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and Events

(Photo caption: GGCC Public Safety Awards Breakfast)

We are the #GGCC. We are #StrongerTogether.

Together, we are the #UpcountyEngine.

Looking for a way to highlight your business? Check out the Sponsorship Directory for the many different ways you can stand out above the crowd with the GGCC!

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(Gaithersburg Police Officer Amy Ovalle receiving an award)

Congratulations to all 39 award recipients of our Annual Public Safety Awards ceremony last Friday! Your heroic actions are commendable, and we appreciate your hard work and efforts every day!

A big thank you to all elected officials, public safety leaders, GGCC Board, and members who attended to make this a wonderful event. Also, we couldn't have done it without our wonderful sponsors below.

(Welcoming remarks by City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman)

Title Sponsor: Paul Davis Restoration

Venue Sponsor: Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds

Catering Support: Silver Diner RIO

Bronze Sponsor:

M&T Bank

Bronze Sponsor: Supporting Strategies

Bronze Sponsor: Hughes

Bronze Sponsor:

Ellis Lopez Travel

Community Partner Table Sponsors:

-Rodgers Consulting

-Asbury Methodist Village 

-City of Gaithersburg

-Gaithersburg CPAs 

-ServPro of Gaithersburg/ Germantown 

-Montgomery College

-Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center 

Public Safety Awardee Sponsors:

-Spacesaver Interiors

-Jerry Therrien

-Anita Anderson

-Grace & Virtue Events

-Savant Wealth Management

- Hughes Network Systems

-SkyPoint Federal Credit Union

-Redfin Real Estate - Releford

-Barbara Crews

-Integrency

-PCC Construction Components

-Lerch, Early, & Brewer

-Maryland Soccer Foundation

Thank you also to our Official Gift Sponsors: Channer Consulting, Integrency, Gaithersburg CPAs, Paul Smith - Abrams Group RLAH, Puente Pro Translations, Rohner Health, Supporting Strategies, Ross Executive Group, Silver Diner RIO; and our 2023 Special Event Sponsors: Bargain Movers, Crown Trophy & Tehrani Law!

Upcoming Events

See the complete list of upcoming ribbon cuttings, celebrations, networking, and professional development events here.

Ribbon Cutting: Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken

When: Fri., July 21, 11:30 AM

Where: 16248 Frederick Road, Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Networking Before Nine: Cinnaholic

When: Wed., July 26, 9:30 AM

Where: Downtown Crown Gaithersburg, 230 Crown Park Ave., Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Ribbon Cutting: Charley Prime Foods

When: Fri., July 28, 4:00 PM

Where: 9811 Washingtonian Blvd L9 (Rio Lakefront), Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Professional Development Series 2023: Navigating Hard Left Turns in Your Career Path

When: Thurs., Aug 3, 8:30-10:00 AM

Where: 805 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Ribbon Cutting:

Gold's Gym

When: Tues., Aug. 15, 11:30 AM

Where: 12911 Middlebrook Road, Germantown



Register Now!

Joint Networking After Five: with Team Network

When: Wed., Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30 PM

Where: Fitzgerald Auto Mall, 19501 Amaranth Drive, Germantown

Register Now!

Mini Golf with the GGCC Board

When: Thurs., Aug 24, 5:00-7:00 PM

Where: Bohrer Park

Register Now!

Anniversary Celebration Ribbon Cutting at Lancaster County Dutch Market

When: Fri., Aug. 25, 9:00-10:00 AM

Where: 12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown



Register Now!

Anniversary Celebration Ribbon Cutting and After-Five Networking with Supporting Strategies

When: Thurs, Sept. 7, 4:30 Ribbon Cutting, 5:00-7:00 Celebration and Networking

Registration Coming Soon!

Annual Picnic with a Purpose at Smokey Glen Farm

When: Thurs., Sept. 14, 5:00-7:00 PM

Where: Smokey Glen Farm, 16407 Riffle Ford Road, Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Save the Date: Annual GGCC Business Golf Classic

When: Tues., Oct. 3, 9:30 shotgun start

Where: Worthington Manor Golf Club



Registration Coming Soon!

Save the Date: GGCC Business EXPO at the BlackRock October Lil' Pumpkins Community Festival

When: Sat., Oct. 14

Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts

More Details & Registration Coming Soon!

Committee Corner:

Highlights of GGCC's 4 Standing Committees of the Board

Next Meeting: July 20, 11:00 am (Zoom)

The Membership Attraction & Retention Committee meets the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m.

We're looking for additional people to join the membership committee! If you'd like to join, email Angela at alapadula@ggchamber.org.

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: July 19,

7:30 am (in person)

Behind the Scenes tour at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

Adventist has just broken ground on a new patient tower and has exciting plans for enhanced service to the community in the future.

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: Aug 2, 8:30am, (Zoom)

The Events Committee typically meets the first Wednesday of the month at 8:30am. This month is meeting on the 7th due to the holiday. We'll be discussing the Public Safety Awards, Picnic with a Purpose, and the annual golf tournament!

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: August 7, 10am (Zoom)

The Young Professionals Group (YPG) Committee meets the first Monday of the month at 10am (rescheduled to 10th due to holiday).

The committee is looking for active members that would like to contribute to the planning & coordination of the upcoming professional development series and social events for the group.

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: August 10, 2:00pm (registration link to come!)

Join us! The GGCC Board has created a brand-new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) Committee and would love interested Chamber members to join the committee! The DEI&B committee will focus on advancing the DEI&B goals of our organization by advocating for economic inclusion, growth and competitiveness of our community’s diverse business population. Our goal is to ensure that the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and experiences within our business and non-profit communities is reflected in every aspect of the Chamber’s operations.

Direct Connect Groups:

(Does your DC group have news to share?...email us!)

Direct Connect groups are member-led affinity groups that strategically connect smaller groups of GGCC members. More information here.

Pathways Direct Connect for Women

Next Meeting: July 21, 8:30 a.m. (Virtual)

A supportive community of women in business and entrepreneurs committed to growth and connection. We support each other by sharing our experiences, expertise, and knowledge to help each other grow professionally and personally.

The group meets every third Friday of the month from 8:30 to 10 a.m. It alternates between Zoom and in person at a Chamber member restaurant! Email Philippa Channer or Kari Primozic to join.

Business Owners & Business Leaders of Color

Next Meeting: July 25, 4:00 p.m. (Microsoft Teams)

This new direct connect invites members to join and discuss topics that will help business owners and business leaders of color within the Chamber! The meetings are twice a month for 90 minutes at the end of the workday. Hybrid format first meeting of the month and second meeting online.

This direct connect partners with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County. B2B and B2C businesses are welcome! Contact Fernando Fuentes for more information or the Teams link at FuentesF@fnb-corp.com.

Launch of New Direct Connect Group! LGBTQ+ Business Leaders and Allies

First Meeting: August 9, 8:00am (In Person @ GGCC Conference Room)

The LGBTQ+ DC is focused on fostering community amoung LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners. We seek to create a safe space where everyone can grow, learn, improve their business and network. We invite LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to participate. The first meeting will take place at the GGCC conference room. Please register in advance at the link above.

Sarah Savage, owner of Carved Path Consulting, will be leading this group. If you'd like to join, please reach out to Sarah at sarah@carvedpathconsulting.com.

SOHO (Small Office Home Office)

Next Meeting: August 9, 9:00 a.m. (Zoom)

"SOHO" is for GGCC Members who own and operate a "Small Office - Home Office". If you are a Member who works from home or in a very small office, please feel free to join us at the monthly “SOHO” Meeting.

Veteran Direct Connect

Next Meeting: August 9, 10 a.m.

(In Person @GGCC Conference room)

The new Vet Connect Group is open to any veteran, dependent or family member. The meetings will be conversations regarding business and opportunities for veterans and will include speakers, marketing, vet-benefit information but not limited to these topics.

Thanks to our Chamber member Traci Eisenberg-Rayburn from E&R Business Consulting for leading this new direct connect! If you are interested in joining, please email Traci at traci@erbusinessconsulting.com. To register, please click on the link above or click here.

Nonprofit Direct Connect

Next Meeting: August 14, 11:00am (Zoom)

In July, we discussed the upcoming Nonprofit of the Year awards, the annual Picnic with a Purpose and nonprofit showcase, and we heard from Dan Dellon, Treasurer of the GGCC Board about his experiences in networking benefits as a representative of his own business and as a board member of several small nonprofits. Thanks, Dan! August's speaker TBA.

Wellness in Aging

The group recently met in person at Asbury Methodist Village Campus in Gaithersburg. Contact Mark Asch for more information about the next meeting at mark@rightathomemd.net.

If you have any updates, news, celebrations, recognitions & more about your business you would like to be included in the GGCC weekly newsletter, please email a brief description to Gitzel Puente at: gpuente@ggchamber.org.

• APLUS Education invites Chamber members to its mock networking event featuring MCPS Summer RISE interns this Wednesday, July 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at APLUS Rockville, 210 Harrison Street, Rockville. The goal is provide a networking experience for 11th and 12th graders, so they can become comfortable with talking and navigating conversations with adults, especially in personal and professional development scenarios! Light food and drinks will be provided. If you'd like to RSVP, email: Jocelyn Park at jpark@apluslearningcenter.com.

• BlackRock Center for the Arts is showing "Warts & Whimsy" by Pamela Garrido in Gallery II until July 30! Garrido is a Germantown-based artist with a background in video game design. After wearing a variety of different hats at BlackRock, she has grown into the position of Operational Specialist. Check out the display Tuesday through Sunday! For a calendar of exhibits and performances at the center, click here.

• The City of Gaithersburg has kicked off its summer outdoor concert series in Olde Towne at the City Hall Concert Pavilion! The concerts are free, family-friendly and take place in July and August! Bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating. To check out the schedule, click here.

• Cruise Planners and Laperaux Bistro in Germantown are hosting an evening of French culinary delights, regional wine pairings, and exploration of travel in France! Taste chef-prepared regional dishes and wines and listen to a visual presentation on the regions of France by Viking River Cruises and Cruise Planners. Door prizes and event exlusive travel offers! Join the fun on August 2 and 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Laperaux Bistro. The cost is $49 per person, plus tax and tip. Pre-paid reservation is required. Call 240-912-3100 to reserve your spot.

• Ellis-Lopez Travel Partners is contributing $5 on every ride to the airport for the Chamber's Scholarship Fund at Montgomery College! Thank you so much for your generous donation to further students' education in the county! We so appreciate you.

• Laperaux Bistro in Germantown has "Bottomless Summer Brunch" on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for only $18 with the purchase of an entree. The menu includes eggs benedict, poached eggs bearnaise and french toast with hazelnut praline and calvados apple butter. Also, enjoy half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday all summer long! Dine alfresco on their patio, enjoy Louie's Bar, or join the main dining room!

• Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is looking for sponsors for this year's 9 days of summer fun at the fairgrounds! There are different sponsorship levels. For more information, contact William Herrera at william@mcagfair.com. Mark your calendars for the MoCo Fair August 11 to August 19!

• Sherman Wealth Management announces that Brad Sherman was named on the seventh annual Investopedia 100 list of most influential financial advisors of 2023 for the fifth year in a row! Congratulations!

• SkyPoint Federal Credit Union is looking for support in finding banking internships that accept high school students. Northwest High School in Germanton has an Academy of Finance Program with the mission to encourage high school students to take classes in financial studies. If you know of any internships or come across any amongst your clients that accept high school juniors or seniors, please contact Audra Pettus at apettus@skypointfcu.org or 301-250-5862.

• Top Golf is presenting Kid’s Summer Academy which will be holding weekly sessions all summer long where kids can improve their game, make friends, and golf! Top Golf also is offering half-off golf every Tuesday- there’s a 100% chance that you will get 50% off every Tuesday! Call for more details.

• Walmart announces its grand re-opening after a big remodel of the store, on August 25! More details coming soon!

• Wendie Veloz Enterprises is hosting an eight-week online course meeting from July 13 to August 31 to learn about grant writing and how to leverage local, state, and federal funding! The course is called "Idea 2 Impact: The Art of Sustainable Grant Writing." It'll meet Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The course empowers you to learn how to implement effectively and sustain your work. It's ideal for small to medium-sized nonprofit organizations or impact-driven organizations. Chamber members receive a discount using code: SUMMER23 for a total of $887. You can register here.

• Worthington Manor Golf Club is hosting a Putting Workshop on Tuesday, July 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. Join PGA professionals, Fran Rhoads, 2010 MAPGA Teacher of the Year and for for a class guaranteed to provide some insights on putting you have never experienced! For more information and to register here, visit their website. Worthington Manor Golf Club also now has Live Music each Friday!

If you have any hiring announcements you'd like to include in our newsletter, please email a brief description to Gitzel Puente at: gpuente@ggchamber.org.

• Asbury Methodist Village is looking for a Sales Counselor and Outreach Sales Coordinator to join their team! Introduce seniors to a 134-acre campus with a certified nature preserve and arboretum, unparalleled programs, accomplished, energetic residents, cutting-edge wellness (including a climbing wall and boxing), and life-changing opportunities! Join Asbury and help change lives for the better every day.

• ComTech Systems, Inc. is hiring a Tier 1 Help Desk Technician to join the growing team in Gaithersburg. The idea candidate is someone who can balance both technical and soft skills while providing an exceptional customer service experience. A crucial part of the job is understanding the unique needs of each client, understanding the urgency and priority of each request. Check out the job posting here.

• Laperaux Journeymanchef's French Bistro is hiring restaurant professionals to join the team! They're looking for hiring wait staff and bartenders who have true hospitality in their hearts, know that every guest is important, who enjoy working in an upscale restaurant. You can pick up an application in person and arrange an interview with Chef Gregory Webb. The restaurant is located at 18056 Mateny Road in the Cloppers Mill Village on Great Seneca. You can also email: gregorywebb@laperaux.com.

• Manna Food Center is looking to fill three positions as soon as possible! They're hiring a full-time Nutritional Education Classes, Special Events Driver and Warehouse Assistant with pay rate of $25/hr. This position serves as operator of the bus for nutritional classes and special events. They're also looking for a full-time SNAP Outreach Coordinator to work with community members by providing direct outreach and application assistance to comunities eligible for SNAP benefits. Hourly wage of $17.25 to $20/hr. The third position they are looking to fill is a full-time Development Manager to advance development strategy and increase resources for advancing Manna's mission. Salary range is $49,000 to $56,000. For more information and to send resumes & cover letter, email jobs@mannafood.org.

• My Cup Runneth Over Southern Cuisine is hiring a fry cook, cashier/line server, and food prep full-time! You can send your resume to MyCupRunnethover235@gmail.com or stop by in person Wednesday to Sunday.

• Pare & Associates, LLC is a growing law practice representing clients in family law, civil, bankruptcy, and criminal matters seeking an experienced Attorney - Family Law to join the team! The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience in domestic violence and family law. In addition, they will "hit the ground running" and be a team player. Telecommunity is accommodated. For more information, email alicepare@alicelaw.com.

• Walmart is hiring for temporary positions at the Germantown location store 2357! They're looking for overnight and day positions, must work weekends. Check out this flyer for more information and to help spread the word. An application can also be found here www.walmart.com/careers.

Thank you again to these Annual Corporate Sponsors who support the Chamber's important community engagement, advocacy, and business development work all year round!