Chamber Update

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Please give a warm welcome to our newest members: KKR Photography, Ltd., Maryland Local Marketing, Goudy Pools, Andrea D. Martin Consulting LLC, Ivory Stone Interiors, and Skinlogic. And we thank all our renewing members for keeping us Chamber Strong!

We were overjoyed at the amazing attendance for this year’s Independence Day parade. Our theme was “Celebrating our CommUNITY,” and unity was the perfect word to describe the happy atmosphere of the morning. There were 101 entries in the parade, which included neighborhood floats, branded cars, lots of scouts and nonprofits, firetrucks, Mopars and more.

Thank you to the fantastic volunteers including Tom Lerario of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Craig Lindsay, Jim Fernen of Vertex Carpentry, Frank Winner of the Mobileers, Christine Joyce of Long and Foster Real Estate, Megan Gibbs of Opportunity Builders Inc., and her husband, Sherri Norton of Live! Casino and Hotel and her daughter, Dana Eckert of the Bank of Glen Burnie, Tommy Sommers of LogoZone Promotions, Corporal Jamie Grover and her police traffic control officers, the Rev. Matthew Hanisian and his team at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, the Rev. Earl Janssen of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Earl Schaffer as the emcee, the judges spearheaded by Dianna Lancione of the Voice Media Inc. and including Stacey Cassidy of Savvy Consignment, Mike Hall of Severna Park Lanes, Dawn Wilson of Side Street Framers, Molly Connolly of Gardiner & Appel Group, Matt Wyble of the Century 21 – Matt Wyble Team.

Congratulations to the winning parade entries:

  • • Best Overall – Olde Severna Park Improvement Association
  • • Best Theme – Cub Scout Pack 994
  • • Most Patriotic – Nathanial McDavitt Memorial Scholarship Fund Float
  • • Best Commercial – First Place, Homestead Gardens. Second Place, Emidio Vincenzo Escape Salon and Spa. Third Place, Park Books and Literacy Lab
  • • Best Community – First Place, Olde Severna Park Improvement Association. Second Place, Linstead on the Severn
  • • Best Organization/Club – First Place, Orphan Grain Train. Second Place, Chartwell Young Leaders and SPAN. Third Place, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus

The decorated bike contest, held at the chamber before the parade, was great fun for all, with more than 50 children gathering to participate and ride bikes in the procession.

Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who made the contest special for the kids: Colette Barnes of KinderCare Learning Center and her team, Suellen Gerbracht of Edinboro Early School and her team, Rod Reddish of Pedal Pushers and Greg Coster of The Big Bean.

And thanks to our 54 sponsors for their generosity and support. It was a record-breaking number and a testament to the love that our businesses and nonprofits have for our community.

Star-Spangled Restaurant Week was held July 3-11 and the feedback was extremely positive. This year’s mission was to support a local food pantry called ACAN (Asbury Church Assistance Network). Participating restaurants donated 5% of the proceeds to ACAN to support its efforts in bringing fresh food to those in need.

On July 12, we held a ribbon-cutting celebrating the five-year anniversary of Bernward Mechanical and Construction Solutions. Owner Carl Neimeyer not only runs a successful business but is active in the community, overseeing a Cub Scout troop and raising five children. He was an Open for Business sponsor of the parade and participated with his troop.

On July 30, we held a Fly-by-Friday luncheon at the chamber, sponsored by Brightview Senior Living of Severna Park. Brightview’s chef prepared delectable pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and sides. We also enjoyed popcorn from Pam Negron of the Negron Farmers Insurance Agency, ice cream from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and fantastic salads and cookies from Laureen Vance of the Effortless Bistro. Many thanks to all who came to enjoy the afternoon with us.

On July 31, we organized the ribbon-cutting extravaganza for Tucker’s at the Old Willy D’s Lounge in Pasadena for its grand opening. Owner Jeff Tucker held an all-day and late evening celebration at this newest and popular eatery. Not only is there great food and libations, but there are games and fun events for the entire family. And they have a company shuttle bus to deliver you home safely.

Also on July 31, Providence Center celebrated its 60th anniversary in serving the community, and we were honored to attend and present citations. Providence Center was founded in 1961 to serve the important and exclusive needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was the first such center in Anne Arundel County. Since then, it has evolved to become a provider of many services that include a supported employment program; art programs; comprehensive activity programs; unique vocational training programs in pottery, woodworking, horticulture and landscaping; seniors programs; and transportation services.

As always, visit www.gspacc.com for more information about the chamber and our activities. You can also email me at ceo@gspacc.com or call 410-647-3900.

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