More than 30 new and prospective Chamber members packed this week's Member Orientation at Eggspectations, which is the last of these events until 2019. Chamber President Leonardo McClarty, Director of Membership, Ronny Nadiv, and our newest team member, Lynn Song, gave attendees a great overview of what the Chamber does and how members can maximize the benefits we offer. As always, several members of our Board of Directors, Ambassadors and a representative from the Young Professionals Network's Board were on hand to help new members feel welcome and make important connections.

You can read more about the benefits of Chamber membership anytime at www.howardchamber.com/membership/.

We were honored to participate in, and host a screening for, the Maryland Department of Disabilities new EmployABILITY Video this week in our office. Many of our Board Members were able to attend the screening as well as Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and Board of Education member Ananta Hejeebu. The video also includes testimonials from Chamber President Leonardo McClarty and Chamber members, Howard Tech Advisors and Mobern Lighting. 

Read more about the EmployABILITY program here.

If you traveled with us to beautiful Iceland this year, you might still be feeling a little jet lag, but we've got something to get you energized! The Chamber is officially heading to Portugal for our 2019 Trip and we couldn't be more excited! Join us for an 8-Day Journey, departing November 8, 2019, to discover and explore all that Portugal has to offer.

For more information about our 2019 Chamber Trip to Portugal, head to www.howardchamber.com/chamber-travel.

Chamber President Leonardo McClarty and Director of Membership, Ronny Nadiv, were happy to be a part of TEDCO's 8th Annual Entrepreneur Expo this week. The event brings entrepreneurial resources from across the state together each year including venture capital investors, federal and state economic development officials, university leaders, legislators and business advocates like the Chamber.

• DACCO SCI, INC. - 15 Years
• Alexandra's American Fusion - 10 Years
• Heartlands Senior Living at Ellicott City - 1 Year
• The Residences at Annapolis Junction - 1 Year

The Howard Hughes Corporation has just closed on a secured, non-recourse corporate credit facility with loan proceeds of up to $700 million, comprised of a $615 million term loan and an $85 million revolver.

Owner Robin Holliday, her staff and the artists featured in her gallery have been through so much in the last couple of years. After surviving both recent major floods on Main Street in Ellicott City, Holliday has decided to move her gallery to Savage Mill. Join her for HorseSpirit Arts Gallery's Grand Opening at their new home on November 10th!

November 10, 2018 - 9AM - 10PM

Festive Reception from 5 - 9PM

8600 Foundry Street, Suite 2063

Savage Mill, MD 20763

Congratulations to Columbia-based Waldon Studio Architects, who just announced that Baltimore architect Donald Kann and the employees of Kann Partners have joined WSA increasing its size to just under 40 employees.

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Congratulations to Howard Community College who has just been presented with the 2018 National Equity Award from the Association of Community College Trustees.

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At their sixth public workshop last week, Howard County's master plan consultants presented new and refined concepts which you can view here. They are now asking for people to fill out an online survey, to gather feedback on the new plans, that will be available until the end of the day on November 18th.

You can find the online survey here.

The Columbia Association, Howard County Veterans Foundation and the Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families are looking for vendors, food trucks and participants for the upcoming 4th Annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade to be held on Sunday, November 11th at 9:30AM from Merriweather Post Pavilion to the future site of the Howard County Veterans Monument at Lake Kittamaqundi.

 

Do you know someone who creates, teaches or supports the arts in Howard County and deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the community? Nominate them for the Howard County Arts Council's 2018 Howie Awards for Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator or Outstanding Arts Supporter (Business or Individual). Nominations due by October 30th.