Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I highlight: events and resources; contract opportunities; funding opportunities; health care options; job opportunities; offers from Members and info you can use to make better business decisions. Please share this weekly message with 10 people who will benefit. Learn more about us at www.baltimorecitychamber.org.
First, I will repeat the statement I made at last week’s June General Membership Meeting. “The Baltimore City Chamber is the most diverse business organization in the city and we stand against inequality. We stand against police brutality. We are here to help everyone in the Baltimore business community connect to the resources they need to thrive.” If you have questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Second, we’ve had some great joint webinars with Members over the last month. This seems like a great way to help our Members gain exposure and create a new way to connect with potential customers and partners. It also creates content for Members to use for future marketing. If you would like to host a webinar with the Chamber, please schedule a call with me so we can discuss Membership benefits and what the Chamber can do for you. Special thanks to Dr. Sosena Kebede for an amazing webinar on how businesses can reopen safely after COVID-19. If you would like the advice of a medical professional and consultant on ways to open safely, contact Dr. Kebede at soskeb@gmail.com.
Third, I invite you to join us for our June Virtual Happy Hour this Thursday. It’s fun. We wear our logos, make toasts every 15 minutes and introduce ourselves to the group. All are welcome to attend. Click here to register!
Fourth, I am starting a free, online leadership mentoring program. If you are looking for ways to create economic power, grow your business, grow a non-profit or lead a movement, our program is designed to help you understand what is involved in building the operational foundations for supporting your effort. It is called the Baltimore Economic Leadership League and all are encouraged to apply. Learn more at https://whcusa.com/bell/
Fifth, Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Stage 2 of Re-opening. In case you missed it, our Executive Director William Honablew, Jr. gave a full report at last week’s General Membership Meeting. In summary, people are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. Also, more businesses are able to open and certain guidelines apply. You should determine how this applies to your business. Read the Governor’s Executive Order here.
Sixth, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 was signed into law on June 3rd, giving more favorable terms to businesses who receive the PPP. Check out the details at https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7010 and contact us with questions.
Seventh, if we are not already connected on social media, let’s connect on Facebook (Chamber / Me) and LinkedIn (Chamber / Me) so, in between weekly messages, you can stay informed.
Keep reading for this week’s Opportunities, Events and Information!
OPPORTUNITIES
OFFERS FROM MEMBERS
Need Health Care?
Chamber Member, Dr. Shawn Dhillon offers concierge medical care for $99 per month. Have a dedicated physician for less than you would pay for medical insurance. Learn more at https://www.anytimedrs.com.
Need Medical Insurance?
Chamber Member, George Faber can help you find medical coverage. Send him a message at George.Faber@USHAdvisors.com.
Free Consultation for Business Owners
Navigating your employees’ return to the workplace amid COVID-19 concerns will prove trying even for the most seasoned companies. Let Humanity in HR, LLC help you to charter the unknown waters of COVID-19 by updating policies, improving communication methods, and consulting on various Human Resource issues. Click here for your complimentary consultation.
Products for Reopening Safely
Chamber Member, Minuteman Press of Baltimore, a local family owned print center, provides products required for Maryland Strong reopening. Minuteman Press can provide personalized masks, hand sanitizer, thermometers, signage, posters, single use menus, and many more products. Check out a sample of their wide range of personalized products required for opening by clicking here. Contact Minuteman Press of Baltimore for all your printing and COVID-19 opening supplies. They will help you create the right reopening package for your business. Email Barbara at barbara@mmpcrofton.com.
A Voice for Your Business
If you want to make sure that your message is heard, it helps to have the proper voice. Baltimore-based Rex Anderson is an experienced and award-winning professional voice actor that will make sure that your communications are impactful and get noticed. For high-quality, broadcast-ready voice over with a local touch for any length or type of project, contact Chamber Member, Rex Anderson today at rexanderson.net or call 443-692-7260. Special rates are available for medical or educational projects.
Pure Water Technology
We provide fresh, pure, safe and healthy drinking water and ice by removing chemicals, bacteria, pesticides, and parasites using reverse osmosis and activated oxygen! We replace bottled water and bottled water coolers, filter coolers, or water fountains/filling stations and eliminate cross contamination concerns with an anti-microbial touchpad and clean contact dispenser. Save time, money and the planet with our maintenance free, auto-sanitizing solution for your drinking water and ice needs. Contact Alison via email to schedule your FREE, NO OBLIGATION TRIAL to begin tasting the difference! What is your health worth to you? Learn more about our solution from Alison Bucklin herself in this short video Pure Water Technology Drinking Water Solution and then contact Alison at abucklin@purewaterpa.com.
Help Battle Leukemia and Lymphoma
Three years ago, Chamber Member, Alison Bucklin, experienced the benefits of the work that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society does when her mother-in-law received a stem cell transplant. Today, her mother-in-law is doing well, having survived a high risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia diagnosis. She was given a 15% chance of survival, but she survived! If you are connected to cancer as a survivor, family member, or as a business and feel called to support the fundraising efforts through monetary donations, corporate sponsorships, silent auction donations or virtual program advertisements, please connect with Alison Bucklin to participate. LinkedIn Alison Bucklin Email abucklin@purewaterpa.com Fundraising Page https://pages.lls.org/mwoy/md/md20/abucklin
Business Advice on Pivoting
WHC Founder, Will Holmes offers a Business Coaching program for Business Owners who need more sales and seek better management and technology solutions for connecting with customers. Click here to learn more.
LOANS AND GRANTS
Department of Treasury
Read more about the current process for qualifying for loans and grants from the Federal programs.
KIVA Loans
KIVA has funding options for businesses. Click here to learn more.
Short term commercial loans not based on credit…
If you have submitted an invoice for services and you are waiting to be paid, or if you have a purchase order to fill, but need funding to get started, learn more about WHC’s programs that can help.
Jobs at the Small Business Administration
The SBA has a variety of temporary jobs to assist with the COVID-19 response. Click here to learn more.
Jobs in Baltimore
The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development has compiled job openings in the area. Click here to learn more.
Department of Labor
The Department of Labor has compiled some job opportunities. Click here to learn more.
If you are an active Baltimore City Chamber Member and you have a special offer for our Members, schedule a call with Will Holmes at https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
INVITATIONS TO EVENTS
6/11/20 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Virtual Happy Hour
Join us for our June Virtual Happy Hour! This event is open to all. Wear your logo and be ready to toast, mingle and network. Click here to register!
6/18/20
Graymake
Virtual Workshop: Exploring Uncertainty for Forward Thinking Leaders
A virtual workshop for forward-thinking leaders to explore uncertainty in their work with peers and leave with practical tools. Participants will: 1. Reflect on their experiences with uncertainty, particularly during global pandemic, and understand how other forward-thinking leaders are grappling with these challenges 2. Examine how transparency, clear communication, and trust-building can be built and integrated among teams and organizations/businesses. 3. Leave with concrete tools for fair process, an approach that fosters a culture of inclusion and engagement around tough decisions, especially in times of significant uncertainty. Please contact ahilb@graymake.com with any questions.
6/18/20
Webinar on Investing Basics
Building your investor IQ starts with understanding the basics. Whether you are new to investing or need a refresher, our Foundations of Investing presentation will help you learn about: The importance of developing a strategy; The impact of asset allocation; The influence of inflation on your long-term goals. The webinar will occur at 6pm on June 18th 2020. Please contact Daniel Brady at daniel.brady@edwardjones.com if you would like information on this webinar or future Edward Jones events.
6/19/20
Baltimore Economic Leadership League
The Baltimore Economic Leadership League is a free, online mentorship program sponsored and facilitated by WHC. The purpose of this initiative is to empower aspiring leaders with the information they need to:
- Start Businesses and Hire Within Their Communities
- Build and Lead Effective Non-Profit Organizations
- Organize Community Members and Plan and Develop Effective Movements For Change
6/24/20
Baltimore Business Lending
Join Baltimore Business Lending for Coffee with Capital Virtually. This is an online discussion on access to capital for startups and growing business. Click here to register.
7/2/20 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting
Our July General Membership Meeting is open to all. We’ll give a State of the Chamber, discuss resources and solutions and we’ll network. Click here to register.
Apply for the next Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort!
Applications are open for the free, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! Click here to learn more and apply.
INFORMATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS
SCORE 12 month Cash Flow Projections- Need a better way to plan your spending and sales goals? Download a 12 month cash flow statement from SCORE and start planning your growth! Click here for details.
Baltimore City Procurement Database- Interested in doing business in Baltimore? Click here to learn how you can be a city contractor.
Anne Arundel County Procurement Database- Anne Arundel County has their new contractor database up and running. This database will be a resource to all the agencies when looking for small businesses for procurement opportunities. The Anne Arundel County eProcurement system will be known as P.O.R.T. (Procurement Operations Resource Technology). Click here to learn more.
State of Maryland Procurement Database- EMMA is the new E Maryland Marketplace Advantage website for procurement opportunities. You can see contract opportunities and contact instructions to help you get connected to the right people. Click here to learn more.
MDOT Certification– Ever consider doing business with the State of Maryland? If you have plans to grow, the certification process could open up new opportunities for new revenue. Click here to learn more.
Baltimore Demographics- Ever wonder where to find info on demographics in Baltimore? Click here to see this summary by the Census Bureau.
Maryland Wealth- Interested in seeing stats on Maryland’s wealth and its tax revenue for each city and county? Click here to view the report from the Department of Legislative Services Office of Policy Analysis.
Connect with City Leadership- Want to attend a Board of Estimates meeting or Baltimore City Council meeting to hear from our elected officials? Check out the schedule at: http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/complete-calendar
U.S. Economy- Interested in how the U.S. economy is doing? Here is the most current information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov/news/glance
Talk to you next week!
Sincerely,
Will Holmes
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce
Schedule a call with me: https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
Learn about the Chamber: http://www.baltimorecitychamber.org
Do business with me: http://www.whcusa.com