What a month we've had here at the Chamber! Most notably, we hosted our 21st Annual Business Awards this past Wednesday at The Maryland Theatre. If you were one of our guests, we thank you! You helped make it a great success and our judges (2019 winners) proudly named six new winners!

You can catch up on who those winners were by visiting www.hagerstown.org/awards

Exciting news! Nominations for our 2021 Business Awards are now open (a deadline will be determined soon, but for now - you have plenty of time!). Simply visit this link and cast your submission. For any questions, contact Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck at tim@hagerstown.org

We also have two important staffing updates to share. Ashley Palmer, our Administrative Assistant of nearly two years, has resigned (yesterday was her last day) to work with her family's business in Frederick! We wish her all the best and are thankful for her work with us! We've also been fortunate to welcome her replacement, Tiffany Dozier! We look forward to introducing you to Tiffany (pictured below, with Ashley) at an upcoming event.
We hope that you've had a wonderful month,
Paul, Donna, Tim, Kai, Ashley & Tiffany
NEW MEMBERS
Give a warm welcome to our February additions!
Accu Auto Care
13702 Railroad St.
Maugansville, MD
301.665.9180


Bobcat of Hagerstown
18213 Maugans Ave.
Hagerstown, MD
301.634.2558


East Coast Real Estate Group, LLC
5 Public Square, Suite 403
Hagerstown, MD
240.397.5686


Extra Hand Clan
12303 W. Lawn Lane
Hagerstown, MD
301.991.6479


First Home Mortgage
1829 Howell Rd., Suite 1
Hagerstown, MD
240.420.5300


Herbert, Rowland, Grubic, Inc.
207 Grant St.
Chambersburg, PA
717.263.2070


The HR Trail
924 McKibbin Lane
Warfordsburg, PA
301.992.8725


Prime Time for Women, LLC
Hagerstown, MD
240.313.5985
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
State of the City
Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00- 9:00am (6:30 am Doors Open)
The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Brought to you by Wright-Gardner Insurance! Join us for this annual event, hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. This is a great chance for those within our membership to review a "State of the City 2020" video and hear from a panel including Mayor Bruchey and our city council members.

Learning Lunch Hour: Sex, Drugs & Employment Law
Tuesday, March 3rd, 11:30 - 1:00pm
Applause Caterers, 58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
Join Julie Reddig and Nida Kanwal of Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.
Combating sexual harassment in the workplace and managing employee use of legalized marijuana and opioid addiction is critical for employers to attract new workers and to retain existing workers as demand for workers in the construction industry continues to skyrocket. Lerch, Early & Brewer employment attorney Julie Reddig will discuss practical measures that employers can take to proactively address prevalent issues.


Women Empowered
Thursday, March 12th, 7:30 - 9:00am
The Barn at the View, 14113 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, MD
Join us for this women-only, MEMBERS-only event. Hosted by Melissa Wilder, this event explores the challenges and dreams of women business community members. Through collective developmental growth, attendees can expect to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged.


Glenn Shepard Presents: "How to Supervise People & Lead"
Friday, March 13th, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Applause Caterers, 58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD
Join us for this women-only, MEMBERS-only event. Hosted by Melissa Wilder, this event explores the challenges and dreams of women business community members. Through collective developmental growth, attendees can expect to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged.


One More Customer with Eddie Peters
Tuesday, March 17th, 7:45 - 9:00am
Chamber Office, 1 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Join us for this monthly presentation, featuring a re-broadcast web program from NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. This unique program also includes a presentation from a fellow Chamber member, and networking opportunities.


GenNext Presents: "Financial Wellness for the Young Professional" with Zane Schreiber
Wednesday, March 18th, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Chamber Office, 1 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Financial investments and the complexities of how to manage anything from your 401k to IRA's and simple money management skills can be challenging. How should you be investing and navigating the financial waters as a young professional? This luncheon will help explain how!


Maximize Your Membership
Thursday, March 19th, 9:00 - 10:00am
Chamber Office, 1 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Whether you're a new member, or an existing member who needs a refresher. This hour-long presentation features history of the Chamber, a glimpse of the makeup of our collective membership, how you can save with members-only benefits, advertising opportunities (both free and paid) available to you as a Member, an overview of our events, and more!


B.A.S.H. (Business and Social Hour) at Boys & Girls Club
Thursday, March 19th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
2 Brandy Dr., Williamsport, MD
Our monthly "business card exchange" style event heads to Boys & Girls Club of Washington County for our exciting monthly mixer. Open networking with door prizes, plus a chance for your organization to win $4,250 (our Chamber Prize Drawing)!. Also, enjoy complimentary food and drink for just $5 as a Chamber member. Remember, to be eligible for the Chamber Prize drawing, you must register by Noon the day of the event!


Coffee & Connections with Featured Photographers
from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
Wednesday, March 25th, 7:30 - 9:00am
Chamber Office, 1 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD
Start your day with us at the Chamber enjoying complimentary coffee from River Bottom Roasters and light breakfast provided by Tele-Medico! You'll also have a chance to hear from several photography students under the tutelage of Mark Youngblood, talking about their works on display throughout our room. FREE for Chamber members!
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Check out what's new with some of our members!
GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM WOMEN'S GIVING CIRCLE NOW OPEN
The Community Foundation of Washington County MD announces the availability of grant applications for its Women’s Giving Circle Fund. The Women’s Giving Circle encourages women to become more involved philanthropically in Washington County and makes grants to organizations working to improve the lives of women and their families in the local community.

The Women’s Giving Circle is currently accepting applications for programs, capital and operating expenses that meet the following criteria: increase life skills of women; encourage the healthy development and personal authority of young girls; improve the quality of life for families in Washington County and improve the emotional and physical well-being of all females. Nonprofit applicants must be based in and primarily serving Washington County, MD, and have current 501(c)(3) status. The suggested grant request amount is $2,500 to $3,500; however, applications for other amounts will not be disqualified.

Online applications for the Women’s Giving Circle Grant are due by April 15. Selected nonprofit organizations will receive their grants in May. Visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfwcmd.org to apply.

About Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc.
Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. has a five-year annualized investment return that makes it one of the top performing community foundations in the country. The Foundation has over $40 million in assets and has distributed more than $22 million in grants and scholarships since 1997. Donors can support any of its 340 funds or create a charitable fund of their own. To learn how to create a fund at the Community Foundation, please visit www.cfwcmd.org , or call (301) 745-5210
HAGERSTOWN SUNS BASEBALL READIES FOR OPENING DAY, OFFERS GROUP OPTIONS
Spring training baseball games have started and you know what that means, in just over 50 days your HAGERSTOWN SUNS will be back in action!
 
Their first home game of the season is on April 16th at 6:05 against the Delmarva Shorebirds and after that they have 69 more home dates jam packed with fun promotions, theme nights, giveaways and more!
 
They also have many great group options for the 2020 season ranging from their $5 fundraising package all the way to their $24 all you can eat picnic buffet option. There is something available for everyone and The Suns would love to have you out at Municipal Stadium for their 40th season. Click here to download their 2020 ticket brochure for you to be able to see all of their great options. If you have any questions please contact Ross Jones, Sales Executive at ross.jones@hagerstownsuns.com
SCHMANKERL STUBE EXPANDS AND HELPS COMMUNITY
Owner and Executive Chef Dieter Blosel of the Schmankerl Stube , a popular Bavarian-style restaurant in downtown Hagerstown, has completed the expansion and major renovation of the establishment which has more than doubled its dining space. Mr. Blosel is celebrating by helping his community. He recently announced that he would celebrate the renovation completion by donating 5% of the January revenues to Hospice of Washington County and The Arc of Washington County , and CNB Bank is helping to sponsor the event. During their ribbon cutting this past Monday, Blosel presented a check for $10,000 to be shared by the two nonprofits.

“We’re thrilled to make this investment in our restaurant and in downtown Hagerstown,” said Owner and Executive Chef Dieter Blosel. “By adding a dining area on the second floor, we will have plenty of room to accommodate large groups and parties while keeping the intimate atmosphere and traditional Bavarian décor that our customers cherish.” Mr. Blosel added that he wanted to give back to the community that has helped the Schmankerl Stube to grow.

The Schmankerl Stube has been a staple in downtown Hagerstown since 1988 when Charles Sekula opened the restaurant. Dieter Blosel began his culinary career in Germany, and in 1995, Dieter discovered the Schmankerl Stube was in need of a chef trained in authentic Bavarian cuisine. Inside the restaurant, individuals experience servers wearing traditional dirndls, memorabilia from Germany, beer steins hanging from the ceiling, all in a friendly setting from which the restaurant’s name Schmankerl (meaning Bavarian culinary delicacy) and Stube (meaning a cozy room) is derived.

CNB Bank was instrumental in a making the renovation happen, and they are helping by adding a donation of $5,000 to the January fundraiser. “CNB Bank is proud to be working with Dieter and The Schmankerl Stube on this renovation project. Dieter’s commitment to give back to the community aligns closely with CNB Bank’s mission. We wanted to play a big part in what he is doing here. To us, it’s more than financing a construction project. It’s helping to grow our Washington County community,” stated Karen Richards, CNB’s Vice President of Marketing and PR.
 
Celebrating its 40 th  Anniversary, Hospice of Washington County, Inc. was established in 1980 for the sole purpose of lending support to those facing a terminal illness and their families. A core of caring citizens of Washington County, Maryland gathered to see how they could offer their time and talents to help share the burden of a serious illness for their neighbors. Over the past forty years, HWC developed into a full service hospice with doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, professional social workers and spiritual care providers in addition to our many dedicated volunteers. HWC is committed to serving our community by empowering patients and families and providing quality end-of-life care and grief support for those coping with a life-changing loss. “We are so grateful that Dieter and CNB Bank choose to help others in the community while celebrating this beautiful expansion project,” stated Karen Giffin , HWC’s Senior Director of Development and Public Relations. “We wish The Schmankerl Stube much success and know that the patrons of the restaurant will have a wonderful dining experience and simultaneously be helping others in the community.”

Since 1952, The Arc of Washington County has fostered an inclusive community that celebrates independence and honor for children and adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. With each individual, The Arc strives to help them achieve success on their terms while encouraging new interests and maximizing opportunities along the way. The Arc works closely with everyone who receives our services to create highly personalized programs that complement individual needs and preferences. “The Arc of Washington County could not be happier for Dieter and the entire Stube team. We wish them great success with their expansion! We are extremely grateful to Dieter and CNB Bank for their continued support of The Arc and the people we support,” stated  Troy Van Scoyoc, The Arc of Washington County’s Executive Director.

To make reservations, please call the Schmakerl Stube at 301-797-3354 or visit  http://schmankerlstube.com/
GARY HAYES NAMED SPHERION FRANCHISE OWNER OF THE YEAR
Spherion Hagerstown , owned & operated by Gary Hayes has been named the company’s 2019 Owner of the Year. The annual award recognizes the individual owner or ownership team who best symbolizes the Spherion pillars of business growth, leadership and community involvement during the previous year.

Studies show that more than half of Americans reach their mid-twenties without the skills and credentials needed for success in today’s demanding economy. To address this skills gap, Hayes and his team have made it their mission to advance job seekers and the local community through employment opportunities.

Beyond filling temporary and Direct Hire positions, their experienced staff of professionals act as “career agents,” providing personalized service to ensure top talent are fitted with rewarding and meaningful career opportunities.
LEITERS' FINE CATERING WELCOMES NEW EVENTS COORDINATOR DUDLEY
Longtime area caterer and events go-to Leiters' Fine Catering has welcomed a new Events Coordinator. Kierston Dudley joins the team with an immediate background as the Associate Planner and Marketing Director of an event planning company based out of Frederick, Md. She graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and minor in Hospitality Management.

Aside from work, she's a proud volunteer wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To learn more about Leiters' Fine Catering, visit www.leitersfinecatering.com , or to contact Kierston to book your event today, email her at kdudley@leitersfinecatering.com
Do you have something to share with fellow Chamber members? Simply email Director of Member Services Tim Luipersbeck at tim@hagerstown.org 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.