Your Weekly News & Updates - January 26 2017
  Legislative
2017 Mandatory Paid Leave Update

Earlier this week, the Howard County Chamber joined other Chambers of Commerce, trade groups, and business owners in a press conference highlighting the negative impacts of HB001, the Maryland Family Workers Act. Should the bill pass in its current form, employers that employ 15 or more employees to provide employees with earned sick and safe leave that is paid at the same wage rate as the employee normally earns. 

Click here to read more. 
County Executive Vetoes $15 Minimum Wage in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett vetoed legislation that would have made the wealthy county the first jurisdiction in Maryland to require a $15 minimum wage.

Public Notice Hearing on Statewide Issues

The Howard County Delegation of the Maryland General Assembly, chaired by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary and Senator Guy Guzzone, will hold a public hearing for citizen input on statewide issues that may be considered by the legislature during the upcoming legislative session.
The hearing is scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 - 7:30 p.m.
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD  


  Chamber News 
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!   

Chamber Circle of Champion Sponsorships
As you prepare for the upcoming year, we hope that the Howard County Chamber is included in your firm's 2017 business development plans. It is a new day in Howard County and we are positioned for success. Support us and let us take your business higher.   

 
2017 Chamber Challenge

Do you love your chamber? Show your appreciation for all the support they give all the businesses in their area by "Voting" for your favorite Chamber of Commerce. The Chambers of Commerce who receive the most votes will receive a recognition award at our event on June 8, 2017. 
 
Click here to Vote! 
Join us at Bisnow's Howard County Boom!

With great pleasure we invite you to join Bisnow and the Howard County real estate community for the Howard County State of the Market! Learn about the incredible growth and opportunity that exists in this burgeoning real estate market. Hear from the developers and executives leading the projects that are shaping the future of Howard County.   

Click here to Register  
  Information
New Howard County Self-Sufficiency Data Released

Across the years 2010-2014, an average of 24% of Howard County households (25,956) had an annual income of less than $60,000, which was 54% of the County's $110,133 median income. About 10,500 of these households had incomes of less than $30,000 and 6,000 households had incomes of less than $20,000.
Click here to view full report
New Business Ombudsman

Governor Larry Hogan has appointment of Randall K. Nixon as Small Business Ombudsman. He fills the vacancy created by Roger Campos, who recently became Assistant Secretary at the Department of Housing and Community Development. Mr. Nixon has more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner in Maryland. As an attorney and president of three successful companies, which he operated simultaneously, Mr. Nixon will share his strategic planning, business development, training, leadership, and business plan implementation skills as he works with small business owners across the state. If you have an issue for the Ombudsman, you can reach Mr. Nixon directly at 410-697-9726 or randall.nixon@maryland.gov.
 
Board of Public Works

Did you know that Maryland's Board of Public Works (BPW) is a unique component of American government? Composed of the governor, the comptroller, and the treasurer, the BPW protects and enhances the state's fiscal integrity by ensuring that significant expenditures are necessary and appropriate, fiscally responsible, fair, and lawful. If you're interested in doing business with the State of Maryland, we encourage you to tap into this open and transparent resource. It's a great way to gain an insightful understanding of procurement and contracting processes.
Click here for more information
Important Information for Business Owners & Property Owners

Join Ellicott City Partnership for a very important meeting on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. The ECP feels strongly that EVERY property owner and business owner should hear this presentation and learn about ULI recommendations for the future of Old Ellicott City.
Click here to RSVP and for more information.

Looking for Howard  County Government Procurement 
Opportunities? 
  Membership News
welcome new members button
(As of the last 45 days)
Volunteers needed for the Howard County Public Schools Passport to the Future program!
 
 
The mission of the program is to provide high school students enrolled in the Career Research and Development academy with the opportunity to earn a workforce-readiness endorsement. More than 150 local high school students will be participating in practice job interviews as part of the program and need your help on March 17, 2017.
For more information and to sign up click here. 

If you have any questions or want to participate, please call (410) 313-7493 or email sdiscepolo@hcpss.org.
Larry Davis succeeded Jeff Capronas managing partner at Aronson 
 
 
During his 35-year career, Larry has focused on corporate strategy and finance and built a strong track record in launching new service areas, developing people, and helping his clients accomplish their business goals. Jeff will remain with Aronson and continue to assist in meeting client needs and executing strategic growth initiatives. For more information click here. 
 
Howard County Arts Council  
 
Volunteers Needed for the March Celebration of the Arts event.

For more information  click here. 
Jailbreak Brewing is expanding with a kitchen this summer
 
Jailbreak Brewing Co. hasn't even been open for three years, but 2017 will see the large tap room be joined by a kitchen at the Howard County brewery. Justin Bonner, co-founder and CEO of Jailbreak, said the brewer will use about 2,000 square feet to incorporate the kitchen and additional seating. The square footage is coming from space the brewery already leases at
9445 Washington Blvd. in Laurel. Click here to read more. 
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