The newly elected officers for the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce are sworn in for the 2012 year by Delegate Cathy Vitale on Jan.26. Photo by Laura Wiegmann

By Hayley Gable Bowerman

On Jan.26, the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation banquet at Chartwell Country Club to officially induct six new officers and five new board members.

At the meeting, Tom Lerario of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church was inducted as President. First Vice President is now Joanne Heath of Muscle Matters Massage, and Second Vice President is Bob Moreland of Lundberg Builders. Tim Hall of Nationwide Insurance was inducted as Treasurer, and Anne Myers of Partners In Care will take over as Secretary. Dana Eckert of BankAnnapolis will now stand as Chairman of the Board. Additionally, the outgoing GSPCC Board Members were recognized for their duties during the past year.

Board Members inducted at the meeting were Martin Gorman of Ledo Pizza and Pasta, Matt Wyble of Champion Realty, Molly Green of Severn School, Ashley Hepburn Mathers of Dynasplint Systems and Dawn Wilson of Side Street Framers.

To cap off the evening, Senator Ed Reilly gave an informative presentation on the hot topics currently going on within the current legislative session. The proposed rezoning and redistricting laws were discussed, as was also Governor O’Malley’s budget highlights and gas tax proposal. Senator Reilly also touched upon Maryland’s economic state, and how it is currently affecting local businesses. “Companies should be rewarded for keeping people employed,” he protested.

Of course, Chamber CEO Linda Zahn was in attendance to show her support and excitement for the new board members.

"I think the evening went very well, and attendance was strong. Senator Ed Reilly had good information to share and there will be a lot of important issues in this year's legislative session that will matter to businesses,” explained Zahn. “We were able to hand out the first copies of the new Business and Community Guide, and we give credit to Bay Media for that effort.We had a presentation on our Shop Local campaign, and updates on various other Chamber programs.”

Delegate Cathy Vitale and Senator Reilly also stood in front of the crowd and encouraged everyone to come out for an evening with elected officials on Monday, Feb.13 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the House Office Building, Room 170, on 6 Bladen Street in Annapolis. “We invite the entire community to come out to network with your Delegates and Senators and discuss issues of importance for your businesses,” explained Vitale. Guests are also given the opportunity to visit the General Assembly Session at 8:00pm. The cost is $20 for members of GSPCC, and $40 for non-members.

Also during the banquet, members from the local group Toastmasters International were on-site to promote their “How To Craft The Perfect Speech” workshop series. The free series begins Saturday, Feb.11 at 10:00am at the Severna Park Starbucks. Attendees will receive resources and information for taking the next step in becoming a successful speaker and effective leader. To reserve your space, RSVP to Andy Byrd at 410-431-8966.