Chamber Update

We are excited to announce our newest members of the chamber: AbleSpark, a software and web developer; Paramount Yard Pest Control; Peaceful Petals Flower Truck; Erie Insurance/Schaner Insurance Company; Lean on Dee Senior Care Advocates Inc.; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/Elizabeth Parks; and Kumon of Severna Park.

We held five ribbon cutting celebrations in January. First, F45 Training officially opened its doors for a ribbon cutting on January 10. This new fitness business is off to a great start with over 300 foundation members. On January 15, Park Wellness Group cut the ribbon on a new location in Severna Park. The business provides mental health therapy in the community. Later that day, owner David Wendkos cut the ribbon on his beautiful Sandler Training facility in Annapolis. On January 23, Change Your Pace Therapeutic Massage held a ribbon cutting and open house in its expanded space in Arnold. And on January 29, The Matt Wyble Team of Century 21 New Millennium held an open house and ribbon cutting for its new location serving Severna Park and surrounding areas.

On January 16, five chambers in Anne Arundel County held the second annual Legislative Leadership Breakfast at the Blackwall Barn & Lodge. The presenting sponsor was Rosso Commercial Real Estate, and well over 150 people attended to hear from elected officials and public servants including state senators, delegates, county council members, the county executive, Anne Arundel County Public Schools representatives, and police.

Our Successful Women in Business group held its First Cup Club at Side Street Framers & gift gallery. Mother-daughter team Barbara Daniels and Dawn Wilson spoke about the fascinating artistic challenges that they face with some of the amazing framing that they do for clients.

Our new officers were officially “installed” at the annual general membership and new officer installation dinner. The Honorable Cathy Vitale performed the ceremony and recognized the outgoing board. Incoming officers include President Dana Eckert of The Bank of Glen Burnie, First Vice President Dianna Lancione of The Voice Media Inc., Second Vice President Crystal Wiley of Severn Bank, Treasurer Valerie McLaughlin of Emerald Financial Partners, and Secretary Tammie Neall of Anne Arundel Community College. Directors are Jaron Rice of Magothy Payments, Melanie Ferragut of PNC Bank, Sherri Norton of Live! Casino and Hotel, Patrick Lee of Chesapeake Think Tank, and Kristine Pennington of The Y of Central Maryland. Congratulations to all!

The presenting sponsor of the dinner was Karen Authement of KMA Law, The dessert sponsor was Emerald Financial Partners using Lisa’s Cakepops, and the speaker sponsor was the Honorable Maureen Carr-York.

This year’s winner of the Harmony Award was Cedar Square Homes, a huge supporter of many charitable organizations and builder of the adorable playhouse that raised money for the Ronald McDonald House.

Our keynote speaker was Scott Jay, retired business owner and local historian. He delivered a history lesson on Severna Park complete with before-and-after pictures that showed the astounding changes in our community.

We are an active and vibrant chamber promoting the Shop Local, Eat Local and Give Local movement in our community. Won’t you join us? Call 410-647-3900 or email info@gspacc.com or visit www.gspacc.com.