Our Mission
To foster and maintain a thriving business climate in which our
members and community can grow and prosper.
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Welcome our recent new members! |
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200 W. Franklin St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.739.6107
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7501 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
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14505 Industry Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
301.668.4303
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19603 Longmeadow Rd.,
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.797.1110
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7210 Corporate Ct., Ste. A,
Frederick, MD 21703
301.846.9336
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7101 Guilford Dr., Ste. 203
Frederick, MD 21704
301.662.1150
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600 S. Market St.,
Frederick, MD 21705
301.682.2111
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19833 Leitersburg Pk., Ste. 5
Hagerstown, MD 21742
240.347.1477
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Want to see BIG results on your bottom line?
Spend time working ON your business, not just IN it.
This 90-minute workshop, held both in-person and virtual, can literally save you THOUSANDS of dollars! I will be introducing small tactical moves in the 3 areas of bookkeeping, accounting, and tax planning. Collectively, these moves can yield BIG financial improvements!
Register Now for the “Business Owners Workshop – Small Tactical Moves, BIG Financial Improvement” featuring Bev Stitely, owner of Saunders Tax & Accounting, on Saturday, November 13th, 9 to 10:30 AM.
Learn small tactical moves that you can apply NOW!
Good Bookkeeping → Great Accounting Reports =
Wise Tax Avoidance Opportunities.
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According to Small Business Accounting Report, “60% of small business owners feel they are not very knowledgeable about accounting or finance”. If you are not using a professional bookkeeper, ACCOUNTING BOOTCAMP is for you!
This short, intensive program helps DIYers get their bookkeeping in shape, up-to-date and ready for year-end reports. Plus, 2022 can start on the right foot with QuickBooks accounts that are set up properly.
ACCOUNTING BOOTCAMP, featuring Bev Stitely, owner of Saunders Tax & Accounting, begins November 30, 2021 for a total of 6 weeks.
The first 3 weeks features 2 sessions each week. Each session is 90 minutes consisting of 30 minutes of key concept instruction followed by 60 minutes for your own hands-on implementation.
The last 3 weeks consists of co-working time with expert advice available for any questions while you work in your business’ books.
That’s a total of 12 hours of professional accounting support! Take CONTROL and kick your business’ financials into shape! (QuickBooks required)
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Browse through news from some of our members. |
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Capital Campaign Launched for Establishing Clara Barton Memorial Park
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A plan to honor Clara Barton, who broke an important barrier at the Battle of Antietam to become the first Civil War nurse to be allowed on a battlefield during the battle, and founder and president of the American Red Cross, is moving along by way of The Clara Barton Memorial Committee.
In preparation for fundraising, the Clara Barton Memorial Fund is now established with the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. This effort will facilitate donations, to help build a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Barton caring for a fallen soldier.
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Community Foundation Plans to Honor Four People’s Choice Awards Recipients with Individual Receptions |
Annually, the Community Foundation holds the People’s Choice Awards to recognize and celebrate individuals in the community who have made a difference in Washington County by giving generously of their time and talents. Three People’s Choice Volunteer Award winners and one Rising Star Award winner have been chosen and instead of one in-person awards ceremony being held, the Community Foundation has decided to host a series of four individual receptions – one to honor each recipient. |
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ADVISORY: Meritus Vaccination Clinic Now Offering COVID-19 Boosters for All Three Vaccine Products, By Appointment or Walk In |
COVID-19 boosters for all three vaccine products are now available by appointment or walk in at the Meritus vaccination clinic in Robinwood Professional Center’s atrium following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. Qualifying individuals may schedule appointments through their MyChart patient portal, at mychart.meritushealth.com or by walking into the clinic weekdays between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Qualifying individuals include:
- For Pfizer or Moderna vaccine products:
· Age 65 or older
· Age 18 or older living in a long-term care setting, with underlying medical conditions or work/live in a high-risk setting
· At least six months after your second shot
- For Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine products:
· Age 18 or older
· At least two months after your shot
Anyone coming in for a COVID-19 booster shot may choose which product to receive, according to CDC recommendations which allow for mix-and-match dosing.
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First United Bank & Trust Names Denise D. Phelps Director of Diversity and Engagement |
Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of First United Bank & Trust and Chuck Olsson, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer are proud to announce Denise D. Phelps as Vice President and Director of Diversity and Engagement, overseeing the Bank’s diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) strategy within all the markets served by the company.
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A few updates to wrap up the month of October:
- We celebrated our 25 th Anniversary this month. Here is a video of Walter Moore, President and CEO of APPI Energy discussing that exciting milestone.
- Please take a moment to review the latest Advisor. Our team is closely monitoring market volatility and helping clients to identify ways to hedge against rising costs through tailored solutions that aim to reduce demand and improve resiliency.
- Many of you have asked for a map of deregulated states so you have the ability to guide members into the program when discussing our electric and gas procurement services. That is attached here. Keep in mind we have the ability to serve members in all 50 states in the energy efficiency / sustainability / project space.
As always, if there is anything you would like to see customized for your vertical or specific association, please reach out directly, we are happy to assist.
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Mobile Technology Enables Small Businesses to Compete
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Efficient use of mobile technology can have a positive impact on small businesses by increasing productivity and competitiveness. Mobile technology can help to enable small businesses with administration, communications and processes through automation. It also provides access to media wide range of online resources, allowing them to compete on a global scale through marketing, promotion, and advertising. |
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HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY’S CENTENNIAL PAWS FOR A CAUSE STATUE TOUR BEGINS |
The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) invites the community to participate in its Centennial Paws for a Cause Statue Tour, which runs now through November 9th.
Earlier this year, HSWC, along with sponsor Howard’s Art and Frames, hosted a statue design contest. Twelve winning artists were chosen to paint fiberglass dog and cat statues in commemoration of HSWC’s 100th Anniversary.
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HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY EMBARKS ON ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY WITH A CENTENNIAL KICK-OFF CELEBRATION |
The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) invites the public to the shelter on Wednesday, November 3 at 11 am to kick off HSWC’s yearlong Centennial Celebration.
At this special community event, staff and volunteers will be onsite to share information about HSWC’s past and present, including displays of historical memorabilia and ways to get involved with the organization.
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Does Your Organization Accept Gently Used Items? Herald Mail's At Home Places Magazine is Putting Together a Story |
At Home Places magazine is working on a story about decluttering and where to take items that are no longer needed. Does your organization accept donations of gently used items? If so, what do you need? How and where should people make donations? Please email At Home Places Editor Lisa Prejean by Nov. 5 at lprejean@localiq.com. Thank you.
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Discovery Station at Hagerstown, Inc. Launches New Initiative with the Distribution of 6,000 STEAM and Financial Literacy Kits to Washington County Families and Childcare Centers |
Discovery Station at Hagerstown, Inc. successfully launched the pilot year of the Common Cents Community Building Initiative. With this initiative, 6,000 STEAM and financial literacy kits have been distributed to families, childcare centers, and program partners around Washington County to support kindergarten readiness. These kits are offered at no cost to those participating in the initiative thanks to the generous support of State Farm, the United Way of Washington County, the Fletcher Foundation, the Community Foundation of Washington County, and the Washington County Arts Council.
With this initiative, Discovery Station will work alongside the Judy Center of Washington County, the Washington County Free Library, APPLES for Children, Inc., Together With Families, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, and other agencies, to distribute 25,000 STEAM and financial literacy kits to Washington County children by 2025 - all to support kindergarten readiness.
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NOW ACCEPTING: LETTERS OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR FY23 GRANT FUNDING
Deadline to Submit Letters of Intent For Community Impact Grants is
11:59 PM on November 15, 2021
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United Way of Washington County, MD (UWWC) is now accepting Letters of Intent for grant funding from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Washington County residents. The Letter of Intent is the preliminary step in the application process for Community Impact grant funding.
The Community Impact Committee will review all Letters of Intent for alignment with UWWC FY23 impact areas being health and basic needs. Agencies submitting new grant requests are asked to align with FY23 impact areas of health and basic needs—again, new grant requests only. Preferred, but not required, are collaborative efforts. Grant requests should focus on evidence-based program effectiveness and fiscal efficiency.
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Manning Media, Inc., a marketing and advertising solutions company based in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD announces the addition of three new team members |
Kristina Manente
Podcast Network Manager
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Andrea McCauley
Account Executive
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Amber Ramsey
Marketing Coordinator
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Horizon Goodwill Industries - Grand Opening of a New Location! |
Tuesday, October 26
Horizon Goodwill currently provides or is developing services in 17 counties through parts of MD, PA, WV, and VA. Their mission is to remove barriers to employment and create opportunities for individuals who struggle with employment.
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Antietam Wealth Management - Grand Opening of a New Location! |
Thursday, October 28
Antietam Wealth Management held a ribbon cutting to show off their new location, and the event was open to the public to mark the occasion!
Antietam Wealth Management provides wide-ranging, comprehensive financial planning.
The company relocated in July 2021 to 1459 Potomac Avenue from their Opal Court location, for increased visibility and larger space for additional employees.
Owners: Joan Bowers and Jerred Brown
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Tri-State Printing, Inc. - 50th Anniversary! |
Tuesday, November 16
Location: 120 Bester Street, Hagerstown, MD, 21740
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tri-State printing was founded in 1971 and purchased by Peter and Karen Wright in 1984. It is now owned by their children Sam Wright and Julia Wright Truby.
Tri-State Printing offers traditional offset and digital printing, large format and screen-printing and embroidery of apparel, graphic design, and mailing services. As a union shop, it also specializes in printing for union and political campaigns. The company has 15 permanent employees, and is committed to providing them the best working conditions, wages and benefits.
11:00 – Speakers and presentations, followed by tours of the building, followed by lunch (which can be eaten on site, or boxed to go).
Owners: Samuel Wright and Julia Wright Truby
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Potomac Playmakers - 95th Anniversary! |
Thursday, December 9
Location: 17303 W. Washington St.,
Hagerstown, MD, 21740
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
The fourth oldest active Community Theatre in America has a new home! The Potomac Playmakers is now one of only three Community Theatres in Maryland that own their own performance space. With seating for 120 people, separate dressing and rehearsal rooms, and a proscenium style stage, the Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center is going to be a staple of the arts community in Washington County for years to come!
Up until now, the Potomac Playmakers have performed on many stages in the Washington County area, from the Hagerstown Women's Club to the Maryland theatre. This move will make a huge difference in the process of putting on theatrical productions - owning our own space means an opportunity for permanent installation of technical equipment, 2 dedicated rehearsal spaces, simplified set building, and on-site storage space for costumes, props, and set pieces! Owning the building has also allowed us to create the Potomac Playmakers Stage Door Productions, a new line of smaller events and productions outside of our mainstage theatrical performances, that were not feasible when renting a performance space.
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Attend some upcoming events hosted by our members! Add your events to our Member Events Calendar here to get your event posted in the next newsletter, or email the event details to brianna@hagerstown.org.
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JOIN HIGHROCK FOR ELEVATE 2021!
This is an opportunity for marketers, creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs to come together. Unexpected discoveries and inspiration will be facilitated through diverse topics and experiences focused around creativity, innovation and strategy.
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EVENT DETAILS
Date: November 11, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $21 / person
Location:
Warehouse Cinemas Frederick
1301 W Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21702
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Registration to all panels and presentations
Coffee & light breakfast
Catered lunch with live music
ELEVATE "21" T-shirt
(1) Movie ticket to Warehouse Cinemas
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A Helpful Article From The BEP Committee |
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Our Business and Education Partnership Committee has an interesting article to share with you this month: |
Who is part of your professional circle?
To continue to have a thriving business, it’s important to have people who challenge and encourage us. Here are five types of people who should be part of your professional circle.
Champions - these are people who are not only fans of your business, they’re willing to do something about it. They sing your praises publicly, beta test your latest product or introduce you to a great customer of theirs. One good champion is worth a dozen fair-weather friends.
Critics - These are the naysayers of the world; people who provide honest views that help us improve and grow our business. They give us critical feedback that helps us grow ourselves in the process.
Gurus - One of the smartest things smart people do is surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are. When was the last time you tapped into the experience and perspectives of other good thinkers, who help to shape your ideas and actions?
Novices – As important as it is to be around experts, there is power in being a novice as we can learn just as much from them. When we watch a novice doing something for the first time, we’re able to analyze it in a different way. And being around learners stimulates our own curiosity about the familiar and predictable.
Frenemies- Why would we keep these folks (people we both like and dislike) around? Because frenemies keep us focused and competition causes us to assess our strong and weak points. Rivalry may make us resentful, but it also pushes us to succeed.
In business and life, the people around us matter, so choose your company wisely!
Mary Ellen Waltemire, BEP Committee
Content Credit: Tandem Partners, Margaret Wilson
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UPCOMING ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENTS |
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We are hosting a 2021 Business Summit on November 4th at HCC! Start, grow and strengthen your business with advice from professionals in the Marketing, HR, and Financial industries. Be sure to add it to your calendar today. Register today!
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The 19th Annual Economic Summit |
Featuring Dr. Anirban Basu, expert on the international, national, state, regional, and local economy. Join us to learn about the direction of the economy and the impact on Washington County. The event will take place on November 18th, starting at 5 pm.
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GenNext is our young professionals group here at the Chamber. If you're interested in meeting a group of like-minded young professionals who want to network, volunteer, and grow professionally, you should join GenNext.
This group is open to anyone between the ages of 21-39. If interested, fill out an application form here and send it to brianna@hagerstown.org.
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We're looking for individuals who are interested in speaking at a GenNext event. Is there something you wish you had known as a young professional? Come share your wisdom with us!
Take a moment to fill out the form below to let us know what you'd like to share with our group.
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Chamber Members: You can post discounts or coupons on our website, and make them available for Chamber members only OR for the public.
Here's how to post them:
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- Log in to your Hagerstown.org portal
- Select “upload a coupon”
- Set to “public” or “members only”
- Set your expiration terms
- Submit for free
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Visit our website with COVID-19 economic resources and health information at https://www.hagerstown.org/ and go to the Strong Together tab on our menu in the right-hand corner.
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Do you have something to share with fellow Chamber members? Simply email Director of Member Services Brianna Scott at brianna@hagerstown.org to get started on this free opportunity.
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 575 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. |
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