From Bob Shaller’s 29 October St. Mary’s County Department of Economic and Community Development newsletter:
We were part of four local business tours. The first was at BAE Systems Jerry Moran Facility on Rt 235 across from WalMart (the old Lowe’s). Employing 150 there mostly from the County, BAE is doing some amazing work in support of the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, and other clients. On Tuesday the county commissioners toured Wyle, Avian Engineering LLC, and the Tackle Box. At Wyle we learned more about the 800+ professionals earning >$50 million in payroll for St. Mary’s County. We got to hear from 3 program leads from diverse functions including strategic marketing, flight crew, and environmental management. Additionally, the building we were in, originally the Veda Building as many remember, is 25 years old this year. While alone in 1985, the Wyle Building now anchors both premier office parks along Rt 235, Exploration and Expedition. At Avian just below and across Gate 1 we met an upstart 4yr old company with about 50 employees. Among their many accomplishments is that they boast 100% retention of their labor force. Most recently Avian has achieved the rank of #230 in the coveted Inc 500 list, see http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/avian-engineering, the sole awardee from the County. Their management philosophy is grow/adapt, adapt/grow, and to hire talent over experience, which has served them well. The BOCC tour rounded out with Ken and Buddy Lamb, their mother Lena, employees past and present, and friends at the Tackle Box just below Avian. Father Howard Lamb Sr. opened the Tackle Box 50 years ago. The store continues as an iconic stop for outdoorsmen today. Owner Ken Lamb writes the weekly fishing report that is found widely up and down the Bay including at our website, see http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/10-12-10FR.pdf