City of Frederick DED Newsletter
April  2015
IN THIS ISSUE
AWARDS & ATTA-BOYS
The 2015 Addy Awards (think graphics) were recently presented and many of the winners and submitted projects were from great Frederick businesses. Some of the winners include: 

Best In Show
Gold Winner

Gold Winner

Gold Winner - project
Gold Winner

Gold Winner - project

Judges Award
Gold Winner
Silver Winner

Gold Winner

Gold Winner - project 

DFP Competitive Edge: Learn How to Throw Your Own Party

SBTDC: 7 Steps to Marketing Success

Frederick County Chamber:
THRIVE Inaugural Event

Public Meeting re: former Carmack Jay's site - Market Street
OPEN FOR BUSINESS


  The Golden Beak
1065 W. Patrick St.
301-662-5355
NEW


 105 S. Market Street
240-662-5355
NEW


Welcome Home Realty
224 East Patrick St.
301-228-2988
NEW


East of Market Apartments
100 Holling Drive
301-259-3643
NEW



124 S Carroll St. 
240 409-4770
NEW

QUICK LINKS




As we head into the second quarter, we're seeing new businesses and fresh opportunities and projects across the City. E-news is just one of the ways we let you know about these initiatives.  You may know our department is also active on Facebook, Twitter and our blog.  Most recently we've added Instagram. These are all great was to stay in touch and get up-to-date information.

 

Of these channels, the DED blog has become the most robust.  We are using it to share useful and timely information such as updates on the Carroll Creek Park project and economic development news.  It helps us round up information and facts by topic and provide useful information for the business community.

 

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide ways for us to share community news, information, and engage with industry partners.   We encourage you to connect with us in person and online and even ask questions over these platforms.

 

With 3,400 businesses in the City of Frederick, new technology is allowing us to engage with and reach more people.  As always, our door is always open - online and in person. 

 

Best,

Richard G. Griffin, AICP, CEcD 
Director
Business Personal Property Tax
City Explores Advantages to Eliminating Tax

A new proposed City ordinance could exempt manufacturers (as a business category) from paying business personal property tax on new investments.  The tax credit would apply to manufacturers that are expanding or locating to the City. 

In conjunction with the manufacturer provision, the Ordinance proposes a 10-year phase out of both manufacturing personal property (currently 77.5% exempt) and non-manufacturing personal property (currently 62.5% exempt).  

For some history and additional details, visit our blog.
DED Director Speaks at Biotech Forum
Growing Our Region in Biotech - First Event of its Kind



The City of Frederick's Economic Development Director, Richard Griffin, recently participated in the Maryland Regional Biotech Forum held on March 30-31, 2015 at the MedImmune campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Griffin was on a panel entitled "The Role of State and Local Government in Increasing the Return on Our Biotech Assets."

To read further, check out the DED blog.
3 Ways to Finance Your Business
Multiple Financing Options Through State of Maryland

What business couldn't use a little extra funding? There are various loan programs available to businesses that you may not have been aware of and we've come up with 3 programs to start you off. Check out the websites for the Partners offering the loans; new and different loans are introduced periodically. Find the program that works best for you!

To learn more, read on in our blog.
Bike to Work
A Clean, Fun & Healthy Way to Get to Work

On Friday May 15, 2015 Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association invite you to join over 10,000 area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work.

As on of the 79 pit stops, Frederick will be in the mix and in the know for the day's activities. Join the pre-party on May 8th from 5-8pm at the Bicycle Escape and take advantage of free bike tune-ups, Pre-registration for the event on the 15th, give-a-ways, snacks and vendors.

Register here to join in on a great movement and great day!
Frederick Technology Showcase
Thursday June 4th - Tour FITCI & See Demonstrations

The Fort Detrick Alliance, in partnership with the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, will hold a Technology Showcase to provide networking, demonstrations and tours.

Thursday, June 4, 2015
4:00pm - 7:00pm
4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick


This promises to be a unique opportunity to learn about the region's newest technologies to come into the marketplace and meet with the companies developing them!

Contact FITCI for more details at 301-694-2999.

 

2015 Entrepreneur Council Awards
Nominations Now Open

The Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County is now accepting nominations for its Entrepreneur Awards honors for 2015.

Award categories will include Youth Entrepreneur, Start-Up, Small Emerging, Small Established and Large Established. Deadline for nominations is April 30th.

Join Keynote speaker, Jim Caruso with Flying Dog Brewery at the awards ceremony on June 16th, 5:30-8:30pm at the Walkersville Social Hall.

 

Downtown Hotel News
Hotel & Conference Center Highlighted In Annapolis



While State funding for the Hotel project was not approved for FY16, the Advisory Team remains committed to making the request for funding again in FY17.  Additionally, the Team is committed to ensuring that the project is shovel ready as soon as possible. 
This Week on Carroll Creek
Changes Down on the Creek

The warmer weather is allowing work on Carroll Creek to really take off. Several sections of the creek are being worked on at the same time with major improvements catching the passerby's eye. Fountains, paths and widening of the creek are all underway. 
 
See more great images and updates on Carroll Creek Park on the DED blog. 
   
Focus On: Golden Mile
New Wayfinding Signage

Welcome to Frederick! New Wayfinding Signage has been installed along Route 40/The Golden Mile coming into the City from the West. The signs are part of the larger Downtown Wayfinding project that went up in 2010. 

Currently, The Golden Mile Alliance is working on light pole banners along Route 40.  Additionally, businesses along the Golden Mile will soon be able to take part in the Facade Improvement Program which the City was just awarded matching grant money from the State of Maryland. 
Available Commercial Space
Find the Right Space For You!

The City of Frederick has many opportunities for commercial space; from retail corridor to Downtown historic office space. Check out our website for new listings each month. As well, we highlight one space each month in our e-news.

Office Space - 103 South Carroll Street (Virtual Tour)

1460 SF available. A wonderfully restored 2nd floor office suite ready for a tenant. Situated in a HUB Zone, this office provides natural light and bright working spaces as well as high ceilings. On site parking lot adjacent to building. Excellent location near gateway to downtown Frederick. Close to Post Office, Carroll Creek Park and downtown amenities. Contact Jonathan Warner with Warner Commercial at 301-663-0202.

DED VISION 

Frederick is the most unique and vibrant small city in the region in which to live and work, with low unemployment dominated by desirable and creative jobs in diverse industries with deep local roots offering family supporting wages and benefits. The Frederick business community, contributes sizably to the tax base of the community, supports non-profit programs financially and through employee volunteers, and is a full partner with local government to ensure long term community sustainability.