The following companies were selected by The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) for their prowess in creating opportunities with the Developing Economic Value Award (thus known as DEVAs), based on their commitment to innovation and economic impact in the community.
Ancile Solutions: Frank Lonergan, CEO
How many world headquarters are based in Howard County? More than you think. And one of the most recent candidates is Ancile, a provider of best-in-class learning and performance software solutions.
Its products are used globally by Fortune 500 companies, including half of the elite Fortune 100. Frank Lonergan has overseen significant growth in its customer base, expansion of the customer base globally and expansion of the product portfolio.
Mobern Lighting: Bill Stone, CEO
The next award goes to a company that has been in Howard County since 1957. Under the leadership of Bill Stone, Mobern is a manufacturing company that has evolved with the times. It combines the strengths of its 66-year heritage with today’s new demands.
A manufacturer of fluorescent and HID lighting serving the Baltimore/Washington marketplace, Mobern is expanding its product line to include the latest in energy efficient lighting, including retrofit products and LED. It’s a manufacturing plant that is not only green, but growing and hiring.
A&G Pharmaceuticals: Ginette Serrero, CEO
Most people think about Montgomery County and Baltimore City when they think about biotech in Maryland, but there is a strong biotech base in Howard County as well.
This award recognizes a company working hard to battle cancer. Long before a lump is felt and before a tumor is visible on a scan, its cells release proteins; because these proteins are unique to the tumor cells, these biomarkers are specific to the cancer. A&G Pharmaceutical holds the key to tests that detect cancer at earlier stages, when it is most treatable.
VSTI: Dwayne Robinson, President & CEO
Many successful tech companies operate in Howard County. This year, HCEDA selected a company that is growing by leaps and bounds, and taking advantage of the country’s proximity to NSA and other defense agencies.
Since 1997, Dwayne Robinson and VSTI have worked to understand and anticipate the most significant threats and challenges facing our nation’s security. The company progressed to the point that it was recently acquired by SAS.
Just This Side of Paradise: Brent Rutley, Owner
You might be surprised to learn that there are 335 working farms in Howard County, and these farms supply the community with healthy, local foods. Many of these farms are expanding into new areas — some are making cheese, some are concentrating on farmers markets and some are offering CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) where families can buy weekly shares of fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
Brent Rutley and his brother, Bart, have demonstrated what innovation on the farm means: They’ve installed the first wind turbine in Howard County, they use solar energy, and they create compost and recycle to reduce their waste footprint.
