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Visit Montgomery announces launch of MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase

The new initiative will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together, and includes opportunities for both businesses and consumers to connect

Rockville, MD, Oct. 9, 2024 – Visit Montgomery is pleased to announce the launch of the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase scheduled for March 30 & 31, 2025, at the Hilton Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a robust hospitality and tourism sector, serving as a major workforce hub and think tank for the industry. Global leaders such as Marriott International, Ritz Carlton, Choice Hotels International, Inc., and Sodexo all have their headquarters in the county. Montgomery County has over 900 restaurants, 30,000 small businesses, and over one million residents of culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Montgomery County has always been a place where innovation and culture come together, and the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a perfect example of that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich “This event not only celebrates our diverse food scene, but it will also support the local businesses that make our community thrive. I’m excited to see how this showcase will help drive our economy forward by spotlighting the talent and creativity that Montgomery County is known for.”

Visit Montgomery through this new initiative; MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase will provide an opportunity for business and consumer connections. The event will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together to learn more about new products, and participate in panel discussions and other educational breakout sessions. The conference agenda will include breakout sessions on topics relative to the needs of the industry, student-to-business open forums, and exchanges and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees will be invited to enjoy food and beverage tastings, learn more about local and regional products, and purchase items.

“The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase not only celebrates our county’s cultural diversity through food but also strengthens our commitment to education and workforce development,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council President. “By partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College’s hospitality programs, this event provides students with hands-on experience and direct exposure to industry leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity to foster the next generation of culinary talent.”

Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools hospitality program students will have a chance to help as volunteers, and participate in breakout sessions and cooking demonstrations. Visit Montgomery is also collaborating with the MoCo Food Council and the Restaurant Association of Maryland for the Showcase.

Invited vendors include food trucks, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, locally made artisans and food products, event venues, and any suppliers to the hospitality industry businesses in Montgomery County, MD. The goal of the showcase is to:

  1. Engage the hospitality industry suppliers in a business expo format with the local entertainment venues, event venues, hotels, retailers, breweries and wineries, and restaurant operators/owners to connect their business and workforce needs with solutions in a trade show and educational format.
  2. Promote the county’s social economy by introducing and showcasing local flavor and entrepreneurial spirit in a consumer-attended expo that celebrates Montgomery County’s diversity through cuisine and beverage tastings (food trucks, restaurants, wineries, and breweries).

“By bringing together industry leaders, local businesses, and our community, this showcase highlights the exceptional talent in our region and reinforces Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for culinary innovation. We are proud to lead this initiative that will shape the future of our hospitality sector,” said Kelly Groff, President & CEO of Visit Montgomery.

Join this exciting celebration of Montgomery County’s hospitality industry. Keep up to date for more information at MoCoEats.com.

Sign up to be notified when vendor registration is open.

Sign up to be notified when attendee ticket sales are open.

For sponsorship information, click here.

For more information about the event and to RSVP, please email Joe Doran, Community Engagement and Partnership Manager, jdoran@visitmontgomery.com.

 

About Visit Montgomery

Visit Montgomery’s mission is to market and develop the county and its communities as a preferred destination for group and individual travel, thereby fostering economic growth and quality of place through tourism. Visit Montgomery is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization with an oversight by a volunteer board of directors. Learn more at visitmontgomery.com

Business Spotlight: Twin Valley Distillers

Edgardo Zuniga, Owner & Master Distiller

Montgomery County's first distillery since prohibition

What does Twin Valley Distillers offer?

We produce a myriad of whiskeys and bourbons as unique as the Free State. We have an award-winning single cask bourbon, a blended bourbon with tastes of cherry and honey, and a single cask wheated bourbon.  We also produce flavored spirits including rums and vodkas.

What motivated the start of the business?

We wanted to create something unique by combining local grains, family traditions, and an urban setting.

What makes Twin Valley Distillers unique?

We are Montgomery County’s first distillery since prohibition, bringing the art of handcrafted spirits back to the Free State.  Our flavored spirits are truly what makes Twin Valley unique. From our Port Antonio Rums to Limoncello, and everything in between, we’re sure to have something for every occasion.

In Maryland, we experience all four seasons and here at Twin Valley we welcome each season with a new lineup of flavors to match the weather. Be it mango lemonade in the summer or eggnog in the winter, let our spirits help elevate your spirit any time of year.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Rockville is a convenient location for our production.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

We hope to be exporting our products to different states and growing our brand.

About Twin Valley Distillers

Twin Valley Distillers is the first distillery in Montgomery County, brewing whiskey, bourbon, and other liquors.

Visit Twin Valley Distillers at 1029 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about Twin Valley Distillers at www.twinvalleyd.com

Follow Twin Valley Distillers on Facebook and Instagram

Business Spotlight: Downtown Brew’s

Owners, Caleb Ramos (left) and Omaira Giraldo (middle)

Handpicked wines, craft beers, and specialty coffees.

What does Downtown Brew’s offer?

We offer a wide selection of craft beers, fine wines, and specialty coffees. We also serve Peruvian food including ceviches, causas, sandwiches, and hot plates like aji de gallina and tuna acevichada.

What motivated the start of the business?

Our passion for hospitality and bringing people together. We believe in building a community to have fun and cultivate friendship around wine, coffee, beer, and food.

What makes Downtown Brew’s unique?

We don’t sell mainstream beer. We offer a diverse selection of local and imported brews, a carefully curated selection of wines, and our Peruvian cuisine sets us apart. Empathetic service is our passion, driving us to provide exceptional experiences. Efficiency is key, as we are always looking for ways to improve. Above all, fun is our signature, drawing in visitors and creating lasting connections.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

We love Rockville and have been in the area for 16 years. Rockville has great people and great food.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

In the future, we hope to expand to multiple locations.

About Downtown Brew’s

Downtown Brew’s is a cafe offering coffee, wine, and craft beer along with Peruvian cuisine.

Visit Downtown Brew’s at 5751-E Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20852

Learn more about Downtown Brew’s at www.dtbrews.com

Follow Downtown Brew’s on Facebook and Instagram

MilliporeSigma opens new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville

Woman dressed in personal protective gear seated at a lab bench with a pipette
Image credit: MilliporeSigma

The new €290 million ($317 million) 23,000 SF facility streamlines MilliporeSigma's operations and is expected to bring new jobs to Rockville

Burlington, MA, Oct. 9, 2024 – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has opened its new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville, Maryland, USA. Biosafety testing and analytical development are fundamental components of drug development and commercialization for traditional and novel modalities. Global demand for these services is growing at a double-digit rate1.

“This expansion is the largest investment in contract testing in the company’s history and will allow us to drive automation and technology development in one integrated hub,” said Benjamin Hein, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “It reflects our commitment to providing our clients with disruptive platforms that shorten biosafety testing timelines, meet the growing global demand, and ensure the safety of the world’s medicines for patients.”

The 23,000-square-meter facility will house biosafety testing, analytical development, and cell banking manufacturing services. It consolidates labs currently spread across four buildings into a single facility. This will increase collaboration between scientists and enable a higher level of automation and digitalization to increase Right First Time (RFT).

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has made significant investments over the last five years to expand its biosafety testing capabilities for clients across the globe. The company’s global biosafety testing network includes sites in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Stirling and Glasgow, UK; and Rockville, MD, USA.

The new site will feature advanced testing capabilities, including a rapid methods package, designed to accelerate virus testing of bulk harvest material.  This package is the first to include the Blazar® CHO Animal Origin Free (AOF) panel, a targeted molecular method for detecting virus families. By combining the Blazar® CHO AOF panel with assays for mycoplasma, sterility, and retrovirus-like particle detection, test results can be obtained in just 14 days, compared to 35 days with traditional assay methods.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, offers a broad multi-modality testing portfolio, which features disruptive platforms that reduce biosafety testing timelines and deliver the highest quality standards. The portfolio includes a rapid methods package with the Blazar® CHO AOF panel, and the recently launched Aptegra™ platform, the first all-in-one, validated genetic stability assay of its kind. These innovations will enable the company to continue delivering high-quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients more quickly and safely.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 27,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. Learn more at https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en

1 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/biological-safety-testing-market

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Link to press release:  https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/collections/press/new-biosafety-facility-rockville-md


Rockville named No. 1 Small City in Maryland

Photograph of a street intersection in Rockville Town Square flanked by multi-story buildings

WalletHub's 2024 study compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000

Article originally published by Rockville Reports on October 2, 2024

Rockville has been named the best small city for livability in Maryland, according to WalletHub rankings released this week.

WalletHub compared 1,318 cities in the U.S. across five key dimensions: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Those five dimensions were further evaluated through 45 relevant metrics, each on a 100-point scale, such as median household income, home ownership, school system quality, health, crime rates and quality of life.

In all, 37 towns and cities in Maryland were ranked, of which the top five by percentile score were Rockville, Annapolis, Frederick, Bethesda and Ellicott City.

Cities were selected with population sizes between 25,000 and 100,000 that are considered the “city proper” in each case, excluding cities in the surrounding metro area.

Rockville has ranked highly in previous WalletHub and other studies for its ethnic diversity and livability, as well as by its own residents in biennial community surveys the city conducts.

Read about the study on WalletHub’s website.

 

Business Spotlight: MasPanadas

Founder, Margarita Womack

"Flavor filled pockets of goodness!"

What does MasPanadas offer?

At the heart of our endeavor lies our inaugural product line: MasPanadas, where we embrace the ethos of ‘MAS’ in every aspect. There are no compromises when it comes to convenience, taste, or nutrition. From freezer to table in mere minutes, our empanadas—handheld pockets of flavor—feature impeccably sourced ingredients suitable for any kitchen. Versatile for every occasion—be it a hearty meal, a delectable appetizer, or a satisfying snack—each one is infused with the rich heritage of Latin American culinary tradition.

MasPanadas offer real food for life in the fast lane. Based on typical Hispanic street foods, MasPanadas offer the convenience and portability of fast food and the wholesomeness of a homemade meal for the whole family: a balanced bite in a pocket. This complete snack can be prepared in minutes and is ready to go with you anywhere: microwavable, no utensils needed, high in protein and fiber, and packed with veggies.

What motivated the start of the business?

It was, in a sense, an ‘accidental’ journey. As a native Colombian, I fled to the US 24 years ago when my family faced extortion by a guerrilla group. Determined to turn adversity into opportunity, I focused on my studies, earning both a PhD in science and an MBA. The true depth of separation from family and community hit me when I juggled raising two young boys, managing a newborn, and maintaining a full-time job. Desperate for support, a family friend came to our aid. To keep her with us, we embarked on a venture with a cultural twist—a modern Latin American catering company, designed not only to fulfill a business need but also to secure her visa as our chef. As our business gained traction, we discovered that empanadas were our bestsellers, uncovering a genuine opportunity in the frozen foods market.

What makes MasPanadas unique?

Authentic Latin American Flavors with a Modern Twist: MasPanadas offers traditional Latin American flavors that have been elevated with modern culinary techniques and ingredients. This blend of authenticity and innovation appeals to consumers looking for a fresh take on familiar favorites.

Focus on Nutrition and Clean Eating: MasPanadas prioritizes nutrition and clean eating by using high-quality, wholesome ingredients. Each empanada is crafted with care, ensuring that consumers can enjoy a convenient meal without sacrificing healthfulness.

Convenience without Compromise: MasPanadas delivers convenience without compromising on taste or nutrition. From freezer to table in minutes, these handheld pockets of flavor provide a quick and satisfying meal option for busy individuals and families.

Versatility for Every Occasion: Whether enjoyed as a meal, appetizer, or snack, MasPanadas are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Their portability and ease of preparation make them ideal for on-the-go consumption or entertaining guests.

Empowerment of Vulnerable Women: MasPanadas goes beyond just being a food company by actively empowering vulnerable women through employment opportunities. By hiring and supporting these individuals, MasPanadas not only enriches their lives but also contributes to the community in a meaningful way.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Opportunity. There was a kitchen space readily available with everything we needed to continue scaling once we outgrew the incubator kitchen. 

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

We hope to be the go-to empanada brand across the US!!

About MasPanadas

Latin Goodness Foods keeps you going by providing a better-for-you, clean take on convenient food options inspired in Hispanic tradition. Offering delicious, authentically Latin-inspired, modern recipes from a Colombian founder with a compelling personal story and meaningful social mission. Its first brand is MasPanadas, an elevated version of a “Hot Pocket.” This complete snack or light meal is convenient yet wholesome: microwavable, no utensils needed, high in protein and fiber, and packed with veggies. They are right for the whole family, fitting just as well with a glass of wine as with a juice box.

MasPanadas is located at 14672-B Southlawn Lane, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about MasPanadas at www.maspanadas.com

Follow MasPanadas on Facebook and Instagram

Business Spotlight: Nature by Trejok

Founder, Dr. Kenia Garcia
"Where vintage charm meets contemporary elegance in a celebration of history, creativity, and sustainability."
What does Nature by Trejok offer?

We provide an experience where art, creativity, and meticulous curation come together. At our boutique, you’ll find uniquely designed, ready-to-wear collections of clothing, shoes, and accessories, each piece infused with contemporary flair and a hint of vintage charm. In addition, we curate one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, including elegant Chinas, collectible items, and home goods that inspire and captivate. Every item we offer tells a story and adds a touch of inspiration to your everyday life.

What motivated the start of the business?

As a physician trained abroad, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey to fund my dream of obtaining a U.S. medical license. But my inspiration goes deeper—it stems from my grandmother, Josefa Trejo, whose legacy of elegance and sophistication profoundly shaped my vision. She spent many years in Europe, amassing collections from Limoges, Richard Ginori, and Royal Doulton, which became symbols of her refined taste. My store is a tribute to her influence, blending my childhood memories with her timeless style. Each of my designs carries the spirit of her grace, interwoven with my modern touch, creating a unique fusion of past and present.

What makes Nature by Trejok unique?

What sets us apart is the personal connection we build with our clients. Each piece in our collection of clothing, shoes, and accessories is one-of-a-kind, often customized to match the client’s lifestyle and personal preferences. In our on-site creative laboratory, customers can witness the craftsmanship firsthand, selecting their preferred materials, colors, and textures. We are a dynamic blend of creativity, originality, and artistic flair. Our clients consistently express awe, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this,” upon entering our boutique. Whether they’re first-time visitors or loyal returning customers, they’re greeted by ever-evolving displays and innovative products, all reflecting their unique desires.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Our journey began in Rockville in 2019 through the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s retail incubator program, MWBC Shop Local. By the end of the program, we had forged a deep connection with the local community, which inspired us to settle in Rockville Town Square. The warm embrace of Rockville’s people and the strong sense of belonging we feel here have made this the perfect home for our business. We love Rockville, and Rockville loves us back.

Where do you see your business in 5 years from now?

In five years, I envision our business expanding to two or three additional locations across the DMV area, and possibly beyond, into other states. We’re laying the groundwork for growth, with our eyes set on bringing our unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship to even more communities.

In shows we’ve participated in across other states, such as New York, we’ve left a lasting impression that has led to being invited to the prestigious New York Fashion Week on three occasions, showcasing our collection of upcycled shoes, accessories, and clothing. We’ve also been invited to participate in Paris and Milan, and we foresee ourselves gracing the runways of these fashion capitals sooner than expected, as soon as financial resources allow. We are working diligently to make this vision a reality in the near future, as we continue our journey to conquer the world of fashion.

About Nature by Trejok

Boutique featuring unique upscale shoes, upcycled handcrafted fashion, personalized gifts, home items, and exquisite accessories.

Visit Nature by Trejok at 130 Gibbs St, Unit B, Rockville, MD 20850

Learn more about Nature by Trejok at www.naturebytrejok.com

Follow Nature by Trejok on Facebook, and Instagram

MWBC Shop Local is a retail incubator program of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). Learn more at www.mwbcshoplocal.com

Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Rockville’s Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrating the vibrant culture and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to honor and celebrate the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, REDI is highlighting Latino and Hispanic-owned businesses in our local economy while also connecting them to resources that support growth:

Business NameCategoryAddressWebsite
MasPanadas/Latin Goodness Food Manufacturing14672 Southlawn Ln Suite B, Rockville, MD 20850https://maspanadas.com
M Luis ConstructionConstruction14811 Southlawn Lane, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.mluisconstruction.com
Nature by TrejokRetail - Clothing130 Gibbs St UNIT B, Rockville, MD 20850https://naturebytrejok.com
Plaza OaxacaRestaurant41 Gibbs St #305, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.plazaoaxacamd.com/
Kumbia RestaurantRestaurant100 B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://kumbiarestaurant.com
La CanelaRestaurant141 Gibbs St D, Rockville, MD 20850https://lacanelaperu.com/
El Mercat Bar de TapasRestaurant101 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.elmercatbardetapas.com
Twin Valley DistillersDistillery1029 E Gude Dr Suite 105 & 105B, Rockville, MD 20850https://twinvalleyd.com
Mayorga OrganicsFood Manufacturing1029 E Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850https://mayorgacoffee.com
Downtown Brew's Restaurant5751 Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20852https://dtbrews.com
Dini's Divine PiesBakery11612 Boiling Brook Pl, Rockville, MD 20852https://dinisdivinepies.com
Hammer & Stain - RockvilleArt Studio107B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.hammerandstainrockville.com
Al CarbonRestaurant200 Park Rd, Rockville, MD 20850https://alcarbonrockville.com
El Mariachi RestaurantRestaurant765 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852https://elmariachirockville.com
La Limena RestaurantRestaurant1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852https://www.facebook.com/lalimenagrill
Eureka FactsResearch 51 Monroe Street PE-02, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.eurekafacts.com/
Campos Financial GroupWealth Management Advisory2401 Research Boulevard Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20850https://camposfinancialgroup.com/
Little Miner TacoRestaurant39 Maryland Avenue, Suite A , Rockville, MD 20850https://www.littleminertaco.com/
Big Papi's TacosRestaurant201 East Middle Lane, Rockville, MD 20850https://bigpapistacos.com/bigpapisrockville
ArepatecaFood Manufacturing/Restaurant5751 Fishers Lane, 5751E Rockville, MD 20852https://linktr.ee/arepateca
We encourage and appreciate the submission of additional Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Rockville!

REDI in partnership with 37 Oaks pilots a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort

The cohort program curriculum includes 37 Oaks University courses, hands-on exercises, workshops, 1:1 coaching, and the 37 Oaks' Growth Lab

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), in partnership with 37 Oaks, is hosting a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort, for a  comprehensive, four-month course designed to help owners scale their product-based business. The program is design for early stage businesses that have operated for at least 3 years in the State of Maryland. By partnering with 37 Oaks, the  pilot program is designed help small businesses enhance operational efficiency for upcoming holiday sales and strategic planning for 2025.

Participants will engage in weekly live virtual webinars, 1:1 coaching sessions with experts in retail, commerce, and distribution, and access to the Growth Lab Membership which offers continued support through additional courses, coaching and community engagement. The program’s pilot cohort will be limited to ten (10) small businesses.

The Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort curriculum includes:

  • Assortment Planning
  • Retail Math
  • E-Commerce Marketing Strategy
  • Turning Social Media into a Money-Making Machine
  • Annual Planning Workshop

The four-month program begins with an orientation  October 2, 2024. Applications for participation in the programs are accepted until September 16, 2024.

Montgomery College maintains top 10 rank on 2024 Best U.S. Community College report; leads State of Maryland rankings

Photo of a large silver lettered 'Montgomery College' sign outdoors
Image credit: Montgomery College

WalletHub's 2024 rankings named Montgomery College the top two-year school in Maryland

Montgomery College has once again secured its place among the nation’s leading community colleges, maintaining its position in the top 10 of WalletHub’s 2024 Best Community Colleges in the United States report. This accolade highlights Montgomery College’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable pathways to quality higher-education.

Maryland’s community college system ranked 1st in WalletHub’s 2024 report of state systems, moving up two spots from its rank in 2023.

WalletHub’s Best and Worst Community College report is a comprehensive evaluation of over 650 community colleges across the country. Per WalletHub, data from a wide array of sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Council for Community and Economic Research is analyzed to determine the best community colleges.

Colleges are scored across three key dimensions:

  1. Cost & Financing (33.33%): Factors include tuition fees, financial aid availability, and student loan default rates.

  2. Education Outcomes (33.33%): Metrics like graduation and retention rates, along with student-faculty ratios, measure academic performance.

  3. Career Outcomes (33.33%): This dimension assesses graduates’ earning potential, job placement rates, and overall return on investment.

View the 2024 Best and Worst Community College list: https://wallethub.com/edu/e/best-worst-community-colleges/15076

 
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 Rockville, Gaithersburg 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/