The City of Frederick was given kudos and praise in a recent blog from "Strong Towns", an advocate for models of smart growth. From our streetscape and architecture to Carroll Creek Park and Public Art, the blogger now claims Frederick as one of his favorite US cities!
Frederick also gained recognition when it was named one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2010 by the American Planning Association. APA Great Places are enjoyable, safe and desirable - places that attract users every day. America's truly great neighborhoods are defined by many characteristics including architectural features, accessibility, functionality and community development.
A Strong Town growth model emphasizes obtaining a higher return on existing infrastructure investments. The belief is that you can no longer disregard old investments in favor of new, but instead need to focus on making better use of that which we already committed to publicly maintain.
Frederick, Maryland • Business News • Projects • City Updates
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Spotlight on Industry - Biotechnology
In our last blog, we covered the Frederick economy in a very general sense - including job growth and important industry sectors. Beginning this week, we will take a closer look at each of those important industry sectors.
We begin with bioscience. Over the last 10 years, bioscience and life science have become economic development buzz words. And why not - everyone wants their community or region to be innovative and high-tech, moving toward that knowledge-based economy (another buzz word) of the future.
In Frederick, bio is not simply a buzz word - it's a growing cornerstone of our economy. Maryland is home to the 2nd largest biosciences cluster in the country and within the state, Frederick ranks #2 in total biotech companies.
Since 2002, Frederick's bioscience industry has more than doubled -from 30 companies to more than 70 companies. As we saw in last week's look at job growth, the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry sector has led the way for job creation in the Frederick region - growing 60% from 2003-2007, and in 2010 this industry sector grew 4% or 278 net new jobs. Impressive when many other industries were flat or declined.
Frederick's bioscience industry has its first roots from Fort Detrick. Companies moved to Frederick as a result of contracts with the federal government - Dynport Vaccine Company, Charles River Labs, SAIC-Frederick, Southern Research Institute, Midwest Research Institute, Battelle and others.
Frederick also has a strong private-sector bioscience base. MedImmune, Life Technologies, Qiagen and Lonza are all global life science companies with a strong and growing presence in the City of Frederick and surrounding area.
Entrepreneurship is also an important component of Frederick's bioscience industry. Small, innovative start-up companies with their own technologies, or technologies that have been developed in federal labs and are being commercialized through technology transfer agreements, have proven incredibly effective at advancing research, developing products and creating new jobs here in Frederick.
Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI) - a technology incubator in Frederick - is an important element of entrepreneurship and job creation. FITCI, through partnerships with the City of Frederick, Frederick County and the State of Maryland and many corporate sponsors, offers affordable office and lab space, business mentoring and other programs to bioscience and advanced technology companies, to help budding entrepreneurs build successful businesses.
We continue to see great opportunity in the life sciences industry for Frederick. NCI/SAIC-Frederick is building a 330,000 SF advanced technologies research facility at Riverside Research Park. Planned for completion in late 2012, this initiative will facilitate public-private research partnerships with the intent of expediting the drug development process for cancer and HIV research and accelerating the timeline from discovery to patient bedside. Coupled with the entrepreneurship at FITCI and technology transfer opportunities at Fort Detrick, the life sciences industry is certainly a growth sector for the City of Frederick.
We begin with bioscience. Over the last 10 years, bioscience and life science have become economic development buzz words. And why not - everyone wants their community or region to be innovative and high-tech, moving toward that knowledge-based economy (another buzz word) of the future.
In Frederick, bio is not simply a buzz word - it's a growing cornerstone of our economy. Maryland is home to the 2nd largest biosciences cluster in the country and within the state, Frederick ranks #2 in total biotech companies.
Since 2002, Frederick's bioscience industry has more than doubled -from 30 companies to more than 70 companies. As we saw in last week's look at job growth, the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry sector has led the way for job creation in the Frederick region - growing 60% from 2003-2007, and in 2010 this industry sector grew 4% or 278 net new jobs. Impressive when many other industries were flat or declined.
Frederick's bioscience industry has its first roots from Fort Detrick. Companies moved to Frederick as a result of contracts with the federal government - Dynport Vaccine Company, Charles River Labs, SAIC-Frederick, Southern Research Institute, Midwest Research Institute, Battelle and others.
Frederick also has a strong private-sector bioscience base. MedImmune, Life Technologies, Qiagen and Lonza are all global life science companies with a strong and growing presence in the City of Frederick and surrounding area.
Entrepreneurship is also an important component of Frederick's bioscience industry. Small, innovative start-up companies with their own technologies, or technologies that have been developed in federal labs and are being commercialized through technology transfer agreements, have proven incredibly effective at advancing research, developing products and creating new jobs here in Frederick.
Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI) - a technology incubator in Frederick - is an important element of entrepreneurship and job creation. FITCI, through partnerships with the City of Frederick, Frederick County and the State of Maryland and many corporate sponsors, offers affordable office and lab space, business mentoring and other programs to bioscience and advanced technology companies, to help budding entrepreneurs build successful businesses.
We continue to see great opportunity in the life sciences industry for Frederick. NCI/SAIC-Frederick is building a 330,000 SF advanced technologies research facility at Riverside Research Park. Planned for completion in late 2012, this initiative will facilitate public-private research partnerships with the intent of expediting the drug development process for cancer and HIV research and accelerating the timeline from discovery to patient bedside. Coupled with the entrepreneurship at FITCI and technology transfer opportunities at Fort Detrick, the life sciences industry is certainly a growth sector for the City of Frederick.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
2011 Frederick Procurement Fair
Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2011 Frederick Procurement Fair on Wednesday May 18th from 9:00am - Noon at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Downtown Frederick.
Hosted by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the 2011 Frederick Procurement Fair presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors - the purchasing and procurement departments of local government agencies and major employers in Frederick County - to connect with local small businesses regarding upcoming purchasing and procurement opportunities. If your company or agency is looking for a way to connect with potential vendors, suppliers and contractors, this is an event not to be missed!
Last year, over 120 businesses attended to learn about purchasing and procurement opportunities with 17 of the Frederick area's largest companies and government agencies. Exhibitors for 2011 already include The City of Frederick, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Community College and SAIC-Frederick.
To reserve your spot, call 301-600-6362 or email. Exhibitor registration closes March 31st. Attendee registration opens April 1st.
For more information, visit businessinfrederick.com
Hosted by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the 2011 Frederick Procurement Fair presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors - the purchasing and procurement departments of local government agencies and major employers in Frederick County - to connect with local small businesses regarding upcoming purchasing and procurement opportunities. If your company or agency is looking for a way to connect with potential vendors, suppliers and contractors, this is an event not to be missed!
Last year, over 120 businesses attended to learn about purchasing and procurement opportunities with 17 of the Frederick area's largest companies and government agencies. Exhibitors for 2011 already include The City of Frederick, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Community College and SAIC-Frederick.
To reserve your spot, call 301-600-6362 or email. Exhibitor registration closes March 31st. Attendee registration opens April 1st.
For more information, visit businessinfrederick.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Spotlight on Frederick's Economy
Frederick's diverse industry base is one of our community's great strengths. This diversity softens the local impact of economic downturns and shortens economic recovery time.
Here are a few facts about Frederick's economic - where we were, where we are today and where we see opportunities for the future.
From 2003 to 2007, the Frederick region experienced a 21% increase in jobs. Compare that to 10% statewide and 9% national growth over the same period - pretty impressive numbers! Topping the job growth sectors:
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services - 60% increase
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation - 57% increase
Accommodations & Food Services - 32% increase
Finance & Insurance - 29% increase
Industry sectors that lost jobs durintg that time include manufacturing (down 15%) utilities (down 10%), agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting (down 5%) and information (down 2%).
For the past 3 years (2008 through 2010) job growth in the Frederick area has been relatively flat. This is when that diverse industry base comes into play - modest losses in some sectors which were off-set by modest gains in others. The theme we heard continuously these past few years - "Flat is the new up."
Turning our attention to 2011, we hope to say good-bye to 'flat'. At the City's Department of Economic Development (DED), we see tremendous opportunities in our target industries - biosciences, advanced technologies, manufacturing, professional services and tourism.
We are excited about the NCI-Frederick facility at Riverside Research Park, not only for the jobs and economic opportunity, but for the incredible promise this facility holds in the battle agains cancer and HIV. NCI-Frederick is one component of a vibrant and innovative bioscience community in Frederick that is now more than 70 companies strong.
We are encouraged by our innovative manufacturing base - companies such as EDCO and Stulz ATS, who have taken steps to remain competitive through implementation of LEAN manufacturing processes and R&D to development new product lines.
Last, but certainly not least, is the continuing economic impact of Fort Detrick and the 38 mission partners located on the post. Fort Detrick is as diverse as the community that surrounds it. Cancer and HIV research, cutting-edge healthcare innovations, state of the art forensic analysis labs, military medical logistics and acquisition, global communications - Fort Detrick's mission partners are on the forefront of research and innovation. Through employment, federal contracts technology transfer and partnerships with K-12 education, Fort Detrick makes a lasting and positive impact on Frederick's economy and our quality of life.
In the weeks ahead, the DED blog will examine each of our target industry sectors. Next week, look for Spotlight on Industry - Frederick Bioscience.
Here are a few facts about Frederick's economic - where we were, where we are today and where we see opportunities for the future.
From 2003 to 2007, the Frederick region experienced a 21% increase in jobs. Compare that to 10% statewide and 9% national growth over the same period - pretty impressive numbers! Topping the job growth sectors:
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services - 60% increase
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation - 57% increase
Accommodations & Food Services - 32% increase
Finance & Insurance - 29% increase
Industry sectors that lost jobs durintg that time include manufacturing (down 15%) utilities (down 10%), agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting (down 5%) and information (down 2%).
For the past 3 years (2008 through 2010) job growth in the Frederick area has been relatively flat. This is when that diverse industry base comes into play - modest losses in some sectors which were off-set by modest gains in others. The theme we heard continuously these past few years - "Flat is the new up."
Turning our attention to 2011, we hope to say good-bye to 'flat'. At the City's Department of Economic Development (DED), we see tremendous opportunities in our target industries - biosciences, advanced technologies, manufacturing, professional services and tourism.
We are excited about the NCI-Frederick facility at Riverside Research Park, not only for the jobs and economic opportunity, but for the incredible promise this facility holds in the battle agains cancer and HIV. NCI-Frederick is one component of a vibrant and innovative bioscience community in Frederick that is now more than 70 companies strong.
We are encouraged by our innovative manufacturing base - companies such as EDCO and Stulz ATS, who have taken steps to remain competitive through implementation of LEAN manufacturing processes and R&D to development new product lines.
Last, but certainly not least, is the continuing economic impact of Fort Detrick and the 38 mission partners located on the post. Fort Detrick is as diverse as the community that surrounds it. Cancer and HIV research, cutting-edge healthcare innovations, state of the art forensic analysis labs, military medical logistics and acquisition, global communications - Fort Detrick's mission partners are on the forefront of research and innovation. Through employment, federal contracts technology transfer and partnerships with K-12 education, Fort Detrick makes a lasting and positive impact on Frederick's economy and our quality of life.
In the weeks ahead, the DED blog will examine each of our target industry sectors. Next week, look for Spotlight on Industry - Frederick Bioscience.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tech Council of Maryland 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards
Do you work for or know of a Tech or BioTech company in Frederick County that has made an impact in the community? Done something innovative in the last year? How about a a really awesome boss? Then get moving and nominate that company for the Tech Council's 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards. Its easy and best of all, FREE! Categories this year include Executive of the Year, Firm of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Service Provider of the Year and CFO of the Year.
Each year TCM honors those companies that have made a difference in Frederick County. Don't miss this great opportunity to showcase your company and be recognized for your achievements. Nominations MUST be received by COB February 23, 2011. To nominate, please click on the following link: 2011 Frederick County Nomination Form or contact Todd Hayes at thayes@techcouncilmd.com or 240-243-4049.
Award winners will be honored at the 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration on March 29th, 2011 at Holly Hills Country Club, Ijamsville, MD 21754 from 6-8pm.
Don't wait, nominate and join TCM, Frederick County Leaders and the best of the best of the IT and Biotechnology communities at the 9th annual Frederick County Tech Awards. Click here to register.
Thank you to the sponsors: Platinum - Comcast
Host - Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Gold - MedImmune
Media - 270inc Business Magazine
Bronze - City of Frederick Department of Economic Development
Each year TCM honors those companies that have made a difference in Frederick County. Don't miss this great opportunity to showcase your company and be recognized for your achievements. Nominations MUST be received by COB February 23, 2011. To nominate, please click on the following link: 2011 Frederick County Nomination Form or contact Todd Hayes at thayes@techcouncilmd.com or 240-243-4049.
Award winners will be honored at the 9th Annual Frederick County Tech Awards Celebration on March 29th, 2011 at Holly Hills Country Club, Ijamsville, MD 21754 from 6-8pm.
Don't wait, nominate and join TCM, Frederick County Leaders and the best of the best of the IT and Biotechnology communities at the 9th annual Frederick County Tech Awards. Click here to register.
Thank you to the sponsors: Platinum - Comcast
Host - Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Gold - MedImmune
Media - 270inc Business Magazine
Bronze - City of Frederick Department of Economic Development
Monday, January 31, 2011
New Frederick Street Map Now Available
An attractive new Frederick street map is now available to residents and visitors at City Hall and will soon be available at C Burr Artz Library, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Council, Downtown Frederick Partnership and other business locations throughout the City. The map, produced by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development in conjunction with Target Marketing, provides easy to reference information about City, County and Downtown streets and destinations.
"The response to business advertising on this new map was outstanding", said Richard Grififn, Director of Economic Development. "We are delighted to provide travelers a means of accessing our community as well as a vehicle for Frederick businesses to advertise." The cost of producing the maps was underwritten by business marketing and advertising. Business card style 'ads' are arranged categorically on both sides of the map to highlight local businesses. In addition to promoting the regional amenitites, a directory of important phone numbers and community information is provided.
An easy to navigate, searchable online version of the map will be available from the City website beginning in March. Each participating business will be listed by name & business category, with the actual location pinpointed on the online map; each business's home page will be linked to the map's home page, multiplying business exposure potential many times.
Cotton Smith with Target Marketing, which produces similar maps across the country stated, " Working with the Frederick business community and the city to produce this map was a terrific experience - together we have provided a usable map product for the community which also provides unique exposure for advertising businesses."
For questions about how to obtain a copy of the map, access to the on-line version, or advertising on future maps, please contact Donna Goff, Economic Development Specialist with the City of Frederick Department of Eocnomic Development at 301-600-6360 or dgoff@cityoffrederick.com.
"The response to business advertising on this new map was outstanding", said Richard Grififn, Director of Economic Development. "We are delighted to provide travelers a means of accessing our community as well as a vehicle for Frederick businesses to advertise." The cost of producing the maps was underwritten by business marketing and advertising. Business card style 'ads' are arranged categorically on both sides of the map to highlight local businesses. In addition to promoting the regional amenitites, a directory of important phone numbers and community information is provided.
An easy to navigate, searchable online version of the map will be available from the City website beginning in March. Each participating business will be listed by name & business category, with the actual location pinpointed on the online map; each business's home page will be linked to the map's home page, multiplying business exposure potential many times.
Cotton Smith with Target Marketing, which produces similar maps across the country stated, " Working with the Frederick business community and the city to produce this map was a terrific experience - together we have provided a usable map product for the community which also provides unique exposure for advertising businesses."
For questions about how to obtain a copy of the map, access to the on-line version, or advertising on future maps, please contact Donna Goff, Economic Development Specialist with the City of Frederick Department of Eocnomic Development at 301-600-6360 or dgoff@cityoffrederick.com.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Training for Frederick County Business Owners
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office will be sponsoring an informational session for Frederick County business owners and their human resource staff to assist them in complying with current federal employment laws. A representative from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be in attendance to provide a plain-language explanation in the proper preparation of the I-9 Form, its acceptable documents and other relevant information. Also discussed will be the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers program, IMAGE, which is a voluntary program of best business practices that help to ensure a legal workforce. There will be a short question and answer session following the briefing.
The session will be held on Thursday, February 24th from 6-8pm in the main conference room of the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center, located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick. Due to limited seating, the Sheriffs Office is asking businesses to RSVP with the number attending to Capt. Tim Clarke at 301-600-3643 by Monday, February 21st. If the class fills and there is a need for additional sessions, the Sheriff's Office will compile a list of those businesses to be contacted for the next available session.
The session will be held on Thursday, February 24th from 6-8pm in the main conference room of the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center, located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick. Due to limited seating, the Sheriffs Office is asking businesses to RSVP with the number attending to Capt. Tim Clarke at 301-600-3643 by Monday, February 21st. If the class fills and there is a need for additional sessions, the Sheriff's Office will compile a list of those businesses to be contacted for the next available session.
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