Thank You for Being a Member!

Perhaps we don't thank you quite enough. With a fantastic event (our 20th Annual Washington County Business Awards) behind us, we've been reminded that we couldn't do it without you.  We're excited to keep the momentum going as Spring draws near!

Missed the winners of our 20th Annual Washington County Business Awards? VISIT HERE

This week, we welcomed Secretary Kelly Schulz of the Maryland Department of Commerce for our monthly Eggs & Issues, who presented our Chamber with a certificate of recognition in honor of our 100th year! 



We look forward to seeing you at some upcoming events, like our always-popular B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour). Join us Thursday, March 28th (5-7pm) at The Maryland Theatre!  REGISTER HERE

Tickets are also on sale and we're planning away for our Chamber Centennial Bash on Saturday, May 18th at the Rider Jet Center! This casual-attire event will be complete with live music, tip jars, food & beverage vendors from within our membership, and more! TICKETS ON SALE HERE

Have a wonderful month,

PAUL FREY, DONNA MITCHELL, TIM LUIPERSBECK, ROD IRISH
& ASHLEY PALMER
In This Issue
Welcome Our New Members
Give a warm welcome to our new March members
 
Cedar Ridge Children's Home & School, Inc.
12146 Cedar Ridge Rd.
Williamsport, MD
301.582.0282

Conagra Brands, Inc.
1200 Frederick St.
Hagerstown, MD
301.745.2395

LR Life Coach
60 W. Washington St., Suite 102
Hagerstown, MD
240.452.8243
email: lgrlifecoach@gmail.com 

Real Estate Today
123 W. Washington St.
Hagerstown, MD
301.791.9046
email: realestatetodaymd@gmail.com 

Willdan Lighting
13226 Executive Park Terrace
Germantown, MD

Centennial Events Not to Be Missed
Join Us for these Celebratory Centennial Memories


Culture & Cocktails at the Washington County Historical Society
Friday, April 26th, 6-8pm
The Miller House Museum, 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD

Enjoy a drink and have a think! At Culture & Cocktails, a lecture program at the Miller House Museum, they tackle a historical topic with the help of a little liquid fortitude.

For 100 years, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce has been fostering and promoting businesses in the region. President Paul Frey will be sharing stories of the Chamber's many accomplishments over the last century.

The featured cocktail will be: the Champagne Cocktail. What better to celebrate 100 years of progress than the classic anniversary drink?

Your ticket price will include your first drink, and refills will be available for a small fee. This event is for adults ages 21 and older, please! For more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch!


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. 
 

Members Making News
Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members! 
Have some news to share? Email Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck at tim@hagerstown.org to be included in an upcoming newsletter.

Horizon Goodwill Industries Announces New CEO, David Shuster

The Board of Directors of Horizon Goodwill Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce that David Shuster has been officially named CEO of Horizon Goodwill, after holding the position as Interim Chief Executive Officer since October 2018.

Shuster previously served as the Director of Operations and Compliance for Horizon Goodwill since February 2016. In this position, David successfully implemented safety initiatives to improve incident reporting time and reduce the overall number of reportable injuries and worker's compensation claims. Shuster was instrumental in initiating and managing sustainability initiatives, including oversight of installation of a 985kW solar generation facility, conversion of all facility lighting to LED fixtures, and implementation of processes to improve efficiency and reduce the waste stream.

In regards to his new role, Shuster says, "I look forward to leading Horizon Goodwill into the future. I am passionate about our work in human and workforce development and am excited to explore what is yet possible. Our region has great resources and opportunities, and Horizon Goodwill is an organization that will continue to foster collaborative relationships to help individuals fully realize their potential and build hope in our communities."

In addition to his work with Horizon Goodwill, Shuster is also an active member of the community serving on the Hagerstown Rotary-Sunrise and the Greater Hagerstown Committee, and he previously served as a Flotilla Commander with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary while living in Virginia.

Shuster hails from Springfield, Va. and currently lives with his wife, Aliana, and their four children in Smithsburg, Md. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and a Master of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia Tech. He recently earned his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Frostburg State University at USMH. His studies centered on the application of positive psychology theories, including authentic leadership, strengths, and psychological capital, to educational and work environments. His dissertation research specifically focused on the ability of faculty to influence student hope and success.

First United Welcomes Alan D. Mullendore



Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer at First United, along with R. L. Fisher, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer announce the addition of Alan D. Mullendore as Washington County Market President, overseeing the bank's strategic sales and growth initiatives in Washington County, Maryland.

"We welcome Alan to the management team at First United. We have a vision for growth and expansion in the Washington County community and Alan's broad background, knowledge of the community and leadership qualities fit perfectly with that vision," according to Rodeheaver.

Mr. Mullendore brings over 19 years of banking and customer service experience to the company. Most recently, Mr. Mullendore was the Regional Operations Manager at NautraLawn of America, providing guidance for independently owned franchises within the national system.
Prior to his time at First United, Alan held the position of Vice President of the Business Banking Group at Orrstown Bank, as well as positions with M&T Bank in Maryland, where he served in various capacities. Mr. Mullendore also served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Hendershot's Sporting Goods in Hagerstown.

"We are excited to have Alan join our team. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will provide tremendous value for our associates, customer relationships and the Hagerstown and Washington County communities, and First United will continue to focus on delivering a unique customer experience as we continue our commitment and vision to this key market," said Fisher.

Mr. Mullendore attended Towson State University where he pursued graphic design. He then transferred to Shepherd College where he received a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design as well as pursing a second degree in Art Education. Aligning with the First United mission of supporting local communities, Alan has been investing in his local community his entire career.

Alan has served on many local boards and non-profit committees, which includes the following: Mission of Mercy Fundraising Committee and toy drive volunteer, Board of Directors of the Frederick County Art Council, Board of Directors of the Sharpsburg Little League, Shoot for the Cure committee co-chair with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland, Rotary Club of Frederick, and Board of Directors for the Frederick County YMCA. 

Alan is currently on the Board of Directors of the Antietam Youth Athletic League, a Babe Ruth Girls Softball League and is the President and founding member, member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and is the Babe Ruth Maryland State Softball Commissioner. He is also a graduate of Leadership Frederick Class of 2008.


Beacon Grace Expands Offerings in Response to Talent Shortage



The supply chain industry, which includes manufacturing, retail, and logistics, is experiencing what Forbes refers to as a "severe talent shortage that threatens those companies' very livelihoods" (forbes.com April 17, 2018.) In response to this shortage, Beacon Grace has expanded their offerings to focus on a 360-degree business and operations solutions source. Beacon Grace is a supply chain technology and professional services consulting firm based in Hagerstown, MD.

All expansions are part of Beacon Grace's aim to assist their industry in coping with a smaller workforce by working more efficiently with technology, and more skilled workers.
Phase I expansion has focused on several key strategies: Security focused Cloud Solutions, End-to-End Business Productivity, End to End Integrated Business Applications and Operational Solutions, and Affordability.

Several notable offerings include:
--Integrated business productivity solutions.

--Integrated VOIP and Conferencing tools to bring native collaboration with remote teams and remote staff.

--Integrated Manufacturing, Warehousing, Service, Sales and Marketing, and Retail solutions.

--LTL Transportation Management Solution that is at no cost to our customers, paid through shipping savings generated by contracted volume discounts.

--Financing Solutions to support business modernization, business expansion, and equipment leasing.

--Cloud based SAAS (software as a service) Financial ERP solutions. Through a new partnership with Stratos Cloud Alliance, Beacon Grace's project staffing resources and technical resources have been greatly expanded. They now offer two of the top Cloud ERP solutions-Microsoft Dynamics 365 ("Business Central" and "Finance and Operations") and Oracle Netsuite.

These expanded solutions are added to Beacon Grace's existing services of Strategic Planning and Consulting, Assessments, Project Implementation and Professional Services, and Managed Contracted Services.

In addition to the staffing resources previously mentioned, Beacon Grace provides Workforce Retention, training, and Executive Recruiting solutions. Beacon Grace, also, continues to advocate for apprenticeship and other training programs that support a more skilled workforce. Beacon Grace owner and CEO Becky Willard remarks, "As we enable organizations to become more efficient and surviving with fewer workers, I am proud to also support the movement of up-training our existing workforce and enabling them to have better, higher paying jobs."

Beacon Grace is located at the Technology Innovation Center at Hagerstown Community College. They can be reached at 240-329-9400. Their website is www.beacongrace.com.

A final word from Becky Willard:
"In our efforts to provide 360-degree business and operations solutions, we are already working on our next expansion phase. Stay tuned to additional updates."


Community Foundation Announces Grant Applications from Women's Giving Circle

The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. announces the availability of grant applications for its Women's Giving Circle Fund. The Women's Giving Circle encourages women to become more involved philanthropically in Washington County and makes grants to organizations working to improve the lives of women and their families in the local community.

The Women's Giving Circle is currently accepting applications for programs, capital and operating expenses that meet the following criteria: increase life skills of women; encourage the healthy development and personal authority of young girls; improve the quality of life for families in Washington County and improve the emotional and physical well-being of all females. Nonprofit applicants must be based in and primarily serving Washington County, MD, and have current 501(c)(3) status. The suggested grant request amount is $2,500 to $3,500; however, applications for other amounts will not be disqualified.

Online applications for the Women's Giving Circle Grant are due by April 15 at 11:59 PM. Selected nonprofit organizations will receive their grants in May. Visit the Community Foundation's website at www.cfwcmd.org to apply.


Leiters' Fine Catering Welcomes New Employee


Leiters' Fine Catering Inc., one of the area's top go-to's for event planning & catering options has welcomed a new team member.

As the newest Wedding Coordinator, Melissa Gibbons is excited to bring her experience in catering and event planning to Leiters' Fine Catering. Melissa's years of experience in the hospitality and customer service industry give her knowledge to help turn her client's vision into successfully executed events that leave a lasting impression.  

Melissa first gained experience in coordinating events at the Shepherd University Alumni Association, while finishing her bachelor's degree. From there she accepted a position planning national conferences of up to 4,000 attendees for a tradeshow and exposition management company in Northern Virginia. After attending a conference in Boulder, CO, Melissa fell in love with the scenery (and sunny weather) and jumped at the opportunity to further cultivate her passion for events and gain experience as a Wedding Coordinator in the Denver/Boulder/Front Range area of Colorado. An expanding family and the lure of having relatives nearby brought Melissa back to her home state of West Virginia, and eventually to Leiters' Fine Catering. 

After staying home with her two children for the past five years, Melissa is excited to put her creativity to work helping couples plan their best day ever.

Think your talents could make you the perfect fit for a position in a fast-paced and creative industry? Contact Letiers' at 301-223-7070! They're seeking qualified candidates to join their team. 


HCC Offering Course to Highlight Women in Local Politics

A new continuing education course is being offered in April at Hagerstown Community College, to highlight the role of women in Maryland's political past and present.
The course entitled, "Maryland Women and the Transformation of Politics," will meet on three Thursdays, April 4 to 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and a final session will feature a panel discussion on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The first three sessions will be taught by Diane Weaver, who will serve as the moderator of the panel discussion at the last session on April 27. Weaver has been a career-long educator and women's rights advocate. She served as a nine-year governor's appointee to the Maryland Commission for Women and earned master's and doctoral degrees in history from the University of Maryland. She is the author of "The Community's College: The Remarkable Journey of Hagerstown Community College."

Panelists include Emily Keller, Hagerstown City Councilmember; Shelley McIntire, Hagerstown City Councilmember; Sharon Chirgott, vice mayor of Funkstown and member of Women at the Table; Donna Brightman, president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, former elected member and former president of the Washington County Board of Education; Dori Nipps, former Washington County Commissioner, former elected member of the Washington County Board of Education, member of Women at the Table; Linda Irvin-Craig, former Washington County Commissioner, former elected member of the Washington County Board of Education, member of Women at the Table; and Lorraine Blaydes, member of Women at the Table.

All sessions will be held in the Career Programs Building at HCC. The cost of the full course is $75 ($55 for seniors) and the panel discussion only is $35. To register or learn more, call HCC at 240-500-2236.





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



Maximize Your Membership
Thursday, March 21, 9am - 10am
Learn about your Chamber membership, whether you're a new or seasoned member. Tips & tricks to maximize your opportunities through us!
Chamber Office Training Room




Coffee & Connections with featured artist Ira Lourie
Wednesday, March 27, 7:30-9am
Chamber of Commerce





State of the Chamber Breakfast
Thursday, March 28, 7:30-9am
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center





B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour)
The Maryland Theatre
Thursday, March 28, 5pm - 7pm





Learning Lunch Hour: "Creating a Coaching Culture"
with Mary Ellen Waltemire & Eric Rollins
Tuesday, April 2, 11:30am-1pm  


BEP (Business Education Partnership) Corner

Volunteer to Speak About Careers to Students!


Our students could use your help! Volunteer to speak to Washington County Public Schools 8th grade classes! We're looking for professionals able to make the commitment to speak to four classes (your choice of schools from a selection of dates.)

Maryland Business Round Table is offering training right here in Washington County! 

We encourage you to sign up for Tuesday, April 30th from 9am-12 at WCPS Center for Education Services at 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown. 

This training provides you with all of the materials and an orientation to feel comfortable talking to students. It's easier than you may think and your time and expertise could be the missing link needed to inspire our next generation of workers!

Simply visit www.thestemnet.com to select the date and register! 
 

SBDC Corner
 

Main Street Hagerstown and Maryland SBDC (Western Region) have partnered to provide a series of FREE business seminars for small business owners that will be held throughout the spring. We welcome all startup and existing business to attend. All of the seminars will be held in Hagerstown, MD and you can sign up for as many as you would like. 

To get more details and to register CLICK HERE! 


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
Celebrating 100 Years!
1 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015

 

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