Innovation + Job News

Welsh Construction remodeling is celebrating 50 years in business this month, and looking to the future with new programs and new hires. Welsh Construction Remodeling recently added four staffers -- a  residential salesperson, an insurance salesperson, a Vice President of Operations, and a marketing and digital media coordinator.

"Welsh has been so enduring because of the quality of our people, and the fact that when we do work, we do it the Welsh way. We have so many of our own craftsmen and don't subcontract a lot of work. So we are able to control the production process and the quality of our work. And our first job and our last job that we get are only as good as the experience that our customers have. So we always make sure we do the right thing," says Joe Myerhoff, President and CEO of Welsh Construction Remodeling LLC

The company is making charitable donations as part of the celebration. Welsh is running a sweepstakes in celebration of its golden anniversary, and matching charitable donations to three area causes made by sweepstakes entrants.

"As a member of the community, it was important to Welsh to embrace some type of philanthropic activity for several of the area non-profits which are each doing a lot of good. And tying it into our 50th anniversary just made an awful lot of sense. We were very happy to be able to do this," Myerhoff continues.

Welsh Construction Remodeling is planning to expand its services this year, adding roofing, innovative new types of insulation, and a Fine Homes division.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Joe Myerhoff, Welsh Construction Remodeling

Spark Media is creating a new documentary film, "Klandestine Man: The Life and Times of Stetson Kennedy". The film will document Mr. Kennedy's actions as he infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1950's to fight against racial intolerance and hatred and disseminated the secret information of the group to journalists and investigators.

"When we convince audiences that one person can make a difference and empower the individual to be a force for change, this documentary will make it possible to fulfill Stetson's life's mission," says co-director/producer Andrea Kalin.

Stetson Kennedy used his background of Southern privilege to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan of the 1950's at the highest levels. He stayed undercover in the organization for 15 years, and learned many of the groups secrets. The information he gathered about the Klan was widely published and helped to demystify the group. Mr. Kennedy used a variety of means to publicize the Klan's secret information and passwords, even the popular "Superman" radio show.

"We actually interviewed Stetson for our last documentary, Soul of a People: Writing America's Story, about the Federal Writers' Project. Stetson worked on the project in Florida, gathering oral histories and folklore. Some of what he witnessed during this time is what inspired him to fight for the 'little guy' for the rest of his life...It's a story that not many people know about outside of Florida, and a story we thought needed to be told," says producer and lead researcher James Mirabello.

Spark Media will be showing the film at film festivals beginning in 2012. A trailer is available online now.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Andrea Kalin, Jamies Mirabello

Constellation Energy, the parent company of Baltimore Gas and Electric,  will be offering Maryland consumers the option to lease solar panels through BGE home. The company will be offering solar panels, manufactured by Maryland-based Astrum Solar, to homeowners throughout the area as an addition to its menu of retail services. The panels are available through leasing programs in either a low money down or 20 year prepaid format.

"Leasing can sharply reduce the upfront costs for solar, and in this economy that's an important consideration," says Mark Huston, head of Constellation Energy's retail business.

Green power has been a major growth and investment point for Constellation Energy. The company recently dedicated wind turbines in Garrett County, and is an active participant in Maryland's Generating Clean Horizons Program. Constellation currently owns and operates 95 megawatts of solar energy production installations, and is planning greater expansion in the field.

Another entrant in the local energy market, Champion Energy Services, announced this week that it has been approved as an electricity supplier in Maryland. Champion Energy Services filed for approval with the Maryland Public Service Commission in March. The company is now licensed to begin supplying customers in the service territories of Allegheny Power, Baltimore Gas and Electric, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Electric Power Company. Service will begin in the fourth quarter of 2011.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Scott Fordham, Champion Energy Services; Christina Pratt, Constellation Energy

The inaugural Small Business Survival Summit was held at the Baltimore Convention Center on September 7 -9. The idea for the Small Business Survival Summit grew from a grassroots effort spearheaded by founders PJ and Patrick Chambers, the minds behind the Harford County web design firm WebIXI. The master of ceremonies for the event was Bob Paff, a noted local motivational speaker and founder of Integrated Benefits Corporation.

The workshops, lectures, and networking events were tailored to the needs of small business owners. Workshops including "Getting Social Media Savvy- Building Your Buzz Online" and "Social Media Blueprint" were designed to offer introductory and intermediate lessons to small business owners looking to increase their online presence. Marketing was featured prominently in the majority of the Summit's workshops.

"You can make the best cupcakes or coffee, but what does it matter if you don't promote it?" Paff says.

Workshops on obtaining government contracts, upcoming legislation relevant to small business owners, logistics, and employee relations were also offered. The Small Business Survival Summit featured specific activity tracks dedicated to Marketing (Traditional, Online and Social Media tracks), Non Profits, Leadership & Organization and Government and Your Small Business, to allow business owners to easily keep up with the topics of interest to them.

"We're looking to do this every year," Paff continues. "Small business is the backbone of this country."

Also on the program of activities were networking events and lectures. Evening banquets featured entertainment and inspirational talks from luminaries, including speeches by Dr. Ben Carson and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Small Business Survival Summit, Bob Paff

One of the busiest places at any party is the bar. Keeping a well stocked and fully equipped bar in your home or business for events is challenging. Hosts in Baltimore can now turn to new mobile bartending service, Relax We'll Pour, to take care of their event needs with a fresh and modern take on parties.

The company has added a modern touch to traditional on-site bartending service in two ways. In addition to providing a bartender, accoutrements, and wait staff, Relax We'll Pour uses a sleek LED lit bar to bring a touch of modern technology to a client's party. Their LED bar lights up in 15 different colors, fades, flashes 7 different colors, and also has a strobe light.

"We're renewing the look of bartending by offering new LED bars to fit with the new age of technology," says founder Michelle Crittenden

Relax We'll Pour is also tapping into the the current trend for craft drink making inspired by popular TV shows like "Mad Men" by offering classes in bartending that bring the fun of old fashioned drinks to a client's home. The company will bring the bar and accoutrements to a private home, and a mixologist certified by the Maryland Bartending Academy will teach the art of drink making to guests.

"We bring the training to you in a fun and relaxed setting. We come in and show you and your friends how to mix while you're drinking, listening to music, and laughing," continues Crittenden.

The company's services are currently available throughout Maryland. As they continue to grow, Relax We'll Pour is looking to add additional certified bartenders and servers.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Michelle Crittenden, Relax We'll Pour

Advanced Technology & Research Incorporated has launched a new line of solar car chargers. The newest addition to ATR's solar product array was installed at 10401 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda, MD on August 8th, in a ceremony attended by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. The ceremony marked the debut of Maryland's first high-efficiency, small-footprint solar system for EV charging. The product launch included an on-site demonstration with electric vehicles of The Solar Power Pole, a sun-tracking EV-charging system.

"Using renewable solar energy to power up electric vehicles is one of those closed loop systems that is hard to resist. ATR looked to fill a niche with a very efficient, sun tracking solar array, perched on top of a single monopole. This configuration provides the most power with the smallest footprint and it is much easier to site in the typical parking lot," says ATR Vice President of Energy Systems Rob Lundahl

The Solar Power Pole features an 18-foot tall elevated six-panel solar array that utilizes ATR's GPS-based sun-tracking technology for efficiency gains of 30-45% over conventional rooftop solar arrays. The pole-top mount keeps the panels well overhead and the curbside footprint very small. The systems are grid-tied to assure continuous availability of charging power.

"We want to install more units in high traffic and high visibility locations. These chargers are attractive and high tech. We believe that the early adopters of electric vehicles are forward looking and they will seek out the solar chargers as the next step in zero  carbon commuting," Lundahl continues.

The car charger launch adds a new product to ATR's expanding lines. ATR also offers a single panel tracker, a pole mounted tracker designed for use by homeowners that holds 2 solar panels, and a large solar tracker that can be retrofitted to wind turbine poles.


Writer: Amy Mcneal
Sources: Rob Lundahl, Alan Cohen, Advanced Technology and Research, Incorporated

Baltimore-based calendar management firm Localist has been designated the sole source vendor for online calendar projects run by public organizations in four states. Localist has won this designation from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

"Several public run institutions have agreed that Localist is the only company that can adequately meet their needs when it comes to offering a unified events calendar to students," says Localist co-founder and CEO Mykel Nahorniak

The Localist platform gives schools and organizations that they work with the opportunity to upgrade their online calendar offerings from something static to something dynamic, including linking the calendar to Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare.

"We're going to use the great momentum that we're seeing to continue to establish a critical mass in the education space. We're also getting great feedback from our work with media organizations, like TBD in Washington, DC. We plan to pursue this space more thoroughly in 2012," Nahorniak continues.

Localist also recently announced that the company has been selected by 8 new universities -- including Georgetown University, Towson University, and Virginia Military Institute -- to provide an interactive calendar platform for student life on campus. Baltimore Collegetown, an organization of 14 area schools, has also chosen Localist for its online calendar.

The growing company is looking toward the future with a possible deal in the works with a major southern university. Localist is also monitoring what kind of technology students are using on campus, and developing new features to reflect those choices.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Mykel Nahorniak, Localist

Baltimore native Beth Bell was inspired to start a new business earlier this year by an online chat at the TED forums with one of her film industry colleagues. That chat led to her new business venture, Green Product Placement.

"I had an interest in the new green economy, but wasn't sure what it was I could do exactly to become part of it, when this idea came to me. Now, I'll be able to take the sum of my career experience to not only promote the types of brands and companies I really believe are our future, but also use media to be able to promote sustainable lifestyles," Bell says.

Green Product Placement aims to place green, sustainable, and locally-sourced products in films. Since the inception of her idea in the spring, Bell has been able to partner with several of her film industry colleagues in the US, UK, and Canada to get the ball rolling. Beth and her team are currently working their industry contacts and searching for products that would fit the bill. Locally-sourced products to raise the believability threshold of a movie's setting will be a part of the stable at Green Product Placement as well.

"The idea behind the local angle is this: not only do we support local entrepreneurs, but they help to 'set the place.' Say you're shooting a film in Toronto, but it's supposed to be Baltimore, what makes it 'seem' Baltimore? Local brands; the type of potato chip bag on the kitchen counter, or coffee they use or beer they drink," Bell continues.

Green Product Placement will be moving into the next stage of its plan, a fundraising drive on indiegogo this fall. The company is looking to complete the final startup phases and fully launch in early 2012.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Beth Bell, Green Product Placement

Go Long Wireless, part of a consortium of MVDDS spectrum holders and investors who partner with broadband service providers, has chosen Baltimore as the launchpad for its new MVDDS pilot. The program is designed to demonstrate that the wireless FTTH option can increase connectivity and options for business customers.

MVDDS, fixed wireless broadband technology, uses 500 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 12.2 -12.7 GHz band. MVDDS frequencies in this spectrum are the same as the frequencies used to provide satellite TV signals by companies like  DirecTV and Dish Network. However, while those companies use satellites to distribute their signal, Go Long Wireless's signal transmission and transfer stations are all on the ground. The signal for the Go Long Wireless MVDDS pilot in Baltimore uses a transmission antenna at the World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor. The receiving antenna for the signal is located at the Emerging Technology Center in Canton. The system is currently capable of delivering up to 50 Mbps in downstream broadband, 3+ Mbps in upstream broadband, multichannel 1080p HD video, and voice services.

One concern with the technology is that in order to receive a signal, an outdoor antenna is required. This may prevent some consumers from being able to access the service. Go Long Wireless is not entering the market as a service provider. The company plans to lease the technology and spectrum to existing wireless service companies.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Bruce Fox, Go Long Wireless

The logistics of opening a new business can be tricky. When pursuing the idea to start a venture, entrepreneurs are faced with the choice of keeping overhead low by working from home, or engaging premises to have meeting space. That's where co-working environments like Capital Studios come into the picture.

"I travel a lot and have seen co-working spaces here and there. We wanted something very general that a lot of different groups felt comfortable in," says Mike Morris, a real estate professional who founded Capital Studios with partner Kevin Hollins.

Just opened on Bank Street, Capital Studios in The Tack Factory offers startups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to engage office space that's flexible and still affordable. Their open-plan space features modular work stations, equipped conference rooms, and office equipment. There's no concern for a budding business to get the utilities turned on or furnish an operating space. The decor is minimalist and modern. Work space, including access to conference rooms, can be rented on a daily or monthly basis.

"What this is really geared toward is the person working at a Starbucks who wants to have their mail delivered here, have a meeting, talk to the person sitting next to you," Morris says.

The newly opened facility has the capacity to provide the base for dozens of startup firms and small businesses. There are currently a dozen businesses based at Capital Studios full time. The current crop of small enterprises at Capital Studios has a tech focus. The list of firms calling Capital Studios home includes graphic designers, programmers, foreign currency traders, and members of the staff of the Baltimore division of Citybizlist.

Capital Studios is expanding the facility and will be offering additional work spaces in the near future.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Mike Morris, Capital Studios

Incite Creative is offering a new series of workshops designed to help start-ups launch with an understanding of how to position their enterprise for success. Dina Wasmer, President of Incite Creative, saw an opportunity to create positioning workshops that would teach entrepreneurs how to build their brand and position their business themselves rather than relying on a service to do it for them.

"Over the years we've had a number of small businesses or sole proprietors say that they love the process but can't afford it. We have created the 'Positioning Lite' workshops to provide the same information we convey in the full-bodied version, but do so at a lower price-point and just 1.5 hour investment of time. And for those who prefer the autonomy, this format is set up where we provide the tools, teach them how to do it, and they can implement it themselves, which is also appealing to some," says Wasmer.

The Positioning Lite workshops offer entrepreneurs training in forming a brand identity and a position statement for their business. The workshops focus on concepts like communicating your business's unique niche, streamlining and consistently portraying your marketing message, and figuring out ways to have your message heard. The Positioning Lite workshops also offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect in a small group setting.

"I think it's a tough time to start a new business. Even established businesses that have a solid reputation are struggling to get contracts signed in a timely fashion and contending with price wars. That's why it's so important that business owners have a solid market positioning that is built on a point of distinction other than price. Someone will always be cheaper, but they won't necessarily be better. Positioning is the art of striking a balance between being unique and being in demand," Wasmer says.

Incite Creative is accepting reservations for Positioning Lite workshops in August and September now.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Dina Wasmer, Incite Creative

As the way that many readers access books is changing, the Pratt Library is changing to keep up with the times. Starting August 8th, two branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system will begin offering e-readers to library patrons for check out.

"We're always asked what will be the future of libraries and books with the arrival and boom of e-readers like the Kindle, Nook, and iPad. So instead of shying away from this change, the Pratt Library has decided to embrace it," says Roswell Encina, Director of Communications for the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

The Barnes and Noble "Nook" branded e-readers will be available for checkout at the Reisterstown Road branch and the Waverly branch. Each e-reader comes preloaded with titles ranging from new bestsellers to children's books.

"Currently the e-readers are preloaded with 22 titles that includes best-sellers like Tina Fey's Bossypants, Suzanne Collins' Mockingjay and David Baldacci's The Sixth Man. Its a combination of fiction and non-fiction. There are also children's and teen titles as well as several classics, like Little Women," Encina says.

E-readers can be checked out by Pratt library patrons 18 and older who have a good library record, a library card, and a photo ID. Patrons will be allowed to keep the e-reader for 3 weeks. The Pratt Library system is hoping to expand the e-reader program to other branches in the future, and is looking for sponsors to help with that expansion. The library plans to offer additional e-readers through the Student Express Department at the Central Library. E-readers preloaded with the year's reading list will also be offered to middle schoolers at Saint Ignatius School.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Roswell Encina, The Enoch Pratt Free Library

Although the pace of unemployment has slowed, Maryland lost 6,746 jobs in the month of July. These job losses placed Maryland fifth in the country for job losses in the month of July according to a newly released report from job outsourcing firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

The report goes on to state that the surge in job cuts was caused by a flurry of layoffs at several major employers, including Borders and Lockheed-Martin. Lockheed-Martin is the second largest employer in Maryland.

Released August 3rd, the report shows that the largest number of national job cuts in July were in the pharmaceuticals industry, followed closely by retail and government sector jobs. This marked the first time this year that government was not the largest sector for job cuts.

There were some bright spots in the jobs report. The estimated 66,000 job cuts recorded nationwide last month are still much lower than the approximately 105,000 job cuts per month averaged between January 2008 and December 2009.

Maryland's unemployment rate has continued to trend lower than the national average. Recently released numbers from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation show that Maryland's unemployment rate is 25% lower than the national average. Maryland's unemployment rate stands at 7 %, 2.2% lower than the 9.2% national average.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

The National Healthcare Career Network has added several new partners to its job board alliance. The Hunt Valley-based company specializes in making connections between job seekers in the healthcare industry and recruiters looking for healthcare workers with specialized skills.

"By having intrinsic knowledge of the industry, we're able to develop solutions that address specific talent acquisition needs. We continuously gather feedback from employers to understand their challenges in order to create practical, cost-effective products and services," says Carol Barber, Managing Director at the National Healthcare Career Network.

First established in 2008, NHCN is an alliance of 267 healthcare professional association and trade group job boards. One of NHCN's founding partners was the American Hospital Association. The company recently announced that it has entered into new partnerships with three organizations. The Interamerican College of Physicians & Surgeons, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and The American Academy of Ophthalmologists joining the NHCN means that the company now has connections to 60 physician-based organizations with over half a million members.

"Healthcare is the only industry that has continually added jobs in this recession. That said, the openings tend to be very specialized and not at the entry-level. Like all industries, healthcare has felt the effects of the economy and must be very targeted and efficient in recruiting," Barber says.

The National Healthcare Career Network is also working to improve it's connections to healthcare workers with a new mobile app offering job seekers access to other things at NHCN besides just the jobs boards, including candidate screening tools and strategic counsel.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Carol Barber, National Healthcare Career Network

JigSaw Marketing began in 2002 as a one-woman operation. Founder Kathy Walsh saw an opportunity in Baltimore's growing startup community. Her Bel Air based company has found success by working with startups and small business clients while growing into a firm that could handle larger operations.

"While working for a larger agency, I felt frustrated that our high hourly rates put our services out of range for many startups and smaller, local businesses -- ironically the people who most need marketing assistance. By opening my own firm with less overhead, I was able to set more affordable rates and have the discretion to further discount fees with the theory that earning a loyal client during the startup phase would pay off in spades as that business grew," Walsh says.

JigSaw Marketing has found success in marketing architects, contractors, and other businesses in the design and building industry. JigSaw also works with Moscow software manufacturer Acronis Inc., Cecil College's Department of Career and Community Education, Gaithersburg biotech startup Noble Life Sciences, Baltimore-based architects Urban Design Group, the Harford Land Trust, and White Marsh accounting and financial services firm WeberMessick.

"I think what sets JigSaw apart is the incredibly high level of responsiveness. One of our greatest strengths lies in our creativity. We try to conceptualize and implement marketing tactics that are thoughtful and stand out from the crowd," Walsh continues.

JigSaw was recently recognized for its work for Baltimore firm Floura Teeter Landscape Architects with a Marketing Excellence award from the Baltimore chapter of the American Marketing Association. That campaign also received a Mayor's Business Recognition Award from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

JigSaw Marketing has grown its staff to match its client list. The growing firm is planning to continue adding staff, including an additional account manager, in the next year.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Kathy Walsh & Jessica Dixon Bieber, JigSaw Marketing Solutions