Thursday, February 23, 2012

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February 2012:

Improvement of Columbia Association’s Pathways »

Approximately 120 people attended two workshops in January to share ideas for the improvement of Columbia’s pathway system. The events were organized as part of the Columbia Association (CA)’s Connecting Columbia Active Transportation Action Agenda, which is expected to dovetail with a future Howard County Bicycling Master Plan.


Prescription Drug Shortages: A Growing Health Care Concern »

An ongoing disruption in the availability of widely-used prescription drugs has garnered the attention of lawmakers, among them Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who are now involved in trying to improve the situation and avert a widespread crisis.


Hotels for Heroes Aims for Corporate Support »

Having one good idea is a good thing. When that idea evolves into a second good idea, that can only be even better.


DISA Leadership Transferred in Military Ceremony »

Army Lt. Gen. Carroll Pollett transferred directorship of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins, Jr., during a ceremony at the agency’s Fort Meade headquarters on Jan. 11.


Is It Time for a Columbia Association Board Makeover? »

The Columbia Association (CA) is a $65-plus million private community organization. It’s among the 10 largest employers in Howard County, with upwards of 1,500 employees during the summer peak. And it hires the CEO.


GGP, Citizens Unclear on Concepts for Mall’s Proposed Redevelopment »

Initial plans for redevelopment at The Mall in Columbia were presented to the public by mall owner General Growth Properties (GGP) at a pre-submission meeting on Jan. 17.


Q&A With Citizen’s Health Initiative President Vincent DeMarco »

Vincent DeMarco is president of the Maryland Citizen’s Health Initiative, a coalition of more than 1,000 organizations that seek to ensure quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders. The initiative was the lead organization working for Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Working Families & Small Business Health Care Coverage Act of 2007, which resulted in more than 300,000 uninsured Marylanders receiving coverage.


CMRT Offers Mobility Management Tools »

Central Maryland Regional Transit Corporation (CMRT) offers two valuable mobility management tools to help residents and visitors travel in the Central Maryland region. These resources are the Transportation Resource Information Point Program and a Travel Training Program.


Lim to Keynote LHC’s Big Event on March 28 »

Jenn Lim, the CEO and “Chief Happiness Officer” of Delivering Happiness, will deliver the keynote for Leadership Howard County’s (LHC) The Big Event on Wednesday, March 28, at Turf Valley.


Horizon Foundation Welcomes New CEO »

The Horizon Foundation has hired Nicolette Highsmith Vernick as president and CEO. Highsmith Vernick succeeds founding President and CEO Richard Krieg, who is retiring after 13 years at the helm of the philanthropy, which seeks to improve the health and wellness of people living and working in Howard County.


Emergency Preparedness Materials Available in Library »

The Howard County Community Emergency Response Network (CERN) has released new materials to educate the public about emergency preparedness, including instructions for surviving a nuclear attack.


The Way I See It: A Twinkie Tale »

I received another birthday box of Twinkies this year. It was my 17th annual birthday box of Twinkies.


Are Your Taxes Too Low? Raise Your Hands »

Who thinks they don’t pay enough state taxes?


Howard Council Weighs Tweaking of Redistricting Map »

The Howard County Council has until March 15 to approve changes before a map recommended by the county’s Redistricting Commission becomes law.


Leopold, Ulman Share Common Problems, Especially Education Funding »

Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman have more in common politically these days than it might appear.


The ‘New Normal’ in Federal Contracting »

Due to many factors, every business-person has been forced to try to do more with less. But is it actually possible to successfully create more business out of fewer business opportunities?


Sipping With Sam: This Year’s Wine List »

By the time you read this column, 2012 will be well underway, but not too far along for me to still wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. It’s also not too far along to mention a few talking points that I’ve been thinking about.


Pounding The Keyboard: You’ve Changed »

It sounds like a bad advice column or something from O Magazine (or am I just being redundant there?).


The ABCs of Finance: Tips, Tools for Raising Smart Investors »

That’s a saying that applies to many facets of life, including educating children about money. By introducing sound financial habits early on, you’ll give your child a head start on the path to becoming an informed investor. Here are some creative ideas, as well as book and web site suggestions, for raising a financially savvy kid.


My World Voyage »

All cruises begin with a hefty dose of “hurry up and wait.” This Grand World Voyage was no exception. By the time I got to the front of the line, there were four travelers behind me and 955 in front.


December CMI: A Mixed Bag of Gifts »

The holiday season was a good one in terms of economic growth, at least for the retail community. That became pretty obvious in the most recent Credit Managers’ Index (CMI).


Create a Disaster Plan for Your Business, Employees »

Reacting to a natural disaster or emergency not only means ensuring the immediate safety of employees, but also planning how the business will continue to function in the aftermath.


Business Briefs »

Aquilent Announces New Wins Across HHS Laurel-based Aquilent has been awarded more than a dozen new contracts within the past several months supporting numerous operating divisions and programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The company will be providing strategic consulting on a number of fronts, including the areas of mobile [...]


Nonprofit News & Charitable Giving »

KBE Building Corp. Donates $22K-Plus, 2,200 Hours of Service A philanthropic endeavor intended to celebrate its 50th year in business has become a part of the culture at Columbia’s KBE Building Corp.: 50 Ways to Make a Difference is now an annual, year-long community outreach program that supports communities where the firm’s employees work and [...]


People In Business »

Francis-Gibson Resigns From The Columbia Foundation The Columbia Foundation’s president and CEO, Beverley Francis-Gibson, has resigned to pursue another professional opportunity. Until a replacement is hired, foundation chair Earl Armiger will serve as both chair of the board of trustees and as acting CEO. During the search, development officer Debbie Daskaloff is providing donor services [...]