Mayoral Candidate Profile: Laurie Sears Deppa

By Zaina Adamu President and CEO of The Laurel Group, Laurie Sears Deppa once leased a space for her business on Main Street in Annapolis, but was forced to move when her rent increased to $10,000 a month. Now Deppa says she is running for mayor of Annapolis because she understands the frustration many business owners are going through to keep their businesses afloat. The democratic mayoral candidate wants to target small businesses. Deppa says their survival is essential in boasting Annapolis money market. As a business person I understand that we must think outside the box. Lately, because of the economy, Ive had to reach out, make changes and cut costs we need to start thinking differently, she says. A Philadelphia native, Deppa moved to Maryland 24 years ago. She received a BA in International Studies at Towson University and a Masters in International Management from the University of Maryland University College. She was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1993 after serving in Operation Desert Storm. When she moved to Anshould represent what the city is, says Deppa. She agrees with the Market Houses previous framework, but now she wants to add new aspects to the building to increase traffic and generate revenue. I like what has been done before, but now I would like to see more of a local mix, she states. There should be local seafood vendors, florists and growers of produce in the market on a regular basis. She says the influx of community vendors will not only attract tourists, but also embody Annapolis culture and resources. Deppa recognizes that a growing problem in Annapolis is the deficit and simply wants to stop the spending. She says a huge amount of the citys money is being spent on items that are the states responsibilities. Thirty-five thousand dollars was spent to research the rising levels of the [Chesapeake] bay, she says. We have to learn how to look around us and find out that there are a lot of grants out there. There is money from the federal system that we can use. Deppa uses her former experience as chair of Annapolis Sister Cities, a program designed to form relationships with municipalities around the world, as an example of how volunteerism can eliminate the need for a budget. We had great successes. We went overseas with groups and it cost us absolutely nothing, she says. The fact that some people think we have to spend money to showcase our city is a bunch of baloney. Deppa wants the citys funds to be handled more carefully by putting it where, she says, it belongs. The citys money should serve its residents, not line political pockets. In an effort to promote environmentfriendly practices, Deppa rides her bicycle around the city. She says its a great method to remind residents of the sustainability issues affecting the Earths climate. She wants to implement energy independency in Annapolis by creating regulations in favor of businesses and homes and by introducing incentives to encourage recycling. She says that a little input from everyone will make a drastic difference. Deppa is surrounding her campaign around the citizens, who she says is Annapolis greatest asset. We have great resources here our people, she concludes. We should begin to use that resource more effectively.

Mayoral Candidate Laurie Sears Deppa Courtesy Photo napolis in 1997, she started Destination Relaxation, a massage and retail products store. She now owns and operates locations in the Westfield Annapolis Mall and the Baltimore -Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Deppa says the Market House, one of her primary concerns, will be instrumental in restoring downtown businesses. The Market House is a landmark and

Walmart Foundation teams up with AARP Foundation to help unemployed women

$1.5 Million Grant from the Walmart Foundation funds scholarships for 450 low-income women Washington, D.C. The AARP Foundation Womens Scholarship Program today announced a $1.5 million grant from the Walmart Foundation that will help 450 women aged 40 and up receive job training and educational opportunities that will help support themselves and their families. In this economy more than ever, workers need the right skills and training to increase their earnings potential. Women in particular dont always have the resources in the second half of life to access the education they need, said Robin Talbert, AARP Foundation president. We are so pleased to work with the Walmart Foundation to provide underserved women with opportunities to
Page 6

expand their career options in later life. The AARP Foundation Womens Scholarship Program provides scholarship funding to women with moderateto-low-incomes and limited financial resources. Scholarships help women pay for public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical/vocational schools and four-year universities. Winners can use funds for tuition, fees and books. Nearly twice as many women as men will face poverty in their retirement years, according to data from AARP. AARP data also reports that women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men which translates to an average of $250,000 less over their work lives to invest in retirement. The Walmart Foundation is committed to supporting workers in their efforts to gain access to job opportunities, said

Margaret McKenna President, Walmart Foundation Courtesy Photo Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. We are pleased to be a part of this project, which gives ma-

ture women the opportunity to continue to play a vital role in the workforce while providing for themselves and their families. In 2008 the Womens Scholarship Programs first year more than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 were awarded. This year, more than 1,000 applications are under review and winners will be announced later this month. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be: Women aged 40 or over; Able to demonstrate financial need; Enrolled in an accredited school or technical program within six months of the scholarship award date. To apply, women can visit, www.aarpfoundationwlc.org. For more information on the Walmart Foundation and its workforce development efforts, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
Positive stories about positive people!

The Annapolis Times, August 21 - 27, 2009 (www.baltimoretimesonline.com)