The 2017 Baltimore Running Festival: Finish Line Moves to the Inner Harbor

Last weekend runners and supporters of the 17^th annual Baltimore Running Festival flooded the streets of Downtown Baltimore. The Baltimore Sun article talks about the big change that was made to the course this year. Race organizers “rerouted the race’s endpoint from the parking lot between M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards to Pratt Street, the Inner Harbor not far off”. The finish line change developed by borrowing a motto from the runners themselves, “It’s not how you start that matters. It’s how you finish”.

Impact of the Inner Harbor

The Sun describes the feel of the new finish line on the Inner Harbor. “After as many as 26.2 miles of pounding pavement and perfect weather, it was a special kind of runner’s high to see glimmering water within walking distance”. One Baltimore raised runner describes the change as making the race more about the city. She explains, “I love Baltimore and I feel like it’s a fun thing that brings everybody out. This is Baltimore-centric.” The simple change of moving the finish line to the Inner Harbor had a lasting impact. Both runners and viewers felt the Baltimore pride.

Supporting Baltimore Business

As a business located on the Inner Harbor, we too find pride in being Baltimore-centric. At Officense, we support local Baltimore by providing customized solutions for any sized business. We offer high-end business facilities with fully furnished  office space, as well as conference rooms by the hour. Officense also has executive assistants to answer your calls, handle your mail, greet your clients, follow up with leads, schedule appointments, and much more. Give us a call at (410) 814-7500 to tour your new office in the center of Charm City!

On November 10th, Officense is going to be at the MSBA’s Solo Summit. We are a proud supporter of the event this year. Our table will be set up during the lunch session of the Summit. Stop by our table to learn all the way Officense can help you as a solo practitioner of the law.

Our Services

For example, we offer a la carte office and conference spaces to our attorney clients. Our services are perfect for those of you starting your solo firm. You have the best of both worlds: low overhead for space and professional office space only when you need it. We also offer a wide variety of reception services, some are even included at no cost to you! Just imagine, you could have a real person, answering your important call and greeting your client even when you are out of the office. Running a solo firm can be a difficult journey, but not with Officense.

All our plans are crafted to fit your budget and your needs. Your services can grow as your firm grows. To attend the Solo Summit, register for your seat here. Don’t forget to stop by and see us during the break.

The article “Why more millennials are flocking to shared office spaces” discusses the pros to working in a shared office space. Shared office spaces are “where individuals from multiple businesses can engage in work”. Millennials are “becoming entrepreneurs, building and joining startups, and are starting to shape the trends of how and where we work”. The article discusses why millennials use shared office space.

The 7 Reasons Why Millennials are Using Shared Office Space

1. Lower Costs – Shared office spaces are almost always cheaper than their full-office counterparts.
2. Fewer Responsibilities – “Things like cleaning and maintenance are taken care of by the building’s owners”.
3. Networking Opportunities – “It’s a perfect place to meet new people in the professional world”.
4. Smaller Commitments– Shared office space is used monthly, daily, or hourly rather than having a long-term lease.
5. Support for Startups – “Shared spaces are ideal for entrepreneurs with small budgets, uncertain futures, and a need for networking with other businesses”.
6. Urban-Centric Locations – “Shared office spaces usually occupy urban centers, making them a perfect fit in millennials dream locations”.
7. Resistance to Traditional Offices – “They’re breaking down corporate hierarchies, dismantling 9 to 5 mentalities, and even redefining social norms in business interactions”.

Your Shared Office Space

At Officense, we can meet all of your co-working needs. We can provide you space to collaborate and be around others, while also giving you the freedom to make your own schedule. We offer fully furnished dedicated office space and month to month office space as needed, without the hefty price tag. There are conference rooms by the hour, at the low rates you need. You avoid using resources to pay an expensive rent, while having an impressive office to use when you need it. We offer beautiful startup office space overlooking the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore. You are able to completely customize the way your run your business. Officense a call at (410) 814-7500 to meet your new staff and tour your new business location, today!

Starting a mediation practice can be both a challenging and rewarding process. But with the proper setup, anyone in the mediation community can start a thriving practice. Whether you are a former attorney or a idealistic new comer to the field, who would like to focus energy on resolving disputes outside the court room, there are a few basic steps you can take to help you along the way! Here are 4 useful tips for the budding mediator.

Useful Mediation Tips For Practitioners

1. Do the Research: Begin by diving into the established mediation literature. A good place to start would be “The Mediator’s Handbook” by Jennifer E. Beer.

https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Mediator%27s+Handbook&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjUzNDh3rbWAhUj0oMKHaHQAz4QsxgIKQ&biw=1600&bih=1094

2. Get the Training: Next, take a basic training course. These are offered frequently by community organizations or local bar associations.  No matter what your past mediation experience, this will be beneficial in establishing real credentials.  http://www.msba.org/Events/40_Hour_Basic_Mediation_Training.aspx
3. Volunteer and Network: One of the best ways to get some quick mediation experience is through volunteer work. In addition, Many community centers and mediation groups are in desperate need of helpful pro bono work. Plus, this will be a great way meet other mediators and get your name out in the mediation community.

http://www.mdmediation.org/americorps/-applicants

4. Find a Place to Meet Clients: One of the biggest challenges is finding a neutral location to meet your new clients. Obviously, you do not want to host a mediation in your home or at your client’s location. The best option available in Baltimore is hourly conference room or office through OFFICENSE. The rooms are fully furnished, include internet, are fully staffed, and provide the professional setting that differentiate you from competition and set you up for future referrals. The rates are very reasonable and the staff has years of experience hosting both mediation and arbitration. When it comes to finding a place to host your new practice’s first client, just call 410-814-7500.

https://www.officense.com/mediators-and-arbitrators/