A small window remains for Congress to come together to pass a much needed bipartisan pandemic relief bill. On Friday, GSSCC wrote to Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Jamie Raskin, urging them to do everything possible to see that Congress passes pandemic relief for small businesses and families before the end of this year, calling this measure, "critical to the future of our businesses and non-profits."

Lawmakers worked through the weekend and are still at an impasse over two issues: Democrats want more aid directed to state and local governments; Republicans want assurances of liability protection for businesses. Read more in the latest report from Reuters News.

Join GSSCC in urging our representatives to move toward passage of a bill before the end of the year that provides much needed relief and liability protections. Contact your local Senators and Representative with one click using this tool, provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Tourism Anchor Institution Grant Program has been expanded to provide financial assistance to for-profit entities in Montgomery County that are tourist-oriented and have a mission that focuses on arts, culture, agriculture and/or recreation. Applications accepted until 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Apply here.

When the pandemic began and the people SEEC supports with intellectual and development disabilities were confined to their homes and unable to receive face-to-face services, SEEC had to get creative. SEEC now offers a variety of virtual activities and have made sure all staff and people it supports have the technology they need to stay connected. SEEC had provided technology training to its essential workers and now have entirely new curriculum on its website of classes and activities that are updated regularly. Watch SEEC newest end of the year video here.

Want to share your successful business pivot story with the Chamber? Email Jane here.

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.

Join GSSCC and several other area chambers and networking organizations for a virtual joint speed networking event run by Connect MoCo. This is a great opportunity to grow your network and make new connections.

GSSCC welcomes these organizations that became Chamber members during November. Check out the services they offer.

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.

Help support member businesses this holiday season! Check out these holiday promotions:

* All Set Restaurant & Bar: Oh What a Year! Holiday Dinner for four for $150. View the flyer here and place your order here. Choose Your Own Adventure dinner specials for two for $55. Details and order form here. 

* Bell Flowers: 12 Days of Cheer for the first 12 Days of December. There will be a special flash sale each day shared on Bell Flowers social media pages with a special promo code to use for the day. Ends December 12. Visit here and here for more information.

* Ellsworth Place: Offering a free “ELLS the Elf” gift with purchase when you spend $100 at a single or multiple store(s) at Ellsworth Place in one day. This promotion runs Monday, December 7, through Wednesday, December 23. Read here for promotion details.

* Hampton Inn by Hilton and Homewood Suites are offering a Holiday room rate for their Take the Elevator Home campaign. Available Sunday, December 20 through Sunday, December 27, enjoy $79 King and $89 two Queen at Hampton Inn by Hilton and rooms starting at $89 at Homewood Suites. Read more here.

* Nothing Bundt Cakes: All cake flavors are available for order until close of business on Tuesday, December 8. Beginning Wednesday, December 9, the following flavors will be available for order: lemon, white chocolate raspberry, chocolate chocolate chip, red velvet, and peppermint chocolate chip. Place your order here.

* Lee Development Group will open an office in the City of Frederick to focus on its existing Frederick portfolio as well as on new opportunities in that fast-growing community. Read more here.

* CollegeTracks recently announced the selection of Mecha Inman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Congratulations! Ms. Inman will join the staff at the beginning of 2021. Read the news release here.

* Launch Workplaces, operator of SSIC Powered by Launch, is partnering with Cleveland based developer Stark Enterprises to bring their flexible workspace solutions to Ohio. In 2021, Launch’s co-working spaces will open at Crocker Park in Westlake and Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere. For more information about the expansion, read here.

* All Set Restaurant and Bar was featured in the most recent episode of popular reality show, Real Housewives of Potomac on Bravo. The episode was taped in 2019 and aired on Monday, November 30. Read the Montgomery Community Media article here.

* Join Beyond Definition for “Going Beyond with Operation Gratitude: A Conversation for Nonprofit Leaders” on Friday, December 11, at 9 a.m. Kevin Schmiegel, retired marine and founder of “Hiring Our Heroes” will cover lessons for nonprofit leaders on pivoting during a crisis. For more information and to register, read 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.

Last week, the Montgomery County Council elected Silver Spring Councilmember Tom Hucker (District 5) to serve as Council President for the coming year. Councilmember Gabe Albornoz (At-Large) was elected Vice President.  GSSCC sent wishes of congratulations to both.

As businesses re-open and employers are tasked with providing PPE for their returning employees, GSSCC 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.

* Non-Profit Team Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8.

* Economic Development Committee -Take 1 - 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 10. Planning Board staff to review progress and hear input on the new Silver Spring Plan. Committee members will receive a calendar invitation. Others interested in participating should email Jane Redicker.

* Economic Development Committee -Take 2 - 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16. Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson will provide an overview and answer questions about the new Subdivision Staging Policy. Committee members will receive a calendar invitation. Others interested in participating should email Jane Redicker.

Corporate Partners - Downtown Silver Spring; Lee Development Group; Montgomery College; Joseph W. McCartin Insurance;

 Business Partners - Andalman & Flynn, AFI Silver Theatre; Apex Home 

 Partners - Adam Lowe Creative; Bell Flowers; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; Image360.