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Business Spotlight: Creative Motion Events by Fay

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Fayola Whyte-Manco, Owner & Lead Event Sylist

Transform your special moments into extraordinary experiences

What does Creative Motion Events by Fay offer?

Creative Motion Events by Fay offers a full range of event planning, design, and rental services. This includes everything from assisting with venue selection, coordinating with vendors, managing event logistics, and transforming spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other celebrations.

What motivated the start of the business?

I’ve always had a deep passion for creativity, design, and helping people bring their visions to life. Starting this business allowed me to combine those passions and provide clients with personalized event experiences that allow them to celebrate and connect without the stress of managing every detail.

What makes Creative Motion Events by Fay unique?

What sets Creative Motion Events by Fay apart is our dedication to both aesthetics and experience. Every event is carefully designed with attention to detail, ensuring that every space is transformed into a stunning and memorable environment. Our ability to provide seamless logistics, alongside beautiful event styling, makes us a trusted partner for our clients.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

Although I now live in Frederick, I was born and raised in Rockville, and it will always be home to me. The city’s vibrant community, diversity, and its central location made it the ideal place to start and grow my business. It allows me to connect with clients and vendors alike from various backgrounds, all while being part of a thriving and welcoming community.

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

In five years, I see Creative Motion Events by Fay continuing to grow and evolve. I envision it becoming a leading name in event design, offering unique and unforgettable experiences. I also hope to expand further, possibly opening a space that reflects our brand and provides an environment for even more creative possibilities.

About Creative Motion Events by Fay

Creative Motion Events by Fay is an event planning, design, and rental business focused on creating memorable, stylish, and stress-free experiences. From weddings and other exciting celebrations to corporate events, we help clients bring their visions to life with seamless execution and attention to detail.

Learn more about Creative Motion Events by Fay at www.creativemotionevents.org

Follow Creative Motion Events by Fay on Instagram and Facebook.

Business Spotlight: RIFE International

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Founder & CEO

Sustainable solutions for energy efficiency, renewable power, and eco-friendly construction.

What does RIFE International offer?

RIFE International offers energy efficiency solutions, renewable energy projects, EV infrastructure solutions, and sustainable development services. We focus on helping organizations reduce energy consumption, optimize operational efficiency, and integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

What motivated the start of the business?

Kwabena was motivated to start RIFE International due to his strong desire to create sustainable solutions that address the dual challenges of energy access and environmental sustainability. Growing up in Ghana, Kwabena witnessed firsthand the effects of inadequate energy infrastructure and the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions to improve lives while preserving the environment. This experience, combined with his background in sustainable development and clean energy, inspired him to establish a company that could deliver transformative solutions for both developed and developing markets. He wanted to ensure that RIFE International could drive meaningful change in the energy sector by providing cutting-edge solutions to communities and organizations committed to sustainability.

What makes RIFE International unique?

RIFE International is unique because of its holistic approach to sustainability, focusing not only on energy efficiency and renewable energy but also on community impact, workforce development, and economic empowerment. As a minority-owned business, RIFE emphasizes providing opportunities for equitable growth in underserved communities, and its partnerships with global organizations and government programs allow for innovative solutions.

Why did you choose to run your business in Rockville?

RIFE International chose to establish its business in Rockville, Maryland, due to its strategic location within the Washington D.C. metro area, which is a hub for government agencies, private sector companies, and nonprofit organizations focused on sustainability and clean energy. The proximity to federal agencies like the Department of Energy and EPA, as well as key stakeholders in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, offers RIFE a unique advantage in staying connected to the latest policies, programs, and funding opportunities. Furthermore, Rockville provides an ideal environment for building partnerships and collaborating with local and international entities. The city’s infrastructure, access to talent, and business-friendly environment made it a natural choice to serve as the base of operations for a company focused on global sustainability.

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

In five years, RIFE International aims to continue its expansion as a global leader in clean energy and sustainable development solutions, with an expanded footprint in emerging markets. We hope to significantly scale our impact, delivering comprehensive, cost-effective energy solutions across North America, Africa, and beyond. RIFE will also continue to drive innovation in clean technologies while providing job training and educational opportunities in the communities we serve.

About RIFE International

RIFE International is a gloablly focused and award-winning clean tech firm, specializing in energy efficiency, sustainability, EV infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions. Headquartered in Maryland, with operations in the Mid-Atlantic region and offices in West and South Africa, we help organizations reduce energy consumption, enhance operational efficiency, and integrate sustainable practices across their operations.

Learn more about RIFE International at www.rifeintl.com

Follow RIFE International on LinkedIn.

Rockville’s metropolitan area named one of the best-performing in the U.S. for 2025

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Photograph of a street intersection in Rockville Town Square flanked by multi-story buildings

The Milken Institute's 2025 Best Performing Cities index ranks a total of 403 cities split between small and large cities

Article originally published by Bethesda Magazine on January 20, 2025.

The metropolitan area including Silver Spring, Rockville and Frederick ranked No. 123 out of 200 large cities included in The Milken Institute’s 2025 Best Performing Cities index after making small improvements in employment and wages, according to a report released Jan. 14 from the nonpartisan think tank. 

The area’s 2025 ranking is an improvement from the 2024 ranking at No. 147, but a decrease from the No. 100 ranking in 2023. The metropolitan area, which includes Montgomery and Frederick counties, ranked in the fourth tier out of five of the index’s Best Performing Cities.

According to its website, the Milken Institute’s 2025 Best Performing Cities index ranks a total of 403 cities, split between small and large cities, using 13 metrics, including labor market conditions, high-tech industry growth and access to economic opportunities, to create its annual ranking.

According to the institute’s data, the area including Silver Spring, Rockville and Frederick saw a 1.3% increase in job growth from 2022 to 2023. The area also saw a 4.8% wage increase from 2022 to 2023. Short-term job growth from July 2023 to July 2024 was 0.4%.

When considering access to economic opportunity, 95.5% of households in the area have broadband internet and 70% have affordable housing, according to the institute’s data.

The neighboring Washington, D.C., metro area ranked No. 62 among large cities in 2025, an improvement from No. 134 in 2023 and No. 98 in 2024. The top-ranked large city was Raleigh, North Carolina, followed by the Ogden-Clearfield area and Salt Lake City, both in Utah. The top small cities included Gainesville, Georgia, and St. George in Utah.

Link to article: https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/01/20/silver-spring-rockville-ranked-best-performing-cities/

 

Rockville Ranked 23rd Most Generous City in U.S. in GoFundMe’s 2024 Report

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Over 15,000 Rockville residents donated to a GoFundMe this year.

GoFundMe’s 2024 Year in Help report named Rockville as the 23rd most generous city in the U.S., with over 15,000 residents contributing to fundraisers for causes like hurricane relief, Olympic dreams, and local community projects.

Per GoFundMe: “GoFundMe just released its 2024 Year in Help report, celebrating the generosity of individuals and nonprofits worldwide who helped each other throughout the year. With an average of two donations made every second, the report showcases the most generous places globally, significant moments that drove unprecedented help, and trends shaping the future of giving.

GoFundMe named Rockville the 23rd most generous city in the US!

Over 15,000 Rockville residents donated to a GoFundMe this year. Here are some of the fundraisers they supported:

More than 1.7 million people globally took action to strengthen their communities, with the number of U.S. fundraisers focused on building a “brighter future” more than doubling. In the U.S., fundraising for “essential expenses” quadrupled, while fundraising for “hope” increased by more than 50%.

Across the globe, the GoFundMe community came together in 2024 to address critical needs and champion meaningful causes worldwide:

  • Nearly $235 million raised globally for natural disaster relief and recovery efforts

  • More than 15,500 donors helped dreams come true for Olympic and Paralympic  athletes and their families.

  • More than 42 million donations to individuals

  • More than 23 million donations to nonprofits

  • Average donation amount on GoFundMe this year: $77

  • 1 in 3 GoFundMe donors are repeat donors

  • More than 2 million first-time organizers

To view the full 2024 GoFundMe Year in Help report, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/c/gofundme-2024-year-in-help

Originally published by the The MoCoShow: https://mocoshow.com/2024/12/17/rockville-ranked-23rd-most-generous-city-in-u-s-in-gofundmes-2024-report/

Rockville Ranks 9th in Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2024

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Arts-vibrant communities recognize regional artistic diversity and community success.

SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, recently unveiled its Arts Vibrancy Index for 2024, and Rockville, in conjunction with Frederick and Gaithersburg, has been named the 9th most vibrant arts community in the large metropolitan area category across the United States.

The Art Vibrancy Index analyzes communities based on metrics related to the supply and demand of arts and culture, as well as public support. It accounts for variations in population and cost of living, providing a balanced comparison across different-sized communities.

The Frederick-Gaithersburg-Rockville region has consistently ranked on the Arts Vibrancy ranking since its launch in 2015.

For a detailed overview of the criteria and to view the complete list of communities recognized, visit https://culturaldata.org/about/press-releases/arts-vibrancy-index-2024-press-release/

Rockville Home to Forbes 30 Under 30 lister

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Parinaz Fathi of Rockville, MD

Parinaz Fathi developed VIPER, a powerful tool that can predict survival in cases of traumatic injury.

Parinaz Fathi, a Rockville native who graduated from the University of Maryland in 2015 before moving on to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to complete her Ph.D.in 2020, has been named in the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the Science category. She now works an independent research scholar (PI) at NIH.

Fathi developed VIPER (Vital Injury Protein Evaluation for Recovery), a powerful tool that can predict survival in cases of traumatic injury. Per the University of Maryland, “As an independent research scholar at the National Institutes of Health, Fathi leads a team that creates miniature organ models to study immune-related conditions, and examines how biological nanoparticles play a role in cancer and autoimmune diseases, with the goal of eventually developing therapeutic interventions. She likes creating “technology that could improve people’s health and well-being,” Fathi told NIH earlier this year.” She also received the Rising Terp Award from the Alumni Association in 2024.

Per Forbes, “Parinaz Fathi developed “VIPER,” a powerful tool that can predict survival in patients by identifying critical biomarkers linked to traumatic injuries. Now, Fathi is building tools to understand why the immune system sometimes attacks healthy tissues or ignores cancer cells, a crucial step in developing therapies for these conditions.”

Originally published by The MoCoShow: https://mocoshow.com/2024/12/11/rockville-native-parinaz-fathi-makes-2025-forbes-30-under-30-list/

Parinaz Fathi in Forbes 30 Under 30: https://www.forbes.com/profile/parinaz-fathi/?list=30under30-science/

Rockville Maintains Top Score on Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Photo Credit: Montgomery Community Media

“The strength of our communities lies in their ability to embrace and support all residents, regardless of who they are or whom they love.”

November 22, 2024 – Rockville has scored 100 marks for the city’s commitment to the health, welfare, safety and equality of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community in its seventh year of participation in, and the 13th year for, the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. 

Rockville scored 99 out of 100, plus an additional four bonus points, for its nondiscrimination laws, law enforcement, employment and workplace inclusivity, leadership and services to the LGBTQ+ community. Final scores cannot exceed 100. 

“[T]he strength of our communities lies in their ability to embrace and support all residents, regardless of who they are or whom they love,” stated Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. 

The 13th annual MEI scorecard, released in November, analyzes and rates 506 municipalities across the country, measuring each for the inclusivity of laws, policies and services for their LGBTQ communities. The MEI is the only nationwide assessment of municipal laws, policies and services that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. 

Cities rated include the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the U.S., the five largest cities or municipalities in each state, cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, 75 cities and municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples, and 98 cities selected by HRC and Equality Federation state groups’ members and supporters. 

Cities are rated across numerous criteria, covering citywide nondiscrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement and the city’s leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. 

Learn more about the MEI at www.hrc.org/MEI. 

Press Release originally published by Rockville Reports: https://rockvillereports.com/rockville-scores-top-marks-again-for-commitment-to-lgbtq-community/

Montgomery County, Maryland Launches Technology Innovation and Founders Funds: $10 Million in Grants Available to Support High-Growth Small Businesses

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

The Technology Innovation Fund will provide grants of up to $200,000 to early-stage businesses.

Montgomery County, Md. – Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced the launch of two groundbreaking funding programs designed to support innovative early-stage businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs: the Technology Innovation Fund and the Founders Fund. These programs offer a combined $10 million in commercialization grants to spur economic development and create equitable opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Applications for both funds now are open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025. To learn more about the Technology Innovation Fund and Founders Fund and to apply, visit: https://www.fedtech.io/accelerators/mcg.

“These programs reflect Montgomery County’s commitment to fostering innovation and equity in our economy,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Technology Innovation Fund and Founders Fund are designed to help groundbreaking businesses overcome barriers, scale up, and succeed. We’re investing in the ideas and entrepreneurs that will shape the future of our County.”

About the Technology Innovation Fund

The $7 million Technology Innovation Fund will provide grants of up to $200,000 to early-stage businesses developing proprietary technology with high growth potential. Funds will support commercialization projects that bring innovative products closer to market, helping businesses to achieve significant milestones.

About the Founders Fund

The $3 million Founders Fund offers grants of up to $100,000 to early -stage entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities who face systemic
barriers to accessing capital. Eligible applicants must demonstrate how their proposed commercialization project will drive their business growth.

Eligibility for the Founders Fund will be assessed using Montgomery Planning’s Community Equity Index, Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise via Maryland DOT – Certification Management System and Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Program; and the Certified as a Women or Veteran-owned business by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Women or Veteran-owned certification tools.

“I’m thrilled that these dedicated funds are now available to businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to invest and innovate in Montgomery County,” Council member Andrew Friedson said. ” I was proud to spearhead this initiative — the largest economic development package in the County’s history — to help jumpstart our local economy. These complementary funds will reduce barriers for emerging businesses and entrepreneurs, intentionally capitalize on our world-class talent with expanded opportunities, and build on our reputation as a global destination for innovation.”

Application Process

To ensure a fair and unbiased review process, applications will be evaluated by FedTech, an independent third-party organization with expertise in connecting innovative technologies to commercial markets. Awardees also will receive up to two hours of technical assistance from FedTech to further enhance their chances of success.

“The creation and allocation of these funds, combined with other resources provided by the county, underscores Montgomery County’s continued commitment to fostering business growth and innovation. As we focus on cultivating opportunities for all, we are ensuring a brighter future for generations to come” says Bill Tompkins, President and CEO, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

Montgomery County is partnering with MCEDC to facilitate the promotion and selection process. Award notifications will be made during March. If funds remain after the first round, a second application round will open in Spring 2025.
For questions, contact: MontCtyMD@fedtech.io

About Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland, and is funded by the Montgomery County Government. Created in 2015, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to accelerate business development, attraction, retention and expansion in key industry sectors while advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth.

About Montgomery County Government

Montgomery County, Maryland, is the largest county in the state of Maryland with over 1.1 million residents. Bordering the District of Columbia, and directly across the Potomac River from Northern Virginia, Montgomery County is the home to 18 federal agencies including National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as well as the headquarters to over 700 companies. The county offers a unique ecosystem rich in talent, groundbreaking discoveries, and a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and bold thinking. With 40% of residents speaking a language other than English and a third of the population born outside the U.S., Montgomery County embraces diversity. This inclusive environment fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives, providing an ideal location for businesses to thrive, innovate and flourish.

Press Release originally published by Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC): https://thinkmoco.com/about/news/montgomery-county-maryland-launches-technology-innovation-and-founders-funds-10-million-in-grants-available-to-support-high-growth-small-businesses/

Capital Bank Named One of the Best Banks to Work for in 2024

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Capital Bank continues to set the standard for excellence in employee satisfaction.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Bank has been named one of American Banker’s 2024 Best Banks to Work For. American Banker has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.

This year 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered. On the 2024 list, Capital Bank was ranked No. 79. This marks the fifth time Capital Bank has been recognized with this award showcasing their ongoing commitment to being a workplace where employees thrive. With over 400 employees, Capital Bank continues to set the standard for excellence in employee satisfaction.

We are a bank that genuinely cares, values and invests in our employees,” said Eric Suss, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Capital Bank. “This commitment drives us to create programs that fuel professional growth, celebrate achievements, and foster a culture of collaboration and connection.”

Capital Bank prioritizes the growth and well-being of its employees by launching programs and initiatives focusing on aspects like employee rewards and recognition, wellness programs, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) awareness. Together their efforts provide employees with vital education, resources, and inclusive spaces to voice their thoughts and opinions.

“Our employees are the embodiment of our company culture,” said Ed Barry, CEO of Capital Bank. “While we are a growth-driven organization, a business is only as strong as its people. That’s why we prioritize fostering a healthy, supportive, and empowering work environment.”

Recently, the Bank has launched a signature initiative called Capital Bank Immersion, that provides new employees opportunities to meet with senior leaders and learn about the bank’s businesses and operations during their on-boarding process. Similarly, following Capital Bank’s acquisition of Integrated Financial Holdings, Inc. (IFH), the immersion program was used to on-board new employees together to network in locations like North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois.

“The Best Banks to Work For represent institutions helping employees achieve their goals,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “These banks recognize how important it is for their staffers to be happy about the work they do and the environment in which they spend their days.”

About Capital Bank

Capital Bancorp, Inc., Rockville, Maryland is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland. Capital Bancorp has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates bank branches in six locations including Washington D.C., Reston, VA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Rockville, MD, Columbia, MD and N. Riverside, IL. Capital Bancorp had assets of approximately $2.6 billion at September 30, 2024 and its common stock is traded in the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBNK.” More information can be found at the Company’s website www.CapitalBankMD.com under its investor relations page.

Capital Bank’s personalized approach to business banking and the creative delivery of technology has helped fuel our continued growth. During all of our success, we have delivered meaningful client experiences by remaining true to a core operating principle: Think Big, Act Local.

About American Banker

American Banker empowers banking professionals with unique analysis and insight into the ideas transforming their business and industry. Across its journalism, events, research and benchmarking, it helps drive the way forward through the complexity of business innovation, retail and commercial disruption, technology, regulation, and reform. With a banking community 850k strong, American Banker’s content connects leaders online, in person and in print every day.

About Best Companies Group

Since 2004, Best Companies Group has specialized in identifying and recognizing great employers to work for. We are an independent research firm that ranks companies based on our established research methodology. Our surveys provide actionable, hard-to-obtain data that companies use to improve employee recruitment and retention.

View original Press Release: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/11/21/2985362/0/en/Capital-Bank-Named-One-of-the-Best-Banks-to-Work-for-in-2024.html

Nonprofit Spotlight: Community Reach of Montgomery County

Posted on by Amanda Bosland
Sarah Basehart, Executive Director

"Achieving the extraordinary together."

What cause does Community Reach support?

Since 1967, Community Reach of Montgomery County (“Reach”) has supported underserved communities by providing safety-net services that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Reach strives to ensure all community members have their basic needs met and have a more equitable chance of realizing their full potential. As the needs of the community have changed over the last 57 years, we have grown to work in five service areas.

Reach provides healthcare for the uninsured through the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, support for seniors aging in place in the City of Rockville, education for immigrants and tutoring for children, supportive housing for formerly unhoused men and women, and financial emergency assistance to prevent evictions and utility terminations.

What is the impact of your organization on the community?

Reach’s five service areas help clients achieve self-sufficiency, meaning that they have the stability, knowledge, and skills they need to meet their own needs. This approach includes both immediate relief for unmet needs like shelter and hunger and long-term support to improve overall quality of life for underserved communities. Our work provides tangible, direct benefits to approximately 4,000 lower-income residents each year, many of whom live and work in Rockville. Our work helps to build a more equitable, healthier, and safer community for all.

What motivated you to join your organization?

I fell in love with the rich history of Reach, beginning in response to youth issues in the late 1960s, supporting young people to speak up for change and social justice and continuing to create programs for nearly 60 years in response to the needs of the community. I also admired the interfaith origins of the organization that continues today to include people of many different backgrounds who come together to serve their neighbors in need.

Why did your organization choose to operate out of Rockville?

From its outset, Reach was a Rockville-based organization. In 1967, several local faith organizations came together to form a community ministry for the Rockville community, working to build community connections and give a voice to marginalized groups. Known as “Community Ministries of Rockville,” the organization initially focused on advocacy and youth mentorship. In the 1980s it shifted to direct services, responding to increased community need caused by nationwide cuts to human service programs. In 2019, the organization changed its name to reflect a new, wider purpose and mission to provide services throughout the county, but we are still based in Rockville.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in the future?

Reach intends to expand its presence in the community and continue to address urgent needs for healthcare, housing, education, and more among underserved populations. Currently, plans are underway to offer women’s health and diabetes focused health and wellness days at MKHC to improve healthcare access, launch two new ESL conversation classes for parents at local elementary schools and tutoring for students at the schools, provide personalized technology assistance workshops for local seniors, and more. In the long term, we hope to increase advocacy efforts to draw attention to issues that most impact the communities we work with, such as housing reform, voter awareness, support for immigrants, and general support for underserved communities.

About Community Reach of Montgomery County

Since 1967, Community Reach of Montgomery County (“Reach”) has supported underserved communities by providing safety-net services that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Reach strives to ensure all community members have their basic needs met and have a more equitable chance of realizing their full potential.

Visit Community Reach of Montgomery County at 1010 Grandin Avenue, #A1 Rockville, MD, 20851

Learn more about Community Reach of Montgomery County at www.cmrocks.org

Follow Community Reach of Montgomery County on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram