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Annual Meeting, Concurrent Roundtables and Reception Marriott’s Hunt Valley
Inn Annual Meeting Summary The Hunt Valley Business Forum held its seventeenth annual meeting on Monday, February 12 at 5:00 pm at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn. Concurrent roundtables were held at 4:00 pm before the annual meeting. The subject at the Human Resources Roundtable chaired by Christine Eichler of PDP Group Inc. was “Health Savings Accounts Update – 2/12/07” presented by: Francesca Lynch of Crawford Advisors. Francesca began her presentation with an overview of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); how they work, who is eligible and the options employers have when setting up an HSA. An HSA is a tax-favored savings account available to people enrolled in a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP). Francesca reviewed the changes in HSAs for 2007 which affect the maximum contribution limits, maximum contribution for mid-year enrollment and cost of living adjustments to contribution limits. Additional changes which affect an IRA rollover into an HSA and comparable contribution requirements were also discussed. Francesca reviewed national survey information on the marketplace performance of HSAs. Francesca concluded her presentation with two case studies demonstrating the benefits of implementing an HSA. Also at 4:00 pm the Facilities, Security, Transportation
Roundtable chaired by Marty Janka of McCormick & Company, welcomed
Richard Farr of rabbittransit to lead a discussion on transportation
initiatives to help beleaguered commuters on I-83 from York County
Pennsylvania to Hunt Valley. Before this discussion, Capt Marty Lurz and
Lt. Bob McGraw, Commander and Assistant Commander of Precinct 7,
Baltimore County Police Department presented a public safety update. Bob
began with a crime statistic report. We are fortunate to live and work
in Baltimore County where the crime rate is low. This is largely due to
the diligence of the Precinct 7 team and the cooperation they get from
the business and residential community. Communications within the
Precinct are accurate and timely. Bob pointed out the hazards of tinted
glazing in vehicles. Tinting at the factory level is acceptable but
locally tinted glass is not regulated. As a result, after market tinters
frequently permit vehicle owners to install tints so dark that it is
virtually impossible to see inside the vehicle. This is especially
dangerous for police officers when they make a stop and have no idea
what dangers can wait for them. Although citations are issued to have
non-conforming tinting removed, there is no provision to prevent
installers from repeating the offense after the citation has been
satisfied. Marty reminded us of the 24th Baltimore County Police
Citizens' Academy scheduled to begin on the evening of Thursday March 8,
2007 at 6 PM at the Public Safety Building located at 700 E. Joppa Road
in Towson. This is an excellent opportunity for community association
representatives, business representatives and private citizens to learn
more about their police department. The eleven week course consists of
mainly Thursday evening Robert Farr of rabbittransit continued the roundtable with an update from our last discussion on providing transportation from York County to Hunt Valley along I-83. This service is needed by employers and employees experiencing the frustrating drive along I-83 during rush hours. Both van pool and bus transportation is under study with van pool in association with Commercial Services most likely to arrive first because of funding issues for busses. Robert is working with MTA for solutions while we anxiously wait. Chairman Rick Web called the annual meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Rick’s welcoming address included the accomplishments of the Forum in 2006. Rick introduced Richard Muth, Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management for Baltimore County. Richard reported on the success of the Business Continuity Seminars. Richard and Tanya Jones, CCBC, presented Executive Citations from County Executive Jim Smith and Certificates of Appreciation from Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis, President of The Community College of Baltimore County to Frank Bell, TESSCO Technologies; Rick Webb, Atlantic Federal Financial Credit Union; Charlie Fenwick, Valley Motors and John Beever, Hunt Valley Business Forum for their work in the seminars. The Chairman then introduced Elaine Foard of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to report on the recent announcement of the move of the Race for the Cure to Hunt Valley in October, 2007. Charles Feihe, Treasurer, gave a brief report on the sound financial condition of the Forum. All the directors were introduced and the following were elected to new three year terms; Charles Feihe, PDP Group, Inc.; Marty Janka, McCormick & Company; Lawrence Trainor, Eastern Savings Bank; Mark Renbaum, Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corp. and Jim Wilhelm, Stout, Causey & Horning. Our keynote speaker was William R. Roberts, President of Verizon Maryland. Verizon is one of the largest employers in the Hunt Valley area and was an important part of the founding of the Forum. Bill’s address focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the communications industry today. These challenges are most evident in the expanding broadband market. Demands of the market place and the role of government are considerations. Bill feels that government should be more encouraging to growth and less intrusive. Following Bill’s remarks, the members adjourned for a reception at 6:00 pm. |