Chamber Update

Happy New Year, Severna Park and Arnold!

As we begin 2018, I’m turning over my position at the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce to a new CEO. After 27 years, I’m retiring and looking forward to volunteer work, travel and more time with family. I have other interests I’d like to pursue, and I’m looking forward to having the time and ability to do that. It’ll be nice to not set the alarm clock every day!

January will be a month of training and transition as I pass the baton to Liz League, our newly selected CEO. Liz is a local resident and has been very involved in this community for years. I’m excited to see Liz step into my shoes and take the chamber of commerce to the next level.

January brings a new year of opportunities and challenges for Anne Arundel County. The chamber is one of six business organizations jointly presenting the 19th annual legislative breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis on Thursday, January 18. Sponsorships are available for this event, which typically has several hundred attendees. The breakfast begins at 7:30am and concludes at 9:30am. The member rate is $50 and the nonmember rate is $75. Seating is limited. Registration is available at www.severnaparkchamber.com.

Many issues facing the Maryland legislature this year will have an impact on businesses in this state. A deteriorating transportation infrastructure and limited transit options, workforce development, education, increased business investment in the state, and the impact of regulatory issues are just a few of the challenges our legislators will face.

I encourage you to attend the legislative breakfast, hear from our legislators and become more familiar with the issues they will face.

The chamber’s agenda for the new year will hold lots of activities and benefits for members. Work with Shop Local will continue, as well as marketing and educational opportunities for our members. It promises to be a good year. As you may know, 2017 was our 60th anniversary. We look forward to the next 60 years and all they hold for our businesses and our community.