The City of Gaithersburg has initiated a Multigenerational Recreational Facility Feasibility Study to assess the need for a new facility that meets the diverse requirements of its community. This feasibility study will evaluate existing recreational programs, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, including potential upgrades to current facilities, the addition of new program spaces, and enhancements to overall operations.
160,000 students will be heading back to school on Monday and more than 900 teachers having been hired by MCPS ahead of this school year. In its staff billetin, the school system also shared that there are 43 new principals (or new to their school). A list of the principals, along with an interesting fact about them, can be seen below, per MCPS:
Talent is one of the most important factors influencing where companies choose to invest, expand, and grow. As competition for skilled workers intensifies, employers are embracing a broader talent strategy: one that leverages partnerships. Last week, almost 120 business leaders, elected officials, and members of Montgomery County’s business community attended the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation’s (MCEDC) panel, “The Talent Advantage: A Growth Strategy for Companies in Montgomery County, Maryland,” to hear how local businesses are capitalizing on the County’s world-class academic institutions, innovation ecosystem, quality of life, and economic development resources to attract and retain top talent.
Moderated by Dr. Anne Khademian, Executive Director at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG), the panel included executives from businesses and institutions across industries, including Lockheed Martin, TrilliumBIO, Thales Defense & Security, Johns Hopkins, Montgomery College, and AstraZeneca, who discussed their companies’ strategies for developing their workforce.
Talent as a Business Strategy
For companies competing in highly specialized industries like the defense industry, access to talent directly influences where they choose to locate and grow. For Lockheed Martin, which employs nearly 1,000 people in Montgomery County, talent is one of the primary reasons the company chose to be headquartered here.
“Talent is in the top one or two reasons why we are in the County,” said Todd Cohen, Senior Lead of Strategic Workforce Development, Lockheed Martin.
According to Cohen, Lockheed Martin begins working with partners to develop their talent pipeline well before students enter the workforce, including partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) on programs such as coding challenges. Lockheed Martin also maintains close relationships with local higher education institutions, including the Universities at Shady Grove (USG).
That local talent pipeline is also an important factor for AstraZeneca, which employs more than 5,000 employees and contractors in Montgomery County. According to Tiffany Lukis, Director of STEM and Community Engagement at AstraZeneca, the company often taps into its alumni base from Montgomery College (ranked #26 nationally among community colleges) and USG (which offers nine different public universities onto one campus), and other local institutions to fill highly technical roles.
Local Companies Are Developing Talent and Not Just Finding It
According to the panelists, investing in existing employees is just as important as recruiting new ones.
At Suburban Hospital, workforce development is closely tied to talent retention. The hospital partners with local educational institutions to provide employees with opportunities to gain new skills and advance their careers. Programs include a Certified Nursing Assistant program through Montgomery College and English as a Second Language classes.
“A huge part of our talent strategy is to prioritize holding on to our top tier talent,” said Corey Lewson, MSW, Program Manager, Workforce Development, John Hopkins Medicine.
For smaller companies, developing talent internally can be especially valuable. Lane Edwards, Vice President of Operations, TrilliumBIO, a biomarker discovery company with fewer than 20 employees based in Rockville, described the challenge of balancing the need for highly specialized expertise with the realities of building a team at an early-stage company.
“When it comes to hiring, we have to be very strategic,” Lane said. “Do we have someone who has the expertise or someone that we can build on?”
Monster Milkshake is coming to the Clarksburg Premium Outlets, taking over the space between Kay Jewelers and Beautiful U threading salon near the food court.
The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, a full-service retirement community featuring 302 one and two-bedroom residences across seven stories and 8.5 acres, officially opened on August 15 in Gaithersburg, MD. The community is located adjacent to the Washingtonian Center.
At The Head Spa by Bare, we believe that true beauty begins with a healthy scalp, its your unique wellness experience for the mind and body. Relax with aromatherapy and gentle massages while healing your scalp.
Head Spa Facial rituals are a unique and luxurious experience that focuses on relaxing and revitalizing the scalp and hair. These rituals combine traditional Japanese techniques with modern spa treatments to provide a holistic approach to wellness.
Come enjoy the day at our annual Washington Grove Arts and Craft Festival in a beautiful outdoor setting. This festival highlights local artisans including wood creations, pottery, visual art, household products and so much more. We also have food trucks from El Parente Tacos, El Jeffe Wood-fired pizzas, Bruster’s Ice Cream and beverages from Saints Row Brewery. Bring the whole family because we have a kids activity area too. Pets on a leash are welcome too!
The Town of Ocean City has suspended all boardwalk tram services until further notice following the fatal collision that killed a 2-year-old boy that on Tuesday, August 20.
Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada issued the following on Wednesday, August 21, 2024: (more…)
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) issued the following community letter on August 21, 2024:
Montgomery County Police have released additional information regarding a fatal collision that killed a 28-year-old lawn mower operator on Tuesday, August 20.
Updated to include specific Montgomery County location.
Fuddruckers has announced it will be opening new locations in Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC this fall. “The World’s Greatest Burgers” chain is known for its fresh 1/3, 1/2, or 2/3 lb patties and “Build Your Own” produce bar.
On Tuesday, Governor Wes Moore announced nearly $23 million in federal funding to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Maryland, focusing on underrepresented groups and enhancing programs in industries like healthcare, technology, and transportation. (more…)
Maryland Attorney General Brown has announced that no charges will be filed in a fatal, police-involved collision that occurred on April 27, 2024 in Rockville.