Tuesday, November 24, 2015

5 Ways to Celebrate Small Businesses This Season


Small Business Saturday isn’t the only day to Shop Small. In the City of Frederick, 95% of all businesses are small businesses, which mean they have 50 or fewer employees. Based on InfoUSA data, 88% of City businesses have fewer than 25 employees.

If you live in or around Frederick, you know shopping small is a source of pride for many, and the options are endless year-round. Here are a few ways to celebrate small businesses this holiday season and beyond:

  1. Sing for Your City – Follow the Frederick County Office of Economic Development for details on how to show your Shop Small spirit by singing for your city.
     
  2. Explore New Neighborhoods – Small, locally-owned businesses in Frederick are also tucked inside commercial shopping centers. Discover a new neighborhood when you shop this season. Here are a few local dining tips if you are exploring on The Golden Mile.
     
  3. Find a Festive Event – Events throughout Downtown Frederick and across The City encourage visitors and residents to shop local and shop small.  From Frosty Friday to horse and carriage rides, the season is full of special holiday activities, programs, entertainment, and events. Find a holiday event.
     
  4. Park Easy - Take advantage of free holiday parking in Downtown Frederick during the holiday season. On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26) and Frosty Friday (Friday, November 27), free parking is available at all meters and decks.  Additionally, free parking (meters and decks) will be offered every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day from Saturday at 8:00 AM through Monday at 6:00 AM.
      
  5. Share How You Shop Small - Use #ShopSmall to share how you shop small in Frederick. The photo could be you dining at a restaurant, picking up bread at a local bakery, visiting a favorite shop or business, or just getting a jump start on your shopping. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

This Week on Carroll Creek - November 12, 2015


Grading, brick work, pedestrian bridges with handicap access, and landscaping continue on the sections of Carroll Creek Park near the Union Mills Building owned by Douglas Development.
The Union Mills Building is buzzing with activity as the property is renovated to welcome its first tenant, Regent Education. They plan to move into the space early next year, taking over 26,000 feet and bringing 85 employees to the new location.

Union Mills building looking west

Union Mills building looking west

Brick work and other paving work continues near McCutcheon's and the Mill Pond, a widened section of the creek where a new fountain will be installed.

Finally, new planters have been added near the Galleria Fountain, waiting for spring and a pop of life and color!


Forecasts Predict A Happy Holiday for Retailers

'Tis the season for retailers across the country to gear up for their busiest weeks, and forecasts are pointing to a strong 2015 holiday season.

Holiday sales are essential for the success of not only Frederick area businesses, but retailers nationwide. According to the National Retail Federation, for some retailers, the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of annual sales. Overall, the National Retail Federation is predicting that 2015 holiday sales will rise 3.7%.

Shopping trends look particularly promising for local businesses this year. According Deloitte's 2015 Holiday Survey, 70% of those surveyed plan to shop locally this holiday season. The survey also indicates that 59% shop local to support the economy and 54% are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts.  


The "Buy Local, Shop Local" trend has been gaining popularity across the country, and each year it strengthens.  More consumers are seeking individuality in the products that they buy and gifts that they give.  

"Downtown Frederick, with its mix of independent shops, boutiques, and galleries, is particularly well positioned to benefit from the shop local movement," said Richard Griffin, The City of Frederick's Director of Economic Development. 

Local businesses can position themselves well for the holiday season by planning ahead and preparing. This can take many forms, such as hosting or participating in holiday events, offering holiday hours, or providing an exceptional holiday shopping experience. 

For more information on holiday retail trends, visit the National Retail Federation or view Deloitte's 2015 Holiday Survey graphic below. 





3 Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses



ShieldCo is one of the many veteran-owned business in Frederick, Maryland. From left to right are ShieldCo employee Kenny Green and co-owners Luke and Neil Markey. Neil served in Iraq and later was assigned to the US Army Special Operations Command, with the Second Ranger Battalion, and completed two tours to Afghanistan. A portion of ShieldCo's profits are donated to The Pointe du Hoc Foundation, a 501(c)3 that supports US Army Rangers and their families. 
Veteran-owned businesses and veterans thinking of starting a new business have access to unique resources. Below are three resources veteran entrepreneurs can use to help start and grow their businesses.
  1. Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)This loan program provides no interest loans from $1,000 to $50,000 for up to 8 years for military personnel and Veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Commerce's website.  
     
  2. VetBiz VetBiz is a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is the federal govenment web portal for veteran-owned businesses. The website vetbiz.gov provides resource assistance for veterans and service-disabled veterans who are considering starting or expanding a business. 
     
  3. The U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a section of its website dedicated to helping veteran-owned small businesses and veterans interested in started their own small businesses get the information they need to help start and grow their businesses. Visit the website to learn more about SBA’s resources and information.






Made in Frederick: McCutcheon’s Apple Products, Inc.



In The City of Frederick, a variety of local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many small businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business.

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products.

McCutcheon's Apple Products

Fresh, local apples are
the key to their popular cider.
McCutcheon's Apple Products, located right next to Carroll Creek, produces and sells all of their products from their factory in Frederick. McCutcheon's is a family-owned business that has been making their products in Frederick since 1938. The company sells a wide range of specialty fruit products, including apple cider, jelly, and butters. 

McCutcheon's currently has over 30 full time employees, some of who are third, fourth, and fifth generation members of the McCutcheon family. Our office had the opportunity to tour McCutcheon's factory and to meet with the President, Bob McCutcheon III.


Q&A With Bob McCutcheon
Bob answered a few questions about his business, products, and why he enjoys doing business here in Frederick.

How long has your company been in business?Since 1938

What are your product/products?
Apple Cider, Apple Butter Preserves, Jellies, Condiments, Hot Sauce, Teas, Olde Time Sodas and much more.

What makes your product different?Everything is home-style, just like Grandma made.
   
What do you want your customers to know about your product?
We get products that are the best tasting, highest quality, and made in Frederick.

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?
Frederick is a vibrant growing city situated in beautiful Downtown Frederick. It's a great place for us to live, work, and play.


McCutcheon's facility is powered by 546 solar panels. You can view the daily output of the solar panels at McCutcheon's website.


Apple cider production at McCutcheon's. 



If you go

McCutcheon's has a full retail shop that is open 6 days week and it offers all of the company's products. McCutcheon's products are also available to resellers. For more information and hours, visit McCutcheon's website.





For more recipes using McCutcheon's Apple Products, visit their blog.

Want to be featured on Made in Frederick?
If you or your business has a product that's made in The City of Frederick, contact us and let us know more about your business, product, and why Frederick is a great business location for you. 

This story was completed by our fall intern from Hood College, Nick Masucci. 

6 Ways to Park Easy in Frederick



The City of Frederick's Parking Department operates parking meters, municipal lots, and five parking decks throughout Downtown Frederick. Read on to learn six ways the City's Parking Department makes it convenient to Park Frederick. 
  1. Free Holiday Parking - On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26) and Frosty Friday (Friday, November 27), free parking is available at all meters and decks.  Additionally, free parking (meters and decks) will be offered every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day from Saturday at 8:00 AM through Monday at 6:00 AM.
     
  2. Monthly Garage Passes - The City provides monthly deck passes at a cost of $97.00 per month.  Monthly passes are a great option for businesses interested in providing parking for their employees and residents seeking covered off-street parking.  For additional information, please contact the City Parking Office at 301-600-1429
     
  3. Parkmobile App - Out of quarters? Business meeting running over? With the Parkmobile App, you can add value to City parking meters from the convenience of your phone. Download the Parkmobile app to get started. Specific questions may also be addressed by the City Parking Office at 301-600-1429.
      
  4. Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card - Each parking meter has a slot that can accept a pre-paid parking meter card.  Rather than carrying change in your car, individuals can purchase a pre-paid parking meter card, add a balance to it, and use it to pay at parking meters. The cards can be purchased in increments of $20, $30, $40, or $50, and there is a one-time $5 activation fee. Cards can be "rebooted" or reloaded up to 63 times after the first purchase. Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards can be purchased at 2 South Court Street. For more information, please contact the City Parking Office at 301-600-1429. 
      
  5. Pre-Paid Validation Tickets (Also Known as the "Park & Shop Program") - Hosting clients, business guests, or customers and want to pay for their parking?  The City offers pre-paid validation cards for garage parking. Validation cards are available in dollar  increments up to $7, and are great for customers, clients, and guests. If you have never used the program, plan on contacting the Parking Department at least 3-5 days before you need the tickets. Pre-Paid Validation Tickets can be purchased at 2 South Court Street. For additional information, please contact the City Parking Office at 301-600-1429.
     
  6. Deck Debit Cards - Deck Debit Cards are pre-loaded and can be used in any parking deck in Frederick. Cards can be purchased with $50 of parking credit. There is a $5 activation fee when you purchase the card, and it can be reloaded in any increment. Deck Debit Cards can be purchased at 2 South Court Street. For additional information, please contact the City Parking Office at 301-600-1429. 
For more information about these programs and other parking questions, contact the City Parking Office or visit their site online









Broker Tour Showcases Frederick as a Most Valuable Place

Nearly 50 commercial real estate professionals attended the 2015 Commercial Realtor Bus Tour on November 5, 2015.  The sports-themed tour showcased Frederick, Maryland as the "Most Valuable Place" for locating a business and offered a glimpse at the various office and retail opportunities available in Frederick County. Commercial brokers from both the Frederick market and the Washington metropolitan area were in attendance.  

The commercial broker community serves as a vital economic development partner.  Brokers actively market Frederick as a business destination and often serve as the first point of contact in the Frederick community for prospective businesses.  In addition to highlighting available real estate spaces, the tour offered the opportunity for City and County economic development staff to highlight redevelopment opportunities and public infrastructure investments. 


City of Frederick Economic Development Director Richard Griffin highlighted several commercial corridors within the City including Downtown Frederick, Riverside Research Park, Thomas Johnson Drive, and the Golden Mile.

The day kicked off at the Frederick Visitor Center. Opening remarks were made by Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, County Director of Economic Development Helen Propheter, and Tourism Council Executive Director John Fieseler. 
The event was organized by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and sponsored by Avison Young, Matan, Jefferson Place, St. John Properties, Rockpoint Commercial, CIM, Frederick Indoor Sports Center, Frederick Land Company, and Hill Management.

Looking For a New Business Space?

The Department of Economic Development (DED) provides no cost business location services, including access to the CoStar commercial property database. Connect with DED via Facebook, Twitter, or email to expand your business location search.


Team Frederick - Economic development partners from across the county worked together to showcase Frederick as the Most Valuable Place.  Pictured above, from left to right, is Jodie Bollinger, Helen Propheter, Bobby Baumler, Michelle Kershner, John Fieseler, Richard Griffin, and Becky Bickerton. 




Tourism Council of Frederick County Executive Director John Fieseler Named Tourism Person of the Year by Maryland Tourism Coalition

Tourism Person of the Year John Fieseler and colleague Matt Neitzey, executive director of the Prince George’s County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Photo Credit: Maryland Tourism Coalition
Executive Director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County John Fieseler has been named Tourism Person of the Year by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC). The award was presented to Fieseler last Thursday at the 35th annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit, held at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County. It was announced during the MTC Awards presentation and banquet, part of the 3-day annual summit that brings together more than 250 tourism and hospitality professionals from throughout the state of Maryland.
  
Tourism Person of the Year is a prestigious professional award given to an industry leader whose exceptional commitment has significantly enhanced and perpetuated the tourism industry in Maryland.

One of the chief attractions is downtown Frederick’s dynamic 40-block historic district, with its nationally renowned architecture, variety of historic sites, 200 retailers and antique shops, and 40 restaurants along Restaurant Row. Nearly three-quarters of all visitors to Frederick County come to downtown Frederick during their journey – about 1.4 million tourists each year.


"Tourism has a tremendous economic impact on Frederick and it is one of our targeted industries," said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. "Thanks to John's leadership and partnership, tourism thrives in Frederick." 


One nomination statement for Fieseler outlined his positive impact on tourism. It referred to him as a “community and industry leader, and tourism advocate whose successes cannot be contained to any single year” as well as an individual who “embraces tourism as an economic engine for Frederick County and the state of Maryland.”

“John Fieseler has been a friend to the tourism industry throughout his career,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “He rarely says no to anyone asking for his help, advice and counsel. He is a problem solver and a consensus builder. John is truly an asset to Maryland’s tourism industry.” 
  
Fieseler has served as executive director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County since December 1997. He served on the board of directors for six years, including two as board president, prior to assuming the director position. As executive director he represents Frederick County in the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, is a past chair of the organization, and currently chairs the Research Committee. Fieseler was appointed by Maryland’s governor to serve on the Maryland Tourism Development Board and also sits on the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. He is also a member of the board of directors for the 6-state Civil War Trails organization. He has been a presenter at national tourism conferences including the Destination Marketing Association International annual convention and U.S. Traveler’s annual Educational Seminars for Tourism Organizations.

Throughout his years with the Tourism Council, Fieseler has served on dozens of local committees and boards, including current positions on the boards of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, the American Red Cross, and Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley. He’s a past president of the boards of Hospice of Frederick County and the Rotary Club of Frederick, and a former board member of the Frederick Arts Council.

Under Fieseler’s leadership, tourism continues to steadily grow in Frederick County. He led the organization to purchase, rehabilitate, and open the building at 151 S. East Street in Frederick as its visitor center and offices. When the State was forced by budget limitations to close the Mason-Dixon Welcome Center in northern Frederick County, Fieseler worked cooperatively with state and local partners to get funding to re-open it and install exhibits. He led the organization through many Civil War and War of 1812 commemorative events in recent years. Fieseler serves on the Downtown Frederick Hotel Advisory Committee and leads the way as tourism continues to grow in Frederick County, with increases in visitation and visitor spending.

“It is such a well-deserved and tremendous accomplishment for John to receive this prestigious award,” said Dave Ziedelis, President of the Tourism Council Board of Directors. “We are certainly blessed to have John here in Frederick at the helm of our Tourism Council.”

The Tourism Council of Frederick County (TCFC) is the recognized Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick City and Frederick County, Maryland. It operates the Frederick Visitor Center and related Visit Frederick programs that include Destination Marketing and Group Tour Marketing. For more information about membership and Visit Frederick events, go to www.visitfrederick.org

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Off the Grid: Undiscovered Downtown Frederick Small Business Sites

Downtown Frederick Properties - Updated November 4, 2015

Historic Downtown Frederick is the core commercial district within the City of Frederick and is the ideal place to locate your business.  Join the over 700 businesses that call Downtown Frederick home.  Downtown Frederick is home to award-winning restaurants, independent retail, specialty services, and more.  

The Department of Economic Development (DED) provides no cost business location services, including access to the CoStar commercial property database.  Due to the unique nature of Downtown Frederick, occasionally properties are not included in the online database.  

The Department of Economic Development is here to jump start your search.  Follow our blog for an up-to-date listing of properties not currently found online.  Connect with DED via Facebook, Twitter, or Email to expand your small business location search.



 9 N. Court Street
1st Floor Retail Space
EGD Enterprises
301-667-2993

22 N. Market Street
Upper-Floor Office Space
Noah's FMC
301-663-4442

25 N. Market Street
1st Floor Retail Space
301-529-8777


235 N. Market Street
1st Floor Retail Space
301-530-9090


220 N. Market Street
Office (Opportunity to lease by floor - 4 offices per floor, or the entire building.  Features kitchen, conference, and receptionist space).  Tenant interested in leasing entire building may be able to convert space to retail/restaurant. 
For additional information:SSP , Inc. 
Patsy Lucido 970-471-0916  
 


207 N. Market Street
 Ground Floor Retail/Restaurant Space
For additional information: Smith Management
301-654-4444




Do you know of a listing that isn't in CoStar or in this post? Let us know.