Business

Chesapeake Corporate Advisors, a business advisory and investment banking firm in Baltimore, signed a lease with Harbor East Management Group for 5,283 square feet of space in Harbor East and plans to relocate from its current offices at Brewer’s Hill by December. The company will relocate approximately 20 employees to 1001 Fleet St., a nine-story mixed-use building featuring more than 270,000 square feet of space.

Former Maryland Health Secretary Joshua Sharfstein is set to head an important state-wide board that oversees hospital rates starting next month, but the change doesn’t come without some controversy. Sharfstein, who headed the Maryland Department of Health under Gov. Martin O’Malley, will chair the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 investment in Escalate from its Social Impact Funds. Escalate, based in Silver Spring, developed an innovative proprietary support platform focused on minimizing turnover of frontline employees. Through this platform, Escalate facilitates a community of support, provides opportunities for workers to learn and grow in their fields and works to end the current talent crisis.

Dill Dinkers is going national with its pickleball business as the nation’s fastest-growing amateur sport attracts more players and investors. The Howard County pickleball startup has signed deals with three developers to open 45 locations in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas, within 10 years.

An Annapolis business owner said the parent company of Old Bay seasoning should quit being so crabby and learn to appreciate a compliment — or at least take a joke. In almost any kitchen pantry or spice rack in Maryland, one is likely to find a container of Old Bay seasoning. Just look for the distinctive yellow and blue color scheme with the red top.

Another contract awarded by the Maryland Aviation Administration is drawing criticism and unwanted attention. Last month, a high-ranking state lawmaker requested that the Office of Legislative Audits look into whether a lucrative contract to operate two gas stations and convenience stores near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport was awarded properly.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency reported that more than $442 million was wagered on sports betting in September. Nearly 95% of that money wagered in sports betting was done through mobile apps. The rest occurred at sports betting parlors. Maryland will receive $3.2 million as its share in the $442 million sum. According to industry analysts, football season generates the most bets. Although most of the wagering was on football, 13% of the September bets were placed on baseball.

Frederick’s participation in a national program will help young residents gain an important foothold in the job market, Mayor Michael O’Connor said Tuesday. The Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy program works with 16 cities around the country to develop new and effective ways to create jobs that increase or redevelop workers’ skills. The goal is to help them get jobs in infrastructure, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing jobs, according to the program’s website.