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Our Centennial Bash is just around the corner!
Have you purchased your tickets yet? Saturday, May 18th at the Rider Jet Center, join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, commemorating 100 years of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce!
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE
We look forward to seeing you at some other upcoming events, like our always-popular B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour). Join us Thursday, May 16th (5-7pm) at Meritus Health!
REGISTER HERE
Hope you've had a wonderful month,
PAUL FREY, DONNA MITCHELL, TIM LUIPERSBECK, ROD IRISH
& ASHLEY PALMER
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Welcome Our New Members |
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Give a warm welcome to our new April members
Hagerstown 2 Go
1185 Mt. Aetna Rd., Suite 102
Hagerstown, MD
240.850.2148
Heather Crake Prudential Financial
9093 Ridgefield Dr., Suite 207
Frederick, MD
215.432.3278
Jay Reece Prepaid, LLC (Boost Mobile)
132 N. Burhans Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD
Mason-Dixon Council, Boy Scouts of America
18600 Crestwood Dr.
Hagerstown, MD
301.739.1211
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Centennial Events Not to Be Missed |
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Join Us for these Celebratory Centennial Memories
Chamber Centennial Bash
Saturday, May 18th, 6pm
Rider Jet Center, 18421 Henson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD
Join us for this ONCE IN A LIFETIME event commemorating 100 years of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy a night of live music from
Sticktime (classic rock cover band), dancing, Taste of the Chamber (featuring food & beverage from Chamber members), tip jar,s 50/50 & more!
$60/ticket, $100/bring-a-friend, $500 VIP table
100th Annual Meeting
Thursday, September 26th, 5pm
Fountain Head Country Club, 13316 Fountain Head Rd., Hagerstown, MD
A members-only dinner event celebrating not just the accomplishments made by our Chamber (and membership) throughout fiscal year 2019, but also honoring the past 100 years of this important institution. We'll also celebrate the beginning of fiscal year 2020 with the passing of the gavel from current Board Chair Keith Grunow to Incoming Chair Gary Hayes.
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Members Making News
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Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members!
Have some news to share? Email Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck at [email protected] to be included in an upcoming newsletter.
Edwards Wins Washington County Teacher of the Year
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Washington County Public Schools has named its annual Teacher of the Year,
Joshua Edwards
of Clear Spring High School.
During our annual Teacher of the Year dinner banquet (a partnership with Washington County Public Schools), last Wednesday, April 24th, five finalists, a slew of over 80 nominees, and of course our standalone winner were celebrated.
Employed at Washington County Public Schools for 14 years, Edwards was nominated for the honor three previous times and selected as a finalist twice before. He succeeds 2018-19 winner Jeanine Horst from Cascade Elementary School.
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Lt. Governor Rutherford, Schulz, Serafini and More Recognize Washington County as Work-Ready
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Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford praised local job-training programs Thursday as he came to town for our monthly B.A.S.H. mixer, preceded by an official ceremony complete with remarks. Joined also by
Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz and
Senator Andrew Serafini, they were at Hagerstown Community College to help celebrate milestones in two training efforts: the new Energy and Trades Training Center on HCC's campus and MD's first WorK Ready Community through the ACT WorkKeys program.
WorkKeys measures skills in applied math, graphic literacy and ability to understand written information in the workplace. National Career Readiness Certificates go to those who complete the tests, showing they have those specific skills.
Employers can also use WorkKeys to determine what skills are needed for specific tasks, then match applicants with jobs.
The program is running in 27 states, and 4.5 million people hold the certificates,
HCC President Jim Klauber said Thursday.
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Arts Council BISFA 10th Anniversary Alumni / Faculty Show in Full Swing
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Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, the Washington County Arts Council hosts "BISFA 10th Anniversary: Alumni & Teachers" Art Exhibition from April 25, 2019 through May 28, 2019 with a Closing Reception at the Gallery on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 5 pm to 7 pm.
The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is a Washington County Public Schools academic and arts magnet high school located in downtown Hagerstown in the heart of the Arts & Entertainment District.
The exhibit was the idea of Dr. Teresa Roberts, the first full-time visual arts educator at Barbara Ingram, who retired in 2018 after a career teaching in a variety of locations including The Ohio State University, Wexner Center for the Arts, Frostburg State University, Allegany College and Maryland public schools in Prince Georges, Garrett and Washington counties. Dr. Roberts who has exhibited in a variety of locations throughout the country and has won scholarships and awards for her work will have pieces in the Arts Council exhibit.
Notable artists included are a combination of alumni and teachers.
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Meritus Medical Center Named Magnet Hospital
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Meritus Medical Center received notification of its first Magnet® Recognition on Wednesday morning, April 17. A room filled with close to 250 nurses, physicians and leaders received the news via conference call from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or ANCC's Commission on Magnet® Recognition Chair Jeanette Ives Erickson, D.N.P., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. The hospital received two exemplary citations with the Magnet® Recognition, including one for transformational leadership to improve workplace safety and enhance security and one for exemplary care of stroke patients.
Meritus Medical Center is the only Magnet® hospital in western Maryland and the tristate region it serves, to receive professional nursing's highest honor. Eight percent of hospitals nationwide have earned this recognition, with Meritus Medical Center now joining Maryland's Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Nationally, other health care organizations that have received Magnet® Recognition include the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.; the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio; and MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas.
"Our nursing team has worked very hard during the past several years to earn this most prestigious international credential for nursing excellence - the true 'gold standard' in the field," says
Melanie Heuston, D.N.P., RN, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at the hospital.
According to the ANCC, Magnet® Recognition establishes Meritus Medical Center as an organization that embraces high standards of patient care and a commitment to nurture the talents of dedicated nurses throughout their careers with continuing education and development.
Meritus Medical Center's nursing leadership submitted a 539-page application with specific narratives and data on patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, nurse satisfaction, work environment and community partnerships in the fall of 2018. Magnet® representatives were on-site at the hospital from Feb. 11-13, 2019, meeting with 20 different groups, touring 27 nursing units and numerous hospital departments and speaking with 800 employees and community representatives.
"Magnet® Recognition offers our patients assurance that they are in a hospital committed to delivering the best care possible," says
Carolyn Simonsen, president and interim CEO of Meritus Medical Center. "Magnet® hospitals are recognized for high standards of excellence in patient care as well as a commitment to partnerships for the improvement of the community's health."
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Women's History Month Celebrated with First Data Diversity Initiative WIN
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At
First Data, managing diversity means both actively promoting community and celebrating and valuing our differences. Our corporate citizenship efforts include community engagement programming driven by our employee resource groups (ERGs), and in March, the Hagerstown Chapter of our Women's Impact Network (WIN) ERG hosted a month-long celebration of Women's History Month.
To kick off the celebration, the team turned the First Data building sign located where purple in recognition of international women's day on March 8. The WIN team then sponsored activities and networking opportunities with a separate theme for each week of the month: Educate, Inspire, Network and Enjoy. Activities included learning and development, TED Talks screenings, and even a photo booth with props honoring inspiring women throughout history.
A highlight of the month was on March 20, when the Hagerstown WIN chapter invited three external women leaders from the local community for a panel discussion. Panel speakers shared experiences of their personal career development and perspectives on women in leadership. We were honored to have local leaders participate as our special guests, including:
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Jill Thompson, Director, Department of Community and Economic Development, City of Hagerstown
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Jana Palmer, Director, Elementary Education and Counseling, Washington County Public Schools
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Cassandra Latimer, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Wilson College
WIN Co-Chair
Susan Cvijanovich said, "This year's Women's History month was both inspirational and educational. We created wonderful opportunities for the WIN chapter members in Hagerstown to have fun and share their experiences."
Baranda Dixon's favorite part of this month's activities was the ability to connect to other women leaders from Hagerstown and understand their stories. "This helps First Data establish a connection with the community."
To learn more about First Data's corporate citizenship programming, follow the #FirstDataCares hashtag in social media.
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Purdue University Global Featured as the Nation's Top Online Cyber Program
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HostingAdvice.com recently named
Purdue University Global as offering one of the nation's top online cyber programs. As the internet expands, so do the threats people and businesses face to securing their sensitive information. Data breaches can expose everything from users' passwords and names to birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers, costing organizations like Yahoo, eBay, Target, and Equifax millions of dollars and irreparably damaged reputations.
Even if personal data isn't exposed, attackers can cripple an organization's business operations - and especially their bottom lines. Cybercrime represents the fastest growing cause of datacenter outages, according to a 2016 study by the Ponemon Institute, which reports nearly a quarter of downtime coming from malicious intrusions - up from only 2% in 2010.
As such, cybersecurity represents one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Making matters worse, the job market can't keep up. ISACA, the non-profit international organization focused on IT professionals, anticipates a global shortage of 2 million cybersecurity workers by 2019. More than 313,000 cybersecurity jobs remain open in the U.S. alone, which is up roughly 28,000 jobs from 2017, according to CyberSeek.
Education and training for these positions, however, is readily available for those looking to seize the opportunity. IT professionals employed in the cybersecurity field in 2013 reported an average annual salary of $116,000 - nearly three times the national median income for full-time workers - according to CIO and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The prevalence of online degree programs marks a more affordable and convenient path to success. With so many options to choose from, we ranked the 15 best online cybersecurity degrees in the country based on the curriculum, cost per credit, graduation rates, job placement percentages, and student reviews, among other factors.
In addition to the university's stellar reputation for science, engineering, technology, and computer science education, Purdue University Global tops our list for expertly balancing prominent, rigorous courses with the affordability and flexibility many seek from online degrees.
Geared toward giving students the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to excel in the cybersecurity field and attain industry certifications, the university's undergraduate and graduate degree courses empower students to design secure information systems, evaluate security trends and practices, measure and analyze risk management practices at the enterprise network level.
Our two favorite components of Purdue's degree programs is the opportunity for gaining real-world experience through an optional internship at the end of bachelor's studies, as well as the accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree program.
READ MORE HERE
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Humane Society of Washington County Announces Resignation of Kimberley Intino
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The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) announces that
Kimberley Intino has resigned from her position as President/CEO following just over 5 years of service. During her tenure, Ms. Intino assisted in the development and opening of a 6,800 square foot Adoption Center and Spay/Neuter Clinic and the introduction of numerous life-saving programs.
Certain opportunities have aligned that will allow me to fully pursue my passion of fundraising for animals, including achieving the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive. My time at HSWC was life-changing," said Ms. Intino. "I wish everyone there the absolute best and look forward to their continued success."
HSWC sincerely thanks Ms. Intino for her service and wishes her well in her future endeavors.
During this transition, HSWC is committed to maintaining the high level of quality animal care and service that the community has come to know and expect. HSWC is grateful for the public's enduring support and encourages individuals to continue volunteering, fostering, adopting, and donating so that together we can continue to save lives.
Within the coming weeks, HSWC's Board of Directors will launch a nationwide search to identify the organization's next leader. During this time,
Crystal Mowery, HSWC's Field Services Director, and
Colin Berry, HSWC's Development Director, will serve as the shelter's Interim Co- Executive Directors.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship.
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"Hot Topics in Employment Law" Seminar Coming to Frederick
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The Hot Topics in Employment Law Seminar is coming to Frederick Thursday, May 9th from 8:30-10:30am at Dutch's Daughter Restaurant in Frederick, MD.
With their Hot Topics Seminar,
Miles & Stockbridge aims to deliver the insights and advice you need. Their Labor & Employment Practice Group will present the latest on topics such as:
- #Me2.0
- The "Bermuda Triangle": ADA, FMLA and Paid Sick/Family Leave
- And other hot issues for 2019
Please mark your calendars now to join their Labor, Employment, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group for this popular event. The seminar will provide HRCI Business* and SHRM credits.
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HCC Student Awarded Maryland Law Enforcement Scholarship
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Hagerstown Community College student
Curtis Chedester, of Maugansville, was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Maryland Law Enforcement Officers, Inc.
Chedester, 22, is an administration of justice major and will graduate with an associate degree this fall. After graduation, he plans to transfer to a four-year school and pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Maryland Law Enforcement Officers is a professional non-profit organization headquartered in Baltimore. The scholarship was established for Maryland students in good academic standing who are planning a career in law enforcement and have financial need.
To learn more about HCC's law enforcement program or scholarship opportunities, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu.
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Upcoming Chamber Events |
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Register for one of these upcoming Chamber functions!
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Learning Lunch Hour
Tuesday, May 7th, 11:30am-1pm
Better Benefits Without the Cost
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
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Jamison Door Company Presents:
The Post-Legislative Forum
Wednesday, May 8th, 7:00-9:00am
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
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Book Club: "In Defense of Troublemakers" by Charlan Nemeth
Wednesday, May 15th - 12 Noon
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
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Maximize Your Membership
Ideal for new members & anyone in need of a refresher!
Thursday, May 16, 9:00-10:00am
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Meritus Health Hosts our Monthly B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour)
Thursday, May 16, 5:00-7:00pm
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Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings |
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Join Us a We Support Our Members on Their Big Day!
*The Art Gastropub & Cafe
49 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Friday, May 3rd - 4pm
Join us at this exciting new addition to downtown Hagerstown as we celebrate their official grand opening (after a well-supported soft opening run). Owners Anissa Harshman and Ian Carey have put their heart and soul into this creative, innovative pub & eatery and boy, does it show!
*Bester Community of Hope
356 Mill St., Hagerstown, MD
Thursday, May 9th - 4pm
The San Mar, Inc. family of Bester Community of Hope has put in countless hours in their new, roomier space - helping them become a more efficient team. Bester Community of Hope is an initiative of San Mar, focused on prevention with a place-based strategy for positive outcomes for the children and families located in the Bester Elementary School neighborhood in Hagerstown, Maryland. Bester Community of Hope is one of 14 sites nationally supported by Casey Family Programs to support their broader efforts to safely reduce the number of children placed outside of their home by building "Communities of Hope."
Horizon Goodwill Outlet Store
1000 Florida Ave., Hagerstown, MD
Thursday, May 16th - 11:30am
Join us in the celebratory grand opening of the Horizon Goodwill Outlet store, located at 1000 Florida Ave., #19, Hagerstown! Light finger foods and beverages will be provided.
*The City of Hagerstown conducts ribbon cuttings within Hagerstown city limits, and the Chamber in-turn, supports the events of our Members.
Interested in having a ribbon cutting/open house for your organization? Contact Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck today to get started, at [email protected]. It's a FREE perk of your membership!
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BEP (Business Education Partnership) Corner |
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A Contribution from BEP Committee Member Wayne Rummel of Potomac Edison:
Did You Know???
If you are a small business owner who is struggling to stay afloat or looking to take the next step, or if you are looking to become a small business owner, there are resources right here in Hagerstown to help you. Check out the
BÜROBOX at 60 W. Washington Street. The BÜROBOX offers access to high speed internet, work space, meeting rooms and office equipment. In addition, the BÜROBOX partners with
SCORE to provide workshops and mentors to help small business owners create and maintain a successful business plan. If you could use help with your small business endeavor, consider these two local resources.
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SBDC Corner |
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A valued contribution from our partners at the Maryland Small Business Development Center
Your car needs an oil change every 3,000 miles, a wash every few weeks and a new battery about every five years. Just like you take your car to the mechanic to keep it running smoothly, you need to perform regular checkups on your business health. It's not just about performance, it's about safety.
Most business owners are extremely busy working on various parts of their operations, so without regular check-ups on financial health, they can easily lose control and become susceptible to financial problems.
The Maryland SBDC has come up with a way to help your business stay healthy. It's the Business Health Check Up. It's a quick survey you take regarding the status of your business. Once completed you receive a dashboard summary of your business based on your answers. You will quickly see areas that are in great shape and areas that may need improvement.
If there is any area of your business you would like help with, the Maryland SBDC is here to help. The Maryland SBDC not only helps people start businesses, we help people keep their businesses stay strong and grow.
Your Washington County SBDC Consultant is Herb Melrath, 888-237-9007 ext. 4 Or [email protected]
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About Us |
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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
Celebrating 100 Years!
1 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015
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