CROFTON CHAMBER
CHRONICLES
June 15, 2021
 
Member Spotlight of the Week
Name of Business: Sarah’s House, Associated Catholic Charities Inc.
Point of Contact: Eileen Meagher

Length of time business has been operating: Sarah’s House has been operating for 34 years. Associated Catholic Charities Inc. has been operating for 98 years. Keep on the lookout for a 35 year celebration from Sarah’s House and a 100 year celebration from Associated Catholic Charities Inc.

Description of Business: In partnership with Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and Fort Meade, Sarah’s House provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, Rapid Re-Housing, and aftercare services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County. Our staff is trained to provide a licensed onsite childcare facility, case management, and therapy to help those in need to make their homelessness as brief as possible. There is an unofficial fourth partners, our community. Without the ongoing support, to include financial, in-kind donations, and volunteers, we would not be able to provide the quality of services that we do. We are nonprofit holding a 531 C-3 certificate.

Your Business Mission Statement: Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, Catholic Charities of Baltimore provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need.
 
What’s Your Why? Through engagement and outreach with Sarah's House, businesses, churches, neighborhood groups, civic organizations and the like support those most marginalized amongst us. And in doing so, the lives of families and individuals--both from our shelter as well as those providing outreach--are transformed.
 
What sets your business apart from others? We are a nonprofit whose focus in on Anne Arundel County residents. We survive off of grants and donations. We may not sell anything, but we can provide the opportunity to do something that money can’t buy. That feeling that you are a part of something bigger.

What are some of the personal rewards that come from your business? It is the feeling of being a part of something that is greater than the self. Even the smallest thing can have the biggest impact.

How long have you been a chamber member? Since 2009
 
What benefits have you experienced with your chamber membership?
For the business to business side, I have been able to receive wonderful referrals for companies who work in the trades that have done an amazing job at Sarah’s House on numerous projects on our property. Our property consist of 8 buildings and it has been great finding good people that you can trust.
On the nonprofit side, we have found many companies and individuals offering to sponsor our program and provide in-kind donations. We hope to get some of you to volunteer onsite as we begin to slowly open our doors back up to volunteers.

We do offer limited onsite volunteer activities at this time. Please follow us on Facebook at “Friends of Sarah’s House” to keep updated on our current needs and some of our volunteer activities.
Interested in joining our organization ~ Visit Our Website
Chamber Member Cheryl Hokanson of Brand Boosters recently won The Peake Award from the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association. Cheryl also serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Promotional Products Association and leads the Philanthropy Committee. Click here for the press release: Peake Awards Ceremony
We would love to celebrate our Chamber Members. Have you received an award recently? Been recognized for a business achievement? Celebrating a milestone in your business? Let us know! Email info@croftonchamber.com or contact us through Facebook Messenger.
Executive Director's Message
Greetings,

During the Evening Mixer at Smashing Grapes on Monday night, the Business Development Committee released a teaser video for the upcoming October event featuring Janine Stange which created a lot of buzz and interest. Sponsorship levels have been determined, and tickets will be on sale in late July. This event is something you will not want to miss!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our quarterly blood drive last week at our office. We will be having our next one in September.


All the best,

Liz Hostetler
Executive Director
Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce
410-721-9131

Community | Together | Thriving
Upcoming Events (register today):

Fence & Deck Connection ~ 30 Year Anniversary Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 
Thursday, June 17, 2021 | 3:30p-6:30p
Free for all

Lunch & Learn: Public Speaking ~ Ledo Pizza in Crofton
Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 11:30a-1:00p
$25 for members/ $35 for non-members

July Market Mixer ~ Crofton Farmers Market
Sponsored by: Friend Commercial Real Estate
Wednesday, July 7, 2021 | 5:00p-6:30p
Free for all
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Other Networking Events:

LinkNetworking ~ Bowie Baysox Stadium
Sponsored by: Calc-U-Later Bookkeeping, LLC
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | 5:00p-9:00p
About AAWDC’s FutureSuccess Internship:
AAWDC’s FutureSuccess Internship is a dynamic program that provides Anne Arundel County youth and young adults ages 16-24 with career exposure, essential workplace skills training, financial literacy, and a meaningful paid work experience within a career/industry of their choice.

Internship Development:
AAWDC is seeking businesses to host interns as part of our FutureSuccess Internship Program. Intern candidates will be matched to internship opportunities based on interests, location, and suitability. If preferred, businesses can interview candidates before final placement. AAWDC staff will work with businesses to build the best internship opportunity.

Overview of Internships:
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Interns work 30 hours per week on a schedule set by the business
• Business staff mentors and supervises the interns
• AAWDC staff work directly with intern sites and interns to ensure successful completion
• AAWDC directly pays the interns and provides any insurance needed
Interested in becoming an internship site or learning more?

Contact: Spencer Washington at swashington@aawdc.org
The application portal reopened Monday, April 26, 2021. Potential applicants should register on the portal.
The SBA has also added the following updated resources.
  • Applicant user guide and FAQ: For help with the application process, refer to the applicant user guide and FAQ.
  • Checklist: Use the checklist to make sure you have everything you need to complete your application. 
  • For additional information and to review applicant resources, visit www.sba.gov/svogrant.
Applicants must be a for-profit business and an existing BGE electric and/or gas customer with positive BGE credit history. Additional eligibility criteria include:
 
Eligible small businesses selected as grant recipients will receive $20,000. Apply by sharing how a grant would provide economic relief and help grow your business. Applicants must show demonstrated need of funding to support business and serve customers. Preference will be given to minority-owned and woman-owned businesses.
 
BGE is pledging $15 million to assist Maryland’s small businesses with COVID-19 relief and recovery. Eligible businesses located in BGE’s service area can apply for a $20,000 BGE Energizing Small Business Grant. This grant program is part of BGE's comprehensive Customer Relief and Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, designed to help the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
 
Round 2 opens May 5 and closes June 16
Round 3 opens September 1 and closes October 13
 
For full eligibility requirements see the terms and conditions. Grant recipients will be selected via a panel and recipients will be notified within 30 days of each Round’s close.
Please be sure to visit our Facebook pages and "like" them to see the latest updates and information regarding our community and our members.
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