COVID-19 Business News
First 500 Selected in Reopen MoCo Grant Lottery

Montgomery County has selected the first 500 businesses to receive a Reopen Montgomery Small Business Grant. Recipients were chosen by lottery last Thursday morning and notified that they have five days to submit the necessary receipts and other documentation in order to qualify for reimbursement of expenses to comply with state and county reopening requirements.

The County received more than 2,000 applications for grants of up to $5,000 per business. Applications that were not selected in the first lottery will be included in the next round, along with any new ones received.

Apply here. The County will continue to hold periodic lotteries until the $14 million set aside for the program has been awarded. Members who have questions may contact Jane Redicker.
GSSCC Joins Call for COVID Liability Protection

Though Congress seems unable to reach agreement on a new coronavirus relief package, GSSCC is joining the U.S. Chamber and other chambers across the nation in a call for targeted liability protections for employers that work to follow public health guidelines. The chambers are seeking temporary ‘safe harbor’ protections to give employers some degree of assurance that if they’re working to follow public health guidelines, they won’t face further financial hardships through unwarranted CONVID-19 related lawsuits. But those who engage in gross negligence or willful misconduct should be held accountable.

Member who want to join the call can do so here.
MoCo Council Actions
More Ballot Questions Could Alter Council Make-up

Last week, the Montgomery County Council took action to place two more questions on the upcoming General Election ballot. If either is passed by the voters, these questions could dramatically change the face of the Council. Currently the Council includes nine members: five elected from each of five geographic districts and four "at-large."

One measure, that has that gained enough signatures by petition to be placed on the ballot, would eliminate the current four at-large Council seats and create nine separate districts. (Note: When the board of elections determines that a proposed ballot question has obtained a sufficient number of signatures to appear on the ballot, the County governing body must, per State law, determine that it qualifies to be on the ballot. This action is not an endorsement of the proposal.) Read the Council packet on this measure here.

The other, put forward by the Council after much discussion of alternatives, would increase the size of the Council from nine to eleven members and redraw districts to add two district representatives. Read the Council packet on that measure here.

Look for more details on these issues in coming months.
Events
GSSCC's Annual Business Golf tournament - this year called the 2020 COVID Classic - will be held at Argyle Country Club on Monday, September 21. This tournament is perfect for spending a day on the golf course doing business with clients, fellow employees, members, and more.

Due to COVID-19, GSSCC is pivoting the tournament to adhere to all restrictions and guidelines while still providing a multitude of great opportunities for our members. Some changes include:

  • Assigned Tee Times: Ensures social distancing and safety for all
  • Foursomes Only: Ensures those who golf together are comfortable spending time with one another
  • Two Carts per Foursome: Ensures distancing and gives the option for one or two golfers to walk along.

Participants can look forward to the following tournament favorites:

  • Mulligan/Hand Wedge/Putting Contest packages
  • Boxed lunch to enjoy on the course
  • Contests on the course
  • Beer and soft drinks
  • Raffle prizes

This event isn’t just for those who golf; members can take advantage of sponsorship packages at the Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels or choose from a variety of options like the beverage cart, scorecards, beverage station, snack shack, contests, holes and more.

Take a look at our available Sponsorships or contact Julie Pawlikowski for more information.

Monday, September 21
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Although we can't meet in person, we will be continuing our annual tradition of holding a Joint Speed Networking Event with The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce - just virtually this year! Join us for a chance to network with business professionals and to win some door prizes! Double the chambers, double the connections.

Thank you to our sponsor, SERVPRO of Chevy Chase & Silver Spring

Wednesday, August 19
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Members Supporting Members - Webinar Opportunity

Do you have expertise on a subject that may benefit your fellow members? Webinar sponsorship opportunities are available for member businesses wanting to share their knowledge and experience to support fellow members.

Sponsor a webinar for just $100 and see your company name and logo on all event promotions, including the Chamber website, the GSSCC Weekly Update, and social media. The event page on our website will include a link to your site, and you'll get a list of all webinar attendees after the event. Contact Julie at jpawlikowski@gsscc.org for more information.
Latest News
Please Take Our In-Person Events & Meetings Survey
We’ve heard from many of you who are looking forward to the time when our networking events can get back to normal and it is, once again, safe for us to see each other in person. We continue to comply with state and county guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our members and our staff.

As we explore what kind of meetings and events might be possible in the coming months, we would like to get an idea on what our members would be comfortable with beginning this Fall or when the County and State restrictions are lifted.

Please share your thoughts and feedback by filling out this brief survey. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you in-person when it is safe to do so.
* All Set Restaurant & Bar is offering "Weekend Treat for 2" meal packages. Orders must be placed by Thursday at 5 p.m. for pick-up on the upcoming Saturday or Sunday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. See more details 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.
Does Your Business Need PPE?

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.
Upcoming Committee/Network Meetings

  • Small Business Owners Network – Bi-Weekly Virtual Meeting - 12 noon on Thursday, August 20.

  • Membership Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25.
OUR MISSION:
Working to enhance the economic prosperity of greater Silver Spring through robust promotion of
our member businesses and unrelenting advocacy
on their behalf.
Thank you to our 2019-2020 GSSCC Partners

Corporate Partners - Downtown Silver Spring; Lee Development Group; Montgomery College; Joseph W. McCartin Insurance;
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center

 Business Partners - Andalman & Flynn, AFI Silver Theatre; Apex Home
Loans; Atlantech Online; Digital Industry; EagleBank; Eggspectation; Holy Cross Hospital; The Fillmore Silver Spring; Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd.; Linowes and Blocher, LLP; Revere Bank; The Tower Companies (The Blairs); United Therapeutics Corporation; Washington Property Company.

 Partners - Adam Lowe Creative; Bell Flowers; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; Image360.
Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce
8601 Georgia Avenue Suite 203
301-565-3777
info@gsscc.org