Weekly Messages From The Chair, July 19, 2021

Message #32- 7/19/21

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

In this week’s message, you will find:

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Are you looking for a support system to help you grow or are you interested in doing business in Baltimore? Join the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce.

Register here.
Here are 10 things you should know:

First, thank you to everyone who purchased their tickets to our Summer in the City networking event happening this Friday, 7/23/21. We have 4 tickets left. Click here to register. I’d like to acknowledge our event Sponsors: Shana Beach of Chase Street Accessories and Engraving; Andrew Morsberger of MinuteMan Press; and Paul Mondesire of SuperPedestrian. Without them, events like this would not be possible! Please check out the links to their websites! I look forward to seeing you all on Friday! No tickets will be sold at the door.

Second, over the next few weeks I’ll announce our new Vice Chairs, Executive Committee Members and Committee Chairs. These individuals will help me lead this organization into the new year and prepare a stronger foundation for our continued growth. The Board has asked me to extend my term, so I will be using this additional time to prepare for exponential growth and put the team in place that will continue to provide value to Baltimore. If you want to be a part of this growth and you haven’t joined yet, now is the time.

Third, I’d like to highlight Chamber Member Meridian Management Group. MMG was tasked with lending $12.5 million in COVID-19 Relief Loan Funds to businesses in the region. And they did it in 10 months!!! MMG tries to say YES to small businesses who need funding. If you need funding, contact Tim Smoot at tim.smoot@mmgcapitalgroup.com.

Fourth, as a member of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, you’re invited to enroll in Constellation’s Energy Shift Challenge* where you can earn prizes and compete against other Marylanders to see who can save the most energy! The Energy Shift Challenge is a game that rewards Constellation customers who shift their energy use from peak hours to off-peak hours. Those who enroll and use less than 23 percent of their energy usage during peak hours, on average, per month, receive points that can be redeemed in our Rewards Store for prizes like smart home devices, fitness products and more. There are no penalties for using your energy normally, but you could be a winner if you use it wisely. Click here to learn more.

Fifth, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is hosting an event on 7/22/21 called Open For Business with a focus on the hospitality industry. Click here to learn more.

Sixth, our friend Janice Walker-Emeogo from the Maryland Department of Labor shared these resources:

  • Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator – is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. Opportunity to apply for grants up to $10,000.  Applications close on July 29, 2021. For more info, click here.
  • P5 Pitch Competition Series for Female Founders – Submit your business for a chance to pitch live at quarterly virtual pitch competitions and compete for a $5,000 cash prize! Winners of the virtual competitions will have the opportunity to pitch in-person, live to a celebrity panel of judges at the annual P5 Women’s Summit, August 15-17, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin for a chance to win over $20,000 in cash and prizes!  Learn more here.

Seventh, have you heard about Project Restore? Through Project Restore, the Department of Housing and Community Development will offer rental grants and sales tax relief rebates to help offset startup costs and incentivize commercial investment in vacant spaces. Businesses that begin new or expanded operations in spaces that have not been generating sales tax receipts for the past six months or more will be eligible for the program. Small businesses of 50 or fewer employees will be eligible for additional benefits. Click here to learn more.

Eighth, on September 9th at 6pm, I have the honor of hosting an online discussion with the Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott. Would you like to ask the Mayor a few questions? Click here to register!

Ninth, we are raising money to fight breast cancer! If you would like to support the Chamber’s efforts in the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign, please click here to make a $25 donation and list your company’s name.

Tenth, I am recruiting for our Committees. In particular, I am recruiting accountants and bookkeepers for our Finance Committee to ensure that our books are in order. I am recruiting creative people for our Events Committee who want to plan experiences for our Members and make connections with venues. I am recruiting charismatic people for our Membership Committee who want to build relationships with business owners in Baltimore. Participation would require about 1 to 4 volunteer hours per month via phone, email or in-person at our events. Interested? Schedule a call with me to discuss.

We have listed some great opportunities below! Keep reading for this week’s Events and Offers

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.


EVENTS

7/22/21
ASQ Innovation Next Gen Leader Spark Session 

Click here to learn more and register. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

7/23/21 | 5pm to 8pm
July Summer In The City
McHenry Row Marriott. Free parking. Food and drinks included with ticket. Register here.

8/17/21
ASQ Innovation Next Gen Leader Spark Session 

Click here to learn more and register. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

9/2/21
General Membership Meeting and Marketing Panel

After our General Membership Meeting, we will have a panel of marketing gurus share innovative techniques for improving client conversion. Click here to register.

9/9/21 at 6pm 
Baltimore 2022 and Beyond with Mayor Brandon Scott
Online event. Register here.

9/16/21 at 6:15pm 
Women’s Leadership Committee Event
“Unleashing the Power of Purpose to Drive Your Life and Work”. Speaker: Ms. Luciana Paulise. RSVP here.

9/21/21
ASQ Innovation Next Gen Leader Mentoring Session 

Click here to learn more and register. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

9/23/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Workshop on Marketing

Save the date!

9/30/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

Save the date!

10/1/21
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is accepting applicants for the next cohort!  You must be in business for 2 years and have at least 2 people (including you) on your team. Apply for this free program at www.10ksbapply.com/baltimore.

12/9/21
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party 

Save the date! 


OFFERS 

Bookkeeping and Accounting 
Chamber Member Adaptive Business Solutions is known for providing knowledgeable advice, insightful analysis, systemization, and strategic planning services through exceptional and comprehensive bookkeeping services, supported by top-notch coaching and education. These services provide clarity and foresight for their clients in managing their business. As a Chamber Member you can receive a 20% discount for 6 months in your bookkeeping services. Ready to sign up? Contact Adaptive at https://calendly.com/adaptivecon/30min?month=2021-06.

Real Estate Investment
Chamber Member Leann Blanchard, President of Zirkamax connects investors, developers, and buyers and sellers of property. She has some great ways to help you make passive income this year, so please contact her at leeannblanchard@zirkamax.com. Plus, she wants to start some small networking meetings in Baltimore, so please contact her if that interests you as well.

Employee Retention Tax Credits
Has your business been impacted by COVID 19? Were you shutdown or partially shutdown? Did your revenue drop when COVID hit? If you answered yes to any of the questions above book your session and find out how we can get you up to $5k for each employee from the IRS! Not a loan…Nothing to pay back!!! Book an appointment with Nina Love to learn more about Employee Retention Tax Credits.

Coaching
Chamber Member Dr. Rhonda Farrell, CEO of Global Innovation Strategies is fielding a new program called “The Millionaire Mindset”. Break through your Money Blockages, Own your Inner Business Archetype, and Hone your Super Niche population. She’ll get you into action, generating income, and nailing your business outcomes! Schedule a FREE consult with Dr. Rhonda today or take action now and start your program tomorrow! https://www.gblinnovstratllc.com/thrive

American Red Cross
Though it has been 140 years since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, the need to alleviate human suffering hasn’t changed. Volunteers continue to come together in innovative ways to serve and give hope during life’s emergencies. Volunteers continue to bring their talent and compassion to help build stronger and more resilient communities. Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Need Help with Certifications? 
Do you need help applying for your local, state and federal certifications for your small business? The Baltimore City Chamber offers affordable services to help you apply for the certifications you need to compete for contracts. Contact Executive Director William Honablew, Jr. at info@baltimorecitychamber.org for full details and pricing.

For MDOT Certified Businesses 
MDOT certified businesses should learn more about the new Business Development Reimbursement Program. The BDRP is a DBE supportive service, with the goal of increasing the number of State Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms serving as prime contractors and subcontractors on federally funded contracts. The objective is to assist MDOT Certified DBE firms in increasing their competency and business capacity. Questions? Contact Lisa RS Grant, CCA, Manager, Disadvantaged Minority Business Enterprise Programs, at 410-545-0317 or lgrant2@mdot.maryland.gov.

IT Services
Chamber Member Wayne S. Stewart has an offer for state certified Minority Business Owners. Do you need help with your IT services? Wayne is offering 25% off  web design and development services to all state certified Minority Business Owners. This offer will expire Friday, May 30th. For more information please leave your contact information at this link https://sdagency.net/contact-us or e-mail Wayne at wstewart@sdagency.net.

Life Insurance 
Chamber Member John Gourdin is available to answer your questions regarding life insurance. Remember, life insurance is something you have to own before you need it. Get a free quote and approval online in less than 20 minutes. NO sales pitches. NO physicals. You can be covered TODAY. Visit www.samdlife.com.

Having a Special Event?
Backyard Movie Theaters LLC is here to make your next event movie ready and memorable. You bring the crowd, and we’ll bring the big screen, HD projector, popcorn machine, lounge chairs, inflatable rooms, streaming access, and more. Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia. Give us a call (410-419-3229) and upgrade your event.

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.

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! 

Fundraising Opportunity for Non-Profits
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.


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 
Check out my podcast: http://www.anchor.fm/whcusa