The Official Word
By Ken Gould

February 9, 2009

As the “economic cocoon” that, seemingly, surrounds Southern Maryland appears to be dissipating, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce continues to think outside the box developing new and improved benefits for our members and the citizens who live and work in our community.  We are proud to partner with the College of Southern Maryland, the St. Mary’s County and Calvert County Chambers, St. Mary’s County Economic Development Department and nearly fifty southern Maryland financial experts as we launch the first “Money Smart” Seminar & Workshop Series – free to the public in all three counties.  These nine valuable presentations covering retirement, first-home purchases and avoiding foreclosures and bankruptcies will begin on Wednesday, February 18th and continue through Saturday, February 23rd culminating with a day-long conference tentatively scheduled for late April. 

The Chamber is also teaming with the Charles County Economic Development & Tourism Department and the College of Southern Maryland as co-sponsors of a monthly “Survivor Seminar Series,” offering expert presentations on business survival in a challenging economic environment, and how to prepare for the future turn-around.  Chris Ripley, Strategic Marketing Group and CSM faculty member, presented “Marketing in an Economic Meltdown” to a large group of business owners and operators in January.  The remainder of the specific seminar subjects, presenters and dates will be available shortly.  Our goal is to continue this survival series as long as economic challenges dictate.

Chamber Mixer and Monthly Perk (networking breakfast) attendance continues to grow in leaps and bounds, averaging 100 and 60 attendees respectively.  Our members and potential members realize the immeasurable benefits of networking, meeting potential clients and partners and increasing awareness of Charles County business activity.  We are excited to present our first Small Business Showcase Mixer, hosted by Baldus Real Estate.  On Tuesday, February 17th from 5:00-8:00PM, on the third floor of the Baldus Building in La Plata, more than 200 attendees are expected to network and peruse 35 exhibitor tables, while enjoying food provided by several local establishments.  In an effort to offer our members an affordable and unique marketing and advertising opportunity, exhibitor tables were priced at just $50 each.  Interest has been so overwhelming, with twenty-three on a waiting list, that we will need a larger venue for our next Showcase Mixer scheduled for June 9th.

Beginning January 14th, the Chamber renewed our annual legislative advocacy for our business community.  For more than 50 years, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce has worked with our elected officials to establish regulations and policies that will affect the ability of a business to compete in the worldwide economy and continue to generate income and jobs in Charles County.  The Chamber Legislative Committee, which meets weekly during the legislative session, is committed to reviewing, developing and supporting issues that promote a positive, pro-active business environment.  The Legislative Alert produced by this committee each week is distributed to all Chamber members in an effort to maintain current information on proposed bills in both houses of the Maryland General Assembly.  Again, our objective is to inform and represent our business community, doing our part to make Charles County the best Maryland has to offer.

On March 2nd, the new Business Leadership Council will meet for the first time in the Chamber’s Presidents Conference Room at 8:30AM.  In an effort to unite our strengths and increase interest and participation four councils have been combined into one.  The mission of this group will be to address business challenges, discuss best business practices, interact through professional dialogue and learn from expert presentations.  There is no cost to Chamber members, and potential members are always welcome.  The response has been very enthusiastic, and we look forward to the future success of this new member benefit.

The Chamber appreciates our role as a business and community leader in Charles County and Southern Maryland and will continue to provide the leadership, representation and opportunities to our members and surrounding communities, especially during these challenging economic times.  As I have said often, together we will survive and grow stronger.