Top Economic Development News

Most people perceive manufacturing work to be mechanical, such as snapping together metal parts or assembling electronic devices. While there is a great deal of this kind of manual labor in manufacturing, there is also an enormous amount of sophisticated knowledge work among Frederick County manufacturers. Manufacturing has provided the foundation for many kinds of innovation in our county, from manufacturing the Synagis vaccine at MedImmune to manufacturing tablets for the U.S. Navy by Patriot Technologies. It can also mean delicious food products, as you'll read about in this month's business profiles. 'Made in America" and 'Made in Maryland' evokes a strong sense of pride but for me, 'Made in Frederick County' means even more. 

October also marks our largest business retention event of the year - Business Appreciation Week (BAW). It's no easy feat to visit a hundred businesses in a week and we certainly can't do it alone. Thank you to 60+ ambassadors who volunteered this year to help and most of all, thank you to the businesses who choose to make Frederick County their home. We are looking forward to meeting new businesses and learning new things during BAW. It's one of the best parts of the year and makes all of the hard work of planning the event worth it! Look forward to reading about BAW outcomes and a comparison to the last several years in next month's newsletter.


Sincerely,




Helen Propheter, Director
Frederick County Office of Economic Development

Made in Maryland - October is Manufacturing Month
 
October is National Manufacturing Month and the State of Maryland, along with OED, will be highlighting this major employment sector throughout the month. Frederick's manufacturing base is 176 companies strong and employs more than 5,200 people.  Get the details 
 
Family Festival @ the Farm Set for October 21st & 22nd

Bring the family and head over to 18 of Frederick County's farms for a self-guided farm adventure!  Learn More

Tax Credits & Incentives: Helping Manufacturers Remain Competitive
While the face of Frederick's industrial base has changed over the years, Frederick's ideal location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment that has contributed to the industry's success has not. Through targeted programs and initiatives, OED is intentional in our support of manufacturing.  Learn More

Manufacturing 4.0 Requires 20-20 "Future" Vision
The 4th industrial revolution and a new era of digitization - Mike Galiazzo, President of the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, tells us what the future of manufacturing holds in this month's guest blog. Learn More
BUSINESS PROFILES: FOOD MANUFACTURING
The Sweet Farm Blends Manufacturing and Agriculture Into Tasty Sauerkraut
Grown on a 4th generation, 50-acre farm in Woodsboro, The Sweet Farm makes sauerkraut found in stores throughout the region.
 
Mama Biscuit's Headquarters Experiencing Fast Growth in Frederick
America's first gourmet biscuit baking company has grown by leaps and bounds and projects to double employees by 2018.
 
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Frederick, MD 21703
This two-story 41,667 square foot flex building is for sale or lease. The 24' clear ceiling height and air-conditioned warehouse makes this building very attractive. As a bonus, the building is located within minutes of upscale shopping, entertainment and dining including Flying Dog Brewery and AKA Frisco's. 

Contact Information: 
Cushman & Wakefield - Rick Farren 301-634-8485 or Megan Williams 301-634-8489.
STAY IN THE KNOW
OED Employee Profile: Sandy Wagerman
From facts and figures to social media, events and Main Streets, Sandy Wagerman is OED's Business Development Analyst and is responsible for online communication efforts.

UPCOMING EVENTS
October 18 @ 6 p.m.
October 19 @ 7:30 a.m.
October 21nd & 22nd
October 25 @ 9 a.m.

BUSINESSES IN THE NEWS 
BY THE NUMBERS
  • Unemployment rate  (Aug) - 3.4 % compared to MD rate of 4.0% and U.S. rate of 4.4%
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP)  - $11 billion
  • GDP Growth Rate  (2015-2016) - 2.7% compared to similar mid-sized counties rate of 2.3% and Maryland's rate of 2.4%
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
301-600-1058
118 N. Market Street, Frederick, MD  21701
www.discoverfrederickmd.com