January 2007 In this issue: A Nightmare in Silver Spring Chamber Opposes Moratorium Chamber Meets Discovery Challenge Goal, Even Exceeds $5,000 Goal Leggett Asks O'Malley To Support Birchmere Chamber Raises Small Business Concerns At Raskin Health Insurance Forum Enrollment to Open in February for GSSCC's' Energy Purchasing Co-Op Chamber Hosts Information Session On Interim Transit Center Plan State Delegations Head to Annapolis, County Council Sets New Priorities GSSCC Co-Sponsors Symposium On Pandemic Flu Preparedness Member News Linked with this issue: Member to Member Discounts Member to Member Discount Program Application GSSCC Calendar of Events New Members since October 2006 Sandy Spring Bank OPEN! Upcoming GSSCC Events January 2007 NETWORKING BREAKFAST Wednesday, January 10 7:30 − 9:15 a.m. Taste of Jerusalem 8123 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring Parking available in the public garage behind The World Building. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, January 17 5:30 − 7 p.m. Montgomery College 7600 Takoma Avenue Takoma Park Free parking will be available in the East Campus Garage located at Fenton and King Streets. February 2007 NETWORKING BREAKFAST Wednesday, February 14 7:30 − 9:15 a.m. Eggspectation 923 Ellsworth Drive Silver Spring BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, February 28 5:30 − 7 p.m. Three Keys Music/Studio 8121 8121 Georgia Avenue, Suite 900 Silver Spring March 2007 NETWORKING BREAKFAST Wednesday, March 14 7:30 − 9:15 a.m. The Golden Flame Restaurant 8630 Fenton Street Silver Spring BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, March 28 5:30 − 7 p.m. Location TBA Spotlight Speakers Wanted For Networking Breakfasts Spotlight Speaker Sponsorships are available for upcoming GSSCC Networking Breakfasts. If your company is interested, please call (301) 565-3777 for more information. GSSCC Thanks Our BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOSTS Discovery Communications for Discover the Taste of Silver Spring (October) 850 Sligo and Fidelity & Trust Bank (November) The Courtyard by Marriott – Downtown Silver Spring (December) GSSCC Thanks Our NETWORKING BREAKFAST SPEAKERS Jerry Schwartz of BNI Maryland (October) Colorworks Promotions and The Silver Spring Voice (November) Easter Seals and Maryland Youth Ballet (December) WANTED: Business After Hours Hosts If your company is interested, please call (301) 565-3777 for more information. SINCERE THANKS To Our Corporate Sponsors The following members deserve special recognition, for their help and support throughout the year: Chamber Silver Partner Discovery Communications Lee Development Group Washington Adventist Hospital Chamber Business Partner Bud Miller Associates, Inc. Digital Industry, Inc. Montgomery College Sandglass Systems Chamber Partner Atlantech Online Colorworks Promotions Eggspectation Linowes & Blocher M&T Bank Michael, LLC Minuteman Press Chamber Friend Harvey Maisel, Silver Spring Extra Space Self Storage GSSCC Welcomes New Members GSSCC welcomed 26 new members to our ranks during the past quarter. Many of these members will be formally introduced to the Chamber at our New Member Orientation Breakfast on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, hosted by member restaurant, Eggspectation. Please join us in welcoming these members to the Chamber community: • Abraham's Lawn Service Inc. • Accounting Remedy, LLC • Affordable Mini Storage of Greenbelt, LLC • Alpert Law Offices LLC • Atlantic Gems • Ceviche • Marlene Davis • Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School • Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region • Fenton Group, LLC • Fidelity & Trust Bank • HSBC National Bank, USA • Interface Multimedia • M-D Staffing Services • Maryland Youth Ballet • McGinty's Public House • Montero Law Group, LLC • One Creative Source • Nathaniel Pealer • Randolph Village • Sandy Spring Bank - Silver Spring • Dr. Marcus S. Tappan & Associates, P.C. • Tappers with Attitude, Inc. • Taste of Jerusalem • Urban Service Systems Corporation • Wireless Toyz • The Zipin Law Firm, LLC Thanks for Renewing Thank you to the following members who renewed their membership since October 1, 2006: • Acorn Self Storage • Action Committee for Transit • America's Referral Mortgage Company • AMR Commercial, LLC • Arts & Humanities Council of Mont. Co. • At Home Care, Inc. • Beltway Chevron • Cahn & Samuels, LLP • Caribou Coffee • Christian Science Reading Room • Commercial & Investment Realty Associates LLC • CONCEPT, LLC • Digital Industry • Elite Personnel • Genesis HealthCare • Ghenene & Associates • Gold's Gym • The Grimalkin Group • Groff Creative Inc. • Keller Williams Realty Consultants - Joe Vincent • KJ Place • Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. • Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Kitty Christopher • Long & Foster Realtors - Nancy and Paul Schwiesow • Manny & Olga's Pizza • McKinnis SDS • MD State Dept. of Education & Rehab. Services • Montgomery College - Takoma Park/Silver Spring • Montgomery Investigative & Security Services • Old Blair Auditorium Project • The Pathways Schools • Percontee, Inc. • PH RockWood Corporation • Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. - Florence Donald • Sergio's Ristorante • Signs by Tomorrow • Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition • Silver Spring Stage • Sorkin Productions, LLC • Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine • St. Michaels Home & School Association • Three Keys Music/Studio 8121 • TNT Auto Parts, Inc. • United States Postal Service • United Therapeutics Corp. 2006-2007 GSSCC Board of Directors CHAIR Brad Stewart Montgomery College IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Carmen Camacho Bud Miller Associates, Inc. CHAIR-ELECT Jere Stocks Washington Adventist Hospital VICE CHAIR Economic Development Barbara Henry Discovery Communications, Inc. VICE CHAIR Fundraising Carmen Camacho Bud Miller Associates, Inc. VICE CHAIR Government Affairs Jere Stocks Washington Adventist Hospital VICE CHAIR Membership Development Jay Knisley Eggspectation TREASURER James Walker Adams National Bank GENERAL COUNSEL Paul DiPiazza Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd. “Larry the Banker” Bolton EagleBank Valerie D. Day St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Paul DiPiazza Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. Alyssa Friedrich United Therapeutics Corporation M. Genevieve (Genny) Hardesty Brookfield Properties, Inc. June Mickens Social & Scientific Systems Jerry Miller Minuteman Press Roscoe M. Moore, Jr. PH RockWood Corporation Alexander Papanicolas Chevy Chase Land Company Frederick Samuels Cahn & Samuels, LLP Dewey Thomas, Jr. Encore Management Corporation Scott Wallace Linowes and Blocher LLP GSSCC STAFF PRESIDENT Jane Redicker MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and SERVICES MANAGER Alcora Walden ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT L'Tanya Chew Business E-News Editor: Jane Redicker Design: Sandglass Systems Copyright: Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce 8601 Georgia Avenue Suite 203 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel. (301) 565-3777 Fax (301) 565-3377 info@gsscc.org www.silverspringchamber.com

A Nightmare in Silver Spring ... By Brad Stewart 2006-2007 GSSCC Chair Happy New Year Fellow GSSCC Members! How many of you remember the 1970s television show game show hosted by Dick Clark called the $25,000 Pyramid? Do you recall the "Winner's Circle" part of the show where a celebrity guest provided clues to the contestants by listing items or common elements related to a particular category? Last week I dreamed that I was a contestant on the show and that my celebrity partner (Jane Redicker) was reciting a list of clues that went something like this: screen doors in submarines, garlic ice cream, do-it-yourself DNA testing, building moratoriums, etc. The clock was ticking down and I was really starting to sweat when I shouted "really bad ideas." Dick Clark was about to hand me my check when my wife woke me up and suggested that I finish the night on the sofa if I was going to keep talking in my sleep. What a nightmare! Unfortunately, some of our local elected officials are currently working to implement one of the really bad ideas on the list in my dream. As you all know, County Council President Marilyn Praisner has proposed a building moratorium while the Council re-evaluates the county's growth policy and she has support from council members Phil Andrews, Marc Elrich, Roger Berliner and Duchy Trachtenberg. This is a bad idea for so many reasons that it is difficult to list them all. You'll find just a few in the article that follows. Most importantly, the moratorium is a bad idea because it has the potential to severely damage the businesses climate in Montgomery County. All members of the GSSCC are at risk and we need to pull out all the stops in expressing our opposition to the moratorium. Here is what each of us needs to do. First, please make personal contact (phone call, letter, e-mail, in that order) with the council member who represents the district in which your business is located and explain your opposition to the moratorium. If you live in another district, you also need to contact that council member (phone call, letter, e-mail) with your objections to the moratorium. Next, please make contact with council members Nancy Floreen and Valerie Ervin to express your support for their opposition to the moratorium. Finally, please contact each of the at large members of the council, including George Leventhal, and County Executive Ike Leggett and express your views on the moratorium. One last note, it is crucial for the small business members - especially those of you who may be looking to expand in the coming months and those of you who rely on an increasing customer base for success - to make your voices heard on this issue. Grassroots advocacy is always the most effective. If you need any suggestions or advice on how to craft your message to the members of the County Council, please feel free to contact either Jane or me. And, watch your e-mail next week for more details about the impact of this "bad idea" and specific contact information for members of the County Council. Chamber Opposes Moratorium On January 16, the Montgomery County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed building moratorium on residential and commercial development in some parts of the county, proposed by Council President Marilyn J. Praisner. The Chamber is among numerous organizations on the wait list to testify at the hearing. Currently the witness list has been limited. The proposed moratorium would suspend the approval of preliminary subdivision development plans in areas that are not in enterprise or Metro station zones and that exceed the county's minimum traffic standards until the Council enacts new, and possibly more restrictive, development approval requirements. While the Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) would be exempt from this moratorium, the new Council standards would apply to some CBD projects that are under review, but that have not yet received Preliminary Plan approval from the Planning Board. Further, the effects of this action would create a number of unintended consequences within the CBD and throughout greater Silver Spring. According to County Council officials, the moratorium would stop the development of about three-quarters of the residential projects and about 73 percent of commercial development currently planned. It would effectively put a hold on 5,300 residential units and 3.5 million square feet of commercial development, jeopardizing the small businesses that depend on an expanding customer base and reducing the number of jobs in small businesses who supply the workforce for the building industry. Further, experience has shown that where moratoriums have been imposed, rents increase, starter home prices jump, and affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce. Imposing a moratorium also creates an environment of financial uncertainty and economic unpredictability. Such an environment would deter any major business wishing to expand or relocate here, saying to potential new businesses, "Go elsewhere. We don't want your business, your jobs, your tax revenues," and sending them to neighboring Prince Georges County and Howard County. Indeed, a moratorium that stops development and discourages new residential and commercial projects eliminates the tax dollars generated by these businesses. As such, it will serve to reduce the available revenues on which the County depends to offer the high level of services our residents expect. The reality is that Montgomery County does not have runaway growth. The growth rate has been relatively modest over the past fifteen years, less than 1.5%, including the time since the enactment of the 2003 Annual Growth Policy when the Council removed certain development approval requirements. The real problem is that roads, transit and schools, called for in detailed County Master Plans and regulated by the County Growth Policy and Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, have too often not been built by government. A moratorium cannot solve this problem, and could serve to make it worse because it will negatively impact County revenues. The Chamber has already contacted members of the Council in opposition to this action. We will continue to voice these views and are working with other Chambers in the County to express our concern about the unintended consequences of this proposal. If you agree that the proposed moratorium will have an unfavorable impact on your business, we encourage you to make your voice heard. Watch your email next week for a sample letter or email and information on how to contact your Council members. Chamber Meets Discovery Challenge Even Exceeds $5,000 Goal Thanks to the generosity of 19 Chamber members, GSSCC has met and exceed the 2006 Discovery Challenge. Last summer, Discovery Communications offered a $5,000 challenge grant to the Chamber, committing the money if the Chamber was able to raise an equal amount from among its members. In October, Chevy Chase Land raised the stakes by offering an additional $5,000 if the Chamber could achieve success by the end of 2006. These members are recognized as partners in the 2006 Discovery Challenge: Arrow Bookkeeping; Atlantech Online; Bud Miller Associates, Inc.; Cahn & Samuels; Colorworks Promotions; Eggspectation; The Gazette, Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.; Linowes and Blocher LLP; Minuteman Press; Montgomery College; Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union; PH Rockwood Corporation; St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; Steven Drake Associates, LLC; Social & Scientific Systems; United Therapeutics; and Washington Adventist Hospital. GSSCC thanks these generous contributors who join Discovery Communications and Chevy Chase Land to help provide the additional financial capacity necessary to achieve an ambitious economic development agenda, including bringing more retail to Silver Spring, and to launch new initiatives and programs that will expand the information and resources available to all Chamber members. Leggett Asks O'Malley To Support Birchmere In a letter to Maryland Governor-elect Martin O'Malley, County Executive Ike Leggett has asked that the State make good on its commitment to provide $4 million over the next two years to bring the Birchmere Music Hall to Silver Spring. "A central business district like Silver Spring succeeds only when its economy is supported by '24-7' activity. A key component of the evening and weekend activity is a vibrant and thriving arts and entertainment district ... The limited number of live music venues remains an important gap in the revitalization of Silver Spring. With you support, we have an opportunity to bridge this gap by bringing the Birchmere to Maryland." "The benefits returned to the state are numerous: enhancing the state's first Arts & Entertainment District; strengthening the long-standing revitalization of Silver Spring; improving the quality of life for the people of Maryland by adding a popular amenity to the mix of viable entertainment options; supporting the arts and culture of this diverse community; and, not insignificantly, contributing to the state's tax base." GSSCC Raises Small Business Concerns At Raskin Health Insurance Forum At a recent forum on health insurance issues in Maryland, hosted for newly elected members of the Maryland House and Senate by State Senator-elect Jamie Raskin's healthcare task force, Chamber President Jane Redicker heard presentations on a number of issues that will be considered as the legislature looks at changes in health insurance regulations this year. She also took the opportunity to suggest that efforts be undertaken give small businesses more access to affordable health insurance, specifically by giving new attention to proposals that allow groups of association or Chamber members to form larger insurance pools. Experts at the forum estimate that some 800,000 Maryland residents are not covered by health insurance. Efforts will be made to expand the state's Medicaid program to extend coverage to a portion of this group. In addition, legislators are looking at the so-called "Massachusetts Plan," that includes a number of employer mandates. The Chamber, as a part of Senator-elect Raskin's task force, has an opportunity to provide information about the needs of our members as this issue unfolds. We are specifically looking for information from small businesses (defined by insurance regulations as companies with fewer than 100 employees) and sole proprietors that will help us make sure that the needs and concerns of small businesses are considered as the legislature moves forward. If you are among our many small business members, look for an e-mail survey next week. Please participate. Your opinions and concerns count. Enrollment to Open in February for GSSCC's Energy Purchasing Co-Op This February, GSSCC will offer another opportunity for members to join the Chamber's Energy Purchasing Cooperative that is helping companies save money on energy costs, and achieve long-term budget stability. Unlike other energy contract programs, the Chamber's cooperative pools the buying power of our members and seeks competitive bids from all licensed suppliers in the State of Maryland. Increased purchasing power and a competitive bid process are key to reducing costs and creating budget stability. GSSCC members participating in the GSSCC's first cooperative have already seen savings in their utility bills. One member reports savings of approximately $600 per month on six meters. The next information sessions are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 16 and Thursday, March 8 at the Chamber offices. Chamber Hosts Information Session On Interim Transit Center Plans In cooperation with Discovery Communications, Inc., GSSCC hosted a meeting of more than 50 Chamber members and representatives of other local businesses to review plans for the interim operations site at the new the Paul Sarbanes Transit Center in downtown Silver Spring. Bruce Johnston, chief of the division of capital construction at the Montgomery County Department of Public Works & Transportation, presented the county's plans for the interim center. Barbara Henry, community relations director for Discovery Communications, followed with a presentation developed by Discovery's engineers and consultants, explaining how they anticipate the county's plans playing out. Many questions were raised regarding traffic patterns and congestion. Suggestions were offered on how to make the best of a challenging situation as construction of the much anticipated new transit center is underway. The Chamber will continue to follow these concerns. Below are copies of the county's presentation and Discovery Communications' presentation available for download. To be added to an e-mail mailing list for interim transit center updates, contact the Chamber. Montgomery County Presentation Download Discovery Communications Presentation Download State Delegations Head to Annapolis County Council Sets New Priorities Next week, newly elected and incumbent members of the Maryland Senate and General Assembly will head to Annapolis to begin their work for this session. Changes in health insurance coverage for workers in the state is expected to be at the top of the agenda for this session. Transportation funding and a review of the state's tax structure are also priorities for some members. The new Montgomery County Council has already stepped forward with a proposed building moratorium that will have a negative impact on business in greater Silver Spring and throughout the County. The Chamber presented its State legislative priorities at a public hearing last year. GSSCC has been communicating our local concerns and needs to members of the new Council. Following is the agenda of local and state legislative priorities adopted by GSSCC's Government Affairs Committee and approved by the Board. These will be the basis for the committee's work this year. I. SUPPORT CONTINUED LONG-TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The revitalization of Silver Spring has meant more businesses, more jobs, more places to live, and more reasons for people to visit our community and spend their money here. All this economic activity means not only a better way of life for the citizens and businesses of Silver Spring, but an expanding flow of dollars into the State through increasing tax revenues. At the same time, much work remains to complete the dream of Silver Spring and assure a vibrant and robust business climate that will support the quality of life we enjoy today. Support measures to reduce the backlog and increase the efficiency of the Park & Planning review process for development projects. Encourage continuation and expansion of Green Tape Zone benefits for downtown Silver Spring. Support the public-private partnership for bringing the Birchmere music hall to Silver Spring. Support continued public investment in the AFI as a means of furthering economic growth. Encourage the Montgomery County Council to authorize forgiving the current general fund deficit for the Silver Spring Parking Lot District. Support continued full funding for Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus expansion and Commons renovation project. Support ongoing funding for pedestrian linkage and streetscape projects in Greater Silver Spring, including areas along East West Highway and Georgia Avenue. Support construction of new public facilities in the Silver Spring CBD. Support initiatives for the revitalization of Greater Silver Spring business centers, including Montgomery Hills, Long Branch, Four Corners, Burtonsville Town Center, and the Route 29 Corridor. II. SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS Assuring ample parking and vibrant mass transit will promote economic growth and assure quality of life. Support development of the Silver Spring Transit Center mixed-use project. Maintain the free VanGo shuttle and expand hours of operation. Support a parking analysis for the Silver Spring Central Business District. Support development of the Bi-County Transitway light rail from Bethesda to New Carrollton. Seek removal of the $20,000 per-company cap from the Fare Share program. III. PUBLIC SAFETY Assuring a safety and security in the business district and surrounding community is vital to the success of the future of Silver Spring. Support ongoing improvements to garage safety measures and policies. Support CSAFE police funding initiatives. IV. ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE Among the top concerns of GSSCC members, the majority of whom are small businesses with fewer than ten employees, is access to affordable health insurance. Support legislation that would allow associations to offer group health benefit plans to their members. Support the interests of Chamber members in connection with health insurance bills that arise. V. COMPETITIVE REGULATORY & TAX ENVIRONMENTS Business is the engine of the area's economy. Regulation and tax environments that allow for competition and do not create barriers to the success of business are vital to our economic future. Oppose additional taxes on businesses, including a 'gross receipts' tax, as well as taxes on professional and other services. GSSCC Co-Sponsors Symposium On Pandemic Flu Preparedness GSSCC joins other chambers in Montgomery County to sponsor a Symposium on Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Recovery Planning for Montgomery County Business Owners, Managers and Decision-Makers. The half-day seminar, scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, February 7 at the Universities at Shady Grove, is free to Chamber members. County Executive Ike Leggett will kick off the event which will offer information about: how a pandemic will affect businesses, their employees and suppliers; What the County is doing to prepare and what businesses must do; how three major businesses are planning to continue operating during a pandemic (Marriott, GEICO, Giant Food); and specific guidelines to develop a plan for business continuity. To attend, register here by January 26. Member News Ceviche, 921-J Ellsworth Drive, will be participating in the Washington D.C. Restaurant Week from January 8-15, offering a three-course lunch for $20.07 and a three-course dinner for $30.07. Call (301) 608-0081 for reservations. Indulge more than your tastebuds at El Aguila (8649 16th Street in the Spring Center Plaza) and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to close. The NEW Sandy Spring Bank location on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring is now open. For more information, click here. Back