Experient employees donated nearly 100 items to the Frederick County Animal Control & Adoption Center on Thursday, May 9, 2012 as part of fund-raising efforts during Experient Pride Week. Pride Week was created to encourage Experient employees to show pride in their community, their company and themselves. Over 20 employees greeted, Shawn Snyder, the animal control representative as well as one of the rescue dogs, Coco, when picking up the donations.

Donated items ranged from dog and cat food, toys, treats, collars, bedding and litter supplies. All donations will be used by Animal Control for the shelter animals or for distribution to families in need of supplies for their pets due to economic issues.

In addition to collecting donations for Frederick County Animal Control, Experient employees have participated in fund-raising efforts to benefit both the Frederick County YMCA and the Military Order of the Purple Heart of Maryland throughout the week. These donations will be distributed on Friday, May 11, 2012.

Submitted by Harby Tran, director of marketing at Experient.

Taste of Asia opened its doors on March 27, 2012 with a festive grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.It's always thrilling to see a new business celebrate this milestone.

Many Chamber members, elected officials, enthusiastic foodies, and curious locals were there to support Vincent, David, and the rest of the management and staff at this new restaurant ... In return, we all enjoyed some delicious samples for lunch!

Taste of Asia serves Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine, including a full sushi bar and hibachi grill.

Just over the Frederick County border in Lovettsville, Virginia, you'll find a Chamber member restaurant that's putting our area on the foodie map.

Christopher Edwards, head chef at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, was recently featured in Food & Wine's contest to select "The People's Best New Chef" in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Congrats to Chef Edwards on this recognition! You're a winner in our eyes.