Howard County Delivers State of the Business Address

Howard County businesses find their momentum on the road to recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivered his annual State of the Business Address during Thursday’s Howard County Chamber’s Business Outlook Luncheon. During the address, Ball discussed the success of the County’s HoCo Higher program for small businesses and entrepreneurs, increasing county procurement opportunities for locally owned and minority businesses, and highlighted several businesses that are enjoying economic momentum in Howard…

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Permitting/Code Staff: Watch Solar Installations for Unprotected Electrical Boxes

With both large-scale and household-level solar installations continuing to gain ground, county permitting and code enforcement staff are advised: Maryland law requires safety precautions on residential installations, which may prove to be life-savers. In 2019, the General Assembly passed HB 586, legislation requiring that new residential solar installations, including residential rooftop facilities, be equipped with a "lockout tag." While the burden of installing these safety devices lies with the installer, counties may enhance the effectiveness of…

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Top Issues of 2023 Session: The Time to Care Act

With the 2023 Legislative Session rapidly approaching, MACo is profiling some major issues that stand to gather attention in the General Assembly’s work. Here, we preview the implementation of the Time to Care Act. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI Program) via legislation known as "The Time to Care Act of 2022." That law provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave and benefits…

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Counties to State: More Details, Assistance are Needed to Plan for Paid Leave Program

The Maryland Association of Counties and local government partner organizations are urging the Department of Labor to expedite guidance on the 2022 paid family and medical leave law ahead immanent implementation deadlines. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI Program) via legislation known as "The Time to Care Act of 2022." That law provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave and benefits to an employee…

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State to Offer $12M in Grants for Schools to Develop Apprenticeship Infrastructure

The State will provide $12 million total in grants to local education agencies to help establish an industry-aligned apprenticeship infrastructure in-line with the goals of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is launching Maryland Works, a grant program "to make an unprecedented investment in establishing an industry-aligned youth apprenticeship infrastructure for Maryland schools and business sectors." Maryland Works is aligned with the State's ambitious goals under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future…

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State Awards over $24M to Revitalization Projects in All 24 Counties

Maryland has awarded over $24 million to 376 local businesses to revitalize downtowns and main streets in all twenty four counties. The State has awarded 376 businesses through Project Restore a total of over $24.5 million through, including $8.8 million in property assistance grants and $15.7 million in business operations grants. Project Restore, launched in 2021, is an economic recovery initiative operated by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that provides financial incentives for small businesses to revitalize vacant retail and commercial spaces. Through Project…

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Washington County Accepting Applications for Nonprofit Grant Program

The Washington County Office of Grant Management is accepting applications for the fiscal 2023 Surplus Funding Nonprofit Assistance program. This program assists local 501c3 nonprofits with surplus funds set aside by the Board of County Commissioners. Surplus Funding Nonprofit Assistance is limited to organizations with an office located within and providing services in Washington County. An organization may only submit one request for funding for a maximum award of $100,000. According to Washington County: The…

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Maryland on Track to Launch Mobile Sports Wagering by Thanksgiving

Maryland's Sports Wagering Application Review Commission approved ten mobile sports betting licenses, setting the stage for a pre-Thanksgiving launch. https://twitter.com/ButlerBets/status/1592893804633526275?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet In 2020, Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment to expand commercial gaming by authorizing sports and events wagering to raise revenue for education. While sports wagering is legal in Maryland, sportsbooks are currently only available in casinos and other approved venues. The launch of mobile sports wagering, which handles 70 to 90 percent of wagers…

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Read more about the article Frederick Historic Preservation Training Center Serves Nation, Preps Workforce
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Frederick Historic Preservation Training Center Serves Nation, Preps Workforce

Frederick County hosts an impressive Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) that trains the National Park Service and others in historic trades, which can help fill skills gaps in workforce and prep constituents for in-demand careers. The Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) located in Frederick County is dedicated to the "safe preservation and maintenance of national parks or partner facilities by demonstrating outstanding leadership, delivering quality preservation services, and developing educational courses that fulfill the competency requirements…

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October Record Casino, Mobile Sports Betting Books Millions for Education

In October, Maryland booked record monthly casino revenue and mobile sports wagering, adding approximately $59 million to the State's education funds. Maryland Lottery and Gaming reported a single-month revenue record of $213 million from the state’s six casinos in October. The total represents an increase of $57,943,124 (37.4 percent) compared to October 2021 and beat the previous single-month record of $181.5 million set in July 2022 by $31.4 million (17.3%). Of the $213 million, the…

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