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Have you heard the exciting news? Not only does this coming fiscal year include a new office space on the public square downtown, but we'll also be known by a new name - The Washington County Chamber of Commerce, as of September 1st. Find out more about our reasons why below!
As the summer starts to wind down, we're looking forward to our
98th Annual Meeting on
Thursday, September 28th. Keep an eye out for your invitation in the mail! We can't wait to present our "State of the Chamber" video and talk about our big changes as we inch a year closer to our 100th year serving Washington County! Plus, we'll be passing the gavel from our current Board Chair Gary Hayes to our Incoming Board Chair Heather Guessford.
Have a great rest of your month!
Paul, Donna, Tim, Rod & Tyana
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Welcome Our New Members |
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Give a Warm Welcome to Some New Faces in Our Membership!
45 W. Watkins Mill Rd., Suite B
Gaithersburg, MD
703-912-8987
11110 Medical Campus Rd., #125
Hagerstown, MD
301-910-0248
6 W. Washington St., Suite 211
Hagerstown, MD
301-799-4962
Potomac Street Liquors
284 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD
240-316-1523
9828 Sharpsburg Pike
Hagerstown, MD
707-761-7580
11116 Medical Campus Rd.
Hagerstown, MD
301-790-8372
(Returning to the Longmeadow Shopping Center)
1555 Potomac Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301-797-4192
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Same Great Chamber, New Name!
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In addition to moving, we'll have a new name as of September
Effective September 1, 2017 we'll be changing our name to the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber has always strived
to represent and serve all of the municipalities in Washington County.
Our board of directors believes that our new name more clearly represents one of our goals of 'being a resource for solutions and inclusion of all members throughout the county,'" said Gary Hayes, board chair.
Approaching our centennial celebration in May 2019, we're relocating our office to the first floor of the Professional Arts Building on South Potomac Street. Our new office is scheduled to open its doors on November 1. "The City of Hagerstown is central to the continued economic growth and future success of Washington County. The Chamber wants to be a strong business and community partner in the City's revitalization process. Locating the Chamber's office to City Center is part of our long-term strategic plan to collaborate with the City of Hagerstown," said Hayes.
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Members Making News
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Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members!
HCC Receives $50,000 Scholarship
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Pictured, from left, are Lisa Stewart, HCC coordinator of alumni relations; Charles Enders; HCC President Guy Altieri; Andrew Kramer, HCC assistant professor of administration of justice; and Stacey Crawford, HCC executive director for college advancement.
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Washington County Sheriff's Office DFC Charles Enders and his wife, Tina Enders, of Hagerstown, recently made a $50,000 donation to the Hagerstown Community College Foundation, in memory of Charles's brother, Sgt. Richard H. Good, who died suddenly, July 16, at his home. He was 68 years old.
"Rick was loyal and dedicated to his job and friends," said Charles Enders. "We wanted to establish this scholarship at HCC to pay permanent tribute to his career as an outstanding officer."
Good retired from the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 1996 with the rank of sergeant. After that, he worked as an investigator for the State of Maryland and most recently as a Circuit Court bailiff for The Honorable Judge Mark Boyer of Washington County Maryland. Both Sgt. Good and his brother, DFC Enders, earned associate degrees in administration of justice from HCC. Good was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
"We are very grateful to the Enders for providing new opportunities for young people to enter the field of law enforcement through HCC's ADJ program," said Andrew Kramer, assistant professor of administration of justice at HCC. "In today's environment, when law enforcement officers and the profession itself face such profound challenges, this endowment is of tremendous significance."
The Sgt. Richard H. Good scholarship will be awarded each year to two HCC administration of justice majors who aim to be police officers, are residents of Maryland, attend full time, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
A named endowed scholarship given to HCC is held in trust by the HCC Foundation, Inc., and the interest from that gift is awarded annually to HCC students to help cover their tuition needs. The Richard H. Good Scholarship will remain in trust for perpetuity and will be a living legacy to Sgt. Good that will benefit generations of future HCC students.
For more information on the scholarship, contact the HCC College Advancement Office at 240-500-2348.
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Broadway's Smash Hit "The Addams Family" Opening at Washington County Playhouse September 9th
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Broadway's creepy and kooky first family appears live on stage at The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater in The Addams Family - A New Musical Comedy from September 9th through October 29th only!
The Addams Family features an original story, and it's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
The musical is preceded by a buffet dinner at each performance. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM and select Sundays at 1:00 PM. Tickets ($48 Adults, $38 Children 5-12) are available at washingtoncountyplayhouse.com
or call 301-739-7469
for additional information.
The Playhouse's 2017 Season continues November 17th - December 23rd with A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas. Group rates available.
The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear in Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District.
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BB&T Presents Check to HSWC to Honor Former Board President
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On Wednesday, August 16, BB&T presented a check to the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) in honor of BB&T employee Cindy Helman, whose tenure as shelter board president recently came to an end.
"We're grateful for BB&T's continued support of our mission and their recognition of the effort our staff, volunteers and board members put into this life-saving work," said Kim Intino, President/CEO. "We want to join BB&T in honoring Cindy and thanking her for her commitment, leadership and vision."
Ms. Helman served as the HSWC Board President for two years.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship.
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Beacon Grace Announces New Product
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Beacon Grace LLC, a technology, consulting, and professional services firm, has launched a new executive-level operational assessment tool specialized for
manufacturers, distributors, and retail organizations.
'The Beacon Operational Health Assessment' is a proprietary 26-point measurement and evaluation tool that gives executives, investors, and 3
rd Parties valuable information for strategic planning and investment decisions. Customers may choose from 4 package options.
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Loan and Credit Enhancement Program Updates for Lenders
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The U.S. Small Business Administration in cooperation with the Maryland Small Business Development Center Network have scheduled a series of presentations designed to update lenders on key Federal and State Loan and Credit Enhancement programs. Presenting organizations include:
- SBA - 7(a) Guaranty Program
- US Department of Agriculture
- Maryland Department of Commerce
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- SBA - 504 Certified Development Company - Fixed Asset Financing and Refinance!
- Maryland Small Business Development Center Network Services
Please plan to join them! Simply pick a date and location most convenient for you and register by email to
michael.collins@sba.gov
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Morgan-Keller Construction to Begin Meritus Outpatient Services Project
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Morgan-Keller will soon begin construction of the new Meritus Outpatient Services building in
Hagerstown, Md. The project involves construction of a 52,000-SF, single-story, medical office building for outpatient services, including primary care, lab, imaging, rehabilitation and urgent care. The project will also include full build-out of the interior, as well as associated site work.
The developer is Ghattas Enterprises and the architect is CallisonRTKL, Inc. Construction will begin this month and is scheduled for completion September 2018.
Established in 1955, Morgan-Keller Construction is a general contracting and construction management firm with offices in Frederick and Columbia, Md. For additional information, visit www.morgankeller.com
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"Family Ties" Stars Baxter & Gross Close Totem Pole Playhouse Season with "Love Letters"
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Totem Pole Playhouse, Pennsylvania's premiere summer theater, located in Caledonia State Park between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, PA, is pleased to announce the final Bonus Show in the theatre's summer schedule, A.R. Gurney's
Love Letters.
The production stars Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross who were best known for the popular television series, Family Ties, which ran from 1982-1989. Love Letters centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Using the story-telling form sometimes found in novels, they sit side by side at tables and read notes, letters and cards to each other spanning nearly 50 years, in which they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats that have passed between them throughout their separated lives. Sponsored by Ludwick Eye Center.
Directing the production is Tony-award winning actor and director Judith Ivey, known for her role as B.J. Poteet on television's Designing Women (1992-93). Ivey won two Tony Awards as Best Featured Actress in a Play for Steaming in 1983 and Hurlyburly in 1985. She was also nominated for Park Your Car in Harvard Yard in 1992 and a revival of The Heiress in 2013. Other Broadway theatre credits include Piaf, Bedroom Farce, Blithe Spirit, Voices in the Dark, and Follies.
The show will run one week only from August 22 through August 27 with matinee performances Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm and evening performances Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Tickets for all regular performances are priced at $35 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 888-805-7056 or online at TotemPolePlayhouse.org!
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HCC Career Programs Building to Host Mountain MD Tech Network Event
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Mark your calendars for September 7th from 8:30am to 2:30pm for a Business Assistance Forum from Mountain Maryland Tech Network. Learn about supporting & funding your company by hearing from several federal labs, state and regional funding authorities and angel investors.
Held at Hagerstown Community College's Career Programs Building, panelists include: NIH, NIST, USDA, TEDCO, MIPS, SBA, Mid Atlantic Angels, MD DHCD, and more! |
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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Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings & More! |
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Did you know that the Chamber can help you & your business get the attention you deserve when you're a new business, celebrating an anniversary, or a seasonal open house?
Pura Vida Coffee owners Margie & Glenn Yeager cut the ribbon alongside Western MD Outreach Director for Sen. Chris Van Hollen Julianna Albowicz, Delegate Neil Parrott, Chamber President & CEO Paul Frey, Chamber Board of Directors Sila Alegret-Bartel, Keith Grunow and Steve Swayne, and several other Pura Vida employees! Visit their location now open for business at 14035 Pennsylvania Ave. in Hagerstown.
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Advertise in our 2018 Directory! |
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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??
Mark your calendars for Friday Morning, September 15th from 8am-9am at Hagerstown Community College's Valley Mall office. This breakfast group is focused on professional development and work/life balance tips - with members representing different industries all based on personal connections & the resulting referrals! No obligation - simply come and check it out!
To find out which industries are represented in each group, & much more:
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Upcoming Chamber Events |
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Mixers, Learning Sessions, Signature Events & More!
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Learning Lunch Hour
Tuesday, September 12th - 11:30am - 1pm
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Hagerstown, MD
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Eggs & Issues: OnTrack
Wednesday, September 13th - 7:30am - 9:00am
Applause Caterers, Hagerstown, MD
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Business After Hours
Hosted by Arc of Washington County
Thursday, August 17th, 5:00-7:00pm
16869 Taylor's Landing Rd., Sharpsburg MD
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98th Annual Meeting
Thursday, September 28th 5pm - 8pm
Fountain Head Country Club Hagerstown, MD
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BEP Corner |
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A contribution from our Business Education Partnership Committee!
from Mary Ellen Waltemire of One Step Closer Coaching
When saying "good job" isn't enough.
Bill Gates said, " We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve".
The benefits of effective feedback are many, according to Kim Pisolkar, business development strategist. Providing effective feedback helps people know where they are performing against expectation, they're able to make course corrections when needed, they're able to continue the behavior that is leading to results and they can receive acknowledgement for a job well done. As business leaders, you know that delivering feedback has four essential guidelines to include: make it timely, be specific, focus on the facts and show that you are sincere. In addition consider using the SBI framework:
- Describe the Situation - where the behavior was observed
- Describe the Behavior - the specific and factual actions and interactions that were observed by you and others and
- Describe the Impact - the effect the behavior had on others such as clients and/or team members, and/or the results.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to provide feedback to your valued staff, use the SBI framework and watch the results!
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GenNext News |
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GenNext is THE perfect solution to engage with fellow 21-40 year old Washington County-area professionals! Interested in referrals, developmental guest speakers, networking, advocacy & more? Lean more
HERE!
To join GenNext, please email Tim Luipersbeck at tim@hagerstown.org to get started at just $30/year! Special events will have a GenNext member / non-member registration fee. It pays to join!
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Accident Fund - A New Member Benefit! |
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A Wright-Gardner Insurance Initiative!
Worker's Compensation. The Safe Way!
Through our group pooling power, your small to mid-sized business can have access to dividends that you wouldn't otherwise obtain on your own!
- Benefits include a 5% up-front savings on Premium
- Access to safety materials through Accident Fund's WorkSafe Toolbox TM
- Potential to earn a dividend based on experience of the individual policy loss performance and written premium.
Accident Fund Insurance Company of America is one of the nation's leading workers' compensation insurance organizations, managing risk and minimizing loss for our policyholders, creating a safer environment for their workers and building businesses with our agent partners. All backed by the reach, knowledge and best practices of our holding company, AF Group.
Interested in joining the program? Contact
Wright Gardner Insurance at
301-733-1234!
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About Us |
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Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 560 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!
Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce
28 W. Washington St., Ste. 200
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015
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