Helping Maryland Businesses Grow (April 23, 2008)

Walking Tours of Downtown Hagerstown to Begin in May (April 14, 2008)

Downtown Visitor Welcome Center to Offer Fall Walking Tours (October 14, 2007)

Capuco Consulting Awarded Additional Contract for Source Water Protection
in Maryland
(September 5, 2007)

Hagerstown-Washington County Conference & Visitors Bureau Awards
Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. Multiple Contracts (August 14, 2007)

Downtown Vistor Welcome Center to Offer Walking Tours (July 2, 2007)

MD State Chamber of Commerce Awards Contract To CCS (October 25, 2006)

Annapolis Regional Transportation Management Association Vision Retreat
To Be Facilitated by Capuco Consulting Services (October 25, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services Awarded Minority Business Designation (June 10, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Awarded Contract To Assist Maryland Fuel Fund (March 30, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Receives Certification from Women's Business Enterprise
National Council (WBENC) (March 9, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Awarded Second Contract with Maryland
Judiciary's Human Resources Department (March 3, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Becomes Member
of Maryland Small Business Reserve Program (February 15, 2006)

A local minority business enterprise has been quietly helping hundreds of businesses grow throughout Maryland for ten years, and now it is poised to help yet another county group. Capuco Consulting Services, with offices in Annapolis and Hagerstown, has been providing capacity building assistance throughout the state since 1997. In May, the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce will become the fourth business development group updating its strategic plan with Capuco in the past ten months.

"I love working with the business organizations because it creates opportunity to energize and coalesce large numbers of businesses with one planning effort" states Carrie Capuco the company founder. "Recently, we have conducted strategic planning for a State-wide business organization, Washington County groups, and even the Bowie Chamber of Commerce. Each experience builds on the previous one enabling the Capuco team to provide unique advice. I can't imagine there are many consultants in Maryland with a broader understanding of the needs of small to medium businesses state-wide than ours" emphasizes Capuco.

For more on Capuco Consulting's capacity building...

Walking Tours of Downtown Hagerstown to Begin in May
(April 14, 2008)
Starting in May, the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be offering more new walking tours in downtown Hagerstown on a regular basis. A variety of 90-minute tours will be offered on Fridays and Saturdays from May through October. On one type of tour, a guide in period attire will portray one of four historical characters and will discuss Hagerstown's history over the past 200 years.

The tour will lead visitors on a ramble through the historic streets of Hagerstown. Other scheduled tours introduce participants to the colonial, Civil War and industrial aspects of historic Hagerstown. "We are excited to offer even more choices for Hagerstown visitors this year," said Carrie Capuco, of Capuco Consulting Services Inc. The CVB is entering into its second year of a cooperative arrangement with CCS whereby one-third of the tour proceeds go directly back to the CVB to continue expanding tourism. Walking tours are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children and begin at the downtown Visitor Welcome Center at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays, May through October. While walk-ins are usually welcomed, reservations are recommended, and tickets can be purchased in advance. Special dates and times can additionally be arranged for groups of more than 12 people by calling 301-791-3246, ext. 10. For more information about the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, or opportunities to work as a tour guide, visit www.marylandmemories.com.

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Downtown Visitor Welcome Center to Offer Fall Walking Center (October 14, 2007)

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is continuing its partnership with Carrie Capuco of Capuco Consulting Services Inc. to offer walking tours of downtown Hagerstown. The summer tours were such a success that several fall walking tour dates have been scheduled. The 90-minute tours cover Hagerstown's rich history, which is significant to many periods of American history, by introducing participants to the colonial, Civil War, and industrial aspects of this unique Maryland city. "This area is so rich with American Heritage," said Capuco. "I feel certain that visitors are interested in learning more."

The walking tours held this summer were so popular, that some tours were sold out. "According to our feedback, those who have had the opportunity to take a tour thoroughly enjoyed themselves," said Tom Riford of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB has received a lot of positive comments from locals and visitors to Hagerstown. One man, who has lived in the area for almost seven years, stated that he was familiar with some parts of the city but still learned quite a bit from Capuco, whom he described as "a great guide." He also stated that, "One can see so much more just by walking the streets rather than having to concentrate on traffic and stoplights when driving."

Walking tours are available for the cost of $5 per person and begin at the downtown Visitor Welcome Center at 10:30am and 1:30pm on scheduled tour dates. The fall dates are October 6, 19, and 26 and November 2, 3, 10, and 17. For reservations and tour information call 301-791-3246 ext. 10. Special dates and times can be arranged for groups of more than 12 people.

Carrie Capuco owns Capuco Consulting Services Inc. (CCS), which provides program management and communications services in three major areas-government, non-profit, and private sector clients. CCS values clients whose activities enhance the quality of human life and the environment. CCS has offices in historic downtown Annapolis, MD, and Hagerstown, MD. CCS received national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women Presidents' Educational Organization-DC (WPEO-DC), the regional certifying partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Capuco Consulting is also a certified Maryland Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise and a registered Small Business Reserve participant.For more information about the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau visit www.marylandmemories.com

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Capuco Consulting Awarded Additional Contract for Source Water Protection in Maryland (September 5, 2007)
Capuco Consulting Services (CCS) has received a ten-month extension to its subcontract with Versar, Inc. to provide source water protection advisory support services to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. This significantly expands the multi-year subcontract extending Capuco’s support through June 2008. Virginia’s Versar, Inc. previously awarded the base year of the contract for CCS to initiate support of the Patuxent Reservoirs Watershed Technical Advisory Committee—developing cooperative projects to improve water quality in several categories of impairment. Pilot projects have been initiated throughout Montgomery, Prince Georges, and Howard counties.

"The multi-year contract allows us to take several of the pilot projects into the implementation phase—which is very exciting for all of our partners,” states Carrie Whittaker Capuco, President of CCS. “We have worked closely with several local government agencies to collaborate on meaningful protection projects that will enhance the Chesapeake Bay for decades.”

Among the projects undertaken for this contract are installation of a riparian buffer in Montgomery County, resource management assistance for small horse farmers, and storm water education for homeowners in Prince Georges County. Members of the Technical Advisory Committee include Departments of Environmental Protection, Planning and Soil conservation from three Maryland counties.

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. with offices in Annapolis and Historic Hagerstown Maryland is celebrating ten years of providing superior capacity building, team bonding services and environmental education. The firm is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and is also a certified Maryland Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise and a registered Small Business Reserve participant.

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Hagerstown-Washington County Conference and Visitors Bureau Awards Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. Multiple Contracts
(August 14, 2007)

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. has been awarded several contracts with the Hagerstown-Washington County Conference and Visitors Bureau recently. The first of the contracts includes developing and delivering historic walking tours of the downtown Hagerstown area. The goal is to build the capacity of the communityto attract more visitors through taking the tours. A second contract is focused on supporting the CVB in strategic planning—focusing on future goals and implementation strategies for the CVB. A third contract was offered on August 10, for Capuco Consulting to provide an orientation tour to county visitors attending conventions at one of many county facilities.

“After ten years of offering facilitation services in Anne Arundel County, it is very exciting for us to be involved in Washington County as it opens its doors to increased tourism in Hagerstown” states Carrie Capuco, President.

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. is celebrating ten years of providing superior capacity building, team bonding services and environmental education. The firm is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and is also a certified Maryland Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise and a registered Small Business Reserve participant. The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that helps attract visitors to Hagerstown and Washington County. The CVB helps to create vibrant growth for the local economy by promoting, developing, and expanding the local visitor industry.

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Downtown Visitor Welcome Center to Offer Walking Tours
(July 2, 2007)

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is partnering with Carrie Capuco of Capuco Consulting Services Inc. to offer walking tours of downtown Hagerstown. The 90-minute tours will cover Hagerstown’s rich history that is significant to many periods of American history by introducing participants to the colonial, Civil War, and industrial aspects of this unique Maryland city. Tours will also cover Hagerstown’s architecture.

Walking tours will be available for the cost of $5 and will begin at the downtown Visitor Welcome Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on scheduled tour dates. Those dates are July 13, 14, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28 and August 3, 11, and 17. For reservations and tour information call 301-791-3246 ext. 10. Special dates and times can be arranged for groups of more than 12 people.

Carrie Capuco owns Capuco Consulting Services Inc. (CCS), which provides program management and communications services in three major areas – government, non-profit, and private sector clients. CCS values clients whose activities enhance the quality of human life and the environment. CCS has offices in historic downtown Annapolis, Md., and Hagerstown, Md. CCS received national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the WPEO-DC, the regional certifying partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Capuco Consulting is also a certified Maryland Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise and a registered Small Business Reserve participant.

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Maryland State Chamber of Commerce Awards Contract to Capuco Consulting Services (October 25, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services (CCS), a woman-owned business has been awarded a contract to assist the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce in updating their strategic plan. Capuco Team will guide the board in clarifying their mission/vision and values of the Maryland State Chamber. Milestones, celebration points, tasks, responsible parties and completion dates are the goals for the June 07 retreat.“Having been able to work with a few members of the Maryland State Chamber in the past, I am anticipating an invigorating retreat," states Susan Amos of CCS.

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Annapolis Regional Transportation Management Association Vision Retreat To Be Facilitated by Capuco Consulting Services
(October 25, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services has been selected to provide the Annapolis Regional Transportation Management Association (ARTMA) with a one-day visioning retreat for their Board of Directors. Approximately 20 board members reviewed and refined their existing mission and vision. The Capuco Team will guide the participants to envision where ARTMA will be in 5 years. Role-playing, games and a tour of stakeholders are a few of the steps to be taken by the board members, which will lead to their new vision for ARTMA.“The Capuco Team enjoys learning new avenues of industry, as we facilitate boards to stretch their thinking and visioning to new heights.”

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Capuco Consulting Services Awarded Minority Business Designation (June 10, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. (CCS) was jubilant when the Maryland Department of Transportation awarded our firm the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) designation. Tooting our horn just a bit, CCS received our MBE without a hearing. Very few firms in Maryland have accomplished this. As a disadvantaged women-owned business, CCS is now able to partner with major businesses throughout the State of Maryland. CCS is also recognized by the State of Maryland as a Small Business Reserve. CCS is already reaping the benefits of our designation. CCS environmental knowledge and the MBE designation allowed for a partnering with Versar at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Several other firms in Maryland have included our skills within their proposals. Capuco Consulting Services also received their Women in Business Enterprise (WBE) certification in March 2006. The WBE, founded in 1997, is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by woman in the U.S. Having our WBE designation opened our services to corporations throughout the country. We are proud to be a part of an organization fostering diversity in the workplace.

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Capuco Consulting Awarded Contract To Assist Maryland Fuel Fund (March 30, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. has been selected to assist the Maryland Fuel Fund in developing a long range vision as this critical no-profit faces challenges brought upon by rising heating costs. The Fuel Fund serves vulnerable Marylanders in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties by providing financial assistance to pay the costs of heating a home. The target population is families and individuals in Central Maryland who live at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Last year they served 6,200 families.The Maryland Fuel Fund Board of Directors realizes with the added impact on fuel costs; it is time to develop and execute a fresh, new Charitable Giving Program. Deregulation of the Maryland energy companies has escalated the need for this planning. The Marylanders who are served by the fund are going to be dramatically impacted starting this summer. With Capuco Consulting Services' guidance The Maryland Fuel Fund planning promises remarkable gains for the recipients of the fund.The Maryland Fuel Fund is one of many local non-profit organizations assisted by Capuco Consulting. Others the Capuco team works with include Annapolis Area Ministries and the Light House Shelter, the Kunta-Kinte Alex Haley Foundation, and newly formed Friends of Back Creek Nature Park.

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Capuco Consulting Receives Certification from Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) (March 9, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. received national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the WPEO-DC, regional certifying partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The WBENC is the nation's third largest third largest party certifier of business owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC is a resource for the more than 700 US companies and government agencies that rely on WBEN's certification as an integral part of their supplier of diversity programs.

Dedicated to enhancing opportunities for women's business enterprises, WBENC works in partnership with women's business organizations located throughout the country to provide a national standard of certification for women-owned businesses. In addition to proof of woman/women ownership, WBENC certification also requires proof of effective management. WBENC works to foster diversity in the world of commerce with programs and policies designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners.

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Capuco Consulting Awarded Second Contract with Maryland Judiciary's Human Resources Department (March 3, 2006)

Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. (CCS) has been selected to lead teambuilding for the Maryland Judiciary's Human Resources Department. This second contract has been awarded to the spectacular success experienced by the Maryland Judiciary's Human Resources Department in 2005. Last year, employees had a fantastic time completing team-building challenges presented by CCS staff. Working in progressively larger teams, participants solved puzzles, mastered challenges and allowed themselves to be blindfolded while undertaking a group task.

Probably the most memorable and challenging activity occurred over the lunch break when teams created “vessels” that neither sing nor float, affectionately known as “flinkers” by CCS staff. Winners were awarded the much-coveted CCS ribbons. The entire day was a tremendous success, and the Maryland Judiciary employees were confident that their shared experiences in the challenges help them achieve their goals in working more cohesively as a team.

As they have since 1997, last summer the CCS team helped many organizations learn to work together more efficiently, solve problems and strengthen communication through teambuilding/team bonding programs. 2005 Team Building Program participants included the World Bank, the University of Maryland, Verizon, Nextel, City of Annapolis, and many others. Programs were held at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Herrington Harbour, and aboard vessels owned and operated by Watermark Cruises, Inc.

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Capuco Consulting Becomes Member of Maryland Small Business Reserve Program (February 15, 2006)

Reacting to an increasingly competitive business environment in Maryland, a Capucoo Consulting took advantage of a previously unavailable State program this week. “Becoming a member of the Maryland Small Business Reserve Program will clearly help our firm grow into a stronger Maryland Business,” said Carrie Capuco, President of Capuco Consulting Services, Inc. a local a management consulting firm. According to the Maryland Department of General Services, the Small Business Reserve Program was recently created to “increase economic opportunities for small businesses in Maryland.”

As a member of this program, Capuco Consulting will be eligible to compete for select government contracts that require state agencies to reserve for bid solely by small businesses. For the first time, Capuco Consulting Services will be able to bid for state contracts without competing with larger, more established businesses. “Programs such as this are desperately needed for small businesses such as Capuco Consulting that offer employees flexible and family-friendly work options that are often unavailable in other corporate environments” states Capuco. Capuco Consulting Services.