Chamber Update

By Linda Zahn, CEO

Hurricane Irene didn’t pack the wallop originally forecasted, but it still hit the Greater Severna Park area with enough force to be long remembered. Having trees down, the power out, and flooded basements were a few of the effects of this huge storm. The lesson learned is that it’s never wrong to be as prepared as possible for a major storm. If it’s as bad as predicted, you’re as prepared as you can be.

Because of  power outage, the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce and Pasadena Business Association postponed the joint mixer at Bamboo Bernie’s Restaurant scheduled for August 30. It will now be held on Tuesday, September 13 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Bamboo Bernie’s is located at 8359 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. in Pasadena, and this promises to be a great event. You can call 410-647-3900 to register, or you can do so online at www.severnaparkchamber.com.

We have a great Street Fair coming up on Holly Avenue on October 1. It will be held as a part of Severna Park Heritage Day this year. Holly Avenue will be closed from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.  The Severna Park Lions Club will serve lunch that day and there will be artists and crafters and other various vendors on Holly Avenue from Riggs to Evergreen. Celebree Learning Center will have art activities for children, and the Severna Park Railroad Club will be open also for visitors. We are looking for artists who would like to exhibit and/or sell their work. There is a rain date for the street fair and it is October 15. Please call 410-617-3900 if you have questions or would like a registration form.

Our September 26 “Driving Force for Business” Golf Tournament will be held at Chartwell Country Club. This is the 50th anniversary of Chartwell Country Club and we’re joining in the celebration. Our Honorary Chair will be Kendal Ehrlich. Single golfers are $165.00 and a foursome is $650.00. We also have sponsorships available. You don’t have to be a member of the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce to golf in our tournament. Please call 410-647-3900 or visit www.severnaparkchamber.com.

A date to mark on your calendars is our Taste and Sip of Severna Park. Scheduled for November 17 at Homestead Gardens, the Taste and Sip event will raise money for community beautification. If you’ve enjoyed the plantings at the intersection of B&A and McKinsey, that is the beginning of an ongoing effort to improve areas of the community with attractive plantings and landscaping. For more information please call Linda Zahn at 410-647-3900.

Another upcoming event that is of importance to business is the Legislative Breakfast planned by the Anne Arundel County Council of Chambers. It will be held on Friday, September 30 at Hella’s Restaurant in Millersville. A Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly is planned for October. Potential issues involve congressional redistricting, transportation funding, and consideration of tax increases. The Legislative Breakfast is slated to give attendees the opportunity to address these (and other) issues of concern prior to the Special Session and the regular Session. The cost is $25 for members who register in advance and $45 for members at the door and non-members.