brandies and other barrel aged spirits. They aim to be progressive and a little offbeat by experimenting with unconventional ingredients, recipes and aging techniques.

The distillery is on schedule to open in the spring of 2016 at 508 East Church Street. In the late 19th century the area was known as Frederick’s Tenth Ward and served as the inspiration for the company’s name. As part of the industrial area of Frederick, there’s a strong tradition of hard work and grit that the owners hope to carry through their products and the distillery as they begin construction on the space.

The founders have started Frederick’s distillery network group, are members of the Maryland Distillers Guild and are excited to be one of Frederick City’s first distilleries in decades. 

“Our area is already known for its craft breweries and wineries. The growing craft distillery industry is a perfect fit for Frederick,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.   

“A vibrant craft distilling industry brings skilled jobs, visitors and an enhanced focus on locally-produced products." said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Distillers Guild.

Tenth Ward’s equipment is being built by Anthony Zaca out of Washington state. The 2 custom made stills will forge unique small batch spirits, including some limited edition products.
The distillery will feature a tasting room and tours and special events will be available for adventurous tasters.

Interested parties can sign up to receive email updates on the company’s website, www.tenthwarddistilling.com.
twitter.com/tenthwardco
instagram.com/tenthwardco
facebook.com/Tenth-Ward-Distilling-Company-438307099710706/timeline/?ref=ts


NOTE: City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

5 Benefits of Frederick's New Manufacturing Tax Credit

A Program Overview

 The Mayor and Board of Aldermen established a new tax credit program targeted at Frederick manufacturers looking to make a substantial investment in their facility and workforce.  The ordinance was approved on August 20, 2015 and created a 10-year tax credit against the increased assessed taxable value of a manufacturing facility.  Frederick County approved a similar program on September 1, 2015.

"The tax credit will increase Frederick's competitiveness and is intended to attract new capital investment and job creation," said Richard Griffin, The City of Frederick's Director of Economic Development. Specifically, the credit assists the City in its ability to attract and retain advanced technology and manufacturing businesses, a targeted industry for the City of Frederick.

Manufacturing is especially important to Frederick's economic vitality.  Unlike many professional services businesses where workers can be located almost anywhere, manufacturers make significant capital investments in their site and rely on the local workforce to operate the facility. In addition to hiring from the community, manufacturers often create indirect jobs through related supply chain opportunities and partnerships.

In order to qualify for the credit, a manufacturer must 
  1. Increase the value of their facility by at least $100,000 (as a result of the expansion project), and 
  2. Add at least 3 net new jobs at the facility.  
Depending on the value of the new investment and the number of new jobs created with the project, the 10-year tax credit increases on a sliding scale from 20% to 100% (outlined below).  

 While businesses will receive tax relief on the portion of their tax bill related to the expansion project, businesses will continue to pay property taxes on the the portion of the site not related to the expansion.

How it Works
  • A manufacturer plans to either acquire a new site or expand its current site with a new building or an addition to a current building.
  • The business constructs the updated facility and hires new employees.
  • Following completion of the project, the State Tax Assessor reassess the property and determines the dollar figure of the new assessment that can be attributed directly to the expansion project.
  • The business will now apply for the tax credit and will receive the credit on the number that was determined by the State. The business continues to pay its normal property taxes on the value of the property not related to the expansion.

5 Benefits of the Manufacturing Tax Credit
  1. It increases jobs. The tax credit encourages job creation as the program requires a business to not only make a capital investment in their facility, but to add net new jobs at a minimum of 150% of the federal minimum wage.  Manufacturing jobs provide family supporting wages and are vital to Frederick's economy.
  2. It encourages investment and reinvestment. Businesses will not be penalized with a higher property tax bill for investing in their facility and hiring new workers.  The tax credit gradually phases the increased taxable value of the building over a 10-year period.
  3. It gives Frederick a regional competitive advantage. In conjunction with a 100% tax credit for manufacturers acquiring new personal property, the tax credit program is another tool the City can utilize to market its business cost advantage to manufacturers considering a location in the region.
  4. It attracts new business. When a businesses is looking to open or relocate a business, every expense matters. This can tilt the scale between Frederick and another jurisdiction. 
  5. It helps small businesses. 95% of all businesses in Frederick are small businesses. The tax credit program doesn't just assist large corporations. It also assists small and locally owned manufacturers looking to expand or locate within the City of Frederick.
To find out more about the Manufacturing Tax Credit, contact The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development. 

Video Debut: "Work Where There's Room to Play" - Frederick, Maryland



The City of Frederick's new three minute film, "Work Where There's Room to Play," showcases the benefits of working in Frederick, Maryland. From thriving Downtown Frederick to outdoor activities, the film highlights the opportunities of life outside of work.The three minute film debuted on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Downtown Frederick Partnership's "Movie Night on the Creek" event. 

 The project was developed after Tech Frederick, a Frederick area non-profit that advocates for the local IT industry, indicated recruiting top talent to Frederick was a priority. While the film was developed with IT professionals in mind, any Frederick area business can use it in coordination with their recruitment efforts. 

 "There are many advantages to working in Frederick," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. "This three-minute video features Frederick's great downtown, the arts, amenities, and quality of life we all know and love. It shows that Frederick offers a great place to play when people get off of work." 

 Local talent featured in the film included narrator, Ashley Miles, local musician and Frederick resident; Jeanne and Eric Rhodes, Frederick residents; Steve Ellis, recruiter for local software development company Regent; and Justin Saltzman, insurance agent and community volunteer. They volunteered their time to appear in the film.

 Local company Digital Bard produced the film with additional film footage courtesy of Visit Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, and drone footage by Mike Purks. 

 3 Ways Businesses Can Use This Video
Businesses can use this video in three ways to support their recruitment efforts: 
  1. Share it. The easiest way to use this video immediately is to share it on your website's employment or recruitment page. Use this to link to the video: https://youtu.be/aXaanozKY_Q. You can also share the video via Facebook. 
  2. Make it Yours. Customize the existing video with your company's message or branding at the beginning and end of the video. Contact the production company, Digital Bard, to discuss this option.
  3. Be Inspired. Use this as inspiration to develop your own recruitment video to meet your individual hiring needs. 

Frederick Businesses Honored at Best Places to Work Awards Ceremony

Best Places to Work Category Winners from L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Tony Benedetto - ASI, Michelle Michael - AstraZeneca/MedImmune, Victoria Johnston - Nymeo, Richard Fouke - Antietam Technologies, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner
Frederick area businesses were recognized during the annual Best Places to Work Awards held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, Maryland on July 30, 2015. Nearly 100 nominations were submitted, and six companies rose to the top after judges completed the scoring. Scoring categories included work-life balance, median salary, turnover rate, benefits, diversity, and professional growth.  

 Primary category winners included:
Small Employer (1-10 employees)
Honorable Mention - United Way of Frederick County



Medium Employer (11-50 employees)
Honorable Mention - Go Ape

Large Employer (51-200 employees)
Winner - Nymeo
Honorable Mention - U.S. Silica

Major Employer ( 200+ employees)
Honorable Mention - Plamondon Companies

Two new categories were introduced this year: Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Most Creative Workplace Environment.

Winners in these categories included:

  • Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity – Edward Jones Investments
  • Most Creative Workplace Environment – CAS Engineering
From L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Jay Wandalowski and Linda Hobbs - Edward Jones Investments,  Curt Schreffler - CAS Engineering, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner
In addition to category award winners, six businesses were recognized with the “Unsung Hero in the Workplace” award. “This award recognizes owners or presidents of companies who go above and beyond to connect with their employees,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick.

The 2015 Unsung Heroes in the Workplace are:
 2015 “Unsung Hero in the Workplace” Video

Helen Propheter, Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, said, "These companies join an elite group of businesses committed to retaining exceptional employees and their success. We are proud of the 2015 Best Places to Work recipients and proud that they chose Frederick County as their place to call home."

The Best Places to Work campaign is a county-wide program to increase quality of life opportunities for Frederick County employees.  The 2015 awards program is a partnership between Frederick County Workforce Services, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.


For more information and photos of the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/FrederickCountyBPTW. 

McClintock Distillery to Call Downtown Frederick Home


A new business is in the process of calling Downtown Frederick and Carroll Creek Park home. McClintock Distilling Company announced plans to renovate 35 South Carroll Street and open in the fall. They will focus on small batch, limited release products that use unconventional ingredients. 

McClintock Distilling on Instagram
A recent press release shared by the company states they will launch with a craft gin using Appalachian-inspired botanicals as well as a sustainably sourced white whiskey. 

 Frederick history is tied to this new business as well. The story of a local figure and innovator in the 1800's, McClintock Young, is a source of inspiration for the company. According to their website, "McClintock Young's incredible story will be integral to the products and experiences of the distillery." 

Their website and Instagram account show current work being done on the interior of the building, including great time-lapse videos of the improvements to the space.

 City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. McClintock Distilling Company is just one distillery expected to open as a result of the updated legislation. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

 "We've had inquiries from other distilleries as well, and are very excited to follow the progress of the craft distillery industry in Frederick," said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler. 

 For more information visit www.mcclintockdistilling.com. 

3 Funding Sources for Small Businesses

East Street, along with much of Downtown Frederick, East Frederick, and the Golden Mile, are designated sustainable communities.  This designation opens up benefits, such as eligibility for the Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program.
What business couldn't use a little extra funding? Here are 3 loan programs that can help you fund your small business. Find a program that works best for you. 

1. Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan Program
  • Offered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
  • First floor business or retail space use that generates street level activity in mixed use projects 
  • Loans from $10k-$500k
  • NBW financing can represent up to 50% of the total project cost
  • A minimum of 5% of total project costs must be contributed by the applicant
  • Primary Lender is required - the NBW program subordinates to the primary lender
  •  For more information, contact Michael Haloskey at 410-514-7237
2. Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)
  • Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
  • No interest loans from $1k - $50k
  •  Businesses owned by military reservists, National Guard members called to active duty, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
  • Options available for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and businesses that employ service-disabled veterans
  • For more information, contact Jerry Boden, Maryland Dept of Veteran Affairs at 410-260-3841
3. Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT) 
  • Offered by the State of Maryland, Dept of Business & Economic Development (DBED)
  • 50% of VLT allocations will be deployed to small, minority & women-owned businesses located within a 10-mile radius of casinos. The other 50% will be available to the same type of businesses located anywhere within the State
  • For more information, contact any of the fund managers listed here. 
businesses owned by service-disabled veterans
businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf
businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.LGRusVRI.dpuf
businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, - See more at: http://business.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/mpvsblp#sthash.

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax

City of Frederick Passes Legislation to Eliminate Business Personal Property Tax

UPDATE: The Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to eliminate Business Personal Property Tax with an immediate exemption for new manufacturing investment and a phase-out approach for all businesses over a 10-year period. 

 First, A Little History
Personal property tax dates to Colonial America and was levied on individuals. Imagine a tax assessor showing up at your home annually to review your personal belongings such as rings and jewelry, furniture, household goods, paintings, and silverware. These items are known as tangible personal property. According to the Tax Foundation, "tangible personal property (TPP) is property that can be touched and moved, such as equipment, furniture, and other possessions." 

Today, no tax collector rummages through our homes to assess the value of our possessions for tax collection purposes. However, in many areas, this tax is assessed on businesses. 

"Because most states have exempted personal property used for personal reasons, most citizens are not aware that the tax on personal property exists. TPP tax is invisible to most individuals, although it is a significant expense for businesses," states a report issued by the Tax Foundation. 

 Taxing businesses on personal property has remained in many jurisdictions, including the City of Frederick, but a proposed change is under way. 

What is the Current Situation of This Tax in The City of Frederick?
Frederick County as a whole does not have a Business Personal Property Tax, but municipalities can assess this tax.  The City of Frederick currently is one of the jurisdictions within Frederick County that does. Only a handful of companies pay the majority of this tax. 

What is Being Proposed? 
The City's Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) has recommended a fiscally sound phase-out of this tax, and City officials agree. According to the Tax Foundation, the elimination of business personal property tax improves the business competitiveness of a jurisdiction and encourages reinvestment in a business.  

"The types of businesses that are hardest hit by this tax are also the same businesses that provide family-supporting jobs in Frederick," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "We want to attract and retain these companies and their jobs in our community."

 The proposed ordinance would:
  1. Exempt manufacturers (as a business category) from paying business personal property tax on NEW investments.  The tax credit only applies to manufacturers that are expanding or locating to the City. All business personal property, including items such as computers, printers, shelving, etc., would be eligible for the tax credit.
      
  2. Implement a 10-year phase out of all business personal property tax. This includes both manufacturing personal property (currently 77.5% exempt) and non-manufacturing personal property (currently 62.5% exempt).  This portion will be achieved by gradually raising each exemption percentage until at the end of year 10 (and moving forward), the exemption percentage is 100%. The proposed ordinance does not exempt utilities or railroads.
According to the Tax Foundation, "Localities that choose to exempt the TPP base, even in part, have an advantage over neighbors with regard to the location of business personal property due to their lower tax costs." With a phase-out approach over 10 years, the increased real property, new investment, and new development generated is expected to replace the revenue stream that this tax historically provided the City. 

"Businesses can choose to locate, relocate, or expand in a number of jurisdictions in the region," said Bobby Baumler, Economic Development Manager for The City of Frederick. "There are many reasons to choose Frederick, and eliminating this tax gives them one more." 

5 Benefits of Eliminating the Business Personal Property Tax
  1. It levels the playing field. Elimination of the tax places The City of Frederick on a level playing field with Frederick County and regional jurisdictions with lower overall business costs. 
  2. It encourages investment and reinvestment. Businesses won't be penalized for reinvesting in aging infrastructure such as manufacturing equipment.
  3. It gives Frederick a regional competitive advantage. Many nearby jurisdictions still assess this tax on businesses. This change allows both the City and County to market this advantage to businesses looking to locate or expand in the Frederick region.
  4. It attracts new business. When a businesses is looking to open or relocate a business, every expense matters. This can tilt the scale between Frederick and another jurisdiction. 
  5. It helps small businesses. 95% of all businesses in Frederick are small businesses. The plan to eliminate this tax doesn't just assist large corporations. It also assists small, locally-owned restaurants, retailers, and business owners that have invested in equipment, shelving, and fixtures. 
For more information about business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com. 

Originally posted April 15, 2015 by Michelle Kershner


Growing our Region to Become a Top 3 Biotech Hub by 2023

Maryland Regional Biotech Forum Discusses Growing the Biotech Ecosystem

 The City of Frederick's Economic Development Director Richard Griffin recently participated in the Maryland Regional Biotech Forum held on March 30-31, 2015 at the MedImmune campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The first event of its kind, the forum included private sector companies; federal, state, and local government; nonprofit institutions; investors; and academia. Griffin was on a panel entitled "The Role of State and Local Government in Increasing the Return on Our Biotech Assets." 

 "It was an honor to participate in this forum and discuss the role of local municipalities as the region grows this industry," said Griffin. The importance of collaboration and building the biotech ecosystem is essential to our success, said Griffin. "The rising tide lifts all boats." 
Follow the #MDBiotech15 Twitter hashtag to see tweets from the event. 
The DC Metro area is a biotech hub with more than 800 life sciences companies, 70 federal labs, and numerous world-class academic and research institutions. The focus of the forum was to chart the future of growing the regional biotech ecosystem.

 Forum discussions focused on how the MD/DC/VA biotech cluster can become a Top 3 Biotech Hub by 2023. Currently, the region is ranked in the Top 10 and frequently ranks between 5th and 7th depending on the source. 

 Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor with approximately 80 biotech companies in and around the city. It is an integral part of the regional biotech ecosystem and is poised to grow this industry. To learn more, visit the Business in Frederick website. 

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile


Fajita Grande restaurant on the Golden Mile is a local favorite with colorful decorations and daily specials.

Experience Authentic International Cuisine Along the Golden Mile

By Michelle Kershner, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development
Originally printed in the Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide

Stretching towards the mountains, the Golden Mile is a major retail district in Frederick. Representing a portion of the historic National Road, it naturally connects Downtown Frederick with points westward, such as Braddock Heights and Middletown.
  
Winter 2015 Frederick County Guide
Locals flock to this corridor, also known as Route 40, for retail stores and services. But insiders know that tucked inside the shopping centers, diners can find some of the most delicious and authentic international cuisine in the region.

“Nearly half of all establishments along the Golden Mile are associated with retail trade,” said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler.  “Additionally, accommodation and food services represent nearly a third of all employment in this area, a strong indication that people are heading to the Golden Mile to dine.” 

Amid the numerous strip-style shopping centers, standalone specialty stores and authentic international cuisine can be found.  From freshly baked breads and sweets at La Colmenita Bakery to international grocery stores, flavors from across the globe can be found along the Golden Mile. Diners can try Pho TNT’s banh mi, a crusty Vietnamese-style sandwich, Peruvian-style chicken at Sardis Pollo a La Brasa, warm naan bread and butter chicken at Clay Oven, or gyoza and sushi at Roppongi. 

Established in 1987, Casa Rico has been an anchor on the western end of the corridor for decades with gourmet tacos, tequila, and traditional Mexican favorites like chile rellenos. Fajita Grande offers up fresh salsa with their sizzling platters, and Santa Rosa restaurant and Ana's Papuseria serve pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick, handmade corn tortillas.  On select summer nights, a taco truck parks at Dutrow’s Sales & Service at the end of the Golden Mile, and dishes up favorites like tongue tacos and tamales.

The Golden Mile could very well be dubbed the “International Mile” for the corridor’s concentration of global flavors and offerings. 

La Colmenita Bakery is tucked in a
storefront at the Willow Tree Shopping Center
and offers freshly baked breads and sweets.
“The authentic international food scene on The Golden Mile is exploding,” said Justin Kiska, president of the Golden Mile Alliance and owner of Way Off Broadway. “These gems are tucked into traditional shopping centers, and new places are opening all the time. We recently welcomed Modern Asia Bar & Restaurant to our dining scene.”

Traditional favorites also have flourished on the Golden Mile over the years. The Barbara Fritchie Restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals since 1910.  This retro diner features comfort foods and freshly baked desserts.  Nearby, Il Forno Pizzeria has served their famed wood-fired pizza for over 18 years. 

For over six decades, Red Horse Steak House has been considered a family dining tradition for their open-flamed grilled steaks and seafood.   Doc Geiser’s Carryout & Catering is home to Watson’s famous fried chicken, and Mountainview Diner is a local favorite as well. 

“There is this perception that the Golden Mile is mainly a big-box destination, but small and family businesses, like these restaurants, also thrive alongside the larger retailers and chains,” explains Baumler.  

In the City of Frederick, 95% of all businesses are small businesses, and the Golden Mile is no exception.   Thanks to business investment, planning, and community involvement, this traditional retail corridor’s future is bright.  The Golden Mile, along with portions of Downtown Frederick, was recently accepted into Maryland’s Sustainable Communities program, which will open up additional resources. The Golden Mile Alliance, a non-profit organization comprised of business owners, property owners, and residents, also is working to strengthen the thoroughfare. 

The Golden Mile Alliance is reviving Pangaea, a festival celebrating heritage and diversity, with the next celebration slated for Oct. 4, 2015.

“We are looking forward to bringing back this cultural event,” Kiska said, with international cuisine featured prominently.  “Food brings communities together, and it will be a great time to celebrate all that Frederick’s Golden Mile has to offer in this area and others."

To learn more about the Golden Mile and business in Frederick, visit www.businessinfrederick.com.








Nominate YOUR Frederick Business for a 2015 Best Places to Work award!


If you love the Frederick company you work for...
 
Then tell us!  Your company will have a chance to take home a coveted Best Places to Work award, window cling, and enjoy the fabulous awards ceremony. Share all the great benefits your company offers its employees with the Frederick business community. Great health insurance? Company picnics? Job training? Philanthropic efforts? Service awards? No detail is too small. Let everyone know just how great your company is.

Nominate Your Company
Deadline: March 30  
By completing the nomination form, your Frederick County business will be considered for a "Best Places to Work" award. Only one submission is needed per business. Be sure to answer all the questions to increase your chances of winning, which may require you to coordinate with your CEO or human resources department. 

 This is a great opportunity to share your best practices and inspire other organizations. Finalists and winners will be announced and celebrated on July 30, 2015 at the awards ceremony at the Delaplaine in Downtown Frederick.

And just like last year, winners will receive coverage in the August issue of Frederick Magazine. So get those nominations in! Deadline is March 30th.
 

From 2014 Major Employer co-winner, Experient, "I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all the great employees at Experient who make it one of the Best Places to Work in Frederick County. Winning this award has brought Experient more local press than we've ever had, and that kind of recognition goes a long way toward retention and recruitment."

                  –Shawn Pierce, Division President, Experient Registration & Housing

If you have any questions about the nomination form, program, or awards ceremony, please call us at 301-600-6360 or visit our Best Places to Work page on Facebook. 

The Best Places to Work awards is brought to you in partnership by The City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Business Development & Retention Department, Frederick County Workforce Services & The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.


Proposed Downtown Hotel & Conference Center

Do you wonder what the new proposed Downtown Frederick hotel might look like? These artist's renderings of the proposed Downtown Hotel & Conference Center were unveiled at the Tourism Council of Frederick County’s annual fall membership meeting. 
The images were provided by the chosen developer for the project, Plamondon Hospitality Partners. 



Artist's rendering of downtown shopping and restaurants near the proposed hotel