MACo’s Summer Conference Solutions Showcase will feature innovative and effective ways to address county governance challenges. Join us to hear from industry experts and thought leaders on how your county and organization might be able to streamline, save money, and achieve your goals!
The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below…
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021
Mutual Aid: How FirstNet is Transforming Maryland Public Safety
Presented by FirstNet/AT&T
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It’s the most important wireless network in the country because it’s serving our first responders. This informative session will highlight case studies on how public safety entities are using FirstNet to provide innovative mission-ready communications tools to keep first responders and communities safe.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Simplify Rooftop Solar Permitting with SolarAPP+
Presented by Sunrun
Montgomery County recently announced that it will pilot SolarAPP+, a new online permitting tool from the National Renewable Energy Lab that enables authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to deliver instant permits for code compliant residential rooftop solar systems. This panel will explain how SolarAPP+ is designed and how it has already expedited solar permitting for customers in adopting communities, saving valuable staff time for AHJs.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
The Evolving Face of Ransomware: Security Planning for Today’s Threats
Presented by ITPartners+
Local governments are falling victim to ransomware at alarming rates. In this educational session, the speaker will share what threat actors are searching for in the average 120 days ransomware is dormant on a network and suggest simple security planning steps to avoid the most common mistakes. This knowledge, along with practical disaster recovery plan tips that anyone can implement, will make any IT professional more ready for a ransomware attack. Don’t miss this lively and educational session, where you’ll see a system be injected with ransomware live…and then recovered in five minutes.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
How the Development of Offshore Wind Can Support Maryland’s Growing Green Economy
Presented by Ørsted
President Biden has set a goal to deploy 30GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. What does this mean for Maryland? Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind, is already working to provide the state with renewable energy through the development of Skipjack Wind 1. They’ve also proposed a second project–Skipjack Wind 2–that could power over 250,000 homes. Join Ørsted as they discuss how their projects will generate positive economic impact, expand job creation, and support the state’s goal of achieving its full and long-term potential in this incredible new American industry.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Key Ways COVID-19 is Reshaping the Emergency Communications Center Landscape
Presented by Zetron
Necessary changes have occurred due to COVID that will forever reshape our Emergency Communications Center Landscape. The evolving health and safety standards of personnel have led to significant changes in the way centers look and feel. Many agencies have activated their backup centers or at-home teams. Renewed calls for alternative funding due to the push for Next Generation capabilities are gaining momentum at a far greater pace than anticipated. In this session, the experts at Zetron will offer some guidance in this new landscape and share ways to enable essential personnel to work remotely.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
LGIT Health – Health Insurance Experts for Local Government
Presented by Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)
The Local Government Insurance Trust (“LGIT”) started LGIT Health in July of 2010. Since that time, LGIT Health has returned over $15 million to its 24 local government members through its partnership with PSA Financial, Benecon, Cigna, and Kaiser Permanente. Speakers will review the LGIT Health Post 65 Retiree Health Plan – a one-stop way to access Medicare and related plans as a partnership through AmWins – along with the various and multi-faceted products and services provided by LGIT Health that separate its health program from others in the marketplace. Attend this session to find out why a growing number of local governments have selected LGIT Health as the best option for their health insurance needs!
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
The Critical Role of Nuclear Power
Presented by Nuclear Powers Maryland
Nuclear Powers Maryland will hold a discussion about nuclear energy’s critical role in accelerating clean energy progress and economic growth in Maryland.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
From Vendor Management to Strategic Partnership: Finding Private Sector Partners to Drive Public Value
Presented by OpenGov
While much has been said about the value of public-private partnerships over the past decade and a half, little has advanced consciousness of their value as much as the COVID-19 pandemic. As Executive Orders took root in cities, counties, and states across the country, rigid bureaucracies built to combat the excesses of the early 20th century gave way to deliberate, thoughtful, and quick actions to select the right partners for the moment. As the recovery continues governments have a unique opportunity to redefine the playing field. In this session, Micah Intermill – former Budget Director for the City of Minneapolis, MN and current Solutions Engineer for OpenGov – will provide thoughts from both sides of the table and advice for counties looking to modernize approaches to sourcing and finding private sector partners for the future.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 10:45 am – 11:15 am
Is Your County Prepared for Cyber Attacks?
Presented by Motorola Solutions
Cyberattacks on public safety are increasing in number and sophistication with attackers demanding more. Advancements in cyber-attack techniques, lack of security expertise, outdated systems, need for remote operations and cloud-based solutions are putting relentless pressure on cyber resilience. Motorola Solutions’ cybersecurity team will discuss incident response themes, as well as best practices in preventing and preparing for a cyber attack.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 10:45 am – 11:15 am
Is Your County Ready to Deliver Nonstop IT Services in a Post-COVID World?
Presented by IP DataSystems
The COVID-19 pandemic caught many organizations by surprise, changing the way services get delivered. IPDS, experts in IT infrastructure services, will help you understand how to leverage modern solutions to accommodate the rapidly changing landscape for your customers and your employees.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 11:30 am – Noon
Harnessing 5G to Deliver Digital Government
Presented by Verizon
In this session, Verizon shares insights on the promise and opportunity 5G connectivity offers and the steps state and local governments can take to begin building out their 5G infrastructure.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Waste Diversion and Innovative Organics Recycling Infrastructure in Maryland: Cultivating Sustainability Driven Solutions for Communities and Businesses
Presented by BioEnergy Devco
Maryland recently became the latest among a growing number of states that require businesses to recycle food residuals with the passage of HB264/SB483, Organics Recycling and Waste Diversion in the 2021 legislation session. While the passage of the law represents an important step towards better organics management there is significant work to be done to ensure its success, that will involve a coordinated approach from businesses, state and local leaders and community members. This conversation will explore the anticipated requirements of the new law, effective waste diversion’s potential for reducing the environmental impacts of food waste and the transformative technology that is being employed to bolster the state’s organics recycling capacity. Bioenergy Devco’s anaerobic digestion facility is one example of how technology is being harnessed to offer companies compliant waste diversion options that are both environmentally sound and business savvy. Join the discussion to learn more about this technology and how innovation can be used to meet and exceed state and local regulatory challenges.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Retiree Medical Strategies and Opportunities to Reduce Healthcare Liabilities
Presented by Aetna
Recent changes in accounting standards have increased the OPEB liability of local government health plans. Aetna is a leader in helping local governments reduce their short-term costs and long-term retiree healthcare liabilities. Join us to discuss how we can help your county better manage its retiree costs.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Your One Stop Platform for Citizen Engagement
Presented by gcom
Federal funding programs are coming in and local governments need to be ready to deliver digital services that improve outcomes for their constituents! Unleashing the power of the Salesforce platform, GCOM leverages our experience with grants management, licensing, permitting, and inspections to deliver digital services to engage citizens virtually and more cost effectively.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lifting Communities Out of a Pandemic, Lessons Learned: How CareFirst Can Help
Presented by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is committed to marshalling its collective resources to foster improvements in your county’s economic and health outcomes. During this fast-paced and energetic session, CareFirst will share successes and lessons learned from its statewide COVID-19 response including call centers and communications, resource dashboards and hotspotting, data integration, testing and vaccination capabilities, support of special populations, care coordination, and community giving. Join us to learn more about what your county can do to improve readiness for future pandemic threats.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021
Maryland Environmental Service: Who We Are and How We Can Help
Presented by Maryland Environmental Service (MES)
Maryland Environmental Service (MES) is a self-supporting, independent State agency, combining the public sector’s commitment to environmental protection with the private sector’s flexibility and responsiveness. MES provides services at competitive rates to government and private sector clients and works on projects including water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, composting, recycling, dredged material management, hazardous materials cleanup, storm water services and renewable energy. MES has been assisting our partners with environmental and sustainability solutions for over 50 years. Join us as we discuss how MES can provide multi-disciplinary environmental services and find innovative solutions to our region’s most complex environmental challenges.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2021 | 9:00 am – 9:30 am
5 Quick Steps To Build a More Resilient Government
Presented by Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Maryland counties not only faced significant economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, but are likely forever changed in the way they operate, engage, and deliver constituent services. Government leaders, now more than ever, need to address their real time challenges while also building organizational and operational resiliency for the future. Learn how the business resiliency framework (BRF) can help you implement and monitor resiliency over time and across multiple departments.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Tips & Best Practices for Maximizing the Value of Taxpayer Dollars
Presented by three+one
Your organization’s cash/liquidity position is likely to change due to the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. New liquidity data opportunities will allow your public entity to maximize value on all taxpayer dollars. This webinar will focus on how to get a clear picture of your liquidity needs, how to use data to communicate those needs to internal & external stakeholders, and how to meld cash flow management into liquidity management.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Leveraging Public Private Partnerships (P3) to Advance Your County’s Big Ambitions
Presented by Schneider Electric
Are you sitting on an untapped asset? It’s time to stop looking at your utility and operational spend as a sunk cost. The business case for public-private partnerships (P3) is strong – and can enable your vision for a safer, more secure and resilient County! From Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) and Energy as a Service (EaaS) to Charging as a Service(CaaS) to fully electrify County fleets and infrastructure, emerging trends suggest more communities will use these proven alternative financing vehicles in 2021 and beyond. Get the information you need to maximize your next big ambition! Attend this session to find out how Counties across Maryland have leveraged Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to create more efficient infrastructure, drive revenue and new growth opportunities to boost economic development, and build a more sustainable and resilient community to attract new businesses and residents.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 10:45 am – 11:15 am
Medicare: Start the Conversation, Learn About Your Options
Presented by Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Nationwide® recognizes that Medicare is an important component of your retirement income plan. Because Nationwide is not a provider of Medicare plans, we’ve teamed up with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the country’s longest-serving national organization focused on aging, to bring you access to an unbiased tool to help individuals sort through their Medicare options. Please join us as we introduce you to this easy to use tool to help you sort through your specific Medicare enrollment options.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 10:45 am – 11:15 am
How Has COVID Changed the IT Priorities for State and Local Government?
Presented by Skyline Technology Solutions
Cybersecurity and expanding broadband connectivity became urgent priorities as the COVID–19 Pandemic forced many employees to work from home and many school systems to pivot to a virtual learning model. In addition, as many of us return to our offices and classrooms, safety and security is becoming a critical area in need of attention. Skyline has been sought out by States and Counties for perspective in these areas based on the work we have done here in Maryland. Join us for an overview of what we are hearing across the country including challenges, solutions, and best practices being employed.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 11:30 am – 12 Noon
Expanding Broadband Access Statewide
Presented by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
The Office of Statewide Broadband will provide an overview of new initiatives including device and service subsidies for customers statewide and infrastructure buildout plans for areas of the state that lack access to high-speed internet. Counties will learn about grant and partnership opportunities.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 11:30 am – 12 Noon
How Will Maryland’s First Offshore Wind Project Impact Your County?
Presented by US Wind
As Maryland’s leader in offshore wind development, US Wind is in a prime position to deliver clean energy and good jobs to Marylanders. Joins this session to hear all about US Wind’s plans for Maryland: what’s the status of their projects? How are they working with communities in the state to be good neighbors? How will their vision support thousands of good-paying jobs, revitalize Baltimore’s industrial waterfront, and result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions? How can your county collaborate with US Wind for a brighter future?
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
From Pandemic to Progress: A Look at the Changing Workplace Through the Lens of Maryland’s County Employers and Employees
Presented by Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company
Join Chesapeake Employers in a discussion of the strengths and opportunities of working remotely through COVID-19. Experts will also discuss the changing landscape of the workplace in a post-COVID world.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Green Energy, Better Service, Competitive Prices – Find Out Why YOU Should Choose Who You Use
Presented by Choose Who You Use
Choose Who You Use Maryland is a growing, bipartisan coalition of elected leaders, Maryland employers, and consumer advocates working in support of legislation that will, finally, achieve the promise of what started more than 20 years ago. Maryland consumers deserve the freedom to choose their electricity supplier with improved consumer protections, additional transparency in billing, and access to cleaner energy options. Chose Who You Use will present on its growing movement toward market modernization and the push to allow public utilities to focus on infrastructure, while reputable retail electricity providers both compete to provide the widest and most affordable range of options to Marylanders AND invest in clean energy.
Date/Time: Friday, August 20, 2021 | 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:
