Chamber Update

By Linda Zahn, CEO, GSPCC

It’s hard to believe we’re already in August. After a blistering July, it’s time to look toward schools starting, and hopefully some break in the weather we’ve all endured this summer.

A Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly is planned for this fall. Potential issues involve congressional redistricting, transportation funding and consideration of tax increases. In an effort to communicate concerns prior to this session, the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce and fellow members of the Anne Arundel County Council of Chambers are holding a Legislative Breakfast on Friday, September 30 at Hella’s Restaurant. The facilitator will be Ron Wineholt of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. The event will run from 8:30 to 10:30am and the cost for members is $25 in advance (non-members and at-the-door rate will be $45). We encourage attendance at this event that presents the opportunity to bring questions and concerns before your elected officials. Creating a more business friendly environment in Maryland is becoming a more and more important issue as federal purse strings tighten.

Joint events with other business organizations add depth to our organization. We give wider exposure to our members by enabling them to meet with people throughout the area, who could be potential business partners and customers. On Wednesday, August 17, beginning at 7:30am, there will be a Joint Business Exchange Breakfast at Conference Center at the Maritime Institute. A number of organizations are involved and due to the size of this event, early registration is required. There will be no walk-in registration. Call 410-647-3900 for more details.

One of the biggest topics these days is the power of Social Media. There is no doubt this is one of the most important tools for business today. Speaker Rob Emenecker from Hairy Dog Digital will be our guest speaker for the topic “Leveraging Social Media for Your Business” on Wednesday, August 24 at Brian Boru. There is a choice of entrée and the fee is $20 for members.

Our Successful Women in Business event for August is a Professional Women’s Luncheon at Ellie’s Place on Veterans Highway. This is an event we’ll share with West County Chamber of Commerce and it will provide our businesswomen with the opportunity to build relationships with businesswomen from West County. The cost for the buffet is $16 per person.

Closing out August is a joint business mixer with Pasadena Business Association on Tuesday, August 30 at Bamboo Bernies Restaurant in Pasadena. The event runs from 5:00 to 7:00pm and advance payment is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

A date to pen on your calendar is Monday, September 26. It’s our annual “Driving Force for Business” Golf Tournament. This year we’ll be at Chartwell Country Club and we’re planning to make this event a celebration of Chartwell’s 50th anniversary! We’re excited about the prospect! Sponsorships are available. The Tournament is being chaired by Karl Appel of Gardiner and Appel, with co-chair Rick Sutton of Bank of Glen Burnie.

In closing, remember to support our local business community. What do local businesses bring you? Convenience, great customer service, support for local charities and causes, jobs right here in the community. These are but a few of the reasons we all need to support our local businesses. Want a Chamber of Commerce referral? Call me at 410-647-3900.