As reported by Bmore Media:

Maryland beat the odds when it came to technology-related jobs in 2009. The state saw growth in the computer systems design and related services adding 5,3000 jobs in 2009 as well as the management, scientific and technical consulting, where 4,500 jobs were added, subsectors and in fact, led the nation in both.

The 8.7 percent growth in computer systems design and related services and a 13.8% increase in management, scientific and technical consulting meant Maryland accounted for almost half of the jobs added nationally in those areas.

To read the full story, click here.

By Steve Kozak
When I think of 2010, the phrase “Ready to pounce” comes to mind. Or, as one tech executive recently told me, “Our pipeline feels more like a plum tree these days, laden with multiple fruits that keep swelling and swelling.”

Yes, Maryland’s tech industry is alive and well. Looking back, 2009 was a challenging year, with layoffs, restructurings and expense watching at every company. That said, as I meet with leaders from the tech industry, I continue to hear 2009 “was a relatively ‘even’ year for us, it wasn’t ‘that’ bad” - “that” being a relative word.

Many industry execs mentioned seeing an uptick in business activity this past spring. Others are even mentioning the “H” word: HIRING. In fact, I’d say that many of our region’s tech companies have quietly been in “hire” mode for months now.

How? Well, in general terms, the ongoing need for new technology is not only not going away, it’s getting greater. Plus, given our proximity to Washington, government contracting will continue to play a major role in revving our region’s economic engine. Yes, technology (in broad terms) is driving the growth of our country.

Regionally, our unemployment rate is already significantly lower than the national average. Now, throw in a few new ingredients to the mix, like BRAC, cyber security and bio parks, and the short-term future is bright.
This explains why the Milken Institute’s 2008 State Technology & Science index (which ranks states in the best position to succeed in the tech-led information age) ranked Maryland No. 2 in the country.

Recent activity suggests that the tech industry is ready to flourish in Maryland in 2010.  We ended the year with TeleCommunications Systems acquiring three (THREE) companies within 45 days and Millennial Media, in a historically tough venture market, taking in $16 million in new funding. And we’re only 21 days into the new year and already, more great news.  Last week the Governor released the CyberSecurity report which will position Maryland to be the hub for federal, academic and private-sector cybersecurity efforts and Judy Britz was named Executive Director of the Maryland Biotechnology Center - which is great news for our state’s bioscience community.  Throw in today’s announcement that Martek Biosciences purchased Amerifit Brands for $200…IN CASH…and yes, I’d say our region’s tech industry is alive and well!!

Stay tuned…more good news is coming.

In December, our friend Dave Sherman came out and gave a short session to GBTC members on how to improve their 30 second pitch.  It was such a success we asked him to capture it on video - you can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6d6X9qVxlY

By Steve Kozak –
How’s this for holiday cheer?  TeleCommunication Systems has acquired 3 companies in the last 45 days.  Nov 3 - Solvern Innovations (a $18M company), Nov 16 – Sidereal Solutions (~ $20-$24M company) and Dec 1 - Networks in Motion (for $170M).  Then we hear that Millennial Media receives $16M in new funding.  There’s the news that early clinical trials by PharmAthene, testing a potential treatment for exposure to chemical nerve agents, have generated positive results.  TESSCO posted a 16% spike in profit and was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the Best 200 companies for a third year in a row.  And the word, according to Robert Half Management Resources, that when the economy reboots, CFO’s are planning to improve their information technology systems…which is great news I’m sure everyone would agree.

Yes, tech will bring us back and while we may not be feeling the economic surge yet…I can almost taste it…and I can’t wait.

By Steve Kozak -
A couple weeks ago we had the fortune of having Barbara Dreyer join us for our Face2Face dinner program.  I hear members talk about wanting to take their company to the “next level” and how to get there.  Well, Barbara certainly fits the bill by taking Connections Academy from start-up to a $100M plus organization…and still growing.  She shared many stories, and from that, many more take-aways about business & success.  To me, two stand out – 1) when you find good people, do everything you can to keep them with you (your people are the key to your success) and 2) it’s all about connections and building relationships.  So many of the relationships she established & nurtured years ago have led her to who and where she is today.  I think that’s a good lesson for all of us – get out of your businesses and network, build meaningful relationships.  They transcend business “purposes”.  They fulfill life, they give it meaning.

100 regional business professionals joined the Greater Baltimore Technology Council for yesterday’s Meet the Members: The Impact of Cyber Security on the State of Maryland.  The panel discussed why cyber security is important, what the industry currently looks like, what the future outlook is and how companies could take advantage of the opportunities the industry provides.  Thank you to our speakers Paul Falkeler - SAIC, Joe Moorcones - SafeNet, Ermis Sfakiyanudis - eTelemetry and moderator, Paul Mauritz - e.magination.   And special thanks to Congressman Ruppersberger for sharing his insights on the government’s view of cyber security and for staying long after the event was over talking with those that attended.

The GBTC is excited to announce the finalists for this year’s Connector Award: Dave Troy, Roundhouse Technologies & TEDx MidAtlantic; Mike Subelsky, OtherInBox & Ignite Baltimore; and Neil Davis of the Emerging Technology Centers.Announced at TechNite, the Connector Award is presented annually to the GBTC member who, for lack of a better term, “gets it”. They’re much more than an advocate and volunteer. They CONNECT people - people to people and people to programs. They’re the ones who bring their clients and friends to GBTC events and forums, connecting them to other people in the community and, in doing so, making our community a better and more vibrant place in which to live and work.

The winner will be announced at TechNite 2009 (October 15 at 5:00 pm) at the Baltimore Convention Center.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. David Ramsay, President, University of Maryland Baltimore, (UMB) has been named the 2009 BETA (Baltimore’s Extraordinary Technology Advocate) award winner.  The BETA Award is presented at the GBTC’s annual TechNite celebration to an individual whose words and actions have had an outstanding impact on the Greater Baltimore technology community.

“Dr. Ramsay has continuously pushed the envelope in terms of growth and development throughout his career. The tremendous expansion of the university’s research enterprise, the investment in state-of-the-art facilities, and the creation of the University of Maryland BioPark, has built a foundation that is generating jobs and transforming the region into a bioscience hub spinning out new discoveries and new companies.  And it’s all happening thanks to the leadership of Dr. Ramsay – he is truly deserving of this award,” commented GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak.

Dr. David J. Ramsay became President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the state’s public academic health, law and human services university, in 1994.  UMB, which is located on Baltimore’s west side near Camden Yards, includes professional schools of dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and an interdisciplinary graduate school.  During Dr. Ramsay’s 15-year tenure at UMB, sponsored research has grown fivefold from just over $100 million in 1994 to nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2009.  The campus has expanded to a 61-acre research and academic medical center complex, encompassing 62 buildings in the heart of downtown Baltimore. 

To read more about Dr. Ramsay, click here.

The GBTC is pleased to announce that Gary Vaynerchuk, social media sommelier and new author of Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash In On Your Passion will be the featured speaker at TechNite 2009.  TechNite is the Greater Baltimore Region’s premiere night out to celebrate the business and technology community. With nearly 1,000 attendees, from tech executives and entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 businesses, university and government officials, everyone will be out to support and celebrate the success of the region.

Gary Vaynerchuk has captured attention with his pioneering, multi-faceted approach to personal branding and business. After primarily utilizing traditional advertising techniques to build his family’s local retail wine business into a national industry leader, Gary rapidly leveraged social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook to promote Wine Library TV, his video blog about wine (which receives over 80,000 views per day). Gary has always had an early to market approach, launching Wine Library’s retail website in 1997 and Wine Library TV in February of 2006.

Gary’s success has led to a 7-figure book deal, several national TV appearances, and a flurry of speaking engagements around the world. Gary’s dual identity as both business guru and wine guy has made him the “Social Media Sommelier.”  His first business book, Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on your Passion, will be published in October of 2009.

“Energy and hustle were the first things that came to mind when we asked Gary to be the keynote at TechNite,” stated Steve Kozak, Executive Director.  He embodies an amazing energy, which truly mirrors the Baltimore region.  Gary not only had humble beginnings and learned his trade first hand – he shows you what it is like to be an entrepreneur and is passionate about seeing it happening for others.  And trust me, Gary’s message will touch everyone who attends TechNite.  He’ll certainly get you thinking and you’ll be more than energized.  We really can’t wait for TechNite and for everyone to hear Gary – he’s going to be great.”

In addition to hearing from Gary, this year’s TechNite will celebrate the region’s technology community and recognize some of the areas hottest entrepreneurs.

Posted by: Jen Gunner

If you had five minutes on stage, what would you say to Baltimore? What if you only got 20 slides and they rotated automatically after 15 seconds?

Last Thursday Steve Kozak did just that and spoke to a crowd of 240 plus Greater Baltimore supporters at Ignite Baltimore #3.  It was a great event (as they always are) and well worth attending or if your up for it - speaking your mind. 

If you’d like to listen to Steve’s talk on Sharing Your Crayons, click here and to check out the other speakers visit the Ignite Baltimore website - they were great!  Either way be sure to mark your calendars for 10/22/09 - that’s when Ignite Baltimore #4 will happen at the Walters Art Gallery.