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APRIL 2007Annapolis Recap The 2007 Legislative Session in Annapolis ended last week, but the Chamber’s work on behalf of our members will continue. Among our successful efforts on behalf of members this session were: opposing a measure that would have dramatically increased business filing fees for all Maryland businesses; supporting the extension of the Small Business Reserve Program—a set-aside for State procurement that offers small businesses the opportunity to bid on State contracts; and working to defeat legislation that would have adopted a system of comparative fault, allowing a person to recover damages for an injury even if they contributed to their own injury. Little progress was made to address the State’s $1.4 billion structural deficit or to assure that there is adequate funding for growing transportation needs. During the coming months, GSSCC’s Government Affairs Committee will be working proactively on these measures in preparation for the next session. GSSCC Asks County Council to Continue Support for Silver Spring During last week’s County Council budget hearings, the Chamber testified in support of several measures that would support continued growth and development in Silver Spring—keeping the ice rink/pavilion as part of the new Civic Center and Veterans’ Plaza, bringing the Birchmere to Silver Spring, increased support for law enforcement efforts, extending the operations of the VanGo in Silver Spring and opening the south entrance to the Silver Spring Metro station, support for continued growth at Montgomery College’s Silver Spring/Takoma Park campus, and continued support for the AFI. It’s worth noting a surprise comment during the question session…Councilmember Marc Elrich’s said that he supports everything in the Chamber’s testimony. Chamber Joins in Event to Honor Sen. Ruben GSSCC is one of the many community sponsors of an event that will pay tribute to former State Senator Ida Ruben whose dedication and support of Silver Spring is unparalleled. This “Tribute to Ida Ruben” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25 at the AFI Silver Theatre. For more information, contact the Chamber office. Purple Line Alignment Discussions Continue Maryland Transit Administration discussions continue on possible alignments for the Purple Line (or Bi-County Transitway). Another meeting is scheduled for next week Monday. If your business is interested in being included in these meetings, please contact the Chamber office. GSSCC’s Golf Classic—Don’t miss it! Check your mailboxes for the GSSCC’s Business Golf Classic Brochure—Sign up today for your foursomes! Sponsorships are also available for the beverage carts, golf shirts and golf balls, as well as items for the golfer bags and door prizes. Don’t miss this promotion opportunity. Call 301-565-3777 for more details. Showcase Your Company in GSSCC Directory A key focus of the Chamber is our work to promote our member companies and encourage local businesses, residents and even those outside our area to purchase our members goods and services. One important vehicle for this effort is the annual GSSCC Business Directory and Buyers’ Guide. This year, the Chamber has retained the services of Atlantic Communications Group, Inc., a member, to design and publish our directory. This year’s book is being expanded to include a full-color editorial section featuring the benefits of living and working in this area, a full color map of greater Silver Spring, and some new promotion opportunities for members. Distribution will also be extended so the directory gets into the hands of the largest possible market of potential customers. Atlantic Communication’s Rob Waller is in Silver Spring talking to members about advertising sponsorship opportunities in this year’s directory. If you have any questions or need information about advertising, call the Chamber office. WANTED: Spotlight Speakers! If you haven’t already taken advantage of GSSCC’s most visible opportunity to present your business to other Chamber members, now is the time to register as a Spotlight Speaker for one of our upcoming Networking Breakfasts. GSSCC’s Spotlight Speaker program is designed to provide Chamber business members, who pay a sponsorship fee, the opportunity to highlight their businesses during special presentations at the Chamber’s popular monthly networking breakfasts. Call the Chamber at (301) 565-3777 for more information. GSSCC Networking Breakfast GSSCC’s April Networking Breakfast was held from on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at El Aguila. Our Spotlight speaker was Sport Chevrolet and Honda. It was a great time! GSSCC Business After Hours This month’s GSSCC Business After Hours was held on Wednesday, April 25 at American Bank. It was a pleasure seeing everyone who turned out! Back |
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