Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. announced the addition of Mr. Stuart “Stu” Harlow to the management team. Mr. Harlow will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer of the company beginning January 19, 2021. Qlarant is a national leader in quality improvement, program integrity, and technology solutions. Since 1973, Qlarant has been improving the performance of some of the nation’s most important programs.

Stuart “Stu” Harlow

“We are pleased to have Stu join us,” said Dr. Forsythe. “He brings to us a proven track record in strategic planning, plus extensive experience in many aspects of financial operations, communications, and leadership.

Mr. Harlow has extensive experience in both domestic and international operations along with a holistic understanding of business and finance in the information, technology, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Prior to joining Qlarant, he was the Senior Director of Finance for BAE Systems, Ship Repair Business, reporting to the CFO of BAE Systems Inc. Mr. Harlow worked as part of a team of 60 finance and accounting professionals transitioning from a legacy cost-plus business to a competitive firm fixed-price across four Navy homeport locations. Before that, Mr. Harlow was the Senior Director, Independent Cost Evaluation for BAE and was accountable for identifying key risks to the $10 billion portfolio.  He was also responsible for reviewing new business results across three sectors.

“Stu has served in progressively more responsible financial roles at BAE Systems over the past 16-plus years,” added Dr. Forsythe. “Prior to that he honed his skills with Lockheed Martin for nine years in several different finance positions.”

“I like to think that I have a proven record of accomplishment for seeing the big picture and acting as a catalyst for change.  It’s important to balance the requirements needed to deliver the expected results for the short term, while keeping a sharp focus on the future,” said Harlow.

“I like to think about strategy when developing a business plan,” continues Mr. Harlow “When I think about Qlarant, I think about federal and state sectors and the potential for developing technology products matched with the company’s extensive expertise. Right now there are multiple areas where Qlarant can grow in this space. A strong strategic filter with a tactical game plan for handling growth presents a great opportunity.” Harlow has demonstrated the ability to create business strategies—enabling growth and shareholder returns in a global, multisite business environment. He has been responsible for creating new business strategies in Army, Navy, Marine, Air force, commercial, and international markets.

“I have always worked for organizations with a purpose or mission which helps others,” said Harlow. “I am excited to join the team and work with the various business sectors, senior staff, and contributors to the business. I hope to continue building upon the reputation the company has built over almost 50 years and expand the portfolio to shape the Qlarant of the future.”

Mr. Harlow earned a Masters of Business Administration from New Hampshire College, New Hampshire and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems from Radford University, Virginia. He also served as a commissioned officer in the Virginia Army National Guard.

Perhaps one of the best gifts to a community is when an outside news source can bring a new perspective on sometimes controversial issues or trends taking place.

One of those trends taking place in every Spy market on the Mid-Shore is the appearance of “angels” in these small towns with not only a vision to rescue its struggling downtowns but access to capital to implement those plans.

To many residents in these communities, there is a sense of gratitude that their town is worthy of such remarkable investments. On the other hand, as Easton knows well, some challenges come with these engaged, strong-willed stakeholders who don’t hesitate to use their legitimate say on issues impacting a town’s look and culture.

The Washingtonian in its January issue provides a unique take on Easton’s number one fan and benefactor, Paul Prager, and his Talbot County hospitality projects.

Read the full article here.

What better way to support local small businesses than with gift cards?

That’s what Emily and Ryan Groll thought the other day. Rather than giving money or gifts to the Sprout staff for the holidays, they decided that their business, Sprout, would purchase thousands of dollars worth of gift cards from local businesses in the hospitality sector in Talbot County. And those cards would be given away as part of a Sprout staff Zoom auction.

Ryan notes that “a little Jeopardy mixed in and an exciting ‘seek and show’ for additional prizes” is perfect in having fun and supporting the hard-hit community businesses all the same time.

What is your business doing this year to help with COVID support? Let us know, and we’ll share on the Talbot and our Facebook page. Send your story to talbot@spycommunitymedia.org.

Gift cards can be purchased here.

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, recently completed the system-wide upgrade to enhance the infrastructure that delivers high-speed internet and cable television. The most notable result of this undertaking is the recent speed increase at no additional cost, which was automatically delivered to all internet customers during a testing period in early December.

“The constantly growing demand for bandwidth, speed and seamless connectivity continues to increase and we are proud the enhanced system will meet the needs of our customers,” stated Ted L. Book, Director of Easton Velocity.

In addition to the technical benefits the upgrade delivers, the extensive fiber optic network enables the option to provide gigabit capacity to any interested customer. More importantly, Easton Velocity has elected to increase internet speeds for all customers at no additional cost.

The upgrades are automatic; however, those wishing to change to a new tier will need to contact Customer Service at 410-822-6110.

“Offering enhanced speeds without changing the pricing structure is a reflection of our commitment to our customers,” added Book. “There is a wide range of needs amongst customers depending on lifestyle, now more than ever with remote working or virtual learning, as well as the number of people/devices in the home.”

The $12 million upgrade provides improved reliability across the entire system along with the ability to offer increased speeds, now including Gigabit. Construction for this project began in September 2018 and stayed on schedule following the initial estimate of a two-year span for completion. “Our crews’ commitment to the success of this project combined with how amicable our customers are, made for an ideal outcome,” said Book.

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is committed to keeping our community connected and current with a variety of service offerings designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Please visit www.eastonvelocity.com or call 410-822-6110 to learn more.

The Spy “Exit Interview” series is part journalism and part oral history. Over the last eleven years, the Chestertown Spy has interviewed dozen of local leaders at the moment of their retirement to reflect on their work and some of the challenges they have faced in their professional careers and the nonprofit organizations they have helped as trustees.

David H. LaMotte is our subject for this installment. We asked David to reflect on his lifetime career at LaMotte Chemical and how this modest family business started by his grandfather, had relocated from Baltimore in 1956. Under his guidance as president, he grew into a mature, growing company with over 200 employees.

A few months ago, a significant end of an era in Chestertown commerce went mostly unnoticed for most of the community. After a lifetime working at LaMotte Chemical, David LaMotte discreetly stepped down as president of the Kent County-based chemical testing company, which he had led after Arthur H. Thomas Company purchased the business, in 1986.

In his Spy interview, David reflects on how this family enterprise grew, decided to sell the company, and the excitement of leading a team to expand their products and services on an international scale, all from their modest headquarters at the corner of Washington Street and Morgnec Road.

This video is approximately ten minutes in length. 

For the record, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce’s Bill Christopher considers himself a “return here.” After born and raised in Cambridge, Bill left town to attend Swathmore College in Vermont and then thirty-five years as a healthcare executive.

It was never his intention to be away for so long. Still, after he and his wife decided to move back to Dorchester in 2015, he found that his years off the Shore gave him a unique perspective on how things have changed, mostly for the better in his opinion, in his native Cambridge.

In fact, by the end of 2019, Dorchester was “cooking with gas” economically. Businesses were thriving, tourism was up, and downtown Cambridge was reaping the benefits of new entrepreneurs opening up unique stores and restaurateurs. It all looked like everything was heading in the right direction until a world pandemic came along.

The COVID crisis is clearly not over, and Dorchester County, like the rest of the country, will need to endure its severe health and economic consequences for at least four to six months longer. Still, as Bill noted in his Spy interview a few weeks ago, things are looking pretty good. While none has been spared, and there remains a lot of financial pain in downtown Cambridge, and throughout the county, there remains a momentum in the region that has withstood this severe blow.

And that is a reason he sees the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel now and five years down the road.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, please go here.

Eastern Shore Title Bookkeeping and Operations Manager Pam Sard, front, presents gift certificates for free breakfast sandwiches at Breakfast at Easton to Talbot County’s first responders, as represented in the back, from left: Easton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Sonny Jones; Talbot County Emergency Services Acting Captain Matt Wilkins; Talbot County Emergency Services Deputy Director Brian LaCates; Easton Police Department Chief David A. Spencer; Easton Police Department Corporal Allen Orrison; and Easton Police Department Patrolman Andy Bauer.

Monnen Technology, Edward Jones Investments Financial Advisor Amanda David, Eastern Shore Title Company, Lane Engineering, Weaver, Mavity, Short Associates, and Phil Lasker have recently joined Breakfast in Easton owner and Chef Stephen Mangasarian to honor Talbot County’s first responders. All businesses are local to Talbot County, with Lasker supporting the outreach in honor of his son P J Lasker.

The groups were able to provide breakfast sandwiches to first responders, who were able to call in their orders for take-out to maintain social distancing.

Volunteers and officers from Easton Police Department, Easton VFD, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Talbot County EMT, and Maryland State Police/Easton Barracks were provided coupons for free breakfast sandwiches as a token of appreciation from the businesses for their dedication to public safety, especially in times of our greatest need.

“We wanted to be sure their efforts and sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” said Monnen Technology President Eric Monnen, who brainstormed the idea to give back to Talbot County’s first responders while meeting with other business leaders in October.

“Every person we spoke to about this idea immediately asked how they could participate,” said Weaver, Mavity, Short Associates Partner David Short. “We’re grateful for our first responders and wanted them to know how much we appreciate and value their service.”

“We’re especially grateful for their services during this season of giving,” said Eastern Shore Title Company Bookkeeping and Operations Manager Pam Sard. “It’s nice to give back in a meaningful way, and within COVID safety protocols.”

Other businesses and individuals wishing to purchase breakfast gift certificates from Breakfast in Easton can reach out Eric Monnen at his Easton office by calling 410-770-8885.