MAKING NEWS

County�s Innovation-Related Economy Helps Maryland to a Top Five Ranking in Nation

�Locally led innovation is the key to meeting the challenge of restructuring the American economy,� according to the Next Economy Partnership Project, of NDN, a leading think tank and advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, and the New Policy Institute.

Highlighting the importance of the relationship between local innovation and economic recovery for the country, the 2012 State New Economy Index ranks the 50 states according to their adoption of an innovation fueled economy.

In the index released by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Maryland ranks fifth in the country. Massachusetts holds the top spot, followed by Delaware, Washington and California.
The report states, �Maryland occupies fifth place and Virginia sixth. Their high rankings are due primarily to high concentrations of knowledge workers, many employed with the federal government or related contractors in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.�

The report builds on prior State New Economy Indexes published in 1999, 2002, 2007, 2008 and 2010. Overall, the report uses 26 indicators, divided into five key areas that best capture what is new about the New Economy:  knowledge jobs, globalization, economic dynamism, the digital economy and innovation capacity.

See the 2012 State New Economy Index.

Montgomery County is Only U.S. Representative at International Conference in Taiwan; Environmental Protection Director Gives Recycling Presentation 

Photo caption: CountyDEP Director Bob Hoyt (far left) joins representatives from the other countries that participated in the 2012 International Conference on Resource Recycling in Taipei City, Taiwan.  While many local residents were making plans for Thanksgiving travels, dinner or entertaining, Department of Environmental Protection Director Bob Hoyt was half way around the world talking to an international audience about the County�s recycling program.

Other than host Taipei City, Montgomery County was the only local government invited to participate in the �International Conference on Resource Recycling 2012� and the sole representative from the United States. The focus of the four-day conference was zero waste generation. The County was invited to participate based on a recommendation from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all expenses were paid by the Taiwan EPA.

Hoyt�s presentation described how the County�s recycling program operates, including our newly established recycling goal of 70%, one of the highest in the country. He provided information on our waste reduction efforts, including the bag law, how our collections are handled, and how outreach and education are major parts of our overall program.

The attendees visited recycling centers in Taipei and learned about the system that rewards residents for dropping off recyclables. (There are no curbside collections.)  When residents bring in their materials and based on the weight of their recyclables, customers receive �gift� credits. With the credits, residents can purchase basic food and household items.

Hoyt said that, for him, one of the most vivid impressions of the conference was that �once the other countries heard about our recycling program, it became clear that we could hold our own with any of them.�   Although he picked up on some ways we might be able to improve, the DEP director said, �As a whole system, there is no one better [than ours].�

Presentations were also given by representatives from Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Sweden.

Local Diver�s Story Featured on NBC-News 4

The Recreation Department recently worked with NBC 4 to share the story of Melissa Novak a 14-year old National Dive Team member who has overcome significant challenges to dive competitively at the national level and will likely be a top competitor in the 2016 Olympic trials.

The interview was taped in December at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda where Melissa trains.

Melissa lives in Frederick and is driven by her mother each weekday to the center in Bethesda.  This speaks volumes not only about the teen�s dedication to diving but to the quality of the programs, staff and facilities � such as the Shriver and Germantown centers  -- that are available through the County�s Recreation Department and are attracting out-of-county swimmers and divers.

See and hear Melissa�s story.

Various Media Find a Good Story in the Inmate/Library Book Repair Program

The story of the inmate library book repair program at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Clarksburg has spread even farther afield thanks to coverage from various media outlets over the past few months.

Back in October, Germantown Patch featured a piece by editor Tiffany Arnold entitled �Inmates in Boyds Fix Broken Books for �Good Time Credit.�

The University of Maryland�s Capital News Service also picked up on the story in October with reporter Lyndsey Wallen�s �Inmate Bindings � Inmates Work to Give Old Book New Life.�
The program at MCCF appeared on the Post Local �Rosenwald, Md.� blog in November.

That same month, Voice of America writer/producer Julia Taboh visited the MCCF for more than two hours getting footage and interviewing both the inmates repairing books and Warden Rob Green. Read the VOA piece that was published in December.

Good works getting good coverage.

Office of Consumer Protection Part of ABC News Report on Towing

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) was included in a recent ABC News feature on the towing industry entitled: �On the Hook: Confessions from the Tow Yard.�

OCP Director Eric Friedman is interviewed about the activity used by some towers of luring unsuspecting drivers to park in no-parking areas, then towing them. There is also a scene shot at a local site detailing that a car can be hooked up and towed within 20 seconds.

openMontgomery Web Portal featured in �Government Technology�

The County�s new openMontgomery site is featured in this month�s �Government Technology�s,� govtech.com online news service.

Chief Information Officer, Sonny Segal said the open government platform has been well received since it was launched in December 2012.

MAKING NEWS

Eleven Businesses in County Make Inc.�s Top 500 List

The Department of Economic Development has announced that  Montgomery County has 11 local companies on the 2012 Inc.500 list, designating them as some of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Of the 11, two are part of the County's Business Innovation Network -- E-SAC in the Rockville Innovation Center is #241 and Special Operations Solutions in the Silver Spring Innovation Center was rated #269.

See more about all the Montgomery County businesses that made the Inc.500 list this year.

Executive Receives Humane Society Award 

Photo caption: Presenting the award to Leggett at the 14th annual Love Ball were Joanne Hoffman, chair of the MCHS board of directors (left) and Cris Bombaugh, president and CEO of MCHS.

County Executive Ike Leggett has received the 2012 Humane Award from the Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) in recognition of his efforts to make construction of a new animal shelter a reality.

Groundbreaking for a new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center at the intersection of Muncaster Mill and Airpark roads in Derwood, took place in January.  Expected to open in late summer 2013, the new facility will replace the current shelter built in 1975.

The new complex will expand the County�s ability to care for animals safely and hygienically, as well as serve as a public adoption center and community education resource for animal advocacy and care issues.

Leggett is a two-time winner of the award from MCHS, the first received in 1993. 

Learn more about the Montgomery County Humane Society.

Office of Human Resources Receives Honors from Local Government Personnel Association

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) was recently recognized by the Local Government Personnel Association (LGPA) of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area for its public service and delivery of quality services.  The awards were presented at the Professional Development Conference and Awards Luncheon at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in Washington, D.C.

The County�s Rewarding Excellence/Gainsharing Program received the LGPA�s �Best and Brightest� personnel award.  The bonus incentive program, launched in January 2010, is designed to encourage and promote new, innovative ideas, concepts and strategies for the cost-effective delivery of County services and products.  Employees are rewarded for implemented recommendations that improve efficiency, increase productivity, reduce costs, streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

The LGPA Board of Directors also announced that Kaye Beckley, manager, Business Operations & Performance Management in OHR, has been appointed as the incoming LGPA president.

A certificate of appreciation was presented to Human Resource Specialist Laetitia Gnago for spearheading the completion of the LGPA annual Benchmark Salary and Comprehensive Benefits Survey.

For more information about the award, or about the Gainsharing Program, contact Melissa Boone-Miller at 240-777-5016.

County, City of Rockville Request Support for Long-Awaited Rockville Town Center Mixed-Use Development

A transmittal recently sent to the County Council by County Executive Ike Leggett requests that a $4.16 million conditional grant be appropriated and disbursed from the County�s Economic Development Fund to Duball, LLC to support the redevelopment of a surface parking lot in the heart of Rockville Town Centerinto a mixed-use development.

The development site, located at East Middle La. and Monroe St., is currently a surface parking lot located in front of Regal Cinemas. When completed, the project will feature two mixed-use, high-rise towers that will include 485-multifamily homes, a 140-room Cambria Suites hotel, 40,000 square-feet of street level retail and approximately 1,000 parking spaces.

In announcing the news of the transmittal to the Council, Leggett was joined on site by County Councilmember Phil Andrews; Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio; Montgomery County Department of Economic Development Deputy Director Sally Sternbach; Michael Murphy, Senior Vice President of Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels International; and Marc Dubick, President, Duball, LLC

Construction of the first phase is expected to begin by the end of this year and will include approximately 263 residences � 40 of which will be earmarked as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units � a Cambria Suites hotel and 17,000 square feet of street-level retail, plus public and private parking.

Read more.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

A Visual Preview of the World of Montgomery Festival

Get an idea of the excitement, color and flavor of the World of Montgomery Festival and see for yourself what you can expect in Wheaton on Sunday, October 21. Take a look.

Time to Give Back � Community Service Day October 27

County residents are invited to make plans now to give a few hours of their time to their community by joining family, friends, neighbors, fellow students and co-workers during Community Service Week, which kicks off on Monday, October 22 and runs through Sunday, October 28.
Service projects are posted on the Community Service Day  website. Many of the available service projects provide middle and high school students with the opportunity to earn Student Service Learning hours.
Or, you can plan an event of your own.   If your school, neighborhood association or other group already has a project in mind, make sure we know about it by filling out the Community Service Day Project Form.

Have a Hoot on Halloween and Beyond

Montgomery County Recreation is offering a number of safe and fun-filled age-appropriate Halloween alternatives for all ages during the Halloween season.  Activities range from a Haunted Forest, Magic Show and a Hoot Dance to a Fall Festival.
Check out the schedule and programs.

Health and Human Services Announces Soft Launch of New Website: Public Feedback Invited

Montgomery County�s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the launch of its new department website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/indexnew.html.
The site has been redesigned with a fresh look, new and enhanced features, and easier and more straightforward navigation tools.

The department is seeking feedback and suggestions from users during the soft launch period and will incorporate suggestions when feasible. The official public launch of the website will take place in approximately 30 days (November 8).

Read more about the site.

Car Sharing Expands in County

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has announced a significant expansion of commercial car sharing services in the County at no cost to the County.

Car sharing provides commuters or other travelers who primarily rely on transit, car/vanpooling, biking or walking, access to a car when needed and can also save them money.  The availability of car sharing may help some residents go �car free� or provide a second car for multi-driver households that only need occasional access to a second vehicle.

Two car sharing companies, Zipcar and Hertz on Demand, were selected following a competitive bid process that allowed vendors to choose locations that best fit their service areas and the types of vehicles they offer.  Twenty-six vehicles have been made available at 13 locations in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Montgomery Hills and North Bethesda. 

Learn more about specific sites and check out links to additional information.

The Message for Fire Prevention Month -- �Have Two Ways Out�

October is Fire Prevention Month and fire stations around Montgomery County are hosting many educational, family-oriented activities and Open Houses throughout the month. This year�s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and urges residents to develop and practice an escape plan and �Have Two Ways Out!�

All Open House events are free and will feature many exciting activities including tours of the station, fire safety activities, educational information/handouts, demonstrations of emergency equipment and much more.
See a complete list of activities planned throughout the entire month.

Advice to Consumers: Read Fine Print on Advertising Directories 

Montgomery County�s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) urges residents to carefully read all advertisements and solicitations that may come to their homes and not be misled as to the publication�s origin.

For example, a recent issue of �Best Pick Reports�,� an advertising directory that recommends merchants and is mailed to homes, was mistakenly assumed to be a product of OCP.  This direct mail advertisement is actually published by EBSCO Research which maintains a business relationship with the merchants referenced in the directory -- in which the merchants pay the publisher for the opportunity to be included.

While the County points out that some or all of the merchants may or may not be excellent service providers, the format and use of terms such as �Independent Consumer Satisfaction Research,� may mislead some consumers.

�Finding reputable and affordable service providers such as plumbers, roofers and heating/AC contractors, can be a daunting task for consumers,� said OCP Director Eric Friedman.  �We recommend that consumers contact our office to check a merchant�s complaint history and consult guides published by non-profit research organizations such as Washington Consumer�s CHECKBOOK Magazine.�
  
For more information, call 240-777-3636.

County Honors Late Community Activist

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett recently unveiled a plaque naming Montgomery County�s CountyStat Meeting Center the �Wayne Goldstein Center for Responsible Government.�  Goldstein, a longtime civic activist and past president of the Montgomery County Civic Federation, passed away in April 2009.

CountyStat is an accountability and assessment process that reinforces the County government�s focus on results in an effort to improve performance.

�Wayne was an avid proponent of our CountyStat program,� said Leggett.  �I can honestly say that his advocacy and support for this initiative were instrumental in getting this program up and running in Montgomery County.  Naming this meeting room in his honor will remind everyone who enters this room of his tireless efforts to open the doors of County government and encourage greater public participation.�

Information about CountyStat � including meeting dates, topics and discussion materials � can be found on the Montgomery County website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/countystat.

Job Hunting Help for People Over Age 50

The tight job market of the last few years has been especially challenging for people over age 50.  The good news is that Montgomery County has excellent resources to assist residents in their search for the right job.
There are a variety of agencies and programs that provide services and support � including resume preparation, job search strategies, interview techniques and ways to identify employment opportunities.
If you are over age 50 and looking for a new job, check out these programs:

• Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education: www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce
• Montgomery Works: www.montgomeryworks.org
• Jewish Council for the Aging Worker Training Programs: www.accessjca.org
• Jewish Social Service Agency Employment and Career Services: www.JSSA.org
• Casa de Maryland, Inc: www.casademaryland.org

Get more information on various senior issues, including employment at Senior Site.

MAKING NEWS

"Rewarding Excellence" Program Featured in Governing Magazine

Montgomery County�s gainsharing program, "Rewarding Excellence", was featured in the August issue of Governing magazine.  Begun in 2009, "Rewarding Excellence" has so far resulted in five successful proposals from front-line employees that are expected to save the County approximately $850,000 annually.  Other projects are in various stages of approval.

Gainsharing program ideas are generated by teams of eight to 12 people, plus one or two facilitators, who receive special training. The teams then meet regularly to brainstorm new, money-saving ideas, develop detailed proposals, then present them to senior management and union representatives for approval.  Team members are rewarded for successful programs with one-time bonuses of up to $5,000, depending on the amount of money the program saves.

View Governing magazine�s article.  Also see more information about the gainsharing program.

Gazette interview with County Latina cable producer and businesswoman

In an interview with The Gazette�s Clyde Ford, Cuban-born Lorna Virgil, a County Cable producer, radio host and media liaison, talks about how a change of pace and direction in her life has enabled her to  �carve out her own niche� in a County and state with an ever-increasing Hispanic population.

Lorna co-hosts �County Report This Week� on County Cable Montgomery and is the host of �Montgomery Al D�a� which is broadcast live each Tuesday at 2 p.m. on Radio America 1540 AM. The show also airs on County Cable Montgomery. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm and click the �Montgomery Al D�a� icon. For a listing of viewing times on County Cable Montgomery, go to the schedule on the right side of the website.

Read the article.

First-of-its-kind New Farmer Pilot Project Unveiled

The County�s New Farmer Pilot Project, announced recently by County Executive Ike Leggett, is a unique approach to training and mentoring new farmers by placing them on individual, longer-term, leased sites. Ultimately, the program is designed to encourage new farmers to stay in Montgomery County rather than looking elsewhere for available land.

Leggett called the project ��a first-of-its-kind, year-long �experiment� that will train, mentor and support the land access needs of entrepreneurs who want to start new, sustainable farms in Montgomery County." He explained that "The New Farmer Pilot Project will give new farmers a head start by matching them with private land owners and a support network that enables them to grow their businesses."

• Read the full news release.
• Learn more about the New Farmer Pilot Project.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

FROM THE LAST ISSUE, READERS ASKED ABOUT: All That Tree Debris at the Transfer Station

For instance, one wanted to know: How does the amount of debris compare to �normal� times (obviously, it is greater but how much)?   How is it reduced to mulch?  Where does it go from the Transfer Station? And, why is it -- or is it not -- burned along with other trash at the Dickerson power plant?

Peter Karasik, the Section Chief for Central Operations at the Transfer Station responded:
"On an annual average basis, the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station receives about 350 vehicles per day of all sizes delivering yard waste and tree debris.  There are, however, normal seasonal variations. So, a busy day in the spring or early summer may result in 600 to 700 vehicles with yard waste/tree debris coming to our facility, while January and February may have fewer than 100 vehicles per day.

"In the first week after the June 29 storm, we received 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles most days with a record-setting 4,300 vehicles on Tuesday, July 3.

"The Division of Solid Waste Services owns three large horizontal grinders with approximately 1,000-horsepower engines that can grind almost all tree debris except for large stumps which need to be broken up first.  Each of these machines can process more than 100 tons per hour of natural wood waste.

"Our contractor, Grant County Mulch, picks up the mulch, so it is not burned. They pay us about $5 per ton, so we recover some of our processing costs."

******

Another reader suggested: Why don�t you make all this hardwood available to residents as firewood, rather than turning it all into mulch?  I would be willing to pay for it and load it myself. 

Peter replied:
"Other residents have asked the same question. However, we have some concerns with respect to letting residents come onsite with chain saws and cut up and load bulky wood waste.

"First, we�re concerned about general safety. People would be climbing around piles of wood and shifting logs trying to get at the better material.  It would be a difficult situation to safely manage.

"We also have a very limited amount of space onsite, so we could not keep things moving after a major storm if residents parked in our lot and spent an hour or so cutting wood and loading up their trucks. If we had more space, we could have a professional tree trimming contractor cut up the wood waste and prepare bundles or cords of firewood for sale.

"So although we agree with the concept, we currently just don�t have the space to do it."

Thanks to our readers for their insightful questions. 

MC311 Customer Service Center Extends Hours of Operation

Under the extended hours that recently took effect, the County�s MC311 Customer Service Center (CSC) is now operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

An analysis conducted last April (when the center operated until 5 p.m.) indicated that from 5 to 7 p.m. between 135 and 175 calls came in to the center. This means that an additional 700 to 800 customers a week, or more than 3,000 additional customers a month, could be served in the extra two hours. 

Shortly before MC311�s launch in June 2010, a decision was made to operate 10 hours-a-day, five days-a-week until there was a better understanding of call volume and staffing needs.  Over the past two years,  increased portal usage and significant improvements in the call center operations have created greater efficiencies in the operation. 

For those who prefer online contact, the self-service website, www.MC311.com, is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Read more.

Board of Elections Seeks Help on Election Day

Judges with Spanish-Speaking Fluency

Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking individuals with Spanish speaking fluency to serve as election judges at polling places on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Election judges must be: registered to vote in the State of Maryland, 18 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen. In addition to Spanish speaking fluency, election judges must also be able to speak, read and write in English. All election judges will be compensated for training and for Election Day service.

Anyone interested in serving should contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8532, download an election judge questionnaire from www.777vote.org or e-mail Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Student Election Aides

School-age students, grades 6-12, are needed to serve as Election Day student aides.

Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to serve on Election Day and, if applicable, to receive Student Service Learning (SSL) credits.  Students are placed in neighboring precincts according to their home addresses. 

Students within a public, private, independent, religious or home-school setting in Montgomery County are eligible to apply.  U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite to participate.  Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply.

Interested parents/guardians can register their student(s), before October 1, online by visiting  www.777vote.org.

For additional information, email future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov.

New Look, Enhanced Features for Board of Elections' Website

Montgomery County Board of Elections website -- www.777vote.org -- has been redesigned with a fresh look, new and enhanced features, and easier and more straightforward navigation tools.

The new site, designed in coordination with the Department of Technology Services, was upgraded in response to requests for improvements and greater accessibility for disabled and non-English speaking constituents.

Visitors to the site should take note. Some of the links within the page have changed.  Voters are encouraged to enter the site via the home page rather than through the utilization of previously bookmarked links.

Give the Gift of Literacy

The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold an information session for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write, or speak English on Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library.

Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules.  No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times.

For complete details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.

Fall Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs Now Available

The fall issue of the Montgomery County Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs is out, and residents are advised to register now for programs, classes and swim lessons.

Print copies of the guide are available at recreation centers, park facilities, government buildings and libraries. Residents who prefer receiving the guide in the mail can pay an annual subscription fee of $5 and receive all five issues (Summer, Fall, Winter, Summer Camps and Spring).

To view the guide online, or to sign up for a subscription, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. For more information, call 240-777-6840.

Nominations Open for Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is currently accepting nominations for its Seventh Hall of Fame.  Nominations should be individuals � either living or deceased � whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the County.  The deadline for nominations is September 10.

A select number of nominees will be recommended for the Hall of Fame by a panel of community judges.  The induction ceremony is planned for Sunday, October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

The OHR Hall of Fame began in 2001 and is held every other year.  More than 70 individuals have been inducted over the years. 

For a complete listing of inductees, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.  

Nomination forms are available online, or by calling the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8456.

�Small Business Plus!� is Here

Developed through a unique collaboration between Montgomery County and community banks headquartered in the County, �Small Business Plus!� will promote job growth through small business lending and earn a competitive rate of return for the County on its investment.

Ten million dollars in County funds will be invested in participating community banks that will, in turn, commit an equal amount.  This means that $20 million will be lent to local small businesses to further promote the creation of new jobs.

Banks may participate if they: are headquartered in Montgomery County; have assets greater than $200 million and less than $5 billion; and meet certain safety and soundness standards established by the County.

Read more.

Consumer Protection Tip: Save on Energy Bills 

This summer is setting heat records!  To keep energy bills down, consider investing in a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling unit. You can also seal air leaks in your home, improve insulation and simply set your thermostat higher in the summer.

For more suggestions, visit Maryland Energy Administration�s webpage on Energy Efficient Cooling Systems

A Cornucopia of Family Fun, Farm Life and Fresh Produce

Spend a day or two in the country petting farm animals or having lunch by a scenic pond. Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and more.

You and your family can experience all this and more right here in Montgomery County during the 23rd Annual Farm Tour & Harvest Sale , Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29. All farms will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Sugarloaf Winery that will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

See more details and a list of the participating farms at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour.