October 27, 2020

Sent every week, the ChamberWatch keeps you informed. To learn more about the Chamber, visit our website or email staff@greaterbethesdachamber.org.

View our events calendar.
View our COVID-19 resource page.
Annual Chamber Awards - 2020 Luncheons
The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce is honoring exemplary individuals and businesses, and we want you to join in our celebration! Obviously 2020 has not gone the way any of us envisioned it would. Despite enormous challenges, our members have impressed us with their dedication to the community and their outstanding leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis – and we want to honor them! Because this year is different (in more ways than one) we’re changing up our annual awards as well. On October 29th and November 12th, join us for afternoons of networking, conversations with our honorees, and the chance to win some fabulous prizes from our members!
Better Together Campaign Launch
We believe that every business can benefit from being a member of the Chamber - and we want your help growing our Chamber community to make that happen!

From October 26 until December 18, spread the word about the Chamber and get extra benefits for you and anyone who joins!
Join a Committee this Week!
NextExecs Committee Sponsored by McKay Mortgage
Join the NextExecs for their monthly meeting on 10/27 followed by a casual Happy Hour on zoom! For more info about the NextExecs, check out their flyer.

Joining us for a happy hour cocktail class this month is Silver! We'll learn how to make the perfect drink to welcome fall: Apple Cider Bourbon
Economic Development - Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 a.m.

Presentation: Update on the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly and
Discussion of Major Issues of Importance to the Greater Bethesda Area (including
the status of the Purple Line and the widening of I-270/I-495)
Guest Speaker: District 16 Delegate Marc Korman, Chair, Montgomery County House Delegation
Real Estate Committee - Wednesday, October 28, 9am
(immediately following Economic Development meeting) – on the same zoom

Presentations: 
Update on the Chevy Chase Lake Project, presented by Geoff Flaherty (Chevy Chase Land Co.) and Justin Kennell (Bozzuto)
Update on the Strathmore Square Project by Andy Altman and Ron Kaplan (Five Square)
New Grants and Continuing Grant Opportunities - Sign Up Now

NEW! 3R Initiative - The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MDEDC) last week announced the new 3R Initiative with opportunities for $5,000 for Restaurants and Retailers. This new grant will support: delivery service fees, auto insurance costs related to deliveries, inventory costs, and other COVID-related business expenses.  All businesses should apply for this grant even though businesses outside Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring and Gaithersburg will be considered first. Once the businesses from the priority areas have been funded, MCEDC will look at all other applications on a first come, first served basis. Apply Now – the deadline for applying is November 5. 

Grants of up to $5,000 Still Available for Reopening – Apply Now
Montgomery County businesses that have purchased items they need to comply with State and County requirements to protect the public health are encouraged to apply for a “Reopen Montgomery Small Business Grant”. From PPE (face masks, shields, thermometer, etc.) to barriers and dividers to outdoor furniture, heaters, tents and HVAC system upgrades, this grant program still has funds available. A business does not need to have been closed in order to be eligible for a Reopen Montgomery Grant. Details -- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/biz-resources/reopen/

NEW! Governor Hogan Increases Funding and New Grants for Small Businesses
On October 22nd, Governor Larry Hogan announced an additional $250 million for his Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative to provide relief to small businesses that have suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant funding is allocated in segments for various types of business including restaurants, “Main Street” areas, tourism program for restaurants, attractions and shops, arts organizations and many others. Go Here for full details.  

Upcoming Events & Programs
Chamber 101
Join us for this "Introduction" to the Chamber to learn more about our membership benefits and programs. This event is great for business considering membership, new members, and current members looking to reconnect! The event will end with a brief Speed Networking so you can grow your network.

Annual Chamber Awards
This afternoon, we'll be honoring awardees in the following categories: Police Officer of the Year (Police Officer III Sean Petty) and Excellence in Corporate Leadership (Bean Bag Deli and Catering Co.).

Ribbon Cutting
Please join us to celebrate the opening of Nothing Bundt Cakes' Bethesda Location! The event will be held outside following social distancing protocols. 
 
Please register if you are able to join us so we can keep track of the expected head count! Register to attend.
Leadership Luncheon featuring Jane Fairweather
November 5 - 12:00pm

Join us via Zoom as we hear from Jane Fairweather, the Founder and CEO of The Jane Fairweather Team. 

Attendees will have the chance to ask Jane questions and learn more about her journey to success. 
Leadership Luncheon Series sponsored by M&T Bank
Annual Corporate Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Pepco  

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors 
 Andy Stern's Office Furniture, A Division of Benjamin Office Supply & Services - Atlantech Online - The Bernstein Companies - Capacity Partners - Dembo Jones - Grossberg Company LLP
Hill Slowinski, Long & Foster | Christie's | Maryland Settlers LLC -
The Bean Bag Deli & Catering - WithumSmith+Brown, PC

 
Partner Sponsors 
 Bethesda Magazine - Hyatt Regency Bethesda - Mon Ami Gabi - North Bethesda Marriott & Conference Center - sasse agency - SpeedPro              
 
Chamber 101 Sponsor
Sandy Spring Bank
Leadership Luncheon Series Sponsor 
M&T Bank
NextExec Sponsor 
McKay Mortgage Company