GSPCC Update

By Linda Zahn

Days are getting milder and spring is right around the corner. To take advantage of the weather — and our great location right on the B&A Trail —the GSPCC is starting a Business Walking Group. Every Tuesday, starting March 20, members of the chamber who would like walking partners can congregate at our location on Holly Avenue at noon for a brown bag lunch (optional) and a walk. Caitlin Burman of Spark Running will provide warm-up tips and support. It’s a drop-in activity for members looking to enjoy exercise and camaraderie.

Spring also brings thoughts of the GSPCC signature event, the July 4Parade, held on Independence Day. Please mark the date and watch for parade applications. There will also be applications for the festival following the parade at Cypress Creek Park.

The Maryland Legislature will end its current session in April. Right now the Chamber’s Legislative Task Force meets every other Monday with various members of the legislature for updates on bills of importance to small business. To summarize the session, the GSPCC will be one of five Chambers of Commerce to hold a Legislative wrap-up breakfast at Hella’s Restaurant in Millersville on May 8. Various legislators will provide a panel discussion update. The event is open to the public, so watch for details if you’d like to attend.

You are probably starting to see Shop Local decals and ballot boxes in some of our businesses. More and more members are signing up for the Shop Local initiative to make local residents aware of the importance of supporting our local businesses. Local businesses keep our community thriving by supporting our sports teams, schools, and charities.

The ballot boxes are for a drawing that will be coming later in the spring. The winner will get a great prize of cash and gift cards, as well as the opportunity to benefit a local charity of choice. Call 410-647-3900 to learn more!

The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce will hold its General Membership Luncheon May 18at Chartwell Country Club. The guest speaker will be Garrison Commander Colonel Edward C. Rothstein from Fort George G. Meade. He will offer an enlightening update on the changing footprint of Fort Meade, their communication strategy, and the Team Meade Community Concept.

It will also be our pleasure at that luncheon to recognize this year’s Maryland Small Business Award honorees. Chosen by their peers at the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce for their accomplishments, they include:

Small Business Person of the Year: Anna Torres-Radle of Fieldstone Animal Inn;

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Eddie Conway of Garry’s Gril;

Family Owned Small Business of the Year: The Sosnoski Family of Goska’s;

Financial Services Champion: Jim Brennan of Middleton Gardiner Group;

Home-Based Business of the Year: Angela Balsamo of Coffee News;

Veteran Small Business Champion: Aaron Drummond of TailorCraft Builders;

Women in Business Champion: Nancy Greer of Jing Ying Institute;

Accountant Champion: Ann Furst of Gardiner and Appel.