We are slowly getting back to some type of normalcy as businesses reopen. However, unprecedented temperatures and multiple tropical storms across the US continue to escalate utility prices.

Natural gas rates are up 50% from last year and are project to be up 100% by November. Electricity rates are up 30% from last year and are projected to be up 50% by November. Can you absorb these increases? Now more than ever members should enroll in the program.

Join the Chamber and CQI Associates for an informational webinar to discuss the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative Program and how it compares to other options in the market.

Join the Chamber for Business After Hours at La Malinche (8622 Colesville Road) on Wednesday, September 29. Enjoy networking with fellow Chamber members, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Free for members; advance registration required by COB Friday, September 24.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering $25 million to provide financial support to businesses that plan on opening or expanding into previously vacant spaces in commercial properties. Applications for the two grant opportunities described below are scheduled to open at noon tomorrow, September 8. Click here for more details and a link to the application.

Rental Assistance Grant: Maximum grant request is $30,000 for rent for one year (rental payment up to $2,500 per month) for qualified small business with 50 or fewer employees (full time equivalents). Applicant’s monthly rent can exceed $2,500, but the maximum paid will be $2,500 per month for one year.

Business Operations Grant: Maximum grant award is $250,000 for one or two years for businesses that generate sales and use tax. Grant funds can be used for activities and costs related to sustaining and growing the business (staff costs, capital improvements, marketing, inventory and supplies, utilities), but cannot be used for executive salaries or bonuses. Grant awards will be paid quarterly based on sales and use tax generated by and submitted to the state in Calendar Year 2022.

GSSCC welcomes these organizations that became Chamber members during August. 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.

GSSCC President & CEO Jane Redicker was honored to celebrate the return of travel for One Ocean Scuba (1351 Lamberton Drive) with a ribbon cutting celebration last Tuesday afternoon. Congratulations and thank you to all who joined us!

We are slowly getting back to some type of normalcy as businesses reopen. However, unprecedented temperatures and multiple tropical storms across the US continue to escalate utility prices. There is no better time for members to enroll in the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative Program and gain price stability, budget control and peace-of-mind.

Since 2004, the Cooperative electricity rates have been lower than both market rates and the weighted annual utility standard offer service rates. During previous campaigns, participants saw an average annual savings of $4,000. Natural gas rates were also lower on average than market rates and utility monthly winter peak indexed rates.

Take action and register now in the current campaign. To learn more about the purchasing cooperative, join us this Thursday, September 9, for a webinar on the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative Program.

* Join The Tower Companies on Saturday, September 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for The Blairs District Mural Festival located in Sonny’s Park across from The Pearl. Attendees can discover eight murals created by local artists and enjoy local restaurants, food trucks, activities and games, and live music. Read here for more information.

* The Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) is currently recruiting candidates for the positions of Public Service Workers and Public Service Aides. These positions are essential staff that are part of the Redshirt team. Ideal candidates are proficient with maintenance-related tasks and have excellent interpersonal skill. A full list of these and other positions may be found on the SSUD recruitment page here.

* The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is coming to the Money Muscle BBQ tent on Thursday, September 16, as part of the Kennedy Center’s “In Your Neighborhood” series. Pre-order your NSO BBQ box beginning Friday, September 10 and Money Muscle will save you a seat. Order link will be available here.

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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.

* Owners & Entrepreneurs Circle Meeting - 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. (Advance registration required here.)

* Non-Profit Team Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14.

* Young Professionals Network Meeting - 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 23.

* Member Development Committee Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28.

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

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

 Partners - Bell Flowers; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; Image360; Peak Performance Digital; Scott Team International.