Business

Several organizations and their leaders were recognized Thursday by the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, including businessman Carl Belt and wife Jane for their community service. The Chamber’s 35th annual Business Recognition Reception was held at the Frostburg State University Lane Center and sponsored by UPMC Western Maryland and Verizon.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) laborers at Ford’s Louisville assembly and Kentucky truck plants have voted against a proposed four-and-a-half year contract, while the skilled trades workers voted in favor of the deal, the union’s local unit said on Facebook. The UAW Local 862 union said that 55% of the production workers voted against ratifying the contract. However, 69% of the skilled trades workers cast votes in favor of the contract.

Emirates Airline on Monday announced an order for 95 Boeing aircraft at a value of $52 billion, kicking off the first major deal of the 2023 Dubai Airshow. The state-owned flagship Dubai carrier, a subsidiary of Emirates Group, is ordering 55 additional Boeing 777-9s and 35 of its 777-8s, bringing the airline’s total orders for the 777X widebody jets to 205 units. It is also updating its order of Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 30 to 35, comprised of 15 787-10s and 20 787-8s.

The Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) will move its office from the Columbia Gateway office park to a location just blocks from Merriweather Post Pavilion in the center of the city. The state-created venture fund said the new location at 10960 Grantchester Way will provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs to interact with TEDCO staff.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a fast-casual artisanal pizza chain, Thursday announced it will open its newest Maryland location at 15431 Excelsior Drive in Bowie with a grand opening event Nov. 14. The new eatery will be operated by Kevyn Adams, a former NFL player with the Miami Dolphins.

After months of high-level meetings and discussions, government officials and Big Tech leaders have agreed on one thing about artificial intelligence: The potentially world-changing technology needs some ground rules. But many in Silicon Valley are skeptical. A growing group of tech heavyweights — including influential venture capitalists, the CEOs of midsize software companies and proponents of open-source technology — are pushing back, claiming that laws for AI could snuff out competition in a vital new field.

Under Armour beat Wall Street’s sales and profit expectations in the second quarter, but warned on Wednesday that the second half of the year would be difficult. The Baltimore-based sports apparel and footwear maker has been navigating a challenging retail environment amid high inflation and increased promotions. Under Armour’s stock rose 21 cents per share Wednesday to close at $7.42 each.

MD Energy Advisors, a commercial, utility and financing energy solutions company, Wednesday announced it has secured $13.14 million in CPACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing for redevelopment of the historic Fidelity & Deposit Building at 210 N. Charles St. in Baltimore. Originally completed in 1894, the office building has been vacant for more than 20 years. Located in the central business district, the office building will be repurposed into a multifamily residence.