Amanda Bosland, Author at Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Two Rockville Businesses Listed in the New York Times 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

"The food scene in and around the nation’s capital is vibrant these days..."

View full list of The 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., Right Now by the New York Times

In an article published on April 29, 2024, the New York Times listed the top 25 restaurants in the Washingon, D.C. area. 2 of the 25 restaurants are located in Rockville, which is no surprise as Rockville is home to many authentic and culturally diverse cuisines. See the featured Rockville restaurants below:

Z&Z Manoushe Bakery

The crust of Z&Z’s classic manoushe, covered in a forest green slick of olive oil and za’atar, is both tantalizingly chewy and thoroughly crisp, from the edge to the tip of each triangle-cut slice. If the quality and complexity brings to mind artisan pizza, you’re not alone. While the owners, Danny and Johnny Dubbaneh, are quick to point out Levantine flatbreads predate pizza, the brothers’ family-run business does operate a little like a pizzeria, with the many variations on its signature item — don’t miss the manoushe topped with tomatoes, cucumbers and toum — ordered to-go in cardboard takeout boxes. The cozy, four-table bakery is a step up from Z&Z’s farmers’ market beginnings, but it still belies the regional demand the Dubbanehs have helped to create for manoushe, with Z&Z products now available in grocery stores across the Mid Atlantic.

1111 Nelson St
Rockville, MD 20850

Pupuseria Mamá Emilia

Salvadoran food is tightly knit into the fabric of the local culture. Elsy Claros — whose mother, Emilia Cruz Lopez, ran a pupuseria in El Salvador — played a role in spreading the cuisine across the metro area, with the pupuserias she opened with her sisters. Mamá Emilia ups the ante. Ms. Claros opened the restaurant with the help of her daughter, Ericka, in 2022. There are traditional pupusas, oozing cheese, frijoles and chicharrón. But there are also pupusas with fillings that include shrimp, mint and kale. There are nearly 30 different styles, all served hot and freshly blistered, starting at breakfast, when you’d be well served ordering the signature item with eggs, in a red sauce that rivals the best enchilada gravy.

785 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852

Read the full New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/article/dc-best-restaurants.html

Business Spotlight: Gold City Jewelers

Luxury 22 Karat Gold Jewelry. Generations of Expertise. Exceptional Service.

What services does Gold City Jewelers offer?

We are a full-service jewelry store serving the DMV for the last 29 years. We offer everything from solitaire diamonds to diamond jewelry to custom jewelry to unique 22kt gold handcrafted pieces. You’ll find everyday chains, gold and silver bullion, and children’s jewelry, as well. We also offer same-day repairs and gold buying.

What motivated you to start Gold City Jewelers?

I married into a family of jewelers from India—it has been their family business for many generations. My husband’s main business was jewelry manufacturing and diamond wholesale, so I got a first-hand look at the inner working of the jewelry industry. Once my children were old enough, I decided to start my own business selling 22kt jewelry. It started with weekend trunk shows in hotels and with the support and guidance from my husband, and 29 years later, here we are.

What makes Gold City Jewelers unique?

Our diversity, quality, and knowledge of jewelry makes us unique. We have large inventory of solitaire diamonds and engagement rings, everyday diamond pieces, and handcrafted 22kt pieces that are one-of-a-kind. Gold City really has a complete inventory of jewelry that can fit any person for any day and any occasion.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Rockville is the largest business hub in Montgomery County. We also chose Rockville because of it’s diversity.

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

One of our best suits is being adaptable, and because of this, we’ll ride smoothly into all the future trends of jewelry with ease–from natural to sustainable, to styles that range from over-the-top to minimal. Jewelry is here to stay; styles will change or simply rotate, and we’re here to provide whatever the customer has in mind. My son Vikram is the face of the next generation here at Gold City, and for our business to continue to adapt, grow, and go into the next phase, his presence will continue to make an impact. He has worked at Tiffany & Co. and the Rolex Boutique-Tourneau during his time in NYC and we’re excited to see where his expertise will take us.

About Gold City Jewelers

Gold City Jewelers is a woman-owned, family-run business established in 1995. Quality comes first here, designed to be treasured through generations. Find it all, from solitaire pieces, including engagement rings and tennis necklaces, to everyday diamonds that convey a cool nonchalance.

Learn more about Gold City Jewelers at www.goldcityjeweler.com

Follow Gold City Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram

Visit Gold City Jewelers at 451 Hungerford Dr, #107, Rockville, MD 20850

Business Spotlight: MaximBio

"Innovation for a Healthier World"

What services does MaximBio offer?

Maxim Biomedical is a leading developer and manufacturer of lateral flow and diagnostic technologies. We partner with leading healthcare companies and government agencies to help bring a range of diagnostic devices to market through our full range of turnkey services from development and prototyping all the way through scale up and high-volume manufacturing.

What motivated you to start MaximBio?

Maxim Biomedical was founded in 2005 in an effort to enhance global health through the development and manufacture of trusted diagnostic solutions. Maxim launched the business through multiple FDA approved HIV screening and confirmatory diagnostic tests, but quickly expanded our capabilities into a wide range of other applications including infectious diseases, women’s health, drugs of abuse, food safety, and biodefense.

What makes Maxim Bio unique?

Maxim uniquely provides the diagnostic industry full turnkey development and manufacturing solutions. We are one of very few contract development and manufacturing businesses that can serve as a one-stop outsourced partner for lateral flow and diagnostic devices. We are capable of supporting our clients at any stage in their product life cycle to assist in achieving go-to-market success.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Rockville was an ideal location as it serves as one of the nation’s hubs for biotechnology with close proximity to many innovative companies and government agencies.

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

Maxim is looking to continue its growth and build upon our history to continue serving as an industry leader in diagnostic development and manufacturing. We are rapidly expanding our client base allowing us to meaningfully contribute to an even wider range of testing applications that will ultimately further increase global access to innovative diagnostic solutions and technologies.

About MaximBio

MaximBio is a Maryland-based leader in lateral flow and diagnostic device manufacturing, dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the detection and diagnosis of various health conditions. With a commitment to advancing public health, MaximBio specializes in the production of high-quality diagnostic tools that play a crucial role in disease detection and management.

Learn more about MaximBio at www.maximbio.com.

Follow MaximBio on LinkedIn

The Intersection of Business and the Arts

“The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind – creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers.” - Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind (2007)

Baltimore artist and banker Terry Thompson is one of those people who embodies the intersection of the arts and business, bringing creativity and discipline to both endeavors. Thompson is not only successful in the corporate world, but he is also a recognized visual artist with his own vocabulary of motifs, as well as an experienced event planner and DJ. According to Thompson:

“I believe that my art practice helps me in the business world in so many ways, especially in thinking outside the box when it comes to approaching new ideas in the finance industry. There are a multitude of rules and regulations that govern the way the finance world operates, so it is helpful to be able to take a fresh, creative look at things – leveraging the way that I approach thinking about painting – being spontaneous, explorative, and investigative vistas. “

The key to developing innovative and creative thinking that can be brought into the business or innovation environment lies in experiencing the arts. Learning to write, play music, paint, or dance all requires developing the skill to see the big picture of the overall piece as well as focus on the details in execution. Spending time in the act of an arts discipline increases the ability to internalize and recognize patterns, nuances, and express unique ideas. These skills lead to success when applied in other endeavors.

According to Americans for the Arts in their Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report, 86% of Americans “say art and culture is ‘important to their community’s quality of life and livability.’” The report presents compelling data about the arts as a business sector, as well as the impact and importance of the arts to other business sectors (79% of Americans agree that the arts are good for local businesses and jobs). Overall, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the United States spent over $73.3 billion in 2022, created 2.6 million jobs, and leveraged $78.4 billion in spending by audiences. They also brought in $29.1 billion in tax revenue at federal, state and local levels.

“Right here in Montgomery County, nonprofit arts and culture is a $184 million industry that supports 3,963 jobs – $125 million in spending by organizations, which leverages an additional $59 million in spending arts audiences on items such as dining, parking, retail”, according to Randy Cohen, the VP Of Research for Americans for the Arts. “The 2.6 million attendees at Montgomery County’s nonprofit arts and culture events spend an average of $23.06 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking and lodging – vital income for local businesses.”

But more important is how the arts propel individuals and other businesses to success. In 2012 The National Governor’s Association identified five key roles of art in economic development.

Providing faster and more dynamic industry cluster growth
Helping mature industries be more competitive
Acting as key catalysts for creation of innovative placemaking
Helping revitalize communities, and
Creating a workforce better prepared to solve problems.

A majority of Americans surveyed by Americans for the Arts assert that arts and culture are important to community identity and pride, and that engaging in the arts creates empathy and understanding of people with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and beliefs.

The challenge of how we create strong community and better economy is ever changing, especially as we redefine and refine our goals, but art and culture remains the center of the opportunity to understand each other, create empathy, and find creative innovative ways of thinking.

Thompson’s works are on display at the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) office (51 Monroe Street, PE20, Rockville, MD) from May 20 – September 13, 2024, where entrepreneurs, businesses and community members can engage with Thompson’s work on Wednesdays between 2-5pm and Fridays between 1-3pm (excluding holidays).

Artist Talk on Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30pm. Visit https://terrythompson-artisttalk.eventbrite.com for more information and RSVP.

About REDI

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps businesses launch, locate, and expand in the City of Rockville, Maryland. REDI is committed to economic growth in Rockville, offering support to existing industries and helping new businesses get started in the city. To learn more, visit: https://rockvilleredi.org/

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) presents strategies for small-scale manufacturing with Rock East District Boost report

Rock East District is a collaborative initiative that showcases businesses, services, and recreational offerings along East Gude Drive in Rockville.

Rockville, Md., Apr. 4, 2024 – Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), is pleased to announce the launch event for the Rock East District Boost report, scheduled for Thursday, April 18 at the Rev Room at 660 Lofstrand Lane in Rock East District. This event marks a significant milestone in REDI’s ongoing efforts to promote economic growth and community vibrancy through placemaking.

Since its inception in 2021, Rock East District has been a collaborative initiative that showcases businesses, services, and recreational offerings along East Gude Drive in Rockville. As Rockville’s pilot placemaking project, it has highlighted the community’s unique assets and potential.

The Rock East District Boost report is the result of meetings, interviews and focus groups with Rock East District businesses, City and County stakeholders, and community organizations, including the Montgomery County Black Collective, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Montgomery County, and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Supported by a place-based grant awarded by Montgomery County in 2023, the report outlines actionable recommendations to harness the area’s potential, including bolstering Rock East District as a small-scale manufacturing hub.

The launch event will present key findings and recommendations to drive economic development in Rock East District. Attendees will learn more about the initiative, discover resources and key contacts, and provide feedback to guide the development of Rock East District.

REDI invites Rock East District businesses, community business groups, and media to attend the launch event and encourage them to RSVP by visiting bit.ly/RockEastDistrict by Monday, April 15^th.

For more information about Rock East District and REDI’s economic development work in Rockville, visit www.rockvilleredi.org.

About REDI

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps businesses launch, locate, and expand in the City of Rockville, Maryland. Committed to economic development, REDI is proactive in its efforts to support existing industry and attract new businesses with the tools to get started in Rockville, and resources and guidance to existing businesses in the city. To learn more, visit: https://rockvilleredi.org/

Danette Nguyen chosen for the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program inaugural class

Maryland Women’s Business Center Managing Director one of 40 selected to participate in Leadership Maryland’s new six-month professional development program

Easton, Md., Apr. 2, 2024 – Leadership Maryland announced today that Danette Nguyen, Managing Director of Maryland Women’s Business Center has been chosen to participate in their statewide professional development program as a member of the new Emerging Leader Program’s Class of 2024.

Nguyen is one of 40 individuals chosen for the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program’s first class, who will complete the six-month, hands-on learning program focused on leadership development. The program will run from June to November, consisting of monthly day-long sessions that will include both interactive training led by a facilitator and panel discussions featuring leaders from across the state as guest speakers. The program’s curriculum offers a holistic approach to leadership development, designed to help each applicant increase their self-awareness and gain behaviors, skills, and tools to become more adaptive, inclusive, strategic, and impactful leaders.

“We are excited to announce the very first Emerging Leader class and welcome these motivated and forward-thinking individuals to our new program,” said David Fike ’16 (LM) president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “This year’s class selection process was highly competitive, and after careful review of the applications, I am thrilled to share that the 40 members of the Class of 2024 represent a dynamic cross-section of ambitious and promising rising leaders. The knowledge, experience, and connections they will gain in our program will prepare them to become more adaptive and impactful leaders in their careers and communities.”

Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program is open to individuals who are advancing in their careers, are actively involved in their communities, and desire to become stronger leaders in both areas. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email info@leadershipmd.org.

About Maryland Women’s Business Center

Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) works with women entrepreneurs and small businesses across Maryland’s Capital Region to help them to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. Through workshops, individual counseling, facilitated peer group support, special resources, and access to capital, MWBC annually helps more than 1,500 women gain the skills, connections, and confidence necessary to navigate entrepreneurship. Learn more at https://marylandwbc.org/

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 52 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. And new in 2024, Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of the state’s rising stars and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. With an alumni network comprised of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has established thousands of Marylanders on their career leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change. To learn more, visit leadershipmd.org.

Exploring Rockville’s Eclectic Charm – a Highlight in Washingtonian’s February 2024 Issue

"All the new places to eat, drink, and play in the growing Maryland suburb."

Rockville, Maryland, the heart of Montgomery County, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and experiences. Washingtonian magazine showcased Rockville’s diverse culinary scene, burgeoning retail spaces and exciting developments in their February 2024 issue.

Some of the Washingtonian Neighborhood Guide highlights included:

The article also provided insight into some of Rockville’s current and upcoming projects including the mixed-used development, Twinbrook Quarter, and Shady Grove Innovation District – a development with state-of-the-art laboratories, luxury apartments and public spaces.

Read the full Washingtonian article at https://www.washingtonian.com/2024/02/29/neighborhood-guide-things-to-do-in-rockville/

Maryland Women’s Business Center featured in El Tiempo Latino newspaper

El Tiempo Latino is the largest Spanish-speaking newspaper in the DMV

El Tiempo Latino, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the Washington D.C. metro area, has highlighted the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s (MWBC) mission, impact and commitment to empowering women-owned businesses in a February 2024 article.

Martha Jimenez, MWBC Program Manager for Montgomery County and Francisco Cartagena, MWBC Program Manager for Prince George’s County, spoke with El Tiempo Latino about the organization’s goal to foster entrepreneurship and business growth among business owners from underserved communities, including Latino business owners.

El Tiempo Latino notes: “Aunque la organización se centra en las mujeres, por las barreras que existen y la desigualdad de oportunidades, está abierto a la comunidad en general y los latinos son clave/ Even though the organization’s focus is on women because of existing barriers and inequality of opportunities, [MWBC] is open to everyone, and Latinos are a key part.”

Read the full article MWBC feature in El Tiempo Latino: Maryland Women’s Business Center. Eliminando barreras (eltiempolatino.com)

Governor Moore Announces $10 Million for Small Business Grants to Strengthen Local Economies Across Maryland

"Together, we will continue to make Maryland more competitive by moving in concert with entrepreneurs and small businesses – not in conflict with them.”

Annapolis, MD, Feb. 21, 2024 – Governor Wes Moore today announced $10 million for small business and community development grants through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore 2.0 and Business Boost grant programs. The funding will activate vacant spaces in business corridors, support small businesses with start up or expansion funds, create jobs, and increase local economic activity—all to make Maryland more competitive.

“When storefronts close down, our entire state feels it. Now is the time to work in partnership with the private sector to revitalize our business districts, and that’s what this grant funding is about,” said Gov. Moore. Together, we will continue to make Maryland more competitive by moving in concert with entrepreneurs and small businesses – not in conflict with them.”

Project Restore 2.0 will provide $8 million to designated Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment Districts and other economic development organizations in a designated Sustainable Community. Grants of up to $300,000 per applicant will go to organizations that have identified priority vacant storefronts or buildings in local business districts. Those organizations would then sub-grant the funding to businesses for rental assistance, renovation and equipment to activate those vacant spaces. Businesses that receive sub-granted funds will have until December 2025 to open and be operational.

Business Boost is launching its first round of grant funding with $2 million that will be awarded directly to eligible small business owners in amounts between $20,000 and $50,000. The businesses must be new or expanding and located in designated Sustainable Communities. Preference will be given to businesses that are home-based and seeking their first commercial location, are designated as a Minority Business Enterprise, that are innovative, focused on regional strengths to grow local economies, or leverage partnerships between school districts or other education institutions in Maryland.

“By strengthening the successful Project Restore grants to fill storefronts on Maryland main streets and launching Business Boost, we are building on what we know to be the best way to help grow Maryland communities’ economies: from the center out, empowering locally-owned businesses, and bringing life back to vacant storefronts,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “These grants are just the beginning of the department’s renewed efforts to double down on the hearts of our cities and towns, maximizing the positive impact of our funding to create lovable places and help businesses choose to set up shop in Maryland.”

Applications will open on March 13 for small business owners to apply through Business Boost and for economic development organizations to apply through Project Restore 2.0. For more information on either grant opportunity, go to https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/Small-Business-Grants.aspx.

Link to press release: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-announces-10-million-for-small-business-grants-to-strengthen-local-economies-across-maryland.aspx

Business Spotlight: Snowden Funeral Home

“A Legacy of Celebrating Life”

Could you share the origin and history of Snowden Funeral Home?

Snowden Funeral Home was established over one hundred years ago and has been operated by the Snowden family through four generations. The founder of the firm, George Russell Snowden, handled his first funeral service in 1909 in Howard County, Maryland. After graduating from the Hennard School of Embalming in New York City, he advertised that he was open for business. His hearse was a spectacle to see riding through the county, being drawn by four beautiful white horses. In 1926, Snowden Funeral Home established its Rockville location at North Washington Street.

Because of ill health, Mr. Snowden turned the business over to his son, Robert L. Snowden, in 1936. Having worked with his father, from meager beginnings, Robert L. had to borrow money and equipment to maintain a properly equipped funeral home. In 1947, Robert L.’s wife, Alma P. Snowden, became a licensed Maryland funeral director and worked side by side with her husband Robert. Her active participation in funeral service ended when she retired in 1971.

The funeral home on North Washington Street has since undergone changes to its original structure. In 1947, the original wood structure was moved from its foundation, so that business was not interrupted, while a new structure was built. In 1947 a new brick building for the funeral home was built and an adjoining property was added to expand the business.

In 1974, Robert L. Snowden retired and turned the funeral business over to his son, George R. Snowden, Sr., and daughter, Irene Snowden Curry. After the passing of their father in 1979, George and Irene made it their mission to exemplify the same passion and concern for bereaved families which they learned from their parents. Today the Snowden family’s legacy of celebrating life is managed and operated by the leadership of George R. Snowden, Jr.

How has your business adapted its services and practices over time while maintaining a connection to historical roots?

Although a lot of things have changed since the establishment of Snowden Funeral Home, such as using horse drawn hearse, having wakes at the residence of decease, and meticulously hand carving outer burial containers. What has not changed is our resolve to serve every family that God entrusts us to care for at life’s only inevitable stage.

Today the Snowden family’s legacy of celebrating life is managed and operated by the leadership of George R. Snowden, Jr. In 2009 George R. Jr. along with his wife Dia H. Snowden took over the helm as the fourth generation, overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the funeral home.

What makes Snowden Funeral Home unique?

Aside from being the only African American funeral home in Montgomery County, Snowden Funeral Home embodies its motto ‘Personal caring service.’

It is the hope of the Snowden Family that the Funeral Home continues to operate as a family business in the generations to come, and to serve the people of the area with dignity and pride. The Snowden family exemplifies a family with deep roots of strength and unity.

Are there any community events or initiatives that Snowden Funeral Home has been/will be involved in?

Through the years, the Snowden Family has been generous in their participation and collaboration with churches, community events as well as many charitable organizations. Snowden Funeral Home supports sports teams in the City of Rockville, donates to scholarship funds of many organizations in the County, contributes to many community promoted events and sponsors a back-to-school, Believe to Succeed, backpack campaign to help our youth start the school year off needed school supplies.

What advice would give to new businesses aiming to become long-standing within the community?

First and foremost, having a heart of service is paramount to maintaining good relationships with others. Caring about their needs and making an effort to ensure that you leave an impression of making someone feel important and cared for.

About Snowden Funneral Home

Founded by George Russell Snowden, Snowden Funeral Home P.A. has been family-owned and operated since the early 1900’s. Throughout four generations, Snowden Funeral Home continues to provide premier professional services to families at its Rockville location since 1926. Learn more at https://www.snowdencares.com/

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"The food scene in and around the nation’s capital is vibrant these days..."

Luxury 22 Karat Gold Jewelry. Generations of Expertise. Exceptional Service.

What services does Gold City Jewelers offer?

What motivated you to start Gold City Jewelers?

What makes Gold City Jewelers unique?

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

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

About Gold City Jewelers

"Innovation for a Healthier World"

What services does MaximBio offer?

What motivated you to start MaximBio?

What makes Maxim Bio unique?

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

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

About MaximBio

“The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind – creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers.” - Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind (2007)

About REDI

Rock East District is a collaborative initiative that showcases businesses, services, and recreational offerings along East Gude Drive in Rockville.

About REDI

Maryland Women’s Business Center Managing Director one of 40 selected to participate in Leadership Maryland’s new six-month professional development program

"All the new places to eat, drink, and play in the growing Maryland suburb."

El Tiempo Latino is the largest Spanish-speaking newspaper in the DMV

"Together, we will continue to make Maryland more competitive by moving in concert with entrepreneurs and small businesses – not in conflict with them.”

“A Legacy of Celebrating Life”

Could you share the origin and history of Snowden Funeral Home?

How has your business adapted its services and practices over time while maintaining a connection to historical roots?

What makes Snowden Funeral Home unique?

Are there any community events or initiatives that Snowden Funeral Home has been/will be involved in?

What advice would give to new businesses aiming to become long-standing within the community?

About Snowden Funneral Home