On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a group of employees from The Brick Companies (TBC) and board members of TBC’s Foundation visited The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) in Grasonville, Maryland to volunteer and help beautify the center. CBEC is a 510-acre preserve under a conservation easement that focuses on habitat restoration and education. The Brick Companies has been a longtime supporter of CBEC. Through a partnership with Givhero, an employee wellness and gift matching program, TBC employees have raised over $10,000 for the center. This important collaboration supports TBC’s mission of partnering with like-minded, environmentally driven businesses and organizations within the community. CBEC is committed to transforming outdoor enthusiasts into active stewards of Chesapeake Bay and to environmental sustainability by providing opportunities to all people desiring authentic outdoor recreational and educational experiences that contribute to the health of the Bay. Here are a few tips from the Environmental Team of The Brick Companies on how you can help preserve the Bay: Plant trees- they help filter rainwater run-off and provide habitat for wildlife Dispose of marine waste properly – dispose of all trash when on land and use pump-out stations Clean up litter – do your part by cleaning up when you are out and about Don’t use storm drains for dumping as they carry water directly to nearby streams Click here to learn more about CBEC, their events, volunteer opportunities and educational programs.

The Brick Companies (TBC) is partnering with Annapolis Green on their Refill Revolution campaign by sponsoring portable outdoor refill stations called “Naptown Taps.” Naptown Taps dispenses unlimited filtered water into a user's reusable bottle or cup, reducing the need for throwaway plastic water bottles. Thanks to this initiative over 10,000 individual water bottles have been displaced in the Annapolis Community. The Brick Companies' support of this effort will make it possible for Naptown Taps to provide free filtered water while reducing plastic pollution at Brendan Sailing Sessions, Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) Cup Regatta at Eastport Yacht Club in August, and other select sailing events in 2022. “We are proud to be involved in this important campaign that engages our community members to reduce plastics and minimize the impact on climate change,” said Amy Natoli, Vice President of Risk & Property Management, and leader of the Environmental Team at The Brick Companies. TBC is proud to be recognized as a “Founding One Hundred supporter” of Annapolis Green. This important collaboration supports TBC’s mission of partnering with like-minded, environmentally driven businesses and organizations within our community. Here are a few additional tips from Go Green team of The Brick Companies on how you can reduce plastic usage: Use refillable water bottles instead of plastic Purchase juice (and other liquids) in glass containers instead of plastic Use glass storage containers instead of plastic Minimize purchase of foods stored in plastic containers (think simple like butter and eggs) Bring reusable bags to the grocery store Choose bar soaps instead of liquids in plastic containers Buy dried foods in bulk rather than pre-packaged (think nuts and spices) Click here to learn more about Naptown Tap and Annapolis Green, who bring together environmental movers and shakers, individuals and families, local businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to create a healthy, thriving community and planet.

During the Spring of 2022, three commercial real estate properties owned and operated by The Brick Companies (TBC) earned their UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for Indoor Air. Committed to providing healthy indoor environments for building tenants and their guests, TBC participated in a thorough evaluation process that included an audit, on-site inspections, visual inspection, and IAQ performance testing, among other assessments. The results of the tests show that these buildings have excellent indoor air quality. “We are proud of having achieved this milestone toward supporting healthier indoor spaces for our occupants,” said Amy Natoli, Vice President of Risk and Property Management for The Brick Companies. The UL Verified Healthy Building achievement acts as a critical milestone in TBC’s commitment to delivering indoor spaces with excellent indoor air quality that supports tenant health and general well-being. As a part of this program, The Brick Companies’ commercial real estate properties will undergo an annual reassessment coupled with surveillance at the midyear point to maintain the verification mark and advancement of quality indoor air. The properties listed below had individual air testing and achieved their own verification: Edgewater - 3168 Braverton St. Rockville - 1201 Seven Locks Rd Tysons Corner – 8607 Westwood Center Dr. To learn more about the UL Verified Healthy Building program, please visit https://www.UL.com/services/verified-healthy-buildings. To learn more about the commercial real estate division of The Brick Companies or are interested in becoming a tenant, please click here or contact Amy Natoli at anatoli@thebrickcompanies.com

After hearing about the shortage of pet food facing SPCAs around the country due to supply chain issues, The Brick Companies (TBC) staff came together for a donation drive. Heith Welch, the community outreach coordinator of Kibble Connection with the Maryland SPCA, said, “we are in the most need of dry cat food and wet dog food.” So, the team set to work collecting. Throughout June, the TBC team collected cans of dog food and bags of cat food to donate to the cause. In 2021, the Maryland SPCA helped feed over 15,000 animals through its Kibble Connection which provides pet food assistance to help people keep their dogs and cats. Once a week, they distribute pet food and supplies to families who request help. Kibble Connection also partners with Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Charm City Companions, and B-More Dog to deliver pet food and supplies directly to homebound clients. Every year, this helps hundreds of owners provide proper nutrition to their dogs and cats. In celebration of TBC's 130th anniversary, this effort for the Maryland SPCA continues a YEAR OF GIVING, where team members come together monthly to select community charities to support. If you are interested in supporting the Kibble Connection of Maryland SPCA, there are two options: Make a monetary gift to purchase food and supplies. Donate through their Amazon wish list.

The staff of The Brick Companies (TBC) came together in May 2022 to donate summer wellness items (including personal hygiene wipes, bug spray and sunscreen) for Annapolis Light House who provides food, shelter, case management, and hope to hundreds of Anne Arundel County community members in need.   In celebration of TBC's 130th anniversary, this effort for the Light House continues a YEAR OF GIVING where team members come together monthly to select community charities to support. During a typical year, the Light House provides homelessness prevention and support services to over 2,000 community members in need. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, they have been consistently serving 40% more individuals and families since the crisis began. If you are interested in supporting the Light House, click here: https://annapolislighthouse.org/donate/

The Brick Companies was a proud presenting sponsor of the Luminis Health Drivers & Diamonds event held on June 3, 2022 at Queenstown Harbor. 2022 marks the 130th Anniversary of The Brick Companies. To acknowledge this significant milestone, The Brick Companies donated $130,000 to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) for the J. Kent McNew Medical Center, a stand-alone mental health facility that provides both inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Both Luminis Health and The Brick Companies are committed to increasing access to high-quality mental health care for those in our community who need the support.

After serving 52+ years on the Board of Directors for The Brick Companies, Marshall Groom retired in November of 2018. In honor of his dedication and service, The Brick Companies funded a grant to Anne Arundel Community College Foundation (AACCF) and designated the funds to a scholarship honoring Marshall’s mother. The Brick Companies Marjorie Kingsman Groom scholarship (scholarship) is offered annually to students seeking a certification in skilled services. Thus far, the scholarship has been awarded to three students seeking workforce development certifications. One recent recipient, Christopher Priest said “by obtaining my CDL certification I plan to start a transportation and logistics company which is in greater demand since the start of the pandemic." In May 2022, the scholarship fund reached the level to convert into an endowed scholarship. This will be the first ever endowed scholarship at AACC supporting non-credit students. “What an important milestone for the College and our students pursuing careers in the trades! Thank you for making this happen and for investing in students and the trades,” commented Sarah E. Reilly, Major Gifts Officer of the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation. While the cost of education for traditional four-year degrees continues to rise and is a major debt contributor in our nation, The Brick Companies is proud to support our community through educational opportunities in skill-based trades. For more information on the AACC Foundation and to apply for The Brick Companies Marjorie Kingsman Miller Groom scholarship, please visit www.aacc.edu/foundation Read full press release here:

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s (SERC) received a $2,500 donation from The Brick Companies Foundation for a program titled, Science to Go, to provide “take and make kits” to Anne Arundel County children to learn about the Chesapeake Bay. The kits included 4 hands-on science experiments featuring common household items such as: coffee filters, colored pencils, and pipe cleaners. Focused on grades 4-8, the activities concentrated on plant defenses/marsh ecology or exploring fungi/DNA extraction. During the 2021-2022 school year, SERC hosted four classroom webinars, each focused on one experiment. The Brick Companies is proud to support our community and environment through educational outlets such as these. #smithsonianenvironment #sciencetogo

To support Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland, GiveBack boxes were filled with new clothes and blankets. This effort was met with incredible support from team members of The Brick Companies and the boxes were quickly overflowing. After a month-long drive, 10 large boxes were sealed and shipped out on Friday, April 15, 2022. #SupportUkraine #GiveBackBox

Edgewater, MD – April 11, 2022 – The Brick Companies promotes Amy Natoli to vice president of risk and property management. Natoli will safeguard the value of The Brick Companies’ portfolio by employing risk management protocols and directing all property management functions. Her decades of experience will ensure The Brick Companies’ commercial real estate assets, golf courses, and marinas remain best-in-class. As in her previous position as director of property management, Natoli will continue to manage The Brick Companies’ real estate portfolio that includes five large commercial properties in the Baltimore Washington region: The Brick Companies Center in Edgewater, Lakefront at Washingtonian in Gaithersburg, 8045 Kennett Street in Silver Spring, Montrose West in Rockville, Westwood Center in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia and a Weis-anchored retail shopping center in Lusby, MD. All properties are owned and managed by The Brick Companies with on-site experienced and tenured building engineers. Natoli started with The Brick Companies in 2003 as an administrative assistant and then moved into the role of property manager. She became a Certified Property Manager (CPM) by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) in 2013 and maintains her Real Property Administrator (RPA) credential from BOMI International. She is currently on the Board of Directors of IREM Maryland, and has served in various leadership roles in the chapter, including president in 2018. She has also served on the Governing Council for IREM International and is currently Vice Chair of the Instructor & Grader Administration Advisory Board. The Brick Companies headquartered in Edgewater, Maryland, creates memorable experiences for current and future generations through social responsibility and environmental leadership. In addition to their commercial real estate portfolio, The Brick Companies owns and operates Queenstown Harbor on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Golf Club at South River, and Atlantic Marinas at Patapsco, Magothy and Ferry Point. The Brick Companies Foundation has donated over a million dollars to local organizations whose missions align with The Brick Companies commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Contact: Brooke Daniels, Marketing Manager (443) 951-2011 or bdaniels@thebrickcompanies.com

The Brick Companies Foundation donated $10,000 to the construction and renovation of the Kent Island Branch of the Queen Anne’s County Library System which will feature a new Children’s Outdoor Learning Area. “Our library has never had usable outdoor space in the past, and library users are so excited about this new addition!” said Kathie Smarick, Project Consultant for Expanding the Kent Island Branch. As a company who values the outdoors, The Brick Companies is pleased to support the improvements to our county's library system and enhances the educational resources available to our children. Check presentation pictured below on March 22, 2022 includes: Back Row: Bill Silva, president of the Board of Trustees of Queen Anne's County Library Front Row (L to R): Ann Zeigler, co-chair of the Capital Campaign to Expand the Kent Island Branch; Janet Salazar, director of Queen Anne's County Library; Julie Ranelli, Kent Island Branch Manager, QACL; and Kathie Smarick, project consultant of the Capital Campaign to Expand the Kent Island Branch, Shelly Ford, Head Responsibility Officer, The Brick Companies, Tad Peel, General Manager, The Golf Club at South River and Courtney Cober, Real Estate Associate, The Brick Companies.

The Brick Companies Foundation donated care package supplies to The Complete Player (TCP) charity, who is dedicated to youth empowerment. The mission of TCP is to “Unleash the Leader” within young people, inspiring them to become future business and community leaders. “We believe all youth possess leadership capabilities and with some mentoring, inspiration, knowledge and guidance, we can unleash the leader within them” said Andy Schindling/Founder, President & Executive Director of The Complete Player. The Brick Companies donation of drawstring backpacks and toothpaste were used to make care packages for local homeless youth and adults at a Youth Empowerment event led by MacArthur Middle School students on April 9th, 2022 (pictured below). More information on The Complete Player Charity can be found here www.tcpyouthempowerment.org #communitysupport #annearundelcounty