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Greetings!
Truly an exciting month as we've announced 2018's Teacher of the Year,
Jeanine Horst of Cascade Elementary School. If you were able to join us this week, you'll know it was truly a special evening!
We have a new wave of new members this month that we can't wait to introduce you to, along with some upcoming events you can't miss!
May's Eggs & Issues will be held at the
Hagerstown Regional Airport Wednesday, May 2nd, followed by our
Post-Legislative Forum held at
Hager Hall on May 8th. Plus, we head to
Meritus Health for our monthly
Business After Hours on May 17th!
If there's an idea you have, a way that we can help you grow, or feel the need to have a stronger voice, let us advocate for you! Reach out to us so we can connect.
Have a great weekend,
Your Chamber Team!
PAUL FREY, DONNA LONG-MITCHELL, TIM LUIPERSBECK, ROD IRISH
& TYANA MONETTE
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Welcome Our New Members |
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Give a Warm Welcome to Some New Faces in Our Membership!
1125 Opal Ct., Suite 1125
Hagerstown, MD
240.707.6610
Direct Medical Billing & Consulting Services, LLC
13812 Exeter Court
Hagerstown, MD
240.420.6383
Express Biotech International, Inc.
5 South Wisner St.
Frederick, MD
301.228.2444
17301 Valley Mall Road, Suite 386
Hagerstown, MD
301.300.3096
19303 Jamestown Drive
Hagerstown, MD
301.471.7946
Lee Building Maintenance
8420 Gas House Pike
Frederick, MD
240.651.0463
Maryland News Network
1423 Clarkview Road, Suite 100
Baltimore, MD
410.454.0020
220 Champion Drive, Suite 102
Hagerstown, MD
301.766.0836
Patrice & Associates of Western MD
P.O. Box 186
McHenry, MD
301.798.7350
Savvy Food Safety, Inc.
22 N. Mulberry Street, Suite 313
Hagerstown, MD
717.485.0473
Volunteer Association for Potomac Center, Inc.
1380 Marshall Street
Hagerstown, MD
240.313.3550
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Members Making News
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Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members!
Proposed Sprint-Shentel Cell Tower at North Hagerstown High in Board of Education's Hands
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A controversial topic in recent months in Washington County is now in the hands of the Board of Education. Shentel Communications, an affiliate of
Sprint
, will be the initial carrier on the 115-foot cell tower proposed for a grassy area in North Hagerstown High School's parking lot near Mike Callas Stadium. According to the proposed design, the tower would have three sign faces with five panels each, concealing telecom equipment installed at the top. The sign panels will display logos or designs representing North High, project officials have indicated.
If approved, the project stands to contribute about $400,000 to the school board over the first 10 years in a ground lease.
Some resistance from the community have raised concerns over health risks and property values decreasing.
Board member Pieter Bickford, who lives near North High, said Milestone Communications addressed most of the concerns expressed by residents.
Sprint encourages our community to do their own research, noting that the health risks aren't too indifferent than emissions given off from a wireless internet router found in most homes.
Interested in voicing your support? Join local Sprint Maugans Ave. in petitioning the board of education as they weigh their votes by emailing:
[email protected]
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Roy Rogers Names Jeremy Biser to Lead the Brand
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Roy Rogers Restaurants announced today that it has appointed Jeremy Biser executive vice president. Based in the company's headquarters in Frederick, Md., he will report to Co-President Jim Plamondon and
oversee all aspects of the Roy Rogers brand.
Biser joins Roy Rogers from Dunkin Brands Group, Inc., where he most recently was Vice President, International Operating Systems, Learning, Food Safety and Equipment. In that role, he covered an international group of more than 8,000 locations around the world. Earlier in his career, he held various leadership positions within both the Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks organizations. In his new position, he will concentrate on optimizing performance of existing company and franchise locations, while also positioning the brand to grow throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States.
"We're delighted to have Jeremy join our organization," says Plamondon. "With his arrival, we are better equipped than ever before to strengthen our existing system, increase our sales and profitability, grow within our existing markets and expand into new ones."
Biser says Roy Rogers has enjoyed great popularity for its menu and atmosphere over the past 50 years - the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a campaign featuring baseball great Cal Ripken Jr. - and he will look for ways to enhance brand differentiation, customer loyalty and relevance with current and future generations of guests. Biser will be responsible for advancing the concept to a new standard for image, offering and operations.
"Roy Rogers differentiates itself through its values as an organization and its promise to deliver good food and fast, friendly service to every guest, every time," he says. "There is a great team in place and a lot of passion for the brand in the organization and among our guests. I look forward to drawing on these strengths to help make the brand even more successful today and long into the future."
Roy Rogers is currently enjoying a resurgence in the Mid-Atlantic United States. It opened 10 new locations in the past three years, bringing its crowd-pleasing menu of USDA choice top round roast beef, hand-breaded, fresh fried chicken and great-tasting burgers to guests in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
"This year, we are celebrating 50 years of bringing quality, variety and choice to our guests," Plamondon says. "We look forward to celebrating many more decades of success, and we're excited to have Jeremy on board to lead the team into the future."
The company is now seeking to develop select markets in the Mid-Atlantic and bring additional communities the legendary Roy Rogers experience. Information on the Roy Rogers franchise opportunity can be obtained at
www.royrogersrestaurants.com/franchising
or by contacting the Roy Rogers f
ranchising
department at
[email protected]
or (301) 695-1534.
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Registration Open for HCC's College for Kids!
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Register your kids for Hagerstown Community College's "College for Kids" - fun, educational classes to keep them active and engaged all summer. You won't hear any complaints of summer boredom here! Kids of all ages will explore new subject areas, improve problem-solving skills, build confidence, and make new friends.
College for Kids will also prepare your teenager for college and prevent the learning loss that can occur over the summer. After a College for Kids summer, your kids will be ready for a successful school year!
The week-long classes are taught by qualified instructors from local schools and businesses and are open to elementary, middle, and high school students entering grades 2 through 10. All classes are held at Hagerstown Community College's campus in June, July, and August.
College for Kids has been providing quality educational opportunities for children and teens in Washington County and the surrounding area for over 20 years.
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Funkstown Animal Health Clinic Planning Charity Yard Sale
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Make plans for Saturday, May 12th from 8am-1pm behind the Animal health Clinic of Funkstown in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church parking lot on Chestnut Street in Funkstown! Donate items for sale, or sell your own stuff! This great community event benefits the Camp Joy Community Outreach Program with set up beginning at 7am.
Items can be donated to be sold at the Animal Health Clinic booth with the funds raised going directly to the Camp Joy fund. Interested in selling your own stuff? Spaces are available to rent for $15 to anyone who would like to have a yard sale, but would like to keep the money they make from their items. The money from the "rental fee" is simply donated to Camp Joy.
To reserve your space or to donate items for sale, call 301-733-7579 or email [email protected]
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Community Foundation Chooses Stacey Crawford as New President & CEO
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The Community Foundation of Washington County has chosen
Stacey Crawford to take over as President and Chief Executive office, starting May 7.
Crawford, 41, has been hired to replace
Brad Sell, who is retiring after 16 years.
"I'm very excited," said Crawford, who is currently the executive director of college advancement at
Hagerstown Community College. "I'm excited for the challenge."
Established in 1997, the community foundation supports local organizations by awarding grants and endowments.
Crawford said that as the director of college advancement for the last six years, her experience fits well with the community foundation's work and mission.
"My position at HCC involves private fundraising for scholarships and programs," she said. "The community foundation will allow me a broader reach (to raise money)."
Crwaford, a Smithsburg resident, said she looks forward to working with the many nonprofits and organizations in the county.
"Not only the nonprofits, but the community they serve," she said.
Michael Day, chairman of the community foundation's board of directors, said Crawford has a history of proven successes.
"We did a national search ... and we had an extensive background and review," he said. "Ironically, we chose someone in our own backyard. She was the best choice. ... We're very excited to have her."
Day said Crawford was chosen from about 200 applicants.
Her annual salary range is between $100,000 to $120,000, he said.
Crawford is a member of Leadership Washington County Class 30. She graduated the leadership program in 2017.
Leadership Washington County takes a select group of people through a 10-month program designed to develop their dedication to serving the community.
Crawford and her husband, Kevin, are the parents of three boys and one girl.
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Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC Completes Successful Quality Review
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Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC was recently notified by the Peer Review Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that it has successfully completed an independent quality review of its accounting and auditing practice.
Peer reviews are required for membership in the AICPA and by the state of Maryland Board of Public Accountancy and are conducted every three years. They are especially relevant with the ongoing scrutiny of the quality of audit work conducted by the accounting profession.
The quality review was conducted by the national firm of Cherry Bekaert LLP under the guidelines established by the AICPA. The reviewers made an independent assessment of the firm's quality control policies and procedures and inspected the working papers and reports on a representative sample of accounting and auditing engagements.
SEK&Co received the highest rating possible on its peer review, which puts SEK&Co in an extremely elite group of CPA firms. Michael P. Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA, SEK&Co's Director of Accounting, Auditing and Quality Control stated, "Quality is the result of a daily commitment to continuous improvement and this peer review report is an affirmation of those efforts."
A copy of the peer review report is available at
www.sek.com
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Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Announces Annual Dinner Auction Date
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Habitat for Humanity of Washington County has announced the date for their annual dinner auction, commemorating their 25th Anniversary here in our community. The theme, "Embracing the Past - Imagining the Future" will carry through to the big event on Saturday, August 25th from 5-9pm at the Hagerstown Elk's Lodge.
This all-important non-profit invites you to help celebrate 25 years of constructing, renovating, and preserving affordable homes in Washington County. Supporting these fundraising efforts ensures that affordable housing becomes an option to many.
For information about ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, call 301-791-9009 or email [email protected]
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Baxter Group, Inc. Promotes Several Employees, Welcomes New Employees
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Throughout 2017, Baxter Group, Inc. faced multiple challenges that comes with growing a business, but several employees showed great perseverance and determination during the process. Baxter Group, Inc. was proud to award several promotions and would like to recognize the following employees:
Heather Bess was promoted to Director of Operations.
Jason Young was promoted to Indoor Environmental
Consultant.
Amanda Yeager was promoted to Project Manager for the Radon Division.
Melissa Geyer was promoted to Foreman for the Mold Division.
Baxter Group, Inc. would also like to recognize their new employees:
Miriam Vason is Baxter Group's new Office Manager, and Susan McCarty has taken over as Director of Financial Management. Stefany Kriner is the Administrative Assistant for all divisions. Matthew Carr was named Project Manager of the new partnership with Lowe's and thus establishing our Lowe's Renovations Division. Craig Yetter started as an intern from Shippensburg University to shadow Jason Young in the Indoor Environmental Quality Division. As he finished his internship hours, he transitioned to apprentice. Rick DeShong was brought on as a Foreman, and Wesley Wertz, Patrick Wade and Mike Mione were brought on as new crew members.
Baxter Group, Inc. appreciates all their employees, new and old, for working together as a team as they grow.
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Leadercast Returning to Washington County
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Thanks to
Worx Graphic Design
, Leadercast returns to Washington County. What qualities do you hope to embody as a successful leader? How can you intentionally develop your own leadership skills and style? To be the best leader of others, it all starts with learning how to lead yourself.
Join us for Leadercast Live at host site, Hagerstown Community College, to learn from world-renowned experts about the qualities and characteristics of global leaders who exemplify what it means to lead yourself. Come alone or bring your team for a dose of motivation and education and become a mover and shaker, no matter what your position or industry or place in the world!
Regular tickets still available - $115
Schedule
8:00-8:30AM Registration
8:30-9:00AM Networking
9:00-3:30PM Leadercast Simulcast
3:30-4:30PM Closing and Networking
*Breakfast and Lunch are included in your ticket
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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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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??
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 [email protected] if interested!
To find out which industries are represented in each group, & much more:
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Upcoming Chamber Events |
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Register for one of these upcoming Chamber functions!
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"Hiring Your First Employee"
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Tuesday, May 1st - 11:30am - 1:00pm
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The Hagerstown Regional Airport: Its Economic Importance & More!
brought to you by Antietam Broadband
a Presentation from Phil Ridenour
Wednesday, May 2nd - 7:30am - 9:00am |
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Bank of Charles Town Presents: The 2018 Post-Legislative Forum
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Tuesday, May 8th - 7:00am - 9:00am
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Maximize Your Membership
Thursday, May 17th - 9:00am - 10:00am
Chamber of Commerce Training Room, Hagerstown, MD
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Business After Hours
Hosted by Meritus Health
CHAMBER PRIZE DRAWING: $3,000
Thursday, May 17th - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings |
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Join Us for These Fun Celebrations!
North Paws Animal Hospital
Celebrate with the North Paws Animal Hospital! Tour the hospital, meet Dr. Becker and staff, and learn what they have to offer!
Friday, May 4th (with elected officials and Chamber staff)
OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, May 5th (open to the public)
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Delta Dental - A New Members-Only Benefit! |
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As the nation's leading dental insurance company, Delta Dental's core purpose is the advancement of the oral health of our customers, partners
and
consumers through dental insurance and the philanthropic efforts of Delta Dental companies.
Delta Dental Plans Association is a not-for-profit organization. Through their national network of Delta Dental companies, they offer dental coverage in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, with a local presence in communities across the country, providing groups and individuals with quality, cost-effective dental insurance
and
superior customer service.
Delta Dental protects more smiles than any other dental insurance company, with the largest network of dentists nationwide, quick answers and personalized service!
Right now is the perfect time to evaluate your company's dental plan and know that cost matters! Whether you provide your employees with dental insurance already, or they're required to purchase it on their own, Delta Dental could be your best option! There's only one way to find out, though.
Interested in learning more about how you can get started for less cost just by being a Chamber member? Our Chamber-approved Delta Dental Rep
Tim Harrison is available to take your questions at
301-473-3007
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20th Annual WCBA's: Nominations Open! |
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Take a Moment to Cast Your Nominations Today
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SBDC Corner |
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Did you know that the SBDC provides FREE individualized consulting, from start up to established businesses? They also offer comprehensive training programs, with most classes at low to no cost. Just click on the link to find out what topics they have for April;
"It takes more energy to resist change than it does to embrace it. So just jump in!"
 
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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
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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
1 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015
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