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January 28, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Commerce Commerce Notes

Rural Maryland Council Marks 25 years of Championing Rural Heritage and Equity

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In 1994 when Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer signed an executive order designating a “rural development council” for Maryland, he had no way of knowing he would set in motion the formation of a new institution that would touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, not just in rural Maryland, but in every corner of the state.

The following year, the council organized itself as the “FORVM for Rural Maryland” and was permanently established by an act of the State legislature, adopted by a unanimous vote of both houses of the Maryland General Assembly. The ancient Roman word “forvm” distinguished its mission, to provide a place for local and State leaders to exchange ideas and pursue solutions to the issues facing Maryland’s rural communities.

Photo: Bill signing ceremony for legislation establishing the FORVM for Rural Maryland on May 9, 1995. Seated, from left, are: Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr.; Governor Parris N. Glendening; and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. Standing to the right of Senator Miller and behind the Governor are Gary V. Hodge, founding chairman of the FORVM, and William “Bill” Walker, executive director, with members of the FORVM’s board and staff. Photo by Maryland State Archives

Today—25 years later—re-named the Rural Maryland Council (RMC), it continues to distinguish itself in its efforts to champion the cause of rural Marylanders while emphasizing the importance of working with suburban and urban communities to create a stronger, united Maryland. “It’s true that our rural communities are faced with challenges that need to be resolved differently from our suburban and urban counterparts,” says Charlotte L. Davis, RMC executive director and fourth executive director for the group. “But when you really get down to it there is more that we have in common than what separates us.”

Throughout its history, the RMC has never backed away from the big, difficult and often controversial issues like wastewater, inadequate access to health care, financial resources and broadband. From the beginning it has remained steadfast in problem solving using two important tools: Giving voice to rural Marylanders and creating partnerships.

Photo: In 2019, RMC executive director Charlotte L. Davis earned the Partners for Rural America (PRA) Ron Shaffer Award. From left, are: Jerry Townsend, co-chair of the PRA Nominating Committee; PRA chair, Jessica AcMoody and Charlotte L. Davis, PRA chair emeritus. The award acknowledges individuals who excel at national or state rural development councils. Selection criteria include the ability to overcome barriers, as well as demonstrating a proficiency in collaboration and building partnerships, and creating impact. 

Using these tools, RMC has racked up some impressive accomplishments including:

  • Creating the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) which to date has funded more than $5.8 million in grants.
  • Establishing the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore, Mid Shore Regional Council and Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO).
  • Receiving a National Rural Impact Award in 2001 from the National Rural Development Partnership (USDA) for its work. It would be the first of many accolades the USDA would bestow on RMC.
  • Establishing the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) in 2006 and waging a decade-long battle to get it funded, which finally came in 2016. To date it has funded more than $14 million in grants.  
  • Co-hosting a regional forum on Rural Broadband in partnership with USDA Rural Development and taking a leadership role in sifting through the many complex issues related to broadband to produce recommendations for legislative action. Its executive director Charlotte L. Davis was tapped by the Maryland legislature to head the Task      Force on Rural Internet, Broadband, Wireless, and Cellular Service.
  • Facilitating the addition of money to the Rural Broadband Assistance Fund. State funding for this initiative was $11.8 million between 2008 and 2011.
  • Gaining national recognition in 2019 when Partners for Rural America (PRA) bestowed its coveted Ron Shaffer Award to executive director Charlotte L. Davis. The award acknowledges an individual who excels in building a national and state rural development partnership.

Photo: On February 9, 2017, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, right, presented a proclamation recognizing Rural Maryland Day to Charlotte L. Davis, RMC executive director; and Josh Hastings, RMC board chair. Photo by Joe Andrucyk

Perhaps the best appraisal of an organization’s success is whether it measures up to its founders’ expectations. “When I founded the organization with Bill Walker 25 years ago, and drafted the State legislation that established the FORVM for Rural Maryland, we hoped it would continue to be a powerful voice for Maryland’s rural communities for many years to come,” says Gary V. Hodge, founding chairman of the FORVM from 1994-97, and executive director of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland from 1980 to 1998. “As is always true, the effectiveness of an institution depends on the ability and commitment of the people who lead it and support its mission,” he adds.

And for 25 years and counting, the Rural Maryland Council has answered that call.​ “Although much has changed since the creation of the Rural Maryland Council, we remain dedicated to the core values of preserving rural heritage, advocating for equity, and engaging partners and stakeholders to help build strong, resilient rural communities,” says John Hartline, RMC chair.

​The Rural Maryland Council operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. It serves as the state’s federally designated rural development council and functions as a voice for rural Maryland, advocating for rural communities and businesses across the state to help them flourish and achieve equity with their suburban and urban counterparts. For more information, visit rural.maryland.gov, email rmc.mda@maryland.gov or connect with the Rural Maryland Council at facebook.com/RuralMaryland or on Twitter @RuralMaryland.

Shore United Bank Welcomes Brian Saucedo as Digital Marketing Manager

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Brian Saucedo

Shore United Bank is proud to announce that Brian Saucedo has joined the Company as a Digital Marketing Manager. Brian joins Shore United Bank with six (6) years of digital media, publishing, web and graphic design experience. Brian will oversee social media, website and email marketing for the bank and its investment division.

Mr. Saucedo has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and is also a graduate of Chesapeake College where he earned an associate degree in liberal arts with a PC technician certificate.

“We are excited about having Brian join our marketing team. His creative insight and digital media experience will be a great asset to our organization,” says Debra Rich, Chief Marketing & Project Officer for Shore United Bank.

“I look forward to utilizing my creative talents to help grow the company’s presence in the community through social and digital platforms,” says Mr. Saucedo.

Brian gives back to his community through church missionary trips, beach and community clean ups and is a youth leader at his church.  He resides in Easton, Maryland and soccer, snowboarding and playing musical instruments.

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com

USRC Announces Renamed Farm Incentive Fund

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The Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) announces the USRC Farm Incentive Fund, previously named the USRC Ag Equity Incentive Matching Fund. In partnership with the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), USRC developed the incentive fund to bolster agricultural businesses within its regional economy.

“With over 1,400 farms in Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties, the regional agricultural economy generates over $428 million annually. Due to seasonal variables, bottom lines are impacted annually and make access to capital vital for new and established agri-businesses,” said Susan O’Neill, Executive Director of the USRC. “We decided to rename the fund to enhance its clarity as we continue to reach our target audience.”

Designed to incentivize loan requests from food and fiber-producing farms in the Upper Shore region, this program will connect farmers with the funds required to meet lender down-payments and improve the credit quality of their applications. The fund will provide a 5% equity contribution towards financing a project funded by a MARBIDCO loan.

Borrowers requesting assistance from one of MARBIDCO’s loan programs may use the USRC funds for equity. To see qualifying MARBIDCO funds and view the application, visit www.USRCMD.org.

About the Upper Shore Regional Council

Since 2003, the Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) has fostered planning and development in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. USRC affords federal, state, county, and local governments a regional forum to identify issues and opportunities. USRC plans and implements programs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Shore Region of Maryland.

About MARBIDCO

The Maryland General Assembly established MARBIDCO more than a decade ago to help enhance the sustainability and profitability of the State’s agricultural and resource-based industries. MARBIDCO helps bolster rural economies, supports locally-produced food and fiber products, and preserves working farm and forest land. MARBIDCO is a nimble, quasi-public financial intermediary organization with a mission to serve the commercial farming, forestry, and seafood industries of Maryland exclusively. Young and beginning farmers are a particular focus for MARBIDCO, as is farm operation diversification. In delivering its financing programs, MARBIDCO works cooperatively with commercial banks, Farm Credit Associations, and federal, state, regional, and local government agencies and universities. Since 2007, MARBIDCO has approved 699 financings totaling over $64 million for food and fiber business projects located in all Maryland’s counties – and in the process, it has leveraged more than $157 million in commercial lender financing. For more information about MARBIDCO’s programs, please visit www.marbidco.org.

Networks Demand Cable Rate Increase

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Easton Velocity cable programming packages will increase between $3.90 and $6.55 after cable networks and local broadcast affiliates have increased what they charge Easton Velocity to carry their programming.

“Unfortunately, we have little control over what the networks charge to provide the content,” said Ted L. Book, Director of Easton Velocity. “Our goal is to negotiate the lowest costs for programming and to provide customers with quality service; however, the fees to ensure access to popular channels like ours continue to get more expensive.”

Cable networks and broadcast affiliates charge all cable and satellite companies, including Easton Velocity, a per-subscriber fee to carry their programming. These fees increase on an annual basis and are re-negotiated every three to five years. Easton Velocity passes along these increases and does not receive any profit from the additional costs. Other regional television providers recently announced rate increases as well.

Effective with bills rendered in February, Easton Velocity’s new cable rates are:

Package Rates effective with bills
rendered on or after February 1, 2021
Basic $ 37.25
Tier 1 $ 58.70
Tier 2 $104.65
Tier 3 $117.25

All Easton Velocity cable packages including any of these programming tiers (including the Triple Play package) will increase with the new rates.

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.

Commerce: BDK Hires Five New Employees Since the Start of Pandemic

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As the New Year draws near, BDK, Inc., an IT services and consulting firm, has just hired their fifth new employee for the year 2020.

In our current economic climate, many businesses are having to rapidly adjust to the “new

normal”. Owners of BDK, Bruce and Edwina Kimball, began expanding their staff in hopes of being a strategic partner to businesses by providing solutions as well as adding value through technology. 

“Having been in business for 22 years, we have seen economic down-cycles before,” says Edwina. “Fortunately, today we are in a good position to take advantage of available talent.”

This year’s first hire was an easy one; she was working as an intern with BDK as she completed her bachelor’s degree in Information Systems at Salisbury University. Morgan McCabe graduated with her degree this past spring, specializing in Enterprise Resource Planning. She is a certified SAP Application Associate for Business Process Integration with SAP S/4HANA 1809. Since being hired following her graduation, Morgan has helped support and grow BDK’s ERP offerings.

In August, BDK welcomed their first Marketing Coordinator, Maddie Megahan. Bruce Kimball pulled her resume when he saw that she was a fellow Towson University alum. Megahan earned her bachelor’s degree in 2014 from TU’s Mass Communication’s program with a focus in Public Relations. She previously held the title of Hotel Manager as well as Director of Group Sales and Marketing at a waterfront resort located in St. Michaels, MD. Before graduating from TU, Megahan found her passion for brand and digital design when interning for an events, design and branding studio in downtown Baltimore. 

Brian Kimball – Vice President of BDK, Senior Systems Engineer and eldest son of the Kimballs’– claims the company is always looking for new talent. 

“The most important thing we look for is good personal skills and demeanor,” says Brian Kimball. “We can teach and train technical expertise, but person-to-person interactions are hard to teach.” 

Aukeem Cheers has been brought on to join BDK’s specialized team of technicians. Previously working for Conifer Health Solutions and Corsica Technologies, Cheers brings a wide range of experience in Remote Support, Customer Troubleshooting and Hardware/Software Installation and Configuration.

Frankie Gunsallus IV joins the BDK staff as their newest Account Manager. Gunsallus brings a local network with him as he was formerly employed with APG Media of Chesapeake as a Client Solutions Manager. He is a 2011 graduate of Salisbury University with a bachelor of arts in International Relations and Affairs. In addition, Gulsallus also serves as Chairman of the Talbot County Young Professionals organization.

“We did not plan to hire this many people. But after interviewing candidates, it was clear that these individuals were hardworking and would be valuable to BDK,” said Brian Kimball. 

The most recent hire has been described as a “necessity.” David Katz, a programmer whose specialties lie in automation to improve business processes, has been brought aboard to join BDK’s Analytics Department. 

“Analytics and Cloud Services continue to be the fastest growing portion of BDK,” says Brian Kimball.

In what can be described as the most profound time for IT, BDK has just one goal- simplicity. With an ever-growing staff of professionals, Kimball and team hope to help businesses do more with less using tech-driven solutions.

For more information, visit bdkinc.com or call (800) 309-0004. 

 

EnergyLink3 Wins the 2020 F3 Tech Accelerator Program

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F3 Tech Accelerator, a leading commercialization program for early-stage companies, streamed its virtual Program Award Event on December 16th and announced EnergyLink3, one of five companies presenting, as the winner of its 4-month long program. EnergyLink3, a Maryland-based company, was chosen based on its accomplishments during the program, notedly having become the first early-stage company to ever raise external investment funding during the program. In addition, EnergyLink3 will receive $25,000 from F3 Tech to use towards commercialization efforts.
Energylink3 focused their time in the program on expediting prototype development of their exclusive C4V™ licensed lithium-ion cells for their military research agreements and raising the final funding needed to prepare the prototypes for delivery to the Army. “F3 Tech provided investment and legal resources that helped lead to their acquisition of private funding in November,” stated Sam Zappas, F3 Tech Advisor. The prototyping was expedited by 6 months due to the program’s on-site 3-D printing capabilities, which will help EnergyLink3 to present their Tesla-leading ultra-safe, less toxic battery technology to the military and for rural civilian applications.
“Early in the program, we identified a massive opportunity for Maryland and began working on a strategic plan to promote the manufacturing of future DoD-specific products in what could be the most secure lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant yet to be developed,” said Chris Hlubb, F3 Tech Program Director. EnergyLink3’s current batteries will be manufactured in New York at a former IBM campus by C4V and iM3, which will become America’s 2nd Gigafactory.
In 2017, the F3 Tech Accelerator Program launched to advance innovation and new technologies within agriculture, aquaculture, energy, supply chain and environmental technology sectors. This year, the F3 Tech Accelerator Program received more applicants than ever before and selected the five best-qualified portfolio companies for its fall program. The selected finalists received funding and executive support to expedite commercial sales and prepare each company for potential investment, acquisition, or commercial launch.
To learn more about the 2020 F3 Tech Accelerator Program winner, please visit their website: https://energylink3.com/.
About F3 Tech Accelerator
The F3 Tech Accelerator Program provides funding and support for early-stage companies to prepare them for potential investment from the future F3 Tech Seed Fund, industry partners, and investors. F3 Tech aids portfolio teams to expedite commercialization; accelerate manufacturing, enhance customer acquisition and revenue development to match our industry partner commercial needs. F3 Tech is an initiative of the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, a private-sector nonprofit serving entrepreneurs and high-growth, innovative, and scalable startup companies throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore. For more information, please visit: https://f3tech.org/.
About EnergyLink3
EnergyLink3 is a developer of lithium-ion battery storage and management systems for rural and defense applications. Through an exclusive license with C4V™, who has developed a Tesla-leading ultra-safe, less toxic technology that is currently being manufactured in the USA, EnergyLink3 is currently designing advanced mobile energy storage solutions at its Maryland headquarters.

Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle’s Final Week in Downtown Easton

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This Sunday is the final chance to participate in the Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle in downtown Easton. Every $10 spent at participating locations supports local merchants and earns shoppers a chance to win downtown Easton gift cards.

Earlier this month, Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) launched the new holiday event to promote retailers and restaurants in downtown Easton that extend their shopping hours and open on Sundays. The marketing and promotions advocate for shopping locally this holiday season to help out merchants still affected by the pandemic.

“The response to the holiday raffle has been very positive,” Downtown Development Director Jeff Lankford said. “We have exceeded our expectations in both the number or locations participating and the number of raffle tickets we needed to print and distribute.”

Consumers enter the raffle by shopping or dining at participating retailers and restaurants on Sundays in December. Eight entries have already been selected to win Downtown Easton Cards; a new digital gift card redeemable at various downtown establishments. The gift card program was also launched by EEDC in early December to help keep local dollars local.

“It’s so wonderful to have the Town’s support in keeping our businesses alive,” Chesapeake Blooms co-owner Samantha McCall said. “To be a part of a network and to know our other neighbors down the street are also benefiting from something just feels good, it feels like it’s part of the Christmas spirit.”

On Wednesday, December 23, EEDC will select the final five raffle tickets and announce winning numbers online at www.EastonEDC.com. Four winners will receive a $100 Downtown Easton Card and a grand prize winner will receive a $300 Downtown Easton Card. Shoppers that have already earned raffle tickets but have not yet won are still qualified to win the remaining prizes.

“We have so many merchants here in Easton that are doing everything they can to meet the needs of the public while providing safe and flexible shopping opportunities,” Lankford said. “They need your support now and will need support well into 2021.”

Look for Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle posters in store windows of participating downtown Easton locations. For more information on Shop Sundays Holiday Raffle and the Downtown Easton Card, visit www.EastonEDC.com.

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:
Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Choptank Health, Preston Automotive Group Donate to Backpacks

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Choptank Community Health System and Preston Automotive Group have teamed up to provide warmth this winter to more than 600 Caroline County students as part of the Caroline’s Helping Hand’s backpack program.

Caroline County Public Schools Helping Hands program provides children in need with food for the weekend. These children are provided with backpacks filled with food each Friday, putting food directly into children’s hands, ensuring they are able to eat over the weekend regardless of their circumstances at home.

Choptank Health began collecting new children’s gloves from staff in November at its four Caroline County locations and school-based health programs. When the numbers amassed to 609 pairs of gloves, Choptank Health CEO Sara Rich reached out to Preston Automotive GroupPresident Dave Wilson, Jr. to see if the company could also donate hats.

“Preston also answered the community’s call, and now our students will have new hats and gloves to meet this winter’s cold weather,” said Rich. “Community is a big part of Choptank Health’s mission, and we continue to be grateful for opportunities to partner with organizations like Preston Automotive Group and Caroline County’s Backpack program.

“It’s nice to give back to children in need, especially this holiday season,” said Wilson. “Giving back to the public school system and partnering with Choptank Health makes the efforts even more meaningful.”

“Our Backpacks program is only made possible through support of sponsors and businesses like Choptank and Preston,” said Roxanne Wolf, program director. “Together we are making a real difference in making sure no child goes hungry in Caroline County.”

Photo: From left: Caroline County Public Schools Supervisor of Food Services Beth Brewster; Caroline’s Helping Hands Program Director Roxanne Wolf; Preston Automotive Group Marketing Manager Amanda Bauer; Preston Automotive Group President David Wilson, Jr.; Preston Automotive Group Marketing & Community Coordinator Marina Wilson; Choptank Health CEO Sara Rich; and Choptank Health COO Jon Forterecentlybrought more than 600 new pairs of gloves and hats for Caroline County studentsto Caroline County’s Backpack packing center at 11348 Greensboro Rd. in Denton. The initiative was completed in support of the Caroline County Public Schools Helping Hands program, which provides children in need with food for the weekends through its Backpack Program. 

Caroline’s Helping Hands Program receives support from The Caroline Foundation and The Food for Learning Fund, a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation (MSCF), a public 501(c)(3) charity, and is organized by volunteers who are passionate about raising funds to end childhood hunger in Caroline County. The program supports long-term results, including a more productive workforce, better health outcomes, and breaking the cycle of poverty, with more at carolinefoodforlearning.org.

Choptank Community Health System provides medical, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health services, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all. Choptank Health’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of people in the communities served by providing outstanding care experiences while being an exceptional place to work and make a difference, with more at choptankhealth.org.

Preston Automotive Group represents 11 brands in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia where they proudly serve the Delmarva Peninsula and Baltimore area. Preston is dedicated to being an important part of their local community in every store location, with community as one of the Preston Automotive Group’s core values. Preston’s mission is to provide a superior workplace for their associates so that as a team Preston can provide their guests with a superior customer experience. For more information, go to prestonmotor.com.

Kate Walters Celebrates 25 Years with Shore United Bank

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Kate Walters

Shore United Bank is proud to congratulate Kate Walters on twenty-five (25) years of service. Ms. Walters began her career with the Bank in December of 1995 in loan operations located in Centreville, Maryland.   Over her career she has held various positions, working in the mortgage division and multiple leadership positions.  Kate’s current position is Asst. Vice President Loan Servicing Manager, where she is responsible for ensuring loan records are maintained with accuracy and prepares management and regulatory reporting.

Ms. Walters attended Chesapeake College where she earned an associate degree in Business Administration.

“Kate has years of loan experience, regulatory and reporting knowledge that makes her a vital team member. Her familiarity of the communities we serve and those who reside in our area are an asset.” says Jamie Dulin, Senior Loan Operations Officer.

Ms. Walters has served on the boards for Caroline and Dorchester Co. Fair and Caroline Lacrosse Association.  She also participates in various community initiatives around the holidays serving children in need.  Kate resides in Ridgely, MD with her husband Mike and her two children, Kelsey and Hunter. She enjoys watching football and lacrosse, camping, shopping and relaxing at the beach with her family.

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com

Debbie Davis Celebrates 40 Years with Shore United Bank

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Debbie Davis

Shore United Bank is proud to congratulate Debbie Davis on forty (40) years of service. Ms. Davis began her career with the Bank in December of 1980 in the operations bookkeeping/proof department in Easton, Maryland.   She later held various positions including Supervisor, Operations Bookkeeping, Manager of the Electronic Banking Department and as an Internal Auditor.  Debbie’s current position is Senior Loan Origination Specialist where she is responsible for loan review, loan qualifications and provides support functions related to loan account maintenance, research and assisting customers with questions about their loans.

Throughout Debbie’s tenure with the bank, she completed several banking courses with Markland Bankers Association, Dale Carnegie courses and numerous banking seminars related to her position.

“Debbie has years of banking experience and problem solving with a true understanding of the importance of accuracy and how it impacts the bank.  She has a positive attitude and enjoys helping others understand all sides of an issue making her an asset to our team,” says Jamie Dulin, Senior Loan Operations Officer.

Ms. Davis resides in East New Market, MD with her husband PJ and has a stepson, Troy and a granddaughter Addie. She enjoys traveling gardening and spending time with her family.

For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com