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Maryland Organizations Invest in Growth, Education, and Community

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The Maryland Marketing Partnership, which helps drive Maryland’s branding and marketing efforts to attract businesses, create jobs, and grow the state’s economy, today shared a summary of the latest news from companies and organizations that invest in the partnership.

BALTIMORE, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Maryland Marketing Partnership, which helps drive Maryland’s branding and marketing efforts to attract businesses, create jobs, and grow the state’s economy, today shared a summary of the latest news from companies and organizations that invest in the partnership.

“With the state’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and leading industries, Maryland has so much to offer businesses and individuals alike.” – Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson

“With the state’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and leading industries, Maryland has so much to offer businesses and individuals alike,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “Our Partnership organizations are proof of this and we encourage businesses of all sizes to explore the many advantages of locating in Maryland.”

BGE, based in Baltimore and Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, is upgrading 260,000 streetlights with smart technology to improve public safety and outage response. Over 45,000 smart lighting controls (also known as smart nodes) have been installed on BGE-maintained street and private area lights to date. Deployment areas for 2024-2025 include northern Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties. “BGE is currently recognized as an industry pioneer for smart lighting,” says Eric Barger, manager of new business overseeing this program. “In addition to the deployment of intelligent field technology, we remain innovative in the ways we capture, manage, and monitor data using our smart lighting operations software, all of which provides a better lighting solution and experience for our customers.”

Peterson Companies, a longtime Maryland business, announced Rio, Gaithersburg’s most celebrated shopping and dining destination, is now home to IKEA. The second location in the Peterson Companies portfolio opened in March and is among a handful of their new “Plan & Order Point with Pick-up” concepts open nationwide. Additionally, Locally Crafted, once a temporary storefront at Rio, has reopened in a new long-term space. The local women-owned business offers an impressive collection of artisan and hand-crafted goods created by local makers from in and around Maryland.

St. John Properties, Inc., based in Baltimore and one of the nation’s largest and most successful privately held commercial real estate firms, received the prestigious 2024 NAIOP Maryland Awards of Excellence for two projects. St. John Properties celebrated a renewal with Precision for Medicine to expand at Riverside Tech Park, occupying over 116,000 square feet of the Frederick, MD facilities. Additionally, they welcome Chipotle Mexican Grill, Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings, Hibachi Express and TropQ Pizzato restaurants to Cromwell Business Park, a 165-acre mixed-use business community.

SECU, Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union, recognized the barrier high four-year university tuition creates for community college students wanting to earn their bachelor’s degree. SECU MD Foundation is awarding $10,000 scholarships to 12 students enrolled at any Maryland community college who are transferring to a University System of Maryland university for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students currently enrolled at a University System of Maryland school who recently transferred within the last 18 months are also eligible to apply. Apply for a $10,000 SECU MD Foundation Scholarship by May 31.

Bozzuto, based in Greenbelt, ranked 11th in the 2024 The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) 50 largest apartment managers list. This acknowledgment came after the successful expansion of more than 100,000 apartment homes. Additionally, Bozzuto acquired Gables 12 Twenty-One in Rosslyn, its first acquisition in 15 years through the Strategic Multifamily Fund. Renamed The Alcott, the 132-unit boutique community acquisition supports Bozzuto’s larger effort to acquire more high-quality, stabilized assets across the East Coast.

United Therapeutics Corporation (UT) announced another first-ever success with the transplant of a UThymoKidneyTM, produced by UT, into a living person on April 12, 2024. Performed by surgeons at NYU Langone Health, this is the third xenotransplant using UT’s xeno organs, following two successful UHeartTM transplants at the University of Maryland Medicine in 2022 and 2023. It marks another positive step forward in the company’s aim to help address the shortage of tolerable, transplantable organs for all who need them.

Cloudforce, based in National Harbor, completed its 15,000-square-foot office expansion. It also continues to impact higher education, empowering educators nationwide to harness AI in the cloud effortlessly. Teaming up with Microsoft, Cloudforce sponsored hackathons. Cloudforce held a free 5-day Bootcamp on AI to prepare local jobseekers for success; and presented at the Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium (MEEC), Blacks at Microsoft Minority Day, and the 2024 Microsoft MWBE Innovation Forum. Founder Husein Sharaf was keynote speaker at the Mid-Atlantic Cybersecurity Capabilities and Careers Symposia (MA3CS) hosted by Prince George’s Community College. Celebrations included its third Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work award, and FSC’s First 2024 Small Business of the Year Award.

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the appointment of the Equitech Growth Commission, federal earmarked funding for the Federal Lab Leveraging Innovation to Products (FLLIP) Pilot Program, and a successful exit of portfolio company Allovue, Inc. The organization continues to invest in Maryland-based startup companies through its Social Impact Funds, evergreen Venture Funds, and Seed Funds. These Funds have most recently invested in companies like Keep Company, Astek Diagnostics, Aquatic Circle, Aloe Therapeutics, IPGen, LASARRUS, Innate Technologies, Sonogen Medical, Dockshare, and Minnowtech. Additionally, they released new episodes of TEDCO Talks featuring Secretary of Commerce, Kevin Anderson, and BDC CEO, Colin Tarbert.

Route One Apparel, based in Towson, continues to expand its offerings – especially for local sports fans – through new collaborations and wholesale partnerships. Last month, the online retailer launched the “Brightside x Route One Home Run Collection” with Brightside Boutique, which is selling out quickly, and is now preparing to unveil its new “Boh-timore Baseball” line featuring National Bohemian. In addition to online at RouteOneApparel.com, shoppers can find large displays of Route One Apparel’s sports gear at local retailers EC Pops, King of Bling and Poor Boys. Route One Apparel’s University of Maryland collection, along with other Maryland-pride products, can also now be found at Shop Made in MD in College Park.

Warehouse Cinemas, based in Frederick and developed by HighRock, recently hosted its annual Trailer Fest at all three of its Maryland locations. The event series sold out and brought over 700 participants together to celebrate upcoming releases through exclusive trailer screenings, special guest appearances, and interactive activities.

About Maryland Marketing Partnership
The Maryland Marketing Partnership, founded in statute as the Maryland Public-Private Partnership Marketing Corporation, develops branding strategy for the state, markets the state’s assets, and encourages the location and growth of new businesses in Maryland.

Media Contact

Ellina Buettner, Abel Communications for Maryland Marketing Partnership, 4104195945, ellina@abelcommunications.com, https://marylandmarketingpartnership.com/

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SOURCE Maryland Marketing Partnership

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SPEYSIDE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF GSC

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Transaction enables Speyside to fuel the company’s next growth phase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Speyside Equity Advisers (“Speyside”) announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSC Technologies, Inc. (“GSC”). The transaction will allow Speyside’s continued investment in GSC and fuel the company’s next growth phase. GSC is a leading manufacturer of plastic goods in North America.

“We are very excited about the GSC acquisition,” said Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside. “GSC is similar to a great deal we did in a prior fund, with similar opportunities. GSC has a great growth and value-creation plan that we look forward to facilitating.”

GSC CEO Dave Barrow noted, “My team and I look forward to working with the Speyside team to execute our strategic plan. Speyside has a strong operational background that clearly differentiates it from other investment groups. The new capitalization structure and value-creation system that Speyside brings will help us achieve our vision and drive results.”

Nick Lardo, Managing Director at Speyside, noted, “GSC is our second closed deal in Speyside Equity Fund II. We are gaining strong momentum in the fund based on increased staff, AUM, and deal activity. We see 2025 as a year full of great opportunity.”

About Speyside
Speyside is a Detroit-based private equity firm. The firm invests in middle-market, buyout transactions in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Targeted portfolio companies often possess balance sheet, legal, environmental, labor, or transactional complexity. Speyside Equity focuses on creative transaction structures and is comfortable investing in carveouts of large multinational companies, industry consolidations, family-owned businesses, bankruptcies, workouts, and other special situations. Speyside takes an operational approach to creating value in these situations. Speyside has completed 37 investments. For more information, please visit speysideequity.com.

About GSC Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1982 with a single plastic molding machine, GSC Technologies Inc. is a leading and groundbreaking manufacturer of plastic goods in North America focused on environmentally aware plastic solutions for organizing daily life today and in the future. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec/Canada), GSC designs and manufactures attractive, practical storage and organization lifestyle products for better modern living. With manufacturing plants that use contemporary equipment and technology and distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and China, GSC uses global testing and quality standards to ensure the best value, highest quality products. For more information, please visit gsctechnology.com.

Honigman LLP acted as Speyside’s legal advisor.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/speyside-completes-acquisition-of-gsc-302347022.html

SOURCE Speyside Equity

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Batteries Plus’s Strategic Partnerships Drive Nearly 130% Sales Increase

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Transformative Collaborations Fuels Record-Breaking Sales Growth for Batteries Plus FranchiseePartnerships Elevate Customer Experience, Expand Service OfferingsNew Jersey Franchisee’s Store Emerges as Top Repair Destination in Network

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the world’s leading specialty battery franchise, has achieved remarkable success through strategic partnerships with industry leaders in device protection and insurance. These collaborations have led to significant growth for franchisees over the last two years, as exemplified by Angel Cartagena’s store in Springfield, NJ.

Enhanced Customer Experience
By combining Batteries Plus’s extensive retail network and repair expertise with advanced mobile device protection programs from industry partners, Batteries Plus stores are equipped to handle subscribers’ phone protection needs, covering lost or damaged devices. This comprehensive approach has paved the way for improved customer satisfaction, ultimately increasing revenue for franchisees and strengthening brand loyalty overall.

“We’re not just fixing phones; we’re creating opportunities for customers to discover additional products and services they didn’t know they needed, from car batteries to key fobs,” Cartagena said. “This has contributed to increased ticket counts and higher margins across our business.”

Growth and Expansion
After serving with the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, Cartagena began franchising with Batteries Plus in 2008. In the 18 years since, his store has grown to become the top-performing location for repairs in the entire Batteries Plus network, with repair volumes nearly 50% higher than other stores.

Since implementing these strategic partnerships, Cartagena’s Batteries Plus location has experienced unprecedented growth:

217.7% increase in device repair sales year-over-year128.6% increase in total business sales year-over-year147.8% increase in average ticket value year-over-year10.6% increase in gross profit year-over-year

The success of these partnerships has led to significant expansion for Cartagena’s store, necessitating the hiring of three additional team members to help manage the increased volume.

“These strategic partnerships have been transformative for our business,” said Cartagena. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly in our device repair services. These collaborations have not only boosted our bottom line but also enhanced our ability to serve our community with top-notch repair solutions. It’s been great for business, allowing us to expand our team and offer more comprehensive services to our customers.”

Batteries Plus has become a global leader in supplying the battery needs of its customers for cars, boats, phones, key fobs and more. With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year’s rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/batteries-pluss-strategic-partnerships-drive-nearly-130-sales-increase-302347179.html

SOURCE Batteries Plus

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MobileX Partners with Ethika to Launch ‘ethikaX,’ Merging Style with Mobile Connectivity

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 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at CES, MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save consumers money, and Ethika, a leading lifestyle brand driven by personal identity, announced an exciting new collaboration. Together, the two companies will be launching “ethikaX” – a collection that seamlessly merges mobile-friendly design with bold self-expression and dynamic style. This partnership represents a groundbreaking moment where mobile meets fashion, blending cutting-edge technology with style and originality.

The ethikaX line will debut in Q1 2025, featuring a range of apparel and accessories tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle. The initial collection will include hoodies and t-shirts with phone-friendly pockets, phone cases, and even a limited-edition set of ethikaX-branded headphones.

“At MobileX, we’re passionate about empowering our customers to live untethered, connected lives,” said Peter Adderton, CEO of MobileX. “By partnering with Ethika, we’re able to bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed apparel that embraces uniqueness and creativity while seamlessly integrating with our mobile services.”

Ethika’s commitment to celebrating individuality and self-expression across diverse cultures including motorsports, BMX, music, art and fashion aligns perfectly with MobileX’s mission to empower consumers through customizable, user-focused mobile service that ensures they only pay for what they use. The ethikaX collection will be available for purchase through the MobileX app and website, as well as select Ethika retail partners. Customers can also sign up for MobileX at these retail locations by purchasing a SIM Kit or scanning a QR code and activating with eSIM.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the innovative team at MobileX to redefine the intersection of mobile and fashion,” said Matt Cook, CEO of Ethika. “This collaboration allows us to extend the Ethika brand into new territories while continuing to celebrate those who stand out from the crowd and share our core values of quality, style and originality.”

Stay tuned for updates on ethikaX’s launch in Q1 2025 here.

 About MobileX
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MobileX is the world’s most customizable mobile carrier delivering the ultimate in choice and cost control. MobileX is a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to predict how much data customers need, dramatically reducing costs while ensuring reliable speed and service. MobileX was founded by Peter Adderton, who also founded both Boost Mobile and Digital Turbine. For more information, please visit mymobilex.com.

 About Ethika
Ethika is a leading lifestyle brand which started in San Clemente, CA and is now based in Lake Forest. Since the inception of the brand, Ethika and its team have been determined to live life, innovate, and deliver quality products, while staying true to the brand’s biggest asset – the FAMILIE. Ethika employees, friends, athletes, artists and customers are the core of the brand and the reason Ethika exists. More Ethika news, photos, and videos can be found on X (@ethika), Instagram (@ethika), and online at www.ethika.com.

Press contact:
Illume PR for MobileX
mobilex@illumepr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobilex-partners-with-ethika-to-launch-ethikax-merging-style-with-mobile-connectivity-302346661.html

SOURCE Mobile X Global, Inc.

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