Keller Williams Select Realtors

After having to postpone due to weather, Mabry Team of Keller Williams Select Realtors held a Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting for their Grand Opening on Jan. 23. Among those present were Keller Williams Select Realtors' broker, Bill Burris, Dorchester County Councilman Mike Detmer, Hurlock City Council Member, Bonnie Franz, and Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS Executive Director, Debbie Leber. Mary Mabry told of how the Mabry Team of Keller Williams Select Realtors came to be located at 3020 Ocean Gateway, Cambridge and feeling welcomed by Keller Williams Select Realtors.

Maryland jobless at 1.9%

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data on Jan. 23. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland’s total jobs decreased by 3,000 and the unemployment rate increased to 1.9% in December.

Sectors that created jobs include: Professional and Business Services (900); Other Services (800); Public sector (300); and Information (100). 

Sectors that experienced a decline include: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (2,600); Leisure and Hospitality (1,800); Private Education and Health Services (400); Financial Activities (200); and Mining, Logging, and Construction (100). 

The preliminary jobs estimate in November 2023 was revised upward by 100 jobs: from a loss of 4,800 to a decline of 4,700 jobs. Maryland has gained 32,200 total nonfarm jobs over the past 12 months and the unemployment rate remains near record lows.

Visit the Maryland Department of Labor's website to view the current employment situation.

‘Aspire to Succeed & Lead’

Maryland Capital Enterprises’ Women’s Business Center announced its 9th Annual “Aspire to Succeed & Lead” Women’s Business Conference. This event provides a platform for businesswomen to connect, learn, and grow. Scheduled for March 15, the conference promises a day filled with insightful speakers, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for success.

Check-in: 8:30-9 a.m., with the conference running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Midway Room), at 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury. Registration Fee: $65.

For more information, to register, or to inquire about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please visit the conference website at marylandcapital.org/annual-mce-womens-business-conference/ or contact Lisa Twilley, Director of MCE Women’s Business Center, at 410-546-1900 ext.108 or ltwilley@marylandcapital.org.

Easton Airport

Easton Airport has provided an update on the Airfield Modernization Program. As part of this multi-year project, there will be the upcoming installation of security and containment fencing at the Talbot County Business Center. Construction began on Dec. 28, 2023, and will continue through Feb. 8.

The purpose of the fencing is to define the construction area and maintain security for aircraft operations throughout the implementation of the Airfield Modernization Program. The fence will be 10 feet tall and include a mesh screen.

Maryland Capital Enterprises

Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) has announced a lineup of free educational webinars and training sessions for February, offered through the MCE Women’s Business Center. All are welcome.

• Manage Your Business Cash Flow – In-person and Virtual

Date: Feb. 15, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave, Ste. 401, Salisbury

Speaker: Lydia Faleye, banking officer & financial wellness leader/truist

Topics: Learn the intricacies of Business Banking and the importance of keeping your business and personal finances distinct. Learn about opening a business bank account and gain practical tips for effectively using business debit and credit cards. The class also explores cash flow projections and how to read and optimize the cash flow statement for your business’s success.

• How to Write a Business Plan & Cash Flow Projections - Webinar

Date and Time: Feb. 21, 6-7 p.m.

Speakers: Nick Rudolph, MCE Baltimore Regional Director; Donna Wynkoop, Baltimore WBC Coordinator

Topics: Basics of writing a business plan, developing cash flow projections, their importance, and how to start creating them. Understand the role these elements play in securing funding for small businesses.

• gov Simplified - Webinar

Date and Time: Feb. 22, noon-1 p.m.

Speaker: Roslyn Davis PMP, DASM – U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.), President & CEO of RoDa Business Solutions

Topics: Completing your SAM profile, strategies to earn federal contracts and grants, and qualifications for federal work.

• Build and Expand Your Business – In-person and Virtual

Date and time: Feb. 27, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave, Ste. 401, Salisbury

Speaker: Lydia Faleye, Banking Officer & Financial Wellness Leader/Truist

Topics: Discover the world of Merchant Services and understand their pivotal role in modern business operations. Gain clarity on why businesses choose to borrow. You’ll learn about borrowing solutions, helping you identify the right options for your business needs.

• A Fresh Twist on Marketing

Date and Time: Feb. 28, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Eastern Shore Innovation Center, 104 Tech Park Drive, Cambridge

Speaker: Andrea Holly, Owner – Foto Berry

Topics: Innovative approaches to small business marketing, branding strategies, and creative social media usage.

• MCE Lunch & Learn: Let’s Talk Funding – In Person Training Date and Time: Feb. 29, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester

Speakers: Lisa Twilley, Director – MCE Women’s Business Center; Bernard Carter, Loan Officer – Maryland Capital Enterprises

Topics: Understanding the funding application process, exploring various types of funding and their requirements, and avoiding common mistakes. Special Q & A session on business funding.