Jobs : Innovation + Job News

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond A. Skinner announced the beginning of the renovation of a 21-unit apartment building in Takoma Park, a project financed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Gilbert Highlands redevelopment is the first project in the state to receive a grant under DHCD's Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) program, which aims to promote energy efficiency in affordable multifamily rental housing.

"Maryland is a national leader in its efficient and effective management of Recovery funds in these difficult economic times, expanding opportunity and creating jobs in our State," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "We will continue to utilize those resources to provide affordable housing for Maryland's hardworking families and generate jobs in the construction and housing sectors."

The Gilbert Highlands building, located on the 8500 block of Flower Avenue, will provide desirable, energy efficient, affordable housing for low to moderate income families while generating more than two dozen construction jobs.

"The redevelopment of this important affordable housing resource has long been a priority of the Town of Takoma Park and we are pleased that our financing will help preserve and expand critically needed affordable housing in that community," says Secretary Skinner.

Increasing energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways that owners of affordable rental housing can ensure the sustainability of the development, and these investments act as an incentive to performing regular building maintenance.

MEEHA provides grants for energy audits and the purchase and installation of equipment and materials for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in affordable multifamily rental housing. The program is an ongoing partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Energy Administration and is part of the governor's emPOWER Maryland initiative, which aims to reduce the state's energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015.

MEEHA funding comes in the form of a $9.5 million contribution from MEA, funded by both the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 � State Energy Program, and the State's Strategic Energy Investment Fund.

The MEEHA program is Maryland's multifamily counterpart to the Weatherization Assistance Program, which currently funds energy retrofits for eligible low-income households. These two programs help Maryland families reduce energy costs and consumption at a time of increasing financial stress and rising energy costs.

MEEHA is being undertaken in conjunction with DHCD's Green Grant Rental Housing Preservation Program, which provides additional funding for energy audits of affordable multifamily rental housing developments in certain communities affected by the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. It also provides funding for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) training and accreditation.

News updates also are available by following DHCD on Twitter and Facebook.

Source: Montgomery County Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Maryland added 1,500 jobs in October, a 0.1% monthly rate of growth, while the nation lost 190,000 jobs, says the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Maryland was not the only U.S. state with good job news in October. Twenty-eight states plus D.C. also added jobs. Maryland sectors with the most notable job creation during the month were manufacturing, wholesale trade and local education.

In addition, Maryland added some 1,600 manufacturing and wholesale trade jobs, the highest total recorded for either in at least 10 years. Local governments added 1,700 jobs, mostly in education, while administrative support, a sub-section of professional and business services, added 1,400 jobs.

On the other hand, construction lost 3,400 jobs during the month and retail trade lost 2,900 jobs. The change in these two sectors could be a future concern as recent reduced job losses in these sectors largely explain the state's improved employment picture over the past six months.

Over the past year, Maryland's job loss rate of 2% is half that of the nation and fifth best among states and the District of Columbia. Sectors that added the most jobs over the year included educational and health services with 8,800 jobs added for a 2.3% growth rate, government with 5,300 jobs added or 1.1% growth, and leisure and hospitality services with 2,100 jobs added for a 1% growth rate. 

Sectors that added the most jobs over the year included educational and health services, federal government, and leisure and hospitality services. Sectors that lost jobs included construction with 16.5% fewer jobs, the retail trade sector with 15,200 fewer jobs and the financial activities sector, which lost 11,100 jobs or 7.4% from its year-ago level. Finance and insurance firms accounted for most of the job loss in this sector.

Source: MD Dept of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) has inked a 50-year agreement with Ports America Chesapeake that will allow the MPA to lease its 200-acre Seagirt Marine Terminal to Ports America. In return, Ports America has agreed to construct a 50-foot berth for the Port of Baltimore that is expected to result in increased business opportunities and larger vessels that will be able to dock at the Port.

The partnership between the MPA and Ports America is expected to produce 5,700 new jobs, while the total investment and revenue from this agreement to the State of Maryland has the potential to reach more than $1.3 billion over the life of the agreement and will generate $15.7 million per year in new taxes for Maryland. The agreement must be submitted to the Board of Public Works for approval.

"This public-private partnership is about three things: jobs, jobs, and more jobs," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "These challenging economic times call for new ways of doing business. We welcome an internationally respected partner in the maritime field for this unique long-term joint venture. With this agreement, we are able to secure the Port's long-term future with a 50-foot berth, apply an immediate influx of capital for system preservation of roads, tunnels, and bridges, and provide an extended revenue stream to the State."

Once the agreement is finalized, Ports America will be responsible for the daily operations of the Seagirt Marine Terminal, as well as investing in a new 50-foot berth, cranes, and other infrastructure at Seagirt. Ports America will make an annual payment and provide ongoing revenues to the MPA during the life of the agreement. The State of Maryland would continue to own Seagirt.

Of the 5,700 new jobs that will result from this agreement, 3,000 jobs will be one-time construction jobs over the next three years for Port and Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) highway improvements. Another 2,700 permanent direct, indirect and induced jobs will come from the increased and sustainable container business that the Port will see upon completion of the 50-foot berth in 2014.

Under the agreement, the MdTA, as the current owner of Seagirt, will receive an immediate payment in excess of $100 million to pay for needed system preservation of its roads, tunnel, and bridge facilities. It also is projected that this agreement will generate $15.7 million per year in new taxes for the State.

Ports America is the current operator of the Seagirt Marine Terminal and has operated the facility since Seagirt opened in 1990. Ports America has also run operations at the Dundalk Marine Terminal since 1996.

In addition to full control over daily operations of Seagirt and the obligation to design and build the 50-foot berth within MPA's required standards, Ports America receives:

• A known future base payment for 50 years and all net revenues;
• The right to move and consolidate all current container business to Seagirt;
• Control over timing and nature of system preservation costs as long as standards are met;
• Funding capital obligations allow Ports America to invest in new technology as it sees fit.

With the development of a 50-foot berth, the Port of Baltimore will become only the second port on the East Coast with a 50-foot berth and 50-foot channel. When the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2014, it is expected that a greater and larger number of ships will travel to East Coast ports to reach their customers quicker and less expensively than their current route of going to West Coast ports and sending products by rail to markets throughout the country. Without a 50-foot berth, those larger ships would not have enough water depth to dock and bring additional business to the Port of Baltimore. The cost to develop the 50-foot berth and four cranes is approximately $105.5 million.

Source: Maryland Port Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1 million grant to the Baltimore County Department of Workforce Development (BCOWD). The grant will enable BCOWD and its partners to increase high-growth, high-demand healthcare careers in the Baltimore region with the expansion of the Baltimore Alliance of Careers in Healthcare (BACH) into Baltimore County.

The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to eliminating the critical shortage of qualified healthcare workers in Baltimore. BACH works with local agencies, healthcare institutions and other organizations to create opportunities for healthcare employees to pursue higher careers in health professions. BACH's core business is providing Career Coaches in area hospitals to serve as a resource for entry-level employees for training opportunities to advance their healthcare careers.

"Healthcare has become an increasingly essential part of our economy. It is one sector that is always listed in the top growth fields for employment. It is important Baltimore County continues its commitment to expand and support a workforce that will provide the high quality of healthcare necessary to serve the people of Baltimore County," says Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.

BACH's ultimate, long-term objective is to reverse the healthcare worker shortage in Baltimore by developing and promoting a system for preparing healthcare employees for skilled positions in healthcare professions with the most serious shortages.

The Department of Labor awarded BCOWD the grant "Maturity Works: Tapping Older Workers for High-Growth Healthcare Careers, " that specifically targets people ages 55 and older who are in entry-level healthcare positions.

"Baltimore County understands the value of our older citizens. This grant will fund training for them necessary to improve their skill sets and to earn important certifications for better financial security while providing better healthcare to their patients," says Baltimore County Council Chair Joseph Bartenfelder.

The three-year grant will allow BCOWD and its partners to broaden participation of mature workers in high-growth, high-demand healthcare careers in the Baltimore region. The partnership will adopt a two-pronged approach: (1) strengthen the pipeline of entry-level mature workers in healthcare and (2) retain experienced technical and professional healthcare personnel after retirement age. The grant will pay for the training costs and a portion of the Career Coaches salaries. The Community College of Baltimore County will serve as the primary training provider.

This initiative will increase employment and training opportunities for older individuals targeting the following in demand occupations: sterile processing technician, surgical technician, nurse assistant and nurse extender.

"Our Workforce Development Council has been looking forward to welcoming the Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare to Baltimore County. Thanks especially to the Healthcare Careers Committee of the Council, that day is a reality. Thanks also to the support of the Jim Smith Administration, we are moving forward to help address the employment picture through the training that will be provided to healthcare workers," says Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development Barry Williams.

BCOWD and its partner, Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development, will expand the capacity to train and prepare older individuals along the healthcare career ladder. BACH's Career Coaches will provide career awareness and guidance, including information sessions about healthcare careers; job readiness opportunities (computer and financial literacy training tailored to older adults' learning styles); and guidance on employment and training opportunities in healthcare. BACH will also collaborate with area hospitals to improve retention and advancement of older frontline workers in entry-level skilled healthcare jobs.

The ultimate purpose of this grant is to broaden the talent pool of the healthcare workforce in the region, while simultaneously advancing the knowledge of the workforce system to better serve older workers. Through this initiative, a minimum of 260 older individuals will receive healthcare certification and gain entrance into high-demand healthcare fields. Employer outreach and awareness activities will reach at least 500 employers.

Source: Baltimore County Office of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Milken Institute released its annual list of the U.S. cities with the best economic performance. The Baltimore metro area, including Towson, was ranked No. 64 among the 200 largest metropolitan areas for 2009, rising 23 spots from No. 87 in 2008. High-tech production and gross domestic product growth helped propel the city up the list.

Baltimore was third among cities in the Mid-Atlantic area, with that Washington, D.C area and Bethesda/Gaithersburg/Frederick ranked 25th and 51st, respectively. A bevy of southern towns in Texas and Louisiana earned the highest rankings in part due to the increase in the oil economy in those states.

Source: Milken Institute
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Emergent BioSolutions, a Rockville-based biopharmaceutical firm,  announced last Friday that it has completed the purchase of a 55,000 square foot building, which it plans to use to expand its drug development and testing. Emergent acquired the manufacturing facility from MdBio Foundation as well as the land upon which it stands from Baltimore City for $8.2 million. The building previously operated as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed facility used by an experienced contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to produce a number of FDA approved products.

"Emergent is excited about this new facility in Baltimore because it houses several suites capable of manufacturing multiple products at the same time," says Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "Accordingly, this facility will provide the flexibility to conduct large-scale manufacturing of rPA while also producing other products in our pipeline."

Emergent BioSolutions employs over 600 employees around the world, with over 150 employees located in its corporate headquarters in Rockville and one of its product development sites in Gaithersburg. The company will reportedly hire 125 employees to staff the new facility.

"This acquisition reflects our commitment to both continually creating jobs and investing additional capital in the State of Maryland," says Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "We extend our sincere appreciation to the state and local governments for their ongoing support of our efforts to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and look forward to growing Emergent's presence in the state."

Source: Emergent BioSolutions
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Approximately half of the companies that froze salaries and hiring in the past year now plan to unfreeze them in the next six months, according to the latest in a series of surveys by Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm. Despite these plans, however, employers remain concerned about attracting and retaining the always important critical-skill employees.

According to the survey, 54% of employers that froze salaries as the economic crisis gripped the country plan to unfreeze them within the next six months. That's a 21 percent increase over the 33% in August and a jump of 37% over the 17% in June. Just under half, 49%, also plan to reverse hiring freezes at least partially in the next six months, compared with 38% two months ago.

The survey also concluded that a growing number of employers plan to reverse reductions to 401(k) match contributions in the next six months � jumping from only 5 percent in June and 24% in August to 35%. Overall, 56% of companies have instituted a salary freeze and a hiring freeze since the economic crisis began, and 25% have reduced their employer match. Watson Wyatt's latest bimonthly survey was conducted in October 2009 and includes responses from 201 large employers.

"The general economic picture right now is definitely brighter than it was just a few months ago," says Laura Sejen, global director of strategic rewards consulting at Watson Wyatt. "However, the recovery is uneven and most employers aren't fully convinced that the improvements they've seen are here to stay. While many plan to hire workers over the next few months, they remain concerned about their ability to attract and retain the right people."

Almost all companies surveyed, 96%, have made offers to new hires in the past three months, and 93% said they anticipate making offers in the next three months. However, approximately one out of five companies still expect to continue making layoffs in the remainder of 2009 or in 2010. In addition, 65% report they are more concerned about the retention of critical-skill and top-performing employees than they were before the economic crisis hit.

Looking ahead three to five years, half of employers expect an increase in difficulty in attracting critical-skill employees, and just over half, 55%  expect an increase in difficulty in retaining critical-skill employees. In light of the recession, 44 percent of employers have encouraged managers to make greater use of recognition plans. However, only a scant 8% of these employers have seen managers actually increase their use of these plans to a significant or great extent.

"Despite the slow movement toward recovery, employers are still having to manage a shifting workforce as they balance selective hiring with continuing to make some layoffs," says Laurie Bienstock, U.S. strategic rewards leader at Watson Wyatt. "In this environment, it is no wonder that employers remain concerned about retaining their top talent. However, recognition programs and other plans that keep these employees engaged and motivated can create a key competitive advantage."

Other findings from the survey include:

• Thirty-seven percent of companies think their results have already bottomed out, compared to 27% in August.
• For companies expecting to reinstate their 401(k) or 403(b) match, 70% will change it back to the original level. Thirteen percent will reinstate the match at a new, lower level, while 17% will vary it by year, based on company profits.
• For companies expecting to make offers to new hires, 83% will do so for professional, non-managerial staff, followed by 71% for director, manager or middle management positions. Only 47% will be hiring for senior management or executive level positions.
• Only 37% of employers plan to organize a holiday party in 2009, compared with 47%that organized one in 2008 and 70%in 2007. Two in five (41%) that are planning a holiday party have seen their budgets decrease.

Source: Lauri Bienstock, Watson Wyatt
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Fed's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or stimulus, has helped save or create some 14,000 jobs in Maryland, according to a reporte released by Gov. Martin O'Malley last week.

"Thanks to President Obama's leadership, and our ability as a State to implement these funds as quickly and efficiently as possible, there are more than 14,000 Marylanders working today that otherwise would be facing unemployment," says Gov. O'Malley. "And that's just the first round. Over the next several months, we'll continue to move forward to put Recovery Act funds to work, reporting every penny spent and every job saved or created providing unprecedented transparency for the people of Maryland."

The release of the jobs report in Maryland came just one day before the White House was set to release the national figures, and the Governor made the announcement at a local company, P. Flanigan and Sons, Inc., a more than 120-year-old contractor that was directly impacted by the infrastructure projects in Maryland funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The family-owned business has participated in two Recovery Act-funded projects in Maryland, supporting over 100 jobs so far, and expected to support many more before the projects are complete. As of yesterday, the company was informed they have been awarded another Howard County resurfacing contract as well.

"2009 has been a challenging year," said Steve Whitecotton, Vice President of P. Flanigan and Sons, Inc. "In this tough economy the Recovery Act funded projects have preserved jobs and funded many important infrastructure projects that improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system. My conservative estimate is that between our employees and our subcontractors up to 150 jobs would have been lost without the Recovery Act."

Today's jobs announcement encompasses what are termed direct, indirect and induced jobs. Direct jobs are those supported by Recovery Act dollars, such as the construction worker on a highway project funded through the Act. Indirect jobs are those that support Recovery Act dollars, including an employee at an asphalt company that supplies the highway project. Induced jobs are created by increased consumer activity, such as the construction worker purchasing a car, or going to a restaurant, resulting in those companies increasing employment due to sustained or increased business.

For a complete breakdown of jobs supported by Recovery Act funding in Maryland, see the StateStat presentation of the data.

As of September 30th, the State of Maryland received awards of over $2 billion, approximately half of all Recovery Act funding expected through 2011. By comparison, the State expended only eleven percent of these funds, or $229,191,801, covering the period contained within the jobs reports.

Of the $413 million in highway construction funding, 84 projects worth $184 million have already started construction. And approximately $900 million in Recovery Act money has supported 1,809 teachers in America's number one ranked public school system, allowing full funding of the Thornton Bridge to Excellence Plan.

Gov. O'Malley announced that StateStat, Maryland's signature performance evaluation tool created by the O'Malley-Brown Administration, would be the centralized place for tracking and reporting Recovery Act funds and their impact on communities. Days after President Obama signed the Recovery Act in 2008, Gov.O'Malley announced the launch of recovery.maryland.gov to track the funds in Maryland, and since then, the website has received the distinction as best in the nation according to Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center based in Washington, DC.

Source: Gov. Martin O'Malley, Maryland
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Maryland will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers.

"This partnership will provide thousands of people in Maryland with the workforce education that is necessary to come through this recession," says Gov. O'Malley. "Giving people the important job and technology proficiencies to succeed will help to boost our state's employment and improve the quality of our world class workforce. We are excited to work with Microsoft on such an important program."

"Thanks to Governor Martin O'Malley and Microsoft, more Baltimore citizens now have a chance to improve their technology proficiencies as the city and state continues to bridge the digital divide," says Mayor Sheila Dixon. "In today's workforce and classrooms, it is crucial to know basic Microsoft applications. With these vouchers, we will improve the technological knowledge to Baltimore City residents and provide new and better job opportunities."

In Maryland, Microsoft has partnered with the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to distribute a total of 13,500 training vouchers statewide during the next 90 days to the state's One-Stop Career Centers, local community college system and the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate-level technology skills. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Maryland residents for Microsoft Certification Exams all at no cost to the recipient.

"Elevate America is a powerful program for people who need crucial skills essential to obtain employment in today's competitive workplace," said Fred Humphries, Microsoft Managing Director, US Government Affairs. "We at Microsoft believe that this type of public-private partnership plays an integral role in rebuilding Maryland - and the nation's economy - through access to technology training that can open doors to employment opportunity."

Maryland will receive 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 6,000 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 1,500 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:

• Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows Vista, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
• Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

"This partnership will give thousands of Marylanders the technology skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy," Sanchez said.

Any Maryland resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the state's One-Stop Career Centers and its partners, community colleges, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Human Resources. In its role as Microsoft's "designated partner" for administration of Elevate America in Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for the overall statewide distribution program. Vouchers will be distributed to citizens across the state on a first come, first served basis.

For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Maryland, visit the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website at www.dllr.state.md.us and click on the Microsoft Elevate America button.

Source: Gov, Martin O'Malley
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Anne Arundel County will hold its Fall Job Fair on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the David S. Jenkins Gymnasium at Anne Arundel Community College. Open to all job seekers, the job fair will also offer them help with an hour long session on "How to get your resume noticed in this tough economy" held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Careers Center/CRSC 129. Fair participants can also receive free resume screenings and "Tips for success in 2009" from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information call: 410-987-3890, ext. 243 or 410-777-2201/2770.

Source: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corp.
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The state officially launched the Maryland International Incubator (MI2), the first biz incubator dedicated exclusively to attracting and nurturing foreign-owned companies last week. A joint venture of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (MD DBED) and the University of Maryland, College Park, the incubator will provide research and development, business development support services and competitively priced leasing space to foreign-owned companies looking to establish a U.S. presence.

"This joint partnership will leverage the university's world-class research strengths and DBED's business development resources in attracting foreign-owned companies to Maryland," says Gov. O'Malley. "There are a tremendous number of global opportunities out there and, in a recession, we need to aggressively go after them to attract new jobs and position Maryland as the ideal U.S. location for foreign companies."

"We look forward to the opening of the Maryland International Incubator to provide a soft landing for international companies coming to Maryland. It is our objective to transition these companies into the Maryland economy thus providing new employment opportunities and adding to our tax base," says Dr. Herbert Rabin, Director of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute. "The University of Maryland's role in assisting this transition parallels the successful TAP incubator program in which many successful companies have been launched previously, drawing on the extensive capabilities resident with faculty and students at the University."

The Maryland International Incubator is just the latest in a series of international initiatives. Earlier this year, Gov. O'Malley announced Maryland's International Growth Strategy, which called for the creation of the state's first International Advisory Council, a seasoned group of business leaders charged with guiding the State's efforts to attract and grow international companies and help craft policy and legislation that supports Maryland' strong and diverse network of international businesses.

Also launched this year is the Maryland International Business Center, a one-stop shop for foreign companies looking to expand their operations into Maryland. The Center, which is managed by DBED, brings together for the first time key state, federal and private sector partners to give companies significantly improved access to essential resources needed to grow.

Maryland is well positioned for growth in the global market, with more than 550 foreign-owned companies from 30 countries currently located in Maryland. Some 105,000 Marylanders, or 3.5 percent of the workforce, are employed by foreign-owned firms, with companies headquartered in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Germany as the top three foreign employers in Maryland.

Source: Gov. Martin O'Malley
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Enoch Pratt Free Library will open a new Computer Commons in the Central Library Main Hall on Wednesday, October 21. The new section will provide 26 additional public computers for patrons.

The Computer Commons, located across from the Circulation Desk, will have 26 computers with hour long timeslots. Currently, the Pratt Library provides more than 500 public computers system wide and offers free wireless internet access at most branches.

The additional computers were purchased using donations from the Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds and Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

With 40 percent of Baltimore City households lacking internet access at home, the Pratt's more than 500 public computers systemwide are often the only way for some to get online.

"Everyday our patrons line-up outside at all Pratt locations eager to use our public computers," says Carla D. Hayden, Chief Executive Officer of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "During these difficult economic times, some of our patrons have even told us they have given up internet access at home and now depend on us. We are very committed to our mission of offering free access to all our patrons, from the very youngest to seniors. We're hoping these additional computers will make a difference for patrons seeking anything from personal enrichment to career development."

The Central Library will also begin offering free computer classes this winter. 

Check out the Pratt Library on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

Premier Rides, an amusement ride design company, will be consolidating their offices in Anne Arundel County to new headquarters at 1007 E. Pratt St., a historic building they are currently rehabilitating and expect to move into by the end of the year. They will lease part of the building and are talking to prospective tenants. Over the next year, they will also be hiring up to 10 more employees.

Although there are increasing signs that the economy is on the verge of a recovery, a recent report from IHS Global Insight says it that a job recovery is still  years away for most of the nation's metropolitan areas. Of the 363 metropolitan areas in the country, most areas will slowly begin increasing employment again in 2010, with only 118 metros rising to the 1,000-job mark next year.

More substantial job growth won't come to the majority of the country until 2011, according to the report.

The slow recovery means it will be well into next decade before most areas regain the jobs lost during this recession. However, Baltimore should see its job recovery reach pre-recession levels by 2012 just one year later than Washington, D.C.

Source: IHS Global Insight
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Even as the recession continues to drag on there's reason for Baltimore area job hunters to hope on the horizon. A new report released last week by the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program placed Baltimore in the No. 18 spot as a result of its comparatively small increase in unemployment during April, May and June.

The report, which compares the effects of the current economic downturn on the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country. Baltimore is also among 20 cities that have begun to show early signs of a recovery and a slow down in economic decline.

Source: Brookings Institute
Writer: Walaika Haskins