Baltimore News

Q&A 4Her – Shannon McLinden, Founder of FarmHouse Fresh

Entrepreneur and woman business owner Shannon McLinden has traded in vacations and quiet weekends with friends and family for busy days where every minute is practically accounted for. But she doesn’t seem to mind. As president of FarmHouse Fresh, Shannon is involved in every aspect of the hugely successful company. From thinking up new product ideas to designing them and making them a reality, she’s there for it all. Although she’s busy promoting her company’s new products which include Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Body Cream, Honey Magnolia Sparkling Soak, Front Porch Punch Shea Butter Soap and her sister company, Summer Soles, line of peel-and-stick shoe liners of the same name, Shannon found time to chat with MyCity4Her. She shared invaluable insight about starting your own business and more in her Q&A 4Her interview. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have? I’ve been entrepreneurial for as long as I can remember, even crocheting towels and selling them around my neighborhood when I was in grade school. When I was in middle school I began writing stories and drawing pictures about creating perfumes and body creams and designing a retail space. So, yes, the foundation I envisioned has certainly come to life. But there is so much more. Every year we imagine greater evolutions for our company, and begin to apply ourselves to bringing them to fruition. What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business [...]

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Antitrust Concerns For The Mid-Market Company

By Enterprise Legal Expert  Colleen Pleasant Kline, Esq., Partner at Miles & Stockbridge P. C. Most privately held businesses think very little of antitrust and pre-merger notification rules governing mergers or acquisitions. However, as it may be economical to grow your business by acquiring or merging with other similar businesses, it is important to know that even small to mid-market businesses may find such transactions subject to various antitrust rules. Whether your a female business owner of an increasingly growing enterprise, or a woman entrepreneur considering the future of her start up, it pays to be aware of legal implications and their role on the overall business – whatever the size of your company. Many larger companies are more familiar with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (“HSR Act”) which requires any transaction with a value in excess of $50 million as adjusted each year (currently $68.2 million) to complete a form and submit it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) or the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) (collectively, the “Agencies”) for their approval of the transaction at least thirty (30) days prior to consummating the transaction. The HSR Act is intended to review such transactions to make certain that the acquisition or merger of the target company and the buyer does not create an anti-competitive effect in the marketplace. The failure to report can result in significant fines and penalties to the parties, and the government can require the transaction be unwound or [...]

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Think Energy In Search Of Baltimore’s Smartest Small Business

ATTENTION WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE BALTIMORE AREA!!!! Think Energy, the retail electricity business established by GDF SUEZ Energy Resources to serve small businesses, has announced that it is kicking off a search for Baltimore’s smartest small business – with the winner getting a year of free electricity. The competition is open to companies in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area that employ 100 people or fewer. Anyone can submit nominations – customers, friends, family members, and even the small business itself – by going to a website developed specifically for the contest. Think Energy will begin accepting nominations on April 30, and the winner will be announced at the end of July. For a limited time, every business that’s nominated will be eligible for an exclusive low rate for its electricity, and anyone who submits a nomination is eligible to be entered into a sweepstakes for an iPad2. “There are a lot of small businesses doing really good things for their customers and the community,” said Deena Morgan, Vice President and General Manager of Think Energy. “This is an opportunity to recognize those contributions, and to provide these companies with an opportunity to better manage and control their energy costs.” After the nomination period closes at midnight on June 15, a panel made up of small businesses will select five finalists based on the following criteria: customer service, products and services, marketing, and company culture. Each finalist will receive a professional-quality [...]

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Three Killer Mistakes in Government Contracting – Part 2

By Gloria Berthold Larkin, Expert Guest Editor – Government Contracting and owner of TargetGov This is the second installment of a three part series detailing the mistakes companies can make when entering into the government contracting market. Even successful contractors will tell you that they have made many mistakes learning the ropes in this market. After all, it is a tough, complicated and rigorous market that demands expertise, dedication and perseverance before success is achieved. While all contractors have made mistakes when trying to enter or become more successful in the government market, successful business owners have learned from their mistakes, make the necessary changes and move forward to greater business opportunities and larger contracts. As you read through the top three killer mistakes listed here, note those that you recognize and make the changes now. You will start to see benefits and the doors that were slammed tight will start to open for your business. Killer Mistake #2 You Do Not Understand the Language: Whether you are starting at the local city level, the state level or even the federal government level, every segment has its own language, processes and procedures. If you do not understand the conversations, the acronyms or procedures, you make it much more difficult on yourself. Learn the Lingo: You will hear new terms and acronyms at every meeting, outreach session and conference. If you are unsure of what they mean, it is appropriate to ask. People [...]

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Q&A 4Her – Anna Jerstrom, Founder and Designer of Calavera, Inc

Anna Jerstrom spent nearly a decade of her life immersed in the demanding field of international investment banking but she longed for something different. Very different! She had dreams of attending a surfing camp in Costa Rica and once she finally did it, surfing became her life. She quit her job and moved to Costa Rica so she could focus her energies on becoming a surfing pro. While mastering the art of surfing, Jerstrom was faced with swimwear issues most woman deal with: tops and bottoms that won’t stay put, made worst by the demands of surfing. Because of this, Anna set out to make a better bikini and Calavera was born. Anna took time out of her busy day to talk to MyCity4Her and shared stories about her incredible journey including the best advice she’s received, the mistakes she’s made along the way and more in her Q&A 4Her interview. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have? At the risk of sounding arrogant – Yes. You have to believe that it is all going to work out in order to “survive” entrepreneurship. It is such a tough and uncertain road and faith is a big part of what carries you forward. That being said, it is still an awesome and mind-boggling feeling to see something you care so deeply about resonate with other people. What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business [...]

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Donna Glehello’s Goulibeur Shortbread – makes it’s debut on The Martha Stewart Show Tomorrow!

TV alert! Donna Glehello, owner of Breton Gourmet, is looking forward to her darling French shortbread to make a cameo on tomorrow’s (Friday, May 11) episode of The Martha Stewart Show! For a particular segment, Brenton Gourmet’s new line of delectable, all natural Goulibeur Shortbread will make its debut. The Martha Stewart Show airs on The Hallmark Channel at 10am EST. Please check your local listings for exact channel information. Before you take a look at Donna and her French gourmet treats on The Martha Stewart Show tomorrow, read a little more about her, her business and why Martha Stewart considers her cookies a “good thing” in MyCity4Her‘s interview: What made you decide to go into the cookie business? It was love at first bite the minute I saw the product in France.  I loved the history – 100 year grandmother’s recipe – 4 ingredients and the tradition of breaking & sharing a galette with friends and family. Oh and the best kept secret is it’s dessert applications. What do you think is the hardest aspect of bringing a product into the market when it comes to the gourmet or specialty food business? As in any market, it’s knowing your customer and understanding their needs and in the case of gourmet and specialty, they want exactly that–something gourmet and special!  I learned that in my very first meeting with Dean & Deluca. How will they react to another “cookie?” One look at the [...]

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Girl Scouts’ CEO, Traci A. Barnett, Inducted To The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence

Traci A. Barnett, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, was inducted to The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence on May 7 during the Top 100 Women and Circle of Excellence awards celebration. Traci earned the distinction by being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women three times. “Admission to The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence is a testament to the exceptional contributions each honoree has made through the course of years,” Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Daily Record Publisher, said in a statement. “We are proud to recognize Traci Barnett for her continued outstanding work and dedicated service.” “Induction into this esteemed Circle is particularly special this year—2012—as Girl Scouts, an organization dedicated to developing girls’ leadership potential—celebrates its 100th anniversary,” Barnett said of the achievement. “This award endorses the work of Girl Scouting and my efforts to make Girl Scouts available to every girl in central Maryland who is interested in the program.” The Daily Record’s annual list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women was created to recognize outstanding achievement by women as demonstrated through professional accomplishments, community leadership and mentoring. Circle of Excellence inductees are recognized for sustained achievements in those areas. In order to qualify for The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence, women must have been named to the Top 100 Women two previous times. Traci Barnett has been CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland since August 2002. Under Barnett’s leadership, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland has developed a premier STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program for girls in the region through [...]

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Incite Creative to Design Center for Vein Restoration’s Patient Information Materials

Incite Creative to Design Center for Vein Restoration’s Patient Information Materials -  Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), with 18 clinics in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Michigan, is a rapidly growing group of clinics in venous insufficiency, the medical condition behind varicose veins and spider veins. As the company continues to thrive, it has been seeking ways to improve the communication of its services to its patients. As a result, CVR reached out to Incite Creative to help expand its offering of patient information materials. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of all adults in the US are affected by venous insufficiency, with conditions ranging from embarrassing looking veins to severely curtailed mobility due to pain, fatigue, ulcers, and more. CVR hired Incite Creative to design new patient brochures and handbooks — building on CVR’s successful web and print advertising campaign — to better educate patients and their families on treatment options as well as help to continue the building of Center for Vein Restoration’s brand. MyCity4Her recently caught up with Incite Creative’s dynamic founder and President Dina Wasmer and discussed the concept of working with people you love, targeting the right clients and more. Dina had the following to share regarding winning the prestigious contract, as well as her thoughts and insight regarding Marketing. Dina, this is a great coup for your firm – why do you think that Vein Restoration came to you to design their [...]

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Insurance Tips From MyCity4Her Affiliate Stacia Cook Cuthie Of Insurance Inc.

Getting insurance for a business can be a daunting process and sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start.  MyCity4Her affiliate and woman business owner Stacia Cook Cuthie of Insurance Inc. sent over seven valuable tips about insurance that any business or individual can use to help make the process a little easier. Insurance tips: 1. Shop both your Commercial insurance and personal insurance every three years to ensure you are receiving competitive pricing. 2. When selecting an insurance agent, know the difference between a direct underwriter and a broker. Direct underwriter: An agent that represents and works for one insurance carrier. Example: Allstate, State Farm etc. Broker: An agent that works for their client and represents several carriers 3. When purchasing commercial insurance, know the difference between General Liability and Professional Liability. General Liability Insurance protects your company from claims if your clients holds you and or your employees responsible for bodily injury or property damage, medical expenses, libel and slander caused by your company by accident or out of negligence. Professional Liability-Errors and Omissions Insurance protects your company from claims if your client holds you responsible for errors or the failure of your work to perform as promised in your contract. 4. When purchasing property insurance, know the difference between actual cash value and replacement value. Replacement Value means the cost to replace the property of comparable material and quality used .Replacing Old for new. Actual Cash Value means “fair market value,” the [...]

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MD 2012 Top 100 Event recap

Last night was the Daily Record Top 100 event at Myerhoff Symphony Hall. The event has been an institution in the women in business calendar and it is always interesting to see who attends, and who doesn’t. The nomination process starts no sooner than the awards are over and runs until January of the following year. This year 400 nominations were combed through – first by an initial group of judges (usually made up of several past winners and business community leaders) to reveal the real contenders and once that initial elimination round is over,  seven official  judges go over the filtered application and choose the year’s Top 100. This year’s Judges included Joan Athen (Managing Partner Gender Strategy, Ellen Fish (Executive Vice President CFG Community Bank & President of Network 2000) , Frances Hughes Glendening, Margaret Hayes (Director of Strategic Initiatives University of Maryland School of Nursing), Ferrier Stillman (Partner, Tydings and Rosenberg LLP), Patricia Tunstall (Retired Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Baltimore Branch) and Tom Linthicum (Executive Editor, Vice President The Daily Record.) For a complete list of this year’s winners and who was named to the Circle of Excellence – click here. Eligibility for the award obliges: The applicant must reside or work in Maryland; not eligible to win in consecutive years; and can win a total of three times and then be named to the Circle of Excellence for a sustained achievement. Criteria obliges: Professional – [...]

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