Commerce

The sun was barely creeping over the horizon on Thanksgiving morning, but already hundreds of cars were parked outside the Boscov's store at White Marsh Mall as shoppers hustled in and bustled out — getting a pre-turkey jump on Black Friday. On a holiday morning that in bygone years meant deserted mall parking lots, crack-of-dawn consumers lugged packages to their cars and wrestled flat-screen TVs into minivans shortly after the department store's opening at 7 a.m. By nightfall, a crowd of several hundred people anxious to get their hands on discounted HDTVs and appliances rushed into the Sears at Security Square when the doors opened at 8. Thanksgiving Day is now Black Thursday.

Something really wonderful is coming to Owings Mills. The Solo Cup factory (which used to be Sweetheart Cup, which used to be Maryland Cup Corp.) was sold in 2011. Less than a year later, a shovel-ready proposal awaits zoning approval by the Baltimore County Council. Foundry Row is an upscale retail, restaurant and office project, anchored by Wegmans, the quintessential suburban food palace. The vote will take place Aug. 28. Contrary to its detractors, Foundry Row will be a boon to the community, the county and the state.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in the coming days, and it's hard to predict how the justices will rule. But that's not because the Constitution is unclear. Ideologues have muddied the issue by suggesting that this case is about whether Congress has the power to force us to quit smoking, exercise, and even eat broccoli. It's not. My office filed a brief on behalf of 11 states,Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands to remind the Supreme Court of what this case is really about: Congress' ability to address national problems that states cannot comprehensively address on their own. Whether the members of the court or the public like the act is irrelevant.

Commerce Secretary John Bryson is blaming a seizure for the multiple car crashes he caused in California over the weekend. He was cited by police, according to Tribune and wire sources . Bryson, 68, allegedly hit a car stopped at a train track, got out and talked to the passengers and then hit their car again as he pulled away. He also hit another car before he was found passed out at the wheel later by police. It's unclear if he had more than one seizure or was disoriented after the first, said Dr. Gregory L. Krauss, a professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University who has not treated Bryson.

GROCER'S SCALES, on Stands, with Tin, Copper or Brass Dishes, warranted inferior to none for cheapness strength, durability or beauty, for sale at the old stand, 69 Pratt st. Southside, East of Commerce.

On Monday, the Supreme Court will commence a nearly unprecedented six hours of oral argument concerning the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law two years ago tomorrow. The most significant challenge to the act involves the "individual mandate," which compels most individuals to purchase health insurance by 2014 or suffer a monetary penalty. Challengers claim that the provision violates the Commerce Clause, under which Congress has broad authority to regulate interstate commerce, and that sustaining the mandate would permit Congress to enact laws requiring individuals to do whatever it chooses.

Olney-based Sandy Spring Bancorp said Wednesday that it had received final regulatory approvals of its acquisition of CommerceFirst Bancorp in Annapolis. The stock-and-cash deal — which is valued at $25.4 million and still requires the approval of CommerceFirst shareholders — is expected to close in the second quarter. For Sandy Spring, the acquisition adds CommerceFirst's $205 million in total assets, $181 million in gross loans and $180 million in total deposits. It also expands Sandy Spring's footprint in Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George's counties, where CommerceFirst Bank operates five branches.

A noon rally on Jan. 13, held by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, drew about 60 people to Patriot Plaza to support the Baltimore Ravens in advance of Sunday's Divisional Round playoff game with the Houston Texans. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Hafford had urged residents to "wear your favorite purple garb ... and show that Towson has more spirit than any other town in Maryland. " About 60 people heeded that call, and took part in an celebration and "home team" photo near the large Ravens logo, painted at the plaza earlier this week.

Sandy Spring Bancorp, an Olney-based banking company, said Tuesday it will buy CommerceFirst Bancorp of Annapolis in a cash and stock deal valued at $25.4 million. Both Sandy Spring, which has $3.6 billion in assets, and CommerceFirst, with $205 million in assets, trade on the Nasdaq stock market. CommerceFirst shareholders will be allowed to choose Sandy Spring common stock or cash, or a combination of both, the companies said. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.

After spending seven years as director of the Harford County Public Library Foundation, Vanessa Milio recently took over the reigns of the county's chamber of commerce earlier this year and became the organization's first female CEO. “As a leader, it is important to remember who you are and what you stand for, both personally and professionally,” Vanessa says. “As a woman in leadership, the level of scrutiny can be challenging, making it even more important to stay true to yourself and your values.” As CEO, Vanessa oversees the largest chamber of commerce in Maryland.