Biz Weekly 10/29/2013
BWI’s Four Points by Sheraton to Close at November’s End
The Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport is preparing to close at the end of November, marking the end of a 30-year lease with the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) and concluding a more than four-decade run serving the market under various monikers.
The sole hotel on the grounds of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, management of the 201-room Four Points had been working on a lease extension at the property for more than a year. However, spending an additional five years at the property would have called for a $2 million renovation to stay within the standards of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which owns the Sheraton brand.
General Manager Kevin Carnes said renovating the Four Points would not have been cost-effective, adding that business is “15% off” since sequestration. He added that jobs have been found for about one-third of the hotel’s 105 employees.
While the staff is leaving with the brand, the MAA has drafted a request for proposal in hopes of attracting another hotel to the property for the next few years; ultimately, there will be a roadway where the hotel stands. The MAA, in time, plans to build another hotel on the BWI Marshall grounds that would provide direct access to the airport.
Health Advocates Call on Coca-Cola to Radically Change Advertising
In a new television advertising campaign parodying Coca-Cola, Howard County Unsweetened is calling on the beverage industry giant to find a “better way” to help fight childhood obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
“While Coca-Cola produces scores of healthy beverages, it spends over two-thirds of its marketing budget promoting sugary drinks,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of The Horizon Foundation. “We’re asking Coke, and all other beverage companies, to work with us – not against us – and invest in the long-term health of their customers by promoting their better, healthier beverages.”
Beginning next week, the $40,000 advertising campaign will begin airing on broadcast and cable networks throughout the Baltimore region. It also will be spread through social media, including Facebook and Twitter. The 30- and 90-second spots promote the campaign’s Better Beverage Finder, a web tool designed to help consumers find a low- or no-sugar beverage that fits their lifestyle and taste.
The advertising campaign was announced by The Horizon Foundation and its partners, which include MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, the American Heart Association and People Acting Together in Howard (PATH), with support from the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Center for Science in the Public Interest and others involved with the campaign.
The full-length, 90-second spot can be viewed on YouTube (http://bit.ly/burpbetter) or at www.HoCoUnsweetened.org.
Choose Energy Expands Into Maryland
Plano, Texas-based Choose Energy, which helps residents and businesses switch electricity providers to save money on electric bills, has launched in Maryland. Consumers may now compare offers from six leading suppliers including Spark Energy, ConEdison Solutions, Oasis Energy, Commerce Energy, North American Power and Direct Energy.
The five-year-old, Texas-based company already has saved 150,000 business and residential customers more than $10 million in energy expenses. Choose Energy is projected to save customers an additional $8 million over the next year. On the heels of the company’s recent acquisition of Power2Switch, Choose Energy is continuing its rapid expansion into all 19 states where energy has been deregulated.
“Most people still do not realize they have the right to choose their energy provider, and we are here to change that,” said Jay Webster, president of Choose Energy. “Choose Energy is on a very fast growth trajectory, and we are very pleased to now offer our services in Maryland. By comparison shopping with Choose Energy, you will likely pay less than you pay now.”
The Choose Energy platform lets consumers quickly and effectively search offers for the most competitive electricity rates in Maryland. By simply entering a valid zip code, users are able to compare rates, percentage of savings, electricity source and plan length. The switch can be completed online in minutes and is completely free. Customers may select six-, 12-, 18-, 24- or 36-month contracts, and can expect an annual savings of 8-12 %.
Although Maryland’s electricity market has been deregulated since 1999, only 26% of Maryland’s 1.9 million eligible households have switched to a less expensive electricity supplier. Choose Energy launched with the full approval of the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Howard’s Anti-Bullying Reporting Tool First in Nation
Howard County has unveiled a comprehensive anti-bullying program that includes an innovative, technology-based reporting system and an intensive marketing campaign, coupled with training and education for those who work with children and parents.
A key piece of the program is an online program and mobile application for reporting bullying, tailored for use in Howard County. Through the app, children and others can anonymously report bullying where it happens, and reports will be delivered in real time to designated representatives in participating departments, agencies and groups such as libraries, schools and others.
Use of the service is being donated by the California-based company that founded it. While it has been used in school systems nationwide, this is the first time it is being applied in a community setting. “We are taking the same technology that has the potential to be harmful to kids, through cyberbullying, and using it to help,” County Executive Ken Ulman said.
In addition to being delivered to groups participating in the program, the bullying reports also will be reviewed by the Howard County Office of Children’s Services, which will oversee the initiative. Ulman has proposed additional resources for the Howard County Local Children’s Board and for a marketing campaign that will widely disseminate an anti-bullying message similar to Howard County’s Choose Civility campaign.
The executive’s proposed budget for fiscal 2014 contains $250,000 for the program. The initiative is expected to “go live” in the fall, coinciding with the start of the 2013-14 school year.
VUPEN Security Joins Chesapeake Innovation Center
VUPEN Security, a provider of advanced vulnerability research, has joined the Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC) as an associate member. The company is a privately-held, venture-backed firm headquartered in Montpelier, France, providing offensive and defensive security solutions to worldwide clients, ranging from major corporations to government organizations, law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Founded in 2004, VUPEN’s defensive security solutions enable corporations and governments to measure and manage risks, eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, and protect critical infrastructures and assets against known and unknown vulnerabilities. The company’s offensive security solutions allow government agencies and the intelligence community to conduct critical cyber missions and network operations.
“VUPEN continues to experience growth and profitability worldwide, and we are very excited to establish our new office in Maryland as our North American base of research and development given the demand for our solutions in the region,” said VUPEN CEO Chaouki Bekrar. “Our partnership with Anne Arundel County and the CIC will allow us to better serve our clients, expand our capabilities, and fully meet market demand.”
Howard County Library System Awarded Federal STEM Grant
The Howard County Library System (HCLS) has received a $276,500 federal grant to further develop its STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education program, specifically HiTech, the HCLS initiative for teens that teaches 21st century career skill sets and provides hands-on experience.
HiTech’s curriculum comprises three modules: Interact, Improvise and Invent. Incorporating progressively greater levels of instruction, each unit delivers cutting-edge STEM education via project-based classes that include computer programming, 3-D animation, nanotechnology, music/video, e-books, game apps, cybersecurity and robotics.
This 2013 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Library & Museum Services (IMLS) will enable HCLS to expand HiTech’s curriculum in partnership with UMBC and Mindgrub. In addition to adding classes to the existing schedule and delivering HiTech at all HCLS branches, HCLS will add a fourth component: Instruct, the HiTech Academy.
No Need for Short-Term Borrowing for City of Annapolis
Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen has announced that, since addressing an inherited $23 million deficit, cutting expenses, cutting spending and cutting the budget by a larger percentage than any of Maryland’s 157 municipalities, the city has rebounded from any need to use short-term borrowing in 2013.
The city received a total of $19,083,204.40 on Oct. 10 from Anne Arundel County for the city’s share of the property tax, and no short-term borrowing was needed to produce cash flow until the tax receipts were received.
“Getting us back to that point of solvency has required more than balancing the budget,” Cohen said. “It has required that we rebuild our fund balances and we can say, with no hesitation, that we have enough cash on hand to pay the bills, and all of our hard work over the past three years has paid off. We fully repaid all of our lines of credit and tax anticipation notes, and have no need for short-term borrowing for day-to-day operations.”
New Asian Concept in Works for Maryland Live!
Maryland Live! Casino is about to begin construction on a new Asian restaurant to be located in the center of the casino floor. The as-yet-unnamed restaurant will be an authentic, fast-paced, vibrant Asian-themed venue, offering favorite fare from southeast Asia, spanning generations.
While the menu is not yet finalized, the focus will be on items such as dim sum, wok-fried and broth noodles, grilled satay and congee, complemented with rice and vegetable dishes, traditional desserts and a selection of Asian teas and coffees like oolong and jasmine hot teas, bubble teas and Vietnamese coffee.
To be open 24/7, the restaurant will feature approximately 80 seats and an elevated “show kitchen,” offering guests a dining experience with key/signature offerings being freshly made in front of them. Plans also include a long noodle bar. Maryland Live! will temporarily remove 71 slot machines from the casino floor during construction, with opening planned for first quarter 2014.
State Officials Help Connect Maryland Contractors, Military Construction Projects
The Secretary of the State Department of Business and Economic Development Dominick Murray and Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Leonard Howie have joined with members of the construction industry to outline a plan to connect Maryland contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and vendors with what is expected to be millions in military construction projects through the Army Corps of Engineers.
To ensure that Maryland companies are fully prepared for the opportunities, the state is hosting two workshops that will include information on the basics of defense contracting, federal procurement and contracting regulations and financing assistance. The workshops will be held today, Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Camden Yards Warehouse in Baltimore; and on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corp.
“We are fortunate to have an array of federal agencies and military installations in Maryland, which means millions in procurement dollars spent here. In fact, as a result of the recent Base Realignment and Closure, there were more than $5 billion in military contracting opportunities available,” said Murray. “We want to ensure that Maryland companies are fully prepared for these new opportunities and do all we can to help companies, large and small, tap into the federal marketplace.”
Two events will be held to help Maryland companies connect with military construction contracts. The first will be a session on the Army Corps of Engineers procurement plans, which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center.
The second event will be Contract Connections for Military Construction Contracting, where 200 companies will hear specifics on contracting and sub-contracting opportunities. It will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport in Linthicum.
Howard County Commission for Women Seeking Hall of Fame Nominations
The Howard County Commission for Women is calling for nominations for the Women’s Hall of Fame. The organization will honor a maximum of five local women who have made significant contributions to the county, Maryland or the nation.
Nominees must have Howard County residency (be a native of the county or have lived in the county for a least 10 consecutive years); may be living or deceased, contemporary or historic; and must have made contributions that are of an enduring nature to the social, cultural, economic or political well-being of the community, state, or nation.
Nominations are due Nov. 25, with the induction of the Class of 2014 set for March 6. For more information, call 443-745-6209 or e-mail lfuchs0660@aol.com.
Memorial to Local Exec/Writer Dennis Lane Set for Nov. 6
“Head in the Clouds,” the opening reception for an art show dedicated to the late local commercial real estate executive, blogger and columnist for The Business Monthly, Dennis Lane, is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m., at Captain Larry’s Bar & Grill, 601 E. Fort Avenue, in South Baltimore.
The exhibit will be featured with new and reworked paintings by one of Lane’s sisters, J. Kelly Lane, and will be dedicated to his memory. It runs from today, Tuesday, Oct. 29, until Monday, Dec. 2.
The painting ‘Gray Dogs,” a gift from Kelly to Dennis on his 50th birthday, will be raffled off at the opening event. Raffle tickets are $5 each and all proceeds will go to the Dennis Lane Memorial Fund, which is held by the Community Foundation of Howard County (formerly the Columbia Foundation).
Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance. Please make checks payable to the Community Foundation of Howard County, with Dennis Lane Memorial Fund in the memo line. To assure inclusion in the raffle, mail checks no later than Thursday, Oct. 31, to the Dennis Lane Memorial Fund, 1701 Covington Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, with your phone number written on the check.
Hear the Meccorre Quartet’s North American Debut at HCC
The Meccorre Quartet will be making its North American debut at Howard Community College’s (HCC) Candlelight Concert Society’s Chamber Series on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Smith Theatre.
The group has received top prizes at the Paolo Borciani and the International Max Reger Competitions and was invited to participate in the prestigious 2012 Wigmore Hall International String Competition. Formed in 2007, the Polish quartet has performed extensively throughout Europe. Tickets cost for $32 adults, $30 for seniors and $12 for students. To order, phone 410-997-2324 or visit www.candlelightconcerts.org.
From MarylandReporter.com …
Analysis: Audits show problems have plagued state Developmental Disabilities Administration for years:
Developmental Disabilities Administration failed to collect millions, overpaid contractors, didn’t reconcile costs, made questionable vehicle purchases and adjusted accounting records without explanation. The problems are so bad and so persistent that an outside turnaround consultant has been hired to help fix them. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2ixZkvFWy
Robey named Maryland Senate majority leader:
Democratic Senate President Mike Miller has announced that Howard County Sen. Jim Robey will become majority leader of the Senate for Robey’s final year. He replaces Sen. Rob Garagiola, who resigned in August. In the surprise announcement at a fundraiser for the man running to succeed Robey in District 13 – Del. Guy Guzzone – Miller also said that Guzzone would fill Robey’s seat on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in 2015. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2ixYvqNvq
New campaign tech firm seeks to improve ground game in Md. races:
Herb Sweren and Barry Silverman worked in political campaigns for years as an avocation, while they pursued careers in marketing and advertising. But a couple of years ago, after working together on a Baltimore County campaign, they decided to put their professional skills and political experience into a business using the latest technology that could improve the ground game for state and local candidates. This year, they launched CampaignOn. Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/category/news/#ixzz2ixYs7YSA
MarylandReporter.com is a news site for government and politics in Maryland that is published and edited by Len Lazarick. For more information or to sign up for the daily e-news, go to www.marylandreporter.com.