Top Economic Development News
March Madness is more than just basketball and brackets. It's really about teamwork, which is something Frederick County OED can get behind. Without teamwork, meaning both OED and the greater “Team Frederick”, we wouldn't be able to develop our business community and attract new businesses the way that we do - which is worthy of a three-pointer. 
 
We’re also celebrating Women’s History month, and what’s more fitting than to highlight many of our women entrepreneurs and women business leaders who are some of our MVPs. Discover how Kim Dow, founder and CEO of Sass Studios, is empowering women; read about women supporting women in the Maryland Women’ Business Center’s new monthly event; and learn how Michelle Nusum Smith, owner and founder of The Word Woman LLC, helps “Do-Gooders” do even more good in the world. We also recognize and celebrate Frederick County’s top leader, Jan H. Gardner, County Executive and appreciate her vision and strong leadership. Finally, we hope you read the recently published 1-95 Business article featuring our all women leadership team.
 
In this issue we’re also highlighting other team players, programs and partners including our EmPOWER Diversity and Inclusion monthly networking events, Tony “C” Checchia and REALShare, MARBIDCO’s grant opportunity and Thurmont’s Business Appreciation Day.
 
One more mention from our highlight reel: recognizes the National Cancer Institute and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research team who recently received the 2021 State and Local Economic Development Award for their Technology Showcase Award.
 
And finally, nominations for young professionals for our next Top 50 Under 40 will open on April 1! What better way to recognize your young, dedicated team members than to nominate those young professionals who bring fresh new ideas to Frederick County's business community. Mark your calendar and look for the link on April 1. 

Whatever team you root for, know that supporting your teammates on and off the court is really what matters. 
 
From our awesome team to yours,
Helen Propheter, Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Support and Community for Women in Business
Women supporting other women: that’s the message behind a new monthly event from the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). In addition to the group’s training sessions and one-on-one counseling, the MWBC recently launched a virtual event called Coffee and Connections. 
Thurmont Business Appreciation Day

OED hosted Thurmont Business Appreciation Day, to recognize how four local small businesses thrived during the pandemic.
Frederick County Economic Development Directors Champion Growth
In case you missed it, I95 Business Magazine recently featured the fearless females of OED's leadership team.

The Word Woman's Mission to Help "Do-Gooders" Do Even More Good in the World

Michelle Nusum Smith, owner and founder of The Word Woman LLC, has been committed to serving others for her whole life.
Kim Dow is Empowering Women, One Magazine Issue at a Time
“One of the reasons I was able to start my business and Sass Magazine was through having the support of women in business and the community."
Abloom LTD, Flowers and Events Enjoys a Resurgence

Lori Himes, owner of Abloom LTD, Flowers and Events reflects on this past Valentine's Day and shares the most popular color choices.
Working Together to Protect our Community
Frederick County Executive Gardner, in partnership with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED), provided nearly 7,600 KN95 masks for free to Frederick County restaurant and craft beverage workers.
Frederick Fresh Online - A Fresh New Take on Buying Local
Frederick Fresh Online is a new way to buy local produce and goods!
Market Street Boba & Beans Ready to Serve Downtown Frederick
We were thrilled to help downtown Frederick's newest coffee shop celebrate their grand opening!
Envistacom's Frederick Maryland R&D Center Continues to Grow
Envistacom, LLC, a leading technology company opened its Frederick, Maryland research and development center in February 2020.

REALShare with
Tony "C" Checchia
VCRE.Co founder and broker, Tony “C” also holds the title “Chief Problem Solver.” A lifelong Fredericktonian with an encyclopedic knowledge of the people and properties that comprise our county, Tony takes pride in creatively resolving problems for his clients to realize their goals.