Well - we did it! We officially survived our move and have transitioned seamlessly into our new space in the Professional Arts Building at 1 South Potomac Street. A warm thank you to ALL who attended our open house & ribbon cutting this month on the 15th! Check out some great photos HERE.

As we coast into the holiday season, please note that the Chamber offices will be closed this Thursday & Friday, November 23rd and 24th. 

We hope to see you again at our next event in December, the Pre-Legislative Forum, a breakfast event December 5th, presented by AT&T.  It's a valuable chance to sit with your Maryland Delegation and ask questions or express concerns as they head into this Winter's season in Annapolis. REGISTER HERE!

We also have two new additions to our Chamber staff! Helping us to bring new members to our Chamber, we're glad to welcome Josh Tinelli and Tammy Brinkley! 

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving,
             
Your Chamber Team!
In This Issue
Welcome Our New Members
Give a Warm Welcome to Some New Faces in Our Membership!
 
9176 Red Branch Road
Columbia, MD
410-995-1220

Hagerstown, MD
Martinsburg, WV
304-268-5511

108 Railway Lane
Hagerstown, MD
240-291-1562

82 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD
301-736-1013

22 N. Mulberry Street, Suite 011
Hagerstown, MD
240-291-1631

The House of Hair
231 W. Howard St.
Hagerstown, MD
301-739-7788

Perry Funding, LLC
Hagerstown, MD
301-791-0707 ext. 200

133 E. Franklin St.
Hagerstown, MD
240-347-3330

17301 Valley Mall Rd.
Hagerstown, MD
301-582-6278

12009 Margaret Drive
Hagerstown, MD
301-745-3700
Members Making News
Find Out What's New with Some of Our Members! 

Lasting Change Earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation 

The W House dba Lasting Change has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Housing: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions programs.  This is the first accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Lasting Change.
By pursuing and achieving accreditation, Lasting Change has demonstrated that it meets international standards for quality and is committed to pursuing excellence.
This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows our organization's substantial conformance to the CARF standards.  An organization receiving the Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process.  It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. 



HCC Names Warner as Interim President

The Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees today (November 21st) approved the appointment of David Warner, HCC vice president of academic affairs and student services, to serve as the interim president when current President Guy Altieri retires on December 31. Warner will serve in that role until a replacement is named, later in 2018.

"The Board is pleased that Dr. Warner has accepted the role of interim president, beginning January 1, 2018, while the college conducts a nationwide search for the college's next president," said Austin Abraham, HCC board chair. "Dr. Warner's extensive experience at HCC, including most recently as vice president, and his experience as the executive director of USMH will serve the college well during this transition period."

Abraham also announced that the board has selected the Association of Community College Trustees to assist with the presidential search process. ACCT's assistance will include providing support with the development of the presidential profile, recruiting highly competitive candidates, and working with the board of trustees. ACCT has conducted over 00 community college searches nationwide.

An essential step in the presidential search process is the development of a presidential profile. On Tuesday, December 5, HCC will host a series of public forums to provide an opportunity for the college community and the public to participate in a wide-ranging discussion about the qualities, characteristics, and qualifications desired for the next president, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing HCC in the years to come.

The board is working to finalize the membership of the Presidential Search Screening Committee. The group will be chaired by longtime HCC trustee Carolyn Brooks, who has been on the board since 1993 and served as vice-chair for nine years and chair for three years. The committee will consist of two additional trustees, Greg Snook and John Williamson; two faculty members; two administrators; one non-exempt staff member; one HCC Foundation member; one Washington County Chamber of Commerce member; one Washington County Public Schools representative; and one representative from Washington County government. The screening committee will review applications, interview semifinalist candidates, and forward the names of the final candidates to the board of trustees. 

Warner has nearly 25 years of experience at HCC. He served as a faculty member from 1986 to 2000, division chair from 2000 to 2003, director of instruction from 2003 to 2004, and has been a vice president since 2011. He served as the executive director of the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown from 2004 to 2011. He holds a doctoral degree in community college education from Virginia Tech, a master's degree from Towson University, and a bachelor's degree from Shepherd University.

Altieri has served as HCC's third president since 2002, following Norman Shea who served from 1986 to 2002, and Atlee Kepler who was the college's first president, from 1961 to 1986. 

Information about the presidential search process, selection committee, and timeline will be posted on HCC's website (www.hagerstowncc.edu) in December.



"A Christmas Carol" Running Through December at Playhouse

 
"A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas" comes to The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater stage.  Return to Victorian England for the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation and redemption following visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. 

Performances, preceded by a buffet dinner, are held Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00PM and select Sundays at 1:00PM.  Dates run through December 23rd.

To purchase tickets, visit WashingtonCountyPlayhouse.com or call 301-739-7469.


Community Foundation Presents 18th Annual People's Choice Awards

Pictured above: Jackie Fouche; Sam Buhrman; Tom Kline, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County; Jim Zuna, Board President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County; & Deb Cohill

The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. held its 18th annual People's Choice Awards dinner last night at the Kerfoot Refectory at Saint James School. This yearly event celebrates the good work of the Foundation as well as recipients of four awards: Nonprofit Shining Star, PCA Nonprofit, Rising Star and PCA Volunteer. These awards recognize individuals and nonprofits in the community who have made a difference in Washington County by giving generously of their time and talents to make it a better place. In addition to honoring these individuals and nonprofit organizations, the Community Foundation will establish a $5,000 endowment fund in recognition of the PCA Nonprofit and PCA Volunteer winners, and make a contribution to the Nonprofit Shining Star's organization and the Young Philanthropist's Fund in honor of the Rising Star winner.

The winners of this year's People's Choice Awards are as follows:

Nonprofit Shining Star Award
Deb Cohill received this year's Nonprofit Shining Star Award based on her engagement in the community and the advancements she has made at Interfaith Service Coalition of Hancock, MD. Interfaith is a cooperative effort between churches of the greater Hancock area that coordinates community outreach and support in times of need or emergency. Deb has served as executive director since 1998. She runs Interfaith's food bank and second hand store, deals with energy needs and rent delinquencies, aids in literacy programming, operates a home for disaster victims, helps special needs youth with employment, coordinates youth dances and pool parties with alcohol and drug awareness messages and runs a summer adventure camp for needy children. Deb also organizes many local events, such as the Christmas Tree lighting and National Night Out for police. "Our community is so much richer with Debbie's leadership and would be truly lost without it. Her dedication and dreams and commitment to helping others has made Interfaith part of the lifeblood of our community. Services that would never have been realized by existing county organizations, due to our remote location, are shared on a daily basis for so many who suffer and need," said Dan Murphy.

People's Choice Nonprofit Award
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, MD (BBBS) is this year's recipient of the People's Choice Nonprofit Award. Over the past few years, the organization has seen a 14% growth in the number of kids served due to strategic volunteer recruitment, which has averaged 34 new volunteer applications a year. BBBS also created several successful volunteer recruitment partnerships with Hub Labels, First Data and Springfield Middle School. Over the past year, BBBS has updated their policies and procedures to maximize the impact of one-to-one mentoring relationships by providing a more informative pre-match orientation and training for Bigs, Littles and parents to better clarify their roles and responsibilities. In addition, they implemented a more formal process for setting goals for the match, and strengthened the ongoing match support to enhance the attainment of their goals and ensure child safety. These changes have improved the service provision and helped BBBS better fulfill their mission. They have also increased their fundraising efforts by implementing new strategies in their overall development plan. Their Bowl for Kids' Sake has grown over the past five years, raising more than $90,000 the past two years.  
 
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award honors someone aged 25-40 who demonstrates a commitment to the Washington County community through volunteer service and financial support.This year's Rising Star winner Sam Buhrman supports many local organizations. As a graduate of Leadership Washington County's (LWC) Class 28 (Class of 2015), Sam serves as co-chairman of the alumni committee and helped raise substantial funds for LWC's 30th Anniversary. He has contributed financially to LWC on both a personal level and as a sponsor on behalf of Orrstown Bank. Sam is also an active member of the United Way of Washington County Campaign Committee and serves on the Family Healthcare of Hagerstown Board. He volunteers for many events, such as the Discovery Station Superhero 5k and the Hagerstown-Washington County CVB Fireball Run. Sam graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a marketing degree. He works at Orrstown Bank in Hagerstown as the branch executive officer. "The Washington County community is lucky to have Sam as a volunteer of his time and a financial supporter of several local nonprofits. His service, both financially and as a volunteer, is invaluable to the LWC organization," said Kelsey Lorman.

People's Choice Volunteer Award
The People's Choice Volunteer Award recognizes one individual in the community who gives unselfishly of their time and talents to Washington County. The Community Foundation received approximately two dozen nominations who were voted on by an independent panel of judges. This year's winner, Jackie Fouche, has volunteered since 1978 for the Mount Hope Prison Ministry, a nonprofit, Christian ministry that shares the Gospel with men and women behind bars, offers assistance upon release and ministers to their families. She has served this nonprofit in a variety of capacities, including grading bible lessons, preparing and mailing newsletters, answering inmate questions and supervising other volunteers. Jackie also spent many years volunteering with the AFL-CIO, serving on the committee on political education for both the Central Maryland AFL-CIO and the Baltimore AFL-CIO Labor Councils. "Jackie has always been willing to help wherever she's needed. To see a 91 year old who is passionate about volunteering and helping others is a powerful example. This world would be a better place if there were more people like Jackie!" said Wanda Singleton.    

The Community Foundation appreciates the generous support of the following businesses that help make the People's Choice Awards possible: Antietam Wealth Management; BB&T; The Family Heritage Trust Company; Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home; First Energy Foundation (Potomac Edison); The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group of RBC Wealth Management; M&T Bank; Mason Investment Advisory Services, Inc., William Dutton Family Fund; Fulton Financial Advisors; Marshfield Associates; Herald-Mail Media; Valley Mall and WDVM.  



Hub Labels Wins Three Awards at Annual TLMI Competition


Hub Labels President
Thomas Duhbura accepts the 2017 TLMI Environmental Leadership Award in Scottsdale, AZ

Hub Labels, a custom manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels in Hagerstown, Maryland was recently presented with three awards from The Annual TLMI Competition held in Scottsdale, AZ. Hub Labels was recognized with the 2017 Environmental Leadership Award and two digital print awards.
The 2017 Environmental Leadership Award recognizes both a converter and a supplier member each year that consistently demonstrates a commitment to progressive environmental practices across a range of areas. These areas include solid waste reduction, recycling, waste or energy recovery, the implementation of new 'clean' technology and/or processes, and the implementation of an education program.
Hub Labels became Project L.I.F.E. certified in 2012 through TLMI and have been committed to finding cost effective ways to help reduce their environmental footprint since. As a result of the certification process, Hub Labels created a Project L.I.F.E. team that is charged with managing as well as implementing environmental projects and efforts. Hub Labels has since effectively targeted and reduced waste, water usage and vehicle gas emissions.
 
Hub Labels utilizes every employee in the organization to help work towards a more sustainable environmentally friendly company. Through Project L.I.F.E. and LEAN Manufacturing practices they strive to be an environmentally-friendly leader in the industry. They do this by believing that "We Think Differently" is more than just a motto, it is a way of life that their employees are committed to everyday. 
In addition, to winning the Environmental Leadership Award at the 2017 TLMI Annual Meeting, Hub Labels was also presented with two label awards. They received a 1st place award in the Wine and Spirits category for Digital Printing/Ink Jet. The second award was 1st place in Digital Printing/Ink Jet - Color Process Prime. Both of these awards aim to recognize innovative printing and technical achievement. The competition recognizes and honors the finest efforts of their converter members throughout the previous 12-month period. 'As an active leader in the industry, we are very excited to be recognized for our printing capabilities,' said Thomas Dahbura, President of Hub Labels. 'I am extremely proud of how well our team works together to produce our high-quality products, we wouldn't be where we are today without each of our dedicated team members.


Alumni Challenge Offered by Children's Village

 
Children's Village of Washington County is looking to reconnect with the young people who made crucial decisions in an emergency based on lessons learned at the Village.  Where are they? What are they doing now?  Of the 28 children in our Hall of Fame, many would be adults today.  The organization  would like to have a conversation with them, reflect and project a future that might include their perspective and input.  Please call 301-733-4443x2 or connect through FACEBOOK or the website.
 
CVWC also challenges all of the adult alumni in the community to help with two primary needs of the organization.  Board member recruitment and volunteers for events or classroom training remain as important to the mission today as when the group was getting started.  Helping the organization meet the changes in society that impact child safety requires hearing from those who first experienced this program with testimonials about those impressions and their effect on decision-making. A downloadable application is available on the website, at childrensvillagehgr.com




Middletown Valley Bank Plans to Open Second
Hagerstown Branch


Middletown Valley Bank is pleased to announce its commitment to opening a second branch in Hagerstown, MD.  Plans are underway to open a new full-service branch at 13415 Pennsylvania Ave in the second half of 2018.  Middletown Valley Bank plans to construct a 1500-1800 square foot branch which will be outfitted to their existing brand and image.  The new branch will bring additional jobs to the area and feature a drive-up ATM and two drive-thru lanes. Construction is expected to begin in early 2018.

"This new branch location will provide additional convenience to our customers and enhance the commitment to bring the absolutely exceptional Experience to Hagerstown and Washington County.  We opened the doors to our first Hagerstown location in October of 2015.  In two short years, our Eastern Blvd location grew to $100 million in deposits, and we are looking forward to serving the community and businesses in the North End of Hagerstown" says BJ Goetz, President & CEO.

In addition to opening another location in Hagerstown, Middletown Valley Bank is currently renovating their Main Office in Middletown, MD and has plans to renovate the Jefferson branch in the first quarter of 2018, continuing their investment in the communities they serve.




Something exciting and/or notable happening within your company? Has someone done something remarkable and you think it should be shared with our extensive list of newsletter recipients? Simply excited about an upcoming event?
We're here to help you get the word out! 

Email tim@hagerstown.org to be featured in our next 
Chamber Newsletter!
 
Chamber Connects News
Chamber Connects is a free professional networking group within the Chamber for select members to create opportunities for each other!
 

Interested in joining a Chamber Connects referral group??

Sometimes the best form of connection is slowly cultivated with some of the same great members over time.  It's often a nice contrast to the rest of our Chamber events! Email Tim Luipersbeck, Director of Member Services at tim@hagerstown.org if interested!





To find out which industries are represented in each group, & much more:
 

 

 



Upcoming Chamber Events
Mixers, Learning Sessions, Signature Events & More!




AT&T Presents the Pre-Legislative Forum
Tuesday, December 5th   7:30am - 9:00am
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Hagerstown, MD



 
Learning Lunch Hour: "A Dozen Things Ridiculously
Successful People Do Every Day"
Tuesday, December 5th - 11:30am - 1pm
Hager Hall Conference & Event Center
Hagerstown, MD 



Maximize Your Membership
Thursday, December 21st - 9:00am - 10:00am
Chamber of Commerce Training Room, Hagerstown, MD



 
Business After Hours 
Hosted by Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village
Thursday, December 21st, 5:00-7:00pm
8507 Mapleville Rd. Boonsboro, MD


BEP Corner

A contribution from our Business Education Partnership Committee
from Matthew Pine, Supervisor of Career and Technology Education & Enrichment

Career Technology Education at Washington County Public Schools integrates core academic knowledge with technical skill education to provide students with pathways to postsecondary educational opportunities and careers. CTE programs are developed by examining business and industry workforce needs. The skills needed for these occupations are then reviewed and an educational program is developed. WCPS works closely with the Maryland State Department of Education to offer current, relevant and advanced programs for students. Students at WCPS have the opportunity to participate in the following career cluster pathways:
  • Arts, Media, and Communication
  • Business, Management, and Finance
  • Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism
  • Construction and Development
  • Environmental, Agricultural, and 
    Natural Resource Systems
  • Health and Biosciences
  • Human Resource Services
  • Information Technology
  • Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology
  • Transportation Technologies
Upon completion of these program pathways, students will be eligible for industry certifications, articulation credits with participating colleges, and employment opportunities. CTE at WCPS is committed to providing tomorrow's workforce needs to today's students. 

Accident Fund - A Members-Only Benefit!
A Wright-Gardner Insurance Initiative!


 
Worker's Compensation. The Safe Way! 
Through our group pooling power, your small to mid-sized business can have access to dividends that you wouldn't otherwise obtain on your own! 

- Benefits include a 5% up-front savings on Premium
- Access to safety materials through Accident Fund's WorkSafe Toolbox TM 
- Potential to earn a dividend based on experience of the individual policy loss performance and written premium.

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America is one of the nation's leading workers' compensation insurance organizations, managing risk and minimizing loss for our policyholders, creating a safer environment for their workers and building businesses with our agent partners. All backed by the reach, knowledge and best practices of our holding company, AF Group.


Interested in joining the program? Contact
Wright Gardner Insurance at 
301-733-1234!
 
About Us
Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 600 organizations, representing over 40,000 local jobs in a wide variety of industries:  Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Service and Hospitality, Technology, Government, Nonprofit, and Education. 

We can't wait for our next opportunity to work with you, and for you! 

 

Washington County Chamber of Commerce
1 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
(301) 739-2015

 

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