Chamber Update

By Linda Zahn, CEO, GSPCC

The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting and enriching our community. Creating a vibrant local economy, strong schools, and improving the appearance of the community are all important to us. The funds we raise with our Taste And Sip event on Nov. 17 at Homestead Gardens will be put to good use with more community plantings and improvements, such as the ones at the intersection of Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard and McKinsey Road.  Additionally, we will be holding a Youth Leadership Conference in 2012, and also starting a scholarship program. We continually sponsor programs to help businesses gain visibility, perfect their skills to compete, and help business people thrive. Our Business and Community Guide is taking a major step forward by not only being printed and delivered door to door, but by being launched on our website in flip-book format.

We encourage you to support our local businesses. They contribute to many of the programs we treasure such as our charities, schools and churches. Let’s all work together to keep the Greater Severna Park community the best it can be.

We have a number of events coming up. Our Taste And Sip of Severna Park is scheduled for Nov. 17.A list of participating culinary establishments is posted on our website at www.severnaparkchamber.com.  In addition to wonderful food and drink, there is a festive silent auction to kick off your holiday shopping. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of the season with the Annapolis Chorale and the Christian Chimers Bell Choir. The event will be held at Severna Park’s Homestead Gardens and also at Zachary’s Jewelers. Each attendee will take away a gift bag with information on the vendors and also a keepsake ornament from Homestead Gardens. Our corporate sponsors are Matt Wyble – Champion Realty, and BankAnnapolis. Tickets are $30 in advance for members of the Chamber and $35 in advance for non-members. At the door tickets are $45. Call 410-647-3900 to order or order online at www.severnaparkchamber.com.

The Community Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 on Holly Avenue at the Chamber of Commerce. There will be music and performances, refreshments and treats for children. There is no fee and the festivities begin at 5:00pm. For more information, please contact us at 410-647-3900.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, there will be a Business Mixer at Cypress Creek Therapy Associates from 5:00-7:00pm. The fee is $7 for members pre-paid and $15 at the door (non-members are $20).

 Our next Business Bites luncheon topic is “Connecting with Your Audience” and the presenter is Oscar Zalamia from Toastmasters International. It will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and the fee is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. The location is Brian Boru and there is a choice of entrée.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Chamber’s Successful Women in Business group meets at Café Bretton for a festive Holiday Luncheon. Attendees can choose from four delicious entrees and there will be favors for everyone! Doors open at 11:30am and there are spaces for four table vendors to sell their wares and display their products.

Our final Welcome Breakfast of the year, where we welcome new members and provide information for prospective ones, is being held on Dec. 16 from 8:00-9:00am at Woodfire’s Back Room. Please call us (410-647-3900) if you’d like to attend!