With Women’s Equality Day around the corner and the U.S. ranking as only the 42nd best country for gender equality, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality in 2025, with Maryland coming in ranked 3rd overall in the country.
Last week, MCEDC President & CEO Jared Smith and other local Montgomery County business leaders were named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 250 List, which recognizes influential business leaders across the DMV region. Smith, who joined MCEDC in December 2025, brings over 20 years of economic development and business experience across local and state government to the role. He is widely recognized in the economic development field and chairs the International Economic Development Council’s national Committee on the Future of the Profession, helping shape strategies that influence communities across the U.S.
During his time at MCEDC, Smith has led the development of the new Countywide Economic Development Strategic Plan for Montgomery County. The strategic plan establishes a clear, actionable framework to guide economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusive opportunity across the County. The plan builds on existing County assets like talent and proximity to world-leading research institutions, while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the ecosystem and workforce development.
Smith also oversaw MCEDC’s rebrand, which included a refreshed logo, new website, and the launch of quarterly MCEDC-hosted events where each convened over 100 attendees. Smith has also prioritized building a best-in-class economic development team and has made several key hires, including a new Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Economic Competitiveness, and Chief Operating Officer.
The Washington Business Journal’s Power 250 list also recognized several other Montgomery County leaders, including Co-founder of Xometry, Randy Altschuler, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Angela Franco, Founder & CEO of United Therapeutics, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, President & CEO of The Donohoe Companies, Christopher Bruch, and President of Montgomery College, Dr. Jermaine F. Williams.
Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred around 12:25 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, near the border of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. (more…)
Summer Restaurant Week, presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), returns August 18th to August 24th. This biannual event invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the region, from the heart of DC to the vibrant suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.
Join artist Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’p’o Owenge ([Santa Clara Pueblo]), creator of Always Becoming, and the community that cares for the museum’s ephemeral outdoor sculpture family, to learn about the project’s evolution over the past two decades, and what the future holds.
Learn about the art of clay, traditions of sustainability in Pueblo building techniques, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly art activities, dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, watch a short film, and multiple opportunities to hear from the artist, her family, and museum experts that have contributed to the care and revitalization of the sculptures.
Join Oneness-Family School for a free Montessori toddler event on Saturday, November 14! In this Montessori-inspired lesson from OFS teacher Ja’Shai Rowe, toddlers will explore the story of "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert and enjoy fall activities and crafts. For parents and toddlers age 1-3 years.
Brandon Cheng, founder of Sole Inspires, is partnering with Chris Patterson of Bangin’ BBQ to host their first-ever FREE Back-to-School Drive at Northwest High School on Sunday, August 24th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. The community-focused event aims to provide essential supplies and services to students as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
We’ve all heard of New York and Chicago style pizza, but we have our own style of pizza here in Maryland. As we discussed in our inaugural podcast back in 2014 due to our very own Mr. MoCo’s enthusiasm for this type of pizza, Maryland-style pizza is characterized by its rectangular shape, biscuity crust, sweet tomato sauce, and smoked provolone cheese.
A new brewpub has arrived in Gaithersburg with Mayan Monkey Brewing Co. now officially brewing their own beers. The new concept from the team behind local favorites like Taco Bar […]
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for several counties in Maryland and Northern Virginia, including Montgomery, west central Howard, and southeastern Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as parts of Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia. The warning is in effect until 7:00 PM EDT this Sunday, August 17.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is participating in a national “Clear the Shelters” event this weekend, offering free adoptions for all pets on Saturday, August 23rd, and Sunday, August 24th, from 11am to 5pm at its location at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood.
Loehmann’s Plaza, a shopping center in Rockville/North Bethesda, is moving forward with its planned redevelopment into a mixed-use residential and retail community, and a new grocery store is a key part of the project.
Local basketball talent Brandon Murray, originally from Germantown, Maryland, has officially signed his first professional contract with Sencur, a basketball club based in Slovenia. Murray attended and played middle school basketball at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Germantown.