Food facility set to close, idle 80

After seven years, the Flying Food Group processing facility in Upper Marlboro is set to close up shop and shed 80 jobs April 22.

The local division of the Chicago provider of food for airlines was a co-packer for Starbucks, packing the coffee company’s bistro boxes and parfaits, said Larry Elliott, general manager of the 24,000-square-foot facility.

Starbucks’ decision to sign with Greencore Group of Dublin, Ireland, in November could mean the shuttering of the Prince George’s facility if the company cannot secure another contract by April 22, the last day of processing, Elliott said. Flying Food is working with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to provide a job fair for employees to try to “make this as gentle as possible,” he said.

University provides grants to county tech projects

The University of Maryland’s Maryland Industrial Partnerships program has announced four Prince George’s technology projects among the 16 projects set to receive a total of $4.7 million to help commercialize technology products.

Together, the four projects received about $672,000 through the program; the funding is split between the program and the participating companies.

Birich Technologies of College Park received $149,251 to develop gene-slicing technology as a research tool and potential cancer treatment. Cordex Systems of College Park received $150,502 to develop a medical device for detecting and monitoring cardiovascular diseases. Diagnostic anSERS of College Park received $135,000 to develop a sensitive chemical sensing device using inkjet printing. Prasidiux of Bowie received $236,999 to develop gels that indicate exposure to cold temperatures.

This is the 51st round of the grants. The program is part of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, an initiative of the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

Bozzuto Group makes some executive moves

The Bozzuto Group of Greenbelt has created the role of president for Toby Bozzuto, son of CEO Thomas S. Bozzuto. In his new position, Toby Bozzuto, now president of Bozzuto Development Co., will assume overall responsibility for the day-to-day direction of the parent company. He takes the position April 5.

Steve Strazzella, previously executive vice president of Bozzuto Development, will become president position. Toby Bozzuto will continue to play an important role in generating new business for Bozzuto Development, according to a company news release.

The company also announced the resignation of John Slidwell, vice chairman of the Bozzuto Group and president of Bozzuto Land Co., also effective April 5. Slidwell will continue to be involved with the company as an owner and investor and will represent the company in some endeavors.

Thomas Bozzuto will remain chairman and CEO of the parent company, with Rick Mostyn staying as COO.

BNI to host mixer in Laurel

The Laurel chapter of Business Network International will host a mixer from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at Will’s Home Decorating, 10508 Baltimore Ave.

Cost: $5 after March 6; free until then. Registration: Don Thomas, 301-604-8700 email signslaurel@verizon.net.

The chapter also will host its visitors day at 7:30 a.m. March 14 at Famous Dave’s Restaurant, 14140 Baltimore Ave.

Revere Bank names new vice president

Revere Bank in Laurel has named Kenneth White vice president relationship manager. White, formerly a vice president of branch operations and business development for Signal Financial Credit Union, has 33 years of experience in banking and economic development, according to bank information.

Lockheed Martin donates $10K to Bowie State

Lockheed Martin of Bethesda donated $10,000 to the Maryland Center at Bowie State University last week to advance participation and performance of students in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, according to a Lockheed statement.

United Way awards $185K to 22 county nonprofits

The United Way of the National Capital Area has awarded $185,000 in grants to 22 Prince George’s County nonprofits working in the areas of education, health and financial stability, according to the United Way.

Names & Notes items may be mailed to Lindsey Robbins, The Gazette, 13501 Virginia Manor Road, Laurel, MD 20707; faxed to 240-473-7501; or emailed to lrobbins@gazette.net.