March 19, 2020

Sent every week, the ChamberWatch keeps you informed. To learn more about the Chamber, visit our  website  or email  staff@greaterbethesdachamber.org .

View our events calendar here .
We're Here For You
First things first, the Chamber is here to support you . Now more than ever, the business community needs to stand behind one another and come together. We believe that by working together we can make it through this crisis.

During this critical time, our focus is on promoting the security, safety and continuity of our member businesses, their employees, customers and our community. The Chamber has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure we can provide our members the services they need to navigate this unprecedented crisis.

SBA Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration is providing low-interest loans to small businesses (less than 500 employees) affected by the outbreak. Businesses in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties are eligible to apply for assistance as part of the DC Capital Region. Loans of up to $2 million will be provided at rates of 3.75% (businesses) and 2.75% (non-profits). In addition, as part of a conference call this morning with chamber leaders from around the state, Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have told us that they are working on a supplemental $1 trillion program that will include small business grants that won’t need to be paid back. We will continue to keep you updated on these and all of the local, state and federal assistance programs as they quickly move forward.

Virtual Networking
Business doesn't stop and neither does your Chamber. In this time of teleworking and social distancing, connection is more important than ever . To help bring the business community together while prioritizing the well being of our community, we will be putting all in person events on hold and instead hosting a series of informal virtual gatherings and virtual speed networking events.

Join us for our first virtual events!
Virtual Off the Clock
Friday, March 20 @ 4:30 p.m.

Connect with others, tell us about your experiences, and end the week by sharing a drink with others from the comfort of your home or office!
Virtual Speed Networking
Tuesday, March 24 @ 3:00 p.m.

Join us via Zoom for the virtual version of our speed networking events. Attendees will be broken up into several "rooms" (just like a table in person) to share how others can support them.
Let Us Know How to Help You
We're working to help our members and the community any way we can. To start, please let us know:

How can businesses and the community support you and access your services?
If you have made a change in your business or maintained your operations, we'd love to know. Please respond to this email with a small blurb about the changes your business has made and what services you are currently offering. We'll use our website and social media to support you and spread the word.

What information do you need to navigate this crisis?
We're launching a special resource page, and a series of webinars and town hall meetings to help members access critical information. Please let us know what topics would be most helpful for our experts to talk about.
Gold Sponsors
  The Chevy Chase Land Company    -   Pepco    

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors  
  Andy Stern's Office Furniture, A Division of Benjamin Office Supply & Services - Atlantech Online - The Bernstein Companies - Capacity Partners - CohnReznick - Dembo Jones - Grossberg Company LLP- Hill Slowinski, Long & Foster | Christie's | Maryland Settlers LLC - Linowes and Blocher LLP TDG/SilverRock - M&T Bank - The Bean Bag Deli & Catering
The Bernstein Companies - WithumSmith+Brown, PC

 
Partner Sponsors 
  Bethesda Magazine - Hyatt Regency Bethesda - Mon Ami Gabi - North Bethesda Marriott & Conference Center - sasse agency - SpeedPro               
 
Chamber 101 Sponsor
Sandy Spring Bank
Leadership Luncheon Series Sponsor 
A Wider Circle
NextExec Sponsor 
Mckay Mortgage Company