Commerce

Shore United Bank Announces Launch of Financial Education Resource for Elementary School Students

August 13, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Shore United Bank today announced the launch of a new personal finance education program for elementary school students. Shore United Bank is working with the nation’s leading social impact education innovator, EVERFI, Inc. to launch the financial education initiative in Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Caroline Counties of Maryland.

Money Skills is an online, interactive financial education resource specifically designed for students in grades 4-6 to promote financial literacy and teach financial education skills. The course introduces critical financial concepts and skills to students in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way and empowers them to be smart financial decision-makers. According to EVERFI, 95 percent of parents agree that students should learn about personal finance in school.

Laura Heikes, Community & Government Relations Officer at Shore United Bank believes, “it’s important that we help local schools by providing financial education through on-site programs and presentations. By partnering with EVERFI, we are able to reach more students with their online programs and tools.”

Students learn the importance of opportunity cost by exploring the differences between needs and wants, understand how and when to use credit, and look at real-life budgetary decisions along with the potential consequences of those decisions. Teachers are able to uniquely track the progress and performance of every student and see real-time data on student performance, while the technology aggregates crucial data on hours of learning completed and knowledge gains.

“EVERFI works with teachers and students every day in schools across the country to bring financial lessons to life by harnessing the power of technology,” said EVERFI Co-Founder and President of Financial Education, Ray Martinez. “In a country where only 24 percent of our young people can answer basic financial wellness questions, teaching kids to handle their finances has never been more important. By laying the foundation of financial literacy at a young age, students will be set up with the critical skills needed to make responsible financial choices for the rest of their lives.”

The standards-based course leverages performance-based games to immerse students in real-life financial scenarios that focus on responsible decision making and skill-building. Covering a wide range of topic areas including fiscal responsibility, money management, credit and more, this resource increases basic financial literacy for students and builds the foundation for healthy financial decision-making at a young age.

To learn more about the program, contact Anna Evich at aevich@everfi.com

About Shore United Bank

Shore United Bank is a full-service community bank with a rich history dating back to 1876. We offer innovative financial services delivered with the personal touch you expect from a community bank. We serve a broad geographic area with branches in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, and we also provide a comprehensive suite of digital banking services.

In addition to banking, we offer trust and wealth management services through Wye Financial Partners and Wye Trust, a division of Shore United Bank. Together, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals.

To learn more about Shore United Bank visit shoreunitedbank.com or follow us on Facebook,Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube.

About EVERFI, Inc.

EVERFI is an international technology company driving social change through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to prescription drug safety to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI is fueled by its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) community engagement platform and has reached more than 30 million learners globally. EVERFI powers community engagement in a sustained manner to empower individuals and organizations to make an impact within their communities. The Company also convenes Networks to bring together financial institutions, colleges and universities, and some of the largest corporations to leverage insights and connections to drive impact. Some of America’s leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, Advance Publications, Rethink Education and Rethink Impact. To learn more about EVERFI visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter @EVERFI

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United Way of Kent County Achieves 2019-2020 Goal

August 11, 2020 by United Way of Kent County Leave a Comment

United Way of Kent County (UWKC) has announced that it has achieved its 2019-2020 fund-raising goal of $235,000.

“We sincerely thank all of our donors. This community is so generous. We are so pleased,” said Beth Everett, Executive Director. “We were allowed to campaign on the campus of Washington College, and President Kurt Landgraf encouraged all employees to give and personally matched those donations. We are indebted to him for his wholehearted support, as well as to seven Kent County businesses that kindly sponsored workplace campaigns. We also appreciate the matching and in-kind contributions, and individual and corporate donations.” she added.

She noted that the organization has made progress in increasing donations resulting from workplace campaigns and has welcomed new businesses into the program. “We are also very lucky in Kent County to have CEOs who have supported the United Way of Kent County. It really helps when employees know the CEO is supportive of the United Way.”

Bill Harr, this year’s Fundraising Chair, noted that “the Comprehensive Needs Assessment initiated in 2017 by the UWKC brought the County and service providers some needed information on our shortfalls in services here on the Shore. As a result, the County has agreed to hire an employee to oversee the Housing and Transportation initiative. Successes like these inspire donors to help our future campaigns.”

United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 28 agencies to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. The program began in 1957 with a goal of $45,000 and six Member Agencies.The 2020-2021 campaign begins September 1, with a goal of $245,000. “Each year we look at what we were able to raise the year before and we raise it a little,” said Everett.

“Everything’s different this year,’ she added. “We’ve got some real challenges.”

“We receive about 30% of our donations through direct payroll deduction at most Kent County businesses, including Washington College. As a result of COVID-19, many of those businesses are going to be challenged, and some of them will not make it. There will be layoffs at some employers, and some companies will close,” noted Marty Knight, Board President.

According to Knight, “On the grant side, many of the organizations we help fund are forced to change the way they operate. And the community services they offer will be in higher demand. We are expecting our requests for funding to increase and the workplace contributions to decrease. In the meantime, United Way has been able to provide some emergency grants to those organizations responding directly to the COVID-19 crisis.”

The annual report will be completed in September and distributed to every household in Kent County. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty,org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

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Corporate Philanthropy: Preston Motors Takes on COVID-19

August 7, 2020 by The Spy Leave a Comment

The way David Wilson, Jr. looks at it, his family company’s collection of car dealerships are doing relatively well during the coronavirus crisis. And the reason for that is because of the business strategies that were put into place long before COVID hit our shores. With an early investment on the internet, a long-standing guarantee to deliver cars for free to anywhere in the country, and, more importantly, a culture of respect for both customers and their employees, Preston Automotive Group is surviving reasonably well in one of the most precarious financial crises the United States has ever experienced.

Wilson, president of Preston, is the first to say that it is solely through the collective will of its over 600 associates, that his family business has been able to pivot quickly to this new normal in the car industry. While it may take some time to return to their record-breaking sales over the last few years (Preston Ford is in the top thirty dealerships in America), the Preston team remains the same “can do” people that the Wilson family had spent decades trying to build.

One element of the Preston culture has always been community philanthropy. Beginning with his parents insistence that the company is known for giving back, and supported by one of the most successful marketing campaigns to support it, David and his team have built a remarkable donation machine.

But what does a company do when confronted by COVID? How does it pivot to quickly meet the needs of families in the community who have lost jobs or won’t send their kids to work?

In his most recent Spy interview, Wilson talks about the Preston culture of giving and how they quickly adjusted their giving programs using their icon frog in light of this new reality. He also talks about how this spirit of giving impacts the broader Preston community, as the company seeks ways to support two employees whose children are fighting cancer.

This video is approximately five minutes in length

Kent County CARES Enough to Get Outside Help

August 4, 2020 by The Spy Leave a Comment

It might seem to be a logical strategy for county governments to bring in a professional to help small businesses and nonprofits with the variety of grants and loans available to them to survive through the COVID-19 crisis.

While these programs are remarkably generous, they require meticulous paperwork for these small enterprises to complete, sometimes complex applications. So it makes perfect sense to bring in a professional to help guide prospective grantees through this process.

But surprisingly, Kent County might be one of the few Maryland counties to offer that kind of personal help in this form. Last month, the county signed a contract with Caines CPA, a consulting firm specializing in helping small businesses, in being an essential resource for these struggling businesses. Until the end of December, David Caines, and his wife, Erin, will be working closely with owners and nonprofit leaders to secure the funding they need to keep their doors open.

The Spy sat down with David Caines on Monday to hear about how this all works.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. To contact David Caines, please go here.

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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David T. Caines, CPA as the Kent County CARES Business Consultant

July 30, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Kent County Commissioners are pleased to announce the selection of the firm David T. Caines, CPA as the Kent County CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Business Consultant, made possible through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) in the CARES Act. The CARES Act has resulted in business recovery and sustainability programs from Federal, State, and local government partners to aid businesses in navigating the challenges posed from the pandemic.

The firm is comprised of partners David Caines, CPA and Erin Caines, PMP. David and Erin’s role will be to assist Kent County businesses in utilizing available resources including the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs; State of Maryland loans and grants, Kent County sponsored grants, and private economic development opportunities.

David started his own practice in 1995, focusing on all areas of individual and small business taxation. David obtained his CPA license in 2002. Over the years, his firm has expanded its services to include bookkeeping, accounting and payroll processing. In 2019, he acquired Charles H. Thornton, CPA in Brunswick MD to expand his business footprint into Frederick County. David retired from the Federal Government in 2019 after a 28-year career in financial management. David provides holistic financial advisement and taxation strategy for his clients. He is a member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) as well as the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Erin founded Caines Consulting Group LLC in 2019 to provide management consulting services with a customer service driven focus. She has worked extensively in both the private sector and federal government and has been part of several business process improvement projects that have resulted in significant organizational resource conservation and process improvement. She has received numerous professional awards for her outstanding work in the Federal Government. Erin focuses on client relations, business development, strategy, and office operations. She also assists in the preparation and review of individual tax returns.

We are excited to welcome David and Erin as part of the economic development community and are confident their knowledge and expertise will ensure the Kent County business community remains strong. Recognizing that long term financial management experience is a great asset to economic development, the Department of Economic Development looks forward to partnering with them.

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Curio Wellness Proposed Auxiliary Location

July 28, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Ahead of a Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission hearing next Thursday, July 30^th, all three Kent County Commissioners (P. Thomas Mason, Ronald H Fithian and Robert N. Jacob Jr.) and members of the Kent County State Delegation (Senator Stephen Hershey and Delegate Jay Jacobs) announced their unanimous support today of Curio Wellness’ newly proposed auxiliary location in Kent County. Curio Wellness, based in Timonium, Maryland, is one of the state’s leading health and wellness medicinal cannabis companies. The expansion would permit the construction of a new, 40,000-square-foot greenhouse facility and a 5,000-square-foot research lab to produce cannabis flower for patients across Maryland, which Curio Wellness anticipates will support 100 full-time, local jobs.

“I’ve spent the last 26 years involved in Kent County government, 21-and-a-half of them as a Commissioner. Never in those years has there been a potential development that would bring with it the number of new jobs and downstream economic benefits that Curio Wellness’s expansion would mean for our county,” said Kent County Commissioner Ronald H. Fithian.

“Our community welcomes them with open arms, and we look forward to partnering with an innovative, Maryland-based business,” added President of the Kent County Board of County Commissioners P. Thomas Mason.

Curio Wellness is dedicated to meeting the growing need of medicinal cannabis across Maryland. According to the company’s estimates, which have reliably predicted demand dating back to mid-2018, current supply generated through their existing operation will be insufficient to meet patient demands for Curio Wellness products starting as early as this Fall 2020.

“We propose expanding in Kent County because each cultivation method requires a specific type of property. Expanding our operation with an auxiliary greenhouse allows us to preserve our product pricing, while keeping our promise to the Timonium community to maintain an indoor cultivation operation at our current site.”said Wendy Bronfein, co-founder of Curio Wellness. “When we determined the need for an auxiliary location, Kent County immediately came to mind. The thriving agriculture industry in the county is not only better suited for greenhouses but would also expand the geographic diversity of the medical cannabis program in Maryland – bringing new jobs and economic growth for our neighbors on the Eastern Shore.”

Curio Wellness has filed an application with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to approve the Eastern Shore auxiliary greenhouse. The proposal came with 25 letters of support, including the Kent County Commissioners; Kent County’s State Senator Steve Hershey and Delegate Jay Jacobs, representing the 36^th District; as well as patients and businesses across the cannabis industry. The move follows similar expansions from other grower licensees who have expanded to meet perceived demand.

“As a natural resources and agriculturally driven economy, Kent County is ideally suited for Curio Wellness’s expansion,” said Senator Stephen S. Hershey.

“Curio Wellness’ expansion will help Kent County break ground in a new, rapidly growing industry and we anticipate the entire community will benefit from not only the influx in jobs – making Curio one of the County’s largest employers– but also, the economic multiplier effect those jobs will bring,” added Delegate Jay Jacobs.

The proposal will be heard in front of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission’s Policy Committee via a virtual meeting next Thursday, July 30^th at 2pm.

About Kent County, Maryland

Kent County, founded in 1642, is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland directly east of Baltimore and is bounded by the Sassafras and Chester Rivers, the State of Delaware, and the Chesapeake Bay. The county is located within 90 minutes of three international airports and three major seaports. Route 301 provides a major north-south artery for commercial transportation, linking Maryland to Delaware and making the area a perfect location for warehouse and distribution operations. For more information, visit www.kentcounty.com

About Curio Wellness

Founded and based in Maryland, Curio Wellness is a family-owned and operated cGMP certified
medical cannabis company and trusted healthcare partner. We’re dedicated to increasing the
accessibility of this therapeutic and medicative plant to a growing population of citizens who seek a
transformational solution to their health complications. For more information, visit www.curiowellness.com

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Cassandra Guy Celebrates 25 Years with Shore United Bank

July 17, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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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New Leadership Comes to Kent County Chamber of Commerce

July 15, 2020 by Dave Wheelan 1 Comment

It’s safe to say that when an organization starts a new year with a new executive director and a new president of its governing board, there will be plenty of new opportunities. With this “new blood” in place, almost every aspect of a group’s mission is evaluated, from short-term objectives to long-term goals, in a typically healthy process to achieve the more impact.

The Kent County Chamber of Commerce, with its membership of over 300, is one of the Mid-Shore’s most well-known and respected business associations, that is currently experiencing this phenomenon.

With Sam Shoge as the Chamber’s new executive director this spring, and Bryan Matthews assuming his new role as president of the organization in January, a unique dynamic duo will be at the helm.

Shoge, a long-time resident of Kent County,former Town of Chestertown Council member, and most recently, a member of the Talbot County Economic Development office, was eager to take on this new role to combine his passion for entrepreneurship and business development with his love of community.

Matthews, a former coach and vice president at Washington College, and now for many years, a vice president at KRM Development Corporation, was also motivated to find new ways to help Chamber members through further education and networking programs.

The Spy sat down with both of them, appropriately socially distanced, to talk about the future of commerce in Kent County and their combined effort to reinforce the relevancy of the Chamber as the county prepares to enter a new and unpredictable world as the region begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. To learn more about the Kent County Chamber of Commerce please go here

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