Commerce

F3 Tech Portfolio Company 5Metis Raises $10 Million

October 9, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

5Metis, an F3 Tech 2021 Accelerator portfolio company, has just raised $10 million from investors in an oversubscribed Series A Preferred Stock financing round. This marks the largest investment deal in the history of the Accelerator program, supported by the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, a non-profit, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. 5Metis is a new pure-play discovery company for crop protection and plant health technologies.

“The companies we have invited to this year’s program are more mature than ever before and represent some of the best investment opportunities and talent our industrial partners desire,” said F3 Tech Program Director Chris Hlubb. “It’s the largest amount any company has raised during our program, and we are excited to work with the management team at 5Metis to begin commercializing their technology through partnerships.”

Founded in 2021, 5Metis uses the technology platforms of two leading agricultural technology companies, Boragen Inc. and AgriMetis, LLC to combine boron-based small molecule discovery and synthetic biology for discovering new modes of action for crop protection. Through the accelerator program, F3 Tech will now work with 5Metis to expedite commercial outreach and partnerships for the company.

Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, 5Metis is led by agricultural industry veterans Steve Tuttle, Brian Green and Hannah Webb. Tuttle has held senior positions within Dow AgroSciences and the Dow Chemical Company, including serving as its global business director for the insecticides and fungicide portfolios. Green, a co-founder of AgriMetis – one of the parent legacy company of 5Metis – has led research programs at several chemical companies and Johns Hopkins University. Webb, a microbiologist, manages business development at Boragen, the other parent legacy company of 5Metis.

“There’s need in the market to bring new modes of action to the industry for crop protection and plant health,” Tuttle told WRAL TechWire in an exclusive interview. “If successful, the company will yield solutions for growers and farmers that could boost crop protection and crop health.”

About F3 Tech

The F3 Tech Accelerator Program provides funding and support for early-stage companies to prepare them for potential investment from the future F3 Tech Seed Fund, industry partners, and investors. For more information, please visit: https://f3tech.org/.

Easton Airport Announces October ‘Walk & Talk’ Open House & Airfield Tour

October 6, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Easton Airport is excited to invite the public to a special fall edition of the Walk & Talk airport open house series. The event will offer the community an on-site tour of the community airport with a trek through designated sections of the airfield on October 14, 21, and 28.

Attendees will pre-register and join airport management for the walking tour. The event will be informative and engaging, offering a behind the scenes look at airport operations and the business side of aviation. Airport management expects the event will help the community gain a new perspective of the airport, learn about its history, and see how it has become the “Aviation Gateway to the Eastern Shore” over the years.

“We had a great response from our spring Walk & Talk series and we are excited to invite the community back out this fall,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to observe our operations, see aircraft up-close, and ask lots of great questions.”

Spring 2021 Walk & Talk participants learned about the environmental and safety practices on the community airfield.

The tours will begin at 10 a.m. near the picnic area outside the Easton Airport terminal. The group goes beyond the gates and walks a 1-mile loop to the Easton Air Traffic Control Tower and back. During the walk and conversation, management will make stops to look and take photos at hangars, aircraft, and other equipment that are out. The tour will end back at the terminal where photo-ops with the F-104 Starfighter, donated to Easton Airport by Tom Blair, will be available.

The May 2021 series registered over 100 guests for the opportunity to take the behind-the-scenes tour at the airport. The successful Easton Airport Day, held on September 25, saw the largest crowd ever gathered on the airfield for an event, but folks are still eager to learn more about the airfield and see what flying is all about.

“People love being able to walk the tarmac, learn about the airport, and visit with some of our businesses,” Easton Airport Business & Marketing Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “The walking tour is the best way to learn and explore a unique economic driver for Talbot County.”

Pre-registration for the October Walk & Talk dates is required so airport management can share important information prior to arriving at the airport. No 4-legged friends are permitted on the tour. Comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, and weather appropriate clothes are the only other things needed to enjoy a morning on the community airfield. Visit www.eastonairport.com to learn more and register for available dates.

Easton Airport (ESN) is a general aviation airport located two miles north of historic downtown Easton, Maryland in Talbot County. The airport is owned and operated by Talbot County and provides essential access for aviation enthusiasts, corporate pilots, and local businesses. Easton Airport is one of the busiest general aviation facilities in Maryland, linking Talbot County to the rest of the world. For more information, visit www.eastonairport.com or follow the airport on Facebook and Instagram @EastonAirport.

Kent County Chamber of Commerce Presents Community Excellence Awards

September 22, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Kent County Chamber of Commerce presented four businesses and nonprofits and one individual with Community Excellence Awards for their outstanding contributions to the community during the past year through service and leadership. The awardees were The Kitchen at the Imperial, Main Street Chestertown, Minary’s Dream Alliance, and Rebuilding Together Kent County. The Person of the Year award was presented to Dr. Gerard S. O’Connor.

“The Chamber is extremely pleased to recognize these four businesses and nonprofits and Dr. O’Connor,” says Bryan Matthews, President of Kent County Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment to the community makes Kent County the special place that it is.”

The Kitchen at the Imperial was recognized with a Community Excellence Award for their many outstanding contributions to the community—especially feeding the hospital staff during the onset of COVID-19. When the pandemic hit and many were forced to work from home or seek unemployment benefits, our hospital staff diligently reported to work to care for the ill. With few customers to serve, owner and chef Steve Quigg reached out to the hospital and offered to cook and deliver meals for the night shift at the hospital. One meal even included fresh oysters after the Kent Chamber connected Steve with Scott Budden, owner and operator of Orchard Point Oysters. This is just one example of how The Kitchen reinforced the principles it abides by—being a community restaurant.

Nina Fleegle (center), Main Street Chestertown Executive Director, accepts award from Sam Shoge (left), Kent Chamber Executive Director and Bryan Matthews (right), Kent Chamber President.

Main Street Chestertown was recognized for launching four initiatives aimed directly at supporting the shops, merchants, and restaurants being impacted by the pandemic and resulting distribution to customers. The initiatives included launching an online portal for residents and customers to purchase gift certificates from local businesses, creating and posting signage encouraging social distancing, assisting restaurants with setting up street dining outdoors, and building rolling planters to demarcate outdoor dining space and beautify downtown Chestertown.

Minary’s Dream Alliance was recognized for several programs that brought joy and much needed support to several populations in Kent County. From ensuring young children having the ability to enjoy an Easter egg hunt during COVID-19 to preparing meals for first responders, the impact of MDA’s programs was far reaching. Minary’s Dream Alliance’s most notable contribution was rallying an entire community to deliver 200 bags of groceries each week to homebound seniors during the height of the pandemic.

Wayne Rickert (center, holding award), Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Kent County and Vic Pfeiffer (far right), Chairman of Rebuilding Together Kent County, accepts award from Sam Shoge (left), Kent Chamber Executive Director and Bryan Matthews, Kent Chamber President.

Rebuilding Together Kent County was recognized with a Community Excellence Award for the way they touched the lives of many here in Kent County. Rebuilding Together provides critical home repairs to those in need and the organization helped Kent County neighbors by replacing roofs, installing handicap accessible ramps, and providing other repairs that allowed Kent County residents to remain in their homes. These repairs also allowed the residents to maintain equity in their home. Because the equity in one’s home is often the only source of wealth for many, the work Rebuilding Together Kent County does also has the added benefit of preserving housing equity in our community.

The Person of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Gerard (Jerry) S. O’Connor for his outstanding contributions to the Kent County Community for the past 38 years. Dr. O’Connor dedicated his medical career to serving the surgical needs of Kent County residents. In addition to being a medical professional, Dr. O’Connor was extremely active in the community, serving with several community organizations including the Lions Club. Recently, he is most recognized for his dedicated efforts in launching a grassroots movement—Save Our Hospital—to preserve inpatient care at the Chestertown Medical Center. This movement was instrumental in paving the way for the Chestertown Medical Center being designated a Maryland Rural Hospital.

About the Kent County Chamber of Commerce

With more than 300 member businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, the Chamber is Kent County’s premier business-to-business facilitator. Through our many unique programs, events, and advocacy, we provide a platform for leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to engage with each other to grow their respective organizations for the ultimate benefit of Kent County and its residents.

Details Set for this Saturday’s Easton Airport Day

September 22, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The details are set and the Easton Airport community is ready to kick off the 12^th annual Easton Airport Day, sponsored by Scott & Tracy Wagner, this Saturday, September 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free community event will offer the entire family an opportunity to visit the local airfield and see what flying is all about.

Rare and unique aircraft and military planes will be on display throughout the event. Aircraft expected to attend include the World Word II C-47, Placid Lassie, which dropped paratroopers in France on D-Day in 1944. Socata Epsilons and Beechcraft Mentors will participate in the greatest numbers this year accompanied by North American T-6s, Russian Yak-52s, and Chinese Nanchang CJ-6s. The Maryland Air National Guard will have an A-10 Thunderbolt on display along with the Maryland State Police Helicopter, Trooper 6.

Photo credit: Bruce Vinel

Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. on the airport’s Terminal Ramp. Members of the Easton VFW will present and display our nation’s colors. Talbot County Sheriff’s Deputy First Class John Coleman will perform the National Anthem.

The Terminal Ramp will host static aircraft displays with great photo-ops, first responders, military displays, non-profit organizations, and the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Tent, sponsored by Sundance, Kitchen, Bath & Exteriors.

The ACE Tent will provide guests an opportunity to learn about aviation from industry experts. Civil Air Patrol, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Aviation Youth Mentorship Program, Chesapeake Sport Pilot, Maryland Air, and Trident Aircraft will all participate. The tent will also serve as the central hub for event information and Easton Airport Day merchandise.

Fly Aloft Aerial Photography and Biplane Rides will raffle a ride in their 1942 Stearman biplane, also on display near the ACE Tent. The first 500 people to visit the ACE Tent, snap a picture, and post it to social media with #EastonAirport will get a free chicken sandwich voucher from Chick-fil-A Easton.

Photo credit: Bruce Vinel

Easton Police will demonstrate their Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Unit around 11 a.m. on the Terminal Ramp. The unit is comprised of newly acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and the licensed officers that operate them.

The Warbird Ramp will be open 10:30-11:45 a.m. for up-close looks at the aircraft participating in formation flying. Warbird pilots will jump in their cockpits at noon for engines start and takeoff. They will spend an hour practicing formation flying with multiple passes over the skies of Easton.

The world-famous Rubber Chicken Drop Contest, sponsored by Bluepoint Hospitality, will delight the crowd around 1 p.m. As the Warbird pilots return to the airport, they skillfully attempt to hit the bed of a pickup truck with a rubber chicken. Pilots look forward to this challenge every year. Some have even custom designed their own “chicken launchers” for their aircraft.

Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Classic & Unique Car Display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the Easton Airport Terminal. Classic cars, hot rods, and unique vehicles of all types, models, and years will be on display during the event. Local food vendors will be onsite providing lunch, sweets, drinks, and tasty treats for sale. There is no ATM at Easton Airport, so please bring cash.

“The weather is going to be fantastic and we have an awesome event planned,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “We have made some changes this year to accommodate more guests and provide all of our visitors a great day at the airport.”

The event is free to attend and there is no fee for parking. Attendants will be onsite to help event guests find appropriate parking spaces on airport property and handing out event maps with schedules. Additional handicapped parking will be provided near the terminal.

Be prepared for long treks, displays and activities are located all over the airport grounds. Appropriate outerwear and apparel is suggested, family fun is expected.

A full schedule of activities, event map, and more details are available online now at www.eastonairportday.com. Follow Easton Airport on Facebook and Instagram @EastonAirport for event information and live updates.

About Easton Airport Day: Easton Airport Day is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Proceeds from donors and sponsors support the cost of the event with remaining funds supporting Aviation Career Education (ACE) Programs. These programs provide students the opportunity to explore careers in the aerospace industry, and provide resources and support to aid their vocational pursuit.

University of Maryland Medical System Implementing $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage

September 11, 2021 by Spy Desk 2 Comments

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) today announced a new commitment to better serve the communities in which our team members live and work, with a new minimum wage of $15 per hour. This increase will result in approximately 1,500 employees, or five percent of the System’s workforce, receiving a pay increase.

“Investing in our team members is an investment in our future and in our communities,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS. “We are committed to providing equitable pay for our team members and investing in the people who carry out our mission every day. Our System has embarked upon a very purposeful effort to become a destination employer for top talent by fostering an engaged, inclusive and diverse workforce.”

The System’s minimum wage increase is effective with the pay period that begins on September 12 and is applicable for all full and part-time team members who are not represented by a union. Team members making below $15 per hour will now be paid the greater of $15 per hour or a two percent increase in their wages. This move comes more than three years ahead of when Maryland plans to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

“The decision to increase our minimum hourly wage is just one step in a broader, ongoing effort to ensure we are constantly evaluating team member compensation and making adjustments where necessary,” said Kate McCann, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for UMMS. “We understand the need to continuously evolve our practices to attract and retain the absolute best talent for our System and will continue to do so.”

“While so much of our collective focus over the past 18 months has been on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, our leadership never lost sight of our broader mission – to transform health care and build on our commitment to provide the best possible care for our patients and better serve the communities in which we live and work,” Dr. Suntha added.

The increase in minimum wage is part of a holistic commitment made by UMMS over the past 18 months in support of, and investment in, its workforce, including waiving Paid Time Off (PTO) maximum accruals during the COVID pandemic response, offering PTO buyback programs, and implementing new premium pay and incentive programs.

UMMS will be sharing the System’s commitment with our outside partners and moving forward will seek to hire contractors and vendors who share this commitment.

In addition, effective July 2021, University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. (FPI), the clinical practices of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a campus partner with UMMS, raised its minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour. This change was made in collaboration with the University of Maryland Medical System and many other local healthcare institutions.

“FPI is pleased to provide this living wage increase at a time when many healthcare workers are facing both financial and emotional strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each employee plays a vital role in FPI’s ability to provide exceptional care to those in our communities as we feel it is important to recognize and retain our skilled workforce,” said William E. Tucker, MBA, Chief Corporate Officer for FPI.

Shore United Bank Congratulates Gina Paul on 35 Years of Service!

September 9, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Gina A. Paul celebrates 35 years with Shore United Bank.

Shore United Bank is happy to congratulate Gina Paul on 35 years of service. Gina began her career with the Bank in September of 1986 as a Bookkeeping Clerk at the Commerce Street branch in Centreville, formerly Centreville National Bank. Since that time, Gina has held other positions with the bank as Customer Service Representative, Assistant Manager, Branch Manager, and Internal Auditor. Currently, Ms. Paul is a Systems Administrator and Support Specialist, managing the workflow in the IT Department.

Gina is responsible for providing first-level problem determination and analysis with quick and efficient resolutions of all technical issues on the Help Desk’s supported platforms, serving as the primary administrator for various systems of Shore Bancshares and subsidiaries.

“Every support call is different, that’s what makes my job exciting. It also helps to create and retain good workplace relationships,” Gina responded when asked why she likes her job.

Extremely aware of her determination, friendliness and dependability, Gina’s supervisor, Fritz Kade, Chief Information Officer at Shore United Bank, had a lot to say about her contributions to their team:

“Gina is the backbone of the IT Department. If she can’t resolve an issue, she elicits support from other members of the team or learns how to resolve the issue independently. Her greatest strength is her completion orientation and customer service.”

With an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Chesapeake College, Gina is also a 2008 graduate of Maryland Bankers School. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as scuba diving, archery, hiking, and playing softball.

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

F3 Tech Selects Companies in AgTech and Clean Energy Storage

September 3, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

F3 Tech, an agriculture innovation accelerator program for early-stage companies supported by the nonprofit Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, has selected five companies from the fields of crop and soil health, as well as clean energy storage, to participate in its 2021 program.

The companies were selected from a pool of competitive applications and include:

Holganix, a manufacturer of proprietary plant probiotics that harness the power of microorganisms to optimize soils and grow healthier, more sustainable plants. This translates to improved yield on crops and a reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Lepidext, producer of a patented bioinsecticide that is safe, effective, and easy to use to control the corn earworm (aka cotton bollworm) in both the organic and conventional farming of crops affected by the pest.
Urban Electric Power is a clean energy company spun out of the CUNY Energy Institute. The company offers energy storage with safe and affordable rechargeable alkaline battery technology without any lead or flammable electrolytes. The battery cells are modular, scaling from residential to commercial to utility applications.
Growbox, a company that produces self-contained, fully automated shippable fodder systems that can match a year’s output of a 50-acre field of hay.
A newly established fifth company in the field of crop protection will be announced in Q4 2021 as they complete their initial funding round.

“This year’s candidates are more advanced than any we have previously admitted,” said F3 Tech Program Director Chris Hlubb. “Our team looks forward to working with them to expedite advances in their respective fields and realize their full commercial potential.”

Over the course of the three-month accelerator that starts in September, the companies will receive expert guidance from F3 Tech mentors in business development, marketing, legal and finance. The accelerator requires no equity from participants, a unique value proposition for many early-stage companies.

About F3 Tech

Shore United Bank Goes Purple During September in Support of the Herren Project

September 2, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

This September, Shore United Bank is ‘going Purple’ in support of the Herren Project’s initiative to provide communities with resources and support for the treatment, recovery and prevention of Substance Use Disorder.

In an effort to create awareness to the dangers of substance use, encourage positive decision-making to navigate life’s challenges and break the stigma of addiction, each branch will be decorated with purple décor, wearing purple on Fridays, and sharing useful resources for those whose lives may be impacted by this epidemic.

The tellers at Shore United Bank will be placing Substance Use Disorder resource cards in all currency envelopes to be handed to bank customers. These cards contain trigger questions and a URL for access to an array of sources covering all parties affected, from people battling the disorder, to the families of these individuals.

“There’s no reason to feel shame in asking for help. This program is starting a conversation that may save a life,” says Shore United Bank, Market Executive, Heather Bacher. Heather is also involved in QAC Goes Purple, a substance use awareness project in Queen Anne’s County led by the QAC Office of the Sheriff and the QAC Drug-Free Coalition, based upon the ideas of the Herren Project.

By placing resource cards into envelopes, customers will have discrete access to beneficial resources and information to create awareness, learn how and where to seek treatment, cope with the effects of addiction on their lives, and understand how to handle difficult situations related to Substance Abuse Disorder.

“Substance Use Disorder continues to destroy our communities and while this used to be a taboo subject, the initiatives of the Project Purple have made the topic more acceptable to discuss. The work we’re all doing to create awareness goes deep into our businesses, schools and our entire community,” explains Bacher.

In addition to their individual efforts, Shore United Bank has partnered with QAC Goes Purple and Talbot Goes Purple to further support the initiatives of the Herren Project and the fight to prevent Substance Use Disorder.

For more information on Shore United Bank’s commitment to their community and this initiative, please visit ShoreUnitedBank.com/project-purple.

Radcliffe Financial’s Sarah Schut Attains Chartered SRI Counselor

August 28, 2021 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Radcliffe Financial is proud to announce that Sarah Schut has been authorized by the College for Financial Planning—a Kaplan Company to use the Chartered SRI Counselor professional designation mark in accordance with the requirements of successful completion of the designation program. Sarah Schut is a financial advisor with Radcliffe Financial based in Chestertown, Maryland, with broker/dealer firm, Cetera Financial Specialists, LLC.

Sarah Schut

“Many clients are concerned about how their money is invested, not only financially, but ethically, too. Some clients are concerned about human rights and governance while others are focused on sustainability and the environment. More clients want to be informed consumers both when buying in the store or investing for their future,” Schut explained.

Schut went on to say, “…that the world of sustainable and responsible investing has become increasingly complex. Some professionals refer to it as ESG (environmental, sustainability, governance) others call it SRI (sustainable, responsible, and impact investing). Also, there are multiple investment firms building measurement tools for rating businesses, mutual funds, ETFs, etc. There is often a lot of confusion about how companies are measured, ratings formulas, and even the basic criteria used. My goal is to present clients with a vision of the options available that may meet their values-based criteria.”

The Chartered SRI Counselor™ and CSRIC® certification marks identify those individuals who have successfully completed coursework covering foundational knowledge and best practices for advising clients on sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments. The professional designation program was developed in partnership with US SIF (The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment) and is an industry-recognized credential dedicated specifically to SRI investments. CSRIC® professionals agree to meet ongoing CE requirements and compliance to standards of professional conduct to maintain continued use of the designation.

Rural Maryland Council Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Grant Recipients

August 28, 2021 by Rural Maryland Council (RMC) Leave a Comment

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) supports Rural Maryland Council’s activities including the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF), and the State’s five Regional Councils. RMPIF is designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. MAERDAF provides capacity building grants to rural serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges that promote statewide and regional planning, health care, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education.

Total Requested:	141 Applications	$11,180,214
Total Awarded:	59 Grants	$6,150,000

Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund: 29 Grants = $5,239,212

Rural Maryland Council: 1 Grant = Disbursement: $500,000

Awardee	Total Award
Rural Maryland Council	$500,000

Founded in 1994, the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the state’s federally designated rural development council and functions as a voice for Rural Maryland – advocating, educating, and helping rural communities and businesses across the state to flourish and to gain equity to its suburban and urban counterparts. The Council administers the RMPIF and MAERDAF grant programs. Additionally, the Council conducts research activities to understand rural challenges and outreach to engage rural residents in developing solutions to these challenges and convenes groups to identify solutions through consensus and coalition building.

RMC operates under the direction of a 40-member Executive Board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. The Council’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies, and healthy, connected communities. The organizational goals are to:

Encourage healthy, connected communities throughout Rural Maryland through convening stakeholders, education, public relations, and advocacy;
Support the development and growth of vibrant economies in Rural Maryland;
Foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural resources; and,
Maximize outreach, resources, and mission through financial and organizational

Regional Councils: 5 Grants = Disbursement: $2,000,000

One-third of RMPIF supports the State’s five regional councils:

Awardee	Total Award
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland	$400,000
Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland	$400,000
Upper Shore Regional Council	$400,000
Mid-Shore Regional Council	$400,000
Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore	$400,000

Regional Council activities funded through RMPIF, include:

Equity lending
Transportation software and systems
Regional agricultural development and education

Economic and small business development activities
Rural economic research

Examples of projects funded include the following:

The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland has developed a successful lending program for small businesses and entrepreneurs in their region, named Summit Financing Solutions. This program uses Federal, State, and local dollars to operate a number of loan funds that allow the Council to provide gap-financing and direct
The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland directs the Skillup® Southern Maryland, which is a program designed to help their region build a workforce ecosystem that supports positive economic development. Through this program and wraparound Federal supportive services, job seekers can explore career pathways, view local job postings, register for free online learning, and receive workforce services. Employers can search for qualified candidates, post jobs, and receive in-depth consulting to address hiring and training needs.
The Upper Shore Regional Council will continue to support the Upper Shore Career Technical Liaison position and program for Kent and Queen Anne’s As well as provide micro grants that allows teachers and mentors to assist high school seniors graduating from qualifying technical programs in their region to purchase the necessary tools and equipment to begin at their career.
The Mid-Shore Regional Council will fund the People for Change Coalition, Inc. to implement a summer career enrichment program for middle school students in partnership with the Dorchester Career and Technology The Youth Cyber Security Program is designed to lead to career paths in computer science, engineering, and project management.
The Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore will co-sponsor the Worcester County Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Technology and Tourism Internship Program (WSTATT-IP). This is a work-based learning experience that provides high school students and recent graduates from Worcester County paid internships that focus in the STATT sectors.

The RMPIF grant program has three focus areas-Health Care, Entrepreneurship, and Infrastructure. In FY2022, this program received 56 applications totaling $6,231,452 in requests. Of these requests, 23 grants totaling $2,739,212 were awarded.

RMPIF Health Care: 12 Grants = $966,449

Awardee	Total Award
Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission	$60,000
Channel Marker, Inc	$125,000
Corsica River Mental Health Services, Inc.	$7,500
For All Seasons, Inc.	$72,225
Fort Ritchie Community Center, Inc.	$25,000
Garrett County Memorial Hospital DBA Garrett Regional Medical Center	$143,000
Health Partners Inc.	$129,300
Maintaining Active Citizens, Inc.	$50,000
TidalHealth	$125,000
Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland	$87,500
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health at Chestertown	$125,000
Women Supporting Women, Inc.	$16,924

RMPIF Entrepreneurship: 5 Grants = $647,763

Awardee	Total Award
Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.	$160,000
Maryland Small Business Development Center, Northern Region at Harford Community College	$142,763
People for Change Coalition	$70,000
The Greater Cumberland Committee	$175,000
University of Maryland Eastern Shore-Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences	$100,000

RMPIF Infrastructure: 6 Grants = $1,125,000

Awardee	Total Award
End Hunger in Calvert County	$250,000
Fair Hill Foundation	$50,000
It Takes a Village to Help Our Children, Inc.	$200,000
Maryland Rural Development Corporation	$25,000
Town of Rising Sun	$300,000
United States Bomb Technician Association	$300,000

Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund: 30 Grants = $910,788

The MAERDAF grant program has five focus areas-Agricultural and Forestry Education, Community and Economic Development, Rural Broadband, Energy, and Youth Engagement. In FY2022, this program received 79 applications totaling $2,448,763 in requests. Of these requests, 30 grants totaling $910,788 were awarded.

MAERDAF Agricultural and Forestry Education: 6 Grants = $133,140

Awardee	Total Award
Allegany College of Maryland	$40,000
Chesapeake Culinary Center	$13,000
LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.	$30,000
Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation	$10,390
Steam Onward, Inc.	$13,450
Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council	$26,300

MAERDAF Community and Economic Development: 19 Grants = $608,633

Awardee	Total Award
Bay Community Support Services, Inc.	$27,200
Beach to Bay Heritage Area	$40,000
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc	$40,000
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum	$34,535
Chesapeake Housing Mission Inc.	$30,000
Community Mediation Maryland	$40,000
Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation	$25,000
For All Seasons, Inc.	$38,682
Forever Maryland Foundation	$28,600
Garrett College	$40,000
Habitat for Humanity Choptank, Inc.	$29,202
Habitat For Humanity of Wicomico County, Inc.	$40,000
Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, Inc.	$20,000
Maryland Rural Development Corporation	$40,000
Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory	$15,414
Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Inc.	$21,000
The Greater Cumberland Committee	$40,000
Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council	$40,000
Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council	$19,000

MAERDAF Energy: 2 Grants = $62,000

Awardee	Total Award
Adkins Arboretum	$40,000
Forest Glen Commonwealth, Inc.	$22,000

MAERDAF Youth Engagement: 3 Grants = $107,015

Awardee	Total Award
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education	$30,000
Preservation Maryland	$37,015
The Parents’ Place of Maryland	$40,000

For More Information, visit the RMC website: www.rural.maryland.gov

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