Weekly Messages From The Chair, Sept 20, 2021

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First, tickets are on sale for our 9/30/21 fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness called Raising Our Cups! The Women’s Leadership Committee has planned a fantastic event! DJ! Music! Drinks! Food! Networking! Fun! Please click here to register!  This is going to be a great event but we need your support. I have my tickets! Will you join me and support this great cause?

You can also join the Women’s Leadership Committee on Sept. 23rd to hear speaker Jeanette Kreuzburg discuss marketing strategies for growing your business. She is awesome! Register here for “Digital Marketing Roadmap”.

Second, we are searching for a new Executive Director for the Chamber. This is a full-time, paid position. We are looking for a charismatic leader who can manage a team, build relationships with the business community, conservatively utilize resources, be attentive to detail, communicate effectively and execute the direction set forth by the Board of Directors. If you are interested in learning more, contact Board Member Steve Braun for full details. Please share this with great candidates as we are moving quickly to fill this role.

Third, I am looking for Members to provide the following 3 services to the Chamber: 1. Digital Marketing and Website Maintenance; 2. Membership Retention and Outreach; 3. Sponsorship Management and Fundraising. These would be contracted, paid, 1099 roles that report to the Executive Director. If you have experience, references and want to help us grow in one of these areas, email me.

Fourth, Chamber Member Nadine Hailey will host the 2nd Annual Business Bootcamp from October 18th through 22nd. The 5-Day Bootcamp includes training on how to use effective email marketing, Canva for beginners and pros, getting organized with Trello and Google Workspace. Chamber Members receive $20 off using code: Chamber20. To register, visit Five Winning Tips and Tools for Businesses Registration | Eventbrite.

Fifth, the Baltimore Development Corporation has posted their Baltimore Together report for public comment. This report will serve as the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Baltimore City over the next 5 years. Please comment on the report via the Konveio platform by clicking this link. Anyone can comment on either the full report or on specific sections. Comments will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into the final report. The deadline for public comment is September 30, 2021. This is important! Please review this document!!!

Sixth, our friend Jan Walker-Emeogo at the Maryland Department of Labor has some resources to share:Free Website Development for Nonprofits

• 48in48 is a nonprofit whose mission is to mobilize marketing and technology volunteers to serve nonprofits worldwide.  They will be hosting a Global Virtual Event 2021 from October 1-3, 2021 where they will leverage professional volunteers to build new websites for 48 nonprofits in 48 hours.  I didn’t see an application deadline but I would assume the sooner you apply, the better!  If you run a nonprofit and would like to apply, click here.

Grant Opportunities for Women Business Owners – Ongoing

• WomensNet funds $320,000 worth of women business grants (“Amber” grants) throughout the year. To be considered for their grants, you only need to fill out one application. While we have mentioned this source of funding before, we thought we would bring it up again in case you missed it the first time.  I believe it is a rolling deadline but they do have specific industry grants awarded each month (October: Creative Arts, November: Skin Care and December: Fashion).  Learn more here. 

Grant Opportunity for Women Business Owners – Application Opens Soon

• The Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University has a StartHER Grant Program which helps women business owners—current or aspiring—to undertake new and innovative projects. A total of 25 business owners will be selected to each receive a $5,000 grant.    Applications open on September 24, 2021.  Learn more here.

Networking and Information Sharing Opportunities

• Luminary is a membership-based career and personal growth platform and collaboration hub created to address the systemic challenges impacting women across all industries and sectors. Our very own Institute facilitator, Virginia Nava, is a member and mentioned to me that during the month of September, events offered through Luminary are free.  Check out their calendar here. 

Seventh, Vice Chair Allan Hirsh of Allan Hirsh Advisors is teaming up with Steve Palmer of Transworld to host an incredible event on 9/21/21 called “Leaving Covid Behind and Getting Your Business Ready for Sale.” Click here to contact Allan Hirsh for full details.

Additionally, Vice Chair James Dorf is hosting a Networking Happy Hour at Guilford Brewery in Baltimore on 9/22/21 called “Wine, Friends and Lobster”. Click here to contact James Dorf for full details.

Eighth, coming this October 23, 2021, Ahava Hherouth Productions LLC will be hosting their annual Fashion Show “Ahava’s Kings and Queens of Royalty Fashion Show”. Dress code is Semi-Formal (Royal purple, gold and black) and will be held from 7pm to 12 midnight at a private venue. For more information please email Christina Williams at ahavaproductionllc@gmail.com.

Ninth, Baltimore Community Lending is hiring a Small Business Training Officer to help small business owners prepare loan applications, provide coaching and advising, and help small businesses grow. If you are interested in learning more, click here to view the job posting. Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to: info@kellerproservices.com.

Tenth, Chamber Member Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake (GIC) is proud of their long history devoted to soft skills development for our community members who need it most. In order to ensure the success of these programs, Goodwill depends on partnerships in the business community and organizations that are committed to providing opportunities in various growing industries including healthcare, IT, Cybersecurity, Culinary, Retail Management and more. Employer partners who extend information sessions, internship opportunities and job offers allow our clients to seamlessly bridge into their new career field. Connect with Ray Crawford at rcrawford@goodwillches.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.   

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 or contact us at info@baltimorecitychamber.org.  

 EVENTS

9/21/21
Innovation – Meet the Innovation Professionals Event
Click here to learn more and register. Event flyer here. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

9/21/21
Chamber Member Allan Hirsh of Allan Hirsh Advisors is teaming up with Steve Palmer of Transworld to host an incredible event called “Leaving Covid Behind and Getting Your Business Ready for Sale.” Click here to contact Allan Hirsh for full details.

9/22/21
Wine, Friends and Lobster Networking Event 
Hosted by James Dorf. Contact James for registration.

9/23/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Workshop on Marketing
Speaker: Jeanette Kreuzburg “The Digital Marketing Roadmap: Building a Brand and Bigger Sales”  Register for Digital Marketing Roadmap Event We’ll cover what every small business needs to know to truly leverage the power of social media, email and content marketing.
Quickly build brand authority and generate a consistent stream of leads and sales using this proven system of attraction marketing.

9/30/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser “Raising Our Cups”
DJ. Food. Music. Drinks. Networking. Fun for a great cause!
Click here to register. 

10/7/21
General Membership Meeting and Marketing Panel
Please make plans to attend our General Membership Meeting on 10/7/2021. We’ll discuss new initiatives and new opportunities to grow your business. Plus, we’ll have a panel discussion on how to refine your marketing and maximize your networking. Our Panelists include James Dorf,  Allan Hirsh, Grant McCartney and more. This is a free, online event open to all. Click here to register. Click here to register.

10/15/21
Chamber Member Teniola Akinwuntan of The Women of Valor is hosting a fundraising event at the AMC Owings Mills, Baltimore, between 9am and 12 noon. The event is called “Impacting 300 Women of Color for Life and Living.” The purpose is to activate 300 Women of Color for greater success. Kindly use this link to support this program and participate in this empowering mission. http://thewov.org/activate300.

10/15/21
Innovation Day 2021
Click here to learn more and register. Event program here. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

10/23/21
Coming this October 23, 2021, Ahava Hherouth Productions LLC will be hosting their annual Fashion Show “Ahava’s Kings and Queens of Royalty Fashion Show”. Dress code is Semi-Formal (Royal purple, gold and black) and will be held from 7-12 midnight located at a private venue. For more information please email Christina Williams at ahavaproductionllc@gmail.com.

12/9/21
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party 
Save the date! 

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OFFERS 

Website Improvement
Chamber Member Victoria Dials of DialsWeb, a behavioral and market research-driven web design agency, is offering its free “The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research for SEO Beginners”. Using non-technical language and real-world examples, it provides step-by-step instructions for strategy, planning and conducting keyword research. Download the guide at dialsweb.com

Oncology Massage
Chamber Member Oncology Spa, located at 1546 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD is a welcoming space that provides massage and facial services to cancer patients, survivors and the general public. We are pleased to announce that Oncology Spa and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join this lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Schedule your appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and enter oncologyspabycpc, or contact Latia Parker at 410-696-3900.

RFPs from Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County has some exciting new RFPs for you to review. If you can recruit drivers, or remove snow and ice, or if you are an architectural precast concrete professional, please contact Elisa Brown for full details on these active RFPs!!! Her email is phbrown22@aacounty.org.

Coaching & Consulting
Chamber Member Dr. Rhonda Farrell, CEO of Global Innovation Strategies is fielding a new program called “You 2.0“. Break through your Money Mindset blocks, more strongly align your Brand, and Hone your Super Niche focus. Additionally, she offers many other service packages to 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

Launch a Vending Machine Business
Chamber Member Giants Vending Solutions has launched an e-book called “The G Print: A Guide For Launching Your Vending Machine Business.” This digital blueprint will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to launch and maintain a profitable vending machine business. The e-book can be purchased here: https://sowl.co/buafp8

Commercial Loans
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.

Employee Tax Credit 
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.

Savings on Energy Bill
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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