We've long said that supporting Frederick County's craft beverage industry is much more than just marketing the next great beverage. It's about growing manufacturing jobs, diversifying our agricultural base and now, it's receiving national attention for driving technology startups. So when Livability.com recently identified Frederick as the ideal example of this mutually beneficial connection, we cheered! Finding top tech talent in the DC metro area is very competitive - our lively craft beverage scene helps give Frederick tech companies an extra workforce development edge. In a timely way, Frederick was also just named by national media site Thrillist as one of '7 Small Beer Cities that Deserve National Attention.'

We have many companies in the news this month for workplace achievement and sales growth, all of which are helping to drive Frederick County's job growth that's outpacing the state. You can read more of all of these stories below.

And finally this month, the first set of business pitches recorded using Pitch Creator and our new Business Pitch Room have been released. Watch these innovative startups pitch their companies and watch for great things from them in the future!

Helen Propheter, Director

Frederick County Office of Economic Development