COVID-19 Business News
Hogan Announces $190 million Financial Relief Program To Help Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Last week Governor Larry Hogan announced $190 million in relief to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. $45 million will go to replenish the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund. Members that previously applied may have an opportunity to receive a grant. The money will provide grants to businesses that already applied but did not receive an award before the original program ran out of money. An additional $50 million will be used to establish the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative, to help stabilize and sustain a range of nonprofit operations. Read the Governor's news release here.
Congress Votes to Extend PPP to August 8

The Paycheck Protection Plan was set to expire on June 30, but Congress voted last week to extend it for six more weeks into early August. With $130 billion left in the program, there is an opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the forgivable loan program that was made more attractive after the repayment and forgiveness rules were eased.

Can businesses apply now? Not yet; the President still needs to sign the bill, which will trigger the Small Business Administration to reopen its portal. However news reports say that some financial institutions are already accepting applications. GSSCC will be watching to see what changes Congress will make to get the dollars to those in most need. Watch this space for more information.
Council to Hear Testimony on "Reopen Montgomery" Grant Program this Tuesday Afternoon

GSSCC has submitted written testimony in support of the proposed $14 million " Reopen Montgomery " grant program. The goal of the program is to help businesses recoup the cost of some of the reopening requirements, for example, PPE, signage, protective dividers, cleaning supplies, and adding staff for more frequent cleaning. Read the details here.

Council will accept written and virtual testimony during the public hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7. For information on how to testify, go here.
Upcoming Virtual Events
The GSSCC cordially invites Chamber members to join us for GSSCC 101: Virtual Member Orientation. This virtual event is for new members or new representatives of member companies with a maximum of two per business.

This is the perfect event to learn how to make the most of your membership investment, connect with your fellow Chamber members, and meet the GSSCC staff, board members, and ambassadors.

Wednesday, July 8
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Join the Chamber for a virtual Connect@Lunch with Eggspectation!

Register to attend, order your lunch from Eggspectation, and you'll receive information on how to get a free smoothie, coffee, or juice with your order.

Attendees will have three minutes to promote their businesses. And, there will be plenty of time to network with fellow members.

Tuesday, July 14
12 noon to 1 p.m.
Join the Young Professionals Network for a virtual morning fitness class with Planet Fitness! Support your work capacity by supporting your body and mental health, whether you’re at home or at the office, with an easy fitness class, no equipment or experience required.

The format will be a high intensity workout with low impact modifications for those with joint problems. There will be some Dynamic stretching for warm up and static stretching cool down with 15 sec rest between each exercise.

Thursday, July 23
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Members Supporting Members - Webinar Opportunity

Do you have expertise on a subject that may benefit your fellow members? Webinar sponsorship opportunities are available for member businesses wanting to share their knowledge and experience to support fellow members.

Sponsor a webinar for just $100 and see your company name and logo on all event promotions, including the Chamber website, the GSSCC Weekly Update, and social media. The event page on our website will include a link to your site, and you'll get a list of all webinar attendees after the event. Contact Julie at jpawlikowski@gsscc.org for more information.
Latest News
New Companies are Joining GSSCC!
GSSCC welcomes these organizations that became Chamber members during June. Check out the services they offer.
Washington Workplace
Charles Atwell
2300 South 9th St. Suite 505
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 995-7281

Capital Bank N.A.
Debbie Keller
2275 Research Blvd. Suite 600
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 468-8848
Companies are Renewing Their Chamber Membership!
Thanks to these organizations for continuing to support the Chamber by renewing their membership during the past month. We're pleased to link readers to these businesses and the products and services they provide.
* Beyond Definition was recently honored by the Baltimore Chapter of the American Marketing Association with two awards, 2nd Runner-up Campaign of the Year and Best Video Marketing Campaign of the Year, at the 35th annual MX Awards for excellence in marketing and design. Congratulations! Read the announcement here.

* Joseph S. Barone, CEO of A Fool for Learning, will present “The Joys and Sorrows of a New Consultant” on Thursday, July 16, at 5 p.m. This webinar is part of the St. John’s University (NYC) Alumni Series. Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation and registration is required here.

See your company's news here! Send us your news releases and news items by noon on Friday for publication in the following Monday's edition. Click here for guidelines on submitting Member News.
Does Your Business Need PPE?

As businesses are preparing to re-open and employers are tasked with providing PPE for their returning employees, GSSCC has launched a “ Back to Business Products” page on our website for members looking to purchase PPE products, signage, and more. If your business is selling PPEs and you would like to be on this page, please complete this form and send it to Julie at jpawlikowski@gsscc.org.
Upcoming Committee/Network Meetings

  • Small Business Owners Network – Bi-Weekly Virtual Meeting - 12 noon on Thursday, July 9. Registration is required here.

  • Non-Profit Team Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14.

  • Membership Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28.
OUR MISSION:
Working to enhance the economic prosperity of greater Silver Spring through robust promotion of
our member businesses and unrelenting advocacy
on their behalf.
Thank you to our 2019-2020 GSSCC Partners

Corporate Partners - Downtown Silver Spring; Lee Development Group; Montgomery College; Joseph W. McCartin Insurance;
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center

  Business Partners - Andalman & Flynn, AFI Silver Theatre; Apex Home
Loans; Atlantech Online; Digital Industry; EagleBank; Eggspectation; Holy Cross Hospital; The Fillmore Silver Spring; Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd.; Linowes and Blocher, LLP; Revere Bank; The Tower Companies (The Blairs); United Therapeutics Corporation; Washington Property Company.

  Partners - Adam Lowe Creative; Bell Flowers; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; HiTouch Business Services; Image360.
Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce
8601 Georgia Avenue Suite 203
301-565-3777
info@gsscc.org