Weekly Messages From The Chair, July 26, 2021

Message #33- 7/26/21

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 of professionals and resources coordinated to help you grow? Are you interested in doing more business in Baltimore?  If yes, you should join the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce.

Register here.


Here are 10 things you should know:

First, thank you to everyone who attended Summer in the City!!! I’d like to acknowledge our event Sponsors: Shana Beach of Chase Street Accessories and Engraving; Andrew Morsberger of MinuteMan Press; Paul Mondesire of SuperPedestrian and Nassau Barnes of 98 Rock. They all gave great presentations and handled out some incredible swag!!! Ms. Kate O’Neil represented the Women’s Leadership Committee and our new Finance Committee Chair, Kimberly Royster talked about her plans to strengthen our budget. I’d also like to thank Ms. Jacqueline Hanna and her team at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown McHenry Row. The evening went flawlessly as the bartenders quickly and efficiently took orders and the drinks and food were delicious. We had a sold-out event where everyone could network safely, in-doors or outside, enjoying light music and great conversation. Thank you all for being part of a beautiful evening!

Note: In August, we won’t host any events and I will be on vacation for part of the month. However, if you have any concerns, please contact our office at info@baltimorecitychamber.org.

Second, I am proud to announce our new Vice Chairs, James Dorf and Allan Hirsh. James will help me develop our Membership, Retention, Public Policy and Events Committees. Allan will help me develop our Finance and Sponsorship Committees and work with our Executive Director to strengthen our Technical Assistance programs. The Board has asked me to extend my term into 2022 and I am very excited to have James and Allan onboard to help me build a strong foundation for our next Chair and push toward our goal of 500+ Active Members.

Third, on September 9th at 6pm, we have the honor of hosting an online discussion with the Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott. This is our next big event, so I need your support. We’ll discuss opportunities and resources for Business Owners and we’ll have Q&A with the Mayor. This event is open to all, but it is important that every Member registers. Click here to register!

Fourth, if a penny saved is a penny earned, what if you are saving $100 bills? How much FREE money could your business use to bring on qualified employees? The Maryland Employment Network can show you how to find qualified employees and potentially earn more than $12K in tax credits for each new hire! Contact Deborah Zipkin Temple at the The Maryland Employment Network. Phone: 443-499-6882 | Email: dtemple@ticket2workmd.org.

Fifth, every week, dozens of Business Owners contact me asking for referrals to various services. “Hey Will, do you know someone who can help with this?” I love helping people. So, I automated the process of connecting business owners to accountants, bookkeepers, attorneys, consultants, coaches, lenders, marketing professionals, training programs and web designers. Click here to get connected. If you’d like to be a person I refer Business Owners to, click here.

Sixth, I’d like to congratulate Chamber Member Shana Beach of Chase Street Accessories and Engraving on being recognized as a Reader’s Choice Award Winner by the Baltimore Sun. Shana’s team designs and creates the Chamber’s awards and some of our swag and I have used her services on numerous occasions. She is a savvy business person and pretty cool too. If you are looking for interesting and unique ways to recognize your team and create interesting marketing pieces, I highly recommend her work. Visit their website today.

Seventh, 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.

Eighth, I am working with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program to recruit Baltimore Business Owners. The program is free and has helped over 10,000 companies increase revenue, add jobs and have a positive impact on their communities. If your business is in Baltimore you are encouraged to apply today at www.10ksbapply.com/baltimore. If you are Goldman Sachs 10kSB Alumni, please help me identify great Baltimore Businesses Owners who you know would find value in this opportunity to grow.

Ninth, on September 30th, the Women’s Leadership Committee will host a fundraiser for our Real Men Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. If you’d like to participate in planning, hosting or fundraising, click here to contact our WLC Chair, Brenda Kwateng. If you would like to support the Chamber’s efforts in the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign, please click here to make a donation and list your company’s name.

Tenth, 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.

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

7/28/21
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.

7/29/21
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.

8/15/21
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

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