The Montgomery County Council at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow will hear and likely approve a revised Executive Order that will reduce capacity for most indoor venues and gatherings and require restaurants to collect patron data for contract tracing. The new order includes clarifications of the order proposed by the County Executive last week. Below are details:

Capacity to businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities that may be open is limited to one patron per 200 sq. ft. of indoor space or 25% occupancy, whichever number is lower. This includes:

Food service establishments:

Escape rooms may open for private games of a maximum of 6 people and follow other guidance for staggering appointments and cleaning facilities, as specified in the order.

Gatherings of more than 25 people shall be prohibited at all locations and venues.

Here’s a link to the Council package that includes the Executive Order (beginning on page 9).

ReOpen Montgomery Grants Still Available - APPLY HERE

Montgomery County is still accepting applications for grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse businesses for items purchased to comply with State and County reopening requirements to protect public health. A business does not have to have been closed to be eligible for a grant. Find details and the application here. Members with questions can contact jredicker@gsscc.org.

State Layoff Aversion Fund Accepting Applications - APPLY HERE

Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Labor have increased funding and opened applications for the COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is designed to support small businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for layoffs. The program will remain open through 30 days after the State of Emergency ends or until funding has been fully exhausted. Learn more here.

Join GSSCC and several other area chambers and networking organizations for a virtual joint speed networking event run by Connect MoCo. This is a great opportunity to grow your network and make new connections.

Are you missing Happy Hour with your coworkers? Then gather the office together for a tasty new virtual networking opportunity with the Chamber!

GSSCC is joining with Denizens Brewing Co. for a Fall Beer Tasting Virtual After Hours on Thursday, November 19.

Denizens co-founder and beer expert, Julie Verratti, will virtually walk attendees through three delicious beers: Born Bohemian Pilsner, Lowest Lord ESB, and Animal Hazy IPA. Attendees can visit Denizens' website to order and purchase the selected beer prior to the event.

Participants can order a 6-pack of each beer online whether they are planning to pickup or get it delivered. Delivery is available if located within the delivery boundary for "The Denizens Beermobile." Note: a $5 delivery fee applies and there is a $30 minimum for delivery.

Don't miss this opportunity to make new contacts, connect with fellow members, and enjoy delicious Denizens beer!

Did you know that Montgomery County's "Data Montgomery" website has information that can help you grow your business. We're not just talking about opportunities to do business with the County. We're talking about information that can help you find business opportunities in the private sector.

Join us as Judy Stephenson, MoCo’s Small Business Navigator, leads a virtual walk through of Data Montgomery, and more, and unlocks the wealth of information that is yours for the taking. The last 30 minutes will be set aside to virtual networking in breakout rooms for those interested. The Greater Bethesda Chamber, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber, and the Rockville Chamber are joining GSSCC in hosting this event.

* Seven of Lerch, Early & Brewer’s practice were ranked nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firm” rankings, and 13 were named to the top tier in the Washington, DC area. Congratulations! Read more here.

* Congratulations to Hampton Inn Silver Spring Washington DC and Homewood Suites Silver Spring Washington DC on the completed renovations. Updates include meeting spaces, fitness facilities, and dining area. For more information, read here.

* Beyond Definition’s Merry Mail Social 2020 is virtual this year. Card-crafting kits can be mailed or downloaded to print at home and then mailed to the desired organization. Share your creations online for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Read here for more information. 

* Ellsworth Place has kicked off its Acts of Kindness Challenge. To enter, post a photo or video of your act of kindness on social media and tag Ellsworth Place. The winner will receive a Thanksgiving dinner for four provided by Whole Foods and a $500 donation made to the food bank outreach ministry of Clifton Park Baptist Church in the winner's name. For more information, read 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.

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

* Non-Profit Team Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10.

* Economic Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

* Membership Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24.

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.