The Deep Creek Blog

Garrett County Chamber Hosts Business Before Hours Legislative Wrap-Up on May 21st.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will present a Legislative Wrap-up at the next Business Before Hours on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Dutch’s at Silver Tree, sponsored by Susquehanna Bank and The Greater Cumberland Committee.

The Business Before Hours begins at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast and time for networking followed by guest speakers Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel as they provide a wrap-up session of the Maryland General Assembly. This is a great opportunity to learn what took place during the session and what bills will impact Garrett County and/or your business.

The cost for members is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The cost for non-members is $30. Register online at www.visitdeepcreek.com or by calling Carol Hauser at 301-387-6171 by noon on Monday, May 20 to receive the advance payment discount for members. Space is limited so early reservations are recommended.

The Business Before Hours breakfast programs are bi-monthly events designed to focus on specific topics with formal presentations. Non-competing sponsorship opportunities are available for each forum. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Paula Thomas at 301-387-5237 or paula@garrettchamber.com. 

Mini-Marina Decision by June 1

The Times-News reports, a Garrett County judge will render a decision on the mini-marina controversy by June 1st. 

Chamber Business After-Hours at M&T Bank on April 11

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that M&T Bank will be hosting the next Business After Hours on April 11 from 6 – 8 pm at 46 South Second Street in Oakland. Enjoy delicious food and drink and mingle with fellow Chambers members and Chamber staff at this monthly networking event. Don’t forget your business card to enter to win prizes!

M&T Bank is a regional bank with over 700 branch offices and nearly 1,000 ATMs. They have a strong and growing presence across New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Their Garrett County locations include Oakland, Deep Creek (McHenry) and Grantsville. M&T Bank is a Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender.

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Register online at visitdeepcreek.com or contact Carol Hauser by emailing carol@garrettchamber.com or calling 301.387.6171.

Chamber Members Can Submit Upcoming Events for Possible Including in Activities Guide

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is collecting information from Chamber members for events running from May 2013 – May 2014, and select Chamber member events will be printed free of charge in the Chamber’s upcoming 2013/2014 Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake area Activities Guide, which will be distributed throughout Garrett County.

This is a great promotional opportunity for Chamber members to promote their upcoming event(s). To submit your event for possible selection, please email the event name, date and website url  OR a phone number to Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com by April 5th. All event submissions must be from Chamber members.

And all Chamber members can list their upcoming events on visitdeepcreek.com for free. Once your member event is on the Chamber’s online calendar, it will be included in our weekly What’s Happening in Garrett County emails, and it could possibly be included in a future Something To Crow About ad. Adding your event to visitdeepcreek.com is easy – simply visit http://info.visitdeepcreek.com/login and input your member username and password. If you need your username and password emailed to you, please contact sarah@garrettchamber.com. Weekly specials and promotions are not admissible to the online event calendar at visitdeepcreek.com. Only Chamber member events are listed on visitdeepcreek.com; if you are interested in joining the Chamber as a member, please apply online at visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.5237. 

Chamber member events will be printed in the 2013/2014 Activities Guide as space allows. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to select which member events are included in the final printed Activities Guide. Weekly specials and promotions are not admissible. Only the event name, date and a website or a phone number will be printed in the Activities Guide; members may include additional information on your free online event listing on visitdeepcreek.com.  To avoid errors, all event submissions must be emailed to sarah@garrettchamber.com; event submissions will not be accepted by phone. If you have any questions, please call Sarah Duck at 301.387.8746.

For more information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, to view the online event calendar or to join as a Chamber member, please log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com.

Chamber Now Accepting Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Nominations

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.  The award, given in honor of Helmuth & Evelyn Heise is presented to a local entrepreneur for their contributions to the economic growth of Garrett County.  The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on June 4, 2013.

The Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner must have originated and developed their business from inception, have a willingness to take risks with the possibility of losing all, be involved in the community, have high ethical standards, be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and have demonstrated leadership (through one or more of the following):

·         By overcoming a formidable problem that threatened the business’s existence

·         By showing business acumen through embarking on a creative, insightful or overlooked opportunity that makes important contributions to Garrett County’s business environment

·         Through substantive community impact

“The Chamber is pleased to take this opportunity to recognize an entrepreneur who is making a tremendous impact on our community,” said Nicole Christian, President & CEO of the Chamber.  “Garrett County is truly fortunate to have such an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit among our business community.”  To obtain a Nomination Form please contact Paula Thomas at 301-387-5237 or by email paula@garrettchamber.com.  All nominations must be returned to the Chamber by no later than Friday, March 22, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.  The three finalists will be included on the Chamber’s annual election ballot and voted on by the general membership.  The winner will not be announced until the Annual Dinner on June 4.

For more information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce please log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.4386.

Artist Boot Camp Set for Garrett County

An Artist Boot Camp will be presented by Becky Sciullo on Saturday May 4, 2013 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  The workshop is designed to help artists improve and build upon plans for a successful business.  Participants will work on creating a vision for business success, defining themselves to the market, avenues for exposure, goals setting and more.     

Becky has been presenting Artist Boot Camp in the Pittsburgh area for the past year.  Many Garrett County artists are familiar with her work with her father, local artist Robert Yonke.      

The event is appropriate for all visual artists, including but not limited to drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, print making, photography and fine crafts.  The cost is $49 per person.  For more information or to register visit www.artisan-advantage.com or email artisanadvantage@gmail.com

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations will be hosting a Business After Hours on March 14 from 6 – 8 pm at their new location in McHenry along Rt. 219 at 35 Town Centre Way.

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Register online at visitdeepcreek.com or contact Charlotte Sebold by March 12 by emailing charlotte@garrettchamber.com or calling 301.387.6171.

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at GCC Technologies on February 13

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that GCC Technologies, LLC will be hosting our next Business After Hours on February 13 from 6 – 8 pm at their new Oakland location at the Southern Garrett Business & Technology Park, located at 65 Enterprise Drive. Tour their new facility as you enjoy delicious food and drink and mingle with fellow Chambers members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking event. Don’t forget your business card to enter to win prizes!

GCC Technologies, LLC is a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and a certified SBA HUBZone Company specializing in Acquisition & Program Management, Administrative Support, IT Support and Training Services. GCC was awarded the 2008 Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Award.

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Register online at visitdeepcreek.com or contact Charlotte Sebold by February 11 by emailing charlotte@garrettchamber.com or calling 301.387.6171.

Garrett County Chamber Hosts Business Before Hours - State of the County on July 17

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold a State Of The County at the next Business Before Hours on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Will o' the Wisp. Join Garrett County Commissioners Jim Raley, Bob Gatto and Gregan Crawford as they discuss the County’s priorities, pending projects, challenges and plans for this fiscal year. The forum begins at 8 am with breakfast and networking, followed by the program from 8:30 am - 9:30 am.

 “We are very pleased to host our County Commissioners to provide our members an overview of how Garrett County is fairing,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber President & CEO. “It’s been a tough few years and it is important that what is happening in the County is communicated with the business community.  These Commissioners have made it a goal to be accessible and transparent and their participation in the State of the County is helping them to achieve that goal.”

The cost for members is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The cost for non-members is $30. Register online or by calling Charlotte at 301.387.6171 by Friday, July 13 to receive the advanced payment discount for members. Space is limited so early reservations are recommended.

Clear Mountain Bank and Potomac Edison are the sponsors of Business Before Hours – State of the County. Clear Mountain Bank is a locally-owned community bank that offers quality financial services and products with fast, friendly, and convenient service. Potomac Edison provides reliable low-cost electrical service for Western Maryland.

The Business Before Hours breakfast programs are bi-monthly events designed to focus on specific topics with formal presentations. The remaining topics slated for 2012 include Industry Appreciation and Tourism Update. Non-competing sponsorship opportunities are available for each forum. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com or 301.387.8746.

Next Chamber Business After Hours at Builder's Way

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at Builder’s Way Lighting & Plumbing Showroom on April 11

The Garrett County Chamber announced that Builder’s Way Lighting & Plumbing Showroom will be hosting the next Business After Hours on April 11th from 6 pm – 8 pm. Enjoy  food and drink as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at this monthly networking event.

Builder's Way is a registered Kohler showroom offering a complete line of Kohler products; Progress, Quorum, Murray Feiss and Seagull lighting and ceiling fans and Kingsman fireplaces.

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Register online at visitdeepcreek.com or contact Charlotte Sebold by April 9th by emailing charlotte@garrettchamber.com or calling 301.387.6171.

Free State's Finest

Maryland Life Magazine released the annual Free State's Finest list this week.  You'll recognize many local businesses on this list.  Congrats to all the winners. 

 

Business Before Hours - "Healthcare Reform - Maryland's Implementation and Progress

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Healthcare Reform Update at the next Business Before Hours on Tuesday, March 20th at Will o' the Wisp. “Healthcare Reform – Maryland’s Implementation & Progress” will include discussion on the exchange, incentives for businesses to provide health insurance, and what the reform means for rural areas. The forum begins at 8 am with breakfast and networking, followed by the program from 8:30 am - 9:30 am.

Invited speakers include Carolyn Quattrocki, Executive Director, and Jonathon Kromm, Deputy Director, from the Governor’s Office of Healthcare Reform and Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County Health Officer.

 “Healthcare reform as dictated in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama in 2010 is rapidly approaching implementation deadlines and what the new system looks like is still an enigma to most people,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Chamber. “We are holding this forum as a first step in helping businesses and the people of Garrett County understand what they can expect from federal healthcare reform. Maryland is definitely ahead of the game in terms of implementation but we must ensure that the State is not making poor decisions by rushing to the finish.”

The cost for members is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The cost for non-members is $30. Register online or by calling Charlotte at 301.387.6171 by March 13 to receive the advanced payment discount for members. Space is limited so early reservations are recommended.

The event is being sponsored by CBIZ and Mountain Laurel Medical Center. CBIZ is one of the nation’s leading Accountant Providers, Employee Benefit Providers, Property & Casualty Agencies, Valuation Firms, Medical Management Practice Firms, Retirement Plan service providers, Executive Search firms and more. CBIZ enables you to dedicate your time to critical business matters by providing custom solutions that help you manage your finances and employees.

Mountain Laurel Medical Center is committed to providing high quality medical care combined with dedicated medical care staff utilizing state of the art diagnostic equipment including electronic medical records.  Mountain Laurel Medical Center is one of approximately 50 practices selected by the Maryland Health Care Commission to implement the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model placing us on the forefront of innovative health care in the state with the goal of addressing some of the health care challenges faced by our community, state and nation.

The Business Before Hours breakfast programs are bi-monthly events designed to focus on specific topics with formal presentations. The topics slated for 2012 include: State of the County in July, Mayors’ Update, Tourism Update and Legislative Wrap-Up. The goal will be to host some of these topics on an annual basis. Non-competing sponsorship opportunities are available for each forum.

Firefly Farms Named U.S. Chamber Award Winner

Firefly Farms was one of seventy-five companies across the country were named Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These companies were recognized for their dedication to the principles of free enterprise and their contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity.

“The recipients of this year’s Blue Ribbon Award excelled in business amid great uncertainty and thrived despite difficult economic times,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. “More important than profits, their successes have provided much-needed jobs and hope to the people in their communities.”

This year’s 75 Blue Ribbon winners were selected from a record number of nationwide applicants and will be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2012, which will be held from May 21–23 in Washington, D.C. On March 15, seven of the Blue Ribbon recipients will be announced as award finalists, and one will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year during the summit. The winner will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

New MD Taxes Proposed

Legislation has been introduced in Maryland that would add sales tax to a wide range of services such as dating services and gym memberships. 

From the Times-News report:

Legislation that would add sales tax to everything from dating and escort services to car repairs and pest control has been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.

Imposing the sales and use tax to the new services could increase state revenues by almost $300 million in the first year. Revenues would jump to more than $600 million in the following years.

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at Railey Mountain Lake Vacation Property

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Railey Mountain Lake Vacations will be hosting the next Business After Hours at the Herrington House on March 7th from 6 pm – 8 pm.  Enjoy delicious food and drink as you mingle with Chamber members and Chamber staff at this monthly networking event. It is a great opportunity to meet new members and generate new contacts. Don’t forget your business card to enter to win prizes.

With 17,000 sq. ft., the Herrington House will make you feel as if you were living in a castle and is ideal for large groups, retreats, events and more. From the circular driveway, beautiful estate, and 11 acre lake, to the grand entryway, ballroom, and elaborate pool room - this is a must see!

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Please RSVP by March 5th to charlotte@garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.6171.