CMC Newsletter- Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast!

Chamber Connections

May 28, 2021

Pre-Registration is Required!

**Registration Closes Monday, May 31**

Central Maryland Classic Golf Tournament

Reserve your sponsorship & foursome TODAY!

*Registration Closes June 11th!*

Join Us!

After TWO Years... GOLF IS BACK!

"Tee" up with us on June 15, 2021 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. The Central Maryland Classic offers attendees a premier networking opportunity along with a fun-filled day on the green with friends, food, and prizes!

Round up your colleagues, invite your clients and we promise to deliver an experience that’s truly “above par”!

Registration

Sponsorships

Non-Profit Economic Development

Recovery Grant Deadline Extended!

Supported by approximately $1.9 million from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this program aims to help non-profit organizations that create/sustain jobs while serving the larger community with a mission focus on the areas of economic development, economic recovery, health and human services, and housing. The grant must be targeted to support the workforce and operations of an organization that has been impacted by the pandemic economy, especially those non-profits that have not benefitted from state and federal COVID-19 relief programs.

**Applications CLOSE June 4 at 5:00 p.m.**

Learn More

State Procurement 101

Wednesday, June 9 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Virtual

The Central Maryland Chamber's Regional Economic Development Committee hosts the Office of State Procurement's Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Victoria L. Steeger for State Procurement 101.

Topics Discussed Include:

Introduction to doing business with The State of Maryland
Information for vendors to make informed decisions on whether or not "the State" is a good customer for them
Information and tools for vendors to use to successful pursue contracting opportunities with state government departments, agencies, and offices
Overview of the different types of contracts used by state government departments, agencies, and offices
Review of the methods Procurement Officers use to evaluate and award contracts
Review of Procurement Reform in the state and the new Office of State Procurement
Introduction to the new UNSPSC codes used by the State of Maryland for procurements
Introduction to the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)
Searching eMMA for open solicitations, other vendors, awarded contracts, etc.
Additional procurement and contracting support and information.

Prince George's County Personal Services

E-Business Grant

The Department of Commerce has awarded Prince George’s County $74,911.57 for distribution to eligible grantees for the Personal Services E-Business Grant. This program will provide grants of $5,000 to Prince George’s County-based personal services businesses to support increased foot traffic to brick and mortar establishments, improvements to point of sale technology and cross channel functionality.

E-Business refers to operating an online business and specifically executing the transaction of goods and services. In general, this grant program encourages personal services businesses to utilize all forms of digital capabilities and technology to support and optimize its business processes. Effectively these businesses will establish or expand online sales capabilities. Establishing or expanding online sales capabilities may include real-time insights into customers, scheduling or inventory management.

*Applications will be accepted between June 1, 2021 and June 15, 2021*.

Learn More

SBA Announces New Community

Navigator Pilot Program

SBA is now accepting applications for the new Community Navigator Pilot Program, which will help nonprofits, local and tribal governments, and other organizations connect underserved small businesses with the resources and support they need to get back on track.

Through the Community Navigator Pilot Program, SBA will engage with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations in targeted outreach for small businesses underserved communities. These efforts began with SBA issuing an Information Notice that offers advice and guidance on best practices for adopting the community navigator model for use by SBA district offices, state and local government partners, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), SCORE, and other resource partners. The Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional leaders supported a $100 million investment, as part of the American Rescue Plan, to establish Community Navigator Programs for individuals with disabilities and/or in minority, immigrant, rural, and other underserved communities across the country.

Learn More

Offit Kurman Named to American Lawyer’s Prestigious Am Law 200 List

Offit Kurman is pleased to announce that the firm has been ranked on American Lawyer’s venerable Am Law 200 list, an annual ranking of the 200 highest-grossing law firms in the United States. The firm joins the ranking at number 191. The 2021 ranking, based on 2020 results, marks the first time that Offit Kurman has been included on the list.

The Am Law 200 list ranks U.S.-based law firms on revenue per lawyer, compensation, profits per lawyer, profitability index, value per lawyers, profits per equity partner and overall revenue.

Full Article

Fostering IDEA's

Weekly Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Awareness Conversations

"Yes, There’s a Difference Between ‘BIPOC’ and ‘POC’ — Here’s Why It Matters"

"POC,” which stands for “people of color,” is a general umbrella term that collectively refers to all people of color — anyone who isn’t white.

But because the term is so broad, it tends to lose some of its power, particularly when used to discuss the specific, separate struggles faced by people of color with different ethnic backgrounds.

Similarly, “BIPOC,” which stands for “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color,” is person-first language. It enables a shift away from terms like “marginalized” and “minority.”

These terms might remain factually correct, but they lack a sense of humanity, since there’s no clear indication they refer to people."