February 15, 2018
  CHAMBER NEWS

  LEGISLATIVE ACTION UPDATE
HB 1 (Maryland Healthy Working Families Act) is Now in Effect

Despite our efforts, and that of many other organizations representing the interests of the business community,  HB 1, officially known as the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, but also known as the Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Act, went into effect this week.

Now that HB 1 is the law, we are here to help you make sure your business is in compliance. The Maryland Department of Labor has put together some information that may be helpful as you navigate compliance with the new law. You can click  here, for a link to a draft sample employee notice poster that can be printed and posted in your business.

As we mentioned in last week's  In The Loop, Governor Larry Hogan has also created the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance to assist small businesses in complying with the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Questions about the law and compliance can be sent to that office at its dedicated email at  small.business@maryland.gov.
Senator Kasemeyer Retiring

State Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer, a Democrat representing Howard County's 12th District, has announced that he will not seek re-election after more than three decades in the General Assembly. 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on Andra Cain and Cain Contracting, Inc.

At the Chamber we are so proud of our members, and this month, in honor of Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment in each of our newsletters to shine the spotlight on one of our members! Last week we shined a spotlight on Allegra in Columbia and co-owner Natalie Whylie. This week we asked Andra Cain, President and CEO of Cain Contracting, Inc. to tell us a little about himself and his business.

Cain founded Cain Contracting, Inc. in 2000 and has since grown the company to perform over $12 million in construction projects each year. Prior to his life as a business owner, Cain served in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic, completed his Bachelor of Science at Fairmont State University and earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Cain enjoyed a successful career with United Technologies Corporation, but ultimately felt he needed to let his entrepreneurial spirit free.

Cain Contracting Inc. has been recognized twice as a Minority Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration and Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association and Andra himself was also a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2010.
 UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS




Tickets now available for our 2018 Women's Leadership Conference on March 8th at $150 for members and $165 for non-members!
2018 Annual Legacy Partners
2018 Annual Benefactor & Leader Partners
Commercial Energy Co-op Spring Enrollment is here!!!

Even though it doesn't quite feel like it outside yet, Spring is right around the corner and we are ready to launch the Spring Enrollment Campaign for our Commercial Energy Co-op partners, CQI Associates!

As part of the campaign, CQI is hosting a series of Webinars for anyone who wants to know more about the program or has questions about enrollment.  Webinars will be held February 20, 2018 at 11:00 am and February 27, 2018 at 1:00 pm. To participate you must register in-advance for the above webinars. Simply go to the CQI Associates home page at   www.cqiassociates.com  and click on the date that you want to participate and follow the steps to RSVP.

If you are already enrolled in the program, but will be up for renewal this year, you have until March 2nd to submit the current Letter of Authorization to make sure you are locked in to the best available rates! You can also find out more about the program here.
 CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!!

We are so proud to welcome the following new Chamber members this week!
Happy Anniversary!!!

The following organizations joined the HCCC this week in history!
  • Putting On The Ritz - 29 Years
  • Impact Marketing & Public Relations LLC - 28 Years
  • Howard County Fair Association - 21 Years
  • Land Design & Development, Inc. - 21 Years
  • Savage Mill - 21 Years
  • StratWealth - 15 Years
  • Turn Key Office, LLC - 15 Years
  • Restaurant Association of Maryland - 14 Years

Howard Bank's Acquisition of First Mariner Wins Regulatory Approval

Howard Bancorp has been given the go-ahead to move forward with its acquisition of First Mariner Bank after receiving approval from federal banking regulators according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

Jailbreak Brewing Co. To Start Serving Food by Early Spring

Congratulations to Jailbreak Brewing Co. who are set to start serving food at the four-year-old Laurel brewery in early spring.

Join Chamber President McClarty at HCPSS' Academy of Finance Spring Conference 

The Howard County Public School System's Academy of Finance Program is looking for two speakers from the tech world to volunteer at this year's Spring Conference on March 12th at Howard Community College. The Chamber's own President & CEO, Leonardo McClarty is serving as the keynote speaker this year.

If you are interested, please contact Maddy Halbach from the Academy of Finance at 410-313-6998.

Help Leadership Howard County by Filling Out A Quick Survey 

A group in the current Leadership Howard County class is conducting research for a Community Impact Project to benefit cultural diversity.  Please take a few minutes and complete the following survey.  Thank you in advance!

Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship Offering Relationship Marketing Program

During this month's MCE Marketing Matters program, we will be joined by Tim Simms of Influent Metrics and Dave Kile of Ease Technologies, to discuss accessible and affordable marketing strategies. During this 90-minute session learn: the do's and don'ts of establishing a meaningful rapport with your audience, both on and offline, analyze the growing value of relationships in business, and what principles to incorporate into your company's brand.

February 16, 2018 - Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship
9250 Bendix Road
Columbia, MD 21045

Read more
21st Annual Chocolate Ball

The Arc of Howard County is now accepting sponsorships and reservations for their annual Chocolate Ball.

March 10, 2018 - 7 p.m. - Midnight
Turf Valley Resort
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Read more
Volunteers Needed for HCPSS's Workforce Development Program

On March 23rd, more than 150 local high school students need your help! The students will be participating in practice job interviews as part of the Howard County School System's Workforce Development Program, Passport to the Future.

March 23, 2018 - 8 a.m. - Noon
Howard Community College
Duncan Hall/Kittleman Room

 IN THE LOOP
Daedalus Books & Music Closing Columbia Store After 38 Years

Daedalus Books & Music is closing the outlet store on Gerwig Lane in Columbia after 38 years at the location. According to the company's Facebook page, they are offering 20% off all of their in-store products through the end of the month.

Public Meeting to Discuss Widening of Snowden River Parkway

Howard County's Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting on February 28th to discuss the planned widening of Snowden River Parkway between Broken Land Parkway and Oakland Mills Road.

February 28, 2018 - 5 - 7 p.m.
Media Center at Hammond High School
8800 Guilford Road
Columbia, MD

job_fair_chalkboard.jpg
Congressman Elijah Cummings 2018 Annual Job Fair

Join Congressman Elijah Cummings for his 21st Annual Job Fair at Morgan State University

April 9, 2018 
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Morgan State University
Hill Field House
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251

Export Management Bootcamp for Industry Professionals

The Center for Global Business at the University of Maryland is hosting its second annual Export Management Bootcamp for Industry Professionals. The two-day bootcamp is designed to help prepare professionals to export their products or services internationally.

April 20 & 21, 2018
University of Maryland BioPark
Building 2, Suite 100
801 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201


Join a Committee at the Howard County Chamber of Commerce

Interested in getting more involved with the Chamber? 

Sign up today for any of the following committees:
  • Ambassadors
  • GovConnects
  • Holiday Party
  • Legislative
  • Membership
  • Signature Events
  • YPN

Contact info@howardchamber.com to join a Howard County Chamber of Commerce Committee today!   


 


 





Join Our Mailing List
STAY CONNECTED:
Twitter: @HoCoChamber | Facebook: @HowardChamber | www.howardchamber.com