Amanda Bosland, Author at Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Nonprofit Spotlight: Interfaith Works

"Rockville is an inclusive, welcoming place to operate as a nonprofit. It is also a convenient, centralized location that is easily accessed by Interfaith Work staff and by our clients."

Can you describe the mission of Interfaith Works and how it aligns with the Rockville community’s needs?

Interfaith Works helps more than 35,000 Montgomery County neighbors each year through vital programs that provide our neighbors with a pathway to stability. That includes thousands of Rockville residents. Essential IW programs located in the Rockville community include: the IW Clothing Center; IW Food Pantry; IW Connections; IW Vocational Services Program; IW Women’s Shelter at Taft Court, an emergency shelter serving women; IW New Leaf, an inclusive emergency shelter, and our newest program. Lon’s House, which provides a supportive, welcome environment for senior men who have experienced homelessness. For people facing a range of challenges in the Rockville community, including job loss, food insecurity or homelessness, IW’s programs are here to welcome and help them, responding to their needs on a tailored, individualized basis.

How has partnering with local businesses enriched Interfaith Works’ impact?

Local businesses and organizations have been extraordinarily generous, both through donations and volunteering. They have provided a range of support for our programs. Including: holding drives for essentials like toiletries, coats and school supplies. volunteering at our programs; and providing donated meals for the residents of our shelters. These businesses and organizations include Snyder Cohn, National Institutes of Health, Original Pancake House, Rockville Rotary Club, Immunocore, and Aurinia Pharmaceuticals.

Can you share a success story or program that epitomizes your work in Rockville?

Mr. Johnson, a Rockville resident since the 90s, is a kind-hearted senior who found himself struggling to make ends meet. He contacted Interfaith Works Connections (located in Rockville at the IW Essential Needs Center) after being connected with the IW Food Pantry (also at the Essential Needs Center).

He reached out to IW Connections for utility assistance, as the burden of bills was becoming overwhelming. A Resource Coordinator quickly assessed his situation and determined that he qualified to receive a grant towards his past due balance. With the support of IW Connections, Mr. Johnson now has peace of mind, knowing that his utilities are taken care of.

What are some of the volunteer or partnership opportunities available at Interfaith Works?

Interfaith Works offers a range of opportunities, including:

Schedule time to volunteer as an individual or in a group, sorting clothes or helping arrange food staples at the IW Essential Needs Center
Hold a drive for us – we welcome travel-sized toiletries at some of our shelters, for example; our IW Clothing Center would welcome winter coats
Share your knowledge and skills with our Vocational Services Program, including helping people with resumes and interview practice
More options are listed here: https://www.iworksmc.org/volunteer

Why did Interfaith Works decide to operate in Rockville?

Rockville is an inclusive, welcoming place to operate as a nonprofit. It also is a convenient, centralized location that is easily accessed by IW staff and by our clients. In addition, Interfaith Works has been in Rockville throughout its history and is proud to continue that tradition. That includes IW largest programs at the IW Essential Needs Center, which is home to Interfaith Works’ Clothing Center, the only large-scale free clothing distribution program in Montgomery County.

About Interfaith Works

Interfaith Works responds to the needs of our neighbors by offering four program areas: Emergency Shelter, which serves people experiencing homelessness; Supportive Housing, which provides housing insecure people with housing assistance and supportive services to help them maintain stability; Essential Needs, located in Rockville, which includes the IW Clothing Center, the IW Food Pantry (which provides access to free food and diapers), and IW Connections, which links our neighbors to essential services through counseling and education; and Vocation Services Program, also located at our Rockville headquarters, which helps un- and underemployed people find sustainable job opportunities with an array of services that include resume assistance, interview practice, and training opportunities. Learn more at www.iworksmc.org

Business Spotlight: Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites

"We embody a caring spirit by putting guests first with teamwork, respect and an entrepreneurial spirit..."

How does Best Western Premier Rockville align with or enhance the overall local hospitality and tourism landscape?

Our property is the only Premier in the DC Metro Area, and is an art-filled full-service hotel that puts an emphasis on value, with exceptional amenities, finely appointed upscale guest units, a more contemporary experience of comfort and luxury, and friendly professional service. Simple and elegant, it’s a prestigious expression of the premium accommodation guests have come to expect and deserve.

What special services or amenities does your hotel offer to make it stand out?

Our private 2^nd Floor Wing is a unique experience for bridal parties, mitzvahs, and business VIP travelers. Having completed a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2023, the building modernization qualified the hotel for the Montgomery County MD-approved PACE (property assessed clean energy) financing. By expanding the use of C-PACE in Montgomery County, the hotel is contributing to private sector investment in the community, clean energy job growth and improvement in building quality. This renovation is further evidence of our commitment to our valued guests and the Rockville community.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or partnerships that you’re excited about?

We have recently been designated as a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)! We are the only hotel in the DC region with this distinguished designation, providing Montgomery County with a unique, value-oriented, superior product.

Can you share some insights into the leadership style and values that guide Best Western Premier in Rockville?

The Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites inspires travel through unique experiences by delivering service in a friendly, courteous, and helpful manner. We embody a caring spirit by putting guests first with teamwork, respect, and an entrepreneurial spirit upheld by our commitment to excellence and each team member taking ownership.

What makes Rockville the ideal location for operating your hotel?

We provide the easiest access to all that Montgomery County has to offer. From Gaithersburg to Bethesda, you can reach your destination in a timely manner.

About Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites

The Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites is a completely renovated, full-service contemporary hotel in the heart of the biotech corridor and owned by a U.S. Army veteran. Ideally situated at the intersection of I-270 and Rt. 28 West Montgomery Avenue (Exit 6B), the BW Premier Rockville provides visitors easy, close, and convenient access to virtually all local destinations in Montgomery County and the Nation’s Capital. The newly renovated hotel is just 12 miles from Washington DC and 10 minutes from the Rockville Metro Red Line to/from DC. Learn more at www.bestwestern.com/rockville

Business Spotlight: Omega 3 Nutrition

"We are striving to change the way people think about brain health and nutrition. Our goal is to offer products that proactively promote brain health through food. "

What was the inspiration behind starting Omega 3 Nutrition?

I launched Omega 3 Nutrition after my freshman year of college when I realized there was a massive gap in the market space for food that takes care of one’s brain health. I realized that, as a society, we were being reactive about our brain health and not proactive. It was then that I decided to partner with my professors to get help in creating a product that was affordable, accessible, and absolutely delicious, all while working to naturally and proactively take care of one’s brain health.

Can you share some of the challenges and successes you’ve experienced in your first few years of operation?

It was really challenging to secure funding to support the growth of our business. Fortunately, we were able to win three pitch competitions that played a crucial role in getting us to the level where we are today. Additionally, we faced initial difficulties in finding an affordable location to manufacture our Omega 3 products. We started in Hagerstown, then moved to Hyattsville, and finally found our home in Rockville. Here, we are not only content but can also operate at a high level and access the abundant resources that Montgomery County and the City of Rockville offer to businesses.

What sets Omega 3 Nutrition apart in a competitive market?

We are striving to change the way people think about brain health and nutrition. Our goal is to offer products that proactively promote brain health through food. We aim to make it more affordable, accessible, and delicious for individuals to take care of their brain health.

What factors led you to choose Rockville as Omega 3’s new home?

Rockville is a very safe community with numerous resources. I appreciate the presence of public transportation, making it easier for workers to commute to their jobs. Additionally, there is a highly developed pool of workers available for hiring, which greatly facilitates our ability to expand and increase our production capacity.

What are Omega 3 Nutrition’s plans for community engagement in Rockville?

Omega 3 Nutrition is committed to actively engaging with the Rockville community in multiple ways. We plan to give back through initiatives such as food drives and other community-oriented programs. Additionally, our presence will contribute significantly to the community by creating a substantial number of job opportunities.

About Omega 3 Nutrition

Omega 3 Nutrition is a brain-centric food company that creates affordable, accessible, absolutely delicious on-the-go food items that work to naturally sustain one’s brain health. Omega 3 Nutrition creates both cereal and granola bar food items that are healthy, work to sustain one’s brain health through nutrients that have been scientifically proven to do so, and serve as a meal equivalent! Omega 3 Nutrition brain-boosting products work naturally and are meant for all ages not just (+18), our on-the-go nature makes our products more accessible and consumable, and we offer a unique packaging experience that we have patented. Learn more at www.eatomega3.com

Rockville biotech Emmes expands into Latin America with acquisition of VaxTRIALS

The acquisition adds greater vaccine research depth and a new Latin American base

Rockville, Md., Oct. 5, 2023 – Emmes, a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation, today announced the acquisition of VaxTRIALS. Headquartered in Panama City, Panama, VaxTRIALS’ 160+ staff members manage and monitor vaccine clinical trial activities throughout Latin America.

“Today’s clinical trials are both more complex and more global in nature than ever before,” said Emmes Executive Chairman Sastry Chilukuri. “Combining VaxTRIALS’ depth of expertise in Latin America and Emmes’ strengths, particularly in technology, biostatistics and data management, will give clients an unmatched partnership experience in conducting their clinical trials.”

“VaxTRIALS is a highly complementary match for Emmes,” elaborated Emmes Chief Executive Officer Peter Ronco. “It extends our global reach from our current base in North America, Europe and Asia to Latin America, one of the fastest-growing regions for clinical trials due to its large, diverse patient population and high-quality clinical research sites. VaxTRIALS adds a number of new biopharmaceutical and public-private partnership clients and further strengthens one of our largest research therapeutic areas: vaccines and infectious diseases.”

VaxTRIALS’ vaccine-related clinical trials have been conducted in 11 Latin American countries, as well as the Philippines.

VaxTRIALS’ staff members have supported clinical trials aimed at preventing diseases such as influenza, dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis A, meningitis, norovirus, herpes zoster, pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), polio and COVID-19.

“Another benefit for Emmes,” continued Ronco, “is that we’ll be able to take advantage of VaxTRIALS’ established network in Latin America to reach clinical trial participants in our other core therapeutic areas, including rare and pediatric diseases, cell and gene therapy, and ophthalmology.”

“Both our companies have built enduring customer relationships and a legacy of service in vaccine and infectious disease research,” said VaxTRIALS CEO Dr. José Jimeno. “I am proud that we have made both people and cultural development a priority, including hiring and developing employees who care deeply about making a difference in public health.

“I’m also excited to incorporate Emmes’ technology expertise, as well as legacy and depth in biostatistical analysis and data management, for the benefit of our clients throughout Latin America,” he added. “Emmes’ Advantage eClinical data management platform, with benefits including improving data quality, easing oversight of clinical trial operations, and reducing trial timelines and costs, can be extremely helpful to our customers.”

Chilukuri noted, “José Jimeno combines his background as a medical doctor with an extensive knowledge of the industry and the Latin American region and a stellar reputation in the global vaccine community. As VaxTRIALS’ founder and CEO, he has been an extremely active and energized leader. We are thrilled to welcome José and the VaxTRIALS team to Emmes.”

About Emmes

Founded in 1977, Emmes is a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization dedicated to excellence in supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation. The company’s clients include numerous agencies and institutes of the U.S. federal government and a wide range of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies throughout the world. To learn more about how our research is making a positive impact on human health, go to the Emmes website at www.emmes.com.

About VaxTRIALS

A specialized Clinical Research Organization, VaxTRIALS provides innovative solutions in managing and monitoring vaccine clinical trial activities across Latin America. Founded in 2012, VaxTRIALS has built a reputation for helping clients, sponsors and vendors achieve extraordinary results in implementation of their studies. Learn more at https://www.vaxtrials.com/

Link to press release: https://emmes.com/content/emmes-acquires-vaxtrials

Governor Moore announces $10 million Build Our Future innovation infrastructure pilot program

The pilot program will provide matching grants of up to $2 million to projects that accelerate growth and innovation in strategic industry sectors

Baltimore, Md., Oct. 4, 2023 – Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of the Build Our Future grant program, a financial resource for innovation infrastructure projects to support eligible technology sectors. Funded at $10 million, the pilot program will provide matching grants of up to $2 million to projects that demonstrate a transformative impact in accelerating growth and innovation in the state’s strategic industry sectors.

“From cybersecurity and manufacturing, to quantum and drug discovery, we believe the Build Our Future pilot program will grow our innovative industries throughout the state,” said Gov. Moore. “While building a more competitive and equitable Maryland, we need to ensure we’re looking toward the jobs of the future and supporting the progressive technology sectors. This program will help us invest in the tech-advanced facilities that tomorrow’s workforce depends on.”

Administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the program was established through The Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023 during this year’s legislative session as a key piece of the governor’s plan to bridge the gap between vision and success in Maryland. Grants may be awarded to private companies, nonprofit entities, local governments, or colleges and universities in Maryland. Eligible projects include cyber ranges, prototype manufacturing centers, research spaces, sensitive compartmented information facilities, and wet laboratories, among others.

“We’re proud to be leading the charge behind the state’s new Build Our Future program,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “These grants will help some of our biggest innovators expand their efforts and keep doing what they do best: pioneer new ideas and products and grow Maryland’s impressive innovation ecosystem.”

Applicants must be in good standing with the state through the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applications will be accepted starting October 16, with an informational webinar to be held October 19.

Additional details including webinar registration and eligibility terms will be posted on the Commerce website.

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation launches new business podcast Something to Talk About

The podcast will focus on Montgomery County business successes, community leaders, and economic growth

Rockville, Md., Sept. 25, 2023 – Montgomery County Economic Corporation (MCEDC) has just launched its new podcast, Something to Talk About (https://thinkmoco.com/podcast). Hosted by award-winning journalist Bob Levey and business leader Kelly Leonard, the podcast will feature top Montgomery County business leaders sharing their successes, advice for other businesses, county resources and reasons why thousands of businesses call Montgomery County home.

Each guest will bring an interesting business perspective and offer ‘something to talk about’ for the community. The podcast is produced in collaboration with Montgomery Community Media (MCM), an MCEDC partner that provides strong community resources for content contributors, among its many offerings.

In the first episode, MCEDC President & CEO Bill Tompkins sits down with the co-hosts to talk about the assets of the county, MCEDC’s support for growing businesses, and his own personal story.

“I’m excited for our team to launch this podcast to help reinforce to the public that Montgomery County is a great place to do business,” Tompkins said. “Our podcast will bring special guests to the platform and help businesses gain insights to grow in our county.”

Continue to check https://thinkmoco.com/podcast for future episodes of Something to Talk About. Coming soon, meet Jasmine White, MCM’s CEO, as she shares the many ways MCM can be a powerful tool to help businesses and individuals produce their own podcasts and provide other content distribution resources. Another upcoming interview is with Scott Copeland, President, CEO and owner of MoCo 360, formerly known as Bethesda Beat and Bethesda Magazine. He talks about the importance of local journalism for and about the community, and why his family was inspired to start a school for multi-sensory education.

The podcast is available directly on the MCEDC website (https://thinkmoco.com/podcast), through PodBean, as well as Google and Apple podcast sites, among other media outlets. Listen to an audio-only version here (https://somethingtotalkabout-mcedc-audio.podbean.com/) or bookmark the video version (https://somethingtotalkabout-mcedc.podbean.com/) to stay up-to-date.

MCEDC wants to hear from you. If you have a suggestion for a future podcast guest or general questions/comments, please reach out: podcast@thinkmoco.com.

About Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)

he Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit https://thinkmoco.com/

Sunflower Bakery shines in People magazine online article

Sunflower Bakery's 5,600 sq. ft. facility in Rockville serves as a training facility and retail location

Sunflower Bakery’s facility in Rockville, Maryland, has been making waves not just in the community but also in the national spotlight. Sunflower Bakery was recently featured in People magazine online, highlighting the organization’s journey and impact they have on the community.

People magazine recognized the bakery’s unique approach to creating opportunities for individuals with learning differences. At the core of Sunflower Bakery’s success is their Pastry Arts program, a six-month intensive training program that equips students with valuable life skills and culinary expertise. They also offer a four-day program for high-school students to explore their culinary potential.

Founded by a group of dedicated women, Sunflower Bakery has been transforming lives for 15 years, working with almost 550 individuals across the Washington D.C metro area. Graduates of Sunflower Bakery’s program find employment in various settings, from bakeries to grocery stores and even amusement parks. The boost to self-confidence and development of life skills that graduates gain from the program carry with them into the world.

To read the full People magazine online feature, visit https://people.com/sunflower-bakery-trains-adults-learning-differences-jobs-7968766

About Sunflower Bakery

Sunflower Bakery is a 510 (c) (3) nonprofit, located at 5951 Halpine Road, Rockville, is dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment for adults 18+ with learning differences in pasty arts, production baking, barista service and front of house operations. Their Rockville location is also serves as a retail/pick-up location for their baked goods. Learn more at https://www.sunflowerbakery.org/

Federal Trade Commission allows Amgen’s $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics

The companies anticipate being able to close the acquisition in early Q4 2023

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and DUBLIN, Sept. 1, 2023 – Amgen and Horizon Therapeutics plc announced the entry into a consent order agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that resolves the pending FTC administrative lawsuit. This clears the path to take the final steps to close Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon.

As a result of the consent order agreement, Amgen and Horizon expect that the parties will jointly file stipulated proposed orders to dismiss the preliminary injunction motion and dissolve the temporary restraining order (TRO) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and that Amgen and Horizon will quickly seek the final approvals required under Irish law to close the acquisition.

Amgen has consistently stated to the FTC, the courts and the public that it has no reason, ability or intention to bundle Horizon’s TEPEZZA^® (teprotumumab-trbw) or KRYSTEXXA^® (pegloticase injection) with any of its products. This narrow assurance, formalized in the consent order with the FTC, will have no impact on Amgen’s business.

The companies anticipate being able to close the acquisition in early fourth-quarter 2023 and look forward to the opportunity to serve patients around the world suffering from rare diseases.

About Horizon Therapeutics

Founded in 2008, Horizon Therapeutics is a focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Horizon is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with global offices including one in Rockville, Md. Learn more at https://www.horizontherapeutics.com/

About Amgen

A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is part of the Nasdaq-100 index. Learn more about Amgen at https://www.amgen.com/

Link to press release: https://www.amgen.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/09/amgen-and-horizon-therapeutics-plc-resolve-ftc-lawsuit-clearing-path-to-close-acquisition

15 Rockville companies included in the Inc. 5000 list for 2023

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022.

Every year, Inc. reveals its Inc. 5000 list, showcasing the fastest-growing privately held companies across various industries. Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million.

Here are the Rockville-based companies have secured their place on the esteemed Inc. 5000 list for 2023 by order of rank:

#408: Axiom Consultants – Government Services

#1,029: Z Family Law – Legal

#1,689: Behavioral Framework – Health Services

#2,338: Presidential Exteriors – Construction

#2,761: Pioneer Power Group – Energy

#3,127: Transparent BPO – Business Products & Services

#3,351: Green Threads – Government Services Industry

#3,642: Audley Consulting Group – Government Services

#4,008: BETAH Associates – Government Services

#4,126: 495 Movers – Logistics & Transportation

#4,142: SysArc – IT Services

#4,301: DogiZone – Consumer Services

#4,507: fusionSpan – IT Services

#4,583: Columbia Technologies – Environmental Services

#4,973: TISTA Science & Technology Corporation – Technology/IT Industry

View the full Inc. 5000 list: https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2023

Montgomery College ranked a top 10 Best Community College in the US and first in the State of Maryland

Maryland has the 3rd-best community college system in the country, according to WalletHub's 2023 ranking

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 16, 2023 – Montgomery College (MC) has been named one of the ten-best community colleges nationwide by WalletHub in their 2023 ranking of community colleges, released this week. MC came in at #10 out of the nearly 700 ranked colleges. Montgomery College is also ranked as the best community college in Maryland, with Howard Community College second, 14th nationally.

The state’s community college system earned a top ranking in the new WalletHub report, as well, with Maryland community colleges rated as the third-best system in the country, trailing only New Mexico and Connecticut. See the rankings by state system here.

WalletHub analyzed data from 668 community colleges around the U.S. and ranked them based on 19 metrics, including tuition costs, availability of free community college education, transfer rates and student-loan defaults. All 668 schools are members of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Community colleges play a large role in increasing educational attainment in their communities and provide affordable, accessible, quality educational opportunities for all, Wallethub stated in its report.

About Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a public, fully accredited institution dedicated to student success and widely recognized for the quality and scope of its academic programs. MC has campuses in Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, plus training and community engagement centers, and off-site programs throughout the county. Learn more at https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/

Link to press release: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/news/press-releases/2023-8-16-montgomery-college-ranked-a-top-10-best-community-college-in-the-us-and-first-in-the-state-of-maryland.html

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