MENU

Sections

  • Home
  • About
    • The Chestertown Spy
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising & Underwriting
      • Advertising Terms & Conditions
    • Editors & Writers
    • Dedication & Acknowledgements
    • Code of Ethics
    • Chestertown Spy Terms of Service
    • Technical FAQ
    • Privacy
  • The Arts and Design
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
  • Community Opinion
  • Donate to the Chestertown Spy
  • Free Subscription
  • Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy

More

  • Support the Spy
  • About Spy Community Media
  • Advertising with the Spy
  • Subscribe
May 29, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

  • Home
  • About
    • The Chestertown Spy
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising & Underwriting
      • Advertising Terms & Conditions
    • Editors & Writers
    • Dedication & Acknowledgements
    • Code of Ethics
    • Chestertown Spy Terms of Service
    • Technical FAQ
    • Privacy
  • The Arts and Design
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
  • Community Opinion
  • Donate to the Chestertown Spy
  • Free Subscription
  • Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy
Commerce

Shore Leadership Celebrates Class of 2023 and Awards Ceremony

May 17, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

On Wednesday, April 19, alumni and guests of Shore Leadership gathered at the historic Tidewater Inn in Easton to welcome the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 and also held an Awards Ceremony to acknowledge some of the people and corporations who have made significant contributions to the success of the Shore Leadership program over the past several years.

The following Eastern Shore Leadership awards were given at the ceremony following dinner:

Founders Award: Dr. Murray “Ray” Hoy (individual), Talbot County Chamber of Commerce (business)

Chairperson’s Award: Amber O’Brien, Relationship Manager, Shore United Bank

Outstanding Sponsor: Accounting Strategies Group, LLC

Leader of the Year: Dr. Bryan Newton, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Services, Wor-Wic Community College

Future Leadership: Savannah Winston, Owners, VanTech Business Solutions

Members of the current Board of Directors for the Shore Leadership program who were present for the Awards Dinner.

The new class of Shore Leadership began their exciting nine-month journey with a 2-day Orientation Session on April 19 and 20. This session was led by Dr. Joe Thomas, Director of the J.B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, as well as Ms. Carol Graser, President of the Annapolis Leadership Group.  During those two days, the class learned about Adaptive Leadership and the Theory and Practice of Leadership.  The class also completed a team-building exercise around the village of Easton.

Members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 include:

Tia Bell, Channel Marker, Inc; Kate Bleile, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore; Kevin Callahan, Saints Peter & Paul School; Shelby Eason, TreeHouse Foods; Joey Faulkner, Town of Easton; Michelle Hall, Chesapeake College; John Hines, Easton Utilities; Jen Hughes, Londonderry on the Tred Avon; Jess Iacona, Beacon at Salisbury University; Jess Kilby, Chesapeake College; Carolyn Lane, QLarant, Inc.; Hali Leeson, Provident State Bank; Grace Lyons, Candlelight Cove; Sarah Lyons, Shore United Bank; Brian Merriken, Sisk Fulfillment Services; Grayson Middleton, Delmarva Chicken Association; Jessica Mumbulo, Willow Construction; Jenni Murphy, Hope, Inc.; Amber Rash, Horizon Farm Credit; Don Richardson, Town of Easton; Stefanie Rider, Wor-Wic Community College; Dr. Jen Schrecongost, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools; Greg Snyder, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region; Jen Wawrzenjak, Toroid Corporation; Jason Wielgosz, Caroline County Public Schools.

Over the course of the nine-month program, the class will visit a different county on the Eastern Shore each month.  In the morning, a Leadership topic will be discussed, and in the afternoon, the members of the class will get to meet and interact with business leaders from different industries in each of the counties. Leadership topics that will be covered over the nine-month period include: the Neuroscience of Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Leading Change, Leading Teams, Personal Mission Planning, and Coaching for Excellence.

Dr. Deirdra Johnson welcomed the class of 2023 in her opening address by stating “These next nine months will give you an opportunity to engage with various up-and-coming leaders as well as explore the various business industries on the Eastern Shore.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Shore Leadership Program, please contact Ms. Chris Caulk at shoreleadership@gmaill.com.

Shore Leadership is a component fund of Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. A copy of Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s financial statement is available at www.mscf.org or by calling 410-820-8175.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news

Qlarant Welcomes Jeff Weiss as New CFO

April 26, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Jeffrey D. Weiss, PMP has joined Qlarant as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. He is a finance, accounting, and business management executive with over 17 years of progressive experience in Federal Government contracting. With finance at the core of his education and professional experience, he has thrived in high-growth environments. He is credited with being a multidisciplinary business leader with extensive experience in business development and project management.

“I am really excited to join such a unique organization — Qlarant has market-leading capabilities in quality improvement and fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Weiss. “It is also a technology solutions company, which brings a scientific factor to our work.  I also love the philanthropic aspect of the company that reflects an enduring purpose. As a “born and raised” Marylander, knowing we are doing great things in our local communities is extremely motivating to me.”

Mr. Jeff Weiss, CFO Qlarant, Inc.

Prior to joining Qlarant, Mr. Weiss was Group Vice President of Finance and Business Operations at ASRC Federal Holding Company in Beltsville, Maryland. During his 9 years at ASRC Federal, the company more than doubled in annual revenue. This growth was achieved through organic successes, including on-contract growth in the backlog portfolio, winning new business, as well as mergers and acquisitions transactions where he provided due diligence and integration support.

“Out of the gate, my objectives are fairly straight-forward and tactical as I’m joining Qlarant at a busy time. I want to build an understanding of the company’s industry and customer base. Also, I want to build a deeper understanding of CEO, Dr. Ron Forsythe’s vision of what Qlarant can become and ensure our alignment in how we get there.”

“We are excited to add Jeff Weiss to our management team,” said Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr.  “In his career, he has been successful helping companies move from good to great with sound financial strategies. We look forward to his creative input and innovative ideas as Qlarant begins its next 50 years.”

Mr. Weiss also previously worked at SAIC, where—during his tenure as Project Control Manager—the company grew from $6B to $11B in annual revenue and completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

“My initial reaction to joining the team has been overwhelmingly positive. Companies and their cultures are ultimately built on their people and I have truly been welcomed with open arms from the moment I walked in the door.”

Mr. Weiss holds a Master of Business Administration (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Sellinger School of Business and Management, Loyola College, Baltimore, Maryland. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

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. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people and has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, Md, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 500 people. Qlarant is a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact boosp@qlarant.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, Qlarant

Qlarant Marks 50th Anniversary with Nationwide Celebration

April 25, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Qlarant, a national leader in quality improvement, program integrity, and technology solutions marked 50 years of service with a nationwide celebration on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The event celebrated the formation of the company that began in Salisbury, Maryland in response to legislation to control hospital costs related to Medicare.

530 Qlarant associates, in offices or home-based locations across the country, came together in-person and via remote access for a program which included comments from the CEO, Ron Forsythe, Jr., PhD and Board Chair Mr. John H. Murray, Esq. They welcomed several distinguished guests from the community and received citations from Maryland State Senator, Hon. Johnny Mautz, and Maryland Secretary of Commerce, Hon. Kevin Anderson.  Several former and retired associates and Board Members also joined in the Easton Md. office, including the company’s first employee, Mrs. Nancy O’Conner Bettini. A 20 minute video featuring the company’s history was a program highlight.

“This company started as a way to control skyrocketing hospital costs associated with Medicare and has become a leader in managing quality, improving care, and protecting valuable resources,” said Mr. Murray. “We do this by bringing the Best People and Best Solutions together to yield the Best Results.”

Left to right: Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz, Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr., Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson, and Qlarant Board Chair John Murray

“It was wonderful to reconnect with all of the former co-workers who helped build this company,” said Sandy Love, President, Qlarant Integrity Solutions. “After 30 years of working here, it was so great to see these people from our bright past experience how their efforts built the foundation for our current success.”

In addition, a team from Qlarant revealed a time capsule filled with memorabilia from the past 50 years. Doubling as a tall planter, the time capsule will be placed in the corporate headquarters lobby and will be reopened in 2048.

The event was live-streamed to Qlarant’s other office locations where associates assembled for their own events. “Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to get together with colleagues and celebrate Qlarant’s 50th anniversary and the many contributions to the communities in which we serve,” said Senior Vice President Bob Foley from the Tampa, Florida office.

Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and technology solutions. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. The organization provides customized solutions for state, federal, and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.

“We also enjoyed learning about the history of Qlarant captured in the video,” added Vice President Marion Olivier in the Georgia office, “including how the intellectual and developmental disability contracts have contributed to the success of Qlarant.”

Dr. Forsythe also discussed the brilliant future for Qlarant, based on the continued path of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and the dedication and hard work of all of the associates.

Qlarant will continue to celebrate this milestone throughout the year with other events and activities. To learn more about Qlarant visit www.Qlarant.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, Qlarant

Rhythm & Brews is This Saturday, April 15th

April 13, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Join the Kent County Chamber of Commerce as we host the 4th annual BrewFest in Historic Downtown Chestertown, MD this Saturday, April 15th, from 12-4!

General Admission tickets are $40 in advance ($45 at the door) and include entry, a souvenir tasting glass, beer tasting tickets, live entertainment, and more.

VIP tickets are $75 and include everything included in a General Admission ticket, plus a 4-pocket drop-in flight paddle, 3 additional tasting glasses, additional beer sample tickets, and early admission at 11:00 am! Tickets are selling fast!  Get yours now at www.kentbrewfest.com.

Enjoy craft beer from DelMarVa and beyond.  Live Music from Heavy Fred Lite and Justin Singleton!Food from Happy Chicken Bakery, Blue Monkey Street Tacos & Walker Family Deep Fried Seafood available for purchase!

Featured Breweries Include:

  • Blue Earl Brewing
  • Eastern Shore Brewing
  • Bold Rock Hard Cider
  • Evolution Craft Brewing Company
  • Big Truck Farm Brewery
  • RAR Brewing
  • Cult Classic Brewery
  • Ten Eyck Brewing Company

Plus wine from Crow Vineyards & Winery!

The Kent County Chamber would like to thank our Sponsors for this event:

  • Chesapeake Family Flooring & Decor – Title Sponsor
  • Cross Street Realtors – Tasting Glass Sponsor
  • Eastern Shore Tents & Events – Tent Sponsor
  • The Peoples Bank&Fleetwood Insurance Group – Flight Sponsors
  • Gillespie Precast&Duke Law – Band Sponsors
  • Chesapeake Bank & Trust, Washington College&PNC Bank – Food Truck Sponsors
  • WCTR Radio, Molly’s Place, H&R Block, Rivers & Roads Consulting, Talkie Communications, and Davis, Moore, Shearon & Associates – Tap Sponsors

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Perdue Executive to Discuss Agribusiness Market Trends at April 3 Event in Easton

March 31, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Tim Frump

Tim Frump, vice president of risk management and soy merchandising at Perdue AgriBusiness, will speak at the Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 3, at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton. He will present an overview of current market conditions in agriculture, including a look at how the war in the Ukraine is affecting commodity prices.

Frump’s presentation wraps up the spring speaker series presented by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library.

“The media has reported extensively on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and its impact on the global grain market,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of economic development and tourism for Talbot County. “We are excited to have Tim join us to discuss the market trends impacting local farmers and agribusinesses, including current grain production the Ukraine.”

Frump is responsible for managing the hedging and physical coverage for Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness, one of the largest family-owned grain companies in the United States. A native of Ohio, he has enjoyed a multi-decade career that includes managing the export trading of corn, soybeans, wheat, and specialty grains.

Before joining Perdue, Frump managed the trade activity for corn, sugar, soy oil, soy meal, natural gas, and other hedgeable commodities at Tate and Lyle. He also has traded many U.S. domestic markets with Cargill, ADM, and CGB Enterprises. Frump is a summa cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news

Kent County Health Disparities Grant Allows Rebuilding Together Volunteers to Provide Rock Hall Neighbor with a New Ramp

March 24, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Since its inception in 2004, Rebuilding Together Kent County has installed dozens of stick-built wheelchair ramps for neighbors in Kent County, thus contributing to its local reputation as “the ramp people,” despite the many other types of repair work Rebuilding Together has engaged in over nearly 20 years.

At an award luncheon for Qlarant Foundation grantees last year, Rebuilding Together Kent County staff were inspired by an aluminum ramp program offered by Bay Hundred Community Volunteers in Talbot County. With their help and also guidance from Rebuilding Together-Lincoln County in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, who has been installing aluminum ramps for several years, the organization decided to shift its focus from stick-built ramps to aluminum ramps.

(From L to R) Brian and Debbie Toth, Joanne Boyle, Ginny Gorman, Bill Shrieves, Bernie Miller, and Larry Dinoff. Not pictured is Bill Flook. The “50” candles on the cake represent the fact that this was Bay Hundred’s fiftieth aluminum ramp installation!

This was a smart decision for a number of reasons: aluminum ramps offer a high-quality material with a modular design that allows for flexibility and customization; they are durable and require little maintenance; and, they are able to be assembled easily by trained volunteers. Moreover, when the homeowner no longer requires the ramp, Rebuilding Together Kent County can retrieve the parts, clean them thoroughly, and reuse them for another neighbor with mobility challenges, truly making this a gift that keeps on giving!

Bill Shrieves from Bay Hundred Community Volunteers and Ms. F, trying out her new ramp.

Thanks to a Health Disparities Grant from the Kent County Health Department, on Wednesday, March, 22, 2023, Rebuilding Together officially “ramped up” its game when it launched its Lifetime Loaned Ramp Program. Despite a chilly start to the day, eight volunteers gathered to ensure Mrs. F, a Rock Hall neighbor recovering from hip surgery, can get safely in and out of the home where she has lived since it was built 55 years ago.

Bill Shrieves, who spearheads the aluminum ramp builds for Bay Hundred, was joined by his fellow Bay Hundred volunteer, Bernie Miller, to train the local crew on the proper way to get the job done for the Rock Hall homeowner. Larry Dinoff, Vice President of the Board of Rebuilding Together Kent County, took advantage of their expertise by participating in one of their projects last year, and observed them closely as they managed the flow effortlessly on Wednesday. In just two-and-a-half hours, this generous group assembled the ramp and made a huge impact. That pace would not have been possible with wooden construction.

Joanne Boyle, one of the six local volunteers, summed it up by saying, “Thanks to sound planning by Rebuilding Together Kent County and under the expert tutelage of Bill and Bernie from Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, the first aluminum ramp build went without a hitch! As a new volunteer, I found the team work both inspiring and fun. But the best part, by far, was seeing the happy homeowner when we were done.”

Rebuilding Together Kent County’s mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. They leverage gifts of time, money, skill and labor to repair and rehabilitate homes for income-eligible seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and families with children in Kent County. They are dedicated to ending substandard housing. All work is done at no cost to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria. This is an equal opportunity program. Learn more at RebuildingTogetherKCMD.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Mid-Shore Pro Bono Announces Sandy Brown Public Interest Spring Interns

March 2, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Mid-Shore Pro Bono has named Marris Hoffee of Millersburg, Ohio, and Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson of Aberdeen, Md. as the nonprofit’s 2023 Sandy Brown Public Interest spring interns.

The paid internship program was established to honor MSPB’s previous executive director Sandy Brown—who stepped down in Dec. 2021—and is supported by the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Bar Foundation. The donor-funded program provides undergraduate and law school students with a stipend while learning in the areas of public interest law, non-profit management, community service, and basic work experience.

Marris Hoffee is a legal intern and a 2024 J.D. candidate at the University of Baltimore School of Law. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s of arts degree in political science and served as an Ambassador and HR Representative with The Borgen Project in Seattle, Wash., where she worked directly with congressional leaders. Her community service includes working with the Cleveland Legal Aid Society and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Society.

“I have always been passionate about helping people trapped in the poverty cycle,” says Hoffee. “I studied the cycle of poverty in college and went to law school to pursue a career that can bring about effective change for people that are trapped in a system that keeps them struggling.

“My goal is to work with legislators to create and revise laws that affect the working class in employment, housing, and access to medical care,” Hoffee says. “Eventually, I would like to expand upon the mission of Mid Shore Pro Bono and provide access to legal representation on a large scale in America, so I am learning from the ground up how this organization works.

“I truly enjoy researching, learning, and helping the community through MSPB; each day I see the positive effect on the community and it translates into a joyful and fulfilling work environment with great people who share my passions.”

Marris Hoffee and Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson

Jamnesha ‘Jamie’ Ferguson is in her final semester studying criminal justice at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, with her grades earning her a Dean’s List designation. Ferguson is active in the Student Government Association, having served as Sophomore Class Senator and Junior Class Vice President. She is an active member of UMES’s Women of Distinction and volunteers with numerous organizations, including Halo Women’s Drive in Princess Anne.

“My future aspirations involve law enforcement, whether that is going to law school to become a lawyer or venturing out to become an FBI agent,” says Ferguson. “My goal is to help people in the community who can’t help themselves.

“My Mid-Shore Pro Bono internship is one of the most rewarding challenges I have faced since attending college,” Ferguson says. “Assisting the volunteer attorneys and staff, seeing how they interact with clients, and providing available resources to ensure clients have the same opportunity to be represented as everyone else is amazing.”

“We’re honored to have Marris and Jamie continuing their education with us,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard. “We’re also grateful to the donors to our Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship fund so that we can provide a stipend to our interns.”

Girard says the nonprofit is uniquely positioned to expose students who are interested in the practice of public interest law, social work, and nonprofit management through hands-on experiences working with rural populations with limited access to financial and other resources.

“This program engages students in a wide range of legal-related experiences in a high quality and well-supervised professional setting,” she says. “And undergraduate students interested in law, justice, and criminal justice as well as other civic-minded careers will be exposed to hands-on experience in these areas as well.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance through a network of volunteers, with offices in Easton and Salisbury. Donations to the Sandy Brown Public Interest Internship Fund can be made online using the donate button at www.midshoreprobono.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, Mid-Shore Pro Bono

Maryland Tax Credits Awarded to Main Street Historic Chestertown

February 26, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Main Street Historic Chestertown (MSHC) has been awarded for the 5th year an allocation of $20,000 in Maryland state tax credits to support its 2023 fundraising efforts. The Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) are awarded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through a highly competitive application process. The CITC program provides a tax credit to donors equal to 50% of any donation of $500 or greater.

Main Street Historic Chestertown is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to foster an inviting, diverse and prosperous downtown. It is part of a national network founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to revitalize America’s historic commercial districts.

With this year’s allocation of tax credits, MSHC is seeking donations in support of its marketing and tourism projects. These include printing of the Chestertown Visitors’ Guide, regional digital and print ads, and other promotional materials and events that attract tourists. Throughout the year, MSHC hosts a variety of well-known events that enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike, including Cars on High and the Chestertown Car Show, Carnival on High, the Tea Party Block Party, and Dickens of a Christmas.

In addition to special events, MSHC also offers a façade improvement grant program, manages streetscape and beautification efforts, assists with special projects such as Aunt Sarah’s Playground, and is working on pedestrian lighting and wayfinding projects.

“Main Street is committed to enhancing the experience of being in Chestertown, both for residents and visitors,” remarked Nina Fleegle, Executive Director. “We are proud to be able to offer these tax credits as an extra incentive to our supporters.”

MHSC has credits available through December 2023. Donors interested in tax credits should contact the Main Street office at 410-778-2991 or director@mainstreetchestertown.org, prior to sending a donation.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Kent County Brewfest “Rhythm & Brews” Scheduled for April 15th

February 17, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

The Kent County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the Kent County Brewfest, now called Rhythm & Brews, will take place on Saturday, April 15th from 12 pm – 4 pm in Downtown Chestertown. Advance General Admission Tickets are $40 and include access to the event, a sampling glass and tasting tickets. New this year, the Chamber will offer VIP tickets, which include access to the event an hour early, a 3-pocket flight paddle, 2 additional sampling glasses, and additional tasting tickets. Tickets are now available and can be purchased at www.kentbrewfest.com.

The fifth annual brewfest will feature beer and cider tastings from more than a dozen popular breweries and cideries from DelMarVa and beyond. The event will also feature live music from Heavy Fred Lite and Justin Singleton, food from Blue Monkey Street Tacos, Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Walker Family Deep Fried Seafood, and outdoor games.

Kent County Chamber of Commerce Rhythm & Brews to be held on Saturday, April 15th

“We are so excited to bring the Rhythm & Brews brewfest experience back to Kent County this year,” says Sarah King, Kent County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We are expanding the event with a variety of craft beer and cider options, two musical acts, and now a VIP Ticket option, to make it even more entertaining and enjoyable than before.”

The Kent Chamber is grateful to the local businesses that signed on to sponsor the event. We would like to thank Cross Street Realtors as our Tasting Glass Sponsor, Fleetwood Insurance Group and The Peoples Bank as our Flight Sponsor, Eastern Shore Tents and Event as our Tent Sponsor, and WCTR as one of our Tap Sponsors. The Chamber still has sponsorship opportunities for this event. If you would like to become a Rhythm & Brews Sponsor or volunteer to serve beers, please contact Sarah King, Executive Director, at sking@kentchamber.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, commerce, local news

Qlarant Welcomes Lisa Preston as Chief Human Resources Officer

February 16, 2023 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Share

Qlarant, Inc., a national leader in quality improvement, program integrity and technology solutions announced the addition of Lisa Preston as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This key position leads and provides oversight and coordination for all Human Resources services to Qlarant and its affiliate organizations. As a strategic thought-leader, Ms. Preston will create and oversee programs, services, and policies designed to achieve the company’s long-term objectives and will ensure Qlarant continues to be a competitive employer of choice. The company employs over 500 associates nation-wide and is celebrating 50 years of service in 2023.

“We are very excited to add Lisa Preston to our management team,” said CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. “She brings a diverse and extensive toolkit, rich with experience and expertise that will facilitate continued growth. We think she will fit perfectly with our culture and passion for excellence. ”

Lisa Preston is a human resources and operations executive with more than 20 years of experience in human capital disciplines, including HR, talent acquisition, staffing, performance management, and professional development. Her history includes proven and trusted experience serving as business partner and trusted advisor for executive leadership.

Lisa Preston

“I’m so excited to join Qlarant as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Preston. “I look forward to building upon what has made the organization thrive, and at the same time, help shape the organization to succeed for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Preston comes to Qlarant after 15 years at Guidehouse/Grant Thornton, LLC, Public Sector in McLean, Virginia. Most recently, she was Senior Director for Operations where she was leader of a 90-person internal client services (ICS) team comprising finance, compliance, HR, business development, marketing, contracts, reporting and analytics. In coordination with practice and firm leadership, she was responsible for setting ICS strategy, ensuring alignment with practice’s go-to-market strategy, and optimizing function processes, systems and outputs.

Preston is skilled mentor and coach who drives staff engagement and productivity. She is adept at facilitating strategic discussions on workforce demographics, management succession planning, and employee engagement. Her areas of expertise include management consulting, continuous process improvement, change management, organizational design, and program/project management.

In 1992, Lisa earned her bachelor degree in English from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. She also holds a master’s degree in American Literature from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland and has completed her coursework for a PhD in American Literature at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

“I look forward to getting to know the people and look for ways to create the best possible culture and people experience for Qlarant associates,” she added.

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. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation— the mission arm of the organization—has provided over $6 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant employs nearly 500 people and has a 45-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nation’s most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, Md, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 500 people. Qlarant is a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact boosp@qlarant.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, Qlarant

Next Page »

Copyright © 2023

Affiliated News

  • The Cambridge Spy
  • The Talbot Spy

Sections

  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Health
  • Local Life and Culture
  • Spy Senior Nation

Spy Community Media

  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising & Underwriting

Copyright © 2023 · Spy Community Media Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in