Frederick Business Quarterly - Summer 2025 by Pulse Publishing

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

A workforce is a company’s most valuable asset.

Empower your team to respond to an ever changing business environment with corporate training and professional development customized and delivered by Frederick Community College Business Solutions. Specialized training options include:

• Workplace Language Training: Spanish, ASL, ESL

• Leadership and Management Development

• Biotech Boot Camp

• Computer and Technical Upskilling

• Time Management & Business Communication

Strengthen your workforce with customized employee training that fits the exact needs and unique processes of your business.

Learn More:

frederick.edu/BusinessSolutions

Matt Lambert

Business Solutions Manager 240.629.7982

BusinessSolutions@frederick.edu

Frederick Community College (FCC) prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment. • Under the ADA and Section 504, FCC makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities for Collegesponsored events and programs. For FCC employees needing accommodations, including interpreting, please email humanresources@frederick.edu. • For students and others with accommodation needs or questions, please call 301.846.2408, or to request sign language interpreter services, please email interpreting@frederick.edu. Sign language interpreters will not be automatically provided for College-sponsored events without a request for services. Requests must be made at least five workdays before a scheduled event to guarantee accommodations. • If your request pertains to accessible transportation for a College-sponsored trip, please submit your request at least 21 calendar days in advance. Requests made less than 21 calendar days in advance may not be able to be guaranteed.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Dear Readers,

Frederick County's popularity as a "Must See and Visit" destination has soared over the last 25 years, picking up speed as each year passes. The Visit Frederick 2023-2024 Annual Report states that nearly 2 million visitors explored Frederick County and 20,317 visitors stopped at the Frederick Visitor Center in 2024. Visitors from far and not-so-far (at least 50 miles) have taken note of the increase in diverse retail, entertainment and lodging options that the county has to offer. They have packed their wanderlust, enthusiasm and discretionary income to come enjoy what the county has to offer. That growth is partly thanks to a variety of businesses that have leaned into the broad arms of the hospitality sector.

While hotels, restaurants, and craft breweries seem like obvious bastians of hospitality, retailers and corporate organizations do well to aim for a culture of hospitality as well. Diners, shoppers, employees and co-workers all enjoy the simple charms of basic hospitality.

In this issue we aim to highlight all the ways that hospitality has led to big business here in Frederick County. Whether it's a new hotel, an improved state park, or a retail business that has stood the test of time, the numbers don't lie. Frederick County businesses are growing, contributing and setting new goals as they collectively welcome everyone to be our guest.

12 S. Market Street, Suite 101 Frederick, MD 21701 p. 301-662-6050 | f. 301-662-5102 www.FrederickBusiness.com

Frederick Business is a quarterly publication of Pulse Publishing, LLC. Customer inquiries should be directed to Pulse Publishing, LLC. Manuscripts, drawings, photography, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The Frederick County Guide is not responsible for unsolicited material.

All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher. Frederick Business makes every effort to ensure accuracy of its resource listings, but does not hold responsibility for incorrect or missing information.

We wish to thank our advertisers for their continued support! Many thanks to the countless Frederick County residents and employees who offered their time and insight to add to the content of this issue. and the entire staff at Pulse Publishing

On the cover: Frederick City and County eagerly invite everyone to visit!

Cover features Carroll Creek at night (photo by C. Kurt Holter), Lavender fields at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery, in Thurmont, MD (photo courtesy of Springfield Manor) and istockphoto.com/Nerthuz

PUBLISHER

Donna S. Elbert donna@pulsepublishing.net

EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Melissa Howes-Vitek melissa@pulsepublishing.net

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Gabby Mongeau gabby@pulsepublishing.net

COPY EDITOR

Molly Fellin Spence molly@pulsepublishing.net

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ana Lazo Eastep

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trent Bell

Nicolas Castro

Moy Dumadag Photography

Susan O'Connor

C. Kurt Holter

Melissa Howes-Vitek

Michael Mason Studios

Molly Fellin Spence

Scott Suchman

Jennifer van Leeuwen

DISTRIBUTION distribution@pulsepublishing.net

CONTRIBUTORS

Shuan Butcher is a nonprofit professional, writer, and event planner. He previously served as the executive director of the Frederick Arts Council and has been a member of the City of Frederick’s Public Art Commission and the Visit Frederick board of directors.

Naomi Pearson is an accomplished journalist who began writing features and short articles for local magazines about people, activities, and community issues particular to Frederick County, shortly after moving to the area in 2009. She freelanced as a side hustle to her day job in her previous role as a technical writer and editor. She also was a Citizen Blogger ("Fresh in Frederick") for the Frederick News Post until the program was discontinued in 2017.

Chris Slattery is an avid storyteller who covered the arts and entertainment for The Gazette and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County’s CultureSpotMC and now writes for a variety of corporations and publications while procrastinating over several unfinished works of fiction.

Molly Fellin Spence is an accomplished writer and editor with more than two decades of experience in the world of journalism. She’s worked with a variety of print and digital publications in the Mid-Atlantic region creating and honing compelling content to engage readers. A native Pennsylvanian, she has called Frederick, Maryland, home since 2002.

Tara Wegdam is a business owner, female founder, wife, mother and avid tennis player. Having retail in her blood, Wegdam has combined her love of the Mediterranean with her Southern Hospitality roots to now celebrate a 25year journey growing Crème de la Crème, into a beloved community-driven brand which now boasts 5 locations in Maryland and Virginia, which includes their Downtown Frederick boutique.

by Susan

Photo

O'Connor

LEADERS WHO LEARN...

Where do executives and small business owners go to tune into the latest trends and cultivate inspiration? We asked a few of our contributors for their top picks in print and podcasts.

PRO READS

Hug Your Customers

By Jack Mitchell

“Hug Your Customers” is a book I read more than 20 years ago, early in my career in retail/customer service. It was incredibly helpful to me and reinforced the values that my parents and grandparents had always followed and shared with me.

In the book, Jack Mitchell lays a foundation for how to treat one of the most important stakeholders in your business, your customers. At times the business world can feel “cold” and can get the reputation of profits over people. Well, what is more warm and fuzzy than a hug? Metaphorically hugging your customers speaks to a number of things that are at the core in our customer service values at Colonial Jewelers.

It means meeting your customers where they are in their expectations. Mitchell encourages the reader to change your mentality to: “The customer may not always be right, but they are always the customer.” That shift in mentality takes you from being oppositional with a customer when they seem wrong or unreasonable and reminds you that without your customers your business simply cannot exist.

I believe that our entire goal in business should be to serve our customers and deliver a product or a service that exceeds their expectations.

A “hug” may mean different things to different customers. For some it

means remembering their favorite hobby and taking time to ask about it. For others it would be a home delivery if they are unable to make it to your place of business.

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to phenomenal customer service. To really be memorable and special, it needs to be tailored to the person you are serving.

No matter what the personalized “hug” may be, all customers love to be in a place where it is a welcoming environment and the No. 1 way to achieve that is to hire the right staff who have that mentality to their core and can instinctively treat people the right way because it is in their nature to do so.

Hiring properly is the first step. The next is to “Hug Your People,” the name of Mitchell’s excellent follow-up

book, which talks about finding and retaining the dream team that can follow your vision.

All of this leads to the goal of helping the customer feel hugged when they experience your company.

Sarah Hurwitz Robey is a Frederick native and proud to be the fourth generation owner of Colonial Jewelers, celebrating 78 years in Frederick. Colonial Jewelers specializes in hand-selected diamonds, engagement and wedding rings, diamond and colored stone jewelry and watches, as well as estate jewelry and custom design.

Do you have a book, podcast or app that you've found helpful and/or inspirational to your life and career?

We'd love to read your review! Submit your thoughts and ideas to Melissa@pulsepublishing.net

Main Street MIDDLETOWN From Small Seeds

Things Grow

Main Street Middletown is more than beautiful views. Our Main Street is full of businesses that started small, but have grown to serve generations of families, reach clients throughout the nation, and even world-wide! Our vibrant downtown is populated with niche businesses, services, retail, and healthcare.

Main Street Middletown works to revitalize, preserve, promote, and support our fascinating downtown area by strategically marketing our community, highlighting our businesses, our agricultural heritage and history, and one-of-a-kind experiences that can be found only in Middletown, Maryland.

For more information visit mainstreetmiddletown.org

Tourism in Frederick County Breaks Records with $539 Million in Visitor Spending

By Jake Wynn

Tourism in Frederick County is breaking records In 2023, visitors spent an all-time high of $539 million, fueling a tourism economy that blends centuriesold history with a thriving cultural and culinary scene. This data comes from the latest report published by Visit Frederick, the official destination marketing organization for the county.

More than 1.98 million visitors explored Frederick County last year - from hiking trails on Catoctin Mountain to strolling the historic streets of Downtown Frederick. The region maintained 92% of its pre-pandemic visitation levels, a sign of resilience and long-term appeal. A notable rise in overnight stays also pushed hotel rental tax revenues past $61 million, setting another record.

At the core of this success is a tourism strategy focused not just on advertising, but on investing in the visitor experience. Visit Frederick’s Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion and Product (TRIPP) Program awarded more than $300,000 in grants to local attractions, nonprofits, and heritage sites - from exhibit upgrades at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to harp concerts presented by the GreenSpring Foundation.

Frederick County’s Main Street communities also saw strong support. More than $315,000 was distributed to Downtown Frederick, New Market, Brunswick, Middletown, and Thurmont to sustain their growth as both local hubs and tourism destinations. Meanwhile, Destination Development funding - totaling $345,000 in FY24 - helped restore public art like the Edge of Gravity mural and support signature events like the National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race.

Together, these three programs - TRIPP, the Main Streets Cooperative, and Destination Development - will surpass $8 million in grants distributed since the creation of the Frederick County hotel tax in 2003.

What makes this model work is collaboration. Local governments, small businesses, nonprofits, and Visit Frederick share a recognition that tourism is a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and community identity. This united approach has helped sustain momentum and build resilience year after year.

Visit Frederick strongly believes that Frederick County’s success story as a visitor destination is seen through restored murals, thriving downtowns, and the sense of place that keeps people coming back.

As the region looks ahead, Visit Frederick’s focus remains clear: to continue investing in the people, places, and partnerships that make this destination unforgettable. Tourism here means a shared commitment to growth, culture, and community.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Team Building: Professional, Fun and Inclusive

By Naomi Pearson

The 17th century adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” rings just as true now as it did almost 400 years ago. Even back in 1659, people knew how important it is to take a break from work to have some fun!

Studies have shown that work-life balance is vital to employee satisfaction and productivity, but it’s not just that companies need to make sure their employees’ work hours are reasonable without bleeding into their home lives. It can also be providing an opportunity to relax and socialize with coworkers during the workday or at a special event.

Ideally, according to Fast Company, the point is to create “conditions that enable people to unlock their potential and perform at the highest possible level, which is, of course, not possible if they are bored, alienated, or stressed.”

Not only can they relieve stress, but some activities can increase employee engagement, make the work environment more pleasant, build trust and camaraderie among employees, bring teams closer, and help them work better together.

“We want everyone to be comfortable around each other and to talk to each other,” says Luke Markey, co-owner of ShieldCo Art. “It's important knowing we can trust each other, talk, and support each other.”

One thing businesses should avoid is planning events and activities just to be able to claim a fun environment.

Local staffing company, iHire, warns on its blog: “Some companies host regular parties for birthdays, holidays, and more, that unfortunately fall flat and feel just as mundane as the rest of the workday. Creating events and mid-workday parties that focus more on showing appreciation for the employees themselves will help you improve your company culture.”

Photos courtesy of Tree Trekkers

Team Tips

Great teams don’t just happen — they’re built. And yet 68% of employees HATE mandatory social activities. So how can employers and managers encourage stronger collaboration, inspire creative thinking, and motivate without alienating over half their team?

Team bonding isn’t just about fun and games—it’s about building trust, improving communication, and boosting morale. Strong teams are more productive and engaged, while enjoying higher morale and job satisfaction.

DO:

1. Set Clear Objectives: Define your event's purpose and desired outcomes.

2. Understand Your Team: Tailor the event content and format to resonate with the target attendees.

3. Keep Boundaries: Respect your team's personal time, plan events/ workshops during business hours as much as possible and make it clear if the event is mandatory.

DON'T:

1. Ignore Attendee Experience: (Remember the 68% haters?) Failing to consider things like accessibility, comfort, or engagement can lead to negative feedback.

2. Overcomplicate the Program: A busy or overly complex schedule can overwhelm your team and lead to poor results.

3. Include adult beverages: These events are work centric and introducing alcohol will affect the authenticity of the experience and may actually be uncomfortable for those avoiding alcohol for personal reasons.

Not all team-building styles fit every team. Team building isn’t about big, loud, flashy events. It’s about small, meaningful connections and habits.

If you want stronger teams, build a culture where people feel safe, heard, and supported — every day.

Taking time to get the team’s input on what they find genuinely enjoyable can aid in developing something purposeful and meaningful to the employees.

Also, organizational values and culture factor into creating recreational events. Some teams’ definition of fun may be giving back to the community, so companysponsored or facilitated volunteer activities, such as serving at a food kitchen, charity walks, clearing trails at a local park, or manning an ice cream stand as a group at a community event may be just up their alley.

Outdoor activities, such as ropes courses, zip lines, and picnics, are popular among businesses and organizations in Frederick County, according to Ashley Schweinhart, site and marketing manager for TreeTrekkers.

Some companies book time at the venue for family-friendly staff picnics; and some schedule team-building events.

“The experience itself encourages person to person communication and provides things to talk about later,” says Schweinhart.

Similarly, River and Trail Outfitters provides both facilitated team-building and recreational opportunities with river tubing and rafting, bike scavenger hunts, and more.

Another option is cheering on the Frederick Flying Cows basketball team or Frederick Keys baseball as a group.

Managers should consider their team members as individuals: inclusivity is not just a buzzword. What may work for some people, may not for others, so it is important to have a variety of activities to include as many employees as possible.

After all, if some team members end up excluded because their abilities or disabilities are not taken into account, morale boosting, team building, or team bonding efforts will not have the desired result.

“Consider the employee’s abilities and supports,” urges Sean Lore, director of the Scott Key Center, which has a program to help individuals with disabilities integrate into the local workforce.

A deaf employee may need an interpreter, another may need a service dog, someone else may need the activity explained or described in different words for their understanding, as just a few examples.

Managers should consider their team members as individuals: inclusivity is not just a buzzword; what may work for some people, may not for others, so it is important to have a variety of activities to include as many employees as possible.

When planning events and activities, companies should ask, “Can it be adapted for those with physical, intellectual, or other disabilities?” says Lore.

“Not all disabilities are visible,” notes Lore. “Some people may not do well in large groups, some do better with individuals.”

He encourages businesses to be open to different ways to accomplish their goals with their activities.

Relatedly, some people may prefer to keep their home and work life and hours separate. In those cases, enjoyable activities during the workday, or specifically geared toward improved workplace interaction may be better than a weekend company picnic or laser tag adventure with coworkers.

Depending on the environment, either in the office or a breakroom, perhaps some

quick-to-play games like Boggle, Uno, checkers and Connect Four, or games that can be played a little at a time over the course of a day, such as chess or Jenga, could provide some onsite recreation. Likewise, lunchtime trivia games may offer an entertaining break. A catered lunch (because everyone enjoys free food), complete with callouts of employee appreciation can also be a morale booster.

Even something as simple as themed days, like sports teams, holidays, or a designated color expressed in clothes and accessories, or as ShieldCo sometimes does, a quick paper airplane contest can provide an easy, inexpensive, and light-hearted way for everyone to participate in a creative shared activity without disruption to the workday.

Well-managed activities can go a long way in increasing employee engagement

– “the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace,” according to Gallup – building camaraderie, relieving what some may feel is the drudgery of the day, or just lightening the mood.

Opportunities abound for providing employees some fun, entertainment, recreation, or bonding activities either at work or away from the office.

Indoor facilities could include the four escape rooms in Downtown Frederick. Escape This offers a pair of identical escape rooms perfect for head-to-head team competition, while its sister establishment, Level Up VR, provides a virtual reality escape room and games.

Well-managed activities can go a long way in increasing employee engagement, building camaraderie, relieving what some may feel is the drudgery of the day, or just lightening the mood.

The other two, SurelockedIn and ClueIQ, can also bring the escape room experience to a company’s chosen location. Not only can these be fun, they also provide an opportunity for co-workers to collaborate and brainstorm in a low-stakes arena, building rapport that could translate back into the workplace.

Another unique venue is C and C (Crash and Catharsis) Rage Factory, where employees can let loose or blow off steam by breaking things or screaming to their heart’s content! Crystal Williams-Palmer, the self-styled “enraged owner,” says a lot of local businesses schedule sessions there; one even booked a whole week of time for their employees. There is a live feed in each activity room both for safety and

entertainment. Williams says, “It’s a really good way to help people understand each other, to sometimes see another side to a co-worker and discover things in common,” such as a shared love for metal music.

Something more relaxing and creative, perfect for smaller groups could include a “Pottery, Canvas, Glass Party” at Hot Fired Arts (for up to 18 people), candle pouring at LiveYoungCandles (for up to 24 people), or a session at nearby AR Workshop, where groups of up to 40 people can create their own home decor.

Additionally, one of the bonuses of booking fun events and activities at nearby venues, is that it supports other local businesses in the Frederick community!

The possibilities are endless. 3

For more information

Frederick Flying Cows

goflyingcows.com

F facebook.com/GoFlyingCows

d @ goflyingcows

Frederick Keys

mlbdraftleague.com/frederick

F facebook.com/FrederickKeys

d @frederickkeys

River and Trail Outfitters

rivertrail.com

F facebook.com/RiverTrailOutfitters

d @riverandtrailoutfitters

TreeTrekkers

treetrekkersmd.com

F facebook.com/TreeTrekkers

d @ tree_trekkers

Escape This escapethisfrederick.com

F facebook.com/escapethisfrederick

d @escapethisfrederick

Level Up VR lvlupvr.com

F facebook.com/people/ Lvlupvr/61560132399524/ d @lvlupvr

SurelockedIn Escape Games surelockedin.com

F facebook.com/surelockedin

d @surelockedinescape

ClueIQ clueiq.com

F facebook.com/clueiq

d @clue_iq

C and C (Crash and Catharsis)

Rage Factory ccragefactory.com

F facebook.com/CCRageFactory

d @ccragefactory

Hot Fired Arts hotfiredarts.com

F facebook.com/Hotfiredarts

d @HotFiredArts

LiveYoungCandle Co.

LiveYoungCandles.com

F facebook.com/liveyoungcandles

d @liveyoungcandle

ShieldCo Art shieldcoart.com

F facebook.com/shieldcoart

d @shieldcoart

Scott Key Center scottkeycenter.org

F facebook.com/ScottKeyCenter

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Beauty can save the world, one lovely linen at a time

by Tara Wegdam

When I first imagined Crème de la Crème 25 years ago I knew that I wanted to build a space that could feel like walking into a special world, one where our customers would instinctively slow down to gaze, to touch, to smell.

In short, it would be a place where customers, our guests, could sense a kind of transcendent beauty in the space — a place that could feel distinct from the world outside.

Outside the doors of Crème de la Crème, the world is marked by speed, efficiency, profit, and turnover. I knew I wanted to create a refuge for those seeking escape from that world.

My fascination with French culture began as a little girl. I have fond memories of spending summers traveling through France, sensing the richness in the culture of the French countryside. It’s an experience unlike any other — lavender fields, church bells, open air markets, cicadas proudly hanging from the front entrances of Provençal stone homes, linen drapes framing beautifully ornate wrought iron windows, tablecloths adorned with quintessentially French prints, pots of fresh herbs eager to season a generations-old recipe of savory stew simmering over a large gas stove, and skirted kitchen cabinets hiding stacks of seasoned cast iron pans.

French culture shaped me in ways that I perhaps did not quite realize then. Even as a young girl, it revealed to me the value of everyday beauty. I think there is an “ordinary” kind of beauty that often goes unnoticed. It is this kind of beauty that matters most in our homes. This everyday beauty is expressed in how we cook, how we set the table, how we fluff our pillows, how we garden. I consider myself beyond fortunate that my mother cultivated this kind of beauty in our home while I was growing up; it is the kind of beauty that in no small way shaped me, and so I have made it my life’s business to share this kind

Beauty has a capacity, or a force, to expand, to enrich our humanity. The experience of beauty is, fundamentally, a very human experience.

of beauty with my family, and, for 25 years now, with all Crème de la Crème’s guests.

The Crème de la Crème brand aspires to cultivate “ordinary beauty” both in our stores and in our customers’ homes. I perceive that today the character of beauty has lost its splendor. Beauty, for many, lies in the “eyes of the beholder.” But, I want to push back on this. If everything is beautiful, then nothing is beautiful. Beauty has a capacity, or a force, to expand, to enrich our humanity. The experience of beauty is, fundamentally, a very human experience.

There is an important social dimension to the mission of Crème de la Crème — we want to lean on beauty to cultivate moments of human connection, of hospitality.

My aesthetic vision was shaped largely by the cultural, geographic, and domestic landscapes of France. And the roots of my longing for human connection spring from my home state, Tennessee.

Growing up in Nashville, a sense of community permeated our neighborhoods. Southern hospitality was at the heart of my upbringing, and I’ve come to realize that it has profoundly stuck with me. Southern hospitality is marked by a collective of simple beauties: the cordial “yes, sir” or “yes, ma’am”; a firm handshake; a long exchange with a complete stranger; the warm embrace of your friend’s mom; porch rockers; peach crisp in the summer; and country music. Growing up in the South, human connection was not a chore, it was a longing. Perhaps more than that, it was our raison d'être.

When my husband, Ben, and I opened our first store in Holland, “the French Shoppe,” a tiny store filled with provincial fabrics and French pottery, we very quickly became a destination, offering something that the marketplaces were lacking: an eye for simple beauty and genuine human interaction.

In April 2000 we opened the doors to our first store in Middleburg, Virginia and it was then that our vision came fully to life. This was no easy feat! Our storefront was built through the heartfelt support of our neighbors and friends, and to us, it stands as a true reflection of Southern hospitality at its finest. Today, 25 years later, we are blessed that Crème de la Crème has five iconic locations throughout Virginia and Maryland.

When they walk into any of our stores today, my hope is our customers will experience the sublimity of beauty and

I am grateful to our loyal customers because they confirm that there is an immeasurable value to beauty and hospitality in the retail industry.

hospitality. Our guests are greeted warmly by our friendly staff and invited to peruse the store, where our carefully selected French and Italian merchandise is artfully displayed. Our guests may be drawn to the simple beauty of a brooch, perhaps recalling the memory of a grandmother whose scent is still fresh in their heart. A delicate bouquet of dried wild lavender is certain to arrest the senses of the child who tugs behind his mother, marveling at the colors, shapes, and textures. I envision two guests connecting over a hand-carved wooden bowl, sharing the sentiment, “you just can’t find this anywhere else.”

I am proud of what Crème de la Crème has become — thanks to our incredible team, whose warmth brings the guest experience to life, but most of all, to the artisans whose craftsmanship behind our products makes this entire dream possible. It is a joy to offer everyone who comes through our doors a glimpse of a world where beauty is not lost, but stands firm on the belief that hospitality is a genuine expression of our humanity. I am grateful to our loyal customers because they confirm that there is an immeasurable value to beauty and hospitality in the retail industry.

“Beauty will save the world,” concludes a sickly prince in one of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s famous novels. The optimism is inspiring — we want to believe that, today, in this fast-paced digital world, beauty still has the capacity to call us, confront us, shape us, and, most of all, change us.

I conclude my story with a note on beauty because Crème de la Crème was inspired by this belief — beauty can save the world. And stepping into our Crème de la Crème stores is an invitation to perceive the truth in Dostoevsky’s promise.

Crème de la Crème wants to be, like beauty itself, an experience that builds on our shared humanity. 3

iTo find more beauty

Crème de la Crème shopcremedelacreme.com F facebook.com/ shopcremedelacremeboutiques d @ shopcremedelacremeboutique

Workplace Hospitality: Why Guest Experience Starts with Employee Experience

By Amanda Haddaway

In hospitality and tourism, everything centers on the guest. But there’s an oft-overlooked truth in service-driven industries: how a company treats its employees directly impacts how those employees treat customers. When businesses extend the same care and attention to their internal team as they do to their guests, the result is a stronger culture, improved retention, and, perhaps most importantly, a better experience for visitors.

The Internal Service Chain

Harvard researchers James Heskett, W. Earl Sasser, and Leonard Schlesinger developed the Service-Profit Chain, a model that links employee satisfaction to customer loyalty and business profitability. Their research showed that companies with highly engaged employees consistently outperform competitors on service delivery.

In hospitality and tourism, where small interactions can define a guest’s entire experience, this principle is even more critical. A disengaged or unsupported employee can’t be expected to consistently deliver memorable service. On the flip side, when employees feel valued and respected, they’re more likely to go the extra mile.

It Starts with Culture

Culture is the silent driver of guest experience. A workplace culture grounded in respect, communication, and purpose naturally spills over into customer interactions. From the host greeting a table to the concierge offering recommendations, every touchpoint is an extension of internal dynamics.

Leaders in tourism-based businesses must ask: “Are we creating a place where people want to work?” This means more than pizza parties and slogans. It includes fair scheduling, clear expectations, supportive management, and a sense of belonging.

Simple actions can go a long way — recognizing a job well done, checking in on wellbeing, or involving employees in decisions that impact their work. These aren’t only good leadership practices, they’re also smart business strategies.

Onboarding

as the First Impression

Too often, seasonal and hourly employees are rushed through onboarding or given little context about the business’s brand or values. But that first day on the job is your chance to set the tone for both internal expectations and customer service standards. Hospitality businesses can stand out by treating onboarding as more than paperwork. Share your company’s story. Talk about the type of guest experience you want to create and how each role contributes. Train for soft skills, not just tasks. It’s in those early days that employees form the habits and attitudes they’ll carry into every guest interaction.

The ROI of Investing Internally

Investing in your employees doesn’t have to mean lavish perks. It can be as simple as offering consistent schedules, creating clear policies, and encouraging feedback. These investments reduce turnover, which is a major cost driver in hospitality, and build a reputation that attracts both customers and talent.

Local businesses that prioritize employee experience often find their customer reviews reflect it. Guests pick up on team dynamics. They notice when staff are confident, collaborative, and genuinely happy to be there.

Hospitality as a Mindset

At its best, hospitality is a mindset that applies not only to how we treat customers, but also to how we treat each other. When companies view employees as their first audience, everything else gets better. Service improves, loyalty increases, and the business becomes a place where both guests and team members are eager to return.

The best customer service starts behind the scenes.

Frederick’s Craft Beverage Industry GROWING in new and innovative ways

by Molly Fellin Spence

When a new food hall opens in Downtown Frederick sometime next year, the space will, in many ways, be a culmination of a successful decadelong effort to escort the city firmly out of the Prohibition Era and launch it as the host of a vibrant community of small businesses that offer not just a wide variety of adult craft beverages but also inventive eateries and places to gather.

The food hall, a collaboration among McClintock Distilling, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and the nonprofit Downtown Frederick Partnership, aims to be a key attraction for locals and visitors looking for innovative foods alongside award-winning spirits. The plan is to feature four up-and-coming chef/ entrepreneurs in food stalls of about 250 to 350 square feet each, in the lower level of a commercial building owned by the distilling company and located close to its popular tasting room and Back Bar.

The effort is being supported by several state grants that work to revitalize communities by addressing vacant buildings, and is the latest example of how the city’s economic growth is being bolstered by its many successful craft beverage businesses that have sprung up in the last decade.

In the last 10 years or so, the county’s craft beverage industry has exploded with the opening of dozens of wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies reaching 39, according to the latest numbers from the county’s Office of Economic Development. Frederick County leads the state in the combined number of wineries, breweries and distilleries, representing a 39% increase since 2017, according to the OED.

Business owners worked with city and county officials and others to break down legal and regulatory barriers. And as each succeeded, welcoming customers through their doors to enjoy a tasting, craft cocktail or innovative brew, many of these businesses have had an eye toward further growth, pushing the boundaries beyond just their own products and offering additional experiences.

Photos by Susan O'Connor

Photo

Photos by

Susan O'Connor

RAK Brewing Co.’s spring 2025 expansion includes The RAK Yard, featuring family-friendly indoor yard games such as bocce and darts, offered in a large space alongside RAK’s signature tasting room for its brews.

Photos

Molly Fellin Spence Moy Dumadag Photography

See: RAK Brewing Co.’s spring 2025 expansion to include The RAK Yard, featuring family-friendly indoor yard games such as bocce and darts, offered in a large space alongside RAK’s signature tasting room for its brews. Chef Anshu Khetan, the visionary behind dōp Pizza, now has a permanent space inside The Yard, serving up delicious eats that once were only available from his food truck.

See also: Rockwell Brewery’s partnership with Brewer’s Alley, bringing the Downtown Frederick mainstay’s elevated pub fare to the brewery’s expanded riverside location off Monocacy Boulevard. And Olde Mother’s joining forces with Fifty Fifty, offering patrons gourmet burgers and fries at its permanent spot inside the Market Street pourhouse.

Frederick’s craft beverage businesses are not just partnering with food-preneurs to diversify their businesses.

At Tenth Ward Distilling, Monica Pearce opened the space above her popular Patrick Street tasting room to weddings and special events and often hosts pop-ups there. Carly and Brian Ogden of Attaboy Beer did the same when they opened Attaboy Barrel House next door, hosting weddings, parties, a regular plant-lover event and even book fairs for grown-ups there.

Navigating laws and regulations

Distilleries returned to Frederick County nearly a decade ago.

In 2016 Dragon Distillery, Tenth Ward Distilling Company, and McClintock Distilling all opened their doors in Frederick, and Springfield Manor near Thurmont expanded its operations to include distilling.

In recent years, Puerto Rico Distillery and Rosie Cheeks Distillery have opened as well. And at the end of May, the city’s newest distillery, True Standard Distilling Company, celebrates its grand opening.

All of this was made possible by a spirit of camaraderie among the small-batch distillers who worked together to navigate the federal, state, and county processes and change some regulations to allow craft beverage businesses here.

“The city is always willing to meet with us and see how to make it better for future businesses,” says Braeden Bumpers, coowner of McClintock Distilling. “We have an continued page 35

Maryland is currently home to 143 craft breweries and produces 269,509 barrels of craft beer annually. The state also has more than 80 wineries, and a booming agricultural sector for the growing of grapes. The state’s more than 30 distilleries are known for producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, bourbon, moonshine, absinthe, and historic Maryland ryes. Thirty-nine of these are in Frederick County, illustrating a 39% increase since 2017.

Olde Mother joined forces with Fifty Fifty, offering patrons gourmet burgers and fries at its permanent spot inside the Market Street pourhouse.

Photo courtesy

of Olde Mother Brewing Co.

. Inset

photo by Molly Fellin Spence

awesome community. When we announced we were opening, two other distillers who were also in the process reached out –Tenth Ward and Dragon Distilling. From the start we would meet up and go through common challenges.”

That sense of community and camaraderie has stuck through the years, Bumpers says. He’s now an officer in the Maryland Distillers Guild, working alongside other distillers to help change things in Annapolis to make things easier for everyone in the industry.

The Frederick County Division of Planning, Frederick County Liquor Board, Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wineries Association, and the Maryland Distillers Guild also worked together with local wineries, breweries, and distilleries on a guide to help future entrepreneurs through the process, available at the county government’s website.

Creative growth ahead

Frederick’s new food hall, which at press time was without an official name, will be “strategically positioned near East Patrick

Street, Carroll Creek Linear Park, the future Downtown Hotel & Conference Center, the Police Headquarters and newly planned housing developments,” according to the Downtown Frederick Partnership, helping it “become a key attraction for both locals and visitors in the area.”

“This project will foster a more diverse and inclusive small business community in Downtown Frederick,” the partnership’s executive director Kara Norman said in a news release announcing the food hall this spring. “By making entrepreneurship more accessible, we’re not just enhancing our local dining scene — we’re strengthening the economic landscape of our community.”

Monica Pearce, owner of Tenth Ward, recently launched an innovative crowdfunding campaign to help that successful distillery expand.

The campaign, through NuMarket, a community-driven platform designed to help small businesses grow, asks contributors to donate funds to put toward refinishing Tenth Ward’s “well-loved floors, upgrading bar tools, improving event service, and getting the word out so more

ifolks can discover what makes Tenth Ward so special.”

In return, contributors get back 120% of what they put in, in the form of credits to use at Tenth Ward, on cocktails, flights, bottles and canned drinks.

According to NuMarket, every dollar raised through its campaigns generates $1.36 for local businesses and $2.26 for the local economy.

“In contrast, traditional bank loans result in debt that can hinder growth and can lead to an outflow of money from the local economy,” the company says.

Tenth Ward hopes to raise $95,000 through the campaign.

“Frederick is home to an incredibly supportive community,” Pearce said. “This campaign is more than funding – it’s a shared celebration of what we’ve built and where we’re headed.”

Norman, of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, called the campaign a “creative approach to growth” and said, “we're excited to see how it deepens the connection between business owners and the customers who champion them." 3

Ready to Jump In?

To further grow the craft beverage industry and make it even easier for entrepreneurs to launch their businesses, the How to Start a Winery, Brewery, Distillery in Frederick County guide outlines how to navigate the federal, state, and county process for starting a craft beverage business. The guide was created with input and advice from the Frederick County Division of Planning, Frederick County Liquor Board, Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wineries Association, and the Maryland Distillers Guild, as well as several local wineries, breweries, and distilleries who provided feedback firsthand from their experiences going through the process.

The guide is available at https://www. frederickcountymd.gov/8680/Craft-Beverage-Support

A Vision Realized: The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center

By Richard Griffin

In the heart of historic Frederick, Maryland, a transformative urban infill development project is set to redefine the city's business landscape. The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center, a $103 million project, is poised to become a cornerstone of the community, blending modern amenities with rich history to create a vibrant hub for residents, visitors, and businesses.

A Long-Awaited Vision

The concept of a central hotel and conference center in downtown Frederick anchoring Carroll Creek Park has been a longstanding aspiration. Since the 1980s, city planners and developers envisioned a quality facility that would anchor and complement Carroll Creek Park—a waterway and shared use path system that meanders 1.3 miles through the downtown, offering scenic views and recreational spaces. Earlier this year, the project officially broke ground, marking a significant milestone in the city's development. This development is not just about adding a hotel; it's about creating a destination that honors Frederick's past while embracing its future.

Project Overview

Developed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners, a family-owned hospitality business with deep roots in Frederick, in partnership with the Randall Family (property owners and former owner of the Frederick News-Post) and with support from the City, County, and State of Maryland, the hotel and conference center will feature:●

continued page 38

• 204-room Marriott-branded full-service hotel ●

• 27,000 square feet of meeting and event space ●

• 4 food and beverage outlets managed by Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group ●

• 2,678 square-foot retail space ●

• 253 on-site parking spaces ●

• Renovated historic Trolley and Eagles Buildings (Randall Cap LLC)

Economic Impact

The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center is expected to generate nearly $60 million in net new annual spending and create hundreds of new permanent jobs. This influx of economic activity will bolster local businesses, attract tourists, and position Frederick as a premier destination for conferences and events. Frederick’s top employers have been clamoring for a full-service hotel in Frederick with meeting space to help support corporate job growth and private investment. The City of Frederick is the hub of commerce, culture, and government for Frederick County.

Historic Preservation

Integral to the project's design is the preservation of Frederick's rich history through historic renovation of the adjacent Trolley and Eagles buildings by the Randall Family, along with interpretive work to tell the story about the original canning, tanning, and knitting industries which dotted the landscape during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The adjacent Trolley Building, a 1910 structure once serving as a trolley hub, will be thoughtfully renovated to house retail and office spaces, maintaining its historic charm while serving modern needs. Similarly, the Eagles Building will be transformed into "The Banyan," featuring a bar and restaurant on the lower level, an entertainment venue on the second floor, and a rooftop lounge.

Community and Cultural Benefits

Beyond its economic contributions, the hotel and conference center will enhance the cultural fabric of Frederick. The integration of adjacent historic buildings with contemporary new design elements will create a rich architectural landscape that reflects the city's heritage and progressive outlook. The addition of diverse dining options and event spaces will enrich the local cultural scene, providing venues for performances, family and community gatherings, and celebrations.

Looking Ahead

As construction progresses, the Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center stands as a testament to the city's vision, resilience, and commitment to growth. Slated for completion in 2027, the project will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities but also serve as a catalyst for further development in downtown Frederick and throughout the area. It embodies the spirit of a community that honors its past while looking forward to a vibrant future.

Conclusion

The Downtown Frederick Hotel & Conference Center is more than just a development project; it's a reflection of the city's aspirations and a symbol of its enduring charm. The project will create a dynamic space that serves as a hub for business, culture, and community. As Frederick continues to grow and evolve, this economic development project will play a pivotal role in shaping its future, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant destination for generations to come.

IN PARTNERSHIP

Interested in learning more about how we support business growth and economic opportunity in Frederick? Reach out to our team at www.businessinfrederick.com or call 301-600-6360 — we're here to help you thrive.

City of Frederick. With over 25 years of service, he has led key projects including the award-winning Carroll Creek Park, airport and parking garage expansions, and major redevelopment efforts. He supports a diverse range of local businesses and serves on boards including MEDA, the Fort Detrick Alliance, and the Frederick Innovative Technology Center.

Richard Griffin , AICP, CEcD is Director of Economic Development for the

IMPACT

by Chris Slattery

It’s new and it’s old, with a name that speaks, in a way, to what it used to be and what it has become.

Visitation Hotel, is a big, beautiful chunk of historic Frederick that’s been repurposed for the future, its dignified design captured and preserved, and its use reimagined to accommodate the needs of a city that continues to grow and reinvent itself.

“Everybody loved the existing buildings that were here: the hotel itself, the carriage house, the buildings that were classrooms on Church Street,” says Lance Jaccard, CEO of OTJ Architects, a national architecture and design firm. “By combining them in a logical way, it really becomes part of the community — and that was fun for us.”

Jaccard and his business partner on the project, real estate developer Jim O'Hare, came up from Annapolis in 2017 to look at the property, which started its life in 1824 as St. John's Benevolent Female Free School, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph. Used as an “asylum for the sick” when the Battle of Antietam overwhelmed Frederick’s only hospital, the school was renamed Visitation Academy in 1846. It expanded during the 19th century and eventually closed its doors in 2016 due to a decline in enrollment. Shortly thereafter, O’Hare and Jaccard stepped in.

“We got it open through a lot of vision and a lot of careful planning,” says Jaccard, who credits the City of Frederick for making the complex process of historical renovation run smoothly. “We’d do what they asked, have it approved, check it off the list — it was a very good process. It was certainly an important project to the city, and they were willing to come on property as often as they needed to, so it definitely felt like a partnership.”

It’s a partnership joined by Marylandbased hotel giant Marriott, which includes Visitation in its Tribute Portfolio collection of independent hotels known for their character and individuality. The project features the 65-room hotel, complete with fitness center, restaurants, and events space, as well as on-campus condominiums tailored to the needs of empty nesters.

Tourism is a crucial driver of Frederick County’s economic development, according to Visit Frederick’s latest annual report.

Photo

Trent Bell

“We didn’t change the volume of the space, we just made it compliant and kept its historic beauty.”

- Lance Jaccard CEO, OTJ Architects

From a development standpoint, Jaccard explained, the project needed to make sense: To be both a profitable building and a community-enriching restoration.

“I loved the historic components,” he adds. “The chapel that had been part of the school, the unique area where we have the fitness center, the old auditorium for the school that became our events space — it has the perfect proportions for a 200-person wedding reception.

“We didn’t change the volume of the space, we just made it compliant and kept its historic beauty.”

That beauty is on display in old photographs that the team found and preserved to document how the room was used before, pictures that now decorate the wall above the events space bar.

And Frederick’s most famous chefs, “Top Chef” and James Beard-lauded Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, were tapped to launch the Visitation Hotel’s catering operations as well as two eateries, the fullservice restaurant and bar Wye Oak Tavern, and Acorn Provisions, an all-day café.

Everything from the restaurants to the gardens to the pathways traversing the campus were put in place to bring

Frederick’s locals and tourists together, says Jaccard.

“It’s fun to stand here and see people walking around, crisscrossing the property,” he adds. “It’s accessible, it functions as a campus, and it’s become a place for the people who live here and those who live in the neighborhood to get together.”

‘Big enough, and small enough’

What Visitation Hotel and the new construction that will follow in its wake are bringing to Downtown Frederick may be just what the city needs to continue to grow its tourism sector.

“Frederick, as we know, is an amazing place to live, to work, to play,” says Dave Ziedelis, executive director of the nonprofit Visit Frederick. “That, in turn, makes it a wonderful place to visit.”

Ziedelis, whose 33-year career in professional baseball management culminated with a 17-year stint with the Frederick Keys before he turned to the tourism industry, confides that the city has long been on his radar.

“My roommate at Temple University was from Frederick,” he says, “and I used to read the Frederick News Post in college 40 years ago, so I’ve known about Frederick a long time.”

According to The Tourism Council of Frederick/Visit Frederick

Frederick County:

2 million visitors in 2023 up 7.2% from 2022

1.2 million day trippers

767,000 overnight visitors

Top 5 visitor States and Countries:

Maryland Canada

Pennsylvania Germany

Virginia Spain

New Jersey United Kingdom

Florida France

Hotel tax revenue for FY24

61.2 million up 1.3% from 2023 and up 14% from FY19

30+ Hotels

2500+ hotel rooms

280 Airbnb rentals

Visitors spent $539 million in 2023, up 27% from 2019

$70 million at retail businesses

$78 million for recreational activities

$158 million at local restaurants and craft beverage businesses

Tourism represents 6,144 jobs making up 5.8% of the county’s employment numbers

$345,000

Destination Development Funds distributed in FY24

1.8 million

distributed since the program's inception in 2017

Data from Visit Frederick 2023/24 Annual Report Frederick Chamber Insights 2019

“Think of all the events we do, our agricultural tourism, the farms and farm festivals, the orchards. There’s something here for everyone, and decades of developing all these aspects have led us to where we are.”

- Dave Ziedelis, Executive Director Visit Frederick

Some of the things he knows about Frederick are impressive: the county has more covered bridges than any other in the state; more craft beverage entities; more Main Street programs.

“We’re big enough, and small enough,” he says. “Close to big cities and to three major airports, and we have so much right outside our borders — Gettysburg, Antietam, Harper’s Ferry, Washington, D.C. — we are the central point in that wheel for anyone who wants to see history.”

Which a lot of people do. Visit Frederick data shows that the county had nearly 2 million visitors in 2023, growing 7.2% over the previous year and rebounding to 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. Of those visitors 1.2 million were day trippers, the rest stayed at least one night. They’re not all here just for the Civil War sites, either.

“The blend that we have here, the diversity of businesses, and of reasons to visit and places to play, is incredible,” explains Ziedelis. “History has always been No. 1, but we have outdoor recreation, we have beautiful state and national parks, National Scenic Highways, vibrant downtowns with shopping, dining, craft breweries, performances, and public art.

“Think of all the events we do, our agricultural tourism, the farms and farm festivals, the orchards. There’s something

here for everyone, and decades of developing all these aspects have led us to where we are.”

Tourism is a crucial driver of Frederick County’s economic development, according to Visit Frederick’s latest annual report, supporting 6,144 jobs and making up 5.8% of the county’s employment numbers. Visitors spend $70 million at retail businesses, $78 million for recreational activities, and $158 million at local restaurants and craft beverage businesses, and hotel rental tax revenues are at an all-time high.

“Our numbers have been climbing, reaching all-time highs year after year, and the hotel tax revenues correlate with that,” Ziedelis says. “Right now we’re projecting $65 million on a rolling 12-month basis, and we’re continuing to grow.”

It’s the kind of growth that buoys businesses, and keeps Frederick’s unique vibe alive.

Instagram Official

Jennifer van Leeuwen lives in Howard County, but she’s got family and business ties that keep her deeply enmeshed in everything that’s happening in Frederick.

“I ended up spending the last three summers in Frederick,” says van Leeuwen, who owns two Air BnBs in Downtown Frederick. “Taking care of family, going out, eating at all the places, doing all the things, continued page 45

Photos courtesy of Visit Frederick

“People hadn’t heard of Frederick, but then the landscape changed. They heard there was this small, quiet town to explore, and as more people moved out from the larger cities they discovered Frederick.”

- Jennifer van Leeuwen Hip & Historic Frederick

meeting business owners. It just gave me such a passion for the town, so I use my Instagram account to share all the amazing businesses, shops, and restaurants that are out there.

“I’m curating content about the city to give my guests the very best experience when they come to stay with us.”

Staying at van Leeuwen’s properties (or any of the 280 Air BnB rentals in Frederick) is a way to see the city from a resident’s eye view. And checking out van Leeuwen’s IG account, Hip & Historic Frederick, offers an eye-catching look at the restaurants, entertainment venues, historic sites, landmarks, and experiences that make Frederick unique.

But even the intrepid social media expert admits that it’s challenging to keep up.

“There’s so much happening that it’s hard to know what’s happening,” she says, “so I’m out there trying to figure out what the cool events are.

“I’ve seen a huge blowup in live music venues: I heard there used to be live music all the time in Frederick, but the pandemic had changed that. Now it seems to be coming back.”

What the pandemic seems to have changed for good, according to van Leeuwen, is the town’s reputation among people who are looking for a peaceful, beautiful getaway spot, with lots of things to do and plenty of places to eat, whether you’re after vegan,

gluten-free, meat-and-potatoes or fine dining a la the Voltaggio brothers.

“People hadn’t heard of Frederick, but then the landscape changed,” she observes. “They heard there was this small, quiet town to explore, and as more people moved out from the larger cities they discovered Frederick.”

Van Leeuwen describes Frederick as “a mix of small-town quaintness — where people pass you on the street and say hi — and foodie paradise — where anywhere you go you can find diverse, amazing food.”

It’s new and it’s old, it’s big and it’s small, it’s home and it’s a great place to visit. 3

SECURING A PROSPEROUS FUTURE

Frederick County Office of Agriculture Assistance:

• Business Start-Up and Support Services to promote a diverse and thriving agricultural economy

• Agricultural Land Preservation Programs to ensure a future for farming

• Promotion of Local Agricultural Businesses through Homegrown Frederick

For a complete list of our services and more information, visit our website: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Agriculture

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Frederick County Agricultural Strategic Plan: A Blueprint for Supporting Local Ag Businesses

By Katie Stevens, Director, Frederick County Office of Agriculture

The Frederick County Office of Agriculture hit the ground running in its inaugural year. One of its first priorities was to update the county’s Agricultural Strategic Plan, a vital document that hadn’t been revised since 2008.

With the creation of a new office dedicated to all things agriculture — from farmland preservation to agribusiness development — there was no better time to chart a fresh course for the future.

Unveiled by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater in March, the updated strategic plan lays out a forward-thinking roadmap to strengthen Frederick County’s agricultural sector. The plan focuses on five strategic areas, each designed to address the evolving needs of farmers and ag-based businesses.

Modernizing the Regulatory Framework

Navigating complex regulations is a longstanding challenge for farmers and agribusinesses. The new plan calls for simplifying this process by updating definitions and policies to reflect modern agriculture. It supports growth through value-added processing, agribusiness expansion, and small farm operations. A key recommendation is the development of an “Agricultural Playbook” to provide clear guidance on regulatory processes—helping farmers better understand and comply with local, state and federal requirements.

Workforce and Human Capital

A strong agricultural workforce is essential. The plan proposes initiatives to enhance skills and attract new talent—particularly in emerging areas like precision agriculture and robotics. Recommendations include launching a mentor-protégé program for beginning farmers, conducting annual workforce needs assessments, creating structured internships, and establishing an HR helpdesk tailored to agricultural employers. These efforts aim to ensure that Frederick County farms have access to the skilled labor they need to succeed.

Infrastructure Development

Robust infrastructure is foundational to agricultural success. The plan emphasizes improvements in rural transportation, broadband access, and utilities. A key initiative is to reignite regional conversations around establishing a ValueAdded Food Processing Center (VAFPC). This facility would offer services like processing, aggregation, distribution, marketing, and education—enhancing regional competitiveness and creating new revenue streams for local producers..

Value Chain Support

To strengthen the full agricultural value chain, the plan recommends initiatives that include creating a transition support team for farm ownership changes, hosting peer-learning opportunities for high-performing farms, and developing GIS-based land-use tools.

continued page 50

One standout initiative is a proposed Farm Retail Innovation Center, modeled after Wisconsin’s Dairy Innovation Hub. This center would serve as a collaborative space for entrepreneurship and education—offering guidance on everything from consumer outreach and product development to retail design and emerging technology. Launching in FY 2026 with a feasibility study and business plan, a center like this is positioned to help farmers scale their operations and improve profitability.

Outreach and Marketing

Marketing plays a crucial role in supporting local agriculture, especially given Frederick County’s proximity to major urban markets. A recommendation is the creation of a dedicated agricultural marketing position to coordinate outreach and help farmers reach consumers more effectively. Strengthening visibility and demand for local products is vital to ensuring the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.

Office of Ag News: A Strong Start to 2025

From January through May, the Office of Agriculture has been hard at work. The team celebrated its one-year anniversary and hosted a highly successful inaugural National Ag Week event—all while continuing to provide daily support to farmers and landowners.

The Agricultural Innovation Grant program accepted applications in March, with award announcements coming soon. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Preservation team has preserved over 1,000 acres so far this year—bringing the County’s total to 76,102 permanently preserved acres.

As the busy farming season ramps up, residents are encouraged to support local agriculture:

• Buy directly from local farms

• Visit farmers markets

• Subscribe to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs

• Explore farm-based and craft beverage businesses

Every dollar spent locally supports a Frederick County family, boosts the economy, and helps preserve the county’s rural heritage. For more information visit www. homegrownfrederick.com.

Are you a farmer, landowner, or ag business owner interested in what the Office of Agriculture has to offer? Visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/agriculture or email fcag@frederickcountymd.gov to learn more.

Stay connected with the Office of Ag:

• Sign up for the newsletter: https://forms.office.com/g/zga0DxqxSu

• Follow on Facebook: Frederick County Office of Agriculture/Homegrown Frederick

• Follow on Instagram: @homegrownfrederick

PARTNERSHIP

Katie Stevens, the Director of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Her primary focus involves championing agricultural opportunities and acting as a crucial liaison between the industry and the county. For the last nine years, she has developed programs that support Frederick County Agricultural operations, including the Ag Innovation Grant Program, Homegrown Frederick, and the Frederick County Craft Beverage Program.

Katie’s roots in agriculture run deep, as she grew up on her family’s dairy farm. Today, she and her husband enjoy farming with their three daughters, continuing their family tradition.

Howes-Vitek

Discover Why

BRUNSWICK

is a Great Place to Own and Operate a Small Business

THE PERFECT LOCATION

Brunswick is strategically situated near West Virginia and Virginia, attracting traffic not just from Frederick County but also from out of state. Explore the diverse range of real estate options available for lease or sale—including retail, office, and industrial spaces— at brunswickmainstreet.org/brunswickproperties.

REVITALIZATION INITIATIVES

Be part of the exciting revitalization of Downtown Brunswick! Ongoing efforts are enhancing the appeal of our core business district, making it a vibrant place for commerce. Brunswick Main Street also offers grants to assist local businesses with building improvements, ensuring a flourishing environment for all.

COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS SUPPORT

Brunswick Main Street is dedicated to your success. We provide promotional opportunities to boost your visibility and organize ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate your grand opening. Additionally, we can guide you in identifying funding resources to help launch and expand your business.

Take the leap and invest in a community that values your success. Come be a part of our small town’s bright future!

Learn more about starting and operating a business in Brunswick at brunswickmainstreet.org/locatingin-brunswick

STRATEGY & GROWTH

From Pedaling to Paddling: Outdoor recreation is significant business in Frederick County

by Shuan Butcher

courtesy

Photo

of Visit Frederick

Frederick’s quality of life is enriched by its natural and scenic beauty and visitors flock to the area to enjoy it.

Tourism has a $539 million economic impact on the local community, according to recent figures from Visit Frederick. The No. 1 reason people visit is the area’s history, with about 30% of visitors saying that is what drew them to Frederick County.

The second reason is the abundance of outdoor recreation.

Regardless of what part of the county you are thinking about, there is something to do for any outdoor enthusiast.

Thurmont is considered the “gateway to the mountains” and has embraced that moniker as part of their brand. “We’re a small, quaint town,” said Town of Thurmont Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder. “And we have some of the best outdoor recreation in the state.”

Nestled in those mountains lies Catoctin Mountain Park, part of the National Park Service, and Cunningham Falls State Park. “From March to November, people flock to our town to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Grinder said. “There is so much nature, scenery, and beauty.”

Getting outside became particularly popular during the pandemic, when outdoor recreation experienced a significant boom nationally and globally. Thurmont was no different, and saw increased visitation to its parks. “We were ready, because we said we had been social-distancing for decades.”

People are still coming out to disconnect, unwind, relax, explore, and have fun. According to Grinder, the town sees a lot of people from Baltimore and surrounding urban areas who visit for the day or make a weekend getaway trip. In addition, through targeted advertising to the array of visitors that frequent Gettysburg, Thurmont also sees a number of travelers make their way south from that city.

Once the adventure seekers make their way to northern Frederick County,

Regardless of what part of the county you are thinking about, there is something to do for any outdoor enthusiast.

Thurmont to the north, for example, is considered the “gateway to the mountains” and has embraced that moniker as part of their brand.

there’s plenty to do. Some fantastic hiking opportunities exist at Cunningham Falls State Park and national park, Catoctin Mountain Park. Both provide stunning mountaintop views. Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall is at Cunningham Falls State Park is also home to a 43-acre lake that provides visitors a chance to enjoy swimming or boating. Of course, there is also mountain biking, fly fishing, and climbing as well.

“We are a cycling haven,” Grinder said. “The Baltimore Bicycling Club is here all the time.” In fact, for the past 10 years the organization has organized the Civil

War Century Ride each September, which attracts 1,700 cyclists to Thurmont. Cyclists specifically enjoy pedaling the rural roads past bucolic farms and the rolling hillsides.

Another attraction that continues to garner interest are the three covered bridges in the Thurmont area. “The bridges seem to be attracting all ages now. We are seeing more and more Gen Z-ers.”

Thurmont pretty much sees visitors of all demographics come into town.

“There is something for everyone,” Grinder said. For overnight guests, the parks offer some camping options of course. Nearby Old Mink Farm also

Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick

Some fantastic hiking opportunities exist at Cunningham Falls State Park and national park, Catoctin Mountain Park. Both provide stunning mountaintop views.

Photo courtesy of Town of Thurmont

has a campground as well as some nice cabins. Springfield Manor offers overnight accommodations and there are hotels in Emmitsburg and Frederick. “For the campsites, reservations book up so make arrangements quickly.”

The Town of Thurmont has a Main Street program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of its designation this year and has been nationally accredited since 2018. As part of her duties, Grinder also manages that program. Outdoor recreation is part of the town’s Main Street strategy.

“We know that people engaging in our recreational amenities also eat at our restaurants and patronize our shops.” The town also has invested in its Trolley Trail, a rails to trails program, to help link some of the town’s destinations.

When it comes to cycling, Frederick County typically gets high marks. “We get a lot of people from the cities because of the low traffic volume and the pretty cool hills,” said local bike advocate Shayne Boucher. “There are up to five different cycling groups in the county and a number of events that draw cyclists as well.” He points to the century ride, the Gran Fondo Maryland that comes through town, the Tour de Frederick, and the Clustered Spires High Wheel race that occurs in Downtown Frederick each July, which drew 60 racers from around the world last year.

In addition, Frederick has three mountain bike courses. Boucher recommends River’s Edge Trail in Brunswick for beginning to intermediate riders. There’s also Rainbow Lake in Emmitsburg. Of course, there’s the Frederick Watershed, which is a technical course that people love. “Good mountain bikers that want a good challenge come here, because of the technical aspect.”

At the southern end of the county is Brunswick, which also overflows with an abundance of outdoor recreational amenities. “We have a lot of awesome opportunities here,” said Mariah Baihly, marketing manager for River and Trail Outfitters. “There are some great trails here.”

While Thurmont has the mountains, Brunswick has the water. Access to the

Potomac River, the Monocacy River, and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal are just a few amenities that attract visitors to this city. River and Trail Outfitters was started by Baihly’s grandfather Lee Baihly in 1972. “Originally, it was a side gig. He came out to Knoxville and wanted to offer canoeing as an outfitter. River and Trail sees a lot of patrons from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore due to the proximity and easy distance to travel, according to Baihly.

River and Trail sees a lot of patrons from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore due to the proximity and easy distance to travel.

Photos courtesy of River and Trail Outfitters

Getting out on the water is definitely the No. 1 motivation for River and Trail’s customers. Tubing tends to see the largest engagement because of the low barrier to entry. “It is easy to do, more readily available, shorter distance and time, and not guided,” Baihly said. Options exist for both whitewater tubing as well as flatwater, or mellow water, tubing.

Another option is whitewater rafting, where the raft is actually put into the river in West Virginia, you paddle through Maryland, and take the raft out in Virginia. You also have a certified guide leading the activity. River and Trail also offers monthly specialty trips in partnership with craft breweries and wineries, such as Smoketown Brewery in Brunswick, where you paddle for a bit and wrap up your day with a beverage. Like Thurmont, Brunswick saw a bump in visits during the pandemic. “COVID

was huge, because everyone wanted to get outside and get away from other people,” Baihly said. “Numbers have stayed at a similar level since.”

Baihly sees three different types of visitors: adventurous families with young kids or teenagers that want to make memories together; young adults who come out with friends; and the biggest group are empty nesters and retirees.

“Tourism brings a lot of economic impact and benefit to everyone in the area. We bring a lot of people to the area (of Brunswick) and take pride in giving additional recommendations to visitors, such as the Brunswick Heritage Museum.”

In addition to the campground, Brunswick also has hotel rooms for those seeking lodging and the C&O Canal Trust offers a Canal Quarters program.

Needless to say, Frederick County has numerous options to entice the nature lover,

adventure seeker, and outdoor enthusiast to come and play, and many other benefits to extend their stay as well. 3

Catoctin Mountain Park

https://www.visitfrederick.org/things-todo/parks-outdoor-recreation/nationalstate-parks/catoctin-mountain-park/

Cunningham Falls State Park

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/cunningham.aspx

River and Trail Outfitters www.rivertrail.com

F facebook.com/RiverTrailOutfitters d @ riverandtrailoutfitters/

Building the Future of Frederick County Together

We believe in making a difference where it matters most—right here in our community. Our commitment to community empowerment has inspired us to support two impactful local initiatives: sponsoring a STEM Center in Carroll Manor Elementary School and joining hands with Habitat for Humanity to build safe, welcoming homes for families at the West All Saints Street Project.

Through our volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, we’re building hope. Our team members actively contributed their time and expertise to construct affordable, safe, sustainable homes, offering families the stability they need to thrive.

Our STEM Center sponsorship is about more than funding; it’s about sparking a lifelong love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This space provides young minds with hands-on learning experiences, helping children imagine the future and feel empowered to shape it.

Our Commitment to Frederick County

For us, investing in the community is a promise to support and uplift the people around us. Together, we’re nurturing the builders and dreamers of tomorrow and creating spaces for every family to feel at home.

Discover more about our efforts at rowanfrederick.com and let us know your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

STEM Center in Carroll Manor Elementary School

West All Saints Street Project

Frederick County’s tech sector welcomes community-driven data center development

By Meghan Sweigart

In an era of rising digital demand, data centers serve as the engines of modern life, facilitating everything from sending digital health records and processing bank transactions to backing up important data and enabling remote work. As an advocate for our local technology sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand how families in Frederick County rely on our tech workforce and their services.

That tech workforce now includes a growing number of Marylanders who are currently building our state’s first-ever hyperscale data center campus, led by Rowan Digital Infrastructure.

For several years, our community has engaged in a robust and vital discussion about balancing the benefits of encouraging data center development with the potential impacts on our natural environment. Residents, elected officials, advocates, and industry representatives have taken a collaborative approach to ensure that data center development can benefit our community.

Our industry is excited to see Rowan taking action on sustainability and community benefits. Their groundbreaking projects on the former Eastalco site in Adamstown demonstrate that we can achieve robust economic development, amounting to over $2 billion, while preserving our natural resources. Rowan has made it clear through its development efforts in Frederick County that we don’t need to choose between attracting quality family-wage tech jobs and protecting our precious soil, air, and water.

With their first data center nearing completion, it’s exciting to see what truly sustainable data centers look like. This project is powered by predominantly renewable energy, most of the construction waste is recycled, and contractors use low-carbon concrete. Additionally, we see energy-efficient cooling and lighting systems being implemented and Best Management Practices followed for stormwater, erosion, and sediment control.

Rowan is transforming data center development, and I trust the Frederick community will embrace them in our tech sector. Built to high standards, these data centers will unlock the region’s full potential and enhance the quality of life for every Frederick County family.

But what truly sets Rowan apart is how closely they have tied their Frederick projects to the people of our community, especially the existing and future tech workforce. With one of the fastest-growing pools of skilled IT professionals in the Mid-Atlantic, our county is uniquely positioned to support, maintain, and innovate around next-generation data infrastructure. Electricians, HVAC technicians, architects, cybersecurity professionals, and software engineers trained right here are finding rewarding roles in this new economy. Indeed, Rowan has already hired hundreds of Marylanders to be part of their efforts in Frederick County.

These projects are helping to improve the tech sector’s long-term stability in the region. As data demands grow, so does the need for a skilled workforce that understands the technology and the community it serves.

At Carroll Manor Elementary School, Rowan’s recently opened STEM Center is already helping students by offering them hands-on experiences and instilling a lifelong interest in technology. It’s an exciting glimpse into the future—not only for the students but also for the broader community that stands to benefit from a more technologically literate and environmentally aware generation.

When infrastructure projects are designed to benefit more than just the bottom line, the results speak for themselves. Frederick County is becoming a model for how data center development can support environmental goals, foster future innovation, and, most excitingly from our perspective, empower our local workforce.

As the digital economy grows, so will the opportunities for Frederick County residents to thrive. At techfrederick, we welcome companies like Rowan that dedicate the time and resources our families deserve.

Meghan Sweigart has led techfrederick since 2023 as Executive Director. She and her dedicated members lead efforts to grow Frederick’s tech workforce through partnerships, education and community outreach. A passionate community advocate, Meghan actively volunteers with several local organizations and charities.

Resources to help create the Ultimate Networking Experience

BEYOND THE BOARDROOM

Perched atop one of the highest ridgelines in Gettysburg, framed by historic wood and stone architecture and stunning views of historic Gettysburg battlefields and Hunter Lake, The Lodges at Gettysburg is a destination unlike any other in the area.

It’s peaceful here with a timeless tranquility and rustic elegance that settle you into a relaxed state of mind. Beautifully maintained grounds and lodging, surrounded by 63 acres of rolling Gettysburg countryside, with a dash of historic charm – the perfect backdrop for corporate team building, outside-the-box meetings and extended stay conferences.

PUT THE WORK OUT IN YOUR WORK DAY

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

YMCA OF FREDERICK COUNTY

MARYLAND GOLF at its finest

With a county population of 300,000 and 13 golf courses, Clustered Spires has earned “Best of Frederick Golf Course” for the 3rd straight year and our 17th time out of 20 years! Golf Digest awards Clustered Spires a HHHH rating. Clustered Spires reputation is a great conditioned golf course with wonderful greens and considered the best value golf course in central Maryland.

CLUSTERED SPIRES GOLF CLUB

SENIORS/60+ RATE