Early Charm opens in Baltimore

Governor Wes Moore last week announced that Early Charm – a company that creates, owns, and operates ventures that convert science to revenue – has officially opened its new production shop in Baltimore City, where it plans to create 115 new jobs over the next four years. The company has leased more than 26,000 square feet of space at 1300 Bayard Street in Pigtown, where it is growing its custom manufacturing operations for advanced materials and supporting the addition of 30 new ventures.

Early Charm is committed to transforming scientific discoveries into sustainable and profitable businesses that support equitable growth in Baltimore City. The company prioritizes long-term success, emphasizing ventures that create lasting value rather than quick exits. Its businesses serve forward-thinking industries including blue technologies, advanced manufacturing, therapeutic drug design, and engineered products.

Cover Crop Program

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens in rural areas to expect an increase in low-flying airplanes or helicopters through Oct. 10. This is the time of year that farmers enrolled in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program are aerially seeding small grains in their fields to help protect water quality in local streams and the Chesapeake Bay and improve their soil’s health.

Farmers enrolled in the department’s Cover Crop Program receive grants to plant small grains, legumes, and other types of cover crops in their fields in the fall. Farmers may incorporate seeds into newly harvested fields or aerially seed them into standing corn, soybeans, or sorghum. 

Once established, cover crops work all winter long to provide a living, protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for the following crop. Importantly, cover crops help the soil capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

While planting cover crops, no pesticides or fertilizers are applied. For aerial seeding, small planes will take off from local airports serving the county or region.

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The program is administered by MDA and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts through the Conservation Grants Program. For more information, contact your local soil conservation district.

Van Hollen on offshore wind map

On Aug. 4, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the new offshore wind Bureau of Ocean Energy Management map and the development of offshore wind off the coast of Maryland.

“Meeting Maryland’s offshore wind energy targets is one of our top clean-energy priorities. Not only will these targets ensure Maryland is leading the way in the clean energy transition – they are also central to creating good-paying, union jobs and revitalizing local manufacturing. That’s why earlier this week I held a call with key Administration officials to emphasize the importance of this goal and the need to ensure the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management leasing process allows us to meet Maryland’s targets. As this process moves forward, I will keep working closely with the White House and relevant agencies to ensure Maryland can meet its offshore wind targets.”

Lierman: Tax-Free Week, Aug. 13-19

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week will run from Aug. 13-19, with savings for consumers, especially parents doing back-to-school shopping, and a sales boost for retailers.

During the week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction – will be exempt from the state's six percent sales tax. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax free. Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, Comptroller Brooke Lierman reminds Marylanders that the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.

For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, visit the Comptroller’s website at marylandtaxes.gov for a list of tax-exempt items, frequently asked questions, and valuable facts for shoppers and merchants.

Willow gives to hospital

Willow Construction, LLC, recently made gifts totaling $2,000 to UM Memorial Hospital Foundation in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. The gifts are designated to benefit patient care programs at the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center and the Cancer Center at UM Shore Regional Health.

Other donations, made in June, included the Avalon Foundation’s Mortgage Lifter Program, as well as the Cancer Center and the Breast Center

State Fair

Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, Inc. General Manager D. Andrew “Andy” Cashman has announced the addition of part-time Agriculture Educator Kelly Garvick to the Maryland State Fair team.

Kelly Garvick brings almost three decades of experience as a special educator in the Carroll County Public School System to the Maryland State Fair. She is a Maryland Certified Special Education Teacher with two master equivalencies, one in curriculum and instruction and one in general studies.

The Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society was incorporated in 1878. The first Maryland State Fair, located at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County, took place September 1879 when a group of farmers held a four-day event designed to promote agriculture and horse racing in Baltimore County.

Heading into its 142nd year, the Maryland State Fair attracts over a half million visitors each year, with approximately 1.5 million additional guests visiting the Fairgrounds throughout the remainder of the year.

Wicomico County Fair

The Wicomico Farm & Home Show and Wicomico County announced the return of the Wicomico County Fair, set for Aug. 18-20 at WinterPlace Park in Salisbury. The fair serves to showcase the importance of agriculture on the shore in a family-friendly atmosphere.

The premium book for 4-H and FFA competitions is posted online at www.WicomicoFair.com. Hard copies are available at Farmers & Planters Too, Johnson's Seed & Feed, Bryan & Brittingham, University of Maryland Extension and the Wicomico Civic Center. Categories include cooking, gardening, woodworking, the arts, livestock, agriculture and more. Entries must be pre-registered by Aug. 7.

Returning fair events include the Maryland High School Rodeo; Mason Dixon Deputies Mounted Shooters; livestock shows; watermelon, pie and hot wing eating contests; petting farm; car and Jeep shows; fair queen pageant; rodeo games; pony rides; Hebron Train Depot rides; inflatables; axe throwing; and fireworks on Friday.

New attractions include demonstrations from Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs; duck races; and the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Unit on Saturday.

Admission and parking at the Fair are free. For more information, visit WicomicoFair.com.