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Board Retreat Your Board of Directors met in a two-day session on June 24 and 25. Prior to the session an organizational assessment was taken led by Linda Burton, DRW Inc. Participating in the assessment were members of the Board of Directors, the Chamber Staff, and focus groups of current, retired and non- members. An Organizational Assessment Team led by Mimi O'Donnell of O'Donnell Consulting analyzed the information obtained. That information was then used to structure the agenda of the Board Retreat. In essence the Board and staff looked at the Chamber from top to bottom, analyzed all aspects of the operation, and came up with a basic plan which will help us develop a plan of work. The underlying theme was to improve the financial condition of the Chamber. We have created a recruitment and retention plan for members, we are examining all programs and events to make sure they are profitable, and we are looking at ways to enhance the value of membership by providing those products and services that were specifically requested by the focus groups. An ad-hoc committee began to meet the week of July 1 to formulate specific plans that will be presented to the full Board of Directors for their consideration at the August Board meeting, which is scheduled for the second week in August. In future issues of Chamberlines we will keep you apprised of this ongoing process. Our appreciation to members of the Organizational Assessment Committee, Andrea Griesmar, The Columbia Bank; Ruth Nimmo, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Susan Porter, inSITE Training and Development; and Mimi O'Donnell, O'Donnell Consulting. We also extend our thanks to members of the Organizational Assessment
Team Dave Buonora, Howard Community College; Janet Forte, 1st Mariner
Bank; Larry Froman, Ph.D, Towson University; Brenda Gottleib, SPHR, W.R.
Grace; Andrea Griesmar, The Columbia Bank; J.P Hussey, Amerix Corporation;
Marilou Legge, Arbitron, Inc.; Sheila R. Lindsey, PHR, Micros Systems
Inc.; and Joseph Murray, Sr. Amerix Corporation. Member Drawing The member drawing is part of the Business after Business event. Each month we pull from the hat a member company name. If an employee of the company is present at the BAB they win the pot. If not, it grows by $100 until it reaches $1,000. We then pull as many names from the hat as needed until we get a winner. At the May event held at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Beckie VanMeter, an employee of Columbia Foot and Ankle Associates was present and claimed the $1,000 prize. The drawing will be at $300 at our August event, if we did not have a winner at the July mixer. You gotta be there to win!Resource Guide Please Welcome Our newest staff member is Amy Greenstein who will fill the position of Member Services and Community Affairs Coordinator. Any is a life long resident of Howard County, a graduate of Hammond High School and a June graduate of the University of Maryland College Park where she earned a degree in Journalism. In her new role Amy will be working to improve the experiences of Chamber members and making efforts to reach out to the community. If you have questions regarding member services or would like to connect with other business professionals through our community affairs initiatives, call or e-mail Amy at 410-730-4111, extension 101 or agreenstein@howardchamber.com. Business-to-Business Trade Show Coming off the most successful Trade Show in Chamber history we will once again partner with the Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce to present "Business 2003 A Day at the Races". The excitement that was present at this year's event will continue, as we once again present this event at Laurel Park Race Track on April 8, 2003. Plans are underway to increase the available space to accommodate additional exhibitors. However, to obtain a premium location in the main ballroom we encourage you to register early. Call John Crovo at the Chamber for additional information and put a hold on that date now. To hear what people are saying about last year's show go to www.chambershow.biz A Message from the Board Chair Chamberlines Message August 2002 I hope you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy the exciting days of summer. It's amazing how fast they're flying by. Since my last message, the Chamber staff and board members have been busy. The organizational assessment - phase one has been completed. I wish to thank those of you who participated and shared your thoughts. The Board of Directors had a successful retreat. The Chamber’s organizational structure was reviewed to increase efficiency. Programs are being assessed with the desire to increase the profitability of members, provide networking opportunities with business and community leaders. Create business education opportunities and increase volunteer membership opportunities. We have a wealth of expertise amongst our members. Taping into that expertise is apart of our focus. Maximizing our resources will enhance our success. During our organizational assessment, members expressed their expectations. The following areas were mentioned consistently:
As you can see, the board members and our general members are in sync when it comes to what the chamber should provide. Our programs and services are being reviewed to improve efficiency and value to our members. An organizational structure will be provided in our next issue. It will include the various committees and their chairs, which is a perfect opportunity to further share your ideas and expertise. So, don’t just wait for the committee chair to contact you, please call the committee chair and help accelerate the Chamber to the next level. As I stated in my inaugural message, the Chambers’ success depends on the partnerships we create through our members and within our community. Enjoy the rest of the summer and Get involved, So You Will Know Howard County Library won Honorable mention in the Fundraising Materials category of the American Library Association's "Best of Show" competition. The Howard Community College Board of Trustees has approved an agreement between the college and the Soccer Association of Columbia/Howard County to build athletic fields on the Columbia campus, a move that will benefit the college and the association. Lawrence S. Greenwald and Cynthia A. Shay of the Law Firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffbeger and Hollander, LLC were honored recently with the Burton Award for Legal Achievement in legal writing. The Arc of Howard County recognized Thomas M. Meachum, Reese and Carney with its Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. Doug Beigel, Chief Operating Officer of COLA was awarded the Albert L. Sklar Distinguished Service Award from the University of Baltimore Alumni Association. The Olney Theatre Production of Coffee With Richelieu continues through September 22. Ticket information at 301-924-3400. Heath Design Group announced several new clients including Antonio Origlio, Inc., a beverage manufacturer in Philadelphia, Adventist Health Care in Rockville and the corporate headquarters of Canada Dry Potomac. Stephen J. Cullen, Miles & Stockbridge, was named "Volunteer of the Year" by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Howard Community College has honored former County Executive Chuck Ecker by renaming its business training division the Charles I. Ecker Business Training Center. The college also announced that Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Jane Seymour will be the Grand Marshall of this years Columbia Classic Grand Prix equestrian show jumping competition. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International will present the "Walk To Cure Diabetes" on Saturday September 28. For information on how to participate call 410-823-0073. Howard County International Trade Center The Howard County Economic Development Authority recently opened the Howard County International Trade Center (ITC), a move to develop and promote awareness in international trade for small and medium sized Howard County companies. Staff of the center will assist in developing and/or increasing the international business opportunities for Howard County businesses. A portion of the Business Resource Center on North Bendix Road has been set aside for dedicated use for international business. The ITC hopes to increase markets for small and medium size companies by lowering risk when they enter international markets. They can identify and evaluate in-country competitors, and help by providing understanding of foreign business cultures and in-country tariffs and regulations. They can also assist in finding funding sources. The ITC has plans to host international trade events, provide seminars, create a newsletter aimed at international trade and provide networking opportunities. To set an appointment to discuss how the ITC can work with you call 410-313-6550. Tumor Imaging Technique is Invention of the Year We often think of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) as a military research facility. And, indeed, a portion of the research carried on at this facility has military overtones. However, as APL moves to lesser dependence on military contracts some interesting inventions have been developed. An infrared (thermal) imaging tool to detect metabolic tumor growth was recently named APL's Invention of the Year. It serves as an effective tool in the fight to cure cancer giving doctors the ability to distinguish between active and inactive tumors. One of the other finalist in the contest is a filtration technique to provide the first ever means for selectively and completely removing environmental phosphates and nitrates from water, the major pollutants in waterways. Another finalist is a Wide-Area Metal Detector which allows the screening of masses of people for weapons without scanning each individual. The APL Technology Transfer Office set a record for fiscal 2001 with 16 new technology transfer agreements. Since the inception of the Lab's technology transfer program in July of 1999, 51 separate inventions have been licensed as part of 28 agreements generating more than $6 million in licensing income and research and development contracts. Visit www.jhuapl.edu/ott for the latest on APL's technology transfer initiatives August BAB & Miniature Golf Tournament It's here. Once again the fun-filled Miniature Golf Tournament is part of our August Business after Business event. The Columbia Association will host this event at Sports Park located at Harpers Choice Village Center at the intersection of Cedar Lane and Harpers Farm Road in Columbia. We welcome Corporate Teams. Or, register as an individual and we will place you on a team. Use the flier included in this issue to register for the golf tournament. Only the first 72 registrants who register and pay will play. Those wishing to attend the mixer and not play golf are also welcome. Prizes will be awarded for low male and female golfer, low team, and for the ugliest shot. You must describe the shot to win. And, believe me we have seen some ugly shots. This event has sold out the last two years so, get your registration in early. Thank You to the following members who have renewed their investment in the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. Your support allows us to continue the many programs and events sponsored by the Chamber. 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