State, Local Officials Gather to Celebrate Fairchild Controls

State and local officials along with area business leaders gathered at the headquarters of aerospace firm, Fairchild Controls Corporation, on Oct. 2 to celebrate its 20 years of operations and community support in Frederick, Maryland. The anniversary celebration was held at the company’s Highland Street facility, adjacent to the Frederick Regional Airport, and drew nearly 200 attendees.

In attendance were U.S. House Representative John Delaney (D-MD-06), representatives from the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD-Sr.), Frederick mayor, Randy McClements, and Frederick County Commission president, Blaine Young.

Congressman Delaney captured the essence of the celebration with his comments recognizing Fairchild Controls as an economic anchor in the community and a world-class supplier of aerospace products. He went on to praise the company for providing well-paying jobs locally, and helping to strengthen the community through vigorous support of local philanthropic organizations.

On behalf of Senator Mikulski, staffer Julianna Albowicz presented Fairchild Controls president Peter Borgel with a certificate recognizing the company’s global market performance and commitment to the local economy.

Mayor McClements, in presenting an award of appreciation from the City of Frederick, spoke of his own professional interactions with Fairchild Controls years earlier, when, as owner of a bagel business, he used to deliver bagels to the facility.  “This award is presented in honor of your efforts in providing job opportunities for the local workforce, upholding environmentally conscious beliefs and philanthropic efforts,“ he said.

In addressing the crowd, Borgel was quick to remind attendees that the company’s growth and success is a testament to the commitment and strong work ethic of its personnel – traits that made the Frederick area the ideal choice when the company relocated from its Manhattan Beach, California birthplace in 1994.

“Twenty-nine of the original sixty-four employees at this site are still with us today – that’s almost half of the original population. It is your experience and your dedication that has sustained the company over the past two decades, “Borgel said.

A Tradition of Innovation and Excellence
Fairchild Controls has a rich history that traces back to the early days of American aviation, when industry pioneer and company founder, Sherman Fairchild, developed aircraft and flight controls for use in aerial mapping and photography in 1920.

That tradition of innovation continues today in commercial and military aviation markets as the company develops products and services that allow aircraft to operate safely, help passengers travel comfortably, and enable Allied warfighters to defend security and protect freedoms around the world.

Fairchild Controls has grown steadily over the years since relocating to Frederick with only a few dozen employees. Today, the firm has 150 employees – 16 percent of them military veterans – and is well-recognized for excellence in providing a range of avionics and flight control systems.  Earlier this year the company was recognized as the Boeing Company’s 2013 Supplier of the Year in the Electrical/Hydraulic/Mechanical category, highlighting its record of 100% on-time delivery and a quality rating of 99.9% or better.

Only one-tenth of one percent of all Boeing suppliers worldwide – just 12 of approximately 12,000 - achieve this distinction, each in an individual category.

A partner to the Frederick community
This commitment to meeting the needs of its customers is similarly reflected in the company’s commitment to helping meet the needs of the local community.  Fairchild Controls employees have volunteered countless hours of service over the years and have donated more than $500,000 to various local organizations, including the United Way, Frederick 48, the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, the American Red Cross, and others.

Economic Development Advisory Committee to Focus on Attracting Business Investment

The 15-member Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC), recently appointed by Mayor Randy McClement, is poised to provide advice and specific recommendations on how to help ensure The City of Frederick, today and in the future, is a preferred community on the Baltimore-Washington region to attract private business investment, jobs and economic opportunity.

The group will be focusing providing guidance on:

• Sound regulatory policies affecting business & industry
• Annual economic development work program & budget
• Business development incentives
• Evaluation methodology to determine efficiency of economic development programs
• Special issues/projects assigned by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen
• Community education on economic & business development topics

The EDAC has had several preliminary meetings and co-chairs have been appointed by the Mayor as well, April Reardon and Rocky McIntosh.

“Guidance from Economic Development Advisory Council members can help ensure that The City of Frederick, both today and into the future, is the preferred community in the region for attracting private business investment, jobs, and economic opportunity,” said Mayor McClement.

The 16-member council has representation from the following sectors in Frederick: manufacturing, biotechnology, advanced technology, information technology, healthcare, tourism, retail, financial institutions, commercial brokers and developers, and major employers. The Council will have additional multi-organizational representation from its economic development partner organizations to round out discussion and input on issues/policies from varying perspectives.

“It’s important for us to hear directly from our business community,” said Alderman Josh Bokee, who was instrumental in developing the ad-hoc committee. "They're participation is key in helping the City to be one of the best places for both private investment and job creation to occur", said Bokee.
Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick shares,“The Council is intended to provide multi-discipline expertise to supplement staff skills and identify ways to improve its business services, programs, incentives, policies, and advocacy,” he added. 

Questions, contact the DED office at 301-600-6360.

This Week on Carroll Creek: October 3

Work Begins East of East Street

This week on Carroll Creek, dirt is moving East of East Street.  Construction equipment, materials, and crews are turning their attention to this side of Carroll Creek as a part of the Phase II construction. 

Meanwhile, masons are working between the Delaplaine and East Street in the area where there will be a large fountain, and work on the shared use path along the entire creek is ongoing.  

 

 

  

Connect with Us for Updates

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 
 
About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek Park

This next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

This Week on Carroll Creek: September 17, 2014

Where the Sidewalk No Longer Ends

  
In less than 8 weeks, significant progress has been made between the Delaplaine Arts Center and South East Street.  Where the sidewalk used to end, the grade has been brought up to continue the shared use path. Construction is moving at a fast pace in this area, and The City expects it to move beyond South East Street soon.  

September 16, 2014

September 16, 2014

Styrofoam blocks are used to reduce the weight of fill on top of the storm water conduits. 

  

Connect with Us for Updates
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most recent news and updates on this project and others. 
 
About the Next Phase of Carroll Creek ParkThis next phase of park improvements will include new and widened multi-use paths, landscape planters, lighting, water features and crosswalk improvements. The work will occur primarily between Bentz and S. Market Street and between the Delaplaine Arts Center and East Patrick Street. More than $100M in new and renovated private construction is planned along the new park/path sections which will eventually result in hundreds of new jobs and increased state and local tax revenue.

5 Facts About the Frederick Municipal Airport

Credit: Tim Davis, Transportation Planner, City of Frederick

The Frederick Municipal Airport has long been a vital and necessary asset to the community, including the business community.  

Here are 5 facts you may not have known about about our local airport:

1. Frederick Municipal Airport is the second busiest airport in Maryland after BWI. It is a general aviation reliever airport.
2. The airport has 110,000 aircraft operations annually.
3. More than 350 businesses use the airport regularly each year
4. Frederick Municipal Airport is the preferred corporate executive airport for the Baltimore/Washington region. 
5. Currently, the MetLife Blimp is at the Frederick Municipal Airport. MetLife Blimps do not have a home base, but they do stay at airports close to the events they are covering. The blimp flies out of Frederick to cover major events, such as sporting events, in Baltimore and DC. 

Learn more about the Frederick Municipal Airport. 

Entrepreneurs, Get Ready to Make Your Pitch!

Got a great business idea? Ready to pitch your startup? You're in luck, because the the Startup Maryland Bus is coming to Downtown Frederick on September 23. On it, you can pitch your business idea and have a chance to get your plans off the ground.

Get on the Startup Maryland Bus to Make Your Pitch

Save the Date: September 23, 2014
 

1. Register to Make Your Pitch - All participants must register to get on the bus at the Frederick, Maryland stop. The bus will be in Frederick on the afternoon of September 23, 2014. Take just a few minutes to register: http://bit.ly/frederickpitch2014 

2. Let us Know You Want to Pitch-  Once you register, you will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-pitch meeting at FITCI. Here, you will practice your pitch and receive valuable feedback. The best pitches will be guaranteed a chance to pitch on the Startup Maryland Bus. Once you register, you will be contacted by the pre-pitch committee to make your appointment.
 
Know you want to pitch? Email us to schedule your pre-pitch time now (info@fitci.org). 

3.  Get on the Startup Bus to Make Your Pitch - On the afternoon of September 23, 2014, the Startup Maryland Bus will be at Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick (124 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701). 

From here, you will board the bus and make your pitch. Afterwards, network with other entrepreneurs at Brewer's Alley, and invite family, friends, and supporters to cheer you on and celebrate your accomplishment! 

Then what?

The Startup Maryland Bus is also a production studio, and your pitch will turn into a 2-3 minute video.  After the bus tour wraps-up, videos are posted online. Two online voting competitions from September through November will determine "Fan Favorites” and which companies have the “Strongest Potential for High Growth” according to a panel of VC/angel investors.

Not pitching? Come for the fun & networking.

The bus will be parked in front of Brewer’s Alley, and Brewer’s will serve as the spot for those pitching, family, friends, business partners, and supporters to gather and network before and after the pitches. Join us for light refreshments and a chance to support entrepreneurs in the community. It's noteworthy that Brewer's Alley is also owned by a local restaurant entrepreneur, and an example of the opportunity in Frederick for small businesses.  

Startup Maryland Event

September 23, 2014

2-4 p.m.

Brewer's Alley

124 N Market St.

Frederick, MD 21701

More Information & Registration: http://bit.ly/frederickpitch2014 

Job Opportunity! Frederick Based Small Business Consultant

The Maryland Western Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Frostburg State University, seeks applications for a Small Business Consultant. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Frederick, MD and includes University System of Maryland benefits package.

Responsibilities: Provide management and technical assistance to small businesses. Package loans. Client management via one-on-one counseling and client files. Outreach via marketing and informing of federal and state legislators. Facilitate training workshops. Maintain professional development.

Minimum Qualifications: MBA and at least five years of relevant business experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel). Interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of clients; excellent oral and written communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Five years of business ownership experience. Knowledge of the economic development community in Frederick County and an understanding of licensing and regulatory requirements, especially in technology.

Visit https://frostburg.peopleadmin.com to apply.
Application deadline is September 15, 2014.

Frostburg State University welcomes and encourages women, veterans and minorities to apply and seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.  FSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request.  Please notify us in advance. 
WWW.FROSTBURG.EDU