Our Mission
To foster and maintain a thriving business climate in which our
members and community can grow and prosper.
|
|
Welcome our recent new members! |
|
123 Morningside Dr.
Falling Waters, WV, 25419
304.405.6099
|
|
13024 Pennsylvania Ave., Ste. A
Hagerstown, MD 21742
301.784.3000
|
|
102 Sara Cir.
Smithsburg, MD 21783
301.992.7426
|
|
Here are some resources from one of our Affinity Programs, APPI Energy:
- A recent article and infographic explaining what ‘slamming’ is and how to avoid it:
|
|
|
Browse through news from some of our members, some may even be able to help you during this critical time. |
|
Meritus Medical Center Auxiliary Donates $20,000 toward New Hospital Unit
The Regional Infection Containment (RIC) unit that was added to Meritus Medical Center last fall received additional support recently in the amount of $20,000 donated by the Meritus Medical Center Auxiliary.
|
Meritus Health Awarded $100,000 for Energy Efficiency Analysis and Planning
A grant of $100,000 has been awarded to Meritus Health to analyze, plan for and design a potential microgrid – a small-scale power grid that can operate independently or in conjunction with an electrical grid – for the hospital campus. The Resilient Maryland Planning Grant awards were given to eight organizations in the state through the Maryland Energy Administration.
|
|
|
|
Washington County Gives Kick Off Event Gets Creative During “Streaming Times” and Awards $5,200 to Participants
|
The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. has kicked off a week of anticipation leading up to Tuesday, May 11th’s annual Washington County Gives Day of Giving with an official “Kick Off Event”. Hosted by local radio DJ and event personality Ryan Smetzer and the Community Foundation’s own Director of Marketing and Communications Tim Luipersbeck, this virtual event capitalized on this year’s “Through the Decades” theme and featured Smetzer and Luipersbeck dressed as dueling Elvis Presleys. With 115 participants logged in, representing most of the 87 participating nonprofits, the morning’s event was a hit driving excitement sky high, while awarding $5,200 in individual prizes.
|
Washington County Gives 2021 Brings $567,661 to Community Nonprofits, a Combined $1.1 Million Within Foundation’s Fiscal Year |
The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. announced that Washington County Gives, the 24-hour online giving day, raised $567,661 in donations, matching funds and prizes. The event saw 2,093 unique donors giving to one or more of the 87 participating nonprofit organizations.
|
Charas Heurich Memorial Scholarship Awards Smithsburg Senior House
|
Simone Heurich, mother to Smithsburg High School student Charas Heurich, who was unable to survive injuries sustained in a car crash in 1997, recently awarded graduating senior Riley House with the Charas Heurich Memorial Award. This scholarship fund, established in 2009, provides scholarships to deserving students from Smithsburg High School pursuing further education at a college, university, art, music, photography or other special-focus institution.
Riley House is a senior who plans to pursue education at Frostburg State University, with a course of study in the music industry. He’s worked towards a GPA of 4.3, and has been consistently active in marching, concert, and jazz bands, all county concert and jazz band, solo and ensemble festival, WVU’s Invitational Honor Band, student government, the Academic Team, track, weight lifting, Youth United, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Link Crew, National Beta Club, Smithsburg Academic Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.), Community dinners, private piano lessons, volunteer piano services, and church volunteer work.
|
|
|
|
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST WELCOMES
RYAN PHEULPIN AS COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
|
Alan Mullendore, Managing Director of Client Relationships and Denise Phelps, Vice President and Director of Retail, welcomes Ryan Pheulpin as Community Relationship Manager for the Washington County Market. The role of the Community Relationship Manager is to manage and deliver customized financial solutions to local business owners and consumers.
In 2000, Ryan began his financial services career in the Washington D.C. area as a Senior Financial Analyst at Fiserv, a Fortune 500 company which provides financial services to banks. He was employed at Fiserv for over 14 years and moved through the organization serving as Senior Data Analyst of Cross Sales, Director of Business Intelligence and Director of Product Management. He became Sales Manager and Vice President of Sales Operations in the Merchant Services division of Bank of America in 2013. Ryan is also a small business owner of Pheulpin Enterprises, specializing in business consulting offering payments industry expertise and managing residential units in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Ryan resides in Boonsboro, Maryland. His office is located at 130 S. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown, MD and you may contact him by calling 301-791-3999.
|
|
|
|
Heavy Metal Playground Has Been Named Horizon Goodwill Industries Mission Partner of the Year! |
Heavy Metal Playground is proud to announce that they have been named Horizon Goodwill Industries Mission Partner of the Year!
"We are proud to partner with Goodwill and provide an 80 hour (soon to be 120 hours) heavy equipment training course and certifications which has led to job placement for many students. We want to thank Horizon Goodwill Industries for recognizing our efforts to support the community!"
-Mark Stevanus, owner of Heavy Metal Playground
|
|
|
|
Building Systems' Founder and President, George Stone, Retires
|
It is with mixed emotions and great appreciation that we announce the retirement of Building Systems’ founder and President, George Stone. After forming Building Systems in 1983, George formally retired on April 30, 2021. His retirement date marks the end of a more than two-year transition period in which we are thankful to George for his continued involvement and guidance in helping to ensure that Building Systems remains a consistent, stable, and reputable construction firm in the region! And during that transition, there was the continued hard work and dedication of many long-time Building Systems’ team members! Please join us in congratulating George on this exciting next chapter of his life!
Upon graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering, George pursued a career in construction management, starting in the field and advancing with various companies until he became a business owner by creating Building Systems. Afterwards, he also obtained MBA and Masters in Management degrees. While running the company he was also an Adjunct instructor in Construction Management at Frederick Community College for 20 years, served as chairman of the local ABC chapter, and served on numerous community-based boards and committees.
|
|
|
|
GDC Retains Dell Technologies Platinum Tier with 25% Growth
|
“Over the last 14 months, the COVID pandemic produced an unprecedented demand for devices and ever-changing supply chain dynamics and issues. We could not be more proud of how our sales team navigated these uncharted waters, solved the conundrum for our clients and delivered a record setting year.” – Michael Jackson, SVP Business Development |
Global Data Consultants, LLC (GDC), a leading provider of technology and IT solutions headquartered in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, announced today it has retained the Platinum Solution Provider tier in the Dell Technologies Partner Program with 25% growth year-over-year.
As a Platinum member of the Dell Technologies Partner Program, GDC serves a key role in providing innovative products and service solutions for our clients. With over 25 years of experience in converged and hyper-converged infrastructure, storage, server and core client, and an extensive track record delivering business results, GDC has demonstrated unmatched expertise that distinguishes them as a Platinum Dell partner.
|
GDC Grows Lenovo Product Sales by 40% to Maintain Lenovo Platinum Status
|
Global Data Consultants, LLC (GDC), announced that it has grown year-over-year Lenovo product sales by 40% to maintain Platinum Status in the Lenovo PCG Partner Engage Program.
As a Platinum member of the Lenovo Partner Engage Program, GDC serves a key role in providing innovative solutions that solve customers’ problems of today and tomorrow. The prestigious Platinum Status is awarded to strategic partners in recognition of achieving the highest level of technical and sales accreditations, as well as outstanding revenue performance. To achieve Platinum status, a partner is required to maintain at least $10 million in Lenovo solutions generated revenue.
|
Photos: (L-R) 1st Row: Scott Krutz, Travis Millhimes, Jeff Sauve, Danielle Sauve. 2nd Row: Julia Fought, Brett Miller, and Mike Jackson. |
|
|
|
Local Businesses and Nonprofits Partner on Major Technology Upgrades for Boys & Girls Club of Washington County |
Three local businesses and two nonprofits are partnering on a $122,355 technology overhaul project for the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County's four locations scheduled to begin in late May.
Spearheaded by the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and Hagerstown-based managed service provider, Innovative Incorporated, the project will: give the organization the necessary tools to work from home and more efficiently share digital information between locations; give the kids they serve reliable access to online learning and virtual activities; and maintain network security, information privacy, and children's online safety.
"This technology upgrade is such a game-changer for us. We will work more efficiently and quickly, and our members will love their new computer labs! The team at Innovative listened to what we needed and made this much overdue technological leg up happen," said Addie Nardi, CEO/Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County.
|
Pictured: Stacey Crawford, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Washington County; Addie Nardi, CEO/Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County; Laura Wilson, Grant Writer/Marketing, Family Healthcare of Hagerstown; Jason Rappaport, President and CEO, Innovative Incorporated; and members of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County. |
|
|
|
UScellular Supports Recent Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Project |
Pictured here (left to right): LeShae Myers and Madison Arbogast from UScellular in Hagerstown staff a tent by the recent Habitat for Humanity of Washington County project on May 11.
|
Pictured here (left to right): LeShae Myers and Zachary Fulton from UScellular in Hagerstown pass out waters to volunteers Habitat for Humanity of Washington County project on May 11.
|
Pictured here (left to right): LeShae Myers and Zachary Fulton from UScellular in Hagerstown carry out a bucket of waters to distribute to habitat volunteers working on the Habitat for Humanity of Washington County on May 11.
|
UScellular Named to Forbes List of Best Employers
for Diversity 2021
|
UScellular, for the second year in a row, has been named to the Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list can be viewed on the Forbes website.
The Best Employers for Diversity were selected based on Statista's innovative methodology, guaranteeing unbiased results and providing reliable insights. Over 50,000 U.S. employees were surveyed in companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees to identify The Best Employers for Diversity.
|
|
|
|
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY ANNOUNCES 16TH ANNUAL LUHOWL |
The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) will host the 16th Annual LuHowl fundraising auction on Saturday, June 12th from 5 pm to 9 pm at Historic Milestone Farm in Williamsport, MD. This year’s top sponsor is Sheehy Subaru of Hagerstown.
During the Hawaiian-themed evening, attendees can bid on auction items donated by individuals and businesses throughout the community, including outdoor adventure experiences, salon and beauty packages, signed sports memorabilia, jewelry, and more. In addition to enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music and dancing, guests are also welcome to tour a private car museum owned by Don Bowman.
In addition to the in-person LuHowl fundraiser, HSWC will host several virtual raffles on its Facebook page throughout the month of June. Individuals will be able to donate for a
chance to win items like a Fire Pit and S’mores Supplies, a “Backyard Brew Tour” with gifts cards to local breweries, and more. Please visit www.facebook.com/hswcmd throughout June to participate. |
|
|
|
Barry Joins Patriot as Business Loan Officer |
Patriot Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Mary Barry has joined the credit union’s business services team as an Assistant Vice President, Business Loan Officer. A native and resident of Frederick, Barry has more than 32 years of banking experience with emphasis on relationship building, business development and client satisfaction.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mary to be part of the Patriot team in Frederick, MD,” said Eric Foreman, Senior Vice President of Business Lending at Patriot. “Mary’s experience and service to the community ties perfectly into Patriot’s mission.”
|
|
|
|
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT |
The transportation planning organization, Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO), is currently soliciting public input to help update the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan.
For more information on how you can take the survey, please review the below press release from the HEPMPO.
Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization Now Seeking Input on a Regional Long Range Transportation Plan
The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) is a federally mandated multi-modal transportation planning organization assigned to assist the Washington (MD), Berkeley (WV) and Jefferson County (WV) regions in planning for future transportation needs. The Long Range Transportation Plan is seeking input on regional priorities, new and planned highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects and public insights on safety, freight, congestion and quality of life.
In order to gain insight about present and future transportation needs the Region and in Hagerstown, we are asking YOU to help us identify specific issues, concerns and thoughts regarding transportation in the area. The HEPMPO, in cooperation with local and state agencies, has developed an online survey that seeks input on road improvements, transit routes, sidewalks, traffic, bike paths, maintenance concerns, accessibility and mobility issues. Please take the survey at http://metroquestsurvey.com/xm4t4s from now until June 30th to help us.
In addition we will be holding three public meetings to discuss the plan update and receive survey input:
· June 22, 5:00-6:30pm - Ranson (Ranson City Hall, Conference Room-Third Floor)
· June 23, 5:00-6:30pm - Martinsburg (Martinsburg Public Library, Martinsburg Room-Top Floor)
· June 29, 4:00-5:30pm - Hagerstown (Washington County Free Library, Conference Room 334)
A link to the survey may also be found at: www.hepmpo.net/. Written comments may be mailed to the HEPMPO’s office (33 W. Washington Street - Suite 402, Hagerstown, MD 21740) or sent via email to mmullenax@hepmpo.net. All comments must be received by Wednesday, June 30, 2021. More information on the Long Range Transportation Plan development process can be found at: hepmpodirection2050.com.
|
|
|
|
Attend some upcoming events hosted by our members! Add your events to our Member Events Calendar here to get your event posted in the next newsletter, or email the event details to brianna@hagerstown.org.
|
|
Hagerstown Housing Authority's Grand Opening of Phase 1 of the McCleary Hill Initiative |
Wednesday, June 2
11 am - 12 pm
Location:
12150 Granite Drive, Hagerstown
The city is hosting a ribbon cutting for Phase 1 of the McCleary Hill initiative!
This initiative is a partnership between the Hagerstown Housing Authority and Delaware Valley Development Company.
Using Gateway Crossing as a model, HHA is creating a new mixed income community on a newly acquired site in a Community of Opportunity in the City of Hagerstown.
|
|
|
|
Susan Shaffer and her Students: Joyful Reflections |
Thursday, June 3, 2021 - Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Location: 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740
In the galleries with masks and social distancing.
Please use the A&E Parking Deck located at 25 Renaissance Way.
Susan Shaffer of Joyful Art Studio shows off her artwork with her students.
|
|
|
|
Scott Powell State Farm Insurance Grand Opening |
Friday, June 4
11:30 am
816 Virginia Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Join Scott and his team to celebrate the Grand Opening of Scott Powell State Farm Insurance!
|
|
|
|
Bowman Development's Grand Opening of Phase 1 of the Masonic Temple |
Friday, June 25
4:00 pm
54 S. Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
The basement features a large stage and banquet hall. The first floor and two upper floors will be transformed into class A office space or possibly retail or restaurant space. Much of the design will depend on the prospective tenants need.
|
|
|
|
A Helpful Article From The BEP Committee |
|
Our Business and Education Partnership Committee has an interesting article to share with you this month: |
Many of us routinely have the need to communicate effectively whether opening or closing a seminar, delivering a sales pitch, requesting funding, participating in performance evaluations, etc. Compelling conversations such as these require having a great impact in a short time frame. In a leadership seminar held by Impact® International, the speaker shared the “2 x 3 Technique” for effective communication.
This simple technique focuses on identifying 2 points you want to make as the speaker and using 3 actions to effectively deliver those 2 points. It works like this:
1. Identify 2 points you want to get across to your audience, and
2. Use the following 3 actions to deliver those points.
a. Open by headlining the 2 points you’ve decided on,
b. Make each point a bucket, and fill the each bucket with facts, information and justification (what, how and why) to support those two points.
c. Recap the 2 points you started with.
This technique works very well to ensure you stay focused on your topic at hand, leave your audience with something memorable, and will allow you to do so in a very short time frame.
Give it a try!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority and Women-Owned Business Conference |
Our annual Minority and Women-Owned Business Conference is coming up on August 12th. Mark the date in your calendars! |
|
|
|
|
|
GenNext is our young professionals group here at the Chamber. If you're interested in meeting a group of like-minded young professionals who want to network, volunteer, and grow professionally, you should join GenNext.
This group is open to anyone between the ages of 21-39. If interested, fill out an application form here and send it to brianna@hagerstown.org.
|
|
|
We're looking for individuals who are interested in speaking at a GenNext event. Is there something you wish you had known as a young professional? Come share your wisdom with us!
Take a moment to fill out the form below to let us know what you'd like to share with our group.
|
|
|
Chamber Members: You can post discounts or coupons on our website, and make them available for Chamber members only OR for the public.
Here's how to post them:
|
- Log in to your Hagerstown.org portal
- Select “upload a coupon”
- Set to “public” or “members only”
- Set your expiration terms
- Submit for free
|
|
|
|
SIGN UP FOR REGULAR WASHINGTON COUNTY
JOINT INFORMATION CENTER (JIC) UPDATES
|
|
|
|
Washington County, Maryland has invited many partners to form a Joint Information Center (JIC) created to address COVID-19.
Here at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, we're proud to be involved in these weekly meetings and contributing to the County's press releases. We're in good company: Meritus Health, Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown Community College, The City of Hagerstown, Washington County Sheriff's Department, and Washington County Health Department. All of these agencies combine information on a daily basis to form several uniform emails per week.
We want YOU to be a part of this mailing list, but you need to sign up to receive these messages and we encourage you to pass along the word to the rest of our community, should they be interested in receiving these alerts in their Inbox.
|
|
|
Visit our website with COVID-19 economic resources and health information at https://www.hagerstown.org/ and go to the Strong Together tab on our menu in the right-hand corner.
|
|
Do you have something to share with fellow Chamber members? Simply email Director of Member Services Brianna Scott at brianna@hagerstown.org to get started on this free opportunity.
|
|
Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 575 organizations, representing over 40,000 local jobs in a wide variety of industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Service and Hospitality, Technology, Government, Nonprofit, and Education. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
