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Business Blog: Chamber
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Fred. Co. Chamber events
Posted: 08/16/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce sent out an updated calendar of events. Here it is:
Sept 6
Lunch Exchange
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Brewer's Alley, 124 N. Market St., Frederick
Cost: $20 Chamber members, $30 non-members
Registration deadline: Thursday, August 30th
To register, please call 301.662.4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
This popular monthly event provides an opportunity for business professionals to gather at a Chamber member location to enjoy great food, atmosphere, and "speed networking." Join us for a fabulous lunch, door prizes, and business connections at one of downtown Frederick's finest establishments!
Sept. 11
EXPO 2007 - The ULTIMATE Connection
Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center, Frederick
Exhibits are free & Open to the public
8:00 a.m. - Continental Breakfast & 7-7-7 Seminar
9:30 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting & Exhibits Open
10:00 a.m. - Morning Makeovers
1:00 p.m. - Taste of the EXPO
ALL DAY - EXPO Bingo, Prizes, and NETWORKING!
To add a booth reservation to our waiting list, or order tickets for the breakfast & seminar, download the registration form.
For details, call Jessica Hibbard at 301.662.0745.
Sept. 19
Business Card Exchange
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ston'Art Galleria, 7140 English Muffin Way, Frederick
Cost: FREE
Registration deadline: Friday, September 14th
To register, please call 301.662.4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
Bring lots of business cards to this after-hours networking event. Each month, 125-175 area professional gather to make business connections. As you might imagine, the door prizes for this month's business card exchange are fabulous: Ston'Art Galleria plans to give away granite countertops for vanities and hand-carved marble decorative items. Don't miss out -- Join us for one of our most popular monthly events!
Sept. 28
Business Outlook Seminar
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Holiday Inn Ft. Detrick, 999 W. Patrick St., Frederick
Cost: FREE
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 25th
To register, please call 301.662.4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
The Chamber is honored to have Secretary Thomas Perez, of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Following Secretary Perez's presentation, there will be a brief question and answer period and time for networking. A continental breakfast will be provided by the Holiday Inn.
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GBAC hosts KCH Business Solutions
Posted: 08/16/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Those interested in meeting business professionals in Brunswick can attend the monthly meeting of the Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 at Green Country Inn, 620 Souder Road in Brunswick.
John Beck of KCH Business Solutions will discuss a four-step process for getting more business referrals.
Some of the questions he'll help attendees consider:
Is your business getting a steady stream of referrals day in and day out from others?
Does your business have a proactive referral generating system in place?
If not, Beck believes business owners could be losing out on an easy way to grow business. Participants will learn ways to increase business beyond advertising.
For details, call Jerry Knight at 301-834-5774 or email cripplecreek2@verizon.net.
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For more details
To learn how Tax-Increment Financing affects business, e-mail Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s legislative coordinator Katie Nash at knash@frederickchamber.org.
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Commissioners reconsider proposal to finance expansion
Posted: 08/14/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
A board of county commissioners move to reconsider a real estate redevelopment deal concerns the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
On Thursday, commissioners discussed the merits of ending a Tax-Increment Financing proposal, a municipal economic development tool. The financing allows a company to borrow money tax free and at lowered interest rates. The money can be used to buy or improve land and renovate buildings at below-market costs.
In 2006, the financing was offered to MedImmune, a biotechnology firm known for the needle-free flu vaccine FluMist, to help the development of a $250 million second building in Frederick that will be finished in 2009.
During Thursday’s meeting, commissioners considered rescinding the proposal to help finance MedImmune’s expansion.
Representatives from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce believe losing the financing could mean less business in the future.
Ric Adams, chamber president, worries removing an existing financing offer would have a “chilling effect” on business in Frederick County.
UPDATE — CORRECTION 9:45 A.M. AUG. 15, 2007
Last week, the Frederick County Commissioners discussed the merits of ending a Tax-Increment Financing proposal, a municipal economic development tool. The financing uses a portion of the increase in the property taxes associated with a private investment or improvement to pay the debt service for public infrastructure. The money can be used only to pay for public infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewer.
A story on page B-6 Wednesday incorrectly stated the financing was offered to MedImmune in 2006 to help with development of a $250 million building to be finished in 2009.
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HispaExpo 2007 draws near
Posted: 08/14/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Those interested in learning about the education, employment, health and immigration needs of Latinos in the United States can attend a two-day convention 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26 in the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place N.W. in Washington.
More than 200,000 people are expected to attend Hispa Expo 2007 - Bringing the Best of the Americas.
The event is sponsored by Metro, Telefutura, Univision, Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, El Tiempo Latino and many other businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
For details, call Narciso Chavarria at 202-742-6656 or Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 or visit www.hispaexpo.com.
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Hispanic chamber partners with IRS
Posted: 08/13/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Small business owners might be interested in a new partnership between the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service.
The pair released a website to help small business owners find tax information and other business topics.
Among the topics:
Starting a business
Changing or closing your business
e-filing
Teens in business
A hiring guide
For details, visit www.mahcc.org or call 240-686-0055.
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GBAC hosts mixer
Posted: 08/13/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Want to meet Brunswick-area professionals and learn about improving your business?
Check out the next Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 23 at Pixie Dust, 5 W. Potomac St. in Brunswick.
Owners Carey Perkins and Naomi Everett opened the children's clothing and toy store last month. Pixie Dust sells new and consigned items in a renovated building in downtown Brunswick. Perkins and Everett moved to Brunswick for the lower cost of living and to raise their families.
For details, call Pixie Dust at 301-693-6989 or Jerry Knight (301) 834-5774 or e-mail cripplecreek2@verizon.net or visit www.gbacc.net.
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Hispanic chamber hosts education roundtable
Posted: 08/08/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Those interested in learning about the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education’s plans for the future can attend a luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. tomorrow at Cacique Restaurant, 27 N. Market St. in Frederick.
The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is a coalition of more than 120 Maryland companies that made a long-term commitment to support education reform and improve student achievement in Maryland.
Executive Director June Streckfus will present “Working together toward a brighter future for our children.”
The presentation costs $20 to attend and is hosted by The Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For details or to register, call Sila Alegret-Bartel at 301-526-7468 or visit www.mahcc.org.
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Photo by GBACC
Chris Olson, center, discussed business training and counseling at the Frederick Small Business Development Center during the August Business Meeting at the Green Country Inn in Brunswick. Naomi Everett, left, and Carey Perkins invited members to the next business card exchange at their new downtown Brunswick store Pixie Dust, 5 E. Potomac St. The event was sponsored by the Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce. |
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If you go:
What: Business Card Exchange
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 23
Where: Pixie Dust, 5 E. Potomac St. in Brunswick
Why: Meet Brunswick area business professionals, learn about The Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce
For details, call 301-834-5774 or e-mail cripplecreek2@verizon.net.
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Chamber members learn about small business loan opportunities
Posted: 08/02/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Business owners learned how a county agency can help them receive up to $50,000 at a meeting Wednesday night.
Chris Olson, a counselor for the Frederick Small Business Development Center, discussed business training, confidential business counseling and other business support services with more than a dozen members of the Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Frederick County Small Business Loan Fund can lend between $2,500 and $50,000 to qualifying Frederick County businesses.
The fund helps finance existing and aspiring small business in Frederick County, particularly those in priority areas, such as urban areas and major transportation corridors.
To learn more, check out tomorrow's FNP.
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Brunswick business group to feature small business speaker
Posted: 08/01/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
Head over to the Greater Brunswick of Commerce tonight to hear from Chris Olsen, a consultant with the Maryland Small Business Development Commission here in Frederick.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m.at the Green Country Inn, 620 Souder Road.
According to the GBACC's August newsletter:
... topics will include: The Small Business Development Center Business Training and Confidential Business Counseling (all for free); The Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network, an organization of business support organizations in Frederick Country; and the Frederick County Small Business Loan Fund which lends up to $50,000 to worthy Frederick County Businesses.
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Chamber events lined up for Aug./Sept.
Posted: 07/31/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
The chamber's Jessica Hibbard sent through a listing of the organization's upcoming events this morning. Here they are:
FREDERICK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – AUGUST & SEPTEMBER EVENTS
For all events: Seating is limited. Unless otherwise noted, registration and prepayment are required. To register, call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org. For more information, contact Jessica Hibbard, Program & Event Coordinator, at 301-662-0745 or jhibbard@frederickchamber.org.
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August 21
Annual Trustees Picnic
Picnic served 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Baseball game starts 7 p.m.
Frederick Keys Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick
FREE (Chamber members & immediate family ONLY)
Registration deadline: Friday, August 10th
To register, please call 301-662-4164
Our Annual Trustees Picnic is held each year in place of the August Business Card Exchange. This year, we'll enjoy picnic fare (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, watermelon, soft drinks, and lemonade) and a Frederick Keys baseball game! Everyone's favorite mascot, Keyote, plans to stop by, and a lucky Chamber member will get to throw the pre-game first pitch!
This event is free, and open to Chamber members and their immediate family (children and spouses) ONLY. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is capped at 250 participants. The registration deadline is firm, and every participant MUST be pre-registered on or before Friday, August 10th. Call 301.662.4164 to register yourself and your family members. Email & online registration are not available for this event.
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September 6
Lunch Exchange
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery
124 N. Market St., Frederick
$20 Chamber members, $30 non-members
Registration deadline: Thursday, August 30th
To register, please call 301.662.4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
This popular monthly event provides an opportunity for business professionals to gather at a Chamber member location to enjoy great food, atmosphere, and "speed networking." Join us for a fabulous lunch, door prizes, and business connections at one of downtown Frederick's finest establishments!
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September 11
EXPO 2007
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center (near the FSK Mall), Frederick
Exhibits are free and open to the public
To order tickets for the breakfast seminar, or reserve a booth for your company, please call 301-662-0745 or visit www.frederickchamber.org.
Join us for the ULTIMATE CONNECTION!
This year's Business Expo is all new -- It's our biggest networking event of 2007. The Expo is a fantastic opportunity to see new faces, make new connections, and learn things about Frederick County businesses that you never knew before!
Need to find a local supplier? Need to introduce yourself to new clients? Need to find a job closer to home? The Business Expo is THE place to get it all done.
7 a.m. -- Exhibitors Set-up
8 a.m. -- Continental Breakfast & Keynote Speakers
9:30 a.m. -- Ribbon Cutting & Exhibits Open
10 a.m. -- Morning Makeovers (until noon)
1 p.m. -- Taste of the Expo (until 3 p.m.)
3 p.m. -- Exhibits Close
This year's Business Expo features "Expo Bingo" (play for prizes!), outdoor exhibits, and plenty of great business connections. Don't miss out on THE event of the year!
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September 19
Business Card Exchange
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Ston’Art Galleria
7140 English Muffin Way, Frederick
FREE
Registration deadline: Friday, September 14th
To register, please call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
Bring lots of business cards to this after-hours networking event. Each month, 125-175 area professional gather to make business connections. As you might imagine, the door prizes for this month's business card exchange are fabulous: Ston'Art Galleria plans to give away granite countertops for vanities and hand-carved marble decorative items. Don't miss out -- Join us for one of our most popular monthly events!
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September 28
Business Outlook Seminar
8-9 a.m.
Holiday Inn Ft. Detrick, 999 W. Patrick St., Frederick
FREE
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 25th
To register, please call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
The Chamber is honored to have Secretary Thomas Perez, of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, speak to us at our September Business Outlook Seminar. Following Secretary Perez's presentation, there will be a brief question and answer period and time for networking. A continental breakfast will be provided by the Holiday Inn.
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MAHCC: why Latinos are under-banked
Posted: 07/30/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Interested in learning why Latinos are less likely than other communities to use banking services? Check out the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's latest business leaders luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday at Ay! Jalisco Restaurant, 425 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg.
Richard J. Otero, president of EZCertify.com, and Henry Rivera, formerly of the Federal Communications Commission, will present “Maryland Latinos: Who we are — A demographic profile and why these demographics create an under-banked community.”
Oteros is the founder and president of SBA loan approval software company EZCertify.com and one of the organizers of a Hispanic-owned bank in Maryland. Rivera, a DC attorney, also helped organize the bank.
The presentation costs $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For details or to RSVP, call Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 or visit www.mahcc.org.
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Chamber to move to new building
Posted: 07/25/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
No longer will downtown Frederick business people be able to stroll over to the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. They're moving.
Later this fall, the chamber will pack-up shop and reopen at the Riverside Corporate Park. The 4,000-square-foot space will give the chamber room to grow.
Among the top amenities at the new space:
parking
strategic location near the junction of Gas House Pike and Monocacy Boulevard
more space for training
What's the chamber going to miss most about not being downtown steps away from Carroll Creek? Find out later this week in the FNP.
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Chamber
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A response to the comptroller's report
Posted: 07/24/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
I got a quick response this morning to my blog post on corporations avoiding Maryland's corporate income tax.
Will Burns, director of communications for the
Maryland Chamber of Commerce, said via e-mail that Sen. Paul Pinsky's press release was "misleading."
Burns said that according to Ron Wineholt, the Maryland Chamber’s vice president of government relations, this is "the same misleading report that we saw in 2004 and 2005 and (was) discredited in each case."
The chamber has the following problems with the report:
The report provides “preliminary” data for tax year 2005, even though the cover page acknowledges that “tax year 2005 information remains incomplete, as returns for many corporations whose tax year begins after July 1 are not yet due.” Any attempt to draw conclusions from such incomplete data is meaningless.
The report omits disclaimers that were part of the 2004 and 2005 reports which stated that the Comptroller’s Office is unable to match related corporate entities from their data system and, therefore, “this information most likely does not provide a full picture of the corporate income taxes paid by many 'businesses' as they are commonly perceived…such a structure does not necessarily imply tax avoidance.”
The fact is that Maryland has collected record amounts of corporate income taxes in recent years:
FY 2003: $397 million
FY 2004: $432 million
FY 2005: $673 million
FY 2006: $820 million
Maryland’s corporate income tax system is consistent with that used by most other states.
The Comptroller’s Office already has ample authority under existing law to combine related entities under “Section 482” authority granted to his office in 2004. Moving to a “combined reporting” standard for corporate income taxation would merely create new complexity and uncertainty for Maryland businesses without a clear understanding of the fiscal impact on businesses or the state.
I'll be filing a story on the debate sometime this week.
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Chamber
Government
Big Business
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MAHCC hosts business mixer
Posted: 07/23/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Those interested in meeting business professionals or learning how to start a business can attend a mixer 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at Mexicali Cantina, 467 W. Patrick St. in Frederick.
The Frederick and Hagerstown champters of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are hosting the event, which will include menu specials and door prizes.
All beers, cocktals and appetizers are 50 percent off. Now that's a mixer!
For details or to register, call Sila Alegret-Bartel at 301-526-7468 or visit www.MAHCC.org.
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Chamber
Resources
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Photo by EBPA
Joe Lebherz, director of institutional & government relations, Mt. St. Mary’s University; Ron Face, director, NETC Management, Operations, Support Services; Bob Hance, board of directors NETC Alliance and EBPA; Mayor Jim Hoover. |
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EBPA starts institution series
Posted: 07/20/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Libby Briggs of the Emmitsburg Business Professionals Association sent me a note today about an ongoing series of presentations about the institutions near the town.
The series started Tuesday when Ron Face, director of the National Emergency Training Center, discussed the center's history in Emmitsburg. The center, part of the FEMA Emergency Management Institute, helps government leaders prepare to respond to major emergencies.
These are some of the details Face discussed:
Employees: 1,000 part-time contract workers, 400 full-time contract workers, 175 full-time government workers
The center receives more than 100,000 applications every year for about 17,000 slots.
Students come from all over the world and include government officials, hospital administrators, mayors, some private sector businesses and large construction firms.
The center collects data nationwide on all fires for a report released every year.
Every year fires consume more than $100 billion of property.
Of 1.4 million fire fighters in the United States, 900,000 are volunteers.
Those interested can attend the series 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Carriage House in Emmitsburg on the following dates:
Tom Powell, president of Mount St. Mary’s University will speak Sept. 18.
Janet Buchannon, COO of the Mount will lead the discussion Nov. 20.
Need more details? Call 301-447-3110 or write ebriggs@briggsassoc.com.
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Chamber
Resources
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GBAC hosts business training
Posted: 07/19/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Interested in business training and confidential business counseling? Attend the Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce general meeting 7 p.m., Aug. 1 at Green Country Inn, 604 Souder Rd. in Brunswick.
Chris Olson, of the Frederick Small Business Development Center will discuss the organization's services, such as The Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network, an organization of business support organizations in Frederick Country; and the Frederick County Small Business Loan Fund which lends up to $50,000 to Frederick County businesses.
For details call Jerry Knight at 301-834-5774 or e-mail cripplecreek2@verizon.net.
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Chamber
Resources
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Chamber tip
About 99% of CEOs say the availability of cultural activities in an area is an important consideration in choosing a new business location, according to the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
Shuan Butcher, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council and a panel of representatives from local arts organizations will discuss the connection between business and the arts at the next Business Outlook Seminar on July 27th. Details are in the main blog entry to the left.
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Fred. Co. Chamber events
Posted: 07/18/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Jessica Hibbard from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce asked me to tell you about these upcoming events. You can find details at the chamber website or by calling 301-662-4164.
Registration Deadline Extended
The chamber extended registration for the July general membership luncheon to noon July 27th.
Those interested in the luncheon can attend 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., July 24 at Morningside Inn, 7477 McKaig Rd. in Frederick.
Chamber members will vote on revisions to bylaws sent out by e-mail. To balance the drudgery, the chamber will pull this stunt:
Attendees are encouraged to wear colorful business attire — the chamber applause-o-meter will determine who gets prizes for best dressed. Bonus points for floral or tropical prints.
Business Card Exchange
Those interested in networking can attend 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., today at First United Bank and Trust, Riverside Center, 1990 Monocacy Blvd. in Frederick.
Electric Cooperative Information Meeting
Want to join a co-op to save money on your electricity bill? Attend 8 to 10 a.m., July 25 at the Business and Employment Center, 5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A in Frederick. To register, call Wendy Errera at 301-662-4553.
Business Outlook Seminar
Shuan Butcher, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council, and a panel of representatives from area arts organizations will discuss the impact of arts on the local economy and the relationship between arts organizations and the business community. Following their presentation, there will be a brief question and answer period and time for networking. A continental breakfast will be provided by the Holiday Inn.
Those interested can attend 8 to 9 a.m., July 27 at the Holiday Inn at Fort Detrick, 999 W. Patrick St. in Frederick. It's free to attend, but please register by July 24.
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Chamber
Resources
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AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
8633 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301.495.6720
Fax:301.495.6777
E-mail: silverinfo@afi.com
Recorded Program Information: 301.495.6700
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MAHCC hosts film discussion
Posted: 07/17/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Jorge Ribas from the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce asked me to remind my readers to attend the discussion about the American Film Institute and the 2007 Latin American Film Festival, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. tomorrow at El Aguila Restaurant, at the corner of 16th and Spring streets at the Spring Shopping Center in Silver Spring.
Todd Hitchcock, director and film programmer for the AFI, will lead the discussion. Hitchcock has been programming films at AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring since 2003. He finds top-tier films for international festivals, retrospectives, first-run engagements and special events at the theater.
It costs $20 for members to attend, $25 for non-members.
For details or to RSVP, contact Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946, call the chamber headquarters at 240-686-0055 or visit www.mahcc.org.
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Chamber
Resources
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Mount Airy chamber releases event list
Posted: 07/17/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Those interested in meeting business professionals in Mount Airy may attend the Greater Mt Airy Chamber of Commerce business card exchanges:
4 to 7 p.m. July 26 at Retro-Metro, 118 S. Main St. in Mount Airy. map
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Damascus Community Bank, 26500 Ridge Rd. in Damascus. map
5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Mt Airy Animal Hospital, 1308 South Main Street in Mount Airy. map
The exchanges help local business people network and socialize with others in the greater Mount Airy region. There is no cost to attend and the general public is invited to attend.
For details, call 301-829-5426 or visit www.MtAiryBusiness.com.
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Chamber
Resources
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Mini-Institute inspired chamber leaders
Posted: 07/13/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Mini-Institute, a Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives meeting of the minds, inspired chamber leaders from across the state to try new ways to serve their members. The conference was held today in Frederick
Here's some nuggets of creativity:
Encourage RSVPs — Add a $10 surcharge to participants who show up to events, but don't RSVP.
Add appeal to chamber newsletter — Send out a Q&A to panel of members, publish responses with mug shots. That works for newspapers too.
Cut back on admin time — Coordinate a volunteer swap. Connect with another organization that has downtime when you're busy. Swap volunteers during their busy time.
Want more? Check tomorrow's business page.
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Chamber
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Photo by GBACC
Brunswick Mayor Carroll Jones, "Spotlight" speaker Jean Toleman of Harpers Ferry Hostel and Brunswick City administrator Dave Dunn. |
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Opening a new business in Brunswick?
Posted: 07/12/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Brunswick Mayor Carroll Jones and Brunswick City Administrator Dave Dunn discussed city grants and new businesses in town at the latest Greater Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce mixer on Wednesday.
Jones suggested new business owners contact Jeff Love, development review planner and Al Danaher, superintendent of public works before signing a contact on a business site to make sure plans match what will work at the site.
Spotlight speaker Jean Toleman of Harpers Ferry Hostel discussed the history of the hostel organization and the upcoming Business Card Exchange.
The next GBACC Business Card Exchange is on Thursday, July 19th, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harpers Ferry Hostel, click here for directions. For detials, visit www.gbacc.net.
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Chamber
Government
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Photo by File
Executive Director Shuan Butcher, of the Frederick Arts Council |
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A Frederick chamber two-fer
Posted: 07/10/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
Two Frederick County Chamber of Commerce events for the price of one this afternoon.
Zaminy ... errr ... I mean Jessica Hibbard just let us know that Shuan Butcher, the executive director of the Frederick Arts Council, will be the chamber's guest, 8 to 9 a.m. at the Business Outlook Seminar, July 27.
Butcher and a panel from area arts organizations will be telling attendees where local business and the arts intersect.
Butcher's recent submission to the chamber's Connector newsletter gives a taste of what he may talk about:
"The arts are a factor in the national economy. The arts are part of a larger creative industry as defined by the SIC codes. According to Dun & Bradstreet, 4.3 percent of all businesses in the United States are involved in the creation or distribution of the arts. Closer to home, in Maryland’s 3rd Senatorial District, 291 art-related businesses employed 1,184 people in 2006.
"The arts have a direct economic impact to our community as well. In Maryland, the total economic impact of the arts exceeded $1 billion for the first time last year. The arts generated over $37 million in local and state tax revenues and provided for nearly 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs."
No. 2: The chamber wants exhibitors for EXPO 2007, scheduled 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 11 at the
Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center, near the FSK mall in Frederick.
From Hibbard's e-mail:
The main exhibit hall includes space for about 50 exhibitor booths, and nearly a third of those booths have already been reserved. The Chamber is offering an “Early Bird” discount of $50.00 for registrations and payments received before Tuesday, July 17th. For a registration form and more information, visit www.frederickchamber.org or call 301-662-0745.
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Chamber
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Hispanic chamber events
Posted: 07/09/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the largest Hispanic business organization in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Here are their latest events.
Frederick and Hagerstown chapter events:
Business Leaders Luncheon
Mr. Alberto Ramirez, director learning technologies, Frederick Community College presents
“The future of online learning technologies in higher education”
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 11
Where: La Paz Mexican Restaurant, 51 South Market Street, Frederick, MD 20876. (map)
Admission fee: $20 for Members and $25 for non-members.
RSVP: call Sila Alegret-Bartel at 301-526-7468 or Ricardo Vera at 301-219-6228 or call the Chamber Headquarters at 240-686-0055 or visit the chamber website.
Greater Frederick Business Mixer
5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25
Mexicali Cantina, 467 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701.
Open to business owners or anyone interested in opening a business. All beers, cocktails and appetizers 50% discount. Sponsored by the Chamber's Frederick and Hagerstown Chapters.
For more information, please contact Sila Alegret-Bartel at 301-526-7468 or Ricardo Vera at 301-219-6228. RSVP required.
Other events:
Free Workshop: Small Business Planning
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 12.
Where: Rockville Regional Library, 21 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850.
Seminar Description: This two-day, in-depth class will work owners through writing a business plan. The class is highly participatory and homework will be assigned. Participants will receive a Business Planning Guide, and a Small Business Resource Guide. Participants must commit to attending the entire class on both days.
For more information contact Rayna Glucksman at Rockville Economic Development, Inc., 301-315-8096.
Greater Silver Spring Business Leaders Luncheon
“AFI Partnership with the MAHCC and the 2007 Latin American Film Festival.”
Mr. Todd Hitchcock, Film Programmer, American Film Institute
11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 18
Venue: El Aguila Restaurant, Spring Shopping Center, 8649 16th Street and Spring Street, Silver Spring, MD 20902.
Cost: Members: $20, Non-Members: $25.
The magic of Marketing
This seminar is presented by Global Advertising 1st, Inc. in collaborations with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday July 19
Venue: Wheaton Business Innovation Center, 11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite 700, Wheaton, MD
Contact Vanita Kushawaha at 301-403-0501 x11 or at training@mdsbdc.umd.edu.
Cost: Members: $20, Non-Members: $25.
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Chamber
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Photo by Christopher Simmons (Jessica's husband)
Zaminy plays at Open Eye Cafe in Carrboro, N.C. |
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Chamber leader strums as alter ego
Posted: 07/06/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Most people know Jessica Hibbard as the program and event coordinator for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. Today, I learned she has an alter ego.
When Jessica becomes Zaminy Hibbard she strums a Taylor guitar named O'Keef and sings songs at open mic night. Listen here.
She started when she was about 16 years old with an Ibinez guitar called Buzz — named after the sound the strings made as she struggled to hold them tight.
Her BFF Amy played a B-flat clarinet. Together, they formed the Buzz & B-fer show playing cover gigs at the Dimock, Pa. public library. They played tunes such as "Feeling Groovy" by Simon & Garfunkel or "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young.
Now Zaminy writes and plays songs about life experiences — love, moving to a new town and remembering things.
She also keeps a blog that lists soundtracks to accompany events, such as Top 5 Songs for a Non-traditional Wedding and Top 5 Songs for a Dinner Party. I'd love to attend the tapas dinner served with the Buena Vista Social Club Soundtrack. Dinner for two over Miles Davis? Done it. Love it.
Read more in tomorrow's Slice of Life.
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Catch-all
Chamber
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Chamber blogs about biz blog
Posted: 07/06/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
A post on the Maryland Chamber of Commerce blog mentions the FNP biz blog's recent launch. Jessica Hibbard of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce was kind enough to point it out.
Blogs are a big deal. Blogs are creating a new mediascape that uses social networking and interactive communication to advance business opportunities.
Don't believe me? Check out the Pro-bloggers Association. These people are serious about web logs.
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Chamber
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July Connector released
Posted: 07/03/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Every Tuesday, the FNP brings you the Frederick Business Week pullout — our very own weekly business journal. Now we also bring you The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce's monthly newsletter.
If you haven't noticed, you're not keeping up with local business news. Quick, run out and buy today's paper!
You'll find the chamber released the July issue of Connector, the organization's monthly newsletter.
Among the news:
Lori Friedman is the new membership director;
Leaders On Loan application deadline extended to Friday, July 13th at noon;
early bird registration for the Annual Business EXPO September 11, at the Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center in Frederick.
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Chamber
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Lobbyist ordinance concerns chamber
Posted: 07/02/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce wants business owners know the county's lobbyist ordinance may require them to register.
On Friday, the chamber sent an e-mail to members:
"The Frederick County Ordinance will go into effect July 1, 2007.
All members are encouraged to read and become familiar with this ordinance. Any business or individual entity that engages in communication or activities with the Board of County Commissioners or Planning Commission may be affected. The scope of this law is broad and YOU MAY NEED TO REGISTER."
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Small Business
Chamber
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Chamber lines up July events
Posted: 06/28/2007
Clifford G. Cumber
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce just released their July listing of events:
For all events: Seating is limited. Unless otherwise noted, registration and prepayment are required. To register, call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org.
For more information, contact Jessica Hibbard, Program & Event Coordinator, at 301-662-0745 or e-mailjhibbard@frederickchamber.org .
July 12
Electric Cooperative Information Meeting
3-5 p.m.
Business & Employment Center
5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick
FREE
To register, call Wendy Errera at 301-662-4553.
Free information meeting open to members and non-members interested in learning more about the chamber's energy co-op.
July 18
Business Card Exchange
4:30-6:30 p.m.
My Bank! First United Bank & Trust
Riverside Center, 1990 Monocacy Blvd., Frederick
FREE
Registration deadline: Friday, July 13th
To register, please call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
Each month, 125-175 area professionals gather to connect.
July 24
General Membership Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Morningside Inn, 7477 McKaig Rd., Frederick
$35 (Chamber members ONLY)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 17th
To register, please call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
A semi-annual event. Wear your most colorful business attire -- bonus points for floral and tropical prints. Chamber members will vote on revised bylaws during the business portion of the meeting.
July 25
Electric Cooperative Information Meeting
8-10 a.m.
Business & Employment Center
5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick
FREE
To register, call Wendy Errera at 301-662-4553.
Free information meeting is open to members and non-members interested in learning more about the chamber's energy co-op.
July 27
Business Outlook Seminar
8-9 a.m.
Holiday Inn Ft. Detrick, 999 W. Patrick St., Frederick
FREE
Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 24th
To register, please call 301-662-4164 or visit www.frederickchamber.org
Shuan Butcher, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council, will be at the July Business Outlook Seminar with a panel of representatives from area arts organizations. They will share information about the impact of arts on the local economy and the relationship between arts organizations and the business community.
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Lori Friedman is the new membeship director for The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. |
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Chamber hires new membership director
Posted: 06/28/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce announced today Lori Friedman will direct membership services for the chamber.
Friedman will oversee the new member application process, help keep members in the chamber, promote advertising in chamber publications and serve as staff liaison to the chamber’s ambassador committee.
Formerly from Cleveland where she was an active member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and Dale Carnegie training programs, Friedman most recently directed training for a national storage company in Mount Airy.
She replaces the Chamber’s former membership director, Linda Adams, who moved to Huntington, West Virginia at the end of June.
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Chamber
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Chamber hosts electricity co-op meetings
Posted: 06/27/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Business owners who hope to combine their buying power for a better deal on electricity can attend one of two free meetings hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
The Energy Purchasing Cooperative meeting will be held 3 to 5 p.m. July 12 or 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 25 at the Business and Employment Center 5340 Spectrum Dr., Suite A in Frederick.
This is what happened last time.
For details, call Wendy Errera at 301-662-4553 or visit the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce website.
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Chamber
Utilities
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Hecht talks business at chamber event
Posted: 06/26/2007
Joseph M. de Leon
Moyo Edun, president of the Frederick County African-American Chamber of Commerce, told me the chamber is organizing an upcoming networking luncheon.
Delegate Sue Hecht, a Frederick Democrat, will discuss state programs related to small businesses noon to 1:30 p.m. July 10 at a location yet to be determined.
For details, check out FCAACC online.
UPDATE 11:52 a.m. 6-27-07
Cacique Restaurant, 26 N. Market St in Frederick, will host the luncheon.
The event costs $20. For details or to register, call 301-695-4413 or e-mail fcaacc@verizon.net.
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Small Business
Chamber
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