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SAIC-Frederick fifth in stimulus contracts

SAIC-Frederick received the fifth most federal contracting dollars under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, according to new federal figures.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corp. of McLean, Va., won more than $302.5 million in stimulus contract funding through Sept. 30. The company, with more than 1,700 employees, operates the laboratories of the National Cancer Institute in Frederick.

SAIC-Frederick is developing the Cancer Genome Atlas, an effort to characterize the genomic changes that occur in cancer. It's also working on genomic research into childhood cancers and is developing the Cancer Human Biobank, a national, standardized, biospecimen resource for the collection of human tissues, which are a critical resource for cancer research, according to its contract. SAIC is also collaborating on the institute's Community Cancer Centers Program, a network of community hospitals in a pilot program trying to determine ways to bring state-of-the-art cancer care and clinical trials to patients in their local communities.

Copy Systems bought by Williamsport firm

Automated Office Equipment has acquired Copy Systems of Frederick and closed its location, consolidating its operations in the new owner's Williamsport headquarters.

Two employees of Copy Systems were retained, said Christopher R. Bennett, co-owner of Automated Office, which also has offices near Cumberland and Baltimore.

The company provides services to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, according to a company statement.

Informal business poll highlights area's strengths

A recent informal business poll by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development found that the county's quality of life was seen as the top benefit by dozens of businesses.

The poll was taken during the agency's Business Appreciation Week last month, when 62 volunteer ambassadors visited 100 businesses to express appreciation for their contributions to the community and economy.

The county's "intrinsic qualities" were a great advantage for the bottom line of 39 percent of the businesses polled, according to the statement. The county's location at the northern end of the I-270 Technology Corridor received 37 percent of the vote, while many business owners cited the county's equal distance to Washington and Baltimore.

Frederick incubator to vacate space at Hood College

The Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc. incubator vacating its 10,000-square-foot space at Hood College this month, consolidating operations in its 15,000-square-foot Monocacy facility, just south of the city.

The incubator opened at Hood in 2004 on what was to be a short-term basis. The vacated space will be converted into offices and classrooms, according to a statement from the incubator. The Monocacy facility opened in 2007.

Eventually, a larger permanent incubator will open in the city, officials said.

Executive Director Michael J. Dailey said the incubator will continue to partner with Hood College to maintain its student intern placements with tenants and the college's representation on the incubator's board.

Firm welcomes new designer

Jean Peterson Design of Frederick recently hired designer Erin Tinney.

Tinney previously was a graphic designer at Garbo Design House in Frederick, where she worked on the Frederick County Guide and conceived the design and layout for Find It Frederick magazine.

The Frederick Community College graduate also won the Member Appreciation Award from the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation in recognition of her community service.

Names & Notes items may be e-mailed to Chris Huntemann at chuntemann@gazette.net or mailed to The Gazette, 2A N. Market St., Frederick, Md. 21701.

Remodeling industry group recognizes area builders

The Mid-Maryland Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recognized several builders at its annual Contractor of the Year awards program Wednesday.

Many companies won awards for residential and commercial renovations, including Dorman Builders of Mount Airy; D.G. Liu Contractor of Dickerson; Tomlinson Builders of Damascus; and Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling, a nationwide company with several locations across Maryland.

Microsoft joins state to help displaced workers

The state will join forces with Microsoft in a public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) announced last week as part of the Microsoft Elevate America partnership.

Microsoft has partnered with the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to distribute 13,500 training vouchers statewide during the next 90 days to the state's one-stop career centers, local community college system and the state Department of Education's 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 free Microsoft Certification exams.

Design firm owner participates in workshop

Kimberly McClure, owner of Interior Design Services in Middletown, recently participated in a two-day pilot workshop held by the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Society of Interior Designers.

McClure's company offers green design consulting for residential and commercial clients, plus non-traditional, Web-based design services.