October 4, 2023
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of cybersecurity in our rapidly evolving digital age. At the HCEDA, we recognize and underscore the significance of cybersecurity for both businesses and our community.
Our county is home to many pioneering companies and professionals who work to safeguard our digital assets, locally, nationally, and globally. Howard County is proud to lead various business sectors, and cybersecurity stands as one of our key industries.
In line with our commitment to foster growth and innovation, the MIC is unveiling a new cybersecurity program for its resident members: Cyber Howard. This program is tailored to address the current and emerging challenges of cybersecurity, thereby strengthening our commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment. Read below for more
detailed insights about the Cyber Howard program.
By being informed and vigilant, we contribute to the collective defense of our digital community this month and all-year round.
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Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority
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Introducing Cyber Howard
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Small businesses face heightened cybersecurity risks in today's digital landscape. Recognizing this, many organizations have tried to manage third-party information risks through vendor management programs; however, lack of
standardization often leads to inefficiencies and increased costs. Addressing this, the MIC has introduced the "Cyber Howard" program in collaboration with HCEDA. This initiative will help resident Empower and Amplify MIC members strengthen their cybersecurity through a multi-tenant cloud environment. The environment not only offers a suite of office applications but also an advanced set of security features. In addition, the program offers standardized security policies, dedicated support staff including a resident Chief Security Information Officer (CISO), and a senior security engineer. To provide an additional layer of assurance, MIC residents can work towards earning the MIC's new "Cyber Assurance Seal." This seal signifies an organization's robust cybersecurity measures and can be a trusted mark for businesses.
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Meet CISO-in-Residence Jason
Taule |
Jason Taule is the MIC’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in Residence. For over 35 years, Taule has been protecting companies from cybercrime and has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs understand cyber threats and mitigate risk. Being the MIC's CISO in Residence has given Taule the opportunity to develop trainings, assessments, and enhancement programs that are designed to support entrepreneurs and their businesses. Taule is proud to work and mentor at the MIC and hopes to advance the “Silicon Valley of Cyber” right here in Howard County.
If you want to connect with Jason, request a mentorship session here.
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From IT to Integrity: How MIC Resident, Verfico, Shields the Construction World from Wage Theft
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Jesse FitzGibbon and his team at Verfico have made it their mission to protect construction companies and workers through innovation and transparency.
FitzGibbon had been working as an IT professional for nearly two-decades career until a year ago when he began to tackle the hidden crisis that affects millions of workers and businesses – wage theft. In response to this crisis, FizGibbon and his partner Matt DeSarno created Verfico.
Verfico is a company that finds innovative ways to insert technology into the construction industry so companies are protected from experiencing the severe legal, financial, and reputational damages that occur when prosecuted for charges relating to wage theft.
Leaving a two-decade career in pursuit of something new is daunting. However, FitzGibbon believes that the “grind will find you.” He shares that to prepare for it, you should “take at least 60 minutes to do something enriching for yourself every day. Getting into that rhythm now will give you the tools you need to find and maintain balance when things inevitably get crazy.”
As a member of the MIC, FitzGibbon knows that when things “get crazy,” he and his company will be supported. With the help of the MIC, Verfico is better equipped to protect, support, and enhance workers' and companies' experiences.
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More About Verifico |
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Featured Upcoming BRITE Programs
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Pitch and Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch | October 17 from 5 - 7:30 PM
Join us at Manor Hill Brewing on October 17 for the latest iteration of our Pitch and Mingle series. From 5 PM to 7:30 PM, five selected startups will each give a four-minute pitch before fielding questions from audience members and a panel of judges. After the Q&A, three companies will be selected for cash prizes! Attendees will also be awarding a “crowd favorite” prize to the company of their choosing. Light refreshments will also be provided, making for a spirited event!
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To learn more about the MIC's upcoming BRITE programs and events, click here.
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This year, the 2023 End of Summer Bash welcomed 175+ attendees to the Merriweather Lakehouse. Many business professionals came to the event for the opportunity to socialize, network, and
enjoy music and delicious food. Attendees had fun celebrating the end of summer and recognizing the hard work of talented businesses in our community. We'd like to thank our sponsors Mackenzie Commercial Real Estate Services LLC, TeamWorx Security, I95 Business, and Vision Wealth Partners for supporting the MIC and making this event possible.
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Catalyst Fund Success Story: Saval Food's 91-Year Evolution in Food Processing and Distribution
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Founded in 1932 by Harry & Flora Saval in Baltimore, Saval Foods initially produced corned beef and distributed deli meats. Fast-forward 91 years and four generations, this family-owned enterprise has evolved to become Maryland's largest locally-based, independently-owned broadline foodservice distributor.
In 2006, Saval Foods established a 56,750 sq. ft. facility in Elkridge and a 33,000 sq. ft. facility in Baltimore County with the help of HCEDA. Challenged by the pandemic, they secured support from the SBA and MD emergency programs, with HCEDA guidance. 2023 marked a significant chapter as they ventured into meat processing and distribution at Howard County's Troy Hill Business Park, equipped with cutting-edge facilities. This expansion was bolstered by a Catalyst Fund loan they received from the HCEDA. With this step, Saval Foods not only bridged their funding gap but also solidified their commitment to the community by retaining 182 jobs and creating 20 new full-time positions within a year in Howard County.
To learn more about HCEDA's financial assistance programs, visit the links below.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Business Visit to El Azteca
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This Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15, 2023), HCEDA is celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture in our community. Among our efforts to support Hispanic entrepreneurs, we visited El Azteca, a local family-owned and operated restaurant, to share our appreciation for owner Simone Cortes’s contributions to the local business landscape. Gilberto Cortes, a visionary Mexican immigrant, founded El Azteca in 1993, bringing the flavors of México to Clarksville, MD in Howard County. El Azteca offers original recipes and a commitment to providing the freshest and highest quality Mexican food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in Howard County like El Azteca!
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More about El Azteca |
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Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo | October 28 from 10 AM - 2 PM
During Howard County's Business Appreciation Week, the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) invites vendors and sponsors for its inaugural Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo. The event will take place on Saturday, October 28th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the MIC.
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Business Disaster Preparedness Workshop | October 11 from 9-12 PM
Is your business emergency-ready? From natural threats to cyber attacks, unexpected events can disrupt operations. Join our Business Disaster Preparedness Workshop hosted by HCEDA and Howard County OEM. Learn key preparedness strategies and begin your emergency plan with guidance from experts.
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HCEDA Open House | October 26 from 9-12 PM
At this expo-style resource fair, you can access information on HCEDA's services and programs, connect with our team and partners, and explore initiatives vital for your business to thrive. Discover opportunities with Howard County Procurement, benefit from mentoring with MIC's Entrepreneurs in Residence, and explore resources, including HCEDA's loan programs and partner offerings for accelerated business growth. Businesses will also have an opportunity to hear from NSA’s Donald Jackson, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, about securing contracts with the NSA.
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FY2023 Community Impact Report
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Explore the FY2023 Community Impact Report for a look into HCEDA's impact on Howard County. This report highlights the numbers, stories, and successes of HCEDA's endeavors. Stay updated on our organization's major milestones.
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HCEDA's 2024-26 Strategic Plan
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The HCEDA's 2024-26 Strategic Plan outlines the organization’s approach to fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and creating a sustainable and inclusive business environment in Howard County over the next three years.
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