Weekly Message From The Chair, March 15, 2021

Message #11- 3/15/21

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

In this week’s message, you will find:

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FEATURED EVENT: 
Worried about the economy? Get updates on Relief Options and Maryland’s Economic Future from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot on April 8th. Free Registration at https://whc.as.me/franchot. Special thanks to Board Member James Dorf for his leadership in creating this opportunity to partner with the Office of the Comptroller.
Here are 10 things you should know:

First, you are invited to join us on April 8th at 6pm for a discussion with Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. Receive updates on Relief Options and Maryland’s Economic Future. Free Registration at https://whc.as.me/franchot. Special thanks to Board Member James Dorf for his leadership in creating this opportunity to partner with the Office of the Comptroller.

Second, please join the Women’s Leadership Initiative on March 18th 2021 at 6:15pm for “3 Keys to Break the Stuck and Catapult Your Business and Life”. Speaker: Felicia Searcy. RSVP here.

Third, Chamber Member, Colette Colclough is hosting the 2021 Women’s Leadership Forum on March 18th. The Women’s Leadership Forum is looking FORWARD to welcoming national White House correspondent and author, April Ryan. Join the conversation as they discuss 2021 and the future of women. Register for the virtual event at Forwardwlf.org.

Fourth, join us this Thursday for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Open House at 6:30pm! Learn how this program has helped over 10,000 business owners nationwide add jobs and grow revenue. Click here to register! You can also schedule a one-on-one call to discuss how this program can help your business.

FifthJim Peterson is the Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager for M&T Bank. In that role he focuses on owner occupied and investment commercial real estate purchases and refinances, start up financing (M&T is the #1 SBA Lender in the Mid-Atlantic), equipment purchases, working capital lines of credit, general deposit services, treasury management and merchant services. Join him on March 17th for a discussion on building your startup. Click to learn more.

Sixth, March is traditionally Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, where highlighted attention is given by media, champions and health allies regarding the importance of timely CRC screenings with an urge to talk with a medical professional about a screening that is appropriate for their situation. Will you light  your building to be lit blue in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness to join the American Cancer Society, Colon Cancer Coalition, Fight Colorectal Cancer, the colorectal cancer community, and landmarks across the country to “Go Blue” anytime throughout March. We hope you will support colorectal cancer awareness as well, as colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Please send a photo of your establishment lit up blue to Christine.Schifkovitz@cancer.org to be included in social media outreach and press releases.

Seventh, Morgan State University’s Baltimore Means Business program is looking for sponsors for its upcoming cohort. The 7 week online program has been very successful in developing and graduating over 60 business owners since October 2020. Contact Program Director Nicholas Fletcher at nicholas.fletcher@morgan.edu to discuss the benefits for your organization.

Eighth, does your nonprofit want to raise money AND promote cleaner air? CleanChoice Energy is seeking active 501(c)(3) organizations for the new Clean Electricity fundraising program. For each household that enrolls in 100% Clean Electricity through their campaign, CleanChoice will donate $50 to your organization. Email kathleen.wojtowicz@cleanchoiceenergy.com to learn more about this fundraising opportunity.

Ninth, are you interested in hosting a Chamber event either virtually or in person post covid? Send me a message at will@whcusa.com.

Tenth, we are nearing our goal! Will you be the 400th Member??? Join or renew today at baltimorecitychamber.org.

Keep reading for this week’s OffersLoans and GrantsJobs and Events

If you are an active Baltimore City Chamber Member and you have a special offer for our Members, or if you would like to discuss Membership, schedule a call with Will Holmes at https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber.


OFFERS 

Web Design
Chamber Member, Wayne Stewart is offering special pricing for all current Chamber Members. 25% OFF ALL WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. If you are interested in this great offer, schedule your free consultation by contacting Wayne directly. His website is www.sdagency.net.

Meditation
Chamber Member, Kadampa Meditation Center-Maryland welcomes Members to a complimentary meditation and special offer. Baltimore’s only Buddhist Temple offers ancient wisdom and practical tools for taking on today’s challenges. Click here to learn more and register.

Marketing, Videography and Photography
Chamber Member, Vonnya Pettigrew, Owner of Root Branch Media Group has a new office and studio on Union Avenue in the Clipper Mill area! Please contact her for Chamber Member specials on media marketing, videography and photography services at VONNYA@rootbranchmediagroup.com. Learn more at https://rootbranchmediagroup.com/.

Workforce Development 
Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) offers customized courses to meet the workforce development and/or training needs of Maryland employers. The benefits of partnering with MSU’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies are numerous: MSU is the premier public Urban University in the state of Maryland, MSU has a well-credentialed faculty; MSU offers services that are cost-effective and CCPS has nearly 60 years of experience offering non-credit, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs), professional development opportunities, customized workshops, and institutes for adult learners. To partner with us, please click here.

Career Training and Professional Development
Morgan State University is equipped to offer online learning convenient training solutions for businesses. Our catalog of over 300 online courses will allow you to provide training solutions to employees quickly and effectively as they learn on their own and in their preferred learning environment. Our six-week online courses are designed to teach individuals valuable skills that they can apply immediately on the job. Explore the full catalog here.

Need Medical Insurance?
Chamber Member, George Faber can help you find suitable affordable medical coverage, critical illness, short term disability, dental and more!  Whether obtaining a health plan is your financial responsibility or you want to supplement an existing plan to protect your savings and family, send George a message at George.Faber@USHAdvisors.com or call (443) 474 4800. Immediate quotes provided! 

LOANS AND GRANTS
Latino Economic Development Center
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), LEDC provides alternative micro loan options to start-ups and existing businesses that have difficulty obtaining credit from mainstream financial institutions. We offer loans ranging from $500 to $250,000 to qualified start-ups and existing businesses. Uses capital include: Vehicles & equipment; Renovation or business expansion; Working capital; Hiring additional personnel; Inventory; Bridge financing for government grants; Expansion to new locations; and Business acquisition. Our loan officers are trained to access each transaction beyond traditional credit underwriting guidelines. At LEDC, we believe in the unleashing power of economic fairness and access to opportunity to all. Learn more at https://www.ledcmetro.org/smallbusiness.

Baltimore Community Lending
Baltimore Community Lending provides loan capital to small real estate developers and small business owners in Baltimore City who have no relationship with or are unable to get a loan from a bank, and who are committed to developing underserved neighborhoods. They work with the government, foundations, financial institutions, community stakeholders, anchor institutions, and small business owners early in the planning process to provide small-to-mid size capital solutions leading to a more diverse and economically balanced Baltimore. Learn more about Baltimore Community Lending’s programs at https://bclending.org/.

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

Looking for Talent?
If you are looking for the right person with the right skill sets and experience, contact Chamber Member, Steve Braun of Search Consultants at sbraun@searchconsultants.org.

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.

EVENTS

3/18- 3/20/21
Women’s Leadership Forum

Chamber Member, Colette Colclough is hosting the 2021 Women’s Leadership Forum. The Women’s Leadership Forum is looking FORWARD to welcoming national White House correspondent and author, April Ryan. Join the conversation as we discuss 2021 and the future of women. Register for the virtual event at Forwardwlf.org.

3/18/21 at 6:15pm
Women’s Leadership Initiative

Join the Women’s Leadership Initiative on March 18th 2021 at  6:15pm for “3 Keys to Break the Stuck and Catapult Your Business and Life”. Speaker: Felicia Searcy. RSVP here.

3/18/21 at 6:30pm
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Open House 

Join us for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Open House at 6:30pm! Learn how this program has helped over 10,000 business owners nationwide add jobs and grow revenue. Click here to register! You can also schedule a one-on-one call to discuss how this program can help your business.

4/1/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting

This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.

4/8/21 at 6pm
Economic Update with Comptroller Peter Franchot
You are invited to join us on April 8th at 6pm for a discussion with Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. Receive updates on Relief Options and Maryland’s Economic Future. Free Registration at https://whc.as.me/franchot.

5/6/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting

This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.

5/13/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber Virtual Happy Hour

Connect and meet with Chamber Members every 2nd Thursday! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes, so be ready to celebrate and network. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.

6/3/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting

This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.

6/10/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber Virtual Happy Hour

Connect and meet with Chamber Members every 2nd Thursday! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes, so be ready to celebrate and network. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.


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
 Management and Tech Consulting: http://www.whcusa.com 
One-on-One Coaching: http:www.whcusa.com/coaching
 Check out my podcast: http://www.anchor.fm/whcusa