A High-Tech Government For a High-Tech County
Thursday, July 27, 2006; Page GZ04
Montgomery County, in the back yard of a bevy of information technology firms locally and in nearby Northern Virginia, has been named the third-most technologically advanced county government in the United States.
County officials earned that spot, for governments serving more than 500,000 people, based on a survey by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The survey posed 22 questions delving into how well county governments use information technology to deliver services to citizens.
"In today's world, technology is essential for effective and efficient government," said Larry E. Naake, executive director of the National Association of Counties. "County governments realize this and are using technology in new ways to improve the delivery of services to Americans."
Alisoun Moore, director of the county's technology services department, said, "It's nice to be recognized for our efforts to provide convenient and accessible quality services to our residents."
The county actually tied for third with Tulsa County in Oklahoma. Loudoun County placed fourth among counties with 250,000 to 499,999 residents, while Howard County tied for ninth.
New VP for Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, a Silver Spring hotel company that owns brands such as Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge and Cambria Suites, has hired a new executive to see to the needs of its customers. He is Mark Weiner, and his title is vice president, customer care.
The newly created position oversees customer service initiatives.
Weiner worked previously for Travelocity, also overseeing customer care.
Happy Hour for the Tech Savvy
MdBio, a division of the Tech Council of Maryland that promotes state biotech issues, is hosting a happy hour next Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg.
Here's what attendees get: two free drinks, hors d'oeuvres and the chance to win a free iPod.
Here's who is welcome at the event: employees of bioscience companies, universities and federal labs.
The event is free. For more information, visit http:/
Trade Group Gets New Treasurer
Monique-Paule Tubb, the founder and president of the Bethesda-based Advanced Communication and Translation Inc., has been elected treasurer of the Association of Language Companies, a leading industry trade group.
Tubb's company provides interpreting in medical settings and for conferences, as well as desktop publishing and other services. Her company works in more than 150 languages in the private and public sector.
Have some business news about Montgomery County? Send an e-mail torosenwaldm@washpost.com.
