Your Go-To Source

for Upcounty News

and Events

(Photo caption: Chamber Members and Police Officers at our "Coffee with a Cop" gathering at Silver Diner in RIO. )

We are the #GGCC. We are #StrongerTogether.

Together, we are the #UpcountyEngine.

Be in the know! Make sure you're social with us:

Have you updated your member profile lately?

• Updated print directory will publish this fall and includes all members – check your info! You should have received a directory listing verification form last week via email. If you didn't receive that, please contact Angela.
• New diverse business categories have been added to profile and the online directory. Are you a minority business owner, woman business owner, veteran business owner, etc? Be listed!
• Update your business profile so people know what you DO!
• Trouble accessing your member portal? Email us!

Upcoming Events

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

Ribbon Cutting: Integrative Health & Musa Wellness Pilates

When: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 PM (note time change)

Where: Integrative Health Recreation & Musa Wellness

202 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 

Register Now!

Biz Card Exchange Lunch: Direct Connect Lunch-n-Learn

When: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 12:00 PM thru 01:30 PM

Where: Homewood Suites

805 Russell Ave

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Register Now!

Bourbon & Wine Tasting - GGCC Friendsgiving!

When: Wednesday, November 15, 4:30-6:30 PM

Where: Brews & Barrels

625 Center Point Way

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Register Now!

GGCC's Women in Business - Ladies Night Out!

When: Monday, November 20, 2023 6:30 PM

Where: November's Gathering:

Rio Grande Tex Mex Bar & Grill

13541 Clopper Road

Germantown, MD 20874

Register now!

Ribbon Cutting: Hope Grows Child Development - new location!

When: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 12:00 PM

Where: Hope Grows Child Development Center

19757 Frederick Road, Germantown, 20876

Register Now!

FYI Series: Expert Member Led Lunch & Learn: Holiday Wellness

When: Wednesday, November 29, 12:00 PM

Where: GGCC Conference Room, 910 Clopper Rod, Suite 205N, Gaithersburg 

This month's FYI Series is all about Holiday Health & Wellness - Navigating your health and wellness through the holidays. Led by health and wellness expert Rachelle Rohner from Rohner Health. Rachelle will discuss the how to navigate the ins and outs of the holiday season when it comes to your wellness. 

Register Now!

Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals in 2024 | Prof. Dev't Series

When: Thursday, November 30, 8:30-10:00AM

Where: Homewood Suites, 805 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg 

Thank you to our sponsors for the 2023 Professional development Series: Supporting Strategies and Homewood Suites!

Register Now!

Business Networking After 5: At Locally Crafted in RIO!

When: Thursday, November 30, 5:00-7:00 PM

Where: Locally Crafted

201 Boardwalk Place

Gaithersburg

Register Now!

Business Card Exchange Lunch Open House at Zen Leaf

When: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1:00-2:00 PM

Where: Zen Leaf Dispensary

13007 Wisteria Drive

Unit 28-29

Germantown, MD 20874

Register Now!

74th Annual Gala Celebration & Awards Dinner

This year's biggest bash is your "Passport to the Upcounty: Where we live, work, and play." 



This is our biggest bash of the year - A celebration of business in the Upcounty! It also serves as the Chamber's largest fundraiser, helping us continue our mission of strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and grow the economy in our community.

Don't miss your chance to enjoy an evening celebrating with the GGCC's movers and shakers at the Chamber's Best Night Out!

When: Thursday, December 14, 6:00 PM

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg 

Register Now!

Committee Corner:

Highlights of GGCC's 4 Standing Committees of the Board

Next Meeting: November 16, 11:00 a.m. (In Person), GGCC Office

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: November 15, 8:30am (zoom)



This month, we'll hear from Tom Lonergan-Seeger, Assistant City Manager at the City of Gaithersburg, with an update on Lakeforest and other projects in the City.  

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: November 8, 8:30 am (Zoom)

Are you interested in helping to plan the various networking events happening with the chamber? The events committee is now meeting every two weeks to support the Gala, and will resume a regular monthly schedule in 2024.

Please register to attend at the link above.

Next Meeting: December 4, 10:00 a.m. (Zoom),

The Young Professionals Group (YPG) Committee meets the first Monday of the month at 10am

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: Nov 9, 2:00 p.m. (In Person), M&T Bank, 77 Upper Rock Circle, Ste. 800, Rockville

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.

This committee meets in person every second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m.

Please register to attend at the link above.

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.

Minority Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Next Meeting: TBD (In-Person)

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.

SOHO (Small Office Home Office)

Next Meeting: Nov 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.

Pathways Direct Connect for Women

Next Meeting: Friday, Nov 17, 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 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It alternates between Zoom and in-person at a Chamber member restaurant! Email Philippa Channer or Kari Primozic to join.

Nonprofit Direct Connect

Next Meeting: November 13, 11 am, (Zoom)

We will hear from Kerri Cook about the Financial Empowerment Center at Housing Initiative Partnership, about FEC's program as a resource in the community and her work as a financial counselor. Group discussion on an educational topic of interest to follow.

If you are interested in joining this Direct Connect, email Paula at pross@ggchamber.org.

Veteran Direct Connect

Next Meeting:TBD

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.

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@careplusinc.com

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 Paula Ross at: pross@ggchamber.org.

• Boy Scouts of America - Seneca District represents scouting in the upper half of Montgomery Country from Darnestown to Poolesville to Damascus. We are conducting our largest annual community service project - Scouting for Food (SFF). SFF helps feed families in need by collecting non-perishable food and distributing it to local food pantries, such as Manna. We want to encourage others to participate in our virtual food drive which runs Oct 1st - Dec 16th. Donations can be made on-line, and the food will be delivered to Manna Food Center. Seneca District Flyer and Virtual Food Drive links.

• Charley Prime Last month, the Washington Post listed Charley Prime, as one of food critic’s Tom Sietsema’s 6 favorite places to eat. Eater DC writes, “The stylish lakefront steakhouse in Gaithersburg added weekend brunch in July with plates of eggs, bacon, and hash browns; burgers, and roasted lamb French dip with fries. Go big with a lobster tail Benedict and decadent French toast on brioche with caramelized bananas. Brunch drinks include a (pomegranate) mimosa or espresso-tini, as well as coffee from Maryland roaster Ceremony. Go bottomless for $34.95, which includes any entree and bottomless mimosas or RAR lagers (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)”

• Davis & Associates, P.A. is pleased to announce that our firm has been recognized as one of ten "2023 Best Firms for Technology" by Accounting Today, the premier independent media company in the CPA profession. We invite you to view our award plaque HERE and the feature article HERE to learn more. Our team is grateful to have "practiced our craft" with our clients and colleagues so that we could continually improve our best-in-class technologies and processes. Thank you!

• Maryland DECA will be having a Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 8th at the Silver Diner Rio in Gaithersburg. The event will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and they will have DECA members from their Montgomery County High Schools present to answer questions about DECA and help inside the restaurant. The money raised will help their members participate in the National Competition being held in Anaheim California this year in April 2024. To volunteer please fill out their Volunteer Form or visit their website at www.decamaryland.org to learn more.

• Gaithersburg Police Foundation (GPF) board is seeking new members. The GPF seeks to support the Gaithersburg Police Department with its mission to provide quality services to the residents of Gaithersburg. The Foundation raises funds to offer educational opportunities for the police department staff, enhances recruitment and retention of officers, provides logistical support to officers, provides technology assistance, and helps to finance community outreach initiatives.The board meets on an annual basis and as needed. Responsibilities include planning and hosting fundraisers, financial record keeping and/or website and social media development and updates.The GPF has supported the K-9 program, purchased K-9 kevlar vests, Police bicycles, security systems and pistol and sports competitions. Interested parties can contact Chris O’Brien, board chair at cdobrien204@gmail.com. Please provide a brief bio and a statement of interest. Thank you.

• GreenDrop Germantown - This holiday season, help support the American Red Cross at the Cloppers Mill GreenDrop. Whether you’ve just cleaned out your closets or your entire home, our member GreenDrop has a donation drop-off in Germantown, which is an easy, convenient, and eco-friendly way to donate to a nonprofit.

• Hilary Schwab Photography is hosting a Pop Up Headshot Lounge on Thursday, November 16 from noon-12 pm. Perfect time to update your brand images. Chamber members receive a great deal at only $65.00. You will have the option to choose an outdoor or indoor location with wardrobe assistance. Sign up today.

• Irene Abdou Photography has two great opportunities for our members. First is a 1-of-a-Kind Magical Santa Photos Experience. Experience the enchantment of our Interactive Santa Photo Adventure! Step into a real-life magical storybook with your children. Witness their eyes light up from start to finish. Learn more here. You can also sign up for a Headshot Mini Marathon! Whether it's for your website, marketing, social media, online dating, or a special occasion, we'll make you look amazing. Complimentary hair styling and makeup for women included. Learn more here.

• Laperaux - the Journeymanchef's French Bistro in Germantown offer's half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday! Recently awarded "Best Restaurant in Germantown 2023." Come dine alfresco on their patio, enjoy Louie's Bar, or join the main dining room with live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday Brunch. 

• Learning Undefeated is Celebrating its 21st school year, Learning Undefeated is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Gaithersburg. The organization is best known for its fleet of seven mobile STEM laboratories, which bring hands-on science right to the school parking lot at no cost to local schools! When they’re not on the road, you can often spot these mobile laboratories parked at the corner of Key West & Broschart Road. The organization is currently accepting school visit requests from Montgomery County public schools, teachers can find more info here: Click Here.

• Novavax announcement: 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Now Authorized and Recommended for Use in the U.S.! For more information Click Here.

• NorthWest Credit Union is offering a special deal that you don't want to miss where you can earn $400. All you need to do for a limited time is only open your first ever Northwest consumer checking account and make a minimum of at least $5001 in ACH or direct deposits per month within the first 90 days

• Rio Grande Bar & Grill in Germantown offers authentic Tex-Mex food all week long, with catering available! Try their Rio Grande salad, platanos fritos, cheese dip, yuca frita, sopapillas & more! Come by for $5 Regular Margaritas on Thursdays and $7 Flavored Margaritas. They have Tequila Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Or, stop by for Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Rio Grande also participated in this year's Maryland Restaurant Week. Click Here for more details.

• SEEC is seeking volunteers to participate in their in-person mock interviews at their office on Friday, November 10th, and Friday, November 17th. Mock interviews are a great opportunity for their job seekers to polish their interview skills and network with members of their volunteer community. It is also a great opportunity for their volunteers to get to know the many strengths and talents of our job seekers! For additional questions, please contact Meg O’Connor at mo’connor@seeconline.org or 301-527-0440.

• Thorough Financial Services Attention parent-preneurs! Are you also constantly juggling your business and family life? Thorough Financial Services will be presenting a Parent-Preneur November Event: Balancing Act - Merging Parental and Entrepreneurial Tax Deductions.

• WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. (WSM) recently announced the Montgomery County Career Advising Program, an innovative new initiative to better the prospects of Montgomery County’s youth. Called MoCo CAP, this collaborative effort is headed by WorkSource Montgomery (WSM), along with partners Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove. The goal is to address one of the requirements related to the College and Career Readiness pillar laid out by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a $3.8 billion overhaul of the state’s public education system.

If you have any hiring announcements you'd like to include in our newsletter, please email a brief description to Philippa Channer at pchanner@ggchamber.org

• Edward Jones If you find yourself looking for a fulfilling career, the Branch Office Administrator (BOA) role may be the right opportunity for you. BOAs team up with financial advisors to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals. We’re proud to have more offices in the U.S. and Canada than any other investment firm, serving over seven million clients. We don’t often brag, but we’re frequently recognized and awarded as a top place to work. Some of the many accolades include 100 Best Companies to Work For®” by FORTUNE magazine and a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.Take the next step toward a new beginning with Edward Jones. Apply 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.

• M&T Bank is currently looking for bi-lingual candidate with management and sales experience, for the Branch Manager role in Hagerstown! If interested, please Click Here.

• Pare & Associates, LLC is a growing law practice with three locations throughout Montgomery County. We represent clients in family law, civil, bankruptcy, and criminal matters. We are looking for experienced Family Law Attorneys to join the team! The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience in family law. In addition, they will "hit the ground running" and be a team player. For more information, email alicepare@alicelaw.com.

• Randy Scritchfield and Associates is hiring for an Admin Associate. Located in Damascus, MD, they are an established and still growing retirement and financial planning practice that currently has a Senior Advisor and Associate Advisor. As part of the support staff, the person serving this role will be primarily responsible for assisting advisors and providing a high level of client satisfaction. For more information, email randy@randyscritchfield.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!

The Chamber is now accepting 2024 Annual Corporate Sponsors. Commit early, and receive added 2023 Q4 benefits! Email pross@ggchamber.org for more information.