TEDCO Invests $100K in Columbia IoT Firm
The Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO), of Columbia, has announced that five companies have received a total of $600,000 in seed funding, including $100,000 that was directed to Columbia-based Zuul Inc., which offers cybersecurity protection for the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).
Zuul recently raised $300,000 in seed funding and secured its first customer. TEDCO, MasterPeace LaunchPad and local angel investors participated in the seed round, which will provide the fuel that Zuul needs to expand its sales effort and increase support for additional IoT platforms.
Zuul bridges the gap between operations concerns and information technology (IT) security to make deploying and maintaining IoT devices easier and more secure. Its first customer is a global public sector transportation and mobility company. Zuul will enter 2018 with a roadmap to begin software deployment in select U.S. municipalities.
DLLR Offers Enforcement, Implementation Guidance for Healthy Working Families Act
On Sunday, Feb. 11, the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act went into effect, and the Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) has offered information to assist stakeholders. DLLR has made a draft sample employee notice poster for places of business available at www.dllr.maryland.gov/paidleave. The department is also developing sample policies that soon will be available on the website.
To the extent that the commissioner of labor and industry receives complaints immediately after the law goes into effect, the commissioner will work closely with employers and employees to make sure both parties understand the requirements and limitations of the law and resolve any issues as informally as possible. The commissioner will be working closely with all stakeholders to ensure fair and equitable implementation.
Gov. Larry Hogan has issued Executive Order 01.01.2018.04, creating the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance to assist small businesses in complying with House Bill 1. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Finalists Announced From 2017 STRT1UP Roadshow + Pitch Across Maryland
Startup Maryland unveiled the Overall Great Eight and other subcategory finalists for the Pitch Across Maryland competitions. This year’s finalists are ARMR Systems, Workbench, Danae Prosthetics, Penacity, IES Life Sciences, Femly, Earthborn Interactive and Roadi. The finalists are now invited to present their pitch again, in a slightly longer and more formal format, during the STRT1UP Showcase, scheduled for March 14, in Annapolis.
In addition to the Overall Great Eight Finalist pitches, representatives from Ecosystem Partners will assist Startup Maryland in announcing winners in the Industry Sectors, Fan Favorite and Champions’ Choice subcategories. For the corresponding lists, visit www.startupmd.org.
“By adding subcategories this year, we are able to recognize innovators and ventures that represent sectors critical to Maryland and the region. If 2017 is any indication, the competitive nature of the STRT1UP Roadshow has been raised to the next level. All tour stop hosts and partners are going to have to rally their communities, and we look forward to 2018,” said Michael Venezia, ecosystem director for Startup Maryland.
Arundel Announces Upgrade to Grants Management System
Anne Arundel County will upgrade its grants management system with new technology, saving more than $375,000 annually.
Each year, the county’s departments and offices handle $47.8 million in operating and capital grants from federal, state, local and private sources. By standardizing and modernizing the process throughout county government, grant performance and the use of tax dollars will be improved. This new technology’s anticipated result will increase the number of grants, increase dollar amount of grants and increase collaboration when seeking grants the county needs to serve its residents.
The county has entered into a contract with cCivis Inc. to provide grants management software so the county can standardize the way departments research, apply for and file grant reports. According to the Budget Office, approximately 80% of grants are from the same sources each year. Automated strategic research will identify more grants by forecasting grant potential. The new software will offer a user platform from which grants will be selected strategically to improve the quality of life for county residents.
Vision Technologies Moves to Hanover, Plans 100 New Jobs
Vision Technologies, a systems integrator, is relocating its headquarters in Anne Arundel County and adding 100 new, full-time jobs during the next five years to its local workforce. The company, currently located in Glen Burnie, is moving to a newly constructed, 31,000-square-foot facility in Hanover. Vision Technologies employs 247 workers in the county with more than 500 full-time employees nationally.
“We appreciate all of the support we have received from the Maryland Department of Commerce and Anne Arundel County as we continue to grow. Anne Arundel County has been a great place to start and grow our company, and we are proud of what we have achieved,” said John Shetrone, president and CEO of Vision Technologies. “The support from Maryland Commerce has been proactive and effective in providing funding and support for our expansion.”
Crooked Crab Brewing Co. Opens in Odenton
Leaders from the state of Maryland and Anne Arundel County joined a crowd of craft beer enthusiasts and well-wishers on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the grand opening of Crooked Crab Brewing Co., at the Telegraph Commerce Center, in Odenton. The company plans to produce more than 3,500 barrels per year in its new, 6,100-square-foot location, which includes a 2,200-square-foot taproom.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp.’s assistance to the company included helping the owners with their location search and providing guidance through the permitting and licensing processes. Crooked Crab Brewing Co.’s new location is a single-story warehouse/industrial building with easy access to Route 32. The company plans to produce five varieties of beer: Crooked Cream Ale, Chuck Brown Ale, Haze for Days New England Pale Ale, High Joltage Coffee Stout and I Fought the Claw IPA, in addition to seasonal releases.
Feldman Bergin, Fortified Property Group Acquire Building in Columbia for $7.2M
A joint venture partnership between Feldman Bergin Properties and Fortified Property Group has acquired 9176 Red Branch Road, a single-story, 81,000-square-foot, flex/light-industrial building situated in the Columbia North submarket for $7.2 million.
This represents the second acquisition in Howard County for the partnership in recent months. Last fall, the group purchased a three-building, 85,000-square-foot portfolio at 8970, 8980 and 8990 Route 108, in Columbia. Sapwood Cellars, a new local craft brewery, recently leased 7,200 square feet within one of the buildings to elevate overall leasing to approximately 85%.
The asset was purchased from an affiliate of ShoreGate Partners, an Easton, Md.-based commercial real estate company.
New Valet Parking Service Now Open at BWI Marshall
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport announced that a valet parking service at the airport’s Hourly Garage is open. The new Fly Away valet service is located on Level 5 of the BWI Marshall Airport Hourly Garage, which is connected directly to the airport terminal. The new valet parking service offers 155 spaces, with room to expand as needed. Valet customers are greeted by a professionally trained, uniformed attendant. The staff provides luggage assistance and offers customers complementary bottled water, coffee and a newspaper.
The initial daily rate for the Fly Away valet parking service will be $30. The regular rate for the Hourly Garage is $22 per day.
Moe Announces Laurel’s New Mobile Mayor Program
Laurel Mayor Craig Moe has announced Mobile Mayor, a new initiative of the City of Laurel’s Government to the People Program. Moe will meet with specific community groups at their resident neighborhood meeting space to share important city updates and information on continuing city programs.
Members of Moe’s senior management staff will be on hand to discuss a variety of departmental news and initiatives, and residents will be invited to speak informally with the mayor about community concerns and issues. Interested community groups may call the Moe’s office at 301-725-5300, ext. 2125, or email [email protected] for additional information or to schedule a Mobile Mayor event.
Cyber Firm to Open Analytics
Center at UMCP
BlueVoyant, a global cybersecurity firm, in the coming months plans to establish a Global Cyber Analytics Center at the University of Maryland College Park. Currently operating out of a temporary site in College Park, the company will employ 25 analysts and data scientists and plans to add more team members with the move to the new facility in the university’s Discovery District.
The new center will analyze Internet traffic data, as well as insights on dark web activity to help defend companies against external cybersecurity threats. BlueVoyant’s tools and capabilities enable companies to predict, detect and respond to known and emerging cybersecurity threats well outside of their own systems. The company expects to launch its new generation of commercial products this year.
FFB Achieves Continuing Accreditation From BBB Alliance
By meeting key standards in the areas of board oversight, finances, results reporting and fundraising appeals, the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), of Columbia, has achieved continuing accreditation by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. FFB has been accredited by the Wise Giving Alliance since 2007.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) is a comprehensive charity evaluator, assisting donors in making sound giving decisions. WGA’s standards go beyond what the law requires, closely monitoring an organization’s fiscal performance. Each BBB WGA charity report process involves a rigorous review using 20 holistic BBB Charity Standards, interaction with charity officials about corrective actions if needed, and quality control measures to assure report accuracy. Thousands of charities have reports available to the public at Give.org.
Osiris (Again) Looking to Hire New CEO
Columbia-based Osiris Therapeutics has announced that Linda Palczuk, who was the fifth CEO to lead the company since 2016, has resigned from the company to take a position as chief operating officer at Verrica Pharmaceuticals, of West Chester, Pa. She joined the company in July 2017.
Next in line at Osiris is Interim CEO Jason Keefer, who joined the company in 2014 and was named vice president, marketing, in August 2016; he assumed additional responsibilities to lead market access in October 2017. Prior to coming to Osiris, he worked at Shire Plc and Pfizer Inc.
MCE Resident 5:00 Films & Media Graduates Into New Studio
A Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship (MCE) resident, 5:00 Films & Media, is expanding out of the Columbia-based incubator into a larger space in the western Howard County town of Highland. The film and branding company has been operating within the MCE since 2016.
Founder Esteban Escobar’s team focuses on outcome-based storytelling that connects nonprofit and association clients with their target audiences. The new site will host an editing facility and an in-house studio, with 1,200 square feet of office space and 1,800 square feet of multi-use studio/equipment storage. 5:00 Films & Media currently employs six people.
Arundel Launches $2.2 Million 9-1-1 System Upgrade
Anne Arundel County has launched an upgraded 9-1-1 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to help first responders more efficiently and effectively respond to calls for service.
Until recently, the police and fire departments had been operating on a dispatch system that was installed in the early 1990s. The new CAD system provides increased capacity, with access to more than 16 million historical records to ensure reliability and accessibility; it also employs a graphic user interface, which enables users to enter and retrieve information more efficiently. The geo-centric nature of the CAD system also incorporates location verification, as well as geo-location for emergency service vehicles.
Harkins Announces Long-Planned Leadership Change
Harkins Builders, of Columbia, has announced the company’s long-planned change in leadership. With the retirement of Dick Lombardo, Harkins president Gary Garofalo has assumed the additional role and responsibilities of CEO; Larry Kraemer has taken over from Garofalo as COO, with the construction vice presidents reporting to him. Lombardo will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.
“Larry and I are both very excited to be seeing our strategic plans getting results. All of our major construction groups — Commercial, Government and Multifamily — are helping us to grow our product diversity, and our Northeast and Southeast divisions are strengthening and widening our geographical presence,” said Garofalo. “Twenty-eighteen promises to be a record-breaking year in revenues, and we are very proud of how all of our employee-owners are fostering consistency of exceptional quality across people, divisions and processes.”
SECU Introduces Online Mobile Banking
Linthicum-based SECU has partnered with Alkami Technology, of Dallas, to launch a new online banking platform and mobile app. Features include person-to-person transfers, budgeting tools and finger-tip or pin log-in. SECU has also enhanced traditional features including bill pay, account transfers, mobile check deposits and account information display screens.
Alkami works with financial institutions across the country to design, build and implement digital banking solutions. The project offers SECU members a more robust online and mobile banking experience, and allows them to bank on their time. The new platform will be introduced to members through March, with all members being converted by the end of the first quarter.
The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant Dining Services Cited
The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, in Ellicott City, has been named a Showcase Account by Sodexo, a global provider of integrated food and facilities services. The Showcase Account designation represents the company’s best partnerships that incorporate shared values and commitment to improve quality of life for those served every day.
The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, a continuing care retirement community along Frederick Road, has partnered with Sodexo since opening in 2016. Together, they are focused on driving innovation and improving service delivery in the senior living industry. As part of the recognition, Miller’s Grant will receive $5,000, which the community will invest in the future construction of a chapel/auditorium.
Wilhelm Builds Howard Bank Branch in Baltimore City
Wilhelm Commercial Builders, of Annapolis Junction, has completed construction on Howard Bank’s first open bank prototype branch in the Baltimore City neighborhood of Remington. It features a modern, industrial, rustic design that will enhance the banking experience for customers who are seeking high touch personal service options.
Highlights of the state-of-the-art branch include high ceilings to maximize natural lighting, polished concrete floors, reclaimed cedar walls, a floating cedar ceiling, hextonagal pendant LED lighting and a wall that features a unique, etched logo. The project team included area architect 33 Design.
Highlights of the state-of-the-art branch include high ceilings to maximize natural lighting, polished concrete floors, reclaimed cedar walls, a floating cedar ceiling, hextonagal pendant LED lighting and a wall that features a unique, etched logo. The project team included area architect 33 Design.
From the Partnership: Official Statement on the Departure of Pecoraro
“The BWI Business Partnership, with respect and appreciation, announces the departure of Executive Director Greg Pecoraro. After two-and-a-half years at the helm of the transportation management association, Mr. Pecoraro and the board have determined that the time has come for new leadership to guide the partnership through the process of redefining its mission and role within the Central Maryland region.
“Mr. Pecoraro [remained in his position through the end of February], at which point board member Ed Rothstein (Col. Ret.) assumed the role of interim director and will assist the partnership in conducting its search for a permanent director. The 30-year-old association has experienced much growth over the last two-and-a-half years with Mr. Pecoraro at the helm, and the partnership wishes him well in his future endeavors.”
The Daily Meal Cites AIDA Bistro
The Daily Meal gave AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar, in Columbia Gateway Business Park, reason to raise a glass by ranking it at No. 130 among the 150 Best Bars in America for 2018. To compile its rankings, the food and drink website used the feedback of its staff, readers and special council composed of restaurateurs, authors and industry insiders. Of consideration were drinks, mixology, bartenders, experience, cuisine and regional import.
The Daily Meal made mention of the Wine on Tap system and the Wine Club at AIDA Bistro as factors in its being named the list.
Fluffy Layers Now Sold by Southern States
Fulton-based Fluffy Layers, creators of fashionable, fun and utilitarian products for the farm, are now offering products in 50 Southern States stores, co-ops and independent dealers across the southeast. Southern States Co-Op, a company providing farm supplies and agricultural services, will sell a range of the Fluffy Layer products.
Southern States Cooperative is one of the nation’s largest agricultural co-ops. It provides a wide range of farm inputs, including fertilizer, seed, livestock feed, pet food, animal health supplies and petroleum products, as well as other items for the farm and home.
Congressional Exhibit at
Meeting House
The Meeting House Gallery is presenting its 4th Annual Congregational Exhibit, with works by Jim Auerbach, Peter Potters Build of Baltimore. Her work can be seen at www.winniecoggins.com.
Barbernitz, Stuart Berlin, Dan Brown, Dan Cohen, Susan Cohen, Ira Dwoskin, Michele Krupka, Jim Lubitz, Sue Nicholson, Carol Jo Roeder, Ronee Rothman, Steve Rothman and Roz Zinner, with works of art featuring ceramics, oil, mosaic tile, photography, water color and wood carving. The exhibit will run until April 7.
The Meeting House Gallery is located in The Oakland Mills Interfaith Center at 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Martz Transportation Opens in Howard County
The Martz Group, a fifth generation, family-owned and-operated transportation company with headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has brought 40 new jobs to Howard County with its new location in Columbia. The 40 selected individuals all will have access to benefits such as medical, dental and vision coverage.
The services offered have continuously evolved for the last 100 years, providing transportation in seven states; Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Florida.
Capitol Seniors Begins Construction on Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel
Capitol Seniors Housing, a senior living investment and development firm, has started construction on Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, an assisted living and memory care community in Gambrills. The $27.2 million, 72,140-square-foot community, to be located at 2535 Evergreen Road, will encompass 84 residential suites.
Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, which is located adjacent to Wegmans in Waugh Chapel Towne Centre, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018. The company is also constructing Arbor Terrace Maple Lawn, in Fulton, which is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
Capital Women’s Care Expands Regional Headquarters in Maple Lawn
The largest private obstetrics and gynecology practice in the mid-Atlantic, Capital Women’s Care, has continued its expansion in Maryland through the opening of a new office in Maple Lawn. The new lease represents a relocation and expansion of the practice’s regional headquarters; across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., it employs more than 200 medical professionals throughout more than 55 locations.
“This move will better allow Capital Women’s Care to provide services to the mid-Atlantic and helps to position them for continued growth in our region,” said Joe Bradley, senior vice president and principal of MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services. “We are excited to see the opportunities that this move will undoubtedly afford our client both now and in the future.”
WHC Opens to Address
Binge Eating Behavior
The Women’s Healing Center (WHC) of Ellicott City, has opened and is ready to serve women who face the powerful pull of binge eating behavior. Characterized by eating large amounts of food in short periods of time, often at a rapid pace that leads to significant discomfort, binge eating episodes usually occur in isolation and lead to feelings of guilt, shame and depression. It is estimated that only 28% of those who suffer from the effects of binge eating disorder seek treatment.
Founders Nancy Wikes, LCSW-C, and Teddey Hicks, Intuitive Eating counselor, provide a one-of-a-kind approach to binge eating disorder and guide clients to a place of confidence and peace. For more information, call Nancy Wikes at 443-535-1544, Teddey Hicks at 443-620-4710 or email [email protected]. Also visit www.womenshealingcenter.com.
Hochreiter, Hipp Exhibit at the Bernice Kish Gallery
The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, has announced a two-person exhibit in the galleries. The show is a retrospective exhibit featuring the artwork of Elaine Hochreiter entitled “Memories of a Journey”; it also presents work of her daughter, Krista Hipp. The exhibit will run through March 24.
The late Elaine Hochreiter, of Laurel, has exhibited throughout the region, including the Howard County Arts Council Group Show, Singular Sensations at the Columbia Art Center and previous exhibits at Slayton House Gallery. Her paintings reflect her life’s journey through places and times.
Krista Hipp, of Severn, has exhibited in solo and group shows, at the MassArt Graduate Thesis Show, in Boston; the Dodge Pratt Notham Art Center, in Boonville, N.Y.; the Lewis Historical Society, in Lowville, N.Y.; and Maryland Institute College of Art.
Everett Jewelers Relocates to Clarksville Commons
Everett Jewelers has relocated from the River Hill Village Center across the street to Clarksville Commons at 12240 Clarksville Pike. Owner Rick Everett feels that moving to the new Clarksville Commons is “an exciting opportunity” to be in a sustainable mixed-use center to grow the business and better serve his customers.
The new store features a stone fireplace as the focal point. High wood beams offset the soundproof ceiling, designed to enhance customers’ experience with Everett’s other love, music. Everett Jewelers specializes in custom design jewelry and was one of the first jewelers to sell diamonds online in the mid-1990s, and continues to do so today.
Artists’ Gallery Features
Coggins, Norman
Artists’ Gallery, in Ellicott City, will present the work of a long-time alumna, clay artist Winnie Coggins, and award-winning watercolor artist Karen Norman for its guest artist show, “Essential Elements: Clay and Water,” that will run through March 25. There will be a reception with wine and refreshments on Sunday, March 11, from 3–5 p.m.
Winnie Coggins has been working in clay since 1976. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in many venues, including the Maryland Federation of Art, Circle Galleries, Columbia Arts Center, the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center and the Potters Build of Baltimore. Her work can be seen at www.winniecoggins.com.
Karen Norman’s career in art began in color lithography, after she received her MFA at the University of Maryland. She soon began to explore working in watercolor, and is a signature member of the Baltimore Water Color Society, the Potomac Valley Watercolorists and past president of the Olney Art Association. Norman’s work can be seen at: www.karennorman.net.
Daedalus Books Retail Store to Close
Daedalus Books President Robin Moody has confirmed that the Columbia-based catalog business and retail outlet that specializes in remaindered books and music closed at the end of February. Universal Screen Arts of Hudson, Ohio, an Internet retailer and mail order cataloguer with catalog titles that include Signals, Wireless and whatonearth, has acquired the Daedalus Books & Music catalog operation and will continue to operate it under that name.
“It’s been a good run and a pretty good store,” said Moody, who founded the business in 1980 with partners Helaine Harris and Tamara Stock, and established the warehouse outlet in 1998. “We’re all sad to see this day come.”