BUSINESS OUTREACH: BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Washington County Board of Commissioners and the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission conduct weekly business visits as part of the Business Outreach Program.  The visits provide valuable feedback as to how the County can assist local businesses.  To schedule a Business Outreach visit contact Linda Spence at 240-313-2286.

Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc.

Founded: 1969

Employees: 39

Location:  Hagerstown, Md.

(photos attached:  Caption – David Lobley Vice President Sales & Marketing discussing operations with EDC and County Commissioners

Caption – Andrew Lobley President/Chief Operating Officer providing EDC and County Commissioners with company overview)

Washington County is home to the largest cabinet manufacturer that produces and finishes cabinets in the state of Maryland.   The family owned and operated company has been manufacturing all wood custom cabinetry since 1969.

One of the benefits for Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. being located in Washington County is that they are within six hours of numerous major metropolitan areas – Philadelphia, New York , Cleveland, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.   Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Lobley points out other benefits besides the strategic location, “I feel it is important to remain in Washington County to show our support for the community that has supported us since 1969.  It has given us the opportunity to give back to the community by creating jobs and helping the local economy.”

Hagerstown Kitchens, Inc. has two company owned showrooms located in Hagerstown, Md. and Chambersburg, Pa.  They also have over 90 active dealers and builders spanning from Maine to the Carolinas and as far west as Illinois.

The company also takes pride in their commitment to the environment.  They are a founding member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program.  For eight-consecutive years Hagerstown Kitchens has met all five Environmental Stewardship Program requirements which allow their products to contribute to LEED points.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Terry Irwin

Project Liaison

Terry serves as the point of contact during the submission, review, and permitting phase for commercial economic development projects.  As project liaison, he communicates status updates regarding new or expanding commercial and industrial businesses to ensure all parties are aware of design needs and requirements.  Terry also facilitates and guides required project plan and permitting approvals through State, Federal, and funding agency authorities.

Contact Terry:

Phone:  240-313-2473

Email: tirwin@washco-md.net

Department Spotlight

Division of Plan Review & Permitting

Do I Need a Permit for That?

As the weather warms it provides the perfect opportunity for you to start those outdoor projects you’ve been planning all winter.   The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure you have the proper permits before you start to build.  Starting a project that requires a permit can lead to being charged double permit fees and investigation fees.

Here are a few quick-hit permitting tips:

·       Storage buildings under 200 square-feet do not require a permit; however, the structure must comply with the minimum building setbacks

·       Under the current stimulus program, residential building permit fees are waived for storage sheds under 400 square-feet if no foundation is required

·       Under the current stimulus program, permit fees are waived for fences exceeding six-feet in height and for non-bearing partitioning walls used to divide an existing space

·       Permits are required for swimming pools that hold more than two-feet of water and/or are equipped with a water circulation system to make sure proper barriers are installed and electrical wiring is done properly

Remember, if you’re not sure a permit is needed for an upcoming project call 240-313-2460.

Stuart Mullendor Selected as Strategic Plan Coordinator

An April 2, 2013 Washington County Board of County Commissioners’ (BCC) decision approved the creation of a new part-time Strategic Economic Development Plan Coordinator position.  The position would be responsible for planning, implementing, and tracking project initiatives related to accomplishing the Strategic Economic Development Plan’s (SEDP) five specific goals outlined by the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission (ED) and the BCC.     

The part-time, temporary position would earn $25,000 over a six-month period with the potential to earn a $5,000 bonus if the BCC determined all assigned tasks were successfully completed.

After an extensive search and review of nine applicants, the EDC Executive Committee decided selecting a candidate unfamiliar with the community, EDC Board, staff, and other community stakeholders could hinder progress in implementing SEDP priorities.  As an alternative, EDC Chair, Dan Pheil and Vice Chair, Ron Bowers recommended current EDC board member, Stuart Mullendore.

Mullendore, who has been instrumental in developing the EDC strategic plan, agreed to dedicate 20 hours per week and to serve in this position as a volunteer saving the County $25,000.  The BCC agreed that Mullendore’s knowledge and tenure on the EDC Board will assist him moving the plan info the implementation phase, thus they unanimously approved this recommendation.  

Mullendore has served on the EDC Board since 2007, and currently chairs the SEDP Committee. In addition to serving on the EDC Board, Mullendore is Vice President of Marketing and Special Services at HBP, Inc.

Commissioners' Comment August, 2012

Commissioners' Comment August, 2012

On July 31st, the Washington County Gaming Commission announced its FY 2012 funding allocation to agencies and organizations that perform charitable services and the Washington County Fire/Rescue Association. There are several ways organizations can apply for County funding. Office of Community Grant Management Director Jim Hovis talks about the County's ways and means to provide funding.

Run Time 14:25

Commissioners Comment July, 2012

Commissioners Comment  July, 2012

Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth (KRO-both) talks about infrastructure projects in the new fiscal year. Projects such as the Library are winding down, while 9 new bridge projects, while new projects are starting. Kroboth comments on the importance of the Yale Drive project to the local economy.

Run Time: 14:42

Commissioners' Comment, May 2012

Commissioners Comment May, 2012

Washington County is using the internet to save costs of disposing surplus equipment. County Purchasing agent Karen Luther talks about www.govdeals.com and how anyone can bid on surplus items. The County’s bid process is explained, along with qualifications of staff and the rigorous ethics standards upheld.

Run Time 12:57

Commissioners' Comment, March 2012

Commissioners Comment March 2012

Spring recreation and fitness programs get off to a good start in Washington County with the Run for Your Luck 5K Race and Walk through downtown Hagerstown, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th. Jaime Dick, Director of the County’s Department of Recreation and Fitness talks about that event, the spring recreation programs and what’s coming up this summer. Also—a report on the County’s participation in the Hagerstown Home Show March 10th and 11th.

RUN TIME 13:30

Commissioners Commnent, February, 2012

Commissioners Commnent, February, 2012

The Board of County Commissioners presented the State of the County 2011 on February 7th. In this program highlights of the presentation bared presented from the video by After 5 Productions of Hagerstown. Featured are County Commissioners Terry Baker, Ruth Anne Callaham, John Barr, Jeff Cline and Bill McKinley, Notable business people Hal Lucas, Dan Pheil and Greg Roth. Also featured, new County Schools Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox, Recycling Administrator Tony Drury, Transit Manager Kevin Cerrone and County Administrator Greg Murray.

NOTE: RUN TIME 13:30

Commissioners Commnent, January, 2012

Commissioners Commnent, January, 2012

2011 saw a number of changes, for the better, to Washington County’s roads system. Rob Slocum, Public Works Deputy Director for Engineering and Construction talks about major projects completed or ongoing. Included -- the challenges faced in completely rebuilding the Halfway Boulevard-Massey Boulevard intersection while allowing traffic to maintain flow to the County’s busiest malls and shopping centers. Work continues on other road projects and rehabilitation of the Devil’s Backbone Dam is nearing completion. Also—a report on the 2011 winners of the County’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Awards.

Run Time: 14:52