Weekly Messages From The Chair, June 14, 2021

Message #22- 6/14/21

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

In this week’s message, you will find:

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Here are 10 things you should know:

First, if your accounting is not in order, or if you owe taxes, have trouble with pricing, or if you’re not profitable, you should attend the “Where the Money Resides” webinar with Accountant Kimberly Royster. Register here for the 6/17 interactive event. Kimberly has served large, small and growing businesses for over a decade. The event is brought to you by the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Initiative

Second, on June 23rd at 6pm, we will have a virtual meet and greet with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s new Executive Director, Terri Freeman. We’ll discuss upcoming initiatives, the Museum’s Fall Gala and opportunities for you to become more involved in the museum’s mission. Free to all! Register here.

Third, the American Cancer Society funds research to better understand and address cancer disparities and inequities for LGBTQ+ people because everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. For more information on addressing health disparities, visit https://www.cancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/health-equity.html.Fourth, we are in the early stages of partnering with Baltimore City Public Schools to create a system for connecting mentors, employers and resources to high school and middle school students. Ideally, we want to influence the curriculum so that students are taught concepts and skills that will help them to start businesses in their communities and compete and qualify for better paying jobs. If you are interested in participating, stay tuned for more info as we plan how this will work. If you have ideas and want to put in time to help with planning and execution, contact me for more information.

Fifth, I want to rebuild our Events Committee. If you enjoy planning events, making the attendees feel special and you have the time to put in a few hours each month, contact me for more information.

Sixth, I am looking for new Board Members. Ideally, you want to make the Baltimore business community better and you have the time to help us grow and promote the Chamber. Contact me for more information.

Seventh, I highly recommend touring Avalon 555 in Harbor East if you want to wake up to beautiful views of the harbor at an affordable rate. It feels like a resort/ nice hotel with concierge service, a rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, secured parking and all the best restaurants and shops within walking distance. Plus, everything is brand new. Tell Jelani Walker you are a Chamber Member and Chairman Will Holmes referred you. Contact Jelani at jelani_walker@avalonbay.com.

Eighth, we are planning an interactive session after September’s General Membership Meeting. We will discuss the latest in marketing techniques to reach your target customers. If you are a marketing guru and an active Member, contact me. I am looking for panelists for the evening of 9/2/21.

NinthSummer in the City is back on 7/23/21!!! You can expect music, networking, food, drinks and free parking at the McHenry Row Marriott. Save the date! I am hosting and we’ll be celebrating on the outside patio. Stay tuned. We’ll have limited tickets and the theme color for the event is green. Be ready!

Tenth, 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

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

6/17/21 
Accountant Kimberly Royster will discuss what you need to know about your financial statements and the new tax laws so you can maximize your profits and avoid trouble. Click here to learn more and register.

6/19/21
Chamber Member Michelle Godfrey is opening her new real estate brokerage on June 19th! Stop by between 1pm and 3pm at Kencot Realty 4808 1/2 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21214. Phone: 410-891-2090. Congratulations Michelle! We love seeing our Members grow!

6/19-6/20/21
Father’s Day Specials 

Chamber Member Wellness Today Spa is offering Father’s Day Packages!!! Who said the spa is just for the ladies??? Food, Drinks & Relaxation! Who can ask for anything more? Book the Man of the Hour or King for the Day! Click here to learn more.

6/23/21 at 6pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Virtual Meet and Greet 

On June 23rd at 6pm, we will have a virtual meet and greet with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s new Executive Director, Terri Freeman. We’ll discuss upcoming initiatives, the Museum’s Fall Gala and opportunities for you to become more involved in the museum’s mission. Free to all! Click here to register!

6/24/21
Tour Luxury Apartments 

Chamber Member Northrop Realty invites you to come enjoy the evening of 6/24/21 touring urban luxury apartments in downtown Baltimore across from Penn Station. Meet the community, event sponsors and build new business relationships. Attendees have a chance to win a door prize. Click here to register and learn more!

7/1/21 at 6pm
July General Membership Meeting 

Open to all. Learn about the newest from the Chamber. Click here to register.

7/23/21 | 5pm to 8pm
July Summer In The City
McHenry Row Marriott. Free parking. Food and drinks included with ticket. Save the date! Registration details coming soon!

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. Save the date.

9/9/21 at 6pm 
Baltimore 2022 and Beyond with Mayor Brandon Scott
Online event. Save the date! Registration information coming soon.

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

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

Save the date!

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

Save the date! 


OFFERS 

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.

Low Interest Loans
The Maryland Minority Women Owned Business program provides loans administered by state video lottery terminal program fund managers. In Baltimore, the Meridian Management Group (MMG) is still accepting applications for this loan program that offers up to $50,000 at 0% interest in year 1 and 2% interest in years 2 through 5. Find the application here: https://mmgcapitalgroup.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Combined-App.pdf. You can also check out updates for Business Owners on the SBA Restaurant Relief Fund. For complete info, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund

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