Weekly Messages From The Chair, June 28, 2021

Message #29- 6/28/21

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

In this week’s message, you will find:

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Register here.
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Here are 10 things you should know:

First, Summer in the City is back on 7/23/21!!! You can expect music, networking, food, drinks and free parking at the McHenry Row Marriott. I am hosting and we’ll be celebrating on the outside patio. We have limited tickets and a few remaining vendor table opportunities. Don’t miss out! Click here to register.

Second, our July General Membership Meeting is this Thursday, July 1st at 6pm! We’ll discuss upcoming events, hear from the committees and share resources. Click here to register. This event is open to all!

Third, on September 9th at 6pm, I have the honor of hosting an online discussion with the Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott. We will discuss expectations for 2021, 2022 and resources planned for business owners. Would you like to ask the Mayor questions? Click here to registerFourth, learn how the WOSB Federal Contracting Program can help you grow your small business. The date for the webinar is July 7, 2021 at 10am. The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program provides equal access to federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSB) and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSB). Click here to view the webinar and click here to contact Tonia if you have any questions.

Fifth, learn about GSA Schedules and government contracting on July 21st at 10am. This SBA workshop will give attendees a basic understanding of how to do business with General Service Administration (GSA). GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, offering billions of dollars worth of products, services, and facilities that federal agencies need to serve the public. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of GSA’s procurement process and the agency’s commitment to increasing small business utilization. Click here to view the webinar and click here to contact Tonia if you have any questions.

Sixth, 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 donation and list your company name.

Seventh, Chamber Member Dr. Rhonda Farrell is hosting an exciting series of innovation mentoring events over the next few months. I have listed them in the Events section below. You can click here to contact her with questions and to learn how you can get involved.

Eighth, if you missed our virtual meet and greet with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s new Executive Director, Terri Freeman, watch the recording here.

Ninth, I am looking for new Board Members and Committee 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.

Tenth, 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.

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

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

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

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 Initiative 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.

9/30/21
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 

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.

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