10% Discount for Chamber Members and their Families. Please contact Chris Motz at wmotz@purdueglobal.edu
Greetings,

Tim, your Director of Member Services and Marketing here! Today marks my final day working for YOUR Chamber. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of our Members for the great memories I'll cherish throughout my professional career. In just over five years, I've grown to learn Washington County in an entirely new way; considering I thought I knew our community well from having grown up here! For this, and much more, I have my colleagues to thank!

Monday marks my start as Director of Marketing and Communications at the Community Foundation of Washington County and I look forward to becoming an active Chamber member, attending many of the same events that I've grown to appreciate from my time as an employee. In particular, I hope to see many of you August 20th at The Commerce Cup!

Lastly, I want to encourage you to continue thinking of the Chamber as a resource throughout the coming months (and beyond). As you embark on your respective re-opening phases, you can expect the very same updates. From health matters, to updates from the Governor. From COVID relief updates and support from our partners with the City and the County, your Chamber will surely continue to be your biggest advocate!

Warm Regards,

Tim Luipersbeck
Director of Member Services & Marketing
Since the beginning of this pandemic, Your Chamber has pledged to keep not just our membership, but the community current on what matters to them most. Health, Maryland business resources, Washington County updates and resources, Restaurants still offering carry-out and delivery, job avail-abilities, and more. Now that we're in re-opening phases for many local businesses and organizations, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SURVEY! We want to be sure we're doing all that we can to help support you.

NEW MEMBERS
Give a warm welcome to our June additions!
Angela Miles (Individual)

Berry Solutions Group
18450 Showalter Rd., Ste. 164
Hagerstown, MD
814.699.8050

Foster's on the Point
1437 Salem Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301.739.7182

Maryland Lawns
10835 Allen Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301.331.4343

Maryland Motor Werkz
6535 Old National Pike
Boonsboro, MD
833.669.2277

Skate Palace
17333 Virginia Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301.992.2363
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHAMBER EVENTS:
In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, we're still cooperating with Governor Hogan's Executive Orders to enter into re-opening. We here at the Chamber have made the decision to continue postponing all future in-person events but hope that changes fairly soon. We're continuing to delve into online webinars and hope that you'll join us when your schedules permit.

Our offices remain closed to walk-ins. However, operations will remain in full swing from Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Please call us at 301-739-2015 if we can help you or admit you to our front lobby on a discretionary basis, or by appointment.

To provide our members with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 coronavirus and the ways in which small businesses, nonprofits, and like organizations can benefit through Maryland state and federal programs, please visit our homepage, or our custom response pages  www.hagerstown.org/strongtogether and www.hagerstown.org/rise

We look forward to seeing you in-person soon and want to assure you that we're actively planning for gradual, safe re-opening steps.
UPCOMING CHAMBER VIRTUAL EVENTS
Please note that the Chamber will be closed Friday, July 3rd for Independence Day weekend.
Friday, July 10th, 9:00 - 10:00am
Leadershift Roundtable with Morgan Plummer
Join certified John Maxwell trainer Morgan Plummer as she guides you through maximizing your personal growth and helps you learn how to increase the impact of those you lead.
Thursday, August 20th
30th Annual Commerce Cup Golf Tournament
We've taken the unique opportunity that this pandemic has presented to get a little more creative with this year's annual golf tournament. Hosted by Fountain Head Country Club once again, and presented by Spherion, this all-outdoors event will be complete with a pig roast and the usual rounds of golf you've come to expect. Enjoy a full day of golf, complete with breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner.
MEMBER NEWS
Browse through just some of our members who've announced changes within their organization and even some able to help you during this critical time.
MORGAN-KELLER WELCOMES KATE O'HARA AS DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SAFETY
Kate O’Hara has recently joined Morgan-Keller as Director of Corporate Safety. Within this role, Kate will work to further enhance Morgan-Keller’s safety programs and culture through safety training and risk assessment. She will be responsible for ensuring the safety of team members, clients, and subcontractors on all our project sites. 

Kate comes to Morgan-Keller with 12 years of experience in the safety field. She graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Safety Management from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Most recently, she worked as Safety Director for one of the largest mechanical construction contractors in the United States. 

“We are pleased to have Kate join us here at Morgan-Keller,” said Taylor Davis, Morgan-Keller’s Vice President and General Manager. “In her role, she will help to promote and strengthen the safety culture we have in place here at Morgan-Keller.”

Established in 1955, Morgan-Keller Construction is a privately held general contracting and construction management firm with offices in Frederick and Hunt Valley, MD. By providing exceptional construction services for over six decades, the firm has become one of the region’s most respected commercial builders. To learn more, visit www.morgankeller.com. 
WASHINGTON COUNTY COVID-19 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND ANNOUNCES 5th CYCLE GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Washington County COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund , a campaign organized by the Community Foundation and United Way of Washington County, Maryland , announces the fifth cycle of grant recipients. Grants totaling $65,459 were funded to the following eleven agencies: Community Free Clinic, Discovery Station, Girls Inc., Potomac Case Management, Reach of Washington County, Rehoboth UMC, Robert W. Johnson Memorial Center, San Mar, The Salvation Army, Together With Families and Washington County Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The first disbursement of grants was announced on April 20 th . Grants totaling $50,000 were funded to five different agencies: CASA, Inc., Interfaith Service Coalition, Salvation Army, Together with Families, and the Washington County Commission on Aging. 
The second disbursement of grants was announced on April 27 th . Grants totaling $50,540 were funded to ten different agencies: Children in Need, Community Free Clinic, GateKeepers, Girls Inc., Horizon Goodwill Industries, HCC Foundation, Potomac Case Management, Tabitha’s Table, University System of Maryland, and Hagerstown YMCA.

The third disbursement of grants was announced on May 12th. Grants totaling $30,905 were funded to six different agencies: Brook Lane, Boys & Girls Club, Doleman Black Heritage Museum, Girls Inc., OnTrack of Washington County, and the Washington County Commission on Aging.

The fourth disbursement of grants was announced on May 26 th . Grants totaling $27,500 were funded to five different agencies. Breast Cancer Awareness – Cumberland Valley, For Our City – Hagerstown, Mediation First, The Maryland Theatre and The Arc of Washington County.

The initial goal for the Emergency Assistance Fund was $200,000. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so does the community’s need for essential services and basic needs. The current amount of funds raised for Washington County COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund is over $300,000. To date, approximately $225,000 has been awarded to 30 different agencies.
All funds raised will support Washington County community-based organizations and partners who directly help those adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In the weeks and months ahead, the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund will provide additional capacity to community-based organizations in Washington County.

This fund will deliver economic assistance and access to vital food and basic need supplies to the many children, families and households who already have and will be impacted by the temporary loss of income. The COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund may also be deployed to strengthen our community’s ability to prepare for and respond to a variety of health and other emergencies, as well as to support programs and initiatives that are focused on fighting for the health, education, basic needs and financial stability of our community. Donations made to the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund will support efforts to provide relief to people impacted by coronavirus and its effect on our community. 

The goal of the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund is to raise as much money as possible to deliver positive outcomes for severely affected individuals and families. The Community Foundation secured $100,000 in matching grants in less than two days. Matching donors include: Adna Fulton Family Fund. Pauline Anderson Foundation, William Dutton Family Fund, Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation, God’s Grace Fund, Community Foundation of Washington County, MD., John R. Hershey Jr. and Anna L. Hershey Family Foundation, Ed and Betsy Beachley, Dr. and Mrs. Mitesh and Erin Kothari, Kevin and Stacey Crawford, and Todd and Sue Baer.

United Way of Washington County has waived all administrative and processing fees to ensure all campaign funding will go to those most in need. To ensure maximum impact, the funding community is banding together to ensure that 100% of donations are distributed appropriately throughout the community.

Donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/2UR6fsy by texting COVIDWashCo to 313131, by calling 301.739.8200 x 104 or by mailing checks to United Way of Washington County, 83 West Washington Street, Suite 101, Hagerstown, MD. 
GOETZ ELECTED 125TH CHAIR OF MARYLAND BANKERS ASSOCIATION
Robert E. “BJ” Goetz, Jr.,  President and CEO of Middletown Valley Bank , was elected 2020-2021 Chairman of the Maryland Bankers Association (MBA) at MBA’s 125th Annual Meeting on June 2. In this role he will lead the Association’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee and work directly with the MBA’s President and CEO on all matters relating to the banking industry.

For his 12-month term of office, Goetz will lead the MBA in achieving its mission of promoting the strength and success of Maryland banks and bankers. He will continue the Association’s positive momentum through engagement of banks across Maryland; being the best advocate for the industry at all levels of government, and equipping members for success in a rapidly changing world through timely and relevant education programs and services.
According to Goetz, “Today marks the beginning of the Maryland Bankers Association’s 125 th  Anniversary celebration. It is an unbelievable honor to be elected to lead our Association as we reflect on the role of the banking industry in our state since 1896, acknowledge the tremendous support banks are providing today as they assist their consumer and business clients during the COVID-19 health and economic emergency and look ahead to a future of economic hope and prosperity for the next 125 years. 

These recent times have shown us more than ever the importance of engagement with our members. Over all of the years since our founding, the MBA has been there to support our industry and Maryland’s banks because together we are stronger and better-equipped to fulfil our leadership roles in our communities.

Most of all I would like to thank MBA’s membership - all banks serving Maryland communities and leading the way for their clients. Truly all 26,000 banking professionals serving Maryland as the “Economic First Responders” have shown the financial stability to reinforce that, even in this, we will “Be Okay.””

According to the Association’s President and CEO,  Kathleen Murphy , "BJ Goetz is leading one of Maryland’s most successful and fastest-growing banks. His depth and breadth of experience in the Association and as a banker have enabled him to make a lasting impact in the communities he serves. Through his election as MBA’s 125th Chairman, bankers across Maryland acknowledge the deep respect they have for him as a banking leader as we address the unique role of banks in helping their communities through today’s challenges and embark on the next 125 years. I am very excited to work side-by-side with BJ during such an important milestone.” 

Robert “BJ” E. Goetz, Jr.  joined Middletown Valley Bank in 2012. He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. He also serves as vice chairman of the board of Millennium Financial Group, Inc. (Mlend). Before joining the Bank, Mr. Goetz was a Commercial Banking executive with Susquehanna Bank. Mr. Goetz has over 20 years of banking experience. Mr. Goetz serves as Development Council chair and as a director of the Meritus Medical Center. He is a member of the Washington County Planning Commission and the Greater Hagerstown Committee and serves on its Executive Committee. Mr. Goetz received a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University. In addition, Mr. Goetz serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Banking School. He is also a graduate of the Maryland Banking School and the Maryland Banking School for Advanced Management.

For a complete listing of the MBA Board of Directors click  here
HCC FOUNDATION RECEIVES $100,000 DONATION
The Hagerstown Community College Foundation recently received a $100,000 donation from the estate of Mrs. Mildred “Mickey” Knott, formerly of Hagerstown, to establish the Mildred E. Knott Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship benefits HCC students who are residents of Maryland, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and plan to transfer to the University of Maryland.
             
In her estate planning, Knott, an alumna of (then) Hagerstown Junior College, requested that acknowledgement be given to Lois Smith Harrison, HJC’s first registrar, and Dr. Atlee Kepler, HJC’s first president. She noted, “Lois secured several scholarships for me, especially at the University Of Maryland. I have always been grateful for these scholarships which financed my college education. Maybe this small amount will aid a deserving student.”

“Mildred (Mickey) Knott was a very well educated woman who was very ahead of her time and knew what an education would do for her,” said Lisa Mendez, Knott’s goddaughter. “Mickey believed everyone should have access to knowledge and be given the opportunity to learn. I am so glad that I can follow through with her wishes and establish this bit of help for future generations.”

For more information on the scholarship, contact the HCC College Advancement Office at 240-500-2348, or visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/hcc-foundation .
Jonathan M. Hutcherson, 
Founder & CEO of Exclamation Labs
Matthew T. Growden, First United
Vice President & Chief Information Officer 
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST AND EXCLAMATION LAB WIN FINANCIAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Financial Information Systems (FIS), a global leader in financial services technology, recently announced First United Bank & Trust as one of the winners of their 2020 FIS Impact Awards program. In its fourth year, this signature awards program recognizes organizations that have used FIS technology in innovative ways to enhance customer experiences and drive tangible business results. 

First United won for its innovative and collaboration work to build connectors for the FIS Code Connect gateway. Working with third-party developer Exclamation Labs, the software interface allows the bank’s core FIS services to automatically communicate with Provision, an Identity Access Management system designed by Exclamation Labs. Provision provides hardened network security by enforcing user permissions across the bank’s numerous IT systems. The new connectors allow real-time transactions, tracking every system user, while producing audit-ready reports.

Entries were judged independently by the industry analyst Celent on the criteria of applied innovation, tangible return on investment and enhanced customer service. For all winning submissions, a $2,500 donation will be made to the charitable organizations chosen by each winner, through the FIS Foundation.  For its part, First United has chosen to donate these funds to the “I Can Swim” program.   This program provides free American Red Cross basic swimming and water safety instruction for all kindergarten children in Garrett County and is managed through the Garrett College Foundation.  

First United’s Matthew T. Growden, Vice President and Chief Information Officer remarked, “It’s an honor to be recognized by FIS, one of the world’s top providers of core financial services, for our collaborative effort on this project. Winning is great, but the resulting interface has also made my job, and my team’s job, much easier; transforming many of my former pain points into improved efficiencies for the business.”

Jonathan M. Hutcherson, Founder and CEO of Exclamation Labs, commented, “We’re very excited for our friends at First United. In addition to leading this technology project with FIS, Matt Growden and his team set the gold standard that community banks across the country follow. It’s unfortunate that due to COVID, we won’t see them accept the award in front of over 5,000 conference attendees, but that no less diminishes the impact and influence First United has on the industry.”

“We are impressed by the creativity, innovation and client focus shown by our clients each year of the Impact Awards program, and this year is no exception,” said Gary Norcross, FIS chairman, president and CEO.  “We congratulate all of this year’s winners as well as the charitable causes they are supporting with their winning entries.” 
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JOINT INFORMATION CENTER (JIC) UPDATES
Washington County, Maryland has invited many partners to form a Joint Information Center (JIC) created to address COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Here at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, we're proud to be involved in these daily meetings and contributing to the County's daily press releases. We're in good company: Meritus Health, Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown Community College, The City of Hagerstown, Washington County Sheriff's Department, Washington County Health Department. All of these agencies combine information on a daily basis to form one uniform email per day.

We want YOU to be a part of this mailing list, but you need to sign up to receive these messages and encourage you to pass along the word to the rest of our community, should they be interested in receiving these alerts in their Inbox.

Do you have something to share with fellow Chamber members? Simply email Director of Operations Donna Mitchell to get started on this free opportunity.
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | hagerstown.org
Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 650 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.