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 16, 2023
Forever Chemicals No More: What Recent PFAS Settlements Mean for Maryland Governments
Hosted by Nachawati Law Group
Dupont and 3M have announced a settlement of PFAS water contamination claims. Join Nachawati Law Group, PLLC to learn how the settlement impacts counties’ water sources contaminated with PFAS. This discussion will include the terms of the proposed class settlement and describe the process public water providers must undertake to participate in the proposed settlement. Attendees will learn about the two phases of class members, the process for testing public water systems for PFAS contamination, consequences of not participating, the settlement’s impact, and PFAS funds available under the federal Infrastructure Act. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Leveraging Resources to Support County Functions with Innovative Financial Technology
Hosted by three+one
At this critical time, recognizing the power of cash is vital in offsetting inflation, closing budget gaps, supporting frontline workers, and funding important community initiatives. This session will equip county financial professionals with the latest knowledge and trends in liquidity management to help optimize cash management operations and generate new revenue streams. Presenters will cover cash flow forecasting, stress testing, and how to evaluate banking relationships in a rising rate environment, enabling counties to produce new earnings with existing cash on deposit. Learn how innovative financial technology can allow counties to leverage cash to support these important priorities.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Focusing on Counties’ Everyday Challenges – Managing Risk
Hosted by Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)
County governments face a wide variety of challenges. LGIT provides a variety of services to deal with some of those challenges – specifically those that expose county governments to risk. The experts at LGIT have identified the problems counties and municipalities experience and can offer practical solutions. Staff will discuss the array of services that LGIT provides, from no-cost inspections to trainings and consultation services, and everything in between. Speakers will review important issues like the Time to Care Act and Marijuana Legalization and discuss how LGIT assists MACo by providing commentary on proposed legislation that will impact the potential liability for counties.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 11:45 AM−12:15 PM
Resilience in a Cyber World—Three Critical Steps Towards a Mature Cyber Security Program
Hosted by Infoblox
Many organizations are often faced with “staying ahead” of the latest cyber threats, understanding the most recent alerts, impacts of governmental compliance, and balancing operational priorities. With all these ever-present concerns, the Security teams are rapidly overburdened with challenges that result from overlooking the foundational elements of cyber security. Infoblox will discuss how organizations can set the path to cyber success that’s flexible and endures dynamic cyber adversaries.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 12:30 PM−1:00 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2023
Combatting the Opioid Epidemic with Data and Analytics
Hosted by GCOM
Opioid addiction affects tens of thousands of Marylanders each year – in 2022 alone, there were more than 2400 fatal overdoses, with even more grieving loved ones left behind. In this session, attendees will learn how to leverage data sharing and advanced analytics to empower first responders and save lives, inform policy decisions, and uncover contributing factors to the crisis, such as poverty and access to health care. Speakers will delve into how other communities have measurably improved their opioid response programs through analytics and applied those insights to other community health concerns, including human trafficking and infectious disease monitoring.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM
Increase Cyber Resiliency and Secure Your Data in The Cloud
Hosted by Nutanix
Nutanix makes clouds invisible, which frees state and local government, and educational institutions to focus on delivering digital public services. Nutanix leverages its industry-leading, 100% software-defined hyperconverged infrastructure to provide a single cloud platform that seamlessly brings to life a hybrid multi-cloud strategy. Whether on-premises or in the cloud, get unified and secure management and operations with one-click simplicity, intelligent automation, and always-on availability. Join this session or stop by the Nutanix booth to see how they can take your Government IT to the next level!
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM
Fulfilling Electricity Needs with Clean, Carbon-Free Energy, When and Where it is Needed
Hosted by Constellation
To truly achieve a clean-energy economy, Maryland will need enough carbon-free power to meet demand for every consumer in every hour of every day. Learn how matching hourly consumption of energy with 24/7, regionally produced, carbon-free energy can help make Actual Zero GHG Emissions a reality in Maryland.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence Update for Public Safety
Hosted by Motorola Solutions
Motorola’s Threat Intelligence Team will deliver a briefing on cyber threats to Public Safety and Mission Critical Systems. They will review different trends, types of attacks and motivations, prominent threat actors, and how all levels of the government and the private sector can work together to protect Marylanders against the ever-evolving threats.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Anxiety & Depression – Caring For Emotional Well-Being On and Off The Job
Hosted by CIGNA
Mental health conditions are impacting the workplace. Join this session to explore, understand, and recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The CIGNA team will discuss ways to access care, how to help others in distress, and provide national resources to support leaders and employees.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 11:30 AM−Noon
FirstNet and NG9-1-1: The Future of End-to-End Public Safety Communications
Hosted by FirstNet/AT&T
Technology is changing how information flows during emergencies. When first responders, call takers, and emergency response personnel can carry out their missions, lives and property are saved. Each year, 9-1-1 centers in the US receive an estimated 240 million calls. Public safety needs to communicate just as easily. In this session, an expert panel will highlight actionable solutions and best practices to prioritize access for critical communications, applications, and systems when seconds matter.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 11:30 AM−Noon
How Union Partnerships Can Bring Success to Your Next Public Project
Hosted by EAS Carpenters
Planning public projects can be stressful, but a strategic partnership with a union like the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters can help. From initial planning, securing federal grants, navigating how to meet public project hiring and contractor requirements, or creating a local coalition to build a comprehensive workforce development plan, the union is there to be a true partner. Learn about all the ways a union can help you make your next public project a success.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM
When Water Hits the Road: Use IoT for Safety!
Hosted by SAS Institute Inc.
Stormwater doesn’t just affect residents, buildings, and roadways – it can have significant consequences on the environment. Untreated stormwater, which feeds into sewer systems and ditches, often carries debris, sediment, bacteria and chemicals that make their way into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. This subsequently degrades water quality and harms aquatic life. With analytically driven work, SAS is able to make objective, unemotional decisions that are backed by facts and data. It may be impossible to solve flooding, but data can be used to improve quality of life for Maryland communities. SAS will share their work and findings with other counties and the State of Maryland by demonstrating how communities can use analytics and IoT to better prepare for and respond to flooding.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM
Partnering to Power the Future
Hosted by BGE
Maryland’s landmark environmental legislation, the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (CSNA), targets 60% Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) reduction by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. The challenge of meeting our state’s goals offers the opportunity for counties to partner with utilities and other private companies to achieve state and local GHG reduction goals. The session will discuss current and future sustainability initiatives, grant opportunities, and steps counties could take to be successful. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions, engage in discussion, and share their thoughts on the steps required for future success.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 12:45 PM−1:45 PM
Steering Workers Through Maryland Roads – Protecting Health & Managing Costs
Hosted by Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company
Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, Maryland’s largest writer of workers’ compensation insurance, will lead an interactive discussion focused on the importance of Maryland workers and employers being driven to protect physical and emotional health. Speakers will share insights into optimizing cost savings resulting from effectively managing applicable, related employee costs.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 1:00 PM−1:30 PM
Effective Administration of State and Local Digital Equity Programs
Hosted by Comcast
To meet the challenges of closing the broadband availability and adoption gaps, broadband program administrators must find creative ways to administer program funding. This presentation will focus on effective state and local government administration of digital equity programs.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 1:00 PM−1:30 PM
Customer Experience (CX) in Government: Tools and Techniques to Understand How to Improve Processes and Services
Hosted by Guidehouse
Government officials know that society has come a long way toward creating a more human-centered government, but there are still obstacles to create services that meet the needs of the people. During this session, experts will discuss how customer experience (CX) techniques can be better integrated into government. A data-driven, empathetic, and practical approach to customer experience research and customer journey mapping will empower agencies to improve service delivery and processes for end-service recipients. Don’t miss this session on how customer journey mapping can help agencies think through process improvements in a way that can provide better tools and services, while also reducing waste and inefficiencies.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM−3:30 PM
Along the Road to Lowering or Balancing Carbon: A Perspective for Marylanders
Hosted by WGL Energy Services
Among states that champion climate goals, Maryland is front and center. Over the years, options to support this have included tools such as renewable energy credits (RECs) and carbon offsets, aiming to reduce or balance emissions. Join WGL Energy for perspective on this journey, to better understand the benefits and challenges that have impacted the energy space on many fronts, highlights on the pathway since competition was allowed, price certainty, and taking budget planning to the next level, plus the investments for consideration to meet or exceed objectives. Buckle up for a closer look at lessons learned and best practices from a seasoned retail energy supplier, all while Maryland embraces environmental stewardship.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM−3:30 PM
Friday, August 18, 2023
The Circular Economy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Hosted by MD-DE-DC Beverage Association
A Circular Economy keeps materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible. As policymakers and public policy influencers seek to improve recycling rates, this panel will discuss how government and businesses can work to capture and recycle materials for reuse while still retaining value.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 9:00 AM−9:30 AM
Navigating Paid Family and Medical Leave: What You Need to Know Now to Prepare Yourself and Your Employees
Hosted by American Fidelity
Paid Family and Medical Leave is a detailed and challenging process. Join this presentation to learn some of the most important details that Counties need to know and start preparing for now. American Fidelity experts will talk about the cost of the program for employees and employers, the qualifying reasons for paid leave and corresponding allowable duration, qualification requirements for equivalent employer-provided PFML plan, coordination with other leave and benefits, implementation challenges as learned from other states, the calculation of benefits, necessary employee education and personnel training, and other practical considerations that will affect Counties and your workforce.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 9:00 AM−9:30 AM
Making Your Mark On The Community: How To Build A Legacy Through Placemaking
Hosted by Sparks at Play
Join this session to discuss how to make your county the place to be! This will be an engaging dialogue on trends attracting residents to Maryland communities and how to provide current quality-of-life attributes that attract young tax paying families and visitors to keep localities relevant and well supported. Maryland residents deserve a place that fits the modern lifestyle and Sparks at Play can be a big part of the solution that makes people love where they live and inspire other communities to raise the bar on quality of life for the area! Hear what other communities are doing as speakers share current projects.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM
Private Sector Innovation with Public Benefits: How to Improve Mobility and Equitable Accessibility Across Each Maryland County
Hosted by DMI, Inc.
Transportation should have equity, accessibility, sustainability, and public health at the forefront, but without strategic planning, strong policy direction, and a connected infrastructure investment, state and county governments may be unable to realize the full benefits of Connected and Automated Vehicles. To ensure safety, mobility, and accessibility goals are met throughout Maryland – and not only in its most populated areas – policies and processes will need to be enacted and engagement with industry will need to be facilitated. In this session, DMI will discuss evolving mobility trends, the implications for transportation infrastructure, and how the state can leverage partnerships to build the future of mobility.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM
Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime
Hosted by Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Filing for Social Security benefits is one of the biggest financial decisions employees will make. That’s why it’s called the choice of a lifetime. How and when an individual files could increase their annual benefit by as much as 80%! In this session, participants will learn many filing rules and strategies so they can make the choice that fits their overall retirement income plan.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Enhanced Mental Health Support for Public Sector Employers and Employees
Hosted by Aetna
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs face high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In fact, first responders develop behavioral conditions at a rate 5x higher than the civilian population. Join Aetna to discuss how their First Responder Support program is helping first responders improve their mental wellbeing and equipping their families with more resources and support. In addition, presenters will discuss how Aetna’s Mind Companion tool helps employees and their families to identify and navigate to the right behavioral health benefits and resources at the right time, based upon their unique needs.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM
Supporting Affordable Housing in Maryland
Hosted by Maryland Department of Health and Community Development (DHCD)
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland Mortgage Program helps low to medium-income homebuyers in Maryland achieve affordable homeownership through a flexible array of sustainable mortgages and groundbreaking initiatives like Maryland SmartBuy, which eliminates student loan debt as part of a home purchase. MMP also partners with interested jurisdictions to provide down payment assistance for residents purchasing homes in their cities or counties. MMP helps an average of about 4,000 Marylanders and their families purchase homes each year. Additionally, the Department has helped more than 11,000 homeowners behind on housing-related payments, including 6,000 who were facing foreclosure, stay in their homes since the Homeowner Assistance Fund program launched in March 2021.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 11:30 AM−Noon
Safeguarding Critical County Systems & Data
Hosted by NXT LLC
In today’s digital environment, governments aim to serve citizens through seamless digital experiences and optimized processes. However, the ability to protect crucial county data and systems, such as Google, ServiceNow, SharePoint, and AWS, from malicious actors remains a top priority for senior executives. To safeguard these critical systems, NXT will demonstrate a proven, standards-based, vendor-recommended, and agile approach to risk management. This approach involves identifying gaps, implementing standard operating procedures, and continuous monitoring for future threats. By adopting this strategy, counties can proactively combat both external and internal threats, ensuring the security of state and county environments and safeguarding valuable data. Join this session to hear how these methods work!
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 11:30 AM−Noon
Winds of Change: Offshore Wind and Maryland’s Clean Energy Future
Hosted by US Wind
As Maryland’s leader in offshore wind development, US Wind is poised to deliver clean energy and good jobs to Marylanders. Join this session to hear all about US Wind’s plans for Maryland. What’s the status of their projects? How are they working to protect and enhance marine life? 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 businesses, counties, and municipalities get involved in the industry? Be sure to attend to learn these answers and so much more!
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM
Building Support for Public Health
Hosted by Kaiser Permanente
Public health officials faced unprecedented challenges in the last three years. The pandemic created loss, grief, and stress. Misinformation and disinformation ran rampant. The livelihood and personal safety of public health officials was threatened. Public health, medicine, and science all became politicized and controversial. For the future, rebuilding public confidence and preventing future outbreaks and pandemics requires intentional investments and closer collaboration among governments and health care providers. Kaiser Permanente wants to be a partner in this work and is launching a public health initiative that can only succeed through dialogue and strengthened partnership with local government public health practitioners.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM
Take an On-Site Energy Tour of the Roland Powell Convention Center!!
Hosted by Pepco & Delmarva Power
Pepco and the Clean Energy Center invite conference participants to an energy tour of the Convention Center. Teacher-led, it will include the building’s exterior and interior. Learn more about opportunities to improve energy efficiency such as the chiller and boiler; air handling unit; commercial roofing; lighting; and operations in stairways, hallways, and large offices. No matter the size or age of any facility, whether examining the HVAC system or the entire building, this guided tour can identify services to make workplaces more comfortable and energy efficient.
Date/Time: Friday, August 18, 2023 | 2:15 – 2:45 PM
Questions about MACo’s Solutions Showcase? Contact Regina
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: