Innovation + Job News

Constellation Electric, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy, has launched a new program offering a renewable electricity supply option to residential customers in the BGE utility service area in Central Maryland. The program, Constellation Electric CleanEnergy, gives customers the ability to match 100 percent of their electricity with renewable energy certificates from clean, renewable wind power sources.

"Our customers have been making smart environmental choices by reducing their energy demand through energy efficient products and services, and with Constellation Electric CleanEnergy we wanted to give them the option of improving the sustainability of their energy supply too," says Kevin Klages, president & CEO of BGE HOME, the company offering Constellation Electric service. "Restructured energy markets like Maryland's give customers the ability to shop for their power, and this creates more options, such as the ability to select 100 percent wind power for their homes."

Constellation Electric has a 100 percent wind product offered at a one- or two-year fixed rate option. Constellation Electric CleanEnergy is accepting enrollments for its current wind offer through June 25. Current Constellation Electric customers who wish to add the wind option to their existing electricity supply contract can do so for an additional 1 cent/kWh by calling Constellation Electric through June 25 at 1-888-219-4239. 

BGE customers can also select non-renewable supply options and choose between fixed prices that vary depending on term and offer date. The company will not apply any additional fees, taxes or charges for consumers enrolling with Constellation Electric.


Source: Constellation Energy
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), an umbrella organzation for a range of Baltimore-based non-profit groups, handed out $112,500 in scholarship awards to 67 Maryland students. The awards ranging in amount from $500 to $10,000 were awarded to graduating members of the Class of 2010 as well as former recipients currently attending college.

"A well-educated workforce is crucial to our goal of a Baltimore with a growing economy where all have the opportunity to thrive, and BCF is proud to support this vision by helping young people realize their dreams of attending college. Today we celebrate BCF's scholarship recipients, as well as the generous donors who helped make it all possible," says Tom Wilcox, BCF president.

Hilary Bowman, a graduating senior at Digital Harbor High School, recieved the $10,000 One Step Up Scholarship. The scholarship, established by Jonnie-Kay McLean and her husband Norman Morrison, was created to enable young women who have overcome significant challenges and displayed leadership qualities to go to college.

"I've been in education for 40 years and when I went to school, I was the only girl in my high school to go. I had no money at all, no way of getting money and had to work every single minute of the day. That made it really hard. So when I retired, we decided we wanted to do something for young women in Baltimore. We specifically wanted to do something for students who had to work [in high school or take on other roles] to help support their family," McLean explains.

The couple wasn't looking for the valedictorians, but students who were "solid citizens with real moral values who had done an awful lot in terms of leadership within their family, church, school or community. And someone we thought that with this chance would have a significant impact on their families, themselves and their community."

Bowman, ranked fourth in her class, was selected because of her dedication to her family and her studies. "She has helped her family pay bills, is one of the most active students in her school and has been involved in mentoring the younger children in her community. She has taken care of the community's 4- and 5-year olds through athletics and the community parks and recs program there, even though she has to work nearly full-time for her family," McLean says.

 Bowman, who will attend Maryland's Loyola University this Fall, will receive $10,000 for her first year in college; $5,000 for the second year and $3,000 for the third year. She plans to major in business marketing.

"I want to go into business marketing and create a non-profit company that will cater to young people, helping them to get out of the bad situations around them," says Bowman.

Here's a complete list of the scholarships awarded.

Sources: Jonnie-Kay McLean, Hillary Bowman
Writer: Walaika Haskins

It's time for racing fans to start their engines. Izod IndyCar Series officials, Gov. Martin O'Malley, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Jay Davidson, CEO fo the Baltimore Grand Prix and Baltimore Racing Development made it official that August 5-7, 2011, The Baltimore Grand Prix will see Indy car racers hit the streets of Baltimore at speeds of more than 230 mph.

"This is an historic day for Baltimore and the State of Maryland, as well as the entire East Coast region, as we have finalized plans for the Izod IndyCar Series racing in Baltimore in 2011," says Davidson.

The August 2011 race will be the first of a planned five-year deal between the City and the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the Izod IndyCar Series. With the deal, Baltimore joins a select group of cities, including Long Beach and Indianapolis, hosting an open-wheel racing event.

"This three-day festival of speed will not just include car racing, but will feature family-friendly activities, offer great entertainment and much, much more," says Davidson.

The Baltimore Grand Prix will offer racing enthusiasts as well as those new to the sport, a combination of racing and festivities that will begin Friday morning and culminate on Sunday with the big event - the Izod IndyCar Series race. Organizers are planning a variety of non-racing activities including a family fun zone, go-karting, beer gardens, extreme sports demonstrations, and professional beach volleyball. Live music will also be a major component all weekend that will feature local artists performing during the day and nationally-known acts in the evenings.

Source: Jay Davidson, Baltimore Grand Prix and Baltimore Racing Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

 

Not content to simply twiddle their thumbs waiting for Google to announce which city will receive the $1 billion high-speed fiber optic network, last week, Baltimore Google Czar, Tom Loveland, hosted the Bmore Fiber Symposium.

In attendance were representatives from the State and City, public and private sectors as well as members of the Baltimore community, all interested in pursuing a single goal � deploying super high-speed broadband to the city.

Among the featured speakers were Lafayette, La. City-Parish President Joey Durel and Graham Richard, former mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Both men spoke about their efforts to deploy fiber optic networks in their communities and the impact the technology has had on their respective cities.

According to Durel, consumers in Lafayette have seen a 20 percent savings on their telephone, Internet and cable bills. The city has also caught the eye of technology firms throughout North America who are eager to move to Lafayette to be part of a community that has embraced the technology.

John Horrigan, the Consumer Research Director at the FCC, who recently authored the agency's National Broadband Plan, offered a series of recommendations that would help Baltimore when the time comes to roll out its fiber optic network. They included establishing public-private partnerships to help every citizen understand the benefits of better broadband access and to adopt the technology when it becomes available.


Sources: Joey Durel, John Horrigan
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

Baltimore beer lovers had an extra reason to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend following the launch of the canned version of Resurrection from local celebrity bar Brewer's Art.

As they paid homage to the troops who've given their lives fighting our nation's wars, while simultaneously kicking off the unofficial start of summer, those who love Brewer's Art beers cold heft a cold one in the comfort of the own home.

The newly canned Resurrection joins Brewer's line of bottled beers available at about 100 liquor stores in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County, says Tom Creegan, co-owner.

"Resurrection is far and away our biggest seller. It was a way to get it out in an easier format," he says, adding that there aren't any current plans to offer additional varieties of its beers in cans.

It took about two years to adjust the recipe and produce the best beer for bottling and now canning. "We do it here and have what we like here, but doing it at a different brewery it takes a little while to get it where you want it. It's a learning curve, working at a different facility on different equipment. You don't just add four times as much stuff," Creegan explains.

Baltimore has made American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) list of the 50 fittest cities again. The American Fitness Index (AFI) data report, "Health and Community Fitness Status of the 50 Largest Metropolitan Areas," evaluates the most populous city areas to determine the healthiest and fittest metro areas in the United States.

The report reflects a composite of preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease conditions, health care access, and community resources and policies that support physical activity. Baltimore ranked 20th with a score of 53.5, a drop from its place in the No. 19 spot in 2009.

"The ACSM American Fitness Index not only measures the state of health and fitness in our nation's largest communities, but evaluates the infrastructure, community assets, policies and opportunities which encourage residents to live a healthy and fit lifestyle," said AFI Advisory Board Chair Walt Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM. "I liken the data report and rankings to the metro areas 'getting a physical' at the doctor's office. The information learned from the physical will help each metro area identify areas of strength and weakness."

The Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) of Washington-Arlington-Alexandria scored 73.5 (out of 100 possible points) in the AFI data report to achieve the top ranking, just as it did in 2008 and 2009.

Characteristics of the D.C. area that helped it achieve the top ranking are a relatively low smoking rate, a higher-than-average percentage of folks eating the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, and lower-than-average rates of chronic health concerns such as obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. D.C.-area residents also use public transportation regularly, meaning they are likely to walk to and from their places of work or transit stations. Also, the area of parkland as a percentage of the city's land area is significant, providing residents with lots of space to run, bike, play sports or take a leisurely walk.

Metro areas completing the top five were Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Seattle and Portland, Ore.

The western United States dominated the top 10, with only three cities lying along the eastern seaboard. The nation's three largest cities finished in the middle of the pack with New York at 21^st, Chicago at 33^rd and Los Angeles at 38^th.

Education made the difference, working as a valuable predictor of health and fitness; areas with a high percentage of residents with high school degrees or higher are more likely to be physically active and be in excellent or very good health. This group is also more likely to have health insurance.

Source: American College of Sports Medicine
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Expedia has selected The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport - BWI as one of the world's top hotels. It marks the second time that the hotel, open just two years, has been featured on the elite "Select List."

The Expedia Insiders' Select List is an annual award that recognizes the top 1 percent of hotels in Expedia's global marketplace. The Westin - BWI was selected based on more than one million hotel reviews submitted by Expedia travelers that acknowledged the hotel as consistently providing superior service, exceptional guest experiences and remarkable value.

"It's an honor to have our guests vote us to the Expedia Insiders' Select list for the second consecutive year," says Fletcher Mayes, General Manager of The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport-BWI. "We value our customers' feedback and continually strive for excellence to create a unique travel experience for our guests."

Source: The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport
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 Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (PoB), the nonprofit organization that manages Baltimore's famed tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II, named Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools and Dr. Andres Alonso, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools as the 2010 PRIDE Persons of the Year.

The two educators were chosen as part of the PoB's decision to reprioritize and focus on education, "In light of the upcoming War of 1812 bicentennial in a few years, and we have entered into a partnership with the Maritime Industries Academy High School to work on enhancing their STEM -- science, technoloy, engineering and math -- curriculum. We have also recently begun a partnership with the Johns Hopkins School of Education to help us with that. We're going to have 'Teach the Teachers' and 'Train the Trainers' programs onboard Pride II for STEM programs," says Linda Christenson, executive director of PoB.

The goal is to increase learning opportunities for area students, she adds. One local aspect, is the PoB's partnership with the Port of Baltimore through which the two entities will work to increase awareness among Baltimore City students, including those at the Maritime Academy, about career opportunities at the Port.

"A more far-reaching [facet] is to use the ship in terms of windspeed and currents to enhance the curriculum and make it more fun frankly for students to learn science, technology, engineering and math. And these programs won't just be limited to Maryland. We will use these at all ports of call as the ship sails internationally," says Christenson.

Dr. Grasmick and Dr. Alonso were selected as a result of their unwavering commitment to educating Maryland's future leaders. As the State Superintendent since 1991, the organization cited Dr. Grasmick's strong focus on student achievement, teacher quality, parent involvement and early childhood education. Under her leadership, Maryland is nationally recognized for its many educational achievements. For the second straight year, Education Week's 2010 Quality Counts report ranked Maryland's public school system as first in the nation, showing that Maryland consistently placed at the top of its class in the report's six determining categories, receiving the nation's only B+ average, according to the non-profit. 

It is Dr. Alonso long career that has been defined by his fervent commitment to students and their families. During his tenure as CEO, Dr. Alonso has reshaped the organization of Baltimore City's Public School System, empowering principals and revolutionizing the way education in the city is funded. Dr. Alonso's achievements have been recognized throughout the community. In 2009, he was named as only the third recipient of the "Howard Pete Rawlings Courage in Public Service" Award by the Greater Baltimore Committee, and also was appointed to the prestigious No Child Left Behind Committee for the Aspen Institute, a bipartisan effort to improve federal education policy to spur academic progress and close the achievement gap.

"I'm always slightly surprised by these awards. Superintendent is a tough job and you're always getting thrown to the wolves. It's surprising to get moments of appreciation. I work unbelievably hard and I think people know it. It helps alot to know that people feel like I've done some good for the city. I'm honest about what needs to be done, and I think that's why the work I'm doing is appreciated. It's never about the work I've done, but the work that needs to be done. I try very hard to give credit to the work our teachers and administrators are doing and the need for parents to be a part of what we do. There are huge challenges, but there's no reason we should not be trying to overcome those challenges," says Dr. Alonso.

Source: Linda Christenson, Pride of Baltimore, Inc.; Dr. Andres Alonso, Baltimore City Public Schools
Writer: Walaika Haskins

"Energy touches every aspect of our lives from the cost of heating our homes to sustaining our resources for future generations," says Gov. O'Malley. "In these last three years, we have made the choices that have transformed Maryland into one of the leading clean energy states in the nation. Each of the bills signed into law today will provide resources and incentives for our families and workforce, create jobs, and fuel innovation as we continue to strive for a Maryland that is truly Smart, Green and Growing."

Key bills enacted include an acceleration of the State's solar Renewable Portfolio Standard to put more clean energy on the grid faster, as well as successfully extending renewable energy tax credits for businesses interested in going green, and tax credits for families to purchase plug-in electric vehicles as they become commercially available later over the coming year.

The O'Malley-Brown Administration's new energy legislation impacts Maryland as follows:

HB 469 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax - Tax Credit For Electric Vehicles

This Administration bill creates a tax credit for the purchase of qualified plug-in electric vehicles equal to 100% of the State vehicle excise tax imposed, not to exceed $2,000. The bill requires a transfer of $279,000 from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) in fiscal 2011, $939,600 in fiscal 2012, and $1,287,000 in fiscal 2013. The tax credit applies to electric vehicles purchased from October 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013.

SB 602 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes - Use by Plug-In Vehicles

HB 674

This bill authorizes a "plug-in electric vehicle" affixed with a State permit designating it as such to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. There are HOV lanes along two federal highways in the State: one on I-270 in Montgomery County; and one on U.S. Route 50 in Prince George's County. The bill will sunset on October 1, 2013.

HB 464 Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act of 2010

This Administration bill extends the termination date of the clean energy incentive tax credit to December 31, 2015. The bill also extends to January 1, 2016, the date by which a facility must begin producing qualified energy in order to claim the credit; and prohibits the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) from issuing an initial credit certificate for less than $1,000. The bill also makes the clean energy incentive tax credit refundable.

SB 277 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Solar Energy

This Administration bill increases the percentage requirements of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) that must be purchased from Tier 1 solar energy sources each year between 2011 and 2016. The bill also increases the alternative compliance payment (ACP) for a shortfall in solar RPS requirements by $0.05 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) over the current amount in 2011 and 2012, by $0.10 per kWh between 2013 and 2016.

Source: Maryland Energy Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) released its recommendations following the completed evaluation of the 141 applications the organization received in response to its three official Requests for Applications (RFAs) during the 2010 fiscal year funding cycle. The board of directors of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) reviewed the Commission's recommendations and approved funding totalling $11.7 million for 42 projects through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF).

Established as an independent unit within the TEDCO, the MSCRC has set up criteria, standards and requirements to administer the MSCRF in accordance with the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006. The MSCRF has been established to promote state-funded stem research. With a current budget of $10.4 million for FY 2011, the Commission will support grants to public and private entities in the State.

Grant proposals featuring for-profit and not-for-profit collaboration were favored this funding cycle per the Commission's request for applications. A total of 12 collaborative projects will be funded featuring collaboration between Maryland universities and for-profit companies. Companies involved in the projects include Life Technologies, Inc. (Invitrogen, Inc.), Lonza Walkersville, Inc., Q Therapeutics, Inc., Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., Pfizer Inc., and Quality Biological, Inc. Other projects also include collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the University of Miami Lenard M. Miller School of Medicine.

"Year after year, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund attracts some of the best and brightest in stem cell research as demonstrated by the diversity and distinctiveness of these projects," says Governor Martin O'Malley. "Our state's program creates jobs, stimulates our economy and brings national attention to the talents of Maryland researchers and institutes."

This year's projects recommended for funding include:

-- 5 applications for RFA-MD-10-1 (Investigator-Initiated Research Grants) � These grants are designed for investigators with preliminary data supporting the grant application. These Investigator-Initiated Research Grants will be for up to $1 million of direct costs over a two-to-five year project.

-- 19 applications for RFA-MD-10-2 (Exploratory Research Grants) � These grants are designed for investigators who are new to the stem cell field and for new hypotheses, approaches, mechanisms or models that may differ from current thinking in the stem cell field, without any preliminary data supporting the application. These Exploratory Research Grants will be for up to $100,000 of direct costs per year, for up to two years. Preference was not given to collaborative projects in this funding category.

-- 18 applications for RFA-MD-10-03 (Post-Doctoral Fellowship Research Grants) � These grants are designed for post-doctorial fellows who wish to conduct basic and/or transitional research on all types of human stem cells in Maryland. These Post-Doctoral Research Grants will be for up to $55,000 of direct, indirect and fringe benefits costs per year, for up to two years.

A complete list of the names of the Principal Investigators, the title of each project and the institution at which the Principal Investor works is available.

Grants awarded from the MSCRF are contingent upon the Principal Investigator having obtained all applicable ethical approvals to conduct the research and having signed an agreement with TEDCO setting forth the scope of each project and the requirements for sharing of any new cells lines and publication of results.

"The Commission is particularly pleased with the quality of submissions proposing collaborations between the academic and for-profit communities," says Karen Rothenberg, chair of the Commission. "These projects are a testament to the progress of our stem cell program as they demonstrate a clear connection to innovative medical research and economic development. We look forward to the work ahead and congratulate our awardees."

The final amount of each award will be determined during the due diligence process and will be listed in the MSCRF annual report scheduled to be released in December 2010.

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

Visit Baltimore launched its new campaign intended to help draw tourists and conventions to Baltimore. The "Find Your Happy Place in Baltimore" campaign kicked off with a Guinness World Record that saw 261 proud citizens forming the world's largest human smiley face.

The Find Your Happy Place in Baltimore concept is derived from extensive research that shows people, more than ever, are looking to do things that make them happy after the long economic downturn, says Visit Baltimore. According to the study, people are going back to the basics and embracing the simpler things in life that make them smile and laugh � spending quality time with family and friends and traveling, among others. Visit Baltimore is capitalizing on the national mood and trend with a comprehensive program that promotes those places and things in Baltimore that are certain to make visitors happy.

The campaign is a citywide partnership that kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with an integrated marketing platform that includes advertising on television and radio, in print, and online in key target markets such as Pittsburgh, central Pennsylvania, metropolitan Philadelphia, Richmond and Washington, D.C. Partnerships with the Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium and Baltimore Orioles, among others, are allowing Visit Baltimore to extend the campaign's advertising reach and promotional schedule to ultimately influence more potential visitors with a singular marketing message. Find Your Happy Place will run through December 2010, coinciding with an exhibition at the American Visionary Art Museum, "What Makes Us Smile," opening in October.

"Partnerships with our tourism community have become the cornerstone of our marketing efforts in recent years," says Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. "We work very closely with our hotels, attractions, museums and restaurants to gain their support and input so we can create the best sales and marketing promotions for Baltimore. We are in this together and that team spirit has never been more prevalent."

Baltimore's entire tourism community has been encouraged to participate in the Find Your Happy Place in Baltimore campaign by designating happy places at their locations and offering their own packages, special events and discounted offers that are sure to make people happy. A special microsite, www.BmoreHappy.com, will direct visitors to happy stays hotel packages; give them the ability to build custom itineraries based on what makes them happy; and provide details on how to enter a "Sweet-stakes" to win great prizes including a cruise from Baltimore on Royal Caribbean, a trip to Sarasota, Florida for Orioles spring training and a variety of other prizes.

Similar to what was done for the Waterfront Invasion in the summer of 2009, there will be Happy Place d�cor around the harbor that will reinforce the Happy Place in Baltimore message. People can even pick up a "Happy Detector" at the Baltimore Visitor Center to uncover hidden codes around the city that will provide them with entries in the Sweet-stakes.

According to Visit Baltimore, the campaign, which costs $500,000 for advertising, was funded by hotel taxes.

Tell us what you think:

Source: Visit Baltimore 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