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Easton Utilities Awarded $13 Million for Rural Broadband

August 1, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that Easton Utilities was awarded $13.1 million in grant funding to extend broadband to significant portions of Talbot County with insufficient service.

“The benefits of this project will be immeasurable to Talbot County and the positive impacts will last a lifetime,” said Hugh E. Grunden, President and CEO of Easton Utilities.

The total project will cost $17.5 million and will cover 122 square miles, reaching up to 3,447 households and 144 farms, plus several additional facilities located within the geographic footprint. The proven financial model will be comprised of investments from the USDA, Easton Utilities, the Talbot County Council, the State of Maryland, and customers.

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, will design, construct, own, operate, and maintain the fiber-to-the-premises broadband infrastructure. The construction schedule with the location sequence and an estimated timeline is currently under development.

“It is essential to have a true partnership between all involved in the success of this project, including the end user,” stated Talbot County Council President Corey W. Pack. “From start to finish, the entire application process was handled with precision and thorough attention to detail, with participation from many levels of all organizations involved.”

The five-year project, ‘Connect Talbot’, will be implemented under the leadership of John J. Horner, Easton Utilities’ Chief Operating Officer, and construction will begin in 2021. Horner was instrumental in the application process coordinating and working with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Rural Broadband, Talbot County, CTC Technology and Energy, and CCI Systems.

In April 2020, the USDA opened the second round of funding for the Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) totaling $1.57 billion. In a unique partnership, Easton Utilities, Talbot County, and the State of Maryland submitted an application to secure a portion of this USDA grant funding for the Talbot County broadband project. Proof of financial and operational sustainability of the project was key to a successful grant application.

In 2017, the Maryland General Assembly established the Task Force on Rural Internet, Broadband, Wireless and Cellular Service to help address broadband inequities on the Eastern Shore and in other rural areas. Governor Larry Hogan tasked the group to identify redundancies, gaps in service and funding options for increasing rural broadband in the state. Grunden was appointed to this Task Force where he shared knowledge with the team based on his experience leading a rural utility and telecommunications provider.

“We look forward to successfully executing this project to help drive economic prosperity and improve numerous quality of life issues including employment, healthcare, education and social connections,” added Grunden.

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. 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.

Please visit www.EastonVelocity.com/ConnectTalbot or call 410-690-4605 to learn more.

Qlarant Internship Program Nets New Talent

August 1, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Qlarant, one of the top program integrity and quality companies in the nation, has successfully completed their 8-week summer internship program despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now entering its 47th year, Qlarant hosted eight college interns for the paid, multi-week program utilizing its coast-to-coast network of offices. Under the guidance and coordination of George Moye, SHRM-CP, Qlarant was quickly able to readjust from a planned on-site program to a fully remote program. In the work-from-home environment, each of the program participants were able to successfully complete their internship virtually and contribute to their respective assigned areas.

“I was worried with the ongoing pandemic that my internship would not be as productive as I wanted,” says intern Beka Modebadze. “Qlarant adapted to the adversity and provided the most valuable professional experience to me and to the other interns.”

“I can’t express how pleasantly surprised I was to learn that the program was a ‘go’ despite the pandemic”, said Ellen Evans, Qlarant Director of Sales. “Clearly, our HR team did an excellent job of onboarding the interns because they stepped right in an added value from Day 1.”

Despite the additional work created by the pandemic, the program grew over the previous years’ opportunities from two to eight available internships. Also growing this year was the number of interns that will be staying on as full time associates.

“In 2019, we were able to hire two of our interns coming out of the program,” said George Moye. “This year we broke that record and will be hiring three recent college graduates to stay on and continue to add value to the company.”

Partial funding for the program came from the Maryland Technology Internship Program, which focuses on STEM majors and career paths. Internships in areas such as Data Science and Data Analysis are key to Qlarant’s products and services. Other internships centered on fraud investigations, business development, sales, and corporate training. Each intern received special onboarding training, met with Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr., and was assigned a mentor to guide them, build their skills, and reach educational goals.

“As a mentor, the process to bring on the interns was seamless”, said Zehra Zaidi, Qlarant Director of Product Management. “They were not only engaged with their project work, but had the opportunity to network virtually with their peers on a weekly basis and had the opportunity to display their skills, leading some to full time offers at Qlarant.”

Qlarant will begin recruiting for the 2021 internship program in late 2020 with the goal of continuing the success and growth seen this summer.

About Qlarant:

Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse—improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Solutions are customized for state, federal, and commercial agencies across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $5.5 Million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people nationally and has a 45-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the nation’s most important programs.

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Cassandra Guy Celebrates 25 Years with Shore United Bank

July 17, 2020 by Spy Desk

Cassandra Guy

Shore United Bank is excited to congratulate Cassandra (Cassie) A. Guy on 25 years of service to the Company. Cassie started her career with the Bank in June of 1995 as a consumer loan officer at our Commerce St., Centreville, MD branch. She has also held positions such as, commercial lender and branch manager during her time with the Bank. Ms. Guy is currently a Vice President of Shore United Bank, and our Compliance Officer.

Cassie has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Mary Washington. She also attended Maryland Bankers School and graduated with Honors. She volunteers to help with the local fairs in Talbot and Queen Anne’s County, in local schools for Teach Children to Save initiatives, at the His Hope Haven homeless shelter and Saints Peter and Paul Church. Cassie helps raise money for equipment for the UM Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown, MD through their Claws for a Cause annual event. She is a past co-chairperson of the Claws for a Cause event, and a past secretary for the Queen Anne’s County Fair.

“Cassie is an experienced banker who is actively engaged in our community and a dedicated member of the Shore United Bank team! She uses her knowledge and experience to guide us through the complicated web of regulatory compliance matters,” says Donna Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Shore United Bank.

Cassie resides in Cordova, MD with her husband, Robert Guy. She has three children, Brandy, Brandon and Christopher. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and going to the beach.

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

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Caroline County Awards First COVID19 Small Business/Emergency Relief Grants

June 19, 2020 by Spy Desk

On June 1, 2020 the County Commissioners and Economic Development announced $2.2 M in federal grant funding available for small businesses with disrupted operations due to COVID-19. In just 10 days, 37 applications have been received and $144,000.00 awarded during the first round of grant funding.

“It was very important to the Commissioners and Economic Development to get the grants processed and into the hands of the businesses as soon as possible” said Debbie Bowden, Director of Economic Development. “Our team worked tirelessly to process the applications as quickly as possible and get funds to the businesses that need support to protect them from further economic injury.”

L-R: Chris Dorr, Small Business Navigator, Caroline Economic Development, Nick Wake, Owner, Tenchi’ Gelin Wake, Owner, Tenchi’ Larry Porter, President, Caroline County Commissioners; and Debbie Bowden, Director, Economic Development.

Trenton Pipe Nipple Company in Federalsburg was one of the first businesses to apply and receive the funding. Since 1911, they have been serving the plumbing, industrial pipe, valve and fitting, irrigation supply, pipe and metal distribution, pool supply and pump supply industries and OEMs with custom fabrication. Over the years, Trenton Pipe Nipple Company has become one of the largest and most respected brass nipple manufacturers and master distributors of fittings and pipe in the United States. Stephen Holloway, Sr., President stated: “Our company has faced three very challenging months and as our economy starts to open up, we are seeing signs of some positive movement. Programs like the federal governments PPP loan and Caroline County’s small business relief grant have made a tremendous difference in assisting our company through this most difficult period.”

Front, L-R: Stephen Holloway Sr., President, Trenton Pipe, and Song Chang, Comptroller for Trenton Pipe. Back, L-R: Larry Porter, Pres., Caroline County Commissioners; Dan Franklin, VP, Caroline County Commissioners; Debbie Bowden, Director, Caroline Economic Devt. and Chris Dorr, Small Business Navigator, Caroline Economic Devt.

The Market Street Pub in Denton has been a constant presence in the downtown since 2008. Brian Tyler, Owner of the Pub said, “When COVID-19 began we had to shut our doors and lay off 16 employees. Carry out and outside dining has been a help to our bottom line, but we want to get back to our full service. This grant money is instrumental in our rebuilding process.”

Nick Wake and his wife Gelin opened their dream business, Tenchi Spanish American Kitchen in Greensboro in 2017. They have been invested in the community and downtown main street since day one. Nick Wake said, “On March 16^th our life, our business and our employee’s life changed. We have continued to try to serve our community as best we can under the new circumstances, but it has been a challenge. Receiving these grant dollars helps us financially to get back to doing what we love. We are grateful for the support.”

L-R: Debbie Bowden, Director, Caroline Economic Development; Brian Tyler, Owner, Market Street Public House; Larry Porter, President, Caroline County Commissioners and Chris Dorr, Small Business Navigator, Caroline Economic Development.

President Larry Porter, spoke on behalf of the Commissioners, “I want to thank our Economic Development and Finance teams for their herculean effort to get this program up and going so quickly. It was our pleasure to be able to award funds to the first recipients. We look forward to continuing to provide funds to keep our businesses and our county Caroline strong.”

Caroline County has a variety of businesses that have been impacted in some way by COVID19. These grants are intended to provide interim relief complementing actions with bank, business interruption insurance and financial partners. Grants awarded can be up to $20,000 and used to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expense, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of operations. The grants are is intended to fill the gaps for those who did not qualify for federal assistance. Per Federal guidelines, if your business has received any Federal COVID-19 assistance you are not eligible for these grants.

Additional grant information is available at www.carolinebusiness.com Round two applications will open at 10:00 a.m. on June 29, 2020.

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Qlarant Provides Funds to Charitable Organizations to Transform Healthcare

June 12, 2020 by Spy Desk

Qlarant Foundation, the mission arm of Qlarant, recently awarded grants totaling $340,000 to 16 organizations in Maryland and Washington, DC supporting local healthcare-related quality improvement efforts.

Applications from 77 highly qualified organizations were reviewed. Sixteen organizations were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. “These projects cover a large geographic area and address a wide range of medical and social issues,” said Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian, Chair of the Qlarant Foundation Board of Directors. “The efforts of these organizations greatly improve the lives of our most vulnerable populations.” Dr. Catherine Smoot-Haselnus, Chair of the Qlarant Board of Directors said, “Once again, it was very difficult to choose from such a highly qualified pool of applicants, especially given the impact of COVID 19 that has intensified the needs of these organizations. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support initiatives that improve the health of individuals and communities.”

We know the 2020-21 grantees are looking forward to getting acquainted and sharing information about their programs. In recognition of the need for social distancing, we are planning a “virtual” reception on July 15^th.

Qlarant Foundation funded the following programs for 2020-21:

Bay Hundred Community Volunteers – Implement a program to build modular wheelchair ramps for Talbot County residents with functional disabilities.

Breast Care for Washington, DC – Increase access to mammography screenings for women at a fixed site as well as in the mobile mammography unit regardless of their ability to pay.

Calvary Women’s Services – Expansion of the Holistic Health Program to educate women on physical and mental health issues.

Camp Attaway, Inc. – Operation of a Therapeutic Summer Program to assist at-risk children manage their emotions and behaviors as well as teach parents skills to manage these behaviors.

Deep Roots, Inc. – Surviving to Thriving, a comprehensive employment program designed to make families self-sufficient with the ability to move back into the community.

Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Inc. – A Community Health Outreach Workers Program in Caroline and Dorchester counties designed to improve health care access and health status for marginalized and underserved residents.

Girls in the Game – After School Program in Baltimore City for elementary and middle school girls addressing such issues as health, body image, bullying, personal safety and diversity.

Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health, Inc. – Expansion of Project H.O.P.E. (Holistic Opportunities for Prevention and Education) across the Delmarva Peninsula. The program focuses on providing critical assistance to moms and their children needed to address trauma, mental illness and addiction.

Helping Up Mission, Inc. – Access to Health Insurance Services and Oral Health Care Program for men and women experiencing substance use disorders, poverty and homelessness in Baltimore City.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono – Child Advocacy Program provides free legal representation for families and caregivers to ensure protection of children who are impacted by the opioid crisis.

Miriam’s Kitchen – Social Service Program provides nutritious meals in a dining room setting for the homeless, with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers and lawyers on hand to break down barriers and improve access to care.

Shepherd’s Clinic, Inc. – Primary Care Opioid Treatment Program in Baltimore City provides psychotherapy services, case management resources and psychoeducation sessions to uninsured residents.

Talbot County Empty Bowls – An independent, totally volunteer grassroots organization whose fund raising efforts provide support to ten food pantries in Talbot County.

Ulman Foundation – Residential program for adolescent and young adult cancer patients and caregivers at the Ulman House, which reduces the financial burden of these patients and allows them greater access to high quality care.

University Legal Services, Inc. – Jail and Prison Advocacy Project advocates for access to health care, mental health care, and comprehensive reentry support for District of Columbia adults with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders who have been recently incarcerated in DC and in Federal Bureau of Prison facilities.

University of Maryland Medical System Foundation, Inc. – Received the annual Goldgeier Award for the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital Breathmobile Program, which provides free treatment and specialty based preventive care to underserved children with asthma in Baltimore City.

About Qlarant Foundation

Qlarant Foundation, the mission arm of Qlarant, is a national not-for-profit organization that provides grants to charitable and not-for-profit organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia toward projects that help improve the healthcare and human services for individuals and communities. Since 2006, Qlarant Foundation has awarded grants totaling $5.6 million to 80 organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact Pat Boos boosp@qlarant.com

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Al Silverstein Announces Retirement from Talbot County Chamber of Commerce

June 11, 2020 by Talbot County Chamber of Commerce

Al Silverstein, President of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, is retiring at the end of 2020.

Al Silverstein, President and CEO of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, has announced his retirement at the end of 2020 after 20 years of service to the organization. According to Debbie Walsworth, Chair of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, for the remainder of 2020, Amy Kreiner, the Vice President of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to fulfill all day-to-day responsibilities of the Chamber, as Silverstein prepares for his official retirement.

Walsworth comments, “Under Al’s leadership and vision, the Chamber has grown to include more than 700 members and has provided meaningful services to the Talbot County business community. The Board of Directors wishes to thank Al for his many years of exemplary leadership. Al is known for his smile, warmth, and passion to better this community. He has worked tirelessly in his role as the President of the Chamber.”

“Amy has worked with Al for nearly two years, serving as Vice President. She is a seasoned Chamber professional, having previously served as the Executive Director of the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce, and is pursuing her Institute of Organization Management certification through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Board of Directors is fully engaged in this transition period and looks forward to partnering with Amy to continue bringing these resources and services to the business community, in this new and changing business environment.” she adds.

Under Silverstein’s leadership, the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce membership grew and its relationships with the business community, economic development, and tourism flourished. One of the most significant accomplishments of Silverstein was helping the Talbot County Public Schools to fund the One to One Laptop Initiative. He also helped to fund the popular Shore Leadership Program, which grew out of the Chesapeake Leadership Foundation, previously the Talbot Chamber’s Education Committee.

In 2005, Silverstein was instrumental in getting a grant from Verizon to bring two-way video conferencing, a multi-media center, and a minority resource room to the Chamber, making the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce the first chamber with this type of technology in the state. Through a recent grant through AT & T, the Chamber has established a Business After School Program, which hopes to get underway this fall.

He comments, “We have stayed abreast of the changing community needs and have listened to our members and provided the resources and educational opportunities they have needed. Over the years, several local nonprofits and businesses have called the Chamber office space their homes, including the Easton Economic Development Corporation, SCORE, and Chesapeake Film Festival. Our conference room has also been used heavily by our members.”

Some of the signature Chamber events established during Silverstein’s tenure include the Talbot County Chamber’s Golf Tournament, the Talbot County Economic Symposium, and the Talbot County Chamber Awards Program. He also helped to found the Young Professionals of Talbot County, a younger group of businesspeople who meet at lunchtime.

“The most rewarding thing has been helping people be successful in their businesses and helping people get connected to other people,” he adds.

Silverstein has held a variety of leadership positions in the community, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Talbot Family Network Board and President of the United Fund of Talbot County and Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc. He also has served on the Upper Shore Transportation Advisory Committee, the Mid-Shore Regional Council CEDS Committee, Maryland Capital Enterprises, and the Easton Rotary Club. For 18 years, he also served on the Legislative Committee of the State Chamber of Commerce Board, as well as President of the Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. In 2009, he was named the Maryland Chamber Executive of the Year. In 2015, Silverstein was elected to the Easton Town Council.

Silverstein reflects, “Talbot County is unique as a rural county. We have an abundance of talent willing to give back to this community – the volunteers and the resources continue to make it a much better county and a great place to live.”

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Shore United Bank Helps Local Businesses Secure Funding During COVID-19

May 30, 2020 by Spy Desk

When COVID-19 brought unprecedented change to our economy in early March, small business owners were immediately worried about what it could mean for the financial stability and future of their businesses. As an approved Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, Shore United Bank immediately developed a process to make Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans available to small businesses in our communities. To-date we have approved more than 1,300 PPP loan applications and funded over $121 million dollars to provide support to our local businesses during these unprecedented times.

Scott Beatty, President and CEO of Shore United Bank said, “Our outstanding team worked tirelessly to assist our small business customers who applied for PPP loans. As a local community bank, we are committed to supporting our customers, families and communities.”

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

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St. Michaels Banner Program A Community Effort

May 21, 2020 by St. Michaels Art League

While much of life is still not back to normal, one cheering tradition in St. Michaels still carries on.

“Harbor View” Kevin Snelling

When the banners fly on Talbot Street, normally it’s one of the first signs that the St. Michaels community will soon be entering the full swing of summer recreation that brings thousands of tourists to this charming harbor town. From one end of Talbot Street to the other, colorful banners delight visitors and residents with depictions of iconic boating scenes, crabs, local wildlife, and all the summer fun for which St. Michaels is so well known. This year, at least for now, there may be fewer crowds as the town slowly reopens, but the banners are up for all to see.

This annual event, now in its twelfth year, is made possible through the support of many individuals, businesses, and organizations. The banner artwork is created by members of the St. Michaels Art League (SMAL), but that is just the beginning.

The collaboration kicks off early in Winter as SMAL artists create paintings in various media in the required banner format. Then the painted images go into production. Kevin Snelling, proprietor of Creative XPressions scans the paintings and sends them to Sharper Graphics, located in Easton, where Bob Porter produces the banners. Price’s Yacht Canvas Shop in St. Michaels then sews the banners back to back, readying them for hanging on Talbot utility poles. Finally, Curtis Short and his crew from Choptank Electric Cooperative hang the colorful banners in April, just as springtime emerges from the cold and wind.

Kevin Snelling, at Creative XPressions in St. Michaels continues his support of SMAL artists by offering poster versions in his Talbot street shop. Tourists and art patrons can purchase dramatic art pieces for modest prices. A portion of sales is returned to the artist and the Art League. Many of the images are the products of award-winning artists.

In normal times, the league displays the original artwork from which the banner images are created at the Talbot County Free Library in St. Michaels and awards are presented for best graphic image and best fine art, however, this year the event is on hold until the library reopens. In lieu of the library event, you can view the banners on the SMAL website, smartleague.org.

The Talbot County Arts Council with funds provided by the Maryland State Arts Council assist with partial funding for many of the League’s community-oriented events including the banners. Support from the Councils also help Students from local schools participate in the Banner program. This year’s grant covered the cost to produce three banners from AP art students at St. Michaels Middle High School. Under the tutelage of their teacher Bridget Whited, artwork by Georgia Kline, Elizabeth Scharch, and Kaila Regan is featured along with SMAL artists.

While the Art League’s mission is to enhance the appreciation of art and members’ artistic professionalism, the town continues to benefit from the economic promotion that a lively arts scene engenders.

The banners are taken down in November, just a few short months before the process begins anew.

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Queenstown Premium Outlets Reopens and Launches Community Support Program

May 16, 2020 by Spy Desk

Queenstown Premium Outlets today announced that it will reopen May 16. As part of the reopening process, the property published its comprehensive COVID-19 Exposure Control Policy, developed in conjunction with a team of leading experts in the fields of Epidemiology and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), in order to deliver an elevated set of safety standards at the property.

Queenstown Premium Outlets’ enhanced safety protocols have been communicated to all tenants, who are expected to adhere to the same rigorous policies in their tenant spaces. Additionally, the property has joined forces with local non-profits to support initiatives aimed at assisting those in the community experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

“The health, safety and well-being of the community we serve will always be our highest priority, and we have developed a thorough and detailed set of protocols highlighting the exceptional measures we’ve implemented for shoppers, retailers and employees as we reopen,” said Lara Howlett, General Manager at Queenstown Premium Outlets. “We also recognize that individuals and families in our community are suffering significant hardship as a result of both COVID-19 and the economic shutdown, and we believe that reopening our property will not only help people get back to work during these challenging times, but also enable us to use our property to further support charitable initiatives.”

Health & Safety

The property management team rigorously analyzed all aspects of the shopping experience and designed a complete set of safety protocols encompassing the following areas:

– Enhanced sanitization and disinfecting using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approved products with an emphasis on high-traffic locations such as dining areas, restrooms, escalators, stairs, directories, trash bins and door knobs.

– Shopper safeguards that include making available protective masks, sanitizing wipes and temperature testing at entrances or property offices, as well as the encouragement of pre-visit health screenings to ensure shoppers stay home if they have exhibited COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms within 72 hours.

– Hand sanitizing stations will be deployed throughout the property.

– Signage promoting CDC guidelines for maintaining personal hygiene will be prominently displayed throughout the property.

– Pre-emptive employee health screening to ensure that employees do not arrive at work within 72 hours of exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.

– Employee safety protections including implementing the CDC’s COVID-19 frequent hand-washing protocols, and offering personal protective equipment in addition to other CDC recommended practices.

– Promotion and enforcement of social distancing practices, including occupancy limitations, furniture and restroom spacing, closure of play areas and strollers, as well as coordinated traffic flow with traffic signage and distance markers.

Queenstown Premium Outlets closed on March 19 in order to address the spread of COVID-19. Reopening provides a much-needed economic boost to the local community impacted by COVID-19. Queenstown Premium Outlets is an important economic engine for the local community, providing more than 600 jobs and contributing $4.8 million of sales tax and $771,000 in property tax revenue to the State. These tax receipts fund essential services in communities, including education and infrastructure as well as health and safety services.

“Our property is an integral part of our community not only in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment, but also job creation, small business growth and community support. We look forward to once again serving the needs of our community, and do so in a safe and responsible manner,” said Ms. Howlett.

Queenstown Premium Outlets’ COVID-19 Exposure Control Policy can be viewed in its entirety at www.simon.com/covid19safetyprotocols.

In addition to reopening, Queenstown Premium Outlets has joined a national initiative to host food banks, clothing donations, COVID-19 mobile testing, and blood drives as part of an outreach to 1,300 health providers, government agencies and non-profits.

About Simon

Simon is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed- use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales.

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Chesapeake Bank and Trust Reports SBA PPP Lending Results

May 12, 2020 by Spy Desk

Chesapeake Bank and Trust is pleased to report that it assisted over 90 local businesses in obtaining loans through the Small Business Association’s Payroll Protection Program. The funds disbursed by Chesapeake to these businesses to help them retain their employees and maintain operations totaled just over $6 million. Despite the well-publicized frustrations with the SBA’s guidelines and their system to get these submitted, Chesapeake had a 100% approval rate for the PPP applications they received.

Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Chesapeake, said “Our team worked tirelessly to be sure that we helped all the local businesses that applied here for a PPP loan, given the financial uncertainties these businesses face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community bank stepped up to this challenge while many larger, non-local banks, did not.”

Chesapeake Bank and Trust Company is committed to providing area residents and business owners a full suite of financial products and an unparalleled level of individual service. For more information, visit www.chesapeaketrust.com or call 410-778-1600.

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