CSM and Calvert County Announce I-Net, Southern Maryland's First Incubator Tenant

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- November 14, 2001 -- The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) announced today that I-Net Internet Solutions Group will become Southern Maryland’s first incubator tenant, headquartered at the Calvert County business incubator located at the Calvert County Telecommuting Center in Prince Frederick.

I-Net specializes in the development and implementation of customized turnkey corporate and government e-solutions such as Internet/Intranet design, maintenance and hosting; video editing, streaming and hosting; interactive CDs; trade show exhibit design; database development and management; and CD, video and diskette reproduction. Because of their extensive experience with the federal government, the company was recently awarded a $400,000 contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"There are thousands of companies offering a variety of specific services, however, I-Net has quickly earned a reputation as a ‘one-stop’ provider for all Internet, computer and media needs," said Steve Shaffer, president of I-Net. "Customers no longer have to coordinate with three or four different contractors in order to complete one project; we do it all. We treat every customer as if they’re our first, priding ourselves on redefining customer service."

"Calvert County is excited to host I-Net," said David Hale, president, BOCC. "Their technical expertise is just another indicator that Calvert County is a great location for technology companies and that we are right on the mark in our efforts to locate these organizations in our business community."

"Calvert County is on the forefront of expanding small business and entrepreneurial opportunities within the community," said Alan Kutz, vice president, Entrepreneur and Leadership Center, CSM. "I-Net is the beginning of our litmus test for the incubator in Calvert and we believe that their technical expertise and desire to succeed will make them the first successful graduate in Calvert’s business community."

Both CSM and Calvert County will continue to recruit, develop and graduate economically viable companies into the community. Day-to-day management is provided by CSM. A technology and business start-up counselor provides mentoring services, business plan development and review services, investor/financial advice, marketing advice, management team development, and new product assessments as needed.

Incubator tenants are charged a monthly rental fee based on square footage occupied at a rate significantly lower than the market rate lease in Prince Frederick. Additionally, separate fees will be assessed for Internet access, telephone service, copy and fax services, and miscellaneous office supply charges. Companies that successfully graduate into the community provide excellent job opportunities, increased tax base, enhancement of the entrepreneurial climate in Southern Maryland, and an improvement of the region's technology infrastructure through a higher concentration of technology-based companies.

CSM is a regionally-accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community. For information, please contact CSM, 301.934.7766 or visit http://www.csmd.edu/ProfDevelopment/CCTI/incubator.html or the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, 410.535.4583. For information about I-Net, please visit www.inetisg.com.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com