General Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Rockville businesses honored at GRCC’s 8th annual Rockstar Awards

The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) celebrated local business excellence at its 8th annual awards

The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) celebrated local business excellence at its 8th Annual Rockstar Awards at the Manor Country Club on November 2, 2023. This annual event recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of businesses and individuals in the Rockville community. This year’s ceremony honored the entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment that thrives in Rockville.

Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Intelligent Office. This accolade honors a business with under $5M in revenue, operational for at least five years, and demonstrates flexibility, innovation, and a unique business and marketing strategy. Learn more about Intelligent Office at https://www.intelligentoffice.com/maryland/rockville

Large Business of the Year

Exemplifying a commitment to employees, customers and the community, DARCARS Automotive Group was honored with the Large Business of the Year Award. This award is reserved for businesses with over 50 employees and more than $5M in revenue, recognizing their commitment to the vitality of Rockville. Learn more at https://www.darcarschryslerjeeprockville.com/

Nonprofit of the Year

The Nonprofit of the Year Award was Comfort Cases, an organization that has set a benchmark for excellence among Rockville’s nonprofits. This award acknowledges their impactful and lasting contributions to the residents of Rockville. Learn more at https://comfortcases.org/

Entrepreneur of the Year

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was claimed by Proudly. This award celebrates a business leader who demonstrates innovation, resilience, and a unique approach to addressing community needs. Learn more about Proudly at https://proudlygive.com/

Young Professional of the Year

Shane Senior of Cornerstone Montgomery was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year, an award highlighting an individual’s leadership and commitment to Rockville’s business community. Learn more about Shane and Cornerstone Montgomery at https://www.cornerstonemontgomery.org/

About the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce (GRCC)

The GRCC serves as the voice of the thousands of businesses that proudly call Rockville, MD (and the greater region) their home. It strives to create and support a thriving Rockville through educational programs, networking opportunities, and services; civic and business involvement in cultural and social programs and services; and advocacy for the interdependence of business and civic goals to expand economic vitality in Rockville. Learn more at https://rockvillechamber.org/

Rockville recognized as a top arts-vibrant community of 2023

The Arts Vibrancy Index measures supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture

SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, recently unveiled its Arts Vibrancy Index for 2023, and Rockville, in conjunction with Frederick and Gaithersburg, has been named the 7th 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/arts-vibrancy-2023/the-top-40-list/

Business Spotlight: Sheladia Associates, Inc.

"Our philosophy has been 'In the success of others lies our own', and we strive to ensure all our clients, partners and communities share our success."

Can you walk us through the history of Sheladia Associates and how it has evolved over the years?

Founded in 1974, Sheladia Associates Inc. initially specialized in transportation design in the metro DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, serving State and County governments. By the late 1970s, the firm expanded into water resources and architecture within the U.S. and took on its first international project in Haiti in 1979 through USAID. During the 1980s, as an 8(a)-minority owned business, Sheladia worked across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, mainly in the water sector. In the late 1980s, it branched into international transportation design and construction supervision.

In the early 1990s, the firm began collaborating with multi-lateral donor banks like the Asia Development Bank and the World Bank. To date, Sheladia has completed over 1,100 projects for 300+ clients in 80+ countries, covering fields like transportation, water resources, energy, architecture, and technical assistance. Recently, they added a Federal Services division to work with the U.S. federal government and DOD.

Domestically, Sheladia serves clients in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, as well as Washington DC, including agencies like WMATA, DDOT, and DC Water. They maintain offices in Largo, Maryland, focused on Third Party Design and Permit Reviews, and another in DC for Construction Management. In the last decade, major projects include work on the Dulles Corridor Metro Project and DC Water’s Tunnel Dewatering Pump Station, as well as design-build services for World Bank offices in Kabul and Laos.

What are some milestone projects that have defined Sheladia Associates presence in Rockville?

Within Montgomery County we’ve completed:

Design engineering for Franklin Avenue
Design engineering for Upton Drive safety improvement
Washington Grove connector-Crabbs Branch way extension
Long Branch Library refreshment project
Damascus Library and Senior Center refurbishment project
Nebel Street Homeless Shelter design project

We’ve also worked on:

Dulles Corridor Metro project
DC Water Tunnel Dewatering Pump Station
World Bank – Kabul office project

How has the economic landscape of Rockville impacted your business’ longevity?

Economic growth of Rockville and the overall county has allowed us to recruit and retain the workforce which are and is the single most important element in our industry

What advice would you give to new businesses aiming to be longstanding fixtures in the community?

Our philosophy has been “In the success of others lies our own” and we strive to ensure all our clients, partners and communities share our success. Engage with the community you live and work in.

What role has the community of Rockville played in the success of Sheladia?

The community of Rockville has been integral to our success, giving us access to a wide universe of talented workers and providing us with proximity to our US clients as well as the international donors funding most of our international projects.

About Sheladia Associates, Inc.

Sheladia Associates, Inc. is a minority-owned and operated business founded in 1974 and performs work throughout the Metropolitan area and around the world. We design and manage the construction of infrastructure — both physical and institutional — to support economic growth and strengthen the capabilities of our clients and partners. Sheladia is headquartered in Rockville, with international offices located in Asia and Africa. Learn more at https://www.sheladia.com/

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

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/

Business Spotlight: I. M. Systems Group, Inc.

"We've extended our experience and knowledge to tackle global environmental intelligence needs especially in the Southeast Asia and Pacific areas facing climate change challenges."

What is I.M. System Group’s primary area of expertise?

Founded in 1987, IMSG has grown from an IT company into a science-based company with broader applied research and development, research to operations, system engineering, and an IT services company over the past three decades, winning numerous notable awards including the former Vice President’s Hammer Award, Best Small Business of the Year, among others.

Who are your clients, and how does IMSG work with them?

We support the federal government (such as the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services and the National Weather Service) and private industry in a variety of contracts and partnerships. Our work with clients includes satellite environmental monitoring, numerical weather modeling, software engineering, and environmental visualization.

What unique qualities or strengths differentiate IMSG from others in your industry?

Over 85% of our employees have masters or doctoral degrees in earth science and engineering disciplines. We have further extended our experience and knowledge to tackle global environmental intelligence needs especially in the Southeast Asia and Pacific areas that are facing climate change challenges.

Why did IMSG choose to locate in Rockville?

We are a proud member of our local community, committed to contributing our proven capability to help build a robust and resilient infrastructure for the commonwealth, growing and sustaining the local economy.

How does IMSG stay current with industry trends and innovations?

Everything we do at IMSG is based on a foundation of integrity, agility, experience and a desire to not only meet the standards of our industry, but also exceed them at every turn, while we strongly embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion as parts of our core value.

About I. M. Systems Group, Inc.

I. M. Systems Group (IMSG) is a leader in environmental scientific and technical support for land, atmospheric, oceanic, and marine application. IMSG has implemented ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System, CMMI Level 2, ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management, and ISO 20000-1:2011 IT Service Management System. Learn more at https://imsg.com/

Business Spotlight: The Monitor Group, LLC

"Our policies ensure that we are committed to making a difference locally and globally by supporting businesses that also give back"

What does The Monitor Group offer?

We are a family-owned independent financial services and wealth management firm that strives to create long term relationships with our clients, our employees and the community at large.

How did The Monitor Group come to be?

We started The Monitor Group in 2005 out of the need to provide better advice and service to our clients. We saw the financial services industry shifting away from product sales and towards holistic financial planning. We chose the name because literally “we are monitoring” your progress towards financial freedom but also because the “monitor” lizard has dinosaurs in its lineage, thus connoting longevity, endurance, lastingness and continuity.

What makes The Monitor Group unique?

Our business is not just focused on our clients’ future, but we really want to provide an encouraging environment for our teammates and community. We promote many non-compensation benefits including a culture calendar, professional development, and annual employee wish lists, to name a few and include an intrapreneurial mindset for growth. These qualities and more shape our culture and lead to very low employee turnover.

For the community, corporate social responsibility is vitally important to who we are as a company. Our policies ensure that we are committed to making a difference locally and globally by supporting businesses that also give back, volunteering our time in the non-profit community and making financial donations.

Why did The Monitor Group decide to base its operations in Rockville?

Rockville chose us 🙂 We had been working for other businesses in Rockville since 1999 and decided we should stay in the area for the benefit of our clients.

What’s in The Monitor Group’s future?

We see our business having expanded by the clients we serve, the advisors we support and adding employment opportunities to assist with this growth. We have a corporate giving mission also and plan to expand our quarterly community philanthropy.

About The Monitor Group, LLC

The Monitor Group is a family-owned, independent financial services and wealth management firm located at 2600 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20852. Learn more at https://www.tmg-llc.net/

Business Spotlight: Nature by Trejok

"We are a happy place that mixes art, creativity and product curation to bring unique pieces to our clients"

What does Nature by Trejok offer?

We are a happy place that mixes art, creativity, and product curation to bring unique pieces to our clients – inspired by the vintage-contemporary vibes. We design ready-to-wear collections of clothing, shoes, and accessories, and curate vintage pieces including china, collector’s items, home goods and inspirational stationery.

What motivated you to start Nature by Trejok?

I am a doctor who graduated abroad and in order to obtain the financial resources to get my medical license in the US. I used my talents and abilities to start an adventure in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

I was inspired by my grandmother’s life; her name was Josefa Trejo and my business name is in honor of her. She was a sophisticated lady who spent many years living in Europe, and she had collections from Limoges, Richard Ignore, and Royal Doulton among others.

My store reflects my childhood memories and my designs are inspired by her style combined with mine.

What makes Nature by Trejok unique?

We offer one kind of pieces in our clothing, shoes, and accessories collections. Almost all the time our pieces are personalized – that means that we speak with the client and according to their lifestyle, preferences, and style – we make their dreams come true!

We have our creative laboratory on site where people can see how the products are made and they are able to choose materials, colors, and texture. We have a strong combination of creativity, originality, inspiration, and art.

Why did you choose to locate Nature by Trejok in Rockville?

We started our journey in Rockville in 2019 in the Maryland Women’s Business Center incubator – MWBC Shop Local. At the end of the program we felt a strong community connection which motivated us to find a home for Nature by Trejok in Rockville Town Square.

Where do see Nature by Trejok 5 years from now?

I see Nature by Trejok expanded with 2 or 3 more locations throughout the DMV, and probably in others states. We are working hard on the expansion process!

About Nature by Trejok

Nature by Trejok is a woman-owned retail boutique offering unique and eclectic clothing, accessories, stationery and home furnishings. The store is located at 130 Gibbs Street, Unit B, Rockville, MD 20850 in Rockville Town Square. Learn more at https://naturebytrejok.com/

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