Our Mission
To foster and maintain a thriving business climate in which our
members and community can grow and prosper.
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Welcome our recent new members! |
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720 Cross St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.582.5750
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9093 Ridgefield Dr., Ste. 207
Frederick, MD 21701
215.432.3278
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710 Dual Hwy.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.665.1070
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14235 Oak Springs Rd.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
301.733.7604
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13579 Donnybrook Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
610.316.7994
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Resources
For Your Financial Planning
Each Wednesday during the month of April, the Maryland Insurance Administration will be hosting a series of presentations to help consumers learn steps that they can take to become more financially sound. The presentations will include:
- information on how to improve your credit;
- programs that will help you purchase your first home;
- how to save money on your automobile insurance;
- information to help you plan for retirement;
- why you should maintain your homeowners policy;
- what you need to know about reverse mortgages; and so much more.
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NEW! Washington County Disability Resource Directory
· Advocacy
· Caregiver/Parent Support/Respite
· Case Management Services
· Communication Services
· Day Services
· Education
· Employment
· Equipment & Safety Support
· Financial Assistance
· In-Home Services
· Legal Help
· Medical Travel Assistance
· Pediatric Patient Support Programs
· Recreation
· Residential Services & Support
· Therapy/Rehab Services
· Transportation
Please click on the photo above to access the Disability Resource Directory.
It is important to note the links provided under the Disability Resource Directory are being provided as a convenience, and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County or the Disabilities Advisory Committee (the County) of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The County bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site(s) or for that of subsequent links.
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Browse through news from some of our members, some may even be able to help you during this critical time. |
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Horizon Goodwill Industries Hires a new Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Craig Foster |
I am thrilled to be working at Horizon Goodwill Industries. My desire to do something that really matters has been met with this new opportunity. I look forward to diving into all that Goodwill offers and helping to let the public know as well!
As far as my life before Goodwill, I have been in marketing for over 25 years and have worked with a number of different types of businesses. Everything from defense contractors, IT companies, legal services, construction and design, and non-profits. The one thing that all of them have in common is the need for brand awareness. If no one knows who you are or what you do, they won’t know to visit you or your website when they need something.
On a personal note, my family and I live in West Virginia where my kids both work at local food establishments, and my wife works at a real estate company. I like working in the yard and doing my best with the lawn work. I wouldn’t be much of a marketing person if I didn’t put in a plug for the organization, so here it goes:
Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is "Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities," is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. To learn more about Horizon Goodwill Industries, visit the website www.horizongoodwill.org or call us at 301-733-7330.
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Horizon Goodwill Industries Hires a new Development Manager, Audi Lebedda |
I am honored to be a part of an organization that provides so many individuals opportunities to learn and grow each and every day! Horizon Goodwill Industries never lose sight of the people they serve as they continue to give guidance, support, and individuals a purpose to thrive in our community. I love working for an organization where every day turns into a new learning experience!
In 2015, I graduated from Frostburg State University, with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies- concentrating in Public Relations & Rhetorical Studies. Prior to coming to Goodwill, I worked for the State of Maryland for 3.5 years, as a Circuit Rider assisting and supporting small municipalities' indirect efforts in rural municipal administration and related community/economic development services.
Community engagement has always been a part of my life. Since the age of three, I have been involved with the Miss America Organization. After 8 years of competing as a teen and miss contestant in the state of Maryland, I concluded my last eligible year in 2015, with the most meaningful and memorable title of being Miss Washington County. With all those years of volunteering and giving back to my community, I knew that when I graduated college, I wanted to work for a non-profit one day.
Outside of work, I reside in West Virginia with my husband, our 20-month-old little girl, and yellow lab. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, spending time with my family, and traveling!
Horizon Goodwill Industries' mission is "Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities". HGI is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. To learn more about Horizon Goodwill Industries, visit the website www.horizongoodwill.org or call us at 301-733-7330.
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Doleman Black Heritage Museum, Inc. Creates Fund with Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc.
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The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. announces the creation of a new fund, the Doleman Black Heritage Museum, Inc. Fund. This fund supports the charitable interests of the DBHM that will go on to produce two scholarships for students including the Rev. Dr. Patricia Wilson-Cone Scholarship and the Rev. James C. Ramsey Scholarship.
“Honoring the excellence of the Doleman family legacy through scholarship opportunities enhances the future of each recipient in sports or education,” says Alesia Parson, project manager for the museum.
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Wilson-Cone Scholarship will support a minority student with preference to African American students pursuing post-secondary education with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The Rev. James C. Ramsey Scholarship plans to support a minority student needing assistance with advanced placement testing fees or athletic physical examination fees.
You can contribute to this fund by visiting our website www.cfwcmd.org and clicking "DONATE" at the top of our homepage. Then, simply select "Doleman Black Heritage Museum Fund" as the benefactor from the drop down menu. Donors may also mail a check with the fund listed in the memo section to 37 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown MD, 21740
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Community Foundation Awards $93,071 in Grants to Area Nonprofits |
The Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. awarded its 2021 responsive grant recipients totaling $93,071 to 20 local non-profit organizations. The event, held virtually on Thursday, March 18th, can be viewed in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsEeYAnzhPg
The grants committee selected Washington County nonprofits and programs focused on the development of a stronger community through programs addressing family stability, including all stages of life, financial literacy, employment, mental health, and basic needs; Youth Development with a focus on mentoring, school readiness, and advocacy; arts, recreation, and education opportunities for our youth and the underserved.
Resources for the responsive grants come from the growth and earnings of established community funds at the Community Foundation as well as a partnership with the Pauline Anderson Foundation. The Community Foundation awarded grants to the following 21 programs:
- American Red Cross of Greater Shenandoah Valley: to further develop their home fire campaign in Washington County.
- The Arc of Washington County: to fund the installation of patient lifts for their more medically complex clients.
- Boys & Girls Club of Washington County: to increasingly support academic success for boys and girls within their many programs.
- CASA Citizens Assisting & Sheltering the Abused, Inc.: to fund their emergency shelter program.
- Children in Need: to further support their monthly client visits through the purchase of supplies including, but not limited to, toiletries and school supplies.
- Coffman Nursing Home: to purchase Arjo lift equipment, ensuring the safe lifting of residents.
- Discovery Station at Hagerstown, Inc.: to fund their “Common Cents” community building initiative.
- Doleman Black Heritage Museum: for artifacts conservation and to support their arts & culture programming.
- Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (WCPS): to support their Agricultural Innovative grants program.
- Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (WCPS): to support their Financial Literacy – Immersive Experience program.
- Ft. Ritchie Community Center: to support their Rural Youth Fitness Challenge.
- Girls Inc. of Washington County: to support their K.I.D.S. (Kids, Integrating, Developing, Succeeding) program.
- Hagerstown YMCA: to purchase equipment for Play Safe Bike Court.
- Hope Through Birth: to fund their bereavement program for those who’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss.
- Lasting Change/Recovery Solutions for Women: to further develop their workforce development program.
- San Mar Family and Community Services: to provide relief support for foster families during a period of home education.
- The Salvation Army Hagerstown: to further develop initiatives the Shifler Community Center’s educational and athletic programs, helping to strengthen our community’s youth.
- United Way of Washington County MD, Inc.: to fund residential projects that will be implemented during their annual Day of Caring.
- Washington County Fellowship of Christian Athletes: to fund various costs associated with their summer camp program at Wheaton Park, Hagerstown.
- Washington County Museum of Fine Arts: to help further develop their virtual after school enrichment program.
- Women of Valor Ministries: to help develop their Earn While You Learn Program (EWYL) which teaches critical life management skills to help clients function independently within the community.
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Meritus Medical Center Named a Top Maternity Hospital; One of Only Three in Maryland |
Meritus Medical Center made the list of best maternity hospitals in the U.S., one of the 217 named nationwide and one of only three in Maryland.
The annual list is released by Newsweek in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, an organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers.
“We are thrilled to be selected as a top ranking Maryland hospital for this honor,” says Melanie Heuston, D.N.P., chief nursing and patient care services officer. “It’s truly recognition of our women’s and children’s services staff and all that team accomplishes for patient safety and quality care when supporting the birth of nearly 2,000 newborns at Meritus Medical Center each year!”
Hospitals on the list had to demonstrate meeting standards for excellence in maternity care. Targets include:
· 5% or less in early elective deliveries that carry risks to both babies and mothers;
· 23.9% or less for C-section births that can carry serious risks of infection or blood clots; longer recoveries and difficulty with future pregnancies for many women and breathing difficulties for babies;
· 5% or less for episiotomies which medical guidelines today recommend only in a narrow set of cases;
· at least 90% of babies screened for jaundice; and
· at least 90% of mothers delivering via C-section have techniques applied to their labor to prevent blood clots, as these moms are sometimes at risk for pulmonary embolisms.
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Meritus Medical Center’s Pharmacy Residency Program Receives Accreditation |
Meritus Medical Center’s postgraduate pharmacy residency program (PGY1) has received continued accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) for 2021.
The pharmacy residency program contributes to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions.
“Our residents completed hands-on experience in various areas of the hospital, including internal medicine, critical care, emergency medicine and outpatient oncology, as well as opportunities for learning experiences in infectious disease, pain management, pediatrics and other areas of care,” says Bobbi Hilker, Pharm.D., residency program director. “Current residents in the program have been directly involved with the health system’s COVID-19 response, especially as the vaccine products have become available for residents of our county – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Meritus Medical Center’s pharmacy residency program has been duly accredited by ASHP since the fall of 2013.
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Current PGY1 pharmacy residents Tony Rodriguez, Pharm.D., and Kaitlin Scott, Pharm.D., are pictured working recently at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic. |
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HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY TO HOST 5th ANNUAL KITTEN SHOWER
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The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) is hosting its fifth annual six-week-long “kitten shower” (a play on the traditional baby shower) to prepare for the fast approaching newborn kitten season.
Through the end of April, the community is invited to donate items to help care for this year’s incoming kittens. The most urgently needed donations are KMR powder or liquid kitten milk replacer, Tidy Cat or any non-clumping fragrance-free clay litter, Purina Pro Plan or Authority wet pate kitten food (no seafood flavors, please), Royal Canin Mother & Babycat dry food or mousse wet canned food, Pet-Ag bottle kits and Miracle nipples, digital thermometers (flexible tip and waterproof), and sandwich-size and quart-size baggies.
Kitten season typically starts when the weather warms and intact cats reproduce at a more rapid rate than they do during more frigid temperatures. Continuing during the spring and summer, it is not uncommon for HSWC’s number of kitten intakes to quadruple at any time during the busy season. Because infant animals require more time and resources than adults, they are typically cared for offsite by volunteer foster families until they are ready for adoption.
“Most of the supplies we are able to give to foster families each year come from the Kitten Shower,” said Monica Bulat, Foster Care Coordinator. “We need your help to make sure our foster families have everything they need to take care of the animals until they’re ready for adoption. Currently, we have 8 cats and 26 kittens in foster homes, and that number will only rise as Kitten Season gets into full swing.”
Members of the HSWC Foster Care program will celebrate the donation drive with a Virtual Kitten Shower Party on Saturday, April 10 from 10 am – 1 pm. The virtual event will be hosted on the “HSWC Foster Care” Facebook page with raffles and live streaming of kittens. Virtual attendees are encouraged to donate items through the Amazon Baby Registry (search using names Michael Cestero and Monica Bulat) or contribute to the online Facebook fundraiser.
Anyone who would like to donate to the foster program or become a foster parent can contact fostercare@hswcmd.org or call 301-733-2060 ext. 215.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to promote the welfare of companion and domestic animals through educational programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, endorse fostering, enrich adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR COUNTY BUSINESSES AS PART OF ACT WORK KEYS PROGRAM
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As a result of action taken by the Board of County Commissioners on November 10, 2019, the Commissioners approved the reallocation of $37,500 to the ACT Work Keys team to provide funding assistance to local businesses. This reallocation of funds will allow Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to meet the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant request for Job Profiling. The structured process of job profiling establishes key links between the essential requirements of a job, position, or role and the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behavioral characteristics necessary for successful performance.
Due to COVID-19, businesses are struggling to justify spending $500 for job profiling and are having a difficult time identifying the right employees to fill vacant positions. The Work Keys Team has now agreed to pay 100% of the cost of job profiling for any Washington County business, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The team is currently working with Horizon Goodwill, Washington County Emergency Services, and Meritus Health to provide this service. Conagra and Hub Labels have both participated in the job profiling process.
“With this financial assistance from the County, more Washington County employers can analyze their current positions and workforce needs to determine the skill levels necessary for candidates to succeed and advance in their companies,” said Theresa Shank, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at HCC.
Washington County Department of Business Development Director, Susan Grimes, said, “The ultimate resource in successful economic development is people! Washington County Department of Business Development is pleased to be a part of this partnership effort for the success of the Work Keys initiative. With this additional opportunity, we hope to connect the business community with the workforce they need, and our citizens with the jobs they’re looking for to thrive in the workplace.”
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A Helpful Article From The BEP Committee |
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Our Business and Education Partnership Committee has an interesting article to share with you this month:
Good Communication Vs. Poor Communication
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Well known author and speaker, Celeste Headlee suggests that there are two reasons we need to get better at talking with one another. One is economic; the other is human.
First, business: poor communication costs us about $37 billion a year according to a training provider Gognisco. That boils down to a tally, per worker, of $26,000 annually. That calculation only includes companies with more than one hundred employees. Imagine how much higher that number might be if we included all businesses.
Good communication on the other hand, is quite profitable . Companies with leaders who are great communicators have nearly 50 percent higher returns than companies with unexceptional communicators at the helm.
The other important aspect of the importance of talking with each other is the human aspect. What can be more important than really connecting with the people you spend your day working with? Billions and billions of dollars can be saved with good, clear communication!
With both improved economics and stronger connection in mind, consider these five steps to improved communication:
· Identify your expectations for the conversation before it starts.
· Eliminate as many distractions as possible; put away your phones, turn away from your computers and iPad as you have conversations!
· Pay attention and be in the moment.
· Ask open ended questions – the who, what, where, when and how of it all.
· Listen with the intent to understand, rather than with the intent to respond.
When we all work more to become better communicators, imagine what a much better community we’ll become.
Source: We Need to Talk, Celeste Headlee
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GenNext is our young professionals group here at the Chamber. If you're interested in meeting a group of like-minded young professionals who want to network, volunteer, and grow professionally, you should join GenNext.
This group is open to anyone between the ages of 21-39. If interested, fill out an application form here and send it to brianna@hagerstown.org.
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We're looking for individuals who are interested in speaking at a GenNext event. Is there something you wish you had known as a young professional? Come share your wisdom with us!
Take a moment to fill out the form below to let us know what you'd like to share with our group.
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Chamber Members: You can post discounts or coupons on our website, and make them available for Chamber members only OR for the public.
Here's how to post them:
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- Log in to your Hagerstown.org portal
- Select “upload a coupon”
- Set to “public” or “members only”
- Set your expiration terms
- Submit for free
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SIGN UP FOR REGULAR WASHINGTON COUNTY
JOINT INFORMATION CENTER (JIC) UPDATES
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Washington County, Maryland has invited many partners to form a Joint Information Center (JIC) created to address COVID-19.
Here at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, we're proud to be involved in these weekly meetings and contributing to the County's press releases. We're in good company: Meritus Health, Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown Community College, The City of Hagerstown, Washington County Sheriff's Department, and Washington County Health Department. All of these agencies combine information on a daily basis to form several uniform emails per week.
We want YOU to be a part of this mailing list, but you need to sign up to receive these messages and we encourage you to pass along the word to the rest of our community, should they be interested in receiving these alerts in their Inbox.
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Visit our website with COVID-19 economic resources and health information at https://www.hagerstown.org/ and go to the Strong Together tab on our menu in the right-hand corner.
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Do you have something to share with fellow Chamber members? Simply email Director of Member Services Brianna Scott at brianna@hagerstown.org to get started on this free opportunity.
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 650 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. |
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