CMC Newsletter - Tax Increases & Community Awards!

Chamber Connections

February 28, 2020

HB 1628: Sales Tax on Services

Drive-In & Press Conference on Monday, March 2nd!

Several House Democrats introduced a bill—HB 1628: Sales-and-Use Tax, Rate Reduction and Services—that would result in a massive tax increase of $2.6 billion for Marylanders, the largest single tax increase in Maryland history.

This piece of legislation would lower the sales tax from 6% to 5% but would expand that 5% sales tax to everyday services that have never been taxed before: legal services, accounting services, realtor services, home improvement, day care providers, gym memberships and auto services—just to name a very few.

Sales Tax on Services poses a grave threat to the business community. We need your help in conveying this urgent message to the General Assembly, so please join the Maryland Chamber of Commerce for a “drive-in” and press conference this coming Monday, March 2.

Please spread the word and we urge you to join us on Monday!

WHAT: Drive-In and Joint Press Conference to declare opposition to HB 1628
WHO: A Coalition of 20+ Business Organizations, including the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Maryland Retailers Association, Maryland Motor Truck Association and more
WHEN: Monday, March 2, 2020
LITERATURE DROP-OFF: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.*
PRESS CONFERENCE: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: House of Delegates Office Building, Meeting Room 180: Baltimore County Delegation Room, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

*At 9 a.m., we will be heading to legislators’ offices to deliver a one-pager on how HB 1628 will harm the business community. Please meet in Room 180 no later than 8:45 a.m. if you would like to join us for the literature drop-off.

*On Monday we anticipate heavy traffic in the area due to the 1 p.m. committee hearing on HB 1628. Please remember that parking can be limited, but is available on the street and in multiple local garages.

READ MORE & TAKE ACTION: http://ow.ly/Uz6B50ysRID

Help Us Recognize Our Civil Servants!

LAST CHANCE TO SPONSOR!

Spirit of Community Awards

This is a truly feel-good evening, and past recipients have told us how much they enjoyed the caliber of the event and the recognition from the business community. But we can’t do it without you – this event is only possible through your support !

We are only able to host this important community event strictly through sponsorship from the business community.

We encourage you to review the options below and find an appropriate level at which your business can participate. Not able to sponsor or advertise? We still encourage you to attend – we feel certain once you’ve attended once you’ll never want to miss it! You can click HERE to truly get an appreciation of last year's remarkable event with nearly 300 attendees. We hope you can be a special part of these important festivities this year!

Sponsorships due February 28th!

Contact Kim Wirt, Operations Director, for more information about sponsorships: kim@centralmarylandchamber.org or (410) 672-3422.

Sponsorship Packages

If you are planning to attend Multi-Chamber Bowling Mixer, please sign up as soon as possible . If we do not hit our minimums by Monday we will need to reschedule the event.

This event is 21+!

Leap of Kindness Day 2020

#CMCLeapofKindnessDay2020

What will you do with the extra day we all get this Leap Year, on Saturday, February 29, 2020?

The Central Maryland Chamber (CMC) is pleased to join and promote Leap of Kindness D ay, celebrated every four years on February 29. The idea, invented in 2016 by the Saratoga County Chamber , is to get as many people in our community to use the extra day to do something kind for someone else.

We want to see your kindness this year! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter and use #CMCLeapofKindnessDay2020 to share your act of kindness with us!

Operation Thank You

Celebrating Our Membership

In April, the Central Maryland Chamber will be conducting Operation Thank You!

The purpose of Operation Thank You is to personally celebrate you - our incredible network of member businesses. Our goal is to reach chamber members by going door-to-door and saying 'Thank You' for supporting local business.

We are asking for your help! If you would like to take part in making visits and thanking fellow members please sign up by clicking the button below.

For more information, please contact Karen Russell, Director of Membership, at

(410) 695-4787 or by email at karen@centralmarylandchamber.org

Multi-Business Hiring Event

March 13 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation is excited to announce their Multi-Business Hiring Event on March 13th from 9 am-12 noon.

All businesses participating in this event have positions open NOW! We invite you to attend and find your next career. Come dressed to impress, bring copies of your updated resume and be prepared to interview on-the-spot.