Innovation + Job News

Baltimore County has installed a wireless broadband network in 350 County police vehicles. The broadband connectivity will enable officers to conduct their work more effectively with a secure, mobile, high speed wireless connection to internal and online law enforcement applications and databases.

"This is another example of collaboration by Baltimore County agencies," says County Executive Jim Smith. "The partnership between the Baltimore County Office of Information Technology and the Police Department demonstrates that Baltimore County government is committed to working for the greater good of its citizens and those who serve. Supporting our police officers by giving them the most up-to-date equipment and training is at the forefront of our responsibilities."

In addition to the broadband network in vehicles, the County has implemented a mobile application that will allow County police officers to search for both in-state and out-of-state driver and vehicle information from all State and Federal databases, including driver license photos from the MVA. This application will allow officers to have access to vital information while in the field and serve as a critical verification tool while providing them a greater degree of safety.

The cost of installing wireless broadband in 350 police cars for the first year is $196,800 of which $176,400 is a Law Enforcement Terrorism Protection Program (LETPP) grant. Cost of the MVA photo/driver information tool is $110,324, of which $88,934 is a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant. Police officers demonstrated the use of both tools at the news conference.

Source: Baltimore County Department of Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Gov. Martin O'Malley unveiled an economic agenda at Maryland's first Small Business Summit. The plan focuses on providing small businesses with access to credit, job creation and the unemployment trust fund, initiatives that the Administration plans to champion in the upcoming General Assembly session. The Governor, who co-hosted the Summit with Greater Baltimore Committee President and CEO Donald C. Fry, called on Maryland's business community to join in fighting for these proposals.

"Small and family-owned businesses are the heart and soul of our State and the key to how we're going to turn the corner from recession to recovery to prosperity," says Gov. O'Malley. "Representing nearly 98 percent of the State's employers, strengthening our small business community will help us grow and strengthen our middle class, fuel innovation, and create jobs in Maryland."

"Most economic growth in our state will be generated from within, so this commitment to small business by Governor O'Malley is very welcomed," says GBC President and CEO Donald C. Fry. "Small business is big business in Maryland and we must continue to support our small businesses and develop innovative solutions to help them grow."

The governor outlined three key initiatives as part of a broader economic agenda to help strengthen small business in Maryland and create jobs.

The first component would streamline the loan approval process for small businesses and expand access to credit by creating the Maryland Small Business Credit Recovery Program, offering a loan guaranty on small business deals through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's current loan guaranty program - the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority Program (MIDFA).

Approved banks will be able to apply for up to a $50,000 MIDFA guaranty and a Rapid Response Program will be developed that will offer a 48-hour approval turnaround on loans needed up to a $250,000 guaranty. The initiative could leverage up to $64 million in new private sector lending for small businesses.

The second part would create jobs by establishing a Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which would award businesses a $3,000 tax credit for every unemployed worker it hires. The initiative, which is proposed for one year with a $20 million cap, would boost job creation and take the pressure off the State's Unemployment Trust Fund.

The final component would introduce emergency legislation to address the rate increase for small businesses to the Unemployment Trust Fund.

Source: Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

DP Solutions donated 30 laptops to senior class students enrolled in Baltimore City's National Academy Foundation (NAF) High School Academy of Information Technology earlier this month.

Gerald Markowitz, Business Development Manager at DP Solutions, who also sits on the IT Academy's Advisory Board, was responsible for spearheading this project.

"By putting high-end technology in the hands of these students, we help create a unique and modern IT experience for them, as well as attracting new students to the school and increasing enrollment in the IT program," says Markowitz. "It is through the participation of professionals like us that these deserving young people will have the mentoring, job experiences and support they need to succeed."

"DP Solutions' donation will directly support our students, furthering their IT education and providing them with technology necessary to be successful in higher education," Karen Webber-Ndour, Principal at National Academy High School, says. "More than that, DP Solutions' support and generosity tells our students that there are people outside of their high school that care about their success. NAF demands professionalism from its students in preparation for post secondary education and the competitive 21st century workplace. However, we cannot do this in isolation. It is only through partnerships and support from people like DP Solutions that we are able to accomplish our vision."

"DP Solutions' contribution has been put to work to help NAF fulfill its mission � to prepare students to succeed to their fullest potential by enabling them to enter the college and/or career of their choice," continues Ms. Webber-Ndour.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond A. Skinner announced the beginning of the renovation of a 21-unit apartment building in Takoma Park, a project financed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Gilbert Highlands redevelopment is the first project in the state to receive a grant under DHCD's Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) program, which aims to promote energy efficiency in affordable multifamily rental housing.

"Maryland is a national leader in its efficient and effective management of Recovery funds in these difficult economic times, expanding opportunity and creating jobs in our State," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "We will continue to utilize those resources to provide affordable housing for Maryland's hardworking families and generate jobs in the construction and housing sectors."

The Gilbert Highlands building, located on the 8500 block of Flower Avenue, will provide desirable, energy efficient, affordable housing for low to moderate income families while generating more than two dozen construction jobs.

"The redevelopment of this important affordable housing resource has long been a priority of the Town of Takoma Park and we are pleased that our financing will help preserve and expand critically needed affordable housing in that community," says Secretary Skinner.

Increasing energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways that owners of affordable rental housing can ensure the sustainability of the development, and these investments act as an incentive to performing regular building maintenance.

MEEHA provides grants for energy audits and the purchase and installation of equipment and materials for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in affordable multifamily rental housing. The program is an ongoing partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Energy Administration and is part of the governor's emPOWER Maryland initiative, which aims to reduce the state's energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015.

MEEHA funding comes in the form of a $9.5 million contribution from MEA, funded by both the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 � State Energy Program, and the State's Strategic Energy Investment Fund.

The MEEHA program is Maryland's multifamily counterpart to the Weatherization Assistance Program, which currently funds energy retrofits for eligible low-income households. These two programs help Maryland families reduce energy costs and consumption at a time of increasing financial stress and rising energy costs.

MEEHA is being undertaken in conjunction with DHCD's Green Grant Rental Housing Preservation Program, which provides additional funding for energy audits of affordable multifamily rental housing developments in certain communities affected by the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. It also provides funding for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) training and accreditation.

News updates also are available by following DHCD on Twitter and Facebook.

Source: Montgomery County Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Is your neighborhood the greenest 'hood in Baltimore? That's what the Department of Public Works and the Initiative for a Cleaner Greener Baltimore are hoping to prove with a new contest.

The RecycleMORE Community Tonnage Competition seeks to to Increase community partnerships that promote a cleaner, greener City; increase household recycling through neighborhood driven outreach and educational efforts; and increase Baltimore's overall recycling tonnage.

The contest registration period begins Wed., Dec 9 and runs through Tues. Dec. 28. The contest begins Fri. Jan. 1 and ends Wed., March 31. During the 12-week period participating communities recyclables will be weighed to eventually determine the neighborhoods who have contributed the greatest amount.

Winners will be announced on the Mayor's Spring Cleanup Day, Saturday, April 17. Winning neighborhoods will receive an "appreciation day block party." The Mayor's Initiative for a Cleaner Greener Baltimore will also offer communities an opportunity to compete for RecycleMORE 1+1 Program Partner Grants. These grants are limited and subject to eligibility criteria. Communities are encouraged to apply promptly.

Communities that wish to register should call Ms. Tonya Simmons, Recycling Coordinator, Bureau of Solid Waste at 410-396-4511. Completed registrations forms can be faxed or emailed to Ms. Simmons at 410-545-6117 or [email protected].
 
Source: Department of Public Works
Writer: Walaika Haskins

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Maryland added 1,500 jobs in October, a 0.1% monthly rate of growth, while the nation lost 190,000 jobs, says the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Maryland was not the only U.S. state with good job news in October. Twenty-eight states plus D.C. also added jobs. Maryland sectors with the most notable job creation during the month were manufacturing, wholesale trade and local education.

In addition, Maryland added some 1,600 manufacturing and wholesale trade jobs, the highest total recorded for either in at least 10 years. Local governments added 1,700 jobs, mostly in education, while administrative support, a sub-section of professional and business services, added 1,400 jobs.

On the other hand, construction lost 3,400 jobs during the month and retail trade lost 2,900 jobs. The change in these two sectors could be a future concern as recent reduced job losses in these sectors largely explain the state's improved employment picture over the past six months.

Over the past year, Maryland's job loss rate of 2% is half that of the nation and fifth best among states and the District of Columbia. Sectors that added the most jobs over the year included educational and health services with 8,800 jobs added for a 2.3% growth rate, government with 5,300 jobs added or 1.1% growth, and leisure and hospitality services with 2,100 jobs added for a 1% growth rate. 

Sectors that added the most jobs over the year included educational and health services, federal government, and leisure and hospitality services. Sectors that lost jobs included construction with 16.5% fewer jobs, the retail trade sector with 15,200 fewer jobs and the financial activities sector, which lost 11,100 jobs or 7.4% from its year-ago level. Finance and insurance firms accounted for most of the job loss in this sector.

Source: MD Dept of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) has inked a 50-year agreement with Ports America Chesapeake that will allow the MPA to lease its 200-acre Seagirt Marine Terminal to Ports America. In return, Ports America has agreed to construct a 50-foot berth for the Port of Baltimore that is expected to result in increased business opportunities and larger vessels that will be able to dock at the Port.

The partnership between the MPA and Ports America is expected to produce 5,700 new jobs, while the total investment and revenue from this agreement to the State of Maryland has the potential to reach more than $1.3 billion over the life of the agreement and will generate $15.7 million per year in new taxes for Maryland. The agreement must be submitted to the Board of Public Works for approval.

"This public-private partnership is about three things: jobs, jobs, and more jobs," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "These challenging economic times call for new ways of doing business. We welcome an internationally respected partner in the maritime field for this unique long-term joint venture. With this agreement, we are able to secure the Port's long-term future with a 50-foot berth, apply an immediate influx of capital for system preservation of roads, tunnels, and bridges, and provide an extended revenue stream to the State."

Once the agreement is finalized, Ports America will be responsible for the daily operations of the Seagirt Marine Terminal, as well as investing in a new 50-foot berth, cranes, and other infrastructure at Seagirt. Ports America will make an annual payment and provide ongoing revenues to the MPA during the life of the agreement. The State of Maryland would continue to own Seagirt.

Of the 5,700 new jobs that will result from this agreement, 3,000 jobs will be one-time construction jobs over the next three years for Port and Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) highway improvements. Another 2,700 permanent direct, indirect and induced jobs will come from the increased and sustainable container business that the Port will see upon completion of the 50-foot berth in 2014.

Under the agreement, the MdTA, as the current owner of Seagirt, will receive an immediate payment in excess of $100 million to pay for needed system preservation of its roads, tunnel, and bridge facilities. It also is projected that this agreement will generate $15.7 million per year in new taxes for the State.

Ports America is the current operator of the Seagirt Marine Terminal and has operated the facility since Seagirt opened in 1990. Ports America has also run operations at the Dundalk Marine Terminal since 1996.

In addition to full control over daily operations of Seagirt and the obligation to design and build the 50-foot berth within MPA's required standards, Ports America receives:

• A known future base payment for 50 years and all net revenues;
• The right to move and consolidate all current container business to Seagirt;
• Control over timing and nature of system preservation costs as long as standards are met;
• Funding capital obligations allow Ports America to invest in new technology as it sees fit.

With the development of a 50-foot berth, the Port of Baltimore will become only the second port on the East Coast with a 50-foot berth and 50-foot channel. When the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2014, it is expected that a greater and larger number of ships will travel to East Coast ports to reach their customers quicker and less expensively than their current route of going to West Coast ports and sending products by rail to markets throughout the country. Without a 50-foot berth, those larger ships would not have enough water depth to dock and bring additional business to the Port of Baltimore. The cost to develop the 50-foot berth and four cranes is approximately $105.5 million.

Source: Maryland Port Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center is one of three non-profits that will receive a total of $35,000 from national law firm Ober|Kaler's Community Grants Program. The annual program awards grants to community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth in the Baltimore and Washington, DC metro area.

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center, Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Inc. will each receive a $10,000 Ober|Kaler Community Grant. A special $15,000 Grant will go to Horton's Kids. In addition to awarding the grant, employees of the firm will volunteer their time to this Program. A detailed description of each organization is listed below.

"We are particularly proud to lend a hand this year, our seventh year of giving, during these difficult economic times. The organizations we selected are doing very worthy work in the communities in which we work," said attorney Joseph C. Kovars, chair of Ober|Kaler's Community Grants Committee.

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center will receive a $10,000 grant. The mission of this program is to provide a continuum of challenging, transformative experiences for 200 Baltimore City youth, 12 to 17 years of age in 2010. The Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center was established in 1986 by community leaders with the mission to build leadership capacity within our community by providing students, educators, and community leaders with opportunities to develop a better understanding of their capabilities and value to their community.

Pediatric Aids/HIV Care, Inc. will also receive a $10,000 grant. This organization provides children living with HIV/AIDS with education, therapy, and youth programming to empower them to live healthy and successful lives. Pediatric Care has been serving youth for over 20 years and will continue to do so until the stigma of HIV/AIDS is eradicated.

Horton's Kids will receive a $15,000 grant for its One-on-One Tutoring Program. The Horton's Kids tutoring program serves 163 children, ages 4-18, from the Wellington Park neighborhood in Washington, DC's Ward 8. The thrice weekly tutoring program takes place in Congressional Office buildings. Horton's Kids is in its eighth year and has successfully developed the "mobile tutoring approach" in which children travel to safe places stocked with personalized educational materials where they meet their regularly-attending volunteer tutors.

Source: Ober|Kaler
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Energy Administration is now offering low-interest loans through the EmPOWER Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Loan Fund (EELF) to help Maryland business improve the energy performance of their facilities. The Energy Efficiency Loan Fund is financially supported through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the State of Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund . Proposed funding for the EELF is approximately $5.6 million through the end of fiscal year 2011.

"These loans will allow Maryland 's commercial and industrial businesses to implement energy efficiency solutions that not only save money and spur new job creation, but also help our State to achieve the EmPOWER Maryland goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent by the year 2015," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "Today marks one more success for the families and workers of Maryland , as we strive to become a more Smart, Green and Growing State ."

Maryland businesses can now qualify for up to $500,000 for electric efficiency projects, and $750,000 for combined electric and gas/fuel oil efficiency projects with a minimum $35,000 for energy efficiency projects. Eligible types of energy efficiency projects may include, but are not limited to building weatherization, lighting technology upgrades, HVAC replacements or upgrades, and commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades.

"The Maryland Energy Administration has a wealth of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs available to all sectors in our State," commented MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. "The Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Loan Fund is yet another solid resource for Maryland businesses interested in increasing their energy savings and going green."

Businesses interested in the program are encouraged to download a project loan application at: www.energy.Maryland.gov/incentives/business, and to contact Jesse Fulton, the energy efficiency manager for this program at [email protected] or by phone at 410-260-7184 with any questions. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first come-first served basis. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of other financial incentives offered to commercial and industrial businesses through their utility's EmPOWER energy efficiency programs.

Source: Maryland Energy Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1 million grant to the Baltimore County Department of Workforce Development (BCOWD). The grant will enable BCOWD and its partners to increase high-growth, high-demand healthcare careers in the Baltimore region with the expansion of the Baltimore Alliance of Careers in Healthcare (BACH) into Baltimore County.

The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to eliminating the critical shortage of qualified healthcare workers in Baltimore. BACH works with local agencies, healthcare institutions and other organizations to create opportunities for healthcare employees to pursue higher careers in health professions. BACH's core business is providing Career Coaches in area hospitals to serve as a resource for entry-level employees for training opportunities to advance their healthcare careers.

"Healthcare has become an increasingly essential part of our economy. It is one sector that is always listed in the top growth fields for employment. It is important Baltimore County continues its commitment to expand and support a workforce that will provide the high quality of healthcare necessary to serve the people of Baltimore County," says Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.

BACH's ultimate, long-term objective is to reverse the healthcare worker shortage in Baltimore by developing and promoting a system for preparing healthcare employees for skilled positions in healthcare professions with the most serious shortages.

The Department of Labor awarded BCOWD the grant "Maturity Works: Tapping Older Workers for High-Growth Healthcare Careers, " that specifically targets people ages 55 and older who are in entry-level healthcare positions.

"Baltimore County understands the value of our older citizens. This grant will fund training for them necessary to improve their skill sets and to earn important certifications for better financial security while providing better healthcare to their patients," says Baltimore County Council Chair Joseph Bartenfelder.

The three-year grant will allow BCOWD and its partners to broaden participation of mature workers in high-growth, high-demand healthcare careers in the Baltimore region. The partnership will adopt a two-pronged approach: (1) strengthen the pipeline of entry-level mature workers in healthcare and (2) retain experienced technical and professional healthcare personnel after retirement age. The grant will pay for the training costs and a portion of the Career Coaches salaries. The Community College of Baltimore County will serve as the primary training provider.

This initiative will increase employment and training opportunities for older individuals targeting the following in demand occupations: sterile processing technician, surgical technician, nurse assistant and nurse extender.

"Our Workforce Development Council has been looking forward to welcoming the Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare to Baltimore County. Thanks especially to the Healthcare Careers Committee of the Council, that day is a reality. Thanks also to the support of the Jim Smith Administration, we are moving forward to help address the employment picture through the training that will be provided to healthcare workers," says Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development Barry Williams.

BCOWD and its partner, Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development, will expand the capacity to train and prepare older individuals along the healthcare career ladder. BACH's Career Coaches will provide career awareness and guidance, including information sessions about healthcare careers; job readiness opportunities (computer and financial literacy training tailored to older adults' learning styles); and guidance on employment and training opportunities in healthcare. BACH will also collaborate with area hospitals to improve retention and advancement of older frontline workers in entry-level skilled healthcare jobs.

The ultimate purpose of this grant is to broaden the talent pool of the healthcare workforce in the region, while simultaneously advancing the knowledge of the workforce system to better serve older workers. Through this initiative, a minimum of 260 older individuals will receive healthcare certification and gain entrance into high-demand healthcare fields. Employer outreach and awareness activities will reach at least 500 employers.

Source: Baltimore County Office of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The ninth Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival put more than $25 million into the city and state's economy according to a recent study by RESI, an economic research and consulting firm located at Towson University. That's more than double the event's economic impact  of $11.2 million in its first year in 2001.

This event, which attracted a record 20,364 runners, marked its seventh consecutive year of 15 to 20 percent growth year over year. Each year the festival attracts more out of state participants, with 40 percent of this year's runners coming from beyond the state's borders compared to 25 percent in its first year. In all, 50 states and 44 countries were represented in the 2009 field.


Visitors = 57,075
Hotels = $5,382,013
Eating = $5,382,013
Retail = $3,799,068
Transportation = $4,432,246
Entertainment = $6,331,780
TOTAL = $25,327,120

"When one considers the economy the last couple of years I think it makes our annual economic impact figure and steady growth even more impressive," says Lee Corrigan, the event's Executive Director and President of Corrigan Sports Enterprises. "Without the unwavering support we receive from city and state agencies, along with our sponsors, the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival would not exist. It boggles my mind to think this event has generated more than $135M for our local and state economies since we started in 2001, but I know it's a direct reward for all of the hard work thousands of people put into this magnificent day."

The charitable proceeds generated by the 2009 event topped $830,000. Special Olympics Maryland, The United Way of Central Maryland, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Helping Up Mission, Moveable Feast, Parks and People, Sadie's Gift, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Baltimore Fire Foundation and After School Club, Maryland Center for Arts and Tech, Maryland Institute of Art and Alzheimer's Association are some of the area's benefiting charities. More than $5 million has been raised for charity since the event's inception.

Source: Corrigan Sports Enterprises
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Craftsmen Developers, LLC, Daft McCune Walker, Inc. and The Casey Group, Ltd. recently announced the formation of Real Estate Resolutions, LLC (RER MD). RER MD was established to provide comprehensive problem solving services that result in unique opportunities for the distressed real estate industry.

RER MD is an experienced team that can evaluate, analyze, restructure and manage distressed real estate assets. Individually and especially as a group, the team brings incredible experience and knowledge to the real estate and banking industries. The goal of RER MD is to maximize capital recovery by providing a team approach to real estate analysis and problem solving.

According to Thomas H. Repsher, President/CEO of Daft McCune Walker, Inc. those most likely to benefit from RER MD's services are, "attorneys, lenders, asset managers, developers, builders, receivers and servicers, accountants, commercial brokers, portfolio managers, real estate fund managers and investors." Together, the RER MD team is able to attack issues and develop solutions for any real estate, debt or ineffective business strategy and to create Resolutions.

U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, Gov. Martin O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Larry E. Walton, President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Central Maryland,  have launched new federal funding efforts to support the work of Maryland 2-1-1, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service hotline for Marylanders.

Currently operating in its pilot phase, with funding support from Gov. O'Malley's 2009 budget, and contributions from the United Way and other private and nonprofit agencies, Maryland 2-1-1 provides expert assistance for a range of health and human service problems. Open 24/7 and operating in more than 150 languages, 2-1-1 cuts through the maze of Maryland's estimated 500 toll-free and other "help" numbers for health and human services. Marylanders who've lost a job, a home, or who need to know where to get services for their aging father or who to turn to for mental health counseling can rely on 2-1-1 for information and referrals.

Sen. Mikulski has requested $800,000 in the fiscal year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill to help Maryland 2-1-1 transition from a pilot program to a permanent one. Her funding request has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

Sen. Mikulski is also an original cosponsor of federal legislation, the Calling for 2-1-1 Act, to provide matching grants to states to help them fund and expand existing 2-1-1 services. The lack of a dedicated and reliable federal funding stream currently prevents many states from expanding their 2-1-1 services.

"Maryland 2-1-1 is part of a national movement in need of a dedicated national funding source. Families today may be facing tough times: a recent lay-off, an aging father. They need to know where to turn for quick referrals, services and support. Maryland 2-1-1 is on their side," Sen. Mikulski says. "But while we're waiting for Congress to act on 2-1-1 legislation, we didn't want to wait to meet a compelling human need. I'm proud to team up with Governor O'Malley and our private and nonprofit partners to keep Maryland 2-1-1 working for Marylanders, and to keep hope and help alive this holiday season."

"In these difficult times, too many of our families are struggling to make ends meet. On this week of Thanksgiving, we want families to know that the Maryland 2-1-1 Center connects our families and most vulnerable citizens with state resources and initiatives like job assistance, heating and energy assistance, health care, and foreclosure prevention services. It's a one-stop shop which cuts back on bureaucracy so families can get the help they need in a timely, efficient matter," says Gov. O'Malley. "I want to thank Senator Mikulski for her leadership in fighting to deliver funding for 2-1-1 to our State. Our message to Maryland families is simple: help is just a phone call away."

"2-1-1 Maryland makes it easy to find help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week simply by dialing an easy-to-remember number, " says Pat Hanberry, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, one of the four 2-1-1 Maryland call centers. "This pilot has been a great example of partnership between federal, state and local governments with corporate and nonprofit support to assist Marylanders at a time when they need help most. "

Maryland 2-1-1 provides easy to remember, no hassle access to comprehensive, up-to-date information at any time. Calls to 2-1-1 are free and completely confidential. Between April 1 and September 30 of this year, 2-1-1 call specialists have answered 114,151 requests for help, service and support.

Examples of how Maryland 2-1-1 has helped Marylanders include:

• Louise Hughes originally called 2-1-1 for assistance with tax preparation. She could no longer afford to pay for help filing and was looking for a resource. After speaking with one of the 2-1-1 call specialists about the economy and difficult times, she was told that she was eligible for assistance with utility bills and health care. She received help with both.

• A 32-year-old man was recently laid off from his job. His wife's income was not enough to support them and their young children. The 2-1-1 call specialist was able to direct the caller to his local employment resource center where he could search for job opportunities and get assistance updating his resume.

• A 32-year-old mother of three was trying to make ends meet but got a notice that her electricity was about to be cut off, and her family had no money for groceries that week. A 2-1-1 call specialist helped direct the caller to local agencies that would assist her with energy cut-off notices, and a food pantry where she could go to make sure her children didn't go hungry.

Source: Senator Barbara Mikulski
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Milken Institute released its annual list of the U.S. cities with the best economic performance. The Baltimore metro area, including Towson, was ranked No. 64 among the 200 largest metropolitan areas for 2009, rising 23 spots from No. 87 in 2008. High-tech production and gross domestic product growth helped propel the city up the list.

Baltimore was third among cities in the Mid-Atlantic area, with that Washington, D.C area and Bethesda/Gaithersburg/Frederick ranked 25th and 51st, respectively. A bevy of southern towns in Texas and Louisiana earned the highest rankings in part due to the increase in the oil economy in those states.

Source: Milken Institute
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Emergent BioSolutions, a Rockville-based biopharmaceutical firm,  announced last Friday that it has completed the purchase of a 55,000 square foot building, which it plans to use to expand its drug development and testing. Emergent acquired the manufacturing facility from MdBio Foundation as well as the land upon which it stands from Baltimore City for $8.2 million. The building previously operated as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed facility used by an experienced contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to produce a number of FDA approved products.

"Emergent is excited about this new facility in Baltimore because it houses several suites capable of manufacturing multiple products at the same time," says Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "Accordingly, this facility will provide the flexibility to conduct large-scale manufacturing of rPA while also producing other products in our pipeline."

Emergent BioSolutions employs over 600 employees around the world, with over 150 employees located in its corporate headquarters in Rockville and one of its product development sites in Gaithersburg. The company will reportedly hire 125 employees to staff the new facility.

"This acquisition reflects our commitment to both continually creating jobs and investing additional capital in the State of Maryland," says Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "We extend our sincere appreciation to the state and local governments for their ongoing support of our efforts to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and look forward to growing Emergent's presence in the state."

Source: Emergent BioSolutions
Writer: Walaika Haskins