2 July/August CONNECTION
what’s inside... ......................... MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SUE GREER, Chair of the Board MEMBERS IN THE NEWS FROM BETSY’S DESK NEW MEMBERS CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
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member spotlight ......................................
Local organizations honored for excellence
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On Tuesday, June 2nd, the Charles County Commissioners recognized Chaney Enterprises, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center as recipients of the 2015 Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) awards. AWE is a nonprofit organization recognizing today’s business leaders in all aspects of the workplace. The organization believes the integration of workplace excellence, health and wellness, eco-leadership, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace is an investment in success. All THREE of these outstanding businesses are long-time members of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce! We congratulate them on their outstanding contributions to the community-at-large.
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July/August 3
from the desk of: ...........................................
Sue Greer, Chair of the Board It is June already. Six months have flown by as your Chamber works and advocates for you. The last six months have been a flurry of activity with the launching of the Chamber’s Military Alliance Council, the General Assembly’s legislative session and the Chamber’s advocacy during the County Commissioner’s annual budget cycle. This budget cycle has been an active one as two issues rose to the forefront: transportation and economic development. Decisions were made on the local front to defund a substantial portion of the last phase of Western Parkway, to remove the remaining monies from the Cross County Connector and to defund the property acquisition piece of the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor (“WURC”). All of these are part of the County’s long term transportation and economic development plans. The Western Parkway and the Cross County Connector date back to the 1990’s and the WURC dates to the mid-2000’s. As I write this article, there is also a pending hearing on the imposition of a local transfer tax in the amount of ½ of 1% of the sales price of the property. This will apply to both commercial and residential transactions. The Chamber and the business community have been at the forefront of these issues, advocating for the investment in transportation and advocating against the imposition of a tax. The Chamber believes that both of these issues will have a chilling effect on business growth, investment and retention. With respect to transportation, the failure
to fully fund transportation projects raises concerns about the County’s commitment to building the infrastructure necessary to support our businesses. The County has two northern points of ingress and egress, Route 301 and Route 210. Providing safer, more effective and more efficient mobility throughout the County is essential to the safety and effectiveness of our fire, emergency services and police, to the safety of our motoring public (including our children) and to the long term health and growth of our businesses. On behalf of the Chamber, I recently attended a Business to Business Workforce Development Luncheon at which Congressman Steny Hoyer spoke. During his comments, Congressman Hoyer, speaking of his support for the Highway Transportation Bill pending at the federal level, referenced the importance of infrastructure and its impact on the economy. Congressman Hoyer commented that in order for businesses to invest or grow and create jobs, they need infrastructure or certainty that infrastructure will be there. That certainty comes in the form of funding. Businesses will not invest or grow jobs without that certainty. Congressman Hoyer is correct and his comments hold equally true at the local level. Congressman Hoyer’s comments echoed those of Mayor Mick Cornett and Mayor Bill de Blasio, who are part of a bipartisan effort, to ensure funding at the federal level of our nation’s infrastructure. Both Mayors cite solid infrastructure as critical to a modern economy.
Traffic relief is not just a business issue, but is also a consistent theme from the motoring public in hearing after hearing and comment after comment on social media. While there continue to be deletions from the Transportation Plan there has been no conversation about an alternative plan. The Chamber continues to push for a conversation in the matters of transportation, economic development and the proposed tax. It is not sufficient to simply say no. Government needs to explain its vision to residents and businesses, and then fund that vision. This type of advocacy is the basis of your Chamber. Your Chamber thanks you for your continued support as we strive to make sure the voice of business is heard.
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member spotlight ......................................
The Charleston offers premier assisted living in Southern Maryland The Charleston will be a new and exciting assisted living community centrally located in Waldorf, Md. Opening in late summer 2015, The Charleston, envisioned and owned by the Baldus family, will offer premier assisted living and memory care services encompassed in two neighborhood communities. In the assisted living community, studio and one bedroom suites are equipped with kitchenettes to include a microwave, kitchen sink, and refrigerator. The memory care community will specialize in programming and care for those faced with varying forms of dementia. Amenities include a tastefully appointed dining room and private dining room, banquet center, Movie Theater, market,
C
club and card rooms, salon, swimming pool and fitness center that set a new standard of care and services for assisted living in southern Maryland. The Charleston, a chamber of commerce member since 2014, has maintained a focus on Alzheimer’s support and community outreach for Charles County seniors. We were proud to be a “Gold” sponsor of The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2014, as well as this year’s walk scheduled in September. Our community involvements include supporting local elementary schools with “Career
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July/August
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members in the news ......................................
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In the picture (from left to right are Sue Greer, Chamber Chair; Deborah Hall, Deputy Charles County Administrator; La Plata Mayor Roy Hale; Scot Ebron, bank Executive Vice President; Lloyd Harrison, President and CEO of VA/MD Partners Bank; John Chichester, former Chairman of the Board; and John Janney, Chairman of the Board.
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Students receive scholarships from Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation, CSM Foundation 15 Years; 362 students; $400,000 in scholarships Celebrating 15 years of partnership, the College of Southern Maryland Foundation and the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation awarded 41 students with $80,500 in scholarships for the 2015-16 academic year at the annual scholarship reception May 6. “This is my favorite time of year. It’s a time of completion, seeing our students realize their dreams, and a time for new beginnings,” said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. “At our Spring Commencement we award certificates and degrees to students and each has a personal story that led them to CSM—tonight I am honored to meet with you as you work toward realizing your dreams, too.” Over the past 15 years, the Jaycees have
Representatives from the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and the College of Southern Maryland Foundation joined CSM students who were awarded scholarships for the 2015-16 academic year at the May 6 scholarship reception in Waldorf.
awarded 362 Charles County students with nearly $400,000 in scholarships. “Providing scholarships is not just about paying for courses, it is about investing today in order to have a profound impact on
someone’s tomorrow and our community’s future,” CSM Foundation Chair Christine Rush said during the reception. Jaycee scholarship recipients who continue to do well academically are awarded
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July/August 7
from Betsy’s desk ...........................................
Betsy Burian, President/CEO
Summer is upon us! Hopefully many of you will be enjoying some family and friends time at a beautiful beach, in the mountains by a lake – or maybe at some distant dreamed about vacation spot!
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Please know, though, that your Chamber will continue to host activities throughout the summer for your enjoyment, business growth, and networking opportunities. Flyers are in this newsletter for our upcoming events, and we hope to see you at them! Of special importance is our 3rd Annual Business, Home & Health Expo at the St. Charles Towne Center on Saturday, August 15th. Those of you who have participated before should recall that there are many, many people in the Mall that date as it is part of Maryland’s Tax-Free weekend. Your business will definitely be noticed! We hope you will consider utilizing this wonderful opportunity to put your business in the public eye. Also, I’d like to thank all of you who have participated in showing the Chamber’s strength by attending the various County public hearings and other activities. Your Chamber leadership has been working diligently to bring items to your attention that would be most important to your businesses. We
will continue to do this. Working on your behalf is what the Chamber is here to do! Also, thank you for your interest and support of our most recent additions – the Young Professionals Group (YPG) and the Military Alliance Council (MAC). For further information on ways that you may become involved in either of these important groups, please call me. I will be more than happy to provide details for you and your employees. In the meantime, be sure to enjoy the summer! Get some rest and relaxation in – but please also stay in touch with us! We hope to see you often.
8 July/August CONNECTION
members in the news ......................................
Banner year for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Seniors in the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2015 walked across the stage in late May with $62 million in scholarship offers. It was also the first time in more than a decade that all CCPS graduations were held in Charles County. Graduations culminated a banner year for CCPS. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) named two North Point High School seniors as finalists in the 2015 National Achievement Program. Two Westlake High School seniors were selected for the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and the College Board highlighted 282 CCPS students through its Advanced Placement Scholars Awards program, which recognizes exceptional achievement on the college level exams. During the 2014-15 school year, the CCPS graduation rate hit 91.4 percent, the highest rate since 2010, according to data released by the Maryland State Department of Education. As student graduation rates
increase, the CCPS dropout rate continues to decline. The CCPS average exceeds the state graduation rate of 86.39 by five points. CCPS also opened its seventh high school this school year – St. Charles High School – along with the James E. Richmond Science Center, which is located at St. Charles High School in Waldorf and is open to all students and the Charles County community. System initiatives and programs continued this school year to expand learning opportunities for students. CCPS partnered with Code. org to infuse computer science concepts into curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Several schools are certified as Maryland Green Schools for their focus on environmental education, including J.C. Parks Elementary School. Parks was recently named
one of only two Maryland schools to be named a U.S. Department of Education 2015 Green Ribbon Schools Award recipient. CCPS also successfully implemented new testing measures for student this school year with the introduction of Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments in reading and mathematics. Information from these assessments is used by CCPS to monitor student progress in mastering concepts, and to design instructional programs to better prepare students for their future. Additionally, the system’s focus on safety and security expanded this year with the implementation of a new entry system at all schools, centers and buildings. The system is intercom and video-based and is programmed to match the bell schedules at each individual school. CCPS is the largest employer in Charles County, with more than 3,400 staff members who serve nearly 26,000 students at 36 schools and four educational centers.
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welcome to our new members ......................................
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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
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Betsy Burian, President/CEO Dee Hancock, Administrative Director Tracey Albrittain, Financial Director
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Students Continued from page 6
a renewal scholarship for their second year at CSM. Among this year’s 21 renewed scholarship recipients is CSM education major Maria Estevez, of White Plains, who spoke to guests attending the reception about how she has benefited from Jaycees scholarship. “I graduated from high school with almost straight As and the ability, based on academics, to get into many colleges. I chose to start at a community college because CSM is a good spot between high school and a large university. The financial support through scholarships that I have received from the Jaycees and the CSM Foundation have allowed me to concentrate on my studies and to take full advantage of all of the opportunities available to college students rather than having to rush between classes and a job,” said Estevez who in addition to completing 13 courses and starting two clubs, worked as a student assistant at CSM. Estevez plans to transfer to Towson University through the 2+2 Program to pursue her bachelor’s degree in education. Echoing Estevez’s sentiments to thank the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and CSM Foundation for their support was renewal scholarship recipient Tabish Nawaz of Waldorf. “When I applied for the Jaycees Scholarship I said that awarding this scholarship would be like an investment. I promised that if I received the scholarship, I would not waste the opportunity,” said Nawaz. “I spend at least 12 hours every day on campus. The majority of those hours are spent in classes and at the library or in the computer labs. I also meet with faculty mentors who have helped me keep my thoughts in the right direction. I am involved in the STEM Scholars Program, the Math Team and peer tutoring in math subjects up to Calculus. I was awarded the Jaycees renewal scholarship and next spring I will graduate with an associate degree in biological sciences. My goal is to become a cardiac surgeon—so I will have many years of college ahead of me.” “When I wrote to the Jaycees scholarship committee, I said that after I become successful I will make sure I give this money back to a similar cause. I stand by that statement still--and I promise the committee to make CSM, Jaycees and the Charles County Community proud of me and I promise to help the community after I begin my career.” The renewal recipient with the highest GPA as well as the departing student with the highest GPA are also awarded an additional $1,000. This year there were two renewal recipients with the highest GPA: Nawaz and Daniel Dewaters of Waldorf. The departing student with the highest GPA was Sarah Adeyaniu of Waldorf. Recipients of the 2015-16 Greater Waldorf Jaycees FoundationCSM Foundation Scholarships are: Trevor Abell, Elizabeth Allen, Christopher Barnwell, Kassidy Bowie, Haley Carr, Katelyn Gilroy, Jessi Langley, Luke Mahaney, Kayla Mendoza, Kathryn Newsome, Foram Patel, Khusbuben Patel, James Payne, Breonna Posey, Brittany Puffenbarger, Klarenz Sarabia, Sarah Weathersby, Brandon Will and Jaia Young. Recipients of the 2015-16 Greater Waldorf Jaycees FoundationCSM Foundation Renewed Scholarships are: Alexander Albrittain, Cristine Arter, Rebekah Carson, Aryanna Crockett, Imani Dennis, Sambhav Devkota, Daniel Dewaters, Emily Ditoto, Cheyenne Eller, Maria Estevez, Alyssa Gentilcore, Kehle Hatch, Michael King, Sarah Latimer, Morgan Mabry, Shelby McKeown, Tabish Nawaz, Bushra Nawaz, Evelyn Pike, Patrik Sarabia and Robyn Welborne.
J u l y / A u g u s t 11
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