HCCC

Membership Directory

Our annual membership directory will be published in January. This is your last chance to get your company’s name in front of the thousands of people viewing this publication. For details, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Chamber ACE Winners

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce’s (HCCC) annual Signature Event on Oct. 7 was a huge success, with almost 500 people enjoying the humor, impressions and local sports history provided by this year’s entertainer, Roy Firestone.

That evening, we also honored local businesses for their contribution to the HCCC and Howard County, including Mobern Lighting (Large Business of the Year), Howard Tech Advisors (Small Business of the Year), Greg Lowe of Lowe Wealth Advisors (Business Person of the Year), the Marriner Family (Entrepreneur of the Year) and Innoplex LLC (Government Contractor of the Year).

Member Orientation:

Nov. 10

How can the chamber help your business grow? Get involved in the local business community by joining the HCCC. For new members, potential members and new employees of current members, come talk with the staff, board members and others to find out how we make Howard County a better place to live, work, shop and play. And thanks to Eggspectation, located at 6010 University Boulevard, Ellicott City, for hosting this event.

Salute to Veterans Luncheon: Nov. 16

We’re recognizing our veterans and veteran-owned businesses at this November luncheon being held at Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. We are honored to have Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, adjutant general of Maryland, Maryland National Guard, as our special guest.

She’ll be discussing how the Maryland National Guard works in conjunction with the Maryland government. Come listen, learn and discuss the principles and tactics she uses to successfully work with the Maryland government so you can implement and transfer to the commercial sector.

Breakfast with Anirban Basu: Dec. 1

Enjoy breakfast and wake up with lively analysis from Economist Anirban Basu as he takes a look at the local, regional and national economic trends that will affect businesses in 2017. The event is sponsored by Sandy Spring Bank and will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center.

Jingle Mingle Holiday Party: Dec. 8

The HCCC will host its Jingle Mingle holiday party at Maryland Live! Casino on Thursday, Dec. 8. The festive celebration, sponsored by The Columbia Bank, will include food, beverages, holiday cheer and plenty of entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.

For information and registration for these events, visit to www.howardchamber.com or call 410-730-4111.

GovConnects CFO Roundtable: Nov. 10

Join this small group of government contracting financial gurus as they discuss best practices, changing regulations and relevant topics. This event is limited to government contractors and will be held at the HCCC office from 12–1:30 p.m.

BWCC

Merger News

The West Anne Arundel County (WCC) and the Baltimore Washington Corridor (BWCC) chambers of commerce recently signed an agreement exploring the feasibility of becoming a single entity. The combined organization would be the largest chamber in Anne Arundel County and serve the larger region surrounding Fort Meade and Laurel.

As word of the proposed merger spreads, members are asking questions about the merger. They include the following.

Why do the two organizations want to merge?

The BWCC and WCC share a similar focus and a reputation for active involvement in business community advocacy, economic development and workforce development. Combining the organizations provides an opportunity for greater advocacy capabilities, increased networking programs and enhanced staffing to support member needs.

“With both CEOs leaving within months of each other and a shared focus on the economic vitality of our region, this seemed a natural opportunity,” said BWCC Board Chairman Eric Harris. “We believe combining forces will better serve the members of both entities and the region as a whole.”

What will the new name be?

A name has not yet been selected, but one will be chosen to reflect the broader region to be served. Suggestions are welcome.

Welcome New Members

  • Blossman Gas
  • New Horizons Computer
  • Learning Centers
  • LSA Chauffeured Transportation
  • Reliable Contracting
  • Baltimore City Community College
  • Global Harvest Networks

Upcoming BWCC Events

  • 2016 Economic Forecast Luncheon
    Wednesday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
    Come hear what regional experts believe the election results (national and local) will mean for your business in 2017. Gain valuable insight that will help you plan and budget for a successful new year. The events features regional economist Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, and a panel of regional leaders.
  • 2nd Women Veterans Conference
    Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 8:30–11:30 a.m.; Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC)
    Presented by BWCC Women In Business (WIB). “Empowering Women & Veteranpreneurs.” Open to all female veterans in business, women (and men) entrepreneurs. Business tips and networking.
  • BWCC Holiday Mixer
    Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill
    The premier holiday event for delicious food, great networking, friendly people and a silent auction. Bring your whole team. Have your holiday office party with friends. For more information and to register for BWCC events, visit www.bwcc.org.

WCC

Business Accelerator Breakfast

To boost or not to boost your Facebook post? That’s the burning question. And we hope to resolve it at the West County Chamber’s (WCC) Business Accelerator Breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. in the Chamber Conference Room, 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway, Suite D, Odenton.

Are you using Facebook to promote your business? Are you successful? Join us for a discussion of Marketing Your Business on Facebook and learn some tips for getting the most out of Facebook and more bang for your buck. Seating is limited to 15 attendees, so reserve early by registering at www.westcountychamber.org or calling the WCC office at 410-672-3422.

Women Mean Business

The 2000 Most Neglected Characters on LinkedIn will be the topic of the WCC’s Women Mean Business luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16 (note: earlier in the month than usual). Not quite certain what to say about yourself in the summary section on LinkedIn?

Beth Colley will demonstrate best practice individual brand marketing techniques for promoting your expertise and business on LinkedIn. Increase your profile views and personal brand by applying practical search engine optimization strategies, capturing key words, reworking your title and clearly communicating what you do — in 2,000 characters or less.

The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the chamber’s Conference Room. Cost is $20/members, $25/non-members; registration closes on Nov. 15. Next month’s meeting will be held on Dec. 14, same time and place, and will include the annual Women Mean Business gift exchange. Details to follow.

Small Business Saturday

Members of the WCC can participate in Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 26 — the Saturday after Black Friday. Area merchants and restaurants who choose to participate in the WCC’s Passport Program (identifiable by signage in their window and a list on the back of the Passport) will stamp your passport when you visit their business.

Turn in your completed passport (four stamps) to any participating merchant to be included in the WCC’s drawing for several $25 gift cards. A list of participating merchants will be published at www.westcountychamber.org, as well as in local media.

Holiday Mixer

The WCC’s Holiday Mixer will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Arts in Motion, the Odenton dance studio that has graciously provided our holiday entertainment over the past few years. Food and beverages will be provided, and there is no cost to attend for members, $10/non-members. RSVP at www.westcountychamber.org so our hosts know how much food to provide.

Holiday Open House

As always, the WCC will be hosting a holiday open house on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at its offices, 8385 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be lots of homemade goodies, festive beverages and great company. This is a great opportunity to meet the chamber’s new CEO in a casual setting. No need to RSVP, just drop by anytime.