Chamber Update

Usually at this time of year, there’s excitement about school, the football season and all of the activities that kick off once summer is over. Along with that excitement, I’m sure you share my heavy heart in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation created for so many people who live in the areas affected by this huge storm. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims as they try to move forward.

Our September 15 crab feast is coming up at the Severna Park Elks Lodge. We’re excited to hold this first-ever crab feast in our 60th anniversary year. We have details on our website or they can be provided by calling the chamber at 410-647-3900. It should be a fun evening, and we welcome members of the community in addition to our Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce members.

Additionally, autumn for the chamber means our Driving Force For Business golf tournament, and this year, that event is on October 2 at Chartwell Golf and Country Club. It’s an annual event, and always a sellout. The rain date is October 23. Check-in and driving range start at 7:00am with shotgun start at 9:00am. This is captain’s choice golf. Breakfast is being sponsored by State Farm Insurance. Guests will enjoy hot dogs on the course sponsored by Southern Trust Mortgage, and a full barbecue dinner for the awards banquet at the conclusion. Special attractions include our “ball drop,” “hit the cow” (a Chick-fil-A contest), and various specialty holes and giveaways. We also plan a sports memorabilia silent auction in conjunction with the tournament. It’s quite a day. We have early-bird incentive pricing by September 10. Visit our website at www.severnaparkchamber.com or call the chamber at 410-647-3900. Our email is info@severnaparkchamber.com.

On Wednesday, September 20, the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce will hold a business development program entitled “Does Your 30-Second Commercial Make Your Income Grow?” The presenter will be David Wendkos, a certified Sandler Systems trainer. We will hold this program at Bill Bateman’s Bistro from 8:00am to 9:30am. You all know that 30-second introduction? “So what do you do?” We all hear it, but how often does it really stand out? This presentation will address that question and give you a response that makes people tune in, think, consider and discuss! This is a free presentation for members or nonmembers, with coffee and pastries provided. An RSVP is required, so visit our website or email us at info@severnaparkchamber.com.

On October 11, the chamber’s Successful Women in Business program will be a joint membership luncheon at Walden Country Club in Crofton. We’ve invited the Greater Crofton Chamber, Greater Bowie Chamber and Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce to join us. The focus is networking, so there’s no guest speaker, but attendees will have the opportunity for introductions, and a literature table will have handouts. Register at www.info@severnaparkchamber.com.