What’s Ahead For 2012? Cloudy, Some Clearing »

Wasn’t the economy supposed to pick up a head of steam when the recession ended a couple of years ago? Wasn’t that how it was supposed to work?

Developers Inching Closer: Construction Starts at Konterra, Laurel Mall »

Two long-awaited projects are poised to move forward in and near Laurel this year, signifying an improvement in development financing availability. Each project is designed to bring significantly improved retail choices to residents and consumers there.

Food Trucks, Small Eateries Grow in Number, Popularity »

There’s good eats to be found in and around Howard County. That’s always been the case.

Howard’s New Miller Library Unveiled »

The opening of the Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) new Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center in Ellicott City recently was celebrated by the local community.

Some Odenton History is Gone, But Bright Future Beckons »

“Bittersweet.”

That’s the word that Jay Winer used to call that long- (too long, in the eyes of many observers) awaited early December day when demolition began on the northern building of Odenton’s long dormant Nevamar plant.

Q&A With UM Associate Vice President Brian Darmody »

Brian Darmody is associate vice president for research and economic development at the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), and special assistant vice chancellor for technology development with the University System of Maryland (USM).

Basu Paints Economic Recovery Picture – By the Numbers »

Economic analysts agree that the recession is over, with no sign of an imminent return. The bad news is, however, that ongoing recovery will likely remain turbulent and drawn out, at least until the housing market stabilizes.

GBC Presents Its State of the Region »

Job growth in educational and health services, and in government, enabled the Baltimore region to weather the recession better than most competing parts of the country, according to data in the 2011 State of the Region Report, released Dec. 12 by the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC).

November Economy Stable, Despite Drop in Sales »

The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) remained largely unchanged for the third consecutive month, dropping slightly to 53.5 from 53.7. While that’s not ordinarily great news, given September’s strong data, it is not altogether a bad thing that October and November stayed much the same.

Airing of Grievances »

The first time we met, on a chilly October morn, Laura Neuman and I did not get along very well. Laura is the relatively new CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. I left the meeting feeling a little unsettled.

Retail Industry’s Good Health Cited at New York ICSC »

“The only thing not for sale right now is my wife and my kids.” That’s one comment that was overheard at the recent New York International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) New York, held at the Hilton New York.

As State Revenues Lag, Higher Taxes Likely Part of Mix »

The worst of the Great Recession may be over for many businesses, but it has been well known for decades that state revenues lag at least a year or two behind an economic recovery.

Redistricting Plan Generates Friction Between Ellicott City, Columbia »

At the Howard County Council’s December legislative public hearing, changes proposed by the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission sparked a lively debate over representation that briefly drew council members into the fray.

Redistricting Map Targets Some GOP Delegates »

Republican lawmakers from Anne Arundel County were bracing for the worst out from the legislative redistricting map that was released before Christmas.

Finding a Really Big MAC »

Educated guesses have been made by people much smarter than yours truly about how the federal market is changing.

Best Buy Finds a Good Match Through The Arc »

Randi Penenburgh is deep in thought, carefully studying the prices on video games to make sure they match those on the Columbia Best Buy store’s display shelves. She enjoys her job, she said. As for those video games that fill the big box store’s shelves, however, Penenburgh is much more interested in real life competition on the ski slopes, the bocce court or the gym, where she lifts weights.

Fearless Predictions for 2012 »

Ah, yes. It’s again time for that annual opportunity to gaze into the crystal ball, place my tongue somewhat firmly in cheek and look ahead.

Horizon Foundation Announces Medical Language Translation Program »

The Columbia-based Horizon Foundation has announced a novel language interpretation system intended to help Howard County residents with limited English skills, or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, to communicate with health and medical providers.

My World Voyage »

Right now, I am passport-less. It’s not a good feeling, especially since I know that I’ll be traveling around the world in a (very short) month from the day I am writing this article.