2 March/April CONNECTION
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MEMBERS INTHE NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 4 SUE GREER, Chair of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 9 FROM BETSY’S DESK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 NEW MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cover photography by Classic Arts Photography
members in the news ...................................... CSM Selected as a Top School for Veterans
Military Advanced Education’s 2015 Guide Recognizes CSM The College of Southern Maryland has been awarded the designation of a Top School in the Military Advanced Education (MAE) 2015 Guide to Colleges and Universities which measures best practices in military and veteran education. “We are honored to be recognized again as an institution that goes out of its way to support the men and women who have served our country. By providing advising and support services to our veteran students, they are able to access the information they need to take full advantage of their benefits and to be successful in their academic pursuits,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. CSM was recently designated as a 2015 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media for being among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. "As one of the largest veteran-serving colleges or universities within Maryland, CSM is proud to serve more than 830 military students, veterans and their dependents each year," said Chris Zimmermann, director of the college’s financial assistance department which oversees its veteran benefits office. The Guide presents results of a questionnaire of the military-supportive policies enacted at more than 600 institutions including private, public, for-profit, not-for-profit, four-year and two-year colleges and was released in the December issue of MAE. It is availSee Veterans, page 5
CONNECTION
March/April 3
from the desk of: ...........................................
Sue Greer, Chair of the Board 2015 kicked off to a wonderful beginning for the Chamber. We celebrated our 59th Inaugural Reception at Middleton Hall. A tremendous thank you to all of our sponsors, award winners, Inaugural Committee and all those who attended in person or spirit!!! Next year the Chamber will celebrate 60 years!!! As I write this, I finish a day on which the Chamber participated in the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center’s (“UMCRMC”) update of Charles County’s Health Needs Assessment and the first mixer of the year at Regency Stadium, sponsored by Etrepid and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. (Congratulations to Country Furniture who won $10,000.00 in free advertising from the Blue Crabs!!) This day and the prospect of our 60th Anniversary, makes one pause to think of the Chamber and the County’s journey. Where we have been. Where we are. Where we are going. With respect to the Health Needs Assessment, twenty five years ago the number of physicians, specialists and urgent care providers were much more limited. Public transportation to health facilities did not exist and assisted transportation was limited. Today, the County enjoys access to a larger number of health care options, to include physicians, urgent care providers, specialists, therapists, rehabilitative services and more. Public transportation is available to some, if not all, of these services. The UMCRMC has become an Economic Engine for the
County, working to provide quality health care, state of the art technology and to fill existing gaps in health care. Despite these advances, there is still work to do. According to the 2007 Maryland Physician Workforce Study, Southern Maryland had the highest percentage of physician shortages than any other regions of Maryland (89.9%). The largest gap for the Southern Maryland Region is a shortage for primary care physicians. Wayne Gretzky once said, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” While the quality and access to health care has improved, the Chamber must work to with our health partners, our State and local government and our business community to identify the obstacles to tackling this shortage and then tackle those issues. Addressing this shortage will enhance the quality of life for our citizens and ensure that we create a community that attracts, retains and grows business. Only then will we be in a position to “play” where the “puck is going to be.” Our visit to the home of the Blue Crabs is a reminder of this lesson. Regency Stadium has been a wonderful and significant community addition. It is a direct result of a public private partnership where private land and capital partnered with our public capital and resources. At the time, its success was not guaranteed. Today, its success is not questioned. As Wayne Gretzky also
said, “You only miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” We must take this same approach to addressing the shortage of physicians and other economic issues, such as our Economic Development Committee’s work on the Waldorf Urban Revitalization Plan, the Maryland Airport Land Use Study and other initiatives. We must find way to partner private and public resources, identify where we think the puck will be and take a shot! That is entrepreneurship, that is our Chamber, and that is success.
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members in the news ......................................
2+2 Transfer Scholarships Equal Savings for Community College Graduates Students who begin their post-secondary educations at the College of Southern Maryland not only earn credits at half of the cost of most Maryland colleges, but they are also eligible for additional savings through scholarships designed solely for community college graduates when they transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree. “The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship is open to all community college students in Maryland who are enrolled full-time or part-time, maintain a 2.5 grade point average and demonstrate financial need,” said CSM Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Joan Middleton. “This scholarship is for students who are in their last
C
semester at CSM and have been accepted into their transfer school. It is a wonderful gift from the State of Maryland for students who complete their community college degrees.” Stephen Corcoran, of Lusby, plans to apply. He earned an associate degree in elementary/special education at CSM and has been accepted to the teacher education program at Towson University. Corcoran developed an interest in special education while participating in the Best Buddies program at Calvert High School. After becoming chapter president of the organization and realizing that he demonstrated the patience required to be successful
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in this field, he decided on special education as a career. “I enjoy working with children and seeing them thrive,” he said. “It would mean a lot to me to be awarded a scholarship through the 2+2 program because there are always roadblocks with financing college. Every amount I receive toward tuition is appreciated,” Corcoran said. See 2+2, page 5
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CONNECTION
2+2 Continued from page 4
Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application by March 1 for priority awarding. All majors are eligible, with students enrolling in a science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics or nursing program receiving an annual award of $2,000 and all other majors receiving $1,000 annually for up to three years or six semesters. For information on transfer services at CSM, visit www.csmd.edu/transfer or contact CSM Senior Coordinator of Transfer Services and Articulation James Spence at 301-934-7574 or JamesS@csmd.edu. A FAFSA “Line-by-Line” workshop will take place on the La Plata Campus from 1-3 p.m., Jan. 25. For information, contact the Financial Assistance Department at 301-934-7531 or visit http://www.csmd.edu/Financial/. The scholarship application and eligibility information is available at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialaid/ProgramDescriptions/ prog_2+2.asp, with directions on how to apply.
Veterans Continued from page 2
able online at www.mae-kmi.com. This year, institutes were evaluated on their military culture, financial aid, flexibility, on-campus support and online support services. Each school’s performance rating by category is represented by an easy-to-recognize dashboard to enable prospective students to quickly target schools that follow best practices in military education, and then put these in context with other academic or career considerations. For information on using veterans benefits and services at CSM, visit www.csmd.edu/veterans\. For information on CSM, visit www.csmd.edu.
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6 March/April CONNECTION
member spotlight ......................................
In Adrienne Reid’s Own Words! I have been a Chamber member since June 2014 and have attended a few morning perks, several network mixers, and the AWESOME 2014 Holiday Party! I assist in the Chamber’s Membership Committee. I have officially been in business since July 1, 2014, however I have been working in my field for over 20 years. Sales, marketing, and public relations is something that I love and I am very passionate about! I love helping people and that’s why I started my company. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and have successfully helped several family members and friends start and market their businesses. The services that I offer are unique in that I offer an “on-call” personal sales and marketing
service that is tailored to fit my client’s needs without the overhead and extra employees. A networking master, I put the right people in the right room…together. I help with the negotiations, aid in the formulation of what to say to whom, when, and of course, HOW to say it. I also attend networking events and trade shows on behalf of my clients. My favorite part of being in this field is planning EVENTS where I coordinate media coverage, program planning and getting the word out. My portfolio includes university pageants, event center projects, non-profit fundraising, medical & dental practice marketing, product marketing and sales, and company branding.
I received my BA in Public Relations and Advertising in 1998 from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL. REID BETWEEN THE LINES, LLC is involved in the community in many different ways. First, we gift our time and services to several non-profit organizations for youth ministries in the MidAtlantic States and Project Elijah Empowering Autism (PEEA). I am also a part of the Public Relations Society of America, DC chapter. See Reid page 11
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March/April 7
from Betsy’s desk ...........................................
Betsy Burian, President/CEO
On Sunday, February 1st, the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the Superbowl. There is no doubt that it was an exciting game. One aspect of the game was particularly interest-
ing to me. Like many of you, I am familiar with some of the starters on at least a few of the teams. In the Superbowl, however, there were two players who I had never heard of. Both ended up having huge impacts on the game. Chris Matthews ended up catching four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown for Seattle. Did you know that he had never caught a pass in an NFL game until the Superbowl? He was too busy working at Foot Locker! And what about Malcolm Butler? You know – he’s the one who made the end zone interception with 20 seconds left that sealed the game for the Patriots! He was an undrafted rookie who, eight months after being a long shot to make a team at all, was making arguably the biggest play in the biggest game. I'm sure you are thinking, thanks Betsy, we all watched the game, and we know what happened. What does this have to do
with the Chamber? We recently had our wonderful Inaugural Reception. Awards were presented, new officers and directors were sworn in. But please never forget that just like a football team, our Chamber is a team. It takes all of us working together to accomplish the goals and objectives that propel our businesses forward. Some roles may be more public than others, but all are necessary and important. Yes, Tom Brady is more well-known than Malcolm Butler, but it took both of them working together to win the Superbowl. I’d like to get our new year underway by thanking ALL of you for the important work you do currently and all you HAVE done over these many years to make the Chamber great. I’m proud to be part of your team. Betsy My thanks to Pastor Chris Deacon for allowing me to borrow some of his excellent thoughts.
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March/April 9
member spotlight ......................................
Boy Scouts of America, Zekiah District
An article by Geoffrey Thomas
For the past two years, I have enjoyed interacting and actively participating in our Charles County Chamber of Commerce and their many social events. Serving on the Chamber Board of Directors and Membership Committee has offered additional opportunities to promote our scouting cause. As the District Executive for the Boy Scout of America, the chamber has proved to be an incredible way to stay in touch with our local business community, promote our Boy Scouts mission and
increase the awareness of our involvement in our community. For over 100 years in Charles County, the Boy Scouts of America have been preparing young men and women to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Our county, the Zekiah District, continues to have one of the highest membership growth rates in the National Capital Area Council. We presently serve almost 1,000 youth and 30+ units including boys 7-18 years old, coed hobby and career training programs, empowering our youth and impacting our
schools, churches and neighborhoods. In November 2014 during our “Scouting for Food” campaign, we collected over 11,000 pounds of food for local families in need. Our scouts performed over 8,000 hours of community service, helped SMECO and the Lion’s Club to hang and remove the annual holiday lights in La Plata, participated in Save the Bay Day and groomed 17 new Eagle Scouts — each one leading a service project to improve the community of Charles County. These fine young men and women in scouting are your future employees and our entrepreneurs of tomorrow. See Scouts page 11
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chamber leadership ............................................ 2015 Executive Committee
Board Members
Board Chair, Sue Greer Greer Law Firm/Title Professionals Chair Elect, Billie Stachura BES & Associates Insurance Vice Chair, Bonnie Morris Arrow American Pest & Termite Control Secretary, Natalie Cotton SMECO Treasurer, Nick Cox Facchina Member At Large, Joyce Riggs University of MD Charles Regional Medical Center Past President, Steve Kensinger Old Line Bank
Tom Blandford, eTrepid, Inc. Dexter Bordes. DM&T Properties Larry Foster, Evergreen Disposal Services Glenn Frank, Askey, Askey & Associates CPA LLC Nkeshi Free, Arc of Southern Maryland Jim Gorney, James J. Gorney, P.C. Craig Hickerson, Sign-A-Rama David Hruda, Alexander & Cleaver PA Angie Keesee, Crown Trophy of Waldorf Murray Levy, Alexnader & Cleaver PA James Lusby, Old Line Bank Daniel Michael, PNC Bank Daniel Mosser, College of Southern Maryland Ryan Sima, Swan Point Yacht & Country Club Sheebah Smith, Spring Dell Center Katie Stickel, Wildes-Spirit Design & Printing Inc. Geoffrey Thomas, Boy Scouts of America Leonard Thomas, Farmers Insurance Group
The Charles County Chamber of Commerce publishes CONNECTION every other month. Southern Maryland Newspapers Inc. sells the advertisements in Connection. The company’s address is: 7 Industrial Park Dr., Waldorf, MD 20602. The telephone numbers are 301-764-2800 and 301-843-9600 and the fax number is 301-884-9403. Copyright 2015 • Charles County Chamber of Commerce
Representative Directors
Sherry Santana, Young Entrepreneurs Academy Sheriff Troy Berry, Charles County Sheriff’s Office Makeba Clay, College of Southern Maryland Dr. Kim Hill, Superintendent, Charles County Public Schools Crystal Hunt, Charles County Government Vince Hungerford, Western Charles County Business Association
Staff: Betsy Burian, President/CEO Dee Hancock, Administrative Director Tracey Albrittain, Financial Director
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Continued from page 6
In my spare time, I am very involved as a volunteer in the local homeschool community teaching science to kindergarten3rd graders, and I am the Director of the Waldorf Cubs Adventurer Club at the Waldorf SDA Church. In addition, we also gift time as the Fundraising Coordinator for the North Point High School PTSO. I love networking, meeting new people, exchanging new ideas, listening to experienced entrepreneurs and business owners, exchanging valuable information on services, ideas, and where to go. I am enjoying this opportunity to make lifelong connections for business and for life… And of course, the food is GREAT too!
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Scouts Continued from page 9
Being a non-profit, we have to consistently be visible and viable so we can continue to impact our community and raise the needed funds that support our many scouting programs. The Charles County Chamber of Commerce and its vast network has greatly contributed to our success and our successes in Charles County. By being an active member, I have had countless opportunities to interact and share our scouting mission. Our chamber relationship has made the significant difference to the Zekiah District of the BSA and to the many youth and volunteers we so proudly serve. Geoffrey Thomas is the Senior District Executive – Serving the Chain Bridge District of Virginia; Order of the Arrow NE-6A Section Staff Adviser; and a Charles County Chamber of Commerce - Board Member.
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