Your Go-To Source for Upcounty News & Events

It's January! Hit the Ground Running!

When do we stop saying Happy New Year? (Verdict is out on that, but it's definitely 2023 and it's time to hit the ground running!)

Get involved this year - and bring your employees into the fold at networking events, professional development activities, and community engagement events!

Your chamber membership includes great benefits. Beyond those benefits, your investment in GGCC Chamber membership is also a public statement that:

you support your employees' development
you support your Upcounty business community, and the GGCC as its voice
you support engagement in the unique Upcounty communities
you support advocacy for a healthy business climate and strong economic development initiatives

We are the #GGCC.

Together we are stronger, and together we are the #UpcountyEngine.

Let us know how we can help your business today!

Chamber 101: Networking beyond the events

Make the most of your Chamber membership in 2023! Yes, please attend our breakfast, lunch, and happy hour networking events. But also BEYOND those larger events, all chamber members can access our committees and Direct Connect groups! Networking can be different and impactful in these smaller group settings. Learn more about the many opportunities that we have available for members.

Click here: Learn about the Chamber Committees & Direct Connects.

Did You Know?

Please Share with your Teams:

Did you know that the benefits of Chamber membership extend to ALL of your employees? Networking events, participation in Committee work or Direct Connect groups, and professional development sessions are open to your workforce! Please bring your team with you to chamber events - the more the merrier!

Have early- or mid-career professionals on your team? Encourage them to join our YPG Committee and network with other young professionals that can enhance their career.

The Chamber is Hiring

You can find the full job descriptions for our open positions of "Bookkeeper" and "Events & Communications Manager" on our website. Please share! Read More and Apply.

Upcoming Events

Coffee & Conversation with the GGCC

Join us for casual conversation over coffee; because coffee is always a good idea! They say happiness is coffee and a good book - today it's coffee and good networking! See you there! If you’re interested in joining the membership committee, stay a little later to join the committee’s kickoff meeting!

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 7:30 AM

Where: Corner Bakery Cafe

One Grand Corner Avenue

Gaithersburg

Economic Development & Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting

Our January speakers are Kelly Groff & Cory Van Horn from Visit Montgomery. Topics: current projects in the rural areas of the county including the upcounty region of the "Tastemakers Trail;" a preview of plans for a new branding campaign of the rural areas of the county to include wineries, breweries, civil war trails, scenic/rec/outdoor spaces; and a quick update on the Crossvines project.

When: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 8:30 AM

Where: ON ZOOM | ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

After Five Networking Mixer at DogFish Head Alehouse

The Gaithersburg Germantown Chamber of Commerce is hosting an after-five networking mixer at DogFish Head Alehouse on January 19, 2023.

Light appetizers provided by Dogfish Head; their wonderful collection of craft beer and cocktails will be available for purchase! Stay for dinner!

When: Thursday, January 19, 2023 5:00 PM

Where: Dogfish Head Alehouse

800 West Diamond Avenue

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Young Professional Group - Trivia Night

Let's get social YPGs and kick-off the New Year with a great evening of trivia and networking. Ages 21-40 only!

NEED THE ZOOM LINK, EMAIL PCHANNER@GGCHAMBER.ORG

When: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 4:30 PM

Where: ZOOM

Natural Networking! Session 1: Professional Development Series 2023

Have you been sent to a networking event to represent your company and felt awkward? Do you know how to comfortably mingle and “work the room”? How do you make networking more natural?

We’ll discuss how to be YOU first, but also how to represent your professional role effectively. We’ll discuss the DOs and DON’Ts of networking events. We’ll discuss how to take away meaningful connections from your networking events.

Thank you Supporting Strategies and The Hampton Inn for your support to make this series happen!

Ribbon Cutting: Rio Grande Bar & Grill

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of Rio Grande Bar & Grill in Germantown, MD. The atmosphere, delicious food and prime location make this the perfect spot to have a good time with your friends and family.

Every time you stop by you can expect to find freshly inspired cuisine with distinctive touches special to the local area.

Thursday, February 9th 11:00am

Committee Corner:

Highlights of GGCC's 4 Standing Committees of the Board

Next Meeting: Feb 12, 8:30am (zoom)

Are you interested in helping to plan the various networking events happening with the Chamber? Join the Events Committee and learn about the different ways you can get involved and help make our Chamber a great place to be for everyone.

Next Meeting: Membership Committee Kickoff Jan 10, 9:30am @ Corner Bakery

Let's start the year off with a strong focus on growing our membership. We'll brainstorm creative strategies for outreach and recruitment, discuss the potential benefits of membership, and create an action plan to reach new members, to continue to grow our vibrant, diverse, and active business community. More information. If you’re interested in joining our membership committee, please email Angela LaPadula or Steve Barber.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 18, 8:30am (zoom)

This committee did not meet in December. Our next meeting features a presentation from Visit Montgomery.

YPG is looking for active members that would like to contribute to the planning & coordination of the upcoming professional development series and social events for the group. If you are interested in participating, please contact Eric Ashmont.

Direct Connections:

Highlights from GGCC's Direct Connect Groups

(Does your DC group have news to share...email us!)

SOHO (Small Office Home Office)

Next Meeting: Jan 11, 9:00am (zoom)

Presentation planned from The Branded Company about website marketing and digital presence for SOHO businesses.

Member News

CaringMatters is hosting a very special and important online panel discussion on Thursday, January 19th at 10:00am, "How to Support Grieving People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities." For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, appropriate grief support resources and intentional, compassionate strategies can make a positive difference. More information and Registration.

Interested in knowing what is happening with the Lake Forest Mall space? There in one more meeting this month scheduled that you can participate in. Lakeforest Mall Updates: The City of Gaithersburg Joint Planning Commission/ Mayor and City Council Hearing is Tues., Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 31 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Gaithersburg Community Museum is hosting Discovery Day: Archeology on Sunday, Jan 15th, 11:30-3:30 with lots of hands-on activities! Click here for information.

Lapereax - A Journeymanchef's French Bistro is hiring in preparation for a January opening. Click here for information.

BlackRock Center for the Arts is hosting the Photography Now Exhibit curated by Tomora Wright. More info.

Manna Food Center is currently hiring for two key roles in their organization, Data Manager & Part-Time School Based Clerk. Please share this information with anyone you know who is interested. For the job description and details, click here.