Howard County Realtor Pat Hiban joins us to discuss the business advice he offers in his book and the inspiration for writing it.

A local entrepreneur is cleaning up the business of garbage - how Veteran Compost is turning organic waste into high quality soil amendments.

Is there finally a break in the long real estate drought? Some possible good news for homeowners in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

The Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration returns to update us on the latest news from the Port of Baltimore. We'll ask him about cargo operations, cruise business, port security and construction of the new container berth at the Seagirt Marine Terminal.

How to take advantage of a battle between bank and credit unions for your service.

A local fair trade shop is attracting customers and products from all over the world.

How a dessert dive plans to make a newly leased space the first rice crispy treat cafe in the country.

We'll ask a fund manager about the outlook for stocks next year and what the oil market is telling us about gasoline prices ahead.

Is the economy in worse shape than some consumers think?

Great leaders can be great role models, but another way to learn about leadership is through the mistakes of others. Some leaders who rise up the ranks start believing they are beyond reproach and for them, the rules don’t apply.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Joyce Russell talks about how leaders can stay ethical and what happens when they slip up.

Don Fry joins us to discuss the Greater Baltimore Committee's plan for a new arena in the Inner Harbor connected to a larger convention center.

How a one of a kind curry powder from a long held family recipe is spicing up the condiment market.

Does the success of your business depend on an accurate weather forecast? Where does a business owner go when their bottom line is on the line?

Is it going to cost you more in Maryland to fill up at the pump or will lawmakers hit the brakes on a proposed gas tax increase?

As smart phones and tablets have become more prevalent in our lives, so have the demands for mobile applications or "Apps". Tonight we'll hear from Maryland based companies who have entered the burgeoning design and build Apps business.

How does leadership in the battlefield translate to leadership in the boardroom? We head to Gettysburg this week to find out how that might work for University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business students.

Smart meters are coming to neighborhoods across Maryland, how can customers take advantage of this new technology?

A bitter, but profitable business is explored this week, the business of horseradish.

Is your business prepared for the next hurricane or ice-storm? Tonight we give you the information you need to make plans to recover from financial losses and business interruption caused by a disaster.

How a couple of moms are turning their idea into a sports apparel business.

Will promises of peace overseas bring pink slips to defense workers in Maryland?

Bank of America recently announced a drastic increase in debit fees and Citi also announced an increase in other account fees. With the banking industry still struggling, are consumer stuck paying the bill?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Clifford Rossi, executive-in-residence of finance, discusses the current state of the banking industry and impacts for consumers.

This week we profile a local company full of hot air and taking customers to new heights while raising the bottom line.

Figuring out the intricacies of social security can be a daunting task. Tonight our guest offers advice on how to maximize your benefits.

Next week is Economic Development Week in Maryland. While we're still in tough economic times, tonight we'll look at some of the strengths of our state economy.

Is burning trash the answer to Maryland's power problem?

Amazon plans to release the Kindle Fire tablet next month. Will that have any effect on Apple's dominance of the tablet market? And with all the tablets on the market, how do you know which one to pick? Tonight we'll help you sort through all the new devices, services and apps so you can choose the right device for your needs.

Whether it’s their signature vegetable soup or their wildly popular health bread, a Greenspring Valley Bakery is winning customers over and turning profits with their good food and hospitable charm. Yolanda Vazquez explains how.

Why lucky lottery winners may not be so lucky in the decisions they make immediately after winning the jackpot.

If you end up in the hospital for a surgery, the decision on when you are released to go home may not be solely based on your recovery.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Ph.D. candidate David Anderson talks about his research that finds evidence that hospitals base discharge decisions on the amount of beds needed for surgeries on a given day.

Turning empty, aging properties into profitable space is the goal of some enterprising business owners in Baltimore, just how are they doing it?

A blast from the past. Gino's Burgers & Chicken is open again, just like it's 1957. What's the secret to their success? We're in the kitchen with owner Scott Autry.

One promising bio-tech company is leaving Maryland, what can be done to prevent others from leaving the state?

Their mission is to make your life a little easier by caring for your furry friends while you’re gone. This week,Yolanda Vazquez talks with a former corporate executive who gave up her six figure salary to create a business that’s truly "gone to the dogs."

A. Melissa Moye was recently named the Chief Investment Officer of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. Tonight we'll learn how she plans to protect and build the fund's portfolio.

The lights went out, then the bill was wrong, why some customers should double check their utility bill.

The ways we consume information have expanded drastically in the past decade with digital formats of everything from movies to newspapers widely available, as well as special devices like the Apple iPad and Kindle reader to view them. But these new formats haven’t yet entirely replaced the old.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, P.K. Kannan talks about his research that explores under what conditions consumers would buy both traditional and digital formats of content.

According to the Census Bureau, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States grew 44% from 2002-2007. In Baltimore, that growth has been stagnated a bit because of the recession. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Yolanda Vazquez speaks with the head of a local advocacy group about their efforts to develop new Hispanic businesses in Baltimore.

You want to be safe, but is the spare tire in your trunk costing you more at the pump?

A high flying, rope climbing business in Rockville is beating the competition for consumers. What's the key to their success? Our Lou Davis finds out.

A local chocolatier is giving popular-brand chocolates a run for their money with his island-grown cocoa beans and mouth-watering, gourmet goodies. Yolanda Vazquez shows us how his handmade treats are turning into a "sweet" success story in this week's "Made in Maryland."

Tonight we'll learn more about a local company that's offering group pre-paid tax preparation and advice services as employee benefit.

Mercy Medical Center has adopted a business model to meet the increase in health care needs with a plan to "ring the beltway" with community health centers. Their latest is a converted former Giant grocery store in Lutherville which is now a one-stop shop for patients to visit their primary care physician, get lab work done, specialized physician care, diagnostic radiology, chemotherapy and pulmonary services.

It seems everyone is using Facebook, including a sizable number of businesses built around the platform. It's an entirely new industry, dubbed the "App Economy," and for the first time, professors at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business have been able to quantify the economic impact of jobs created by this new industry.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the Smith School, Il-Horn Hann, associate professor of information systems, talks about new research that measures the number of jobs created and the dollar value of Facebook's app economy.

A passion for all things oil and vinegar has lead one Frederick woman to a promising business idea. In this week's "Made in Maryland" Yolanda Vazquez samples the popular condiment combo to see what all the fuss is about.

More companies and recruiters are using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to connect with potential employees. Tonight we'll learn how these social networking sites are changing the way companies and job-seekers connect.

Hats off to a locally owned business that's been creating head-wear in Baltimore for 30 years. How do they do it?

If you've had a problem with your mortgage company, you're not alone. This week we'll find out what's being done about an increase in mistakes and misconduct.

With many growing start-ups struggling to bridge the funding gap between seed money and late-stage venture capital, the technology and venture capital communities in Maryland are backing a proposed program that could fill the void. Approved by state lawmakers this spring, InvestMaryland will auction off tax credits to insurance companies to generate $100 million to invest with venture capital funds in state-based companies.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Elana Fine, Director of Venture Investments at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship talks about the outlook for regional venture investments and what the InvestMaryland program will do for state companies.

Bob Paff joins us with expert advice for small business owners and entrepreneurs on how to stay competitive in a tough economy. He'll also preview the upcoming Small Business Survival Summit.

A new project in downtown Baltimore could be a major boost to potential business owners. The program is called Operation Storefront, MPT's Charles Robinson explains.

The message is your call is very important to us, but then you're left talking to computers. This week, how to connect with a real customer service representative when you dial an 800-number.

A trendy mom with a flair for fashion is taking her baby boutique to a whole new level.

Bethesda, Maryland based EagleBank received $56.6 million through the Small Business Lending Fund to increase their lending to small businesses, helping companies expand their operations and create new jobs. Tonight we'll look at the role community banks play in revitalizing the economy.

It’s the first of its kind in the state and the first time it’s been done in nearly a century. A Frederick restaurant takes a chance at using locally-grown barley to make beer. Yolanda Vazquez finds out how they developed a barley-malt suitable for brewing in this week's "Made in Maryland."

Apps and widgets meet real estate. This week we look at the newest high tech tools for buyers and sellers in the real estate market.

Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. You probably use social media – or at least you’ve heard of the major platforms. But how does social media fit into your business?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, William Rand, assistant professor of marketing, talks about social media as a business tool.

You've watched the major swings in your portfolio as the stock market has dramatically fluctuated in recent days. What's an investor to do? T. Rowe Price Financial Planner Stuart Ritter has some timely suggestions for nervous investors.

TowsonGlobal is a part of Towson University’s Division of Economic and Community Outreach (DECO). Clay Hickson joins us tonight to explain the resources they provide for entrepreneurs to grow and compete in a global economy.

It has become the premiere source for baby birth announcements and hand-painted stork designs in Harford county. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits a stay-at-home mom who’s using her creative talents to welcome the arrival of newborn babies.

What are the smart steps to get back on solid financial ground after losing your job? Some tips in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

As the old saying goes, variety is spice of life. It turns out, it’s also the key to keeping yourself motivated to meet your goals when you haven’t yet made much progress. The catch: if you are almost at your goal, less variety is more motivating.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, PhD candidate Jordan Etkin talks about her research that finds variety has a huge impact on motivation.

Officials have worked hard over the last three years to bring a major road racing event to downtown Baltimore. Jay Davidson heads Baltimore Racing Development that projects that the event will attract more than 100,000 visitors to Baltimore and generate up to $70 million in direct and indirect economic impact over the three days, based on such visitors spending on hotel nights, meals, tickets and other purchases.

Street races are celebratory festivals as much as races and consist of concerts, go-kart races, automobile shows and a variety of corporate events. The track would run through the City of Baltimore along world-renowned Harborplace. All IRL races are nationally televised on either ABC or the Versus networks and the race would be a three hour "commercial" for the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

Business is booming in downtown Bel Air especially for some of the shops along Main Street. Yolanda Vazquez visits one of the area’s trendiest stores in this week’s Made In Maryland.

This week why you need to make sure your new home's permit history doesn't have any unwanted surprises.

Protecting your finances from fraud is never easy, but it can be even more difficult for older adults.

What are the latest trends in financial literacy for seniors?

Laura Riley, the Baltimore County Department of Aging Deputy Director will discuss financial literacy and talk about the resources available for individuals who need help.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently replaced its food pyramid nutrition guidelines with a user-friendly plate icon to help Americans understand the proportions of foods they should be eating each day for a healthy diet.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Rebecca Ratner talks about how her research supports the new nutrition guidelines.

It has been called "The East Coast-Cali" a place where the bi-coastal surf lifestyle comes alive. In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez takes us on a tour of this Harford County store filled with good vibrations.

What are the new real estate trends this summer? If you've been on the sideline, is it now time to make a move in the real estate market?

Tonight the new publisher of The Daily Record joins us to discuss her vision for the future of the publication as well as trends in the industry and staying competitive as a daily business and legal news source in an online world.

Why are more high end retailers choosing outlet malls for their location?

They are experts at bringing precious family photos to life, but that’s only the beginning of a myriad of services offered by a Baltimore county photography company.

Tonight we'll learn how Business Volunteers Unlimited Maryland help to bring the talents of local business professionals to nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers and board leadership. They offer training and learning seminars for business leaders on issues of corporate social responsibility and nonprofit board governance.

We've seen volatility in the prices at the pump this summer. Have we already hit the peak or should we expect prices to rise?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Charles E. Olson talks about the factors that impact gas prices.

The cost of going green, is the smarter investment in LED's or wind farms?

A young entrepreneur has found a way to combine his love of ice cream with his savvy business sense to create a unique catering business.

If you're looking for a fitness challenge, our Yolanda Vazquez has a workout that has all the rage in "cage fitness" - in this week's Made In Maryland.

The president of AARP talks about the future of the organization and the recent controversy over whether the leading advocacy group for people over age 50 was wavering in its opposition to cutting social security benefits.

In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez visits with a local company that’s playing a key role in the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure program.

Some experts say one of the key to a happy marriage is planning your financial future together before the honeymoon. In this week's Baltimore Sun Extra, how to do it.

The U.S. debt is ticking away past $4 trillion dollars and threatens to hit the current federally imposed limit on how much we borrow to keep our economy afloat. What are the impacts if this limit is not raised in time as lawmakers squabble of the details of how to manage the country’s debt crisis?

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 the fast-approaching collision of the federal debt with the current ceiling limit, and the looming deadline for Congress to act on increasing the ceiling.

Baby boomers are retiring in record numbers, how is the Social Security Administration preparing for that? What should you consider when starting to take retirement benefits? These are some of the topics Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue will discuss on this week's program.

Michael Astrue was sworn in as Commissioner of Social Security on February 12, 2007 for a six-year term that expires on January 19, 2013. The Social Security Administration is an independent federal agency headquartered in suburban Baltimore with over 65,000 employees nationwide. Commissioner Astrue reports directly to President Obama.

A new crackdown is underway aimed at protecting the oyster population in Maryland waters. Our Lou Davis reports authorities are stepping up patrols to cut down on poaching.

You visit the doctor's office for a health checkup, but what if the doctor could also help diagnose a financial issue?

They’ve helped furnish thousands of Baltimore homes for more than four decades. In this week's Made In Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez shows us how a family company is changing things around to keep up with the changing times.

Maryland is following a national trend with a growing number of its baby boomer population nearing retirement age. Businesses that serve older populations are preparing. Tonight we'll talk with the an executive from a company that owns and operates senior-living properties in Maryland and Delaware.

You spend much of your professional life making sure your organization, its services and products are branded and differentiated. But how much effort and thought are you spending on branding and differentiating yourself?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Ken White talks about how to build your personal brand and what it matters.

A health conscious entrepreneur is filling his vending machines with nutritional snacks and using the latest technology to keep customers satisfied, MPT's Lou Davis explains how it all works.

The recent case of Maryland prison guard who was asked for his Facebook username and password as a condition of employment brings to light the significance of what you should and should not be posting online. Employers are actually depending on Facebook profiles as a form of vetting. Dr. Larry Burgee of Stevenson University talks to Jeff about the 5 posts that can kill your job search plus practical tips on how to "clean up" your profile to make sure you don't kill your career or sabotage your job search.

A passion for tasty treats from Argentina is helping a local entrepreneur carve out a successful niche in Baltimore.

There are new types of music, new types of music formats, but not all that many new musical instruments. Introducing the Harpeji,half guitar, and half keyboard, the hybrid instrument is making music around the world with users as diverse as Coldplay to Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire and 127 hours.)

How many B-Notes do you need to buy some local products? We'll find out in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Tonight we look at a five-year economic development plan that includes recommendations made by the business community called "Charting Maryland's Economic Path".

A high flying, rope climbing in Rockville is beating the competition for consumers. What's the key to their success? MPT's Lou Davis finds out.

What does new number crunching at Baltimore based 1st Mariner Bank mean for customers?

A Maryland landscape designer is digging up profits while giving customers tools for lawn success.

A recent study said if you want to try to recruit high tech workers, the way to go is high tech recruiting. Kathy Hutson from the NSA talks about the strategies the agency is using in what promises to be a big hiring year.

Why does it pay to be nice to your waiter? Because if you don’t, he'll spit in your soup. That’s a concern not only for diners, but managers, who know that great customer service is key to building brand and customer loyalty. Most companies hope their employees are behaving in a friendly, professional and patient manner toward customers, and fulfilling their requests. But sometimes employees actively sabotage customers.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Hui Liao talks about her recent study that delves into the causes of employee sabotage.

A new store in the historic section of Mt. Vernon is turning heads with local residents and nearby working professionals. In this week's Made in Maryland, we find out what the winning ingredients for success in the local food market.

Tonight we'll preview the Maryland Small Business Development Center's National Export Conference. We'll learn about the tools that local/small businesses need to compete in a global economy.

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure on the water, one entrepreneurial family in Cambridge may have just the place. MPT's Lou Davis finds out why this small business is so successful.

Will this summer be better for students looking for jobs? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Business secrets under the floor - this week, a flooring expert who’s been serving the Baltimore area for more than 40 years.

The big retail chains are pushing healthier food choices - what that means for the smart shopper in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Tonight we look at the housing market with economist Dr. Daraius Irani, Director of RESI's Applied Economics and Human Services group.

A team of brothers in Baltimore is serving up more than just beef on a bun in Baltimore. Our Yolanda Vazquez explains how they went from the hot dog cart to the deli restaurant.

The gap between wages earned by men and women is still a pervasive worldwide phenomenon. But new research finds that when an organization’s male CEO has a daughter, the relative pay for women at those firms goes up, narrowing the gap.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Cristian Dezsö talks about this new research, which he co-authored.

Can Maryland return to its former prominence in clothing manufacturing? MPT's Charles Robinson has the story.

More consumers may soon be eligible for a free credit report. Eileen Ambrose explains in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Tonight we'll learn more about the Baltimore Community Foundation and how it invests in the Greater Baltimore region and The William Donald Schaefer Civic Fund. The Schaefer Civic Fund, a permanent endowment supporting BCF's Neighborhood Grants Program, was seeded by Governor Schaefer in 2008 with money from left-over campaign funds, from a Civic Fund created during his time as Mayor of Baltimore, and with the gift of his former home to BCF for this purpose.

Is there still a market for a traditional printing shop in a digital age? Yolanda Vazquez visits one new studio to find out.

Tonight we'll learn how to take your business from a paper-based system and mirroring it digitally. Discussing what document management is, how to get started and what are the benefits.

This week, we visit a popular candy factory to see how they turn tasty treats into profits.

Have you ever been asked for ID before a merchant would take your credit card? We'll examine the pros and cons in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Conglomerate holding company Berkshire Hathaway is one of the world's most respected companies run by legendary investor Warren Buffett. Holders of the New York Stock Exchange's priciest stock will make the pilgrimage to Omaha, Nebraska, next week for the company's annual shareholder meeting – and a group of lucky undergraduates will go along for the ride to learn about the company, it's impact on the economy, and hear words of wisdom from the "Oracle of Omaha" himself.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, David Kass talks about Berkshire Hathaway, the annual shareholder meeting, and the upcoming student trip.

The model train business is booming for one local store in Cockeysville. In this week's Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez takes you along for the ride to find out why this long-time hobby is still chugging along.

As part of MPT's "Chesapeake Bay Week," we'll learn about a program that brings business and conservation groups together to help the Chesapeake Bay. Tonight we'll spotlight two Annapolis automobile dealerships who have joined forces to reduce storm-water runoff to improve the health of the bay.

Why are free checking accounts suddenly costing you cash? Some answers in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Rolling Stone ranks them as the second best independent record store in the country and they're right here in Maryland. What's the key to their success?

How do you know if you're getting good value on a new product? We'll find out in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Lead smarter. That’s the goal with strategic management which can help managers detect the early indicators that strategy isn’t working.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Dr. Oliver Schlake talks about management strategy.

Baltimore Collegetown Network's Kristin McGuire talks about the importance of internships and how universities and employers are working together through the network to get students this crucial experience.

A local entrepreneur has found a way to turn passion for unique Maryland treats into a successful business.

Credit cards, checking accounts and understanding a mortgage, should personal finance be part of the high school curriculum?

With the economy still recovering from the burst of the housing bubble and the financial crisis, experts are combing the period before the crisis and after for all the clues that could help avoid similar economic problems in the future. According to new research, accounting numbers hold big clues to how the credit default market functions – both before and after the crisis.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Michael Kimbrough, associate professor of accounting, shares his new research findings on how corporate accounting numbers predict spikes and dips in the credit default swap market, a major factor in the financial crisis.

As part of MPT's 'Get In Charge' financial literacy initiative, we’ll be airing a special version of 'Trick$ of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud' on March 21 at 9 PM with local interviews & live phone bank. Join us tonight for a preview of the information you need to protect yourself against fraud.

If you're a true foodie and like to try new products, our Yolanda Vazquez profiles a start-up business that's making one-of-a-kind drink.

Why do rich people stay in Maryland? We'll look at the tax code in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

The business of raising shrimp for profits - MPT's Lou Davis visits Marvesta Shrimp Farm on Maryland’s Eastern shore.

It's that time of the year...... tax time. You know it, you dread it, you need to get your stuff together and start crunching numbers. Jim Dupree from the IRS talks about what's new and what tax payers need to know when preparing taxes. Plus, Sara Johnson from the Baltimore Cash Campaign talks about the free tax preparation services offered at one of their 17 locations around the city.

They were one of the first companies in the country to make a healthy dog treat and now their nutritious bone-shaped biscuits are a hit with pet owners and their four-legged friends.

Some taxpayers will be getting their refunds on a prepaid card this year; what you need to know about these cards - in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

NewsTrust Baltimore is a unique new local news experiment with funding from the Open Society Foundation. The program and website engages news providers and students to interact in open critique, and rating of local news coverage. Educational partners will train their students to rate and curate the news on their own group pages, earning certificates for their work while media partners will invite their audiences to participate in this interactive quest, and many will include NewsTrust feeds and widgets on their websites.

How to keep your grocery bill down while prices rise, in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

As one of the most well-documented and studied battles in American history, the Battle of Gettysburg offers a rich set of characters, personalities, and examples of leadership decision-making that resonate in many organizations even today.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Greg Hanifee, talks about the Smith School’s new leadership program in partnership with the Gettysburg Foundation.

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business has partnered with the Gettysburg Foundation to develop customized leadership programs that integrate lessons from the historic Civil War battle. The intensely experiential programs will push participants to think differently about individual and organizational challenges through engagement in action-oriented sessions, both on the renowned Pennsylvania battlefield and in the classroom.

Harford County's C-Mart had somewhat of a cult following of bargain shoppers seeking big name designer products at discount prices. After many incarnations, what was once C-Mart has morphed into Isennocks Big TARP Auction Center and Company Store in Cockeysville.

The new store is different in that a major part of it's appeal are the auctions held on Wednesdays for big name merchandise. The Company Store, which will somewhat resemble C-Mart features shelves stacked with big name items at big discounts.

The goods come from insurance company salvage lots,and items from stores trying to get rid of damaged goods. Merchandise also comes from sample sales and liquidations.

The Casino at Ocean Downs has generated over $3 million for Maryland since its January opening and experts are betting the venue will be a long-term success.

They’ve created some of the most stylish and talked-about restaurants in Baltimore with eclectic cuisines you won’t find anywhere else. Yolanda Vazquez talks to the dynamic duo of Foreman Wolf in this week’s Made In Maryland.

Maryland Department of Economic Development Secretary Christian Johannson joins Jeff to talk about Maryland’s economy, some of DBED initiatives in 2011 to make it easier for businesses to do business with government, and a major proposal called InvestMaryland that seeks to pump $100 million into startup tech/biotech companies and help commercialize some of the great scientific and tech research.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you haven’t picked up a gift for that special someone, you’re in luck. Our Yolanda Vazquez has stumbled upon a homemade, sweet treat in this week’s Made In Maryland.

Word of warning to employers: Don’t make the mistake of thinking the economy and job market have left people captive in their current jobs. Employee satisfaction is key to whether people stay with an organization, and whether they are fully engaged at work. However, it’s not just how satisfied employees are that matters – it is also whether satisfaction is on the rise or trending down that offers clues to whether employees are planning to stay or leave a firm.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Professor Gilad Chen shares how organizations can make sure employees are satisfied enough to stay on the job.

Verizon's Regional President, Mike Maiorana, joins Jeff to talk about the latest in mobile technology including Smart Phones, Tabs and 4G technology.

Has a unique clinic in Baltimore found the prescription for the health care crisis? MPT's Lou Davis visits Shepherd's Clinic to find out.

What patients should know about the business of heart stents in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

In order for small businesses to survive these days, they have to think outside the box when it comes to advertising. In this week’s Made in Maryland, Yolanda Vazquez meets up with a female entrepreneur who uses social media to market her spa services.

One of the nation's top businesswomen is right here in Maryland and she's going virtual. Pat Troy joins us tonight to discuss her new book, "FLEX: The Virtual Office Advantage" and her new web site that offers help to area entrepreneurs and small businesses.

They’ve been in business for nearly 50 years and in that time, they’ve 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’s become a popular spot for cowboys and “cowgirls” alike.

Are more upscale brands getting into the outlet business?

With so many public and private-sector organizations becoming increasingly large and complex, what can senior leaders do to align their people around the organizations' goals?

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, Hugh Courtney discusses leadership in increasingly complex organizations.

Dean Yash Gupta joins us to discuss the launch of The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School's new Executive MBA program.

How does a community convert vacant stores into vibrant business? Charles Robinson shows us one plan in Baltimore.

Will plans for a new nuclear reactor in Maryland make it off the drawing board?

A local company has found a way to turn everyday trash into an entrepreneurial treasure. Yolanda Vazquez explains in this week's Made in Maryland

For many people, finding the right insurance is an intimidating process. Some feel uncomfortable having a salesperson come into their home. Others feel overwhelmed trying to understand the differences between the vast number of insurance choices available today, and they don’t know where to find help from an impartial advocate.

HealthPlan Headquarters is a retail store designed to help individuals, families and employers navigate today’s complicated health insurance maze. The store is open six days a week; individuals and families can walk in or make an appointment for a private one-on-one consultation with a licensed insurance professional. Jeff Salkin talks to Suzanne Thompson, owner of HealthPlan Headquarters.

On January 8th at 6:30pm, Maryland Public Television premieres a brand new show. Chesapeake Collectibles is an educational and fun half hour that searches for the most fascinating antiques and treasures across the Chesapeake region. To help set the stage, our Yolanda Vazquez visits a popular antique shop in this week's Made In Maryland.

Are computerized medical records a prescription for patient risk? Some insights in this week's Baltimore Sun Extra.

Who doesn’t want to be better than average? Top the average income, rate a bit better in the “looks” department, have smarter kids. As it turns out, we consumers don’t want to be just average in using our products, either. And if marketers understand this, they can harness it to increase their effectiveness.

In this edition of Smith Business Close-Up with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Rebecca Hamilton discusses her new research that suggests that if consumers don’t think they can meet the pace of product use set by other consumers, they’ll be less likely to purchase the product.