Business briefs
Ag commission seeks member nominations
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission is seeking interested individuals to fill voting membership vacancies on the commission.
Current open positions include a Southern Maryland farmer from St. Mary’s County and a “Member at Large.” The at-large position includes, but is not limited to, individuals with backgrounds in agricultural businesses, economic development, finance or legal experience from any of the five counties SMADC serves — Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
The Commission typically meets the first Monday of each month, January through April, and the first Wednesday of each month, May through December, from 9 to 11 a.m. in Hughesville.
For consideration, submit all pertinent contact information with a brief paragraph describing your background and/or relationship to the agricultural community. Those interested in applying may do so by emailing Jennifer Carnahan at SMADC at jcarnahan@smadc.com, or by calling 301-274-1922 ext. 1 by Nov. 30.
For more information, go to www.smadc.com.
Cool, Ramos attend planning conference
Wealth Management Partners founders Joyce Cool and Robert Ramos recently returned from the annual conference of the Financial Planning Association.
The 2016 conference, described as “The Largest Gathering of Thought Leaders in Financial Planning,” was held in Baltimore, according to a press release. Financial planning professionals, numbering approximately 1,500, from around the globe met in Charm City for four days of educational sessions, guest speakers, networking and prac- tice management discussions.
“One of commitments we make to our clients is that we will continue our education. We need to stay abreast of an ever changing financial planning landscape so that we continue to provide quality, timely advice,” Ramos said.
Wealth Management Partners is located in Waldorf. For more information, call 301-8850955.
La Plata’s Hunter earns manager certification
Marshall E. Hunter of Maredith Management in La Plata has been named an association management specialist by Community Associations Institute, a national nonprofit organization created in 1974 to educate and represent community managers and other industry professionals, according to a news release.
Maredith requires and funds all training and certification costs. The designation is the second level in the career development track for community association managers.
Maredith is one of only approximately 100 accredited management companies in the U.S., and the only accredited management company in the Southern Maryland region. Professional managers provide administrative, operational and managerial counsel to community association boards. They are typically responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions.
‘Farms for the Holidays’ guide available now
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission has released the 2016 “Farms for the Holidays” winter farm guide.
The full-color brochure showcases over 60 Southern Maryland farms and agricultural businesses in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties that offer a wide variety of farm products through the holiday season and winter months.
The “Farms for the Holidays” guide features locally-grown Christmas trees and greenery for holiday decorating, winter produce, quality meats, seafood fresh from the region’s waterways, award-winning wines, unique farm-made gifts including knitted and woven Alpaca and wool items, plus holiday-themed workshops and fun farm-hosted activities for the whole family.
The winter farm guide is available now to view or download on the ‘Get the Guides’ page at www.smadc.com, or pick up a free printed copy beginning Nov. 21 at regional public libraries, welcome centers and participating businesses. Find a full list of pick-up locations on the ‘News and Announcements’ page at smadc.com.
Toy drive at Waldorf’s St. Charles Towne Center
Jingle all the way to St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf for the Cupcakes for Christmas Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Charles MD Macaroni Kid and FreeCupcakeWraps.com invite families to donate new, unwrapped toys on the lower level in front of Macy’s in exchange for cupcakes from local bakeries, according to a news release. Families can also enjoy a winter wonderland of holiday crafts and activities. The toy drive is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All donations will benefit the Arnold House, a local organization devoted to homelessness and hunger awareness through meal preparation and delivery for those in need.