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In this issue: Linked with this issue: January, 2006 NETWORKING BREAKFAST Wednesday, January 11 7:30-9:15 a.m. Crowne Plaza Washington DC/Silver Spring 8777 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring Parking available in public garage behind hotel. Martin Luther King Holiday Monday, January 16 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, January 25 5:30-7:00 p.m. Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union 11140 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring February, 2006 NETWORKING BREAKFAST Wednesday, February 8 7:30-9:15 a.m. Crowne Plaza Washington DC/Silver Spring 8777 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring GSSCC's Office is Closed Presidents' Day Monday, February 20 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, February 22 5:30-7:00 p.m. The Enclave 11215 Oak Leaf Dr., Suite 105 Silver Spring Spotlight Speaker Sponsorships are available for GSSCC's upcoming March and April Networking Breakfasts. If your company is interested, please call 301-565-3777 for more information. Clipper Magazine & Mrs. K’s Toll House (October) Courtyard by Marriott, Silver Spring Downtown (November) Crowne Plaza Washington/Silver Spring (December) The following members deserve special recognition, for their help and support in throughout the year: Atlantech Online, Inc. for providing the Chamber's internet service Lee Development Group for providing the Chamber's office space Sandglass Systems, Inc. for hosting and maintaining the Chamber's website CHAIR Carmen Camacho Bud Miller Associates, Inc. IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Tom Collins Atlantech Online, Inc. VICE CHAIR Economic Development Fred Samuels Cahn & Samuels LLC VICE CHAIR Fundraising Dewey Thomas Encore Management Corporation VICE CHAIR Government Affairs Scott Wallace Linowes and Blocher LLP VICE CHAIR Membership Development Valerie D. Day St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church TREASURER Jawed Khan Consolidated Theatres, The Majestic DIRECTORS Ray Barry AFI Silver Theatre Pat Bennett Citibank, FSB Larry "The Banker" Bolton, EagleBank Paul DiPiazza Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd. Alyssa Friedrich United Therapeutics M. Genevieve Hardesty Trizec Properties, Inc. Barbara Henry Discovery Communications, Inc. Mary Frances leMat Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. Aurelia Martin, City Place Mall Jerry Miller Minuteman Press Roscoe M. Moore, Jr. PH RockWood Corporation Brad Stewart, Ph.D., Montgomery College Stacey Wahlert, Chevy Chase Land Company John Walsh Data Quality Solutions, Inc. Stephanie Warlick Colorworks Promotions PRESIDENT Jane Redicker ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT L'Tanya Chew Design: Sandglass Systems Copyright by the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce 8601 Georgia Ave., Ste. 203 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301/565-3777 Fax: 301/565-3377 www.silverspringchamber.com info@gsscc.org Seeking experienced sales professionals that possess entrepreneur spirit to follow proven system. Home-based business offers flexible working hours and opportunity for great income. info@wsiprointernetsolutions.com www.wsiprointernetsolutions.com  |
For 2006, I'm not prepared to share my personal resolutions with you (principally because I wouldn't want any of you calling me out when I fail to keep them!), but I would like to offer a few resolutions for all GSSCC members - resolutions that will help ensure your Chamber continues to grow and thrive. Resolution #1: To ensure the voice of Silver Spring business is heard and understood by all political candidates during this important election year - Politically, this is a critical year for businesses in Silver Spring. You'll see in this issue a list of the priorities adopted by our Legislative Committee. You can play role in influencing what happens by becoming involved in the political process. In November we will cast our votes for governor, for all state offices, for a new county executive, and for county council members. An oft-repeated criticism of the business community, in both Annapolis and Rockville, is that we do not make our voice heard before elections, but are most vociferous when decisions are made we do not like. I can assure you your Chamber will be vocal in advocating our agenda. Your interest and participation will serve to help amplify our collective voice. Resolution #2: To participate in at least one Networking Breakfast, one Business After-Hours, and one special event during this year - While many of our members regularly participate in Chamber activities, I know that there are still many of you who have never attended a Chamber event. If you are an infrequent participant, please make a pledge to yourself to take part in a function, sooner rather than later. I can guarantee that you will leave a better sense of our vibrant business community and with invaluable business connections that can help you and your bottom lines. Resolution #3: To become actively involved working with a Chamber Committee or subcommittee this year - Ours is a membership organization that succeeds only if our members actively participate in forwarding the Chamber's agenda and working on the programs that build its success. In this issue, you will see the work being undertaken by two of our committees - Government Affairs and Economic Development. We also have important work to do on the Fundraising Committee and the Membership Development Committee. The more members involved, the less time and effort required of each member. And, take it from someone who knows, working actively on a committee for the benefit of the Chamber can also create those invaluable business connections that wouldn't otherwise happen. In the words of a recent new member, "Joining the Chamber and getting active on the Fundraising Committee is the best business decision I ever made. I've never actively promoted or "sold" my business to my committee colleagues. In fact, I've rarely mentioned my Company. They've just gotten to know me on the committee, learned how I work, and now they come to me or refer me to others who need my business services. It's been great!" Resolution #4: To build on the Chamber's success as a premiere networking organization and expand our value to businesses large and small - This Chamber has developed an excellent reputation as a valuable Silver Spring business network, especially for small and medium-sized companies. This year, we plan to build on that success and also reach out to address the concerns and needs of an even broader cross section of Silver Spring businesses. Watch this space for more details. GSSCC Business & Community Awards Dinner Thursday, March 16, Downtown Silver Spring The GSSCC Fundraising Committee has, due to popular demand, moved the GSSCC Annual Business & Community Awards Dinner back downtown Silver Spring and has changed the date from a weekend to a mid-week business event. Mark your calendars now for Thursday, March 16 (location to be announced), for this annual opportunity to recognize and honor the best of business in Silver Spring. In planning for this year's Dinner, the Committee is seeking assistance from the Chamber membership to identify nominees for two of the award categories - the Silver Spring Public Safety Award and the newly created Excellent Place to Work Award. The Silver Spring Public Safety Award is given to the safety professional (police, fire, "Yellow-shirt", "Red-shirt", or other) who has distinguished himself or herself in dedication to the safety and security of the Silver Spring community through either a commendable act or through ongoing service and dedication during the 2005 calendar year. To nominate an individual for the Silver Spring Public Safety Award, click here for a copy of the nomination form. The Excellent Place to Work award is presented to the GSSCC member company who, in the opinion of its employees, provides the benefits, opportunities, challenges, and environment that created an ideal place of work during calendar year 2005. To nominate your company for this award,click here for a copy of the nomination form. Other awards, which will be selected by a special committee include the Business Beautification Award, the Business Excellence Award, the Small Business of the Year, the Arts Enterprise Award, the Business/Education Partnership Award, and the Business Volunteer of the Year. As we said goodbye to 2005, GSSCC also bid a fond farewell to Nancy Pond, our Membership & Programs Manager for the past five years. We wish Nancy all the best as she moves forward to new ventures. As we move forward into the new year, GSSCC is seeking an individual for the position of Membership Services Manager. This new position will be responsible for not only membership recruitment and retention, but will also manage the publication of the directory, assist with soliciting sponsorships for Chamber programs, contribute to the e-news, and assist with the development of event flyers and other promotions. If you can recommend an individual for this position, please contact Jane Redicker, President, at (jredicker@gsscc.org). End December 2006 - Act Now "If your business has grown since December 15, 1996 and is located in the Silver Spring Central Business District you should try now to qualify for the Silver Spring Enterprise Zone business incentives," according to Mel Tull, the Enterprise Zone Administrator. "A business with a net increase in jobs since 1996, a business that opened here and created new jobs, or businesses that made capital improvements to their space may qualify for significant tax credits." But, this year will be your last opportunity to take advantage of these tax credits. The enterprise zone designation was granted for ten years and on December 15, 2006, it will expire. If you have not already applied, Mel encourages you to do so now, not wait until December. Information and application forms are available on the web at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/silverspring. (On the right side menu click on DOWNTOWN, next scroll down and click on BUSINESS INCENTIVES.) A credit on the Maryland State Income Tax would be $1,000 for each additional full time (35 hours) job earning at least 150 percent of federal minimum wage ($7.74 per hour). A credit on the Montgomery County Property Tax will reduce the increase in property tax. The tax credit lasts for ten years, even after the enterprise zone has ended. The reduction will be 80 percent (of the increase) for five years, then declining by ten percent each year to 30 percent in the tenth year. "There could be a fair amount of money at stake for some companies, and it might make a real difference to keep that money in the company to keep it growing," Mel said. He noted that the applications forms are "pretty simple" and has agreed to be available to talk companies through the process. You may reach Mel at 301-565-7366 or 301-717-2327 (mobile). His one request: "Apply now, don't put it off until December." Establishes Focus, Priorities The GSSCC Economic Development has adopted the following priorities for the coming year. Items in italics are of the highest importance. Encourage Cosmetic Improvements and Promote "User Friendliness" of Silver Spring CBD Work to Expand Available Amenities Encourage Recruitment of New Companies/Industries to Silver Spring Enhance GSSCC Focus on Eastern Montgomery County Members interested in getting involved in efforts to support these priorities by joining the Economic Development Committee are encouraged to contact Committee Chair Fred Samuels via email at fsamuels@pattmcopy.com. Adopts Agenda, Priorities The GSSCC Government Affairs Committee has adopted the following priorities for the coming year. Items in italics are of the highest importance. Economic Development Support for Silver Spring Redevelopment Transportation Public Safety Statewide Initiatives Members interested in getting involved in efforts to support these priorities by joining the Government Affairs Committee are encouraged to contact Committee Chair Scott Wallace at 301-961-5124 or swallace@linowes-law.com. Awaiting Return of Verification Forms GSSCC staff would like to extend our sincere thanks to the almost 250 member companies who returned their membership information verification forms by the end-of-year deadline. Unfortunately, this number represents less than half of the current GSSCC membership. Calls will begin later this week in an effort to contact the 291 members who did not respond to the mailing and emails that have been sent to date. Every effort will be made during the next two weeks to verify the information in our database. Please click on this link to see whether or not we have received your updated information. If your name is on the list, we need to hear from you. You see them with the white ribbons on their name badges at the Networking Breakfasts and at Business After Hours events; you may not see them in their offices or out in the business community working hard to build the reputation and membership of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. As the new year begins, it is fitting to say "thank you" to the dedicated group of members who give their time and effort - sometimes in the background -- to grow your Chamber. Among them are: Cheryl Alderdice, A Calmness Within Massage Therapy Clyde Anderson, A Calmness Within Massage Therapy Pat Bennett, CitBank FSB and GSSCC Board member "Larry the Banker" Bolton, EagleBank and GSSCC Board member Moshe Briel, Ameriprise Financial Services Nick Burkholder, Lincoln Financial Advisors Carmen Camacho, Bud Miller Associates and GSSCC Board Chair Shelly Coleman, American Bank Valerie D. Day, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and GSSCC Board Vice Chair Beth Dieffenbach, Write Idea Marketing Scott Egloff, Sport Chevrolet, Jeep, Honda, and past GSSCC Board Chair Jina Etienne, Etienne & Associates Andy Fraser, Sandglass Systems, and past GSSCC Board Chair Bruce Lee, Lee Development Group, and past GSSCC Board Chair Natasha Luddington, Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. Valerie Merriweather, Fitwell Training Solutions Ausanee Pananon, The Adams National Bank Tracie Quander, Moore & Associates Arash Sarabi, Arash Sarabi Chiropractic Nancy Schwiesow, Long & Foster Realtors Sid Sclar, Mr-Piano.com Chiquita Sorrels, Caitlin Enterprises Anne Thorward, Capitol Financial Partners/Mass Mutual For Development of Parking Lot #3 The Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation issued a request for proposals (RFP) in December for mixed use development on Parking Lot # 3 located at 8206 Fenton Street in the Silver Spring Parking District. The site is approximately 77,420 square feet in area. Deadline for proposals is 5:00 p.m., January 31, 2006. For more detailed information and to review the full RFP click here. Local Small Business Reserve Program The new Montgomery County Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP) officially got underway on January 1, 2006. By requiring County Departments to contract a minimum of 10 percent of their procurement dollars (with certain exceptions) to registered local small businesses, the program is designed foster the growth of the local small business community, a vital part of the County's economy. To find out whether your company fits the county's guidelines for a small business, go to the new website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/LSBRP. Click on FAQ, then review the answer to the sixth question. The site also provides detailed information about the new program's goals and structure, provides a method by which companies that fit the guidelines may self-certify for the program and offers access to County solicitation opportunities. Members who have questions about the LSBRP may contact Rob Klein, Program Manager, Local Small Business Reserve via email at rob.klein@montgomerycountymd.gov or by phone at 240-777-2036. Atlantech Online was ranked by The Washington Business Journal as the 21st largest Telecommunications Employer in the DC Metro Area for 2006. Atlantech also ranked 17th among Voice and Data Service Providers. Jackie Greenbaum and Patrick Higgins, owners of Jackie's Restaurant in downtown Silver Spring, are proud to announce their purchase of the Quarry House Tavern. A Silver Spring legend since 1934, the Quarry House (at 8401 Georgia Avenue) was facing closure as longtime owners Jim & Esther Brown decided to retire after almost 30 years. Not wanting to lose the famed local watering hole, Jackie & Patrick hope to continue the tradition while updating the menu and bar. Quarry House now has a full liquor license and will debut a new menu of American bar classics, mostly "prepared from scratch." Including homemade potato chips and dip to chili dogs and tater tots, the menu covers all the bases of great bar food, plus several selections for vegetarians. And, the classic Quarry House burger remains but has been updated using Coleman organic beef and a large variety of toppings. The lunch menu has a wide selection of entree salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups, "just like Mom used to make...." The Quarry House is open for lunch and dinner, from 11:30 am -1:00 am Monday through Thursday; 11:30 am - 2:00 am Friday; and 5:00 pm - 2:00 am on Saturdays. Watch the back room for live music in the coming weeks. Mary Frances leMat, CEO and co-founder of Social & Scientific Systems Inc. of Silver Spring, was named Executive of the Year in the mid-size company category at the third annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards presentation. LeMat was selected from a group of six finalists in the category, representing businesses with annual revenues between $75 million and $500 million. The event was organized by the Professional Services Council, the Fairfax County (VA) Chamber of Commerce and Washington Technology. LA/Fitness, the largest privately owned developer and operator of sports clubs in the world and one of the newest GSSCC members, is offering fellow Chamber members an opportunity to participate in the club's upcoming opening in Silver Spring. This club will be one of twenty in the DC metropolitan area. LA/Fitness plans to give each new club member (about 500/month) a welcome packet and is offering to include in the packets promotional material from fellow Chamber members. Interested GSSCC members may contact the LA/Fitness preview center at the corner of Fenton Street and Colesville Road or call 301-589-2323. For Silverdocs 2006 AFI has issued a "call for entries" for SILVERDOCS 2006. The festival honors documentary features and shorts that demonstrate excellence in cinematic craft and innovation in storytelling. Awarding over $40,000 in combined cash and prizes to filmmakers, and exhibiting films in state-of-the-art digital projection theaters, SILVERDOCS, which will be held June 13 - 28, 2006 at the AFI Silver Theatre, provides filmmakers with a stellar festival experience. Filmmakers may also take advantage of the International Documentary Conference, which runs concurrently, June 15-17, and brings together more than 450 leading industry filmmakers and executives from around the world for panels, meetings and pitch sessions that address the art, craft and business of documentary. Deadline for entries: January 27 (early), March 3 (regular) and March 24 (final). www.SILVERDOCS.com or www.WithoutABox.com. |
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