HMC, Inc. in Columbia Hires Seven Graduates of Sagamore Development’s Manufacturing Bootcamp
Program Aims to get Workers Trained and Hired in Manufacturing Jobs
Columbia, MD (January 31, 2017) – HMC Co. Inc., a Columbia based design and manufacturing facility, has hired seven of the first eight recent graduates of Sagamore Development’s pilot “Manufacturing Bootcamp” to work at its facility.
“I believe in workforce development, and I believe in providing people with the gift of opportunity,” said Kara Dipietro, CEO of HMC Co. Inc. “We are committed to keeping manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and I am committed to doing my part to improve our society and economy by creating jobs.”
HMC, which is a 100 percent woman-owned business, is a commercial design-build firm focused on the design, fabrication and installation of interior custom food service and hospitality displays for large customers. Celebrating 28 years of service, the company employs 40 people and does its design and millwork fabrication in its facility in Columbia, MD.
“It’s heartening to see the results of this effort,” said County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “Through this innovative training program, individuals who may have struggled to find employment have had the doors open to opportunities in desirable manufacturing jobs.”
The Manufacturing Bootcamp, which was held at The Foundry, an experimental “makerspace” in Baltimore, was developed by Sagamore Development to provide Baltimore residents with the training needed in manufacturing to help prepare the workforce needed for the redevelopment of Port Covington.
“Port Covington is one of the largest redevelopment projects in the country and will be a huge economic impact not just for Baltimore, but for the surrounding counties and the State of Maryland,” said Lawrence Twele, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “What we see currently with HMC is an indicator of the types of collaborative relationships and opportunities that will come with the redevelopment. As Port Covington grows, there will be needs for goods and services across the state and some from right here in Howard County.”
A class of eight workers, all with barriers to employment, was selected by the Foundry and the Center for Urban Families to participate in the pilot program. The program ran four days a week for seven weeks and resulted in the hiring of all eight participants.
About HCEDA: The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small and agricultural businesses. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.
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Media Contact:
Brian Sheavly
Howard County Economic Development Authority
Office: (410) 313-6500
Cell: (443)-841-2265
bsheavly@hceda.org
