Will a proposed airline merger mean a little turbulence for Maryland air travelers? Jay Hancock joins Jeff Salkin in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

A local law firm has come up with an interesting approach to combat those high-priced hourly attorney fees. It’s called the Empty Hourglass Program. Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's Made in Maryland.

A look at the general health of banks & credit unions with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.

What can Maryland companies learn from businesses in China? We have a first person look this week with Jay Hancock.

Chewpons is a local MD company focusing on offering consumers the best daily deals on local restaurants, cafés, markets, package stores, and virtually anywhere they can get something to eat or drink. Adam Marks, founder of Chewpons talks about how Chewpons works.

Hot dog stands are a staple in places like New York City. But Baltimore is gaining ground with an increasing number of wiener wagons spread across town. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez samples the goods at one local food cart to find out why they’re so dog-gone good.

It's the season for giving, but are more consumers re-gifting in a tight economy? Andrea Walker of Baltimore Sun talks to Jeff Salkin.

With the holiday travel rush just around the corner, those planning to head to the airport are hoping their flights will not be delayed. Not only are delays a nuisance for travelers, they also put a dent in the economy. Domestic flight delays cost the U.S. economy $32.9 billion, and about half that cost is borne by airline passengers.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Mike Ball discusses the research findings he co-authored, commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Nationally known Reverse Mortgage Expert Brian Sacks talks to Jeff about Reverse Mortgages, what they are, how they work, and who they benefit.

How is a family selected for a Maryland Home Makeover? MPT's Charles Robinson talks with a recipient and explains how the program works.

The man who revolutionized ear muffs is back in the spotlight with two new start-ups; Big City Farms, an urban farming business, and ZeroChroma, which makes cases for mobile devices. Brian returns to the program to discuss his latest ventures and the lessons learned from running 180s.

It's not the kind of business combination you'd imagine, but a young artist in Southeast Baltimore has found a way to showcase his talents in a venue that has truly become a "family affair." Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's Made In Maryland.

You've probably seen them in your favorite grocery store, the new shopping basket with wheels. Does this hybrid basket-cart encourage consumers to buy more items? Jeff Salkin talks to Liz Kay from Baltimore Sun.

Government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have played a central role in the housing market since the collapse of the housing market two years ago, but at a greater cost to American taxpayers.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, Cliff Rossi discusses reforming mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Angie Barnett of the Better Business Bureau talks to Jeff about protecting your credit card information.

In this week’s Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez finds out how one local gym is attracting new members in a tight economy. It’s more than just a great workout.

You've probably seen the ads for energy in your mailbox, so what's a consumer to do? We'll break down the new energy deals in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

How do you build teams that are highly adaptive and best draw upon the knowledge, skills and abilities of team members in ways that achieve superior performance? Recent research turns traditional notions of leadership on its head.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Professor Paul Tesluk shares how your organization can gain competitive advantage by cultivating shared leadership in your teams.

When lending giant Bank of America halted foreclosure proceedings to examine the process, the call from consumer groups went out to all lenders to do the same. What are the implications for homeowners, banks, and the economy?

Do you know what that farmer's market sign in the grocery store really means? We'll do a little digging in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Whenever you look at a company website or view any kind of business brochure, there is a bunch of creative minds at work helping to develop that media message. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits an award-winning agency who is on a mission to build their clients’ brand.

The consumer's best friend Angie Barnett of the BBB of Greater Maryland joins us with sound advice and tips to avoid scams.

China gets 10% growth while the U.S. gets 10% unemployment, we will explore trade policy in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Many CEO's are not only struggling to move ahead, but to keep their companies afloat. Nancy Yamada finds out what their secrets are in this week's Smith Business Close-Up.

In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits a coffee kiosk in Pasadena that many consider a brew with a view.

Your resume is the first impression on a potential employer that will either shut the door on you or get you an interview. Is your resume keeping up with the times? Art Taguding joins us with up-to-the-minute advice on best ways to show you're qualified and prepared for the job.

Do you know what you're really paying for in that juice drink? We're squeezing out all the latest information in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

There are a number of food trucks popping up around town. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits one of these mobile restaurants to find out why they're taking their gourmet burgers to the streets.

Mobile "apps" are changing everything from the way we get our news, to buying music to paying our bills. WeatherBug's Chris Brozenick joins Jeff to talk about how mobile technology is changing the way we live and work.

A twenty-something entrepreneur is using her business savvy to stock up a kitchen consignment shop that's slowly bringing in buyers. According to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, the secondhand market is gaining popularity these days. Yolanda Vazquez discovers why in this week's Made In Maryland.

What does a shift in home buying patterns mean for sellers? Some answers in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

"With constant change, economic challenges and the havoc that events such as Gulf oil spills, natural disasters and terrorist threats can create, old models of balancing supply and demand are no longer effective."

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, Sandor Boyson, research professor and co-director of the Supply Chain Management Center, discusses the new risks for today's supply chains and how organization can deal with volatility.

A new attraction in Baltimore is taking visitors on a high speed and educational ride. MPT's Lou Davis takes us aboard.

Is a pillar of Maryland's economy about to rollover? Breaking down the impact of federal defense spending on the state's economy.

They've been in business for nearly 50 years and have become the go-to-place for western wear in Baltimore. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits this Glen Burnie landmark that has become a popular spot for cowboys and "cowgirls" alike.

With Maryland's "Hands Free" law now in effect, motorists are required to use either an earpiece or a bluetooth device while driving. Tracy Hixon of Best Buy joins Jeff to explain the different options available to drivers.

Forbes Magazine rates the Baltimore Ravens as the 8th most valuable team in the NFL. Ravens President Dick Cass talks about what makes the team such a successful business venture and what are Ravens' chances this season.

A local ice cream store in Annapolis weathers the storm by providing a top quality product at neighborhood prices. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez shows us why residents and tourists alike consider them the perfect treat.

Is the Homestead Tax credit at risk if you appeal your assessment? Some answers in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

When it comes to business, they say 'know your worth'. But asking for a raise is never easy. Nancy Yamada with tips from the experts in this week's Smith Business Close-Up.

Recent reports from the state Labor Department says that Maryland has maintained a fairly stable job market despite losing publicly employed workers due to the culmination of the Census. Private sector hiring has remained somewhat stable and ahead of trends nationwide. The state's job gains were particularly seen in private education services and health care.

We will take a look at how one entrepreneur is carving out a woodworking business in Harford County.

Are consumers cutting back on cable TV to save money? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

In this week's Made In Maryland, we will take a look at how a Vespa dealership is riding to success.

The LoveLocal Maryland initiative provides Maryland small businesses the tools they need to be competitive but often can't afford. For consumers, LoveLocal Maryland provides a way to find products and services as well as get information about specials and coupons from local businesses.

In this week’s Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez takes a look at a local water sports business that’s making a splash in Baltimore County.

Recent reports show a still gloomy housing industry. In this week's Baltimore Sun Extra, Jamie Smith Hopkins talks about when homeowners can expect a bounce in the housing market.

All types and sizes of organizations are jumping to make sure they have a social media presence. But how should they be using these dynamic outlets?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Wendy Moe, associate professor of marketing discusses how organizations can use interactions that happen with their brand on social networks.

Entrepreneurs often take their passion and turn it into a business, one Howard County man took his passion and started climbing with it. Charles Robinson has the story.

Attorney Kandace Scherr, Esq. of Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC joins us for a look at special needs trust planning, living will, advanced directive, estate planning and other issues you should know about elder law. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a member of the Elder Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. Kandace Scherr's practice focuses on Medicaid planning, Estate Planning and guardianship.

Smart meters are on the way, what does that mean for your utility bill?

In this week’s Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits a popular Bethesda store where musicians take their stringed instruments for a tune-up.

A Laurel organic farmer Dave Liker talks about the farm's organic produce; what makes the produce organic and why more people are going organic.

It’s the only restaurant of its kind in Maryland, but if the owners of this trendy Mediterranean eatery in Owings Mills have their way, there will be hundreds of them across the country. Yolanda Vazquez explains why this Middle Eastern takeout concept can easily be duplicated in this week's Made in Maryland.

What can Skype do for your business? We find out in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

The charities have definitely felt the effects of the financial crisis and continued recession experiencing a drop in giving for the first time in decades. With tighter budgets to work with, nonprofit organizations need more strategies than ever when allocating funds.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, S. Raghu Raghavan, professor of Management Science, discusses how nonprofits can be systematic when allocating budgets.

For more than 40 years, a local mom-and-pop store has been selling some of the best handmade crafts found in the U.S and abroad. Yolanda Vazquez gives us a sampling in this week's Made in Maryland.

You've just bought your house, but now you need to be aware of title insurance scams. In this week’s Baltimore Sun Extra, Jay Hancock talks about why there has been a rise in such crimes and how to protect yourself from those scams.

Washington County has felt the brunt of the weak economy with the loss of the Northrop Grumman plant and other manufacturing jobs. Timothy Troxell, Executive Director of Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission discusses how they plan to rebound and lure new companies to the area.

A tight marketing budget is not a problem if you tap the right social media tools and this week Yolanda Vazquez visits a small business owner taking advantage of those tools to market her spa services.

In this week's Baltimore Sun Extra, Liz Kay talks about how some consumers are traveling first class at a low price.

A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that U.S. companies have been stockpiling cash and cash equivalents. According to the Federal Reserve, cash balances at non-financial companies are at the highest level ($1.84 trillion) since 1952. On a different measure, Cash represents 7% of all assets, the highest level since 1963. What's causing companies to stockpile and how will this affect the economy?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Progyan Basu, Tyser Teaching Fellow of Accounting and Information Assurance, discusses how and why businesses are stockpiling cash.

Recently another company has announced it has chosen Baltimore to debut a 4G wireless network. We'll discuss what makes the Baltimore region attractive to the number of companies who are putting in high-speed wireless and how gaining this technology raises our profile as far as Google's venture and attracting and retaining businesses and students.

A new journalism building at the University of Maryland is not only earning high grades for its green technology, but should be a state of the art learning center for years to come.

What low inflation means for the pensions of some retirees is the focus of this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

In this week's Made In Maryland, how a passion for tea is turning into a unique business.

Is the job market improving or getting worse? Where are the jobs and who is hiring? Dan Jones of Jones Networking joins us for a look at the job market and discusses how companies and job-seekers use social media to fill positions. Jones Networking is a professional recruiting and staffing firm specializing in the fields of IT, Finance and Administration.

If you don’t know how to tweet or have a Facebook page you could be missing a golden opportunity to attract new customers. In this week’s Made in Maryland Yolanda Vazquez tells us why the business world is all-a-twitter about social media.

Are you being rewarded for brand loyalty? This week how to take advantage of product programs in our Baltimore Sun Extra.

The world in changing. With a greater emphasis on all stakeholders around the global and the speed at which information flows digitally, companies are re-evaluating the way they do things.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Gaurav Bhalla, an executive education fellow at the Smith School and founder and CEO of Knowledge Kinectics, talks about rethinking marketing.

Sweeping reform on Wall Street and in banks cleared the Senate recently which will substantially alter the way the financial industry is regulated. Amongst its initiatives are a Consumer Protection Financial Bureau that would oversee lenders of private loans such as mortgages and credit cards and a clampdown on derivatives trading by Wall Street banks.

A new project is underway aimed at protecting the Chesapeake Bay and improving the oyster population. As MPT's Charles Robinson tells us, the project also involves consumers.

Good news for consumers shopping for the best electricity deal, we'll break-down a new plan aimed at making it easier to compare rates.

In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez explains how a relationship with a famous author presented a local business with the opportunity of a lifetime.

People's Counsel Paula Carmody joins Jeff to talk about how BGE's Smart Meter plan could affect consumers. The Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel is an independent state agency which represents residential consumers of regulated utility services including electric, gas, telecommunications, and water services, before the Maryland Public Service Commission, other state and federal agencies and the Courts.

A popular Washington DC antiques store is expanding to the Baltimore area. Yolanda Vazquez says the store has two decades of experience behind it in this week's Made In Maryland.

With a wave of newly minted graduates joining the work force in a very tight job market, those hunting for a new position or jockeying to advance in their current organization may think they have no room for negotiation. But in the Washington-Baltimore region, you may have more bargaining chips than you realized.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Joyce Russell discusses negotiation tactics.

The promise of more military jobs in Maryland is becoming a reality, we'll find out what that means for the state's economy in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Assurance Wireless, a division of Virgin Mobile, recently launched a service that provides a free cellphone and minutes to qualifying low-income Maryland residents.

Assurance is able to offer the free service because it obtains a per-customer subsidy through a federal program whose goal is to improve land-line and wireless phone access. Customers who exceed the 200-minute allowance have to pay for subsequent service at 10 cents per minute. You can call the company's toll free number to see if you qualify, 1-800-395-2171.

The subsidy comes from the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund, which supports a program called Lifeline.

Since its introduction five years ago, Google Earth has made virtual world travelers out of millions of people. Nancy Yamada sat down with creator Brian McClendon to find out the latest, greatest way to experience this 3-D technology.

Some signs of life in the car business? We'll take a ride this week with Jay Hancock in our Baltimore Sun Extra.

Baltimore has a new green building law which requires most private and public buildings to be more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly. Yolanda Vazquez speaks with one local business who’s had a hand in eco-architecture for quite some time now.

Baltimore officials are excited about the second presentation of World Class International Soccer right here at Ravens Stadium. The event will be a gold mine for the local economy as fans flood hotels and restaurants prior to the event. On Saturday, July 31st Manchester City Football Club will play Internazionale Milano, commonly known as Inter Milan. Manchester City is a member of England’s elite Barclays Premier League and is making their first trip to the U.S., while Inter Milan competes in Italy’s top league, Italian Serie A. This is the second consecutive year that M&T Bank will host teams from two of Europe’s top soccer leagues. Last year’s A.C. Milan vs. Chelsea match up was a sell out with over 71,000 fans.

It’s never easy to pack for a trip, but a specialty store in Towson has all those hard-to-find items for your last-minute getaway. Yolanda Vazquez has more in this week's Made in Maryland.

Are buyers and sellers both staying on the sidelines of the real estate market? Some insights in this Baltimore Sun Extra.

Nations around the globe are captivated with World Cup fever. For the first time, the tournament is in South Africa and having big impacts on the country.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up, Smith marketing faculty member Hank Boyd discusses a recent MBA student trip he led to South Africa to learn about the marketing surrounding the World Cup.

BGE's Mark Case talks about the MD PSC's rejection of the company's Smart Meter plan which would have put 1.36 million meters capable of advanced monitoring in customer's houses. The meters were to be part of the larger Smart Grid plan, a major initiative pushed by the president. Jeff talks about what the meters are capable of, how they were to be paid for and what the company plans to do after the shocking PSC decision.

How online shopping is getting more sophisticated in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

It’s an unlikely food combination that’s bound to keep you coming back for more. Yolanda Vazquez visits a local restaurant whose origin was divinely inspired. Here’s more in this week's Made in Maryland.

Barcoding Inc. has launched a customized mobile ticket scanning application for Baltimore-based MissionTix.com, an online ticketing service for buying and selling tickets for concerts, performances, fairs and other local events. The application allows venues to use handheld devices to scan and process a barcode from both printed tickets and tickets displayed on a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Now, ticket holders no longer need to print a ticket if they have a mobile device with Internet access. A concertgoer could buy a ticket en route to a performance, and present the e-ticket displayed on their phone for admission. In addition, with Barcoding’s customized application, handheld scanners are able to recognize the ticket’s electronic barcode from a screen while simultaneously tracking admitted tickets in real-time by communicating with other handhelds in the venue’s system.

Is the IRS focusing on the little tax payer at the expense of turning its attention on big business? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

This week an inside look at barbecuing from the pit to the grill.

The BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is one of the biggest corporate disasters of all time. The energy giant – the fourth largest company in the world – has been grappling with the fallout of April’s deadly explosion and oil spill, which has had serious impact on U.S. Gulf Coast industries and the environment.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Shreevardhan Lele, Tyser Distinguished Teaching Fellow of Decision Sciences, discusses what responsibility BP has as a company in the oil spill.

When Circuit City went out of business it made room for appliance/electronic retailer hhgregg to move into some of its stores at six locations in Maryland. In a competitive market, Jeff talks with hhgregg's regional manager about the hhgregg shopping experience and how the company plans to succeed where Circuit City failed.

With close to a half-dozen stores around town, Atwater’s has built up a reputation as a family-friendly eatery with savory, home-made meals, soups, sandwiches and more. Yolanda Vazquez takes you to their original store in this week’s Made in Maryland.

Why are so few women on the board of directors for leading Maryland companies? Some answers with Jay Hancock in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

There's a green revolution in home building and this week our Charles Robinson looks at the business of building green.

A family owned and operated toy store in Harford County is making a name for itself by offering games and gadgets with an educational twist. Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's Made in Maryland.

A key regional housing trend has apparently been slowed by the economy.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, recently announced that Donn Weinberg has assumed the position of Chairman of the Board. Tonight we'll learn more about the Weinberg Foundation's charitable work.

What are the lessons for success in your career? Our Charles Robinson spoke with Baltimore native and 60 Minutes correspondent Byron Pitts.

A family-owned bakery with strong roots in Baltimore has re-invented itself as a top seller in the wholesale cookie business. Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's Made in Maryland.

If you're a Maryland homeowner struggling with your mortgage, you might need to know about the state's newly passed foreclosure mediation law. It takes effect for foreclosure cases filed on or after July 1, 2010.

If you’re looking for unique, custom-made furnishings or American-made items to decorate your home, a high-end country store in Harford County has quite a selection to choose from. Yolanda Vazquez visits this mains street staple in this week's Made in Maryland.

Dave Kilpe of Casey's Crabs in Odenton talks to Jeff from his crab emporium about seafood prices and how the crisis in the gulf may impact what we pay for crabs.

This week Lou Davis visits the Cherry Glen Farm in Montgomery County where they're breeding goats and making cheese.

Visit Baltimore recently launched its 'Find Your Happy Place in Baltimore' campaign. The Find Your Happy Place in Baltimore concept is derived from Visit Baltimore's research that shows people, more than ever, are looking to do things that make them happy after the long economic downturn including spending quality time with family and friends and traveling.

It can relieve back pain and help improve your posture. In this week's Made in Maryland Yolanda Vazquez tells us why Pilates is big business these days.

Electricity prices are dropping, what's a smart consumer to do? Some answers in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

On April 13, Maryland became the first state to legally create a new corporate form – the “benefit corporation” – that lets social entrepreneurs commit their for-profit ventures to a specific social good. This new law reflects a growing interest among business leaders and one that is swelling among students at business schools across the country.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dean Anand Anandalingam talks about how a shift in thinking will help ensure the future of business will be better than the past.

They’ve been around for more than 20 years and now a well-known Washington DC antiques store is making some in-roads in Baltimore. Yolanda Vazquez visits this popular place in this week’s Made in Maryland.

The last day of April was a big day for home buyers.

A local entrepreneur is climbing to new heights. Our Lou Davis explains.

Specialty stores such as florists and jewelers will see a lot of foot traffic come this Mother’s Day. But there’s another gift item for mom that’s also a sweet treat. Our Yolanda Vazquez shows us in this week's Made in Maryland.

Pros and Cons of natural gas discussed in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

With an unemployment rate of more than 9 percent and significant underemployment, some argue highly skilled foreign-born workers should be restricted from entering the United States on work visas. But do foreign workers really depress the wages of American workers as some reports claim?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Henry C. Lucas Jr. and Sunil Mithas discuss their recent study of more than 50,000 information technology professionals that provides evidence to support the employment of highly skilled foreign workers in the U.S.

Raw, unprocessed honey in its most purest form is the main product of a local company that’s been keeping bees busy for decades. Yolanda Vazquez visits their warehouse in Canton to see what all the buzz is about in this week's Made in Maryland.

Jos. A. Bank's President and CEO Neal Black talks to Jeff about the company's plan to open five new factory stores in 2010, and as many as 75 total in future years. Jos. A. Bank hopes to reach a different segment of consumers in the factory stores by adding products not found in its retail outlets. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers is based in Hampstead.

They have one of the largest Oriental rug showrooms on the East Coast, but Alex Cooper specializes in much more than floor furnishings. Our Yolanda Vazquez takes a closer look at their 80-year old business in this week's Made in Maryland

The Oyster Recovery Partnership has launched Maryland’s first Oyster Shell Recycling Alliance. Together with more than 20 restaurants, catering companies and seafood wholesalers, the regional oyster shucking community and volunteers. The Alliance will focus on collecting used oyster and clam shells from restaurants and caterers in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Washington, DC metro area. Oyster shell is a limited resource that needs to be recycled. Reused oyster shell provides crucial natural habitat for new oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and is used exclusively by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point hatchery for its oyster setting process.

Are smart meters a bright idea for smart consumers? We'll find out in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

The expansion of uses for the mobile phone has led to a brand new canvas for advertisers. Jeff talks with Paul Palmieri, CEO of one of the biggest players in mobile advertising, Baltimore based Millennial Media.

Given today’s economic challenges, many interior designers are dealing with clients who want to “rework” their living space instead of completely redesign it. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez talks with the head of a local design firm to see how simple it is to get a “new look” for your home.

New reasons for adding electricity to your shopping list.

What's it take to run an airline? This week we meet the CEO of Jet Blue.

Todd Hays' Video Game trading company is "growing like a weed" as the Hunt Valley-based Gamers Factory operation recently went public. Jeff talks to Todd about the huge demand for new and used games and how his company is working with consumers and retailers to find happy homes for used games.

Green jobs are supposed to lead to a new economy, but several just left Maryland.

Despite a global recession, India’s economy has been growing at a steady pace and the prime minister expects it to expand at least 7 percent this year. Even if you’re not planning to start or expand a business in India, exploring its business climate and culture can be an enlightening experience.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, MBA student Scott Lewis talks about a recent international study trip to India and the insights he and his fellow classmates gained there.

A family owned bakery has re-invented itself as a top seller in the wholesale cookie business. Yolanda Vazquez shows us how they did it in this week's Made In Maryland.

As if there wasn't enough bad news in the state budget, a recent report finds pensions are underestimated.

Recent college grads have more competition than ever as the biggest pool of unemployed workers in recent history competes with them for the scarce jobs available. Dr. Kevin Manning, President of Stevenson University and Director of Career Services Art Taguding join Jeff to talk about strategies for success for those entering the workforce for the first time.

In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez shows us why a local store that specializes in luxury linens, bedding and lingerie is still going strong after 30 years in business.

Some possible good news on the real estate front, a dip in mortgage delinquencies in Maryland, but is the full scope of the problem still growing?

For Haiti, still reeling from a devastating earthquake -- and other developing nations ravaged by disaster -- the primary focus is on humanitarian aid. But beyond government and philanthropic support, entrepreneurs could have an impact.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Melissa Carrier, executive director of the Center for Social Value Creation, discusses how entrepreneurship and innovation can help solve global challenges.

Increasing, business schools are tackling how social entrepreneurship can aid in international development. At the Smith School, the Center for Social Value Creation is teaming up with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Global Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition that challenges teams of MBA and other graduate students to develop business solutions that support international development. Teams will be tasked with devising a new public-private alliance that allows a private enterprise to meet its long-term business goals while contributing to international development initiatives in a specified region. The final event will be held on April 23 in Washington.

Baltimore is vying to be chosen as one of a small number of trial locations across the country for Google to build an ultra-high speed broadband network. Tonight David Troy and "Google Czar" Tom Loveland join us to discuss the effort to get the 1 Gbps, fiber optic connections directly to people's homes. This connection would be 2,000% faster than the fastest connection currently available to Baltimore residents.

Taking its cue from the “real world,” the fashion industry is finally starting to go beyond a size 2 and put plus-sized models on the runway. This trend-forward idea has ushered in a new era of plus-size retailing. Yolanda Vazquez found one store that is capitalizing on the fuller-figure concept. She has more in this week’s Made in Maryland.

How debt hounds ended up chasing their own tails in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Social networks like facebook, linkedin, and twitter are becoming more important to business owners and job seekers alike, but what's the best way to take advantage of all the online options? Charles Robinson has a look.

The Ravens are reaching out to their fans through social media and giving them unique access to the team through their website.

It’s been around for centuries and to this day bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in this country. Yolanda Vazquez explores all the items you need to enjoy this recreational activity in this week's Made in Maryland.

Does a rise in temporary workers mean the economy is recovering? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Curt Grimm talks about Toyota’s business problems, recovery strategy, and opportunities for competitors.

New credit card laws have taken effect. Tonight we'll learn what the new laws are and find out if it is good news for consumers.

A vacant storefront and a void in fresh, home-cooked meals prompted a local restaurateur to try her luck at something new. In this week’s Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez shows us how opening a restaurant in a down economy can actually turn out to be a blessing.

Does a "Just Reduced" sign in a real estate listing still motivate buyers?

Some farmers on Maryland's eastern shore are looking for new ways to boost their bottom line. MPT's Charles Robinson visits a dairy farm in Easton.

Ed St. John of St. John properties talks to Jeff about the fallout from the economy and its affect on commercial real estate. St. John Properties, Inc. is one of the Mid Atlantic region’s largest and most successful privately held commercial real estate firms. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD the company owns and has developed more than 14 million square feet of office, research and development/flex, retail and warehouse space, with more than 1,700 tenants in five states: Maryland, Colorado, Louisiana, Virginia and Wisconsin.

It’s that time of year again when the cold and flu bug is making its way around Baltimore. Store-bought meds usually do the trick, but more consumers are turning to herbal supplements and other holistic remedies to feel better. Yolanda Vazquez has the story in this week's Made in Maryland.

Some good news for Maryland's manufacturing economy, officials are revving up employment at a General Motors plant.

It’s Hollywood awards season. With the glow just wearing off from the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards quickly approaching, the year’s top films are vying for top honors. Aside from how well they do in the awards, how well films do at the box office depends in part on what parental guidance rating they carry.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. David Waguespack talks about his new research that delves into the Motion Picture Association of America’s parental guidance system.

Marketing technology expect Amy Webb talks to Jeff about how businesses and media outlets are incorporating the latest technology to marketing themselves. From APs to Webinars to social media, some traditional businesses are reaching out to more mobile orientated consumers and those in the networking community.

Do you know what to look for when considering a debt settlement firm? We'll have some answers in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

A business school in Maryland is trying Skype in the classroom.

MotorWeek's John Davis joins Jeff to talk about the Toyota safety concerns and how they will impact consumers as well as the company and auto industry as a whole.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. A local flower shop is smelling the sweet success of roses as they prepare for this Hallmark holiday. Yolanda Vazquez has more in this week’s Made in Maryland.

Nonprofit organizations share a common goal of making a difference in the world, but many could more successfully meet that goal by applying leading edge business strategies to improve operations. In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Rob Sheehan talks about how nonprofits can apply business strategies in his new book, “Mission Impact: Breakthrough Strategies for Nonprofits.”

Will 2010 bring stability to the real estate market? We'll break it down in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Jeff talks with the Director of Baltimore's Cash Campaign about the group's free tax prep service. The Baltimore CASH Campaign provides free tax preparation services for Marylanders so they do not have to pay the high cost of paid tax preparers and to insure they benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit. Free services are provided to taxpayers with incomes under $49,000 and single taxpayers (no dependents) with incomes under $25,000. Click the links below for sites and hours.

New reasons to consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth are explored in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra

You may not know it, but one of the largest selections of wallpaper in the Mid-Atlantic is housed at a store right along Frederick Road in Catonsville. Our Yolanda Vazquez takes a look at the “once-popular” paper product in this week's Made in Maryland.

Our Lou Davis climbs aboard for a close look at Maryland's growing cruise industry.

Deborah Owens joins us tonight to discuss her latest book, "A Purse of Your Own: An Easy Guide to Financial Security." In "A Purse of Your Own", Deborah draws from more than twenty years of experience in the financial services industry to offer advice on investment literacy.

New efforts by state officials to jump start the creation of more affordable housing is explored in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Jennifer Larrabee of the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland talks to Jeff about the groups project to help homeowners facing foreclosure. The PBRC recruits and manages the volunteer attorneys, coordinates volunteer training, and helps to integrate the attorneys into the volunteer opportunities available through the Project.

What are the financial lessons from the fist decade of the 21st Century. We'll look back and ahead in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Studies have shown a strong link between our health and the products in our home. Certain furnishings can have a negative affect on our indoor air quality. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits a Baltimore company who helps homeowners create “green interiors” with eco-friendly furniture and accessories.

The tough economy has more Americans tightening their belts, but is this making the economy even tighter? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Economists, public policymakers and business leaders all want to know how consumer spending will drive the economy. Now a new way to use customer satisfaction is giving them clues. In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Roland Rust talks about his new research that can forecast consumer spending better than other econometric models currently used.

Scott Ferber formerly of Advertising.com talks to Jeff about his latest venture, tidaltv.com and the future of online video.

Tonight Mr. Boyle returns with advice on paying for college. Then on Saturday, January 9, MPT presents 'You Can Afford College 2010'.

A Maryland-based Fortune 500 company sells out to the competition. Is losing Black & Decker a bad sign for Maryland business?