(8/8) The Frederick County Business Development and Retention Department (BDRD) of the Community Development Division recently published the July 2013 edition of the "Monthly Business Economic Indicators" report that tracks unemployment, job growth, weekly wage growth, new business growth, commercial permits and industry trends.

The report shows continued low unemployment rates compared to the state and nation as well as an increase of 2.2 percent in job growth from 2011 to 2012. The number of commercial and industrial permits issued in June brings the 2013 year-to-date at the highest level in five years. And, the total value of commercial and industrial construction costs more than doubled from June last year at $101 million, adding more dollars to county’s commercial tax base.

President Blaine Young of the Frederick Board of County Commissioners commented, "We are committed to seeing an increase in the economic health of Frederick County by supporting businesses of every size and by attracting new businesses -- especially in our targeted industries. One way to accomplish our ‘business-friendly’ goals is to help existing businesses become more successful through business retention visits, PRWeb, small business counseling services, free property reports, data research services and the monthly reports provided by the Business Development and Retention Department. We encourage our citizens to contact the department staff for ways to start or grow a successful business."

BDRD also tracks a listing of major company expansions with: capital investment greater than $50,000, floor area more than 10,000 square feet or an employment increase of at least ten. For the first half of 2013, major company expansions included Mount Saint Mary’s University, Music & Arts, Mattress Tech Enterprises, Carter Control Systems, Ramar Moving Systems, BP Gamma Medical, Structural Systems LLC, Wright Manufacturing, Guitar Center, Lonza and Stultz Air Technology Systems.

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