Baltimore Jobs : Innovation + Job News

General Dynamics Information Technology's ViPS, part of the company's Health IT Solutions business sector, is adding more than 100 new technology jobs in Baltimore County to support recently awarded contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - including an $80.3 million award to support the agency's Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). ViPS, with offices in downtown Towson and Woodlawn, currently employs more than 600 workers in Baltimore County.

Under the ERRP award, General Dynamics IT's Health IT Solutions sector will be responsible for overall software design, development and business application support, which includes a public website and educational outreach programs as well as data center infrastructure and administration.

The new jobs include opportunities for highly skilled IT professionals across multiple technologies.

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

While the economy -- both nationally and across Maryland -- continues to slowly regain momentum, there are some bright spots to report according to recent reports released by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. 

Maryland continues to see modest job gains In June, despite a tepid national labor market, the agency repors. The state economy added 1,600 seasonally adjusted jobs, 1500 in the private sector,  for a 0.1 percent monthly growth, while, nationally the US lost 125,000 jobs for a 0.1 percent monthly loss. Maryland's total employment was up compared to year-ago levels (not seasonally adjusted) for the first time in two years. June marks the fourth month in a row that Maryland has added jobs in the private sector.

While the pace of job generation slowed considerably in June, just over 40,000 jobs have been restored to Maryland's business base since January.

Maryland leisure and hospitality employment grew by 5,800 seasonally adjusted jobs in June, more than any other major sector, driven by accommodation/food services job growth, according to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. During the first half of the year, this sector added 21,900 jobs, ranking it best in the country with 9.7 percent growth. At the year's halfway point, the sector accounted for over 60% of total Maryland job creation and over 80 percent of private job creation Nationwide hospitality accounted for 14 percent of job gains.

Professional/business services added 2,800 jobs in June for a 0.7 percent monthly growth rate. Within this sector, professional, scientific & technical (PST) services employment grew by 2,000, for 0.9 percent monthly growth (sixth best in the nation). During the first half of 2010, PST added 7,100 jobs in Maryland, for 3.1 percent growth and third best in the country.

Construction added 1,300 jobs in June for 0.9 percent monthly growth and added jobs for four straight months (seasonally adjusted) for the first time in about three years. During the first half of the year Maryland construction added 6,600 jobs, good for 4.6 percent growth, sixth best in the country.

In more good news, Gallup's Job Creation Index for the first half of 2010 ranks Maryland No. 7 among the Best Job Markets.  During the first half of 2010, 32 percent of employed Marylanders said that their employers were expanding their workforce. This was the fourth highest positive response among states. Conversely, 21 percent said their employers were shedding payrolls. The Index is calculated as the difference between the former and latter poll result. Based on these polling results, Maryland's 2009 Job Creation Index was 11, tying for seventh best among states.

And as if that wasn't enough positive job news,  another just released report from the Center on Education and The Workforce at Georgetown University has found that the share of jobs in the U.S. economy which required postsecondary education increased from 28 percent in 1973 to 59 percent in 2008. That's good for Maryland because by 2018, 66 percent of jobs in the state -- some 2 million -- will require some postsecondary education. That will put D.C., Massachusetts and Maryland in the lead nationwide,  with the three regions sharing total jobs requiring a graduate degree, according to report.

Source: Deparment of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Now that the worst fiscal crisis in the modern history of Baltimore has been resolved and critical funding has been restored to the Baltimore Police Department budget, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld announced a detailed plan last week to hire 100 new police officers by the end of 2010 and another 350 police officers in 2011. The new plan will keep pace with normal attrition rates and fill recently restored positions in the Baltimore Police Department budget.

"Public safety is and will remain a top priority of my administration. With my Comprehensive Budget Plan in place, we have restored every single police officer position in the Police Department budget," Mayor Rawlings-Blake says. "Now the focus must be on continued, strong hiring efforts to ensure that budgeted police officer positions remain filled."

The police officer hiring plan calls for additional measures to enhance and expedite the Police Department's hiring process to keep pace with normal retirement trends including:

• Hiring two additional certified consultants to conduct polygraph screenings;
• Hiring up to 9 contractual employees to conduct background investigations in order to clear a processing backlog of applications from new recruits;
• Create a processing unit by consolidating several smaller units that will track and distribute cases, complete civil service testing, schedule various forms of physical/psychological/polygraph testing, etc. This unit will determine the applicants that proceed to a background investigation;
• Create a third background investigation squad to handle the large volume of applicants. At present there are over 80 cases in the background process and over 120 awaiting the assignment of a background investigator; and,
• The Police Department will implement additional testing opportunities for applicants.

"Despite a very difficult budget situation, Mayor Rawlings-Blake is providing the resources my department needs to ramp-up our plan to hire hundreds of new Police officers this year and next," Commissioner Bealefeld says.

Source: The Mayor's Office
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The number of cars passing through the Port of Baltimore is increasing with the arrival of new Ford Fiestas. The imported vehicles, which began arriving June 24 onboard a K Line roll on/roll off vessel, will continue arriving throughout the rest of this year at the Port's Dundalk Marine Terminal.

"We are happy to welcome more Ford products to the Port of Baltimore," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. Good-paying, family supporting auto jobs at the Port benefit greatly when more cars come through Baltimore. Ford's decision to bring more cars to Baltimore is another good sign for Maryland as we begin our recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression."

The number of autos handled at the Port of Baltimore has risen about 16 percent over the same time last year. Earlier this year, BMW began shipping the first of 50,000 new vehicles that will make their way through the Port of Baltimore annually for the next five years. That contract has created about 200 new jobs.

The Port of Baltimore also serves as the primary port of entry for the Ford Transit Connect van. Baltimore also receives about 85 percent of the 35,000 vans that are imported into the U.S. annually.

Automobiles are one of the main commodities handled at the Port of Baltimore's public marine terminals. Approximately 1,150 direct jobs at the Port are generated by the Port's auto business.

In 2009, the Port of Baltimore handled about 375,000 cars total.

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) recently announced that more cars, trucks, and vans passed through the Port of Baltimore in March than at any time in at least the last ten years. In March, 38,053 automobiles came through the Port's public terminals. The Port's previous record for most cars handled was 37,552 in July 2008. In January 2009, impacted by the global economic recession, auto volumes at the Port dropped to 13,558 cars.

The Port of Baltimore has created about 16,700 direct jobs. Of the roughly 360 U.S. ports, Baltimore is ranked number one for handling roll on/roll off cargo; trucks; imported forest products; and imported gypsum, sugar and iron ore. The Port is responsible for about $3.7 billion in personal wage and salary income. The Port of Baltimore generates nearly $400 million in state and local taxes.

Source: Department of Transportation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Warschawski, a full service branding, marketing, public relations, advertising and interactive agency, based in Baltimore has been named the number one "Best Small Agency to Work For" in the country by The Holmes Report, the acclaimed national news and opinion publication for the communications industry.

In addition, Warschawski was ranked fourth as the best agency overall. This is the ninth year in a row that the agency has placed among the top 20 "Best Agencies to Work For" in the country and among the top 10 "Best Boutique Agencies." Warschawski was the only Maryland-headquartered firm to receive the award.

The Holmes Report turned to more than 5,700 employees throughout the United States asking them to answer questions about all aspects of their agency's culture, including the quality of management, compensation, commitment to client service, ethics and values. Survey responses were kept strictly confidential and could not be seen by any party other than.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be named the number one agency to work for in the U.S. We continuously strive to create a work environment that is thrilling and caring for our team members and our clients," commented. "Receiving this recognition for nine years in a row underscores the emphasis we place on doing great work and having fun at the same time � two things we take very seriously!" says David Warschawski, CEO of Warschawski

He attributes the agency's success with its employees to a philosophy that values people more than the bottom line.

"In 2009, as most agencies were laying off employees and cutting employee programs and benefits, we did the opposite. Instead of cutting costs in these areas during difficult economic times, we instead grew our investment in our people and our culture. All team members received significant raises during 2009 -- between 5 to 15 percent raises -- and most team members were promoted as well," Warchawski explains.

"Additionally, we did not cut any spending on team members (e.g. healthcare, gifts, parties, birthday wishes, education) or agency culture programs, such as our Martini Marketing events or our monthly half-day outings for all team members. We could have made these cuts and enjoyed a better bottom line, but that is what makes us different from other agencies," he continues.

To keep his staff happy and committed to the success of the agency, once a month the entire team goes out on a fun, half-day outing. Outings this past year included a hip-hop class, laser tag, a 70's themed murder mystery game, and dressing up as zombies and learning the Michael Jackson Thriller dance. And to make sure that planning the outings are not extra work, Warchawski says time spent on planning the outings are counted toward the fulfillment of team members' billable hour requirements.

This year the agency created the "ExTC Program" (the "External Thrill and Care" program) where Warschawski team members participate in public service/volunteer opportunities each quarter as way to give back to the community. just finished our Bowl-A-Thon for the Boys and Girls Club.

The agency's "birthday wish" program was also launched this year. It allows team members to create a unique "treat" that they want for their special day. This program was the brainchild of a team member and according to Warchawski, exemplifies the fun and open atmosphere Warschawski fosters -- empowering team members to express our brand in their own way.

Examples of recent "birthday wishes" include Halloween in the Spring complete with costumes, team members rapping their favorite 80s rap song for the birthday boy, and wear your favorite team jersey to the office day.

"Warschawski was founded on the ideal that doing great work and having a great time are not mutually exclusive concepts. In fact, we feel that the marriage of the two is a key component of our agency's success. That is why we place such great emphasis on creating a great workplace culture and why our agency has always ranked in the Top 20 Agencies to Work For in the U.S," he says.

The happiness of the staff has been an essential ingredient in the agency's success, according to Warchawski.

"Much of the reason why we have won 200 industry awards in the last ten years alone and been ranked as the #1 Small Agency in the U.S. for four of the last seven years is a direct reflection of the fact that a happy and motivated team of great folks will always create better results for clients than a moderately happy or unhappy team."

"Clients want to work with smart, accomplished people who love what they do and bring their excitement to bear on the work they are doing for the client. There is no question that when you have a team that is happy and motivated, they will be more engaged and do better work their clients. That translates into better results for our clients," he adds.

And there's even more good news! Warchawski is currently hiring and looking for other outstanding, motivated and fun marketing communications professionals to join our team.

Source: David Warchawski, Warchawski
Writer: Walaika Haskins

As the drama of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to play out, the need for alternative sources of energy and energy conservation are gaining increasing attention. However, according to a recent Department of Energy study, a shortage of training is the major barrier to expanding home energy efficiency.

The Baltimore Center for Green Careers is a new training center intended to create an innovative green career workforce. Operated through Civic Works, Baltimore's urban service corps, the center opened its doors last week and should help solve the workforce shortage -- at least in Baltimore.

With a $532,319 grant from the Foundation for an OSI-Baltimore and a $524,023 grant from the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), part of its Maryland RISE initiative (Reaching Independence and Stability through Employment), the program will promote sustainable employment in high demand "green collar" jobs for Baltimore's underserved populations.

This new program is particularly timely, given the increased interest in home energy efficiency, the recent Department of Energy report citing a shortage of training as the major barrier to expanding home energy efficiency and the launch of Governor O'Malley's Skills2Compete Maryland agenda.

The grant enables Civic Works to expand its B'more Green program, which will now train unemployed and underemployed Baltimore residents in providing energy retrofit services. This is in addition to B'more Green's existing training classes in brownfields remediation, hazard abatement, and environmental demolition. In addition, the funding has contributed to Civic Works being able to move its green jobs training operations to a dedicated building. Here it will be able to construct improved hands-on practice areas that better resemble the real work environments of abatement workers, environmental field technicians and energy retrofit workers.

The Baltimore Center for Green Careers is located in a 12,000 square foot facility in Moravia Business Park, 6260 Frankford Avenue. The center includes warehouse, classroom and hands-on training space, as well as meeting and office space. At the center installers will learn the principles of building science and how to use various diagnostic tools to identify sources of air infiltration.

"Getting Baltimoreans back to work in living wage high demand jobs is a win-win for everyone," says John Mello, Green Projects director, Civic Works. "Our programs have been transforming lives, but this grant will enable us to greatly expand our operation and provide much needed skills development in high demand jobs to Baltimore's unemployed and underemployed populations," he adds.

Working closely with the DHR, Civic Works will target Baltimore's unemployed and underemployed residents who are 18 and older and have one or more significant barriers to employment. The program will serve 44 participants over the two-year grant period. Of the 44 participants served, 24 will be trained in the three-month long energy retrofit installer training program, and 20 will be trained as environmental field technicians and abatement workers in the seven-week B'more Green program.

Graduates will learn how to make a house more energy efficient by providing services such as air sealing, insulation, and Cool Roofing. In addition to training, graduates will also receive job readiness and placement services. Graduates will be placed into entry-level green careers with environmental employers that offer a living wage ($12 to $16 per hour) and opportunities for advancement. Employers who hire graduates will be offered a wage subsidy for up to six months.

Civic Works will work to transition each installer graduate into an entry-level position with a home performance contractor, weatherization company, or a home builder interested in an entry-level employee with demonstrated energy retrofit skills. Environmental field technician and abatement worker graduates will be eligible for entry-level positions with brownfields remediation, hazard abatement, and environmental demolition firms. Entry into this specialized construction field is dependent upon the possession of environmental health and safety certifications. The graduates will also be eligible for entry-level jobs in the general construction trades.

Source: Baltimore Center for Green Careers
Writer: Walaika Haskins

ManTech International Corporation, a technical and engineering services firm based in Va.,  broke ground on its newest location at 4696 Millennium Drive in the Water's Edge Corporate Campus in Belcamp, Md., near Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The new facility will accommodate ManTech's growing Maryland workforce. The company currently has more than 700 employees in Maryland supporting a number of federal government and U.S. military organizations. When the building opens in March 2011, the company will occupy 63,000 square feet of the 125,000-square-foot space. ManTech expects to have 300 to 500 technology jobs at the location in the next three years.

Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., with approximately 9,000 employees, ManTech provides innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs for the intelligence community; the departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security and Justice; the space community; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and other U.S. federal government customers.

The company's expertise includes systems engineering, systems integration, enterprise architecture, cyber security, information assurance, intelligence operations and analysis support, network and critical infrastructure protection, information operations and information warfare support, information technology, communications integration, global logistics and supply chain management, and service-oriented architectures.

Source: ManTech
Writer: Walaika Haskins 

There's a new supermarket coming to Anne Arundel County. ShopRite, a full-service supermarket, has signed a lease for an 85,000 square foot store in the Chesapeake Square Shopping Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland. ShopRite will open in mid-Fall, 2010 in the former K-Mart, creating 200 new jobs.

The ShopRite of Glen Burnie will be operated by Collins Family Markets. This will be the fourth ShopRite for the family-owned business helmed by Larry Collins, Sr., which currently owns and operates three of the supermarkets in Pennsylvania.

The Chesapeake Square supermarket will be the eighth ShopRite in Maryland and the first to service Anne Arundel County. There are more than 200 ShopRite stores located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland.

The new ShopRite will undergo a complete renovation, including construction, fixtures, a new fa�ade, and merchandizing. The rehab should create jobs in the local construction industry as well.

In addition to a broad array of groceries and fresh produce, the ShopRite of Glen Burnie will include a fresh bake shop, a full-service butcher, fresh seafood, a full-service floral department, a wide variety of gourmet cheeses, as well as a broad selection of natural and organic products. A full-service catering and prepared foods department will also be on-site, as well as a fresh-made sushi bar. The store will also offer ShopRite From Home^® online shopping service.

KLNB Retail, which has been working with ShopRite over the past two years to identify opportunities throughout the Maryland region, specifically targeted Chesapeake Square Shopping Center for its inaugural Anne Arundel County location.

"The demographic profile of consumers surrounding Chesapeake Square represents the ideal shopping audience for ShopRite and our research indicates that the grocery store segment is under-served in the Glen Burnie sub-market," states Michael Patz, Principal of KLNB Retail, "ShopRite has historically been extremely successful in capturing market share quickly when entering new areas, and we are confident that their unique combination of merchandising, attractive price points and product selection will be embraced in Anne Arundel County."

Source: The Fedder Company
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Governor Martin O'Malley announced the submission of a sweeping set of new regulations that will clear the way for implementation of Maryland's proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan. The plan to expand oyster sanctuaries and aquaculture leasing areas for their ecological and economic benefits was initially outlined by the governor in December.

"After decades of doing the same thing year after year, the citizens of Maryland are becoming united in the view that we need to change course and take bold action to rebuild our oyster population -- both for their ecological values and for the jobs and economic impact that an expanded aquaculture industry will provide for Maryland families for generations to come," says Gov. O'Malley

The submission of regulations to the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) is the next critical step in Maryland's efforts to restore the Bay's native oyster, build a robust and sustainable aquaculture industry and maintain a better managed public fishery. As proposed, the regulations will:

• Significantly increase the State's network of oyster sanctuaries from 9 percent to 25 percent. They will be greater in number, larger in size, easier to enforce and established in the most appropriate areas based on scientific advice.
• Identify 600,000 acres open to leasing for oyster aquaculture.
• Identify areas off limits to leasing, allowing for continued support of a more targeted, sustainable, scientifically managed public oyster fishery.

The regulations will be published in the Maryland register July 2, which will begin a 6-week public comment and hearing period. If approved, the regulations will become effective in early September, prior to the October 1 start of oyster season.

"Since the Governor announced this groundbreaking proposal in December, we have worked diligently with legislators, local elected officials and all of our stakeholders � including members of the oyster industry, aquaculture interests, scientists, environmentalists, sport fishermen and citizens," says DNR Secretary John Griffin. "This unprecedented public process resulted in more than 150 meetings, during which we made numerous adjustments to our proposal to address the concerns of our watermen while maintaining the integrity of the Governor's plan.

"Once approved, these regulations will put into place our expanded sanctuary network and change existing regulations to encourage development of aquaculture in Maryland �- and the hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars it will eventually bring to our State," says Gov. O'Malley. "Maryland watermen will have an opportunity to significantly expand their incomes while continuing to work a more scientifically managed public fishery."

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), while declines in the Chesapeake Bay oyster populations in Maryland are not solely the result of a failure to embrace aquaculture, economic contributions to the traditional industry have not created a stable fishery. In fact, these contributions, which once produced a net economic benefit of $146 million over 10 years, are now projected to produce a net economic loss of $64 million over the same period.

Since 1994, the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population has languished at one percent of historic levels; quality oyster bars have decreased 70 percent from 200,000 to 36,000, and the number of harvesters has declined from 2,000 in the mid 1980s to just over 500 annually since 2002. Currently, there are only eight oyster processing companies in Maryland, down from 58 in 1974.

Based on last season's harvest reports, estimates show the new sanctuaries will reduce the public oyster fishery by 10 to 15 percent, a gross economic impact of approximately $350,000 to $500,000.

Maryland's Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development plan is built on the findings of a six-year environmental impact study of oyster restoration options, and the work of the Oyster Advisory Commission and the Aquaculture Coordinating Council. In January 2009, Gov. O'Malley sponsored aquaculture legislation to streamline the regulatory process and open new areas to leasing to promote growth of that industry, lessen pressure on wild oysters and provide alternative economic opportunities for watermen. This legislation was developed with broad stakeholder involvement and passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly this year. Aquaculture is now the predominant means of shellfish harvesting around the world.  

Source: Office of Governor O'Malley
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), celebrated the funding of its 200th company. American Dynamics Flight Systems (ADFS) in Jessup, Md., which received $75,000 from TEDCO's NAVAIR Technology Insertion (NAVTI) program was lucky No. 200.  Over the course of TEDCO's 12-year history, the organization has provided more than $8.5 million in funding to Maryland businesses through its signature Maryland Technology Transfer and Commercialization Fund (MTTCF), which makes up over 75 percent of TEDCO's portfolio.

"TEDCO's has done an outstanding job in making Maryland one of the premier locations for technology-based economic development, bringing high-skilled, high-paying jobs to Maryland," says Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. "Today, I join TEDCO as it features its 10 most innovative companies and celebrates the funding of its 200^th company, American Dynamic Flight Systems. TEDCO understands the importance of nurturing high-tech companies with the capital they need to succeed so that we can ensure good paying jobs for Marylanders."

TEDCO is independent entity, was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998 to facilitate the creation of businesses and foster their growth in all regions of the State. TEDCO's role is to be Maryland's leading source of funding for seed capital and entrepreneurial business assistance for the development, transfer and commercialization of technology.

TEDCO connects emerging technology companies with federal laboratories, research universities, business incubators and specialized technical assistance. For the fifth consecutive year, TEDCO was recognized as the most active seed/early-stage investor in the nation in the August 2008 issue of Entrepreneur magazine and received the national Excellence in Technology-Based Economic Development award from the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) for the Maryland Technology Transfer Fund (MTTF) program in October 2008.

"I congratulate TEDCO on this important and significant milestone," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "TEDCO is a valuable resource which attracts companies to our state and sustains our reputation as a national leader in technology development. We are fortunate to have TEDCO in our backyard and I thank the organization for its role in moving Maryland forward."

 ADFS develops Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including its next generation AD-150 which is a maritime aircraft system capable of vertical take-off and landing, and high speed flight. As a result of TEDCO's funding and support, the company is currently working with NAVAIR and the Patuxent Partnership to assess the viability of its technologies with the U.S. Navy.

Since its inception TEDCO has provided funds for an array of the state's  most innovative companies including Fyodor Biotechnologies, which is developing novel technologies to improve the management of malaria, including a malaria test kit; HeMemics Biotechnologies, Inc., which developed a technology to dehydrate biologics (proteins, cells, etc.) in dried or partially dried format; Spiralcat, which developed a technology that recovers water, energy and third-generation biofuels using harvesting systems; and Oculis Labs, which developed a computer security technology that protects computer screens against eavesdropping.

""It's an honor to be the recipient of TEDCO's 200^th funding award," says Wayne Morse, president of ADFS. "TEDCO provides access to exclusive partnerships and resources which are hard to come by. Through this funding, we were able to advance our technology and gain a greater presence in the marketplace, which helped bring ADFS to the next level."

Source: The Maryland Technology Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Open Society Institute-Baltimore has awarded $1.5 million to four local nonprofits to help low-income residents who face major barriers to employment. The gift will leverage an additional $1.5 million in state and federal funds, bringing $3 million to the state of Maryland.

The grants aim to strengthen communities by providing job training and placement for individuals with past criminal convictions. The $1.5 million will enable 141 individuals with criminal histories to be trained for jobs with career paths, such as nursing and geriatrics, advanced Microsoft Office certification, lead abatement and mold remediation, weatherization retrofitting, construction, culinary arts, construction and mechanical engineering. In addition, employers will be offered incentives--a wage subsidy for up to six months--to hire those who complete the training programs.

"People with prior convictions have an extremely difficult time re-entering the workforce. During a recession, the odds are stacked even higher against them," says Diana Morris, director of OSI-Baltimore. "These grants will help people who are working hard to get their lives on track. And local employers will benefit from a trained and highly motivated workforce."

The funding is part of a $6 million grant awarded to OSI-Baltimore by the Open Society Institute's Special Fund for Poverty Alleviation, an initiative created by George Soros in response to the recession. The fund helps leverage state and federal monies nationwide to strengthen the social safety net and expand economic opportunities for low-income people. The OSI-Baltimore grants require a one-to-one match, with most of the matching funds coming from public dollars.

"So many of these individuals want to make a fresh start and do it well and there's no better way than providing them with training for a new career and giving them the confidence to build a new life," says Debra Rubino, director of strategic communications at OSI-Baltimore.

Last fall, OSI-Baltimore awarded the first round of grants for nine Baltimore organizations and one city agency--with a special emphasis on job training, drug addiction treatment, dental care for the homeless and other urgent needs.

Founded by George Soros in 1998, OSI-Baltimore has invested more than $60 million, the largest single investment an individual has made in Baltimore to help those suffering from poverty and discrimination. This $6 million Special Fund for Poverty Alleviation grant is separate from a challenge Mr. Soros issued in 2006 when he said he would give $10 million more to OSI-Baltimore if local donors contributed an additional $20 million. To date, OSI-Baltimore has raised more than $14 million toward that goal, and the fundraising continues. All of the $20 million raised from the Baltimore community will go directly to OSI-Baltimore's core program areas.

The OSI-Baltimore grants will be awarded to:

Center for Urban Families -- $435,000 over two years to provide job training and paid internships in a variety of trades to people with past convictions and drug dependence. The participants will receive job readiness and skills training in such areas as nursing and geriatrics, advanced Microsoft Office certification, lead abatement and mold remediation, culinary arts, and construction and mechanical engineering. The Center will offer case management services and will also pay wage subsidies to employers for up to six months.

Civic Works, Inc. -- $532,000 to provide job training and paid internships to people with prior criminal records. Participants will be trained as environmental field technicians and abatement workers, as well as energy retrofit installers. All participants who successfully complete the program will be placed in entry-level green jobs. Civic Works will offer wage subsidies for up to six months.

Group Ministries, Inc. -- $215,000 to provide job training and paid internships in the building trades to people with past criminal convictions. Group Ministries will train participants to achieve journeyman status as plumbers, electricians or carpenters. The program will include a combination of classroom and on-the-job instruction, qualifying participants to be state-recognized apprentices. Group Ministries will offer employers a wage subsidy for up to six months.

Job Opportunities Task Force, Inc. -- $317,500 to provide job training and paid internships in the building trades to individuals with prior criminal records. Participants will learn job readiness, math and skills development in electrical, plumbing and carpentry. The Job Opportunities Task Force will subsidize up to six months' wages for employers who agree to hire graduates of the program.

Source: Debra Rubino, OSI-Baltimore
Writer: Walaika Haskins

ITT Corporation has announced plans to locate its Information Technology Global Center of Excellence at Arundel Mills Corporate Park in Hanover, Maryland.

The 23,000 square foot center will create 90 new jobs over the next four years, operating as the information technology (IT) center of excellence and training center for ITT offices worldwide. The facility will be supported by the airline services at BWI-TM Airport and the array of hotels and hospitality services near the Arundel Mills location.
 

As part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) has ponied up a $240,000 grant to Maryland  to fund apprenticeship and training programs for transportation-related careers. The grant is part of the Federal Highway Administration's On the Job Training/Supportive Services (OJT/SS) program to help recruit and retain minorities, women and disadvantaged people on highway constructions projects in Maryland.

"Programs that help improve skills translate into jobs, particularly higher-paying jobs," says Sen. Ben Cardin. "Our economic recovery depends on making sure that Marylanders -- and all Americans -- have the skills and training that are needed for jobs in the 21^st Century."

"The Recovery Act is about jobs, jobs, jobs," Sen. Barbara Mikulski says. "This funding will help people who need a job and can't find one. And it will help people who want to keep a job or move up in a job but need more training. It is an investment in Marylanders and also an investment in Maryland's future."

The Maryland grant was included in the announcement of $11.8 million from DoT in ARRA job training grants for 19 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Created in 1998, the OJT/SS program promotes training opportunities for women and minorities who continue to be underrepresented in the highway construction industry's skilled and semi-skilled crafts, such as masonry and carpentry.

Source: Senator Ben Cardin
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics leader hhgregg is looking to fill approximately 300 positions for six new stores scheduled to open in the Greater Baltimore area this Spring.

"As we continue our mid-Atlantic expansion, adding six new stores near Baltimore in the coming months, we are actively seeking energetic, customer-serviced focused people to be a part of our team," says Greg Walker, Mid-Atlantic Vice President for hhgregg. "There are many exciting opportunities at hhgregg for motivated individuals looking to grow with our company. We encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply." 

hhgregg expects to hire about 50 employees for each of the following store locations:

Hanover, MD: 7667 Arundel Mills Blvd. Hanover, MD 21076

Annapolis, MD: 150 - A Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Cantonsville, MD: 6026 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228

Bel Air, MD: 680 Marketplace Dr. Bel Air, MD 21014

Towson, MD: 801 Goucher Blvd, Towson, MD 21286

Glen Burnie, MD: 6711 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Individuals interested in applying for the open positions are encouraged to visit the "Careers" section on hhgregg's website. An online application and assessment must be completed in order to secure an interview with the company.

Source: hhgregg
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Online applications for commissioned sales associates, warehouse staff and customer service merchandiser positions will be accepted. Sales experience is preferred, but retail experience is not required. hhgregg has a comprehensive training program, which provides more than 200 hours of training for each sales associate. To apply online, please visit http://www.hhgregg-jobs.com/

Work has already begun on the City Arts, artist residence located in Baltimore's Greenmount West neighborhood. The project is part of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District and will provide affordable housing targeted to artists, a gallery and performance space.

Homes for America, Jubilee Baltimore, and TRF Development Partners Baltimore are partnering to develop City Arts. The energy-efficient development is slated to bring 69 transit-oriented rental apartments and 8 for-sale townhomes to the neighborhood.

The rental portion of the project is being financed using $2.6 million from the Tax Credit Assistance Program, part of the federal stimulus funding, and the MD DHCD's Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The tax credits generated an equity investment of $9.3 million from Bank of America syndicated by Enterprise Community Investment. Bank of America is also providing bridge financing and a permanent loan of $1.3 million. MD DHCD also provided the project $135,000 through its Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability Program.

The project is expected to create or retain 168 jobs. The building construction began in December 2009 and is expected to be available for occupancy by January 2011.



Source: Jubilee Baltimore
Writer: Walaika Haskins