Masks are the order of the day during the pandemic, but a different kind of mask comes out this time of year and this is the year to celebrate both.

In the spirit of Halloween, join the Chamber for a Mask-erade After Hours complete with costumes, masks, spooky virtual backgrounds, and more! Costumed children and pets welcome!

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

The statutory voter registration deadline for this year’s general election is October 13, but Maryland also has same-day voter registration during early voting and on election day (November 3) for the presidential general election. Click here to register, or confirm your registration, online. For same-day registration, you’ll need a document showing proof of residency.

Montgomery County government officials are still accepting applications for the “Reopen Montgomery Small Business Grant Program.” Don't miss your opportunity for reimbursement of up to $5,000 for items needed to comply with State and local reopening requirements. Details and an application can be found at this link - www.montgomerycountymd.gov/biz-resources/reopen/. If you have any questions, please contact jredicker@gsscc.org.

GSSCC has been working with various members seeking letters of approval to reopen under current County and State safety protocols. Businesses that have not been allowed to open may seek "Letters of Approval" from the County Health Officer if they can successfully demonstrate that they can meet expected safety protocols. Most recently, GSSCC worked with business owners of escape rooms in Silver Spring and elsewhere in the County to develop a set of generic protocols that meet the requirements required by the County. GSSCC also worked on broader efforts to allow restaurants to apply for the special permit to expand alcohol sales to midnight, beyond the 10 p.m. deadline.

If your business has not been allowed to open or you would like to expand your operations and need assistance, please contact jredicker@gsscc.org.

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

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.