Local Layoffs Now Total 528 This Year

HAGERSTOWN, MD - With the recent layoff of 126 workers from BB&T, the total number of workers subject to layoff or closure of a business now totals 528.

This has been a very rough year for Hagerstown and Washington County.

In March, 87 jobs were lost when Radio Shack closed nationwide.

Home Depot, which is currently in the process of laying off workers, expects to layoff a total of 315 workers through November.

And finally, 126 BB&T workers were subject to a mass layoff this month.

Data was gathered from the Maryland Department of Labor Work Adjustment and Retaining Notification (WARN) webpage, available at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/warn.shtml

Ken Buckler is the editor of the WashCo Chronicle

Lenox Corporation Moving Pennsylvania Operations To Washington County Maryland

Hagerstown, MD - The Washington County Department of Business Development is pleased to support Lenox Corporation in an expansion project to retain 105 jobs and create 14 new full-time positions in Washington County.

As Lenox consolidates operations from a Langhorne, Pennsylvania site, the company is set to invest $3 million at the Washington County project site for new equipment and infrastructure.

"Working with existing businesses is critical to expanding economic development opportunities and creating jobs for Washington County citizens," said Kassie Lewis, director, Washington County Department of Business Development. "We're proud Lenox has called the County home for more than 40 years and we look forward to the continued investment and commitment this organization has demonstrated in our community."

During the expansion, Washington County will provide a conditional loan for $63,000. The terms of the loan require Lenox to employ a minimum of 119 permanent full-time employees at the project site through December 31, 2020.

Other assistance available for the project includes the County's Fast Track Program - an expedited review and approval process for any facility construction needs and the High Performance (Green) Buildings Tax Credit Program. For three years, businesses are eligible for a tax credit based on LEED certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Lenox produces its sophisticated fine china patterns at the only fine bone china factory in the U.S., leverages its own marketing and design, sourcing and fulfillment, and wholesales to Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl's and other major department stores, as well as Amazon.  Lenox sells direct through e-commerce, catalog, direct mail and a chain of retail stores primarily located on the east coast, including the retail store on-site at the Hagerstown facility.

Press release courtesy Washington County Government

Looking for Paid Contributors to WashCo Chronicle

BOONSBORO, MD - For a while now, I've been wanting to find a way of paying independent contributors to WashCo Chronicle. As I've said before, I'm not interested in making money off WashCo Chronicle - but I'd love for my independent contributors to!

Today, Jason, who runs the DarkTechObserver Blog and YouTube, gave me a link to a website which may allow me to do just that.

Patreon is a crowdfunding website which allows you to make regular contributions to artists, writers, musicians, etc.

There are two funding models which I could implement.

The first funding model, I setup a single Patreon account for WashCo Chronicle. Then I use any contributions to pay contributors on a per-article basis.  The upside to this is, once a dedicated stream of funding is established, I could pay contributors immediately for articles I review and accept. The downside is, I wouldn't be able to accept paid articles until there's a funding stream.  This also causes some legal headaches for me, as I'd have to make each contributor a paid contractor, fill out tax forms, etc.

The second funding model, and the one I'm really leaning towards, is having each independent contributor create a Patreon account, and include a link in their articles. This could result in higher returns for independent contributors, if the community favors their articles.  This would leave the "quality" judgement in the hands of the community, instead of my own personal opinion. This would also result in contributors receiving payment monthly, instead of a per-article basis.  Independent contributors could use the same Patreon link on their own personal blogs/etc. as well.  And best of all, it removes a lot of legal headaches for me.

I really want to help empower the community, and help provide additional income to those who need it.  I believe this might be an excellent chance.

What are your thoughts? I want to hear them.  Would you be interested in becoming a paid contributor to the WashCo Chronicle?  For readers - which funding model would you prefer?

Please email me, WashCoChronicle@gmail.com

Ken Buckler is the editor of the WashCo Chronicle

Local cyber security company in Frederick, MD seeking new talent

Are you interested in joining a fast growing firm that understands advanced analytics, cyber threats, cyber security and has a career path for technical staff? Do you thrive in a collaborative & dynamic work environment?
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Bushido Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Western MD Tech Showcase Speakers Discuss Economy, Jobs, Innovation

HAGERSTOWN, MD - A consistent message persisted throughout speakers at the Fort Detrick Alliance 2nd Annual Western Maryland Technology Showcase - Fort Detrick is an asset to our area, and can be used to keep Western Maryland competitive. Small businesses and representatives from many local organizations were present, including Hagerstown Mayor Gysberts, as well as a representative from Ben Cardin's office.

Congressman Delaney discussing keeping Maryland competitive.
Photo by Ken Buckler

Congressman Delaney spoke of the need to make western Maryland thrive, be competitive, and bring in jobs. Delaney also spoke of the need to maintain and improve transportation in our area to DC, and how there are currently five million jobs in this country which are not currently filled due to a skills gap. Community colleges such as Hagerstown Community College can help close that gap for area students. Two of the areas which Delaney spoke about were Cyber and Energy sectors. Both sectors are expected to rapidly grow and change over the next several years - and western Maryland can embrace these growing economic sectors.

Linda Berger, from the NSA's Technology Transfer Program, discussed how the NSA at Fort Meade is working to move information and technology from the NSA's Federal laboratories to the public for further innovation. Currently there are approximately 200 patent technologies owned by the NSA and licensed to the public.

Four different methods exist for transferring information and technology to the public:

• Patent Licensing Agreements
• Cooperative Research and Development
• Technology Transfer Sharing
• Educational Partnership Agreements

Some of the most important technologies available for sharing are cyber security related, helping to keep our nation's computer systems secure.

Daltof discusses licensing technology.
Photo by Ken Buckler

The NSA also shares their tools with other government agencies at no cost, in order to provide the latest technology to all agencies at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

According to a study, between 2000 and 2011, NSA's technology transfer program resulted in an extra $118 million in the US economy, and that current numbers are most likely far higher. Western Maryland businesses should take advantage of this program, and boost the area's economy.

Barry M. Datlof, from the Medical Technology Transfer program of the U.S. Army, also spoke about their efforts to license technology to the private sector. Innovations such as spray-able foam casts and caffeinated gum are available for private sector to license, manufacture, and market to the public - creating opportunities for start-ups to gain capital with lower start-up costs.

In all, the event provided excellent reinforcement that there are public and private organizations working to stimulate the economy of Washington County and the surrounding area.

More information about the Fort Detrick Alliance can be found on their website: http://www.fortdetrickalliance.org/

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor.

Help Wanted: Carpenter

Local Construction company in search of carpenter must pass drug test background check fax resumes to 304-274-0443

Supervisor Position - Dave's Moving Service LLC

3/23/2014 - 3 SUPERVISORS NEEDED!! JOB WILL PAY THE RIGHT 3 PEOPLE TOP DOLLAR FOR THIS JOB !! 
ALL 3 SUPERVISORS MUST HAVE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND DMV REC. AND EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISORS OTHERS ALSO MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK THAT IS A MUST ! FEEL FREE TO CALL DAVID AT 304-261-5518