Baltimore Checkbook

BlackBerry says new device is 'world's most...

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BlackBerry is on a mission to stay competitive and relevant in the smartphone market even as it kills off its most iconic product.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/blackberrys-new-android-device-billed-as-worlds-most-secure-smartphone/40889560

Companies which offer paid vacation and pay for...

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U.S. workers have become notoriously bad about taking all their paid vacation days. But some employers have sweetened the pot to encourage their staff to not only take their time but often expand their horizons, too.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/these-companies-offer-paid-vacation-and-pay-for-your-vacation/40889008

Under Armour moving to FAO Schwarz's famed NY...

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Under Armour is moving to 5th Avenue. On an earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Kevin Plank confirmed that Under Armour will open a new flagship retail location in the space formerly owned by toy store FAO Schwarz.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/money/under-armour-is-moving-to-fao-schwarzs-famed-5th-avenue-space/40887110

DPW requests hearing for water rate increase

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The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is proposing a three-year package of single-digit water and sewer rate adjustments, as well as a new rate structure that would eliminate the minimum billing for water usage.



from http://www.wbaltv.com/news/dpw-requests-hearing-for-water-rate-increase/40894154

Gelato on top: Here are the winners, losers of the...

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Gelato sales are up in Maryland and so are energy bills, as the state pulls through one of its hottest weeks yet. Monday was the hottest day on record so far this year and temperatures are projected to exceed 90 degrees for the rest of the week. While some businesses thrive on the hotter days, namely those selling cold treats or with ample air conditioning, others suffer as high temperatures keep people away. Here are some of the heat wave winners and losers. Winners: 1. Indoor tourist attractions–…

State Board of Public Works to vote on $106M for...

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The second round of funding for the landmark 21st Century Schools project in Baltimore is set to be voted on by the state’s spending panel Wednesday in Annapolis. The Board of Public Works will consider five contract requests from the Maryland Stadium Authority for a total of $106.6 million to help fund new school construction projects under the massive overhaul of up to 28 of the city’s most decrepit schools. The authority is overseeing a majority of the school renovations under the agreement…

Columbia cybersecurity startup gets $250K loan...

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Columbia cybersecurity firm Bricata plans to hire 30 new employees on the heels of getting a $250,000 loan from Howard County. The Howard County Economic Development Authority said Tuesday it was giving the loan through its Catalyst Loan Fund. The Catalyst Loan Fund is paid for through a portion of the revenue made off of video lottery terminals at the state’s casinos. Howard County was recently approved to give out $3 million over the next two years through the fund. Bricata plans to use the money…

Free lasagna with purchase at Carrabba's Italian...

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Get a free lasagna with purchase at Carrabba’s Italian Grill through Sunday.

(Please note that I will not be mentioning this offer is in honor of National Lasagna Day on Friday National Chicken Wing Day and National Cheesecake Day are happening that day, too. We can only have so many phony “holidays”…

Former Bozzuto managers form new company

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Two upper level managers with the Bozzuto Group have joined forces with the founder of Columbia-based Murn Development to form a new property management firm. Murn Management starts off this month with a portfolio of 1,000 units of new development, many of them at Creekstone Village Apartments in Pasadena. Keith Gillan, a former senior vice president at Bozzuto, and Megan Pugh, a senior manager, signed on to the new effort, said Chris Murn, president of Murn Development. “Our focus is that we…

Legg Mason CEO says 2016 was a "challenging" year...

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Legg Mason Inc. CEO Joseph A. Sullivan said Tuesday he was disappointed by the company’s financial results in 2016, but he thinks the company has positioned itself for future success through its acquisitions and an improved asset mix. The Baltimore-based asset manager reported a net loss of $25 million for the year, compared to a $237 million profit last year. Assets under management also decreased from $702.7 million in 2015 to $669.6 million in the most recent fiscal year. “There are no two ways…