Partner Spotlight: Fort Detrick Alliance

1. What is the mission of The Fort Detrick Alliance?
The FDA is a Maryland 501 (c)3 Non-Profit organization with the mission to build strong relationships and understanding between Fort Detrick and the region. The Fort Detrick Alliance is a member of the Maryland Military Installation Council and our work is done in partnership with the Maryland Division of Military and Federal Affairs and Frederick City and County Economic Development organizations.  Our work is largely focused on advocating for the retention and expansion of the federal missions at Fort Detrick and the 12,000 military, federal, and contractor jobs.  Fort Detrick is very unique in that there are five cabinet level organizations located at Fort Detrick including:

•    Department of Defense (DOD)
•    Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
•    Department of Agriculture (USDA)
•    Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
•    Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

2. What are your top priorities?
Building strong relationships and understanding between Fort Detrick and the region requires education, networking, communication and advocacy.   We use innovative programs and events coupled with digital and print media to accomplish this work.   For instance, hundreds attend our regular networking breakfasts throughout the year which feature talented speakers from various federal labs and facilities to educate community and business leaders on critical work ongoing at the Fort and at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. 

In addition to routine educational breakfasts, we also hold networking receptions and an annual Recognition Dinner and a Technology Showcase event with the Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc, to highlight tech-transfer opportunities with the Federal Laboratories.  These events create opportunities for businesses and community leadership to connect and engage with each other.

Working with local, state, and federal elected officials, also focuses on advocating for key infrastructure, workforce and policies that support the health of Fort Detrick such as roads, airport, utilities, STEM education, and housing.   We advocate for the development and expansion of the work conducted at Fort Detrick in the areas of cancer research, biological research and vaccine development, medical protection of the nation’s Armed Forces, and global communications.  

FDA donated $10k to Hood College, Mount St. Mary's University Frederick Campus and Frederick Community College to support educational efforts for our Veterans.

3. How did the organization get started/tell us some history about your organization.

The Fort Detrick Alliance was founded in 2003 by the late Colonel Mark Hoke (formerly a Fort Detrick Garrison Commander and later Chairman of the Frederick County Commissioners) along with support from the Maryland Department of Commerce and Brigadier General (Ret) Mike Hayes – Director of the MarylandOffice of Military and Federal Affairs. The Fort Detrick Alliance is one of seven Military Alliances focused on supporting the missions, jobs, and economic impact in Maryland.  Maryland is focused on supporting the needs of making sure that national Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) activities result in job growth in Maryland.

2016 Board of Directors

A Board of Directors governs the organization and the day-to-day activities are carried out by the Executive Director. Nearly 100 businesses, individuals and organizations financially support our mission as members of the organization. 

4. Can you share any news or upcoming events related to FDA?
New Executive Director
Amanda Johnston, a marketing professional with more than 15 years in nonprofit management has recently been hired as the Alliance’s new executive director. Amanda is replacing executive director Eileen Mitchell who is retiring from the Alliance. Eileen was a former Deputy Garrison Commander of Fort Detrick for 30 years.  Amanda Johnston joins the Fort Detrick Alliance with communications, marketing, fundraising, event planning, public relations, and management experience. She is active in the Frederick business community and currently serves on the board of directors for Celebrate Frederick. Amanda can be reached at amanda.johnston@fortdetrickalliance.org or 301-788-9896.

Recent FDA networking Breakfast

Upcoming Events
•    FITCI Technology Showcase
September 6, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Innovative renewable energy, biotechnology, and information research is being done in our community at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center. Meet with FITCI entrepreneurial businesses and hear Dr. Kenneth Bertram, Principal Assistant for Acquisition, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick speak about research advancements at our 9th Annual FITCI Technology Showcase on September 6. The event kicks-off with a networking reception at 4:30 p.m. followed by presentations by County Executive Jan Gardner and Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement. Register online today! https://www.fortdetrickalliance.org/events

•    Networking Breakfast at Hood College
Thursday, October 26, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Featured Speaker: COL Brian J. Gentile from U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) will discuss the mission and research being conducted at USAMRIID

•    Technical Innovation Center at Hagerstown Community College
Technology Showcase during STEM Week
Thursday, November 9, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
More details to come visit www.fortdetrickalliance.org

5. What type of companies are best positioned to take advantage of your services?
The Fort Detrick Alliance is seeking members which want to help support the critical work to advocate for and help sustain and grow the critical missions and jobs at Fort Detrick and the National Cancer Institute.  There are many opportunities to be involved in event planning and logistics, communication, networking, and much more.  Our members are varied with both large and small companies across many industry sectors including biotech, infotech, nanotech, healthcare, retail, government, and non-profit. 

The five cabinet level agencies at Fort Detrick employ many in various industries and backgrounds, including but not limited to biotech, technology, clinical and veterinary medicine, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, molecular biology, immunology, virology, budget administration, regulatory affairs, security, personnel and administrative support, communications, logistics, maintenance, and resource management. There are opportunities for businesses across the region to network and grow through the work done at Fort Detrick.

Partner Spotlight: Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

1. What is the mission of your organization?The Frederick Chamber connects businesses and community through leadership, advocacy, and education.

The Frederick Chamber is the trusted leader for business in our vibrant community. We promote economic vitality by advocating for business in Frederick County and by bringing together the right people to solve common problems.

We measure the effectiveness of our mission by continually growing membership, retaining dedicated members, providing well-planned programming and ensuring sound fiscal stewardship.

2. What are your top priorities? First, we want to help our members thrive, and provide educational programs, networking opportunities and lots of brand exposure to help grow businesses.

And more broadly, we work together to foster a healthy business environment and generate sustainable economic growth across the region. The three areas of long-range focus determined by our members are Infrastructure Improvements; Workforce/Talent Pipeline; and Promoting the vibrant Frederick business community.  

3. How did the organization get started/tell us some history about your organization. On April 22, 1912, President Taft held a well-attended conference of commercial associations promoting the creation of the United States Chamber of Commerce.  Among the 700 in attendance were Captain John Markey, E.E. Osborne, S. Lewis Motter and Holms D. Baker of the Frederick Board of Trade.

The next day, April 23, 1912, the Frederick Board of Trade wired in an application for the newly formed Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, with Captain Markey as the organization's first president.

On May 21, 1912, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce received its official Charter, making it the first chartered Chamber of Commerce in the United States.

A glass-etched rendition of the original charter hangs proudly in today's Chamber office.

Since that time, the organization has grown and diversified, becoming one of the largest Chambers in the State of Maryland. One of the wonderful aspects of the Chamber is that we have members celebrating 125 years in business, and we have members who have just formed this year, all working together to grow our vibrant business community.  


4. Can you share any upcoming events or any news about your organization? Our biggest news of the year is that we have moved our headquarters into Downtown Frederick, as of June 1. Our new home at 118 N. Market Street, is located in an innovative building shared with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, a soon-to-be opening IT incubator, and several more business-oriented tenants. The level of cooperation and collaboration among these organizations will be enhanced, and current and future business owners will find an array of services available under one roof. While we are getting settled in very comfortably, the building will be a work-in-progress until it is completely finished later this year. 

5. What type of companies are best positioned to take advantage of your services? 

The beauty of the Chamber is that so many types of companies are represented in our membership. While we are known for bringing together large powerhouses such as the Major Employers Group, it is actually the small business owners and sole proprietors that make up more than 80% of our membership. Any company doing business in Frederick County should seriously consider becoming a valued member of the Chamber. 

If you go:
Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
118 N. Market Street, 2nd Floor
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-662-4164

Facebook
Twitter 

 

Partner Spotlight: Downtown Frederick Partnership

This month, our Partner Spotlight highlights a resource for both new and existing  businesses in Frederick, that are located in or want to be located in our main street area of Market Street, Patrick Street and East Street. Downtown Frederick Partnership works to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality and economic viability of Downtown Frederick by implementing the national Main Street Program for the benefit of Frederick businesses, residents and visitors.

We spoke with staff at the Partnership to learn more about the organization and the resources available to businesses in Frederick.

1.    What is the mission of Downtown Frederick Partnership?
Downtown Frederick Partnership works to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality and economic viability of Downtown Frederick by implementing the national Main Street Program for the benefit of Frederick businesses, residents and visitors.

2.    What are your top priorities?
 In 2015, the Partnership unveiled the 2020 Strategic Plan in honor of the organization’s 25th anniversary. This plan focuses on bringing more people to live, work, play, stay and connect in Downtown Frederick. The Partnership implements the Main Street Program, a preservation-based, downtown revitalization approach. The goal of the Main Street Program is to strengthen the vitality of traditional main streets and neighborhoods.

3.    How did the organization get started/tell us some history about your organization.
Founded in 1990 as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, Downtown Frederick Partnership has managed Downtown Frederick’s Main Street program since designation in 2001. Main Street designation is awarded by Main Street Maryland (State of Maryland) and is recognized by The City of Frederick and the National Trust Main Street Center.

4.    Can you share any upcoming events or any news about your organization?
The Partnership recently kicked off a summer full of events for residents and visitors alike. Alive @ Five is an outdoor happy hour that takes place every Thursday from 5-8PM at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater, May 18 through September 21, 2017. Movie Night on Carroll Creek takes place the third Friday, June 16 through October 20, 2017. Gates open an hour before sundown.

5.    What type of companies are best positioned to take advantage of your services?
Downtown Frederick Partnership’s work impacts residents, professionals and visitors to Downtown Frederick. As part of the organization’s Strategic Plan, the Partnership is focused on bringing more tech businesses downtown. The Partnership prides itself on the vibrant mix of retailers, professional services and unique offerings that exist in Downtown Frederick.  

Connect with Downtown Frederick Partnership

19 E. Church Street

301-698-8118

mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org

http://www.downtownfrederick.org/en_us