Good Afternoon!

We're putting the finishing touches on our  Second Annual Public Safety Awards and feeling particularly honored to be hosting such a wonderful breakfast event - full of well-deserved honor.  Have you registered yet? If not, please consider joining us Thursday, June 28th! 

And of course, our summer tradition, the  28th Annual Commerce Cup Golf Tournament is right around the corner on Friday, July 13th at Fountain Head Country Club. Registration is filling up quickly - don't miss out! 

Of course, we have a lot of other exciting regular events coming up just around the corner! Be sure to check out our Chamber Events calendar HERE!

Do you have an outdated "Proud Member" window cling with one of our old logos in your storefront? Need a new one? We have plenty available - simply stop in and grab one from our front desk! 

Please note that our office will also be closed July 4th for Independence Day.  Have a safe and wonderful holiday! 

             
Your Chamber Team!
PAUL FREY, DONNA MITCHELL, TIM LUIPERSBECK, ROD IRISH
& TYANA MONETTE
In This Issue
Welcome Our New Members
Give a warm welcome to our new June members! 
 
Beachley Artisan Group, LLC dba Beachley Co.
13506 Sovereign Terrace
Hagerstown, MD
240.217.3944

Family Farm & Home
1539 Potomac Ave.
Hagerstown, MD

Johnnie's Restaurant & Hotel Service
2406 Molly Pitcher Highway, South
Chambersburg, PA
717.263.5720

The Law Office of Carpenter & Deisher, LLC
32 W. Baltimore St.
Funkstown, MD
301.671.1620

Please call for appointment
Hagerstown, MD
240.310.6535

Paladin Advisor Group, LLC
323 W. Wilson Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD
443.283.3482

Members Making News
Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members! 

Paul Frey Named MACCE's 2018 Chamber Executive of the Year


The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) has announced that Paul Frey, IOM, President & CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as the 2018 Chamber Executive of the Year. "Paul was selected as MACCE's 2018 Chamber Executive of the Year for his innovative programming at the Washington County Chamber, his success in positioning the organization for the future, and his dedication to professional development," said Leonardo McClarty, 2018 MACCE President. "He has also been an active member of MACCE since his start in the industry, most recently serving nearly two terms as President."
 
Particular accomplishments noted in Paul's nomination included:
 
  • Establishing a young professional program, GenNext, now in its third year with over 100 active, dues paying members;
  • Hosting the OnTrack program, a Washington County workforce development, cradle-to-college/career initiative with nearly 40 business, education, and community partners;
  • Establishing, with the local public school system, the Aspiring Entrepreneurs program, a Shark Tank-like competition for high school students fully funded by local businesses; and
  • Leading the Chamber board's three-year initiative to relocate the Chamber's office to a larger, more professional space with high member and community visibility and access.
 
In addition, Paul has been an active member of the community, serving on a number of nonprofit boards and committees, emceeing nonprofit annual dinners and fundraisers, and presenting at business-related and workforce development events at local high schools, college business classes and clubs, and state workforce development initiatives.
 
Paul received his Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber Institute program in August 2015, and will be an instructor for that program for the first time in 2018. He regularly participates in MACCE, and is the Immediate Past President of MACCE after serving a nearly two-year term while the group was reorganizing its operations. He also participates in ACCE professional development programs several times a year.
 
The award will be presented at the Washington County Chamber's Public Safety Awards, another program Paul was instrumental in creating, on June 28,by MACCE President Leonardo McClarty. A reception recognizing Paul's achievement will be held the following day at the Chamber office from 11am-1pm. Chamber members and community supporters are welcome to mingling and refreshments.
 
About MACCE and This Award:  
Each year MACCE presents an award to the chamber executive who has demonstrated outstanding success in leading his/her chamber of commerce. Criteria include employment at the current chamber for at least three years as well as documentation of proven success in overcoming challenges, in fiscal management, and in achieving the chamber's program of work.
 
The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives is a membership organization consisting of Chamber of Commerce executives, and their counterparts from similar organizations, from throughout the state of Maryland. MACCE supports the continued professional development, training, and education of its members and provides valuable networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.mdchamberexecutives.org .



Leadership Washington County Class 31 Graduates

Pictured from front left: Lauren Pogue, Susan Cvijanovich, Karen Webber, Tim Luipersbeck, Leslie Baker, Shirley Baker and Kim Bowen.  Second row, from left: Jerred Brown, Chuck Kaslavage, Georgia Smith, Autumn Brown, Kylie Johnson, Shana Ruff, Nicki Maynard, Shannon Kraushaar, Theresa Shank, Doug Massey and Aaron Howell.  Third row from left: Mary Teal Medina, Ryan Sellers, Stacy Henson, Bill Swartz, Joseph Deinlein, Raegon Clutz Jr., Lt. Rebecca Fetchu, Sara Abshari, David Nathans, Mary Ellis Bowman, Stefani Wood, Joseph Anderton, Nancy Motherway, Alex Samuel and Morgan Plummer. Not pictured: Wendy Haislip, Angela Shubert and Michael Weiss. 
Leadership Washington County marked the graduation of Class 31 on June 8 at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown.  The class completed a 10-month course that exposed them to different aspects of the community.  The class raised money to give the first ever Business and Economic Development Grants to The Maryland Theatre ($1,500) and the Washington County Arts Council ($1,750)!  


Hagerstown Hopes Readies Annual Hagerstown Pride Festival

After last year's successful Pride Festival, Hagerstown Hopes will be relocating to downtown's Central Parking Lot (where Blues Fest is held annually). With this location change also comes additional changes on the logistics for this big event. This family-friendly event taking place Saturday, July 14th, will feature vendors, food sales, drink sales, and a packed roster of entertainment, featuring internationally-known entertainer Latrice Royale (famous from Season 4 of Rupaul's Drag Race). 

Additional sponsors include Hagerstown Honda, Antietam Broadband, The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater & Children's Theater, McIntire HVAC and Electric, Cushwa Brewing Company, Planet Fitness, and more!  

To learn more about Hagerstown Hopes, visit HERE



Arc of Wash. Co. Wants Your Feedback for Day Services Program



The core purpose of The Arc of Washington County is to empower all to achieve meaningful lives.  They've built a reputation for supporting people with developmental disabilities, helping them to become fully engaged, making contributions to their community, and beyond! 
They're encouraging fellow Chamber members and the community alike to take this simple survey to help them continue to develop their Day Services program.  Through this, they strive to continue providing person-centered supports so that individuals can reach their desired outcomes while increasing independence, community integration and integrated competitive employment.  Vocational activities focus on increasing independence and developing and retaining motor skills, communication skills, and goals that lead to opportunities for integrated employment! 
To help by taking this brief survey, VISIT HERE


Chris LeFevre Joins the Morgan-Keller Team

Chris LeFevre has joined the Morgan-Keller Construction team as a Business Development Manager.  LeFevre comes to Morgan-Keller Construction with over 15 years of experience in commercial and residential construction.  His primary focus will be on the expansion of Morgan-Keller's Northern Virginia market.

Taylor Davis, Morgan-Keller's Vice President of Business Development, states "We are very fortunate to have Chris on our team.  His knowledge of the industry and the Northern Virginia market will be a great asset to the growth of our company in that region."

Chris can be reached at 301-663-0626 or clefevre@morgankeller.com


Humane Society of Wash. Co. Announces Five Dollar Felines


Due to the rise of cats entering shelters that's typical during warmer months, all available cats and kittens can be adopted for just $5 at the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC)!  This is effective through June 30th!   

Pictures of all adoptable cats can be found on the shelter's website hswcmd.org.  Available animals have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and given worm and flea preventatives prior to being placed up for adoption.  The HSWC also provides adopters with a complimentary health visit at a participating veterinarian, as well as an option for 30 days of free health insurance for their new family member. These services are valued at nearly $450!  "Free Cat Fridays" also remain in effect. 



Washington County Playhouse Plans "Las Vegas In Your Backyard" with American Icons Show

A fun, flashy and fabulous night out! The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater is pleased to announce that the American Icons will be making their third appearance on the Playhouse stage, located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center. "Icons 3" will be showing for one night only!

American Icons is a Las Vegas style celebrity impersonation revue. "Icons 3" features celebrities such as Bette Midler, Boy George, Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Elvis, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and Pink.

Director Scott Ruble says "It's Las Vegas in your backyard. When you're feeling down, there's nothing like a drag queen for a pick me up! So close to the real thing, you'll be singing along."

Ticket price includes dinner and show (beverages and server's gratuity not included). This single performance will be held at The Playhouse on Saturday, June 30th. Doors open at 6:00pm. For tickets, visit washingtoncountyplayhouse.com
 



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! 

Email tim@hagerstown.org to be featured in our next 
Chamber Newsletter!
 
Chamber Connects News
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??

Sometimes the best form of connection is slowly cultivated with some of the same great members over time.  It's often a nice contrast to the rest of our Chamber events! Email Tim Luipersbeck, Director of Member Services at tim@hagerstown.org if interested!

To find out which industries are represented in each group, & much more:
 

 

 



Upcoming Chamber Events
Register for one of these upcoming Chamber functions!



Maximize Your Membership
Thursday, June 21st - 9:00am - 10:00am
Chamber of Commerce Training Room, Hagerstown, MD



 
Business After Hours 
Hosted by Bank of Charles Town
CHAMBER PRIZE DRAWING: $3,250
Thursday, June 21st - 5:00pm - 7:00pm



Second Annual Washington County Public Safety Awards
Thursday, June 28th - Fairplay Fire Hall, 7:30-9:30am




Learning Lunch Hour, hosted by Purdue University Global
"Essential Elements of a High Performance Culture"
a presentation from Darrin Coon
Tuesday, July 10th, 11:30am-1pm
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center




28th Annual Commerce Cup Golf Tournament
Friday, July 13th, 7:00am Registration
Fountain Head Country Club


BEP Corner
A contribution from our Business and Education Partnership Committee, brought to you by: 


 
What talented students we have in Washington County! Special thanks to the senior class in Mr. John Jones' Digital Communications class for producing this video (below) to promote our Business Education Partnership Speakers' Bureau! Do you have an area of expertise you'd like to share with our County's students? Our Speakers' Bureau may be the perfect way to share your knowledge! 



Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Join Us for These Fun Celebrations!
 


Authentic Community Theatre
The Board of Directors of Authentic Community Theatre, Inc. would be honored to celebrate our new facility's grand opening with Chamber members and community supporters alike!  Join us for their ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a facility tour and light refreshments!
Saturday, August 11, 11am
1000 Florida Ave.
Hagerstown, MD


Sprint - Maugans Ave.
Join us for this grand re-opening event with our friends at Sprint as they celebrate their remodeled retail location! Then, stick around as they host Business After Hours! 
Thursday, August 16th - 4:30pm
18634 Maugans Ave.
Hagerstown, MD


Are you within a year of opening your doors and would like the Chamber's help hosting a ribbon cutting?  
SBDC Corner

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 - 6-8PM
Getting Your Business Started - hosted by The Green Couch Project

Join us for an evening full of inspiration and knowledge.  Whether you've already started your business or have an idea, come network, hear Green Couch participants speak and have access to valuable local resources including BuroBox, SCORE, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Washington County Chamber of Commerce, My Core Benefits, and more!  Seating is limited, so be sure to register HERE


Meet Your Local SBDC Rep,
Herb Melrath! 

In 2017, the  Maryland SBDC (www. marylandsbdc.org) consulted over  2281 entrepreneurs which accounted for  208 business starts,  1251 jobs created,  $47,229,691 million in new sales, and  $49,638,382 million in capital investments.

The  Western Region of Maryland SBDC covers Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. Our regional headquarters is located at Frostburg State University. We have consultants in the economic development offices in Allegany, Washington and Frederick Counties.

For Western Maryland SBDC activities visit our Facebook page @WesternMdSBDC


GenNext Happenings
Our Young Professionals Network!
 
Are you between the ages of 21-39? Are some of your colleagues? GenNext may be a great asset! Founded through the Chamber, this group is open to members and non-members alike with a vested interest in networking and giving back to the Washington County community. Visit here for more information! 
 

Revitalize Hagerstown
A big "Thank you!" to everyone who attended our joint event with Associated Builders & Contracts (ABC) Cumberland Valley's Young Professionals last week at The Maryland Theatre! We appreciated the opportunity to harness this learning opportunity and to have at least a start to the "big conversation" about change in our community. 



SOME UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Networking Happy Hour
Tuesday, June 26th 5-8pm
Benny's Pub 
49 Eastern Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD





 
90's Prom, hosted by GenNext
Supporting Washington Goes Purple
Saturday, July 21st 8-11pm
Williamsport Fire Hall
2 Brandy Dr.
Williamsport, MD




About Us
Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 600 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! 

 

Washington County Chamber of Commerce
1 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015

 

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