Local Chamber Bites Into Personal Protection

By Elizabeth Harwood

The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its regular business luncheon at Brian Boru Restaurant and Pub. Affectionately known as “Business Bites,” guest speakers present on various topics (trade show exhibits, social media, finances) to attendees who also appreciate the networking opportunities and great food. "Personal Protection at Work and On-The-Go," an important discussion for those who either work solo or outside of an office scenario, was the topic of this meeting.

“Realtors, home design consultants, even those who are often alone at the office or store, need to be able to develop some kind of rapport with their clients,” explained Billy Greer, one of the luncheon’s presenters. “General street precautions, such as keeping people at a distance or making a big scene, don’t always apply in these cases,” he said.

Billy was accompanied by his wife, Nancy Greer, who also chairs for the Chamber. As owners of the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, the husband-and-wife team gave an informative presentation customized specifically for the workplace. Practical tips were advised, such as being aware of exits upon entry, trying not be cornered in a room, and being sure colleagues are aware of where you are going. Realistic situations were demonstrated, such as what to do if someone is coming at you with a knife. Staying informed was also suggested, such as keeping current on local crimes and knowing in advance what situations might need more attention.

What was emphasized the most, however, was quite simple — trust your gut. “If something feels wrong,” says Greer, “don’t repress those feelings. Instead, respond to them appropriately."

Evidently, personal protection precedes the possibility of needing to physically defend yourself. Listening to those internal cues, the ones we sometimes disregard or ignore, can often nip a potentially threatening situation in the bud. Learning how to respond to inappropriate questions, staying alert and undistracted, staying physically fit and feeling confident about yourself can be effective deterrents from a situation escalating.

“This is one of the reasons why I like to call this personal protection instead of self-defense,” Billy says. “Self-defense conjures up images of fighting, but personal protection can start long before any violence.”

Billy and Nancy Greer design personal protection classes according to what is specifically needed. Students in college and senior citizens, two completely different audiences, are other examples of people who might need specialized instruction about personal protection. The small business owner who was able to attend this month’s Business Bites, however, left a little more informed and a little more assured of their own personal safety. Special thanks goes to Linda Zahn, CEO of the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce; Nancy Greer, Chair; and Paulette Morris, Co-Chair, for organizing Business Bites. Kudos as well to our local Chamber for its continuing support of the needs of small business and well-rounded topics.

For more information, contact the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce 410-647-3900, or visit the Chamber on Facebook to stay informed of future Business Bites and other opportunities.