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We hope your Spring has been off to a great start and you're looking forward to a fun Memorial Day weekend with loved ones! It's no secret that there's plenty to do in the Washington County area in the coming Summer season - and we're especially excited here at the Chamber!
Our very first annual
Public Safety Awards Breakfast honors men & women who dedicate their lives to our community's well-being, taking place on
June 29th at Leiters' Fine Catering's Williamsport Banquet Hall.
Back again this summer, of course, is our
27th Annual Commerce Cup at Fountain Head Country Club Friday,
July 14th! With sponsorship opportunities still available, and registrations going fast, it's shaping up to be our best tournament yet! Check out this fun
promo video we put together!
Have a great month!
Paul, Donna, Tim, Fatima, & Rod
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Welcome Our New Members |
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Give a Warm Welcome to Some New Faces in Our Membership!
219 S. Duke St.
Shepherdstown, WV
304-876-1200
17301 Valley Mall Rd., Suite 386
Hagerstown, MD
301-302-3435
22044 Mohawk Drive
Smithsburg, MD
585-218-7390
5040 Louise Drive, Suite 106
Mechanicsburg, PA
717-948-5238
101 S. Edgewood Dr.
Hagerstown, MD
301-733-5000
1098 Turner Rd.
Shepherdstown, WV
304-870-2238
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Members Making News
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Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members!
Purdue to Acquire Kaplan University, Increasing Access
for Millions
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Purdue University
announced Thursday (April 27) the creation of a new public university that will further expand access to higher education. The initiative is meant to address two striking new realities: the need for postsecondary education for working adults and others unsuited to traditional campus study, and the explosive growth of online technologies as a means of delivering education to students of all types.
"Nearly 150 years ago, Purdue proudly accepted the land-grant mission to expand higher education beyond the wealthy and the elites of society," President Mitch Daniels said. "We cannot honor our land-grant mission in the 21st century without reaching out to the 36 million working adults, 750,000 of them in our state, who started but did not complete a college degree, and to the 56 million Americans with no college credit at all.
"None of us knows how fast or in what direction online higher education will evolve, but we know its role will grow, and we intend that Purdue be positioned to be a leader as that happens. A careful analysis made it clear that we are very ill-equipped to build the necessary capabilities ourselves, and that the smart course would be to acquire them if we could. We were able to find exactly what we were looking for. Today's agreement moves us from a standing start to a leading position."
To launch the new university, Purdue will acquire Kaplan University and its institutional operations and assets, including its 15
campuses and learning centers, 32,000 students, 3,000 employees, and decades of experience in distance education. All existing Kaplan University students and faculty will transition to the new university, which will use the Purdue name in some fashion not yet identified.
"Kaplan and Purdue share the critical mission of expanding access to education," said Donald E.Graham, chairman of
Graham
Holdings Co. (NYSE: GHC), the parent company of Kaplan Inc. and Kaplan University. "Purdue takes its land-grant mission very seriously, and I'm deeply impressed by this great university's commitment to meeting the needs of non-traditional students."
The new university will be distinct from others in the Purdue system, relying only on tuition and fundraising to cover operating expenses. No state appropriations will be utilized. It will operate primarily online, but has 15 locations across the United States, including an existing facility in Indianapolis, with potential for growth throughout the state. Indiana resident students will receive a yet-to-be-determined tuition discount.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, "I've always had great respect for Gov. Daniels, and I'm excited by this opportunity for a world-class university to expand its reach and help educate adult learners by acquiring a strong for-profit college. This is a first, and if successful, could help create a new model for what it means to be a land-grant institution."
Purdue currently serves students on two levels: Through its flagship campus in West Lafayette and at two regional campuses. The new entity will become a third level in the Purdue system, and will operate almost exclusively online. Betty Vandenbosch, Kaplan University's current president, will become chancellor of the new university. A subsidiary of Kaplan Inc. will provide various non-academic services through a long-term transition and operations support agreement covering areas such as technological support, human resources, facilities management and other administrative functions.
"Purdue and Kaplan share the ambition of enabling individuals of all backgrounds to benefit from a high-quality education," said Andy Rosen, Kaplan's chairman and chief executive officer. "Purdue's tradition of excellence makes it an ideal party to build upon the progress and innovation that Kaplan University has achieved over the past two decades. We're proud to pass the baton to this esteemed university."
The new university will formally begin operations upon approval from the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission. Purdue plans to take immediate steps to commence those approval processes. Both Purdue and Kaplan universities are accredited by the HLC.
Purdue University,
a top public research institution, offers higher education at its highest proven value. Committed to affordability, the university has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels. Committed to student success, Purdue is changing the student experience with greater focus on faculty-student interaction and creative use of technology. Committed to pursuing scientific discoveries and engineered solutions, Purdue has streamlined pathways for faculty and student innovators who have a vision for moving the world forward.
Kaplan University
is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, and serves approximately 32,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 15 campuses and learning centers in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, Missouri and Wisconsin. The university strives to help adult students by providing practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest growing industries. KU has been a leading innovator in higher education for many years, including its pioneering role in delivering online degree programs, its long-time commitment to competency based education linking mastery of discipline specific and professional competencies, and through its Research Pipeline designed to improve student learning and persistence by testing experimental interventions against empirical evidence. KU's Concord Law School offered the first fully online law degree.
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Parkway Professional Center Acquired for $21 Million
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The Parkway Professional Center which houses major tenants like
Parkway Neuroscience & Spine Institute (PNSI) has been acquired for $21 million by The Sanders Trust, a Birmingham-based healthcare real estate and development firm.
PNSI provides a Center of Excellence for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous systems for the tri-state region. The facility includes a cutting-edge outpatient surgery center, diagnostic imaging, and on-site physical therapy.
"The Sanders Trust footprint now extends into almost half the country," stated Rance Sanders, President and CEO of The Sanders Trust. "Entering into a new market naturally comes with much consideration. We are pleased to be associated with such outstanding tenants and are gratified to add this to our portfolio."
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Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC Member and Managers Appointed to Allinial Global Committees
Timothy E. Peters
Nathaniel L. Fissel
MaryBeth Hockenberry
Laura L. Stover
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The Members of Large Business of the Year
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC are pleased to announce that the firm will be represented in 2017 on four Allinial Global committees. Allinial Global, formerly known as PKF North America, is a membership association compromised of 110 legally independent practices, marketing, and various ranges of expertise.
Timothy E. Peters, CPA, CGMA, Member of the Firm, was reappointed to the Accounting & Auditing Committee. Tim specializes in providing accounting and auditing services to entities in the nonprofit, government, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare industries.
Nathaniel L. Fissel, CPA, MST, Tax Manager, was reappointed to the Tax Committee. Nat specializes in the preparation of corporate, partnership, and personal income tax returns as well as complex tax planning and tax compliance issues.
MaryBeth Hockenberry, MBA, Marketing Director, was reappointed to the Business Development/Marketing Committee. MaryBeth's focus is to facilitate growth in each of the firm's regional offices and within the firm's niche service areas. She is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications, and new business development.
Laura L. Stover, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Human Resources Manager, was appointed to the Human Resources Committee. Laura specializes in providing human resource consulting services for the firm and its clients throughout MD,PA, and WV.
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Hospital's Patient-Family Advisory Members Recognized
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Meritus Medical Center's Patient and Family Advisory Council or PFAC recently announced the departure of two of its members, recognizing them for their time, work and efforts.
As a PFAC member, Maureen Theriault of Hagerstown, helped with numerous projects including supporting the start of the stroke support group, revamping the emergency department's signage and waiting area, producing a new discharge binder, supporting the John R. Marsh Cancer Center library's update and helping to organize the visitors/family policy language and many brochures for programs and services during her time.
David Yohman has been involved with information sharing with organ donors, recommendations for changes in signage and waiting room processes in the emergency department, suggestions for a new floor plan and furnishings for the John R. Marsh Cancer Center and supporting the addition of a PFAC member on the hospital's safety committee.
Ms. Theriault and Mr. Yohman both received certificates of recognition at the last meeting of PFAC. The group, made up of former hospital patients and their family members and health care providers, meets monthly to exchange ideas on building a better relationship among patients, family members and providers. PFAC strives to promote open communication, provide valuable feedback, identify patient and family needs and concerns and help the community gain a better understanding of the health care system.
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Power Marketing & Advertising, LLC Announces Kacey Trent as New Digital Media Specialist
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Power Marketing & Advertising, LLC is very pleased to announce a new addition to their team. Kacey Trent has joined the award-winning, full-service real estate marketing and consulting company as the firms Digital Media and Marketing Specialist.
Kacey is experienced in digital design and blog writing, specializing in social media marketing and content management. She attended Towson University where she studied business administration and marketing then later completed her degree at Shepherd University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts and business marketing. Kacey has been involved in social media and digital marketing since 2009, including an internship with Crews Control in Fulton, MD. She later held the position of Social Media Specialist for Horizon Goodwill Industries and Social Media and Marketing Coordinator for The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in Hagerstown, MD and Germantown, MD.
"We're delighted to add Kacey to our firm. She is a proven designer with significant skills that will add depth to the team at Power Marketing." says
Brian Flook, President.
Kacey currently lives in Hagerstown; She joined the Power Marketing team on April 10, 2017.
Founded in 1992, Power Marketing & Advertising, LLC is a privately held full-service real estate marketing and sales firm that assists residential and commercial builders, developers and real estate companies with maximizing their resources to improve their brand identity and sales success. With over 20 years experience in the industry, Power Marketing & Advertising LLC continues to help businesses throughout North America excel in their marketplace.
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Antietam Cable Channel 99 to air HCC Graduation Ceremonies
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Antietam Cable Channel 99 is scheduled to rebroadcast the 2017 Hagerstown Community College's graduation cereonies that were held May 9th - 13th. The broadcast is as follows:
STEMM Technical Middle College Class of 2017 Celebration: May 31, June 2, 4, 5, and 7th at 10am-6pm
Adult Education Commencement: June 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, July 2, 3 at 2pm and 8pm.
S-STEM Recognition Ceremony: May 31, June 2, 4, 5, 7 at 12pm and 8pm.
Honors Convocation: June 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, July 2 and 3, at 10am and 4pm
Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony: June 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, at 12pm and 8pm.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony: June 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19, at 10am and 6pm.
Commencement: June 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, July 2 and 3, at 12pm and 6pm.
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Myers Receives Companies National Recognition at Annual Meeting
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Myers Building Systems President
LeRoy E. Myers recently traveled to Phoenix to accept Varco Prudens' Individual Community Builder Award. The award recognizes and honors an exceptional individual who makes volunteerism and community service a way of life. One who exemplifies the best in volunteering, a sense of caring and responsibility for others that connects citizens and solves community problems. The award winner is someone who makes selfless and extraordinary contributions, in addition to those associated with their normal job duties, for the betterment of the local community and beyond. Specifically, the winner is an individual who:
- Gives freely and unselfishly of their time to community activities
- Inspires others to serve and acts as a role model
- Has a positive impact upon the direction and success of community projects, programs or individuals
- Improves the lives of others.
"LeRoy has been a Varco Pruden Builder for over thirty years. As president of Myers Building System, he is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of his company and still makes time for his community. He has raised the bar for what a man could do," said
Ross Braithwait, VP of Sales & Marketing.
Myers Building Systems, located in Clear Spring Maryland, specializes in design/build services for commercial and industrial construction in the four-state area. Their design/build capabilities are best demonstrated by the wide variety of buildings they produce: manufacturing plants, warehouses, corporate headquarters, office buildings, medical facilities, aircraft hangars, auto dealerships, churches, self-storage facilities, retail and sports facilities, libraries, fire departments, municipal buildings, freight terminals.
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Washington County Gives Brings in More Than $530,000
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The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. announced that Washington County Gives, the 24-hour online giving day, raised $532,782 in online donations, pro-rated matching funds and prizes. The event saw 3,118 gifts go to one or more of the 74 participating nonprofit organizations.
The three nonprofits to raise the most dollars included Cedar Ridge Children's Home & School, Saint James School and Hospice of Washington County. They received the following total amounts in online donations, pro-rated matching funds and prize money: $56,795; $34,693 and $31,870, respectively. Rounding out the top ten were San Mar Children's Home ($25,915), Hagerstown Ice and Sports Complex ($25,539); Hagerstown YMCA/HEAL ($23,161); Brooke's House ($22,685); Humane Society of Washington County ($19,759); Girls Inc. ($17,972) and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts ($16,450).
The Community Foundation's Executive Director Brad Sell said, "We were blown away by the amount our community donated this year during the 24 hours of Washington County Gives. We have now raised $1.7 million in total over the five years of this event. We would like to thank the entire community for supporting this extraordinary day and helping 74 local nonprofits."
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Shepherd's Spring Announces New Summer Camp Counselor
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Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry and Retreat Center is pleased to announce new camp counselor,
Ben Skroban. Ben joined Shepherd's Spring staff in the fall of 2016 and has a thrilling season of summer camp planned for 2017. Ben is a graduate of Messiah College with a major in Adventure Education. His hobbies include rock climbing, canoeing and backpacking.
"This summer, we at Shepherd's Spring are looking forward to an exciting season of summer camp. I invite you to visit our website to take a look at our specialty camps in particular. We anticipate they will help draw more kids to camp so that more may benefit from the experience," says Skroban. "Here, children can grow and learn through numerous activities - including hiking, biking, canoeing, arts, crafts, cooking, and caving - that are part of our summer camp ministries accredited by the American Camp Association."
To learn more about Shepherd's Spring, visit them online
HERE!
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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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Crossroads Business Journal - Be Included! |
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Crossroads Business Journal, a monthly publication celebrating and reporting about business along the I-81, I-70 and I-68 corridors, will debut in July.
This business-to-business publication will be mailed to business owners and other key decision-makers in the coverage area. Among other features, Crossroads will cover issues and events, profile key business people and report critical statistics.
The publication will be accompanied by a website (crossroadsbizjournal.com) and targeted, newsy emails to begin and end each workweek.
Crossroads is a project of Herald-Mail Media. For inquiries about news, contact editor Joseph Deinlein at [email protected] or reporter Mike Lewis at [email protected]. For information about advertising or marketing opportunities, contact Brittney Hamilton, advertising director, at 301-791-7177.
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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 BEACON House, Grand Opening / Open House
Tuesday, June 6th 11am-1pm
22 N. Mulberry St., Suite 116 Hagerstown, MD
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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!
Interested in joining a Chamber Connects referral group??
Mark your calendars for Tuesday Morning, June 13th from 8am-9:30 at Dan Hall State Farm Insurance (816 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, MD). This breakfast group is certainly a lively one - with members representing different industries all based on personal connections & the resulting referrals! No obligation - simply come and check it out!
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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The 2017 Post-Legislative Forum
Presented by Potomac Edison
Wednesday, May 31st 7:00-9:00am
Applause Caterers at Academy Theatre
58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
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"Utilizing Google Drive & Applications in Your
Business: Part 2"
Presented by USMH
Tuesday, June 6th 11:30am - 1:00pm
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Dual Highway, Hagerstown, MD
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Eggs & Issues: Washington County Economic Development Year in Review
presented by Bowman Development Corp.
Wednesday, June 7th 7:30am - 9:00am
Applause Caterers at Academy Theatre
58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
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Savvy Managers Book Club:
"The Inefficiency Assassin" by Helene Segura
Wednesday, June 14th - 12pm - 1pm
Washington County Free Library
100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
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Business After Hours
Hosted by Herald Mail Media
Thursday, June 15th, 5:00-7:00pm
100 Summit Ave., Hagerstown
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First Annual Washington County Public Safety Awards Breakfast
Thursday, June 29th
Leiters' Fine Catering Williamsport Banquet Hall
2 Brandy Drive, Williamsport, MD
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GenNext News |
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Have you heard about GenNext? We're a group for 21-40 year old professionals in the Washington County region who are interested in referrals, developmental guest speakers, networking & advocacy! Lean more
HERE!
To join GenNext, please email Tim Luipersbeck at [email protected] to get started at just $30/year! Special events will have a GenNext member / non-member registration fee. It pays to join!
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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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