Dear Readers of The Business Monthly,
On behalf of the board of directors, staff, and membership of the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC), welcome to this special publication of The Business Monthly. It’s my pleasure also to welcome you to Maryland’s only regional chamber.
BWCC serves members principally located in the four counties between the nation’s capital and Baltimore; specifically, Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s. This area is at the heart of the fourth largest marketplace in the United States and is home to 45% of Maryland’s population and a similar percentage of all the jobs in Maryland. The Corridor also is home to 45% of all households in the state, but occupies just 17% of the total land area.
As vice chancellor for advancement for the University System of Maryland, I share with Chancellor William Kirwan and many others responsibility for the nation’s 12th largest system of higher education, with the more than 178,000 customers along with 14,000 employees, 1,000 buildings and an operating budget of $4.2 billion. And yet as large as we are, we receive great benefit from our involvement with the BWCC, in issues ranging from cyberpolicy to workforce development to coordination of programs providing increased opportunities for minority students. Very simply — and very directly — we know that the BWCC works diligently on our behalf.
Over the coming months, members and guests will hear prominent newsmakers, attend an economic forecast by the Chamber’s economic adviser, Anirban Basu; participate in the 20th Annual Government Procurement Fair, and enjoy each other’s company at the annual BWCC Foundation Holiday Mixer. There will be joint networking breakfasts, educational seminars and Women In Business monthly programs as well. Most importantly, as a member, you will have a seasoned team of professionals who work for you, but are not on your payroll.
In the supportive and welcoming environment the Chamber provides, businesses get questions answered, develop lasting and beneficial relationships and are assured their interests are championed. We are proud of our 64-year history and invite you to join us if you are not a member, and become even more involved if you are.
Sincerely,
Leonard Raley, president and CEO, University System of Maryland Foundation Inc.; vice chancellor for advancement for the University System of Maryland
