Move Outside the Predictable

Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents goes back to the local community. With the holidays quickly approaching, it is an opportune time to show support for small businesses in your area. Small Business Saturday, held on November 25, marks the unofficial start of the shopping season for many, and it provides considerable financial impacts on independent retailers and restaurants.

“This is the time of year that really sets small businesses up to get through the rest of the winter,” explains Deidre Roberts, executive director of FrostburgFirst. “January through April can be a difficult time, especially with weather challenges, so our businesses look to the holiday season and Small Business Saturday in particular. That’s the day that will help to pay to keep their lights on throughout the winter. That’s going to help pay the salaries of their staff. That’s going to help keep their business afloat during the slow times. So, it’s a really, really important day for them. It’s one of the biggest days for them for the entire year.” 

In a significant move signaling the evolution and demands of the Life Science industry, California-based eMolecules, Inc. has announced its acquisition of Netherlands-based Specs Compound Handling, B.V., which operates a location in Cumberland, MD. This acquisition is not just a merger of two entities but underscores the shifting dynamics in compound management.

Established in 1987, Specs Chemical has emerged as the world's foremost provider of compound management services, supporting industry giants like Merck and Johnson & Johnson. They now specialize in the storage and distribution of specialty chemicals that play a pivotal role in drug discovery. Their transition over the past decade from primarily selling compounds to emphasizing their storage showcases their ability to adapt and align with industry demands.

Western Maryland’s technological evolution is making waves, driven by a thriving ecosystem of innovation, education, and networking. The forthcoming 2023 Tech at the Gap: Decoding Intelligence conference not only promises to showcase the burgeoning technology sector but also aims to generate heightened interest in Allegany County and the broader Western Maryland region. This year's conference is scheduled for October 19, 2023, at the scenic Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, MD. 

The conference's theme, "Decoding Intelligence," boasts an impressive roster of keynote speakers and breakout presenters from across the country. Keynote speakers include: