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The
18th Annual Washington County Business Awards are next week! February continues to be one of the most exciting months for our Chamber - as we put the finishing touches on our business community's biggest night! Check out a list of our categories & nominees below - and be sure to
buy your tickets while there's still time.
We're also excited to announce several new members and introduce you to some new faces at this week's Business After Hours,
hosted by Southern Airways Express! Be sure to bring your business card, because they're giving away TWO round-trip flights to New Orleans as door prizes! Just in time for Mardi Gras!
Just around the corner, we welcome you to save the date for
State of the City on March 7th and before we know it, Spring kicks off with our 3rd Annual
Just Us Girls Diamond Soiree on Saturday, April 29th!
We hope you're enjoying your Chamber membership and please let us know if there's something in particular we can help with!
Have a great month!
Paul, Donna, Kathyrn, Tim, Fatima, & Rod
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Welcome Our New Members |
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239 N. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD
301-739-0187
1299 Old Courthouse Sq.
Martinsburg, WV
304-267-8350
1680 Wesel Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD
301-393-3755
64 W. Franklin St.
Hagerstown, MD
888-748-2300
13132 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301-791-2791
93 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A9
Frederick, MD
301-418-6147
418 N. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD
240-603-5673
15 Bittersweet Dr.
Hagerstown, MD
301-739-7311
396 Development Dr.
Martinsburg, WV
914-213-2003
12814-G Shank Farm Way, Suite G
Hagerstown, MD
301-739-0830
134 N. Burhans Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD
153 S. Main St.
Chambersburg, PA
717-496-3406
Tokyo S&H, Inc.
18728 N. Pointe Dr., Suite B
Hagerstown, MD
347-209-5671
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The WCBA Finalists Are... |
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Join Us Wednesday, February 22nd to Find Out Who Takes the Trophies!
February 22nd at Hager Hall Conference & Event Center, this is, by far, the most-anticipated event of the year for the Washington County business community! Beginning at 5pm, enjoy a cocktail reception, followed by a banquet dinner at 6:15 emceed once again this year by Pieter Bickford.
Then, it's time for the big awards!
AT YOUR SERVICE AWARD
BJ's Custom Creations Embroidery Services, Inc.
Community Rescue Service, Inc.
Springhill Suites by Marriott
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
First Data
Rust-Oleum
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC
LEADING EDGE AWARD
Antietam Cable Television
Hub Labels, Inc.
Truck Enterprises Hagerstown
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Children in Need, Inc.
Children's Village of Washington County, Inc.
The W House of Hagerstown Foundation, Inc.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc.
Innovative Incorporated
Sterling Financial Management, Inc.
WASHINGTON COUNTY BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
John A. Latimer, IV
Alfred E. Martin
Robin E. Roberson
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Members Making News
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Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members!
Totem Pole Playhouse Announces Tickets Now on Sale for Lewis Black Benefit Performance
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Totem Pole Playhouse, Pennsylvania's premier summer theatre, located in Caledonia State Park between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, PA, is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for a special performance by comedian Lewis Black to benefit the Totem Pole Playhouse.
Lewis Black is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. Lewis yells so they don't have to! He is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.
The performance is scheduled for Sunday, April 9th at 7:00pm. Those interested in purchasing tickets may call the Majestic Theater Box Office at 717-337-8200.
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Antietam Cable to Launch Phase 2 of Flight Gigabit Service in Boonsboro - Only County in MD to Offer Privately Funded Gigabit Service to Residents and Businesses.
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Antietam Cable Television Inc. today announced the launch of Phase 2 of its One Gigabit fiber to the home and business network expanding to the entire Town of Boonsboro, MD. The network, called Flight Gigabit, when completed in Fall 2017 will pass an additional 5,000 homes and businesses in Boonsboro and additional areas of Washington County that will be announced soon. With Phase 2, Antietam adds $3 Million of private equity bringing their total investment in Flight Gigabit to $6 Million and will be available to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in 2017. Flight Gigabit, the first privately funded one gig network in the State of Maryland, is ultra-high speed internet for residents and businesses.
Today's homes and businesses are more connected than ever before with multiple users accessing more bandwidth, smart home technology, social media, data rich streaming content and interactive gaming. With Flight Gigabit Phase 2 Antietam extends the reach of this advanced technology to more residents and businesses in Washington County.
"We're pleased to expand Flight Gigabit to all of Boonsboro and additional areas of Washington County. This is the right investment at the right time and will have a positive impact in
the communities we serve." said
Brian Lynch, President Antietam Cable. "Phase 2 is a continuation of Antietam's commitment to enhance the lives of our customers with state of the art technology and the best customer experience", said Lynch.
Antietam recognizes that Internet access is an indispensable communications tool and resource for businesses and individuals. Communities with ultra-high speed internet, like Flight Gigabit, have the ability to access the global economy faster, provide resources for the development of high tech employment options and provide a positive impact on both the social and economic well-being of individuals.
Learn more about Flight Gigabit
HERE!
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Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC Announces Manager Promotions
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The Members of
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company are pleased to announce the following staff members were promoted to Manager effective January 1, 2017.
Margaret E. Eldridge, CPA, MBA, CSEP co-manages the Individual Tax Advisory Services group with an emphasis on retirement issues for individuals.
She is also certified in estate and trust taxation compliance and planning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA from York College of Pennsylvania.
Laura L. Stover, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
manages the firm's Human Resources Department and consults externally on HR-related issues. Her expertise includes the development of personnel policies and procedures, compensation and assessment programs, benefit administration support, executive recruiting, and HR audits. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Laura is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional and a Senior Professional in Human Resources.
Nicole E. Wilson, CPA specializes in providing services to financial institutions to include audits of financial statements, BSA and ACH compliance, services to HUD lending, mergers and acquisitions, and tax compliance. Nicole also works with non-profit sector clients providing audit and tax compliance and consulting services. She graduated magna cum laude from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management.
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Madagascar A Musical Adventure Takes Stage
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Dreamwork's MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE takes the stage at The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater beginning February 11 and continuing on Saturday mornings through April 8 ONLY!
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto The Playhouse stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar - A Musical Adventure follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin' friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar.
The stage show is preceded by a snack lunch which is included in the ticket price of $20.00 per person. Beverages and gratuity are not included in the ticket price. Children under 3 years of age will not be admitted.
The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater is located at 44 North Potomac Street (Rear) in the heart of Hagerstown's City Center and Arts and Entertainment District.
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Saul Ewing to Conduct Series of Workshops at HCC's Technical Innovation Center
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What does it really take to build a successful technology based company? On Thursday, February 23rd (from 8:30am - 10:30am) this fast paced and interactive discussion "Building Your Company - The Path to Success" will highlight potential missteps as well as actions that increase the likelihood of success.
Topics under consideration will include: how to begin, creating an organizational structure, creating a plan, selecting a name, financing, allocating resources as efficiently as possible, building a team, protecting intangible assets, strategic alliances, obtaining revenue and transitioning from startup to growth. The primary goal of this presentation is to help you identify value-creating practices as well as wasteful practices, while providing the general nuts and bolts required to move forward.
Held at 20140 Scholar Drive #321 Hagerstown, Hagerstown Community College's Technical Innovation Center (TIC) supports local entrepreneurs as they grow sustainable businesses. The mission of the TIC is to help tech startup companies grow into sustainable businesses based in Washington County.
By fostering the growth of new businesses, the TIC enables job creation, building businesses and developing the local economy through the provision of access to advanced technologies, business development resources, and collaborative opportunities.
Saul Ewing provides emerging companies with the support and practical direction they need to move their businesses forward. Through the firm's RAMP™ initiative, clients are able to take advantage of key resources, access to capital and mentoring as they navigate the path from idea to reality.
This Workshop is made possible in part due to a generous grant from TEDCO. Registration is simple - simply click here.
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Community Foundation Hosts Fifth Washington County Gives
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The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. will host its fifth Washington County Gives on May 2, 2017 from midnight to midnight. This 24-hour online fundraiser gives local nonprofits an opportunity to raise unrestricted dollars for their organization. In addition to the online donations, participating nonprofits have the opportunity to receive pro-rated matching dollars and prize money.
Registration for Washington County Gives runs January 20-February 28, 2017. Any nonprofit organization (other than a church, mosque, temple or private foundation) in Washington County, MD, with a 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter can participate in this online event.
To register, nonprofit organizations have to complete an online registration form at washingtoncountygives.org, a Memorandum of Understanding and return their registration payment by February 28.
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onprofit organizations with paid staff have a registration fee of $250, while organizations with volunteer staff have a registration fee of $50.
The Community Foundation will hold an early bird registration to give two nonprofit organizations the chance to win back their registration fee if they sign-up and complete all forms and payment by January 27, 2017.
Community Foundation's Director of Communications Ally Sirbaugh said, "For our fifth anniversary of Washington County Gives, we plan to offer additional prizes to participating nonprofits as well as new website features, such as "Advanced Giving." We will once again hold a celebratory event the day after on May 3. The Foundation staff always enjoys working with the local nonprofit organizations and the community on this event."
For more information about Washington County Gives, please contact the Community Foundation at (301) 745-5210 or visit their website at cfwcmd.org.
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Local Veteran's New Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated
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What a better way to begin a new year than by seeing the work and dedication of Habitat for Humanity of Washington County volunteers and donors come to fruition. On Wednesday, February 8th, our community came together to celebrate a dedication and blessing for the home of veteran, Lionel "Sarge" Robinson.
Robinson's new home on Elizabeth Street in Hagerstown was of course made possibly by the sweat equity of many program participants and volunteers alike.
A Habitat affiliate established in 1994, Habitat provides simple, decent, affordable housing for low-income Washington County residents through a combination of new construction, renovating existing inventory, and home repair. Habitat provides the foundation for stability and self-reliance to partner families.
Habitat families earn the opportunity to purchase a home with family members 18 years or older committing to a minimum of 200 "sweat equity" hours to Habitat. These hours are worked through the constructing of their own home, construction of other partner families' homes, work in the ReStore, and participation in speaking engagements as a Habitat representative. Homeowner families are granted no-profit, no-interest loans held by Habitat with affordable monthly payments. Habitat has not foreclosed on any loans since beginning in 1994. Through their partnership with Habitat, families are provided access to the Homebuyers Academy, a program developed by Habitat staff, that strives to enhance the financial literacy of partner families.
Habitat homes are built primarily through donations from individual and business partners in Washington County. Partners donated their time, talent, materials, as well as lend financial support to make home projects possible.
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Something exciting and/or notable happening within your company? Has someone done something remarkable and you think it should be shared with our extensive list of newsletter recipients? Simply excited about an upcoming event?
We're here to help you get the word out!
Chamber Newsletter!
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Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings & More! |
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Did you know that the Chamber can help you & your business get the attention you deserve when you're a new business, celebrating an anniversary, or a seasonal open house?
The Washington County Community Action Council, Inc. has a brand new space! With lots of room to serve our community, a ribbon cutting celebration is in order! Join Geordie Newman and his team on...
March 7th at 10am - 117 Summit Ave. Hagerstown.
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Business Education Partnership Corner |
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News, Factoids, Tips & Events from One of Our Committees!
DID YOU KNOW?
Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Company, partners with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg, WV to train future Line Workers. Established by FirstEnergy in 2000, the
Power Systems Institute (PSI) is a unique, two-year program that combines classroom learning at Blue Ridge (2 ½ days per week) with hands-on training at the Potomac Edison training facility in Williamsport, MD (2 ½ days per week).
Students could graduate from Blue Ridge with and Associate of Applied Science in
Electric Utility Technology
which can lead to a career as a lineworker in the electric utility industry.
Tuition, required books and lab fees are paid by FirstEnergy for qualified students.
An equivalent program is offered in partnership with the Pierpont Community and Technical College in Fairmont, WV to train future substation electricians.
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Upcoming Chamber Community Events |
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Need your login information re-sent? Simply email Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck at
[email protected] to request and get to work adding your events!
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Chamber Connects News |
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Chamber Connects is a free professional networking group within the Chamber for select members to create opportunities for each other!
The Friday "Skybox" Chamber Connects Group
is holding a Visitors Day, and urging members who are a Real Estate, Home Improvement Contractor, Financial Advisor/Planner, Life Insurance, Commercial Insurance, or IT professional looking for effective business connections to attend!
Mark your calendars for February 24th from 8am-9:30am at Madison Settlement Services (1219 Mt. Aetna Rd., Hagerstown, MD). In 2016 alone, this particular group reported passing 85 referrals, holding 13 one-on-ones and recorded 19 "Thank Dollar" slips totaling $23,488.42!
To find out which industries are represented in each group, & much more:
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Upcoming Chamber Events |
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Mixers, Learning Sessions, Signature Events & More!
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Maximize Your Membership: Learning the Ins & Outs of Your Membership
Thursday, February 16th
FREE REGISTRATION!
9:00AM - 10:00AM - The Chamber Board Room
28 W. Washington St., Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD
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Business After Hours hosted by Southern Airways Express
Thursday, February 16th, 5-7pm
Hagerstown Regional Airport - 18434 Showalter Rd., Hagerstown, MD
CHAMBER PRIZE: $2,750!
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18th Annual Washington County Business Awards
Wednesday, February 22nd - 5pm
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, MD
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Brought to you by:
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Eggs & Issues: Main Street Hagerstown
Wednesday, March 1st, 7:30am - 9am
Applause Caterers
58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
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Brought to you by:
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State of the City
Tuesday, March 7th, 7am - 9am
Academy Theatre
58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
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Member-Only Discounts from Tele-Medico & More! |
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It's Flu Season!
 
The Teladoc tele-physician program, a program that was founded in 2002, now has 17 million subscribers nationwide. 2016 was another year of record-setting enrollments. Long considered an effective claims-reduction tool by large employers, Teladoc is expecting to see unprecedented penetration in the small to medium size employer market in 2017. As the new year commences, this is an excellent time for Chamber members to consider providing the NO deductible and NO co-pay Teladoc program to their employee families.
A critical challenge for our small business members is the ability to attract and retain talented employees. At the same time, those members feel that they cannot afford an employer subsidized benefit program. At a cost of $.05/hour for a full-time employee family (of up to 6 members), the Teladoc NO deductible and NO co-pay program is one easily affordable way for members to address the staffing challenge.
Teladoc is the only tele-physician provider in the country offering 24/7/365 access to physicians that are both board and National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) certified. Enrollment in the program is on a "per family" basis, and includes the subscriber and up to 5 additional family members. Physicians can and do prescribe frequently needed medications, and subscribers can also access discounts on several additional programs through the WellCard that is included with enrollment.
The American Medical Association estimates that 75% of physician consultations can be handled remotely through programs like the one offered by Teladoc. Subscribing family members can also reside in different locations. So, for example, a husband and wife might reside in one location, kids away at college in other locations, and parents/brothers/sisters in yet another location, and all participate in the program for $9 per month.
For small members, participation in the Teladoc program is a meaningful and affordable benefit and therefore an effective employee recruitment and retention tool. For additional information about the NO-deductible and No-co-pay Teladoc program, please call Chamber member and plan coordinator Tim Harrison at 301-473-3007. Information about the program can also be obtained at
Hagerstown.org or on
Facebook.
To take advantage of even more savings through your membership, or to add a public and/or members-only offer,
visit our savings page HERE!
To learn about ways you could save on residential energy services with our friends from
CQI,
visit HERE.
To learn about ways you could save on commercial energy services with our friends from
APPI,
visit HERE.
To take advantage of Chamber Member-exclusive savings from
Office Depot/ Office Max,
visit HERE!
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About Us |
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Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 560 organizations, representing over 40,000 local jobs in a wide variety of industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Service and Hospitality, Technology, Government, Nonprofit, and Education.
We can't wait for our next opportunity to work with you, and
for you!
Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce
28 W. Washington St., Ste. 200
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015
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