The Howard County Chamber relies on dedicated volunteers from the business community to lend their expertise in planning events and implementing programs. Members who are interested in joining a committee should email Chamber President Leonardo McClarty at lmcclarty@howardchamber.com.
To get more information on the committees and to hear from the committee chairs themselves, please take a look at our informational session here.
Event and Program Committees
Signature Event
The Signature Event Committee plans the gala event that celebrates individuals and companies who have enjoyed success and supported the business community. Responsibilities include choosing entertainment and event logistics.
Holiday Party – Jingle Mingle
The Holiday Party Committee is responsible for the selection of entertainment, development of a theme and creation of the overall ambiance for the Jingle Mingle Holiday Party. Become involved with the events and program committees.
Legislative Affairs Committee
This committee serves as the chief research and advisory committee to the Chamber board and membership on public policy and government affairs matters that affect Howard County business success.
It is comprised of our four sub-committees:
- Budget
- Finance & Taxation
- Environmental & Transportation
- Education & Workforce Development
- Health, Healthcare & Labor
It oversees the draft of the Chamber’s annual position paper as well as reviews and recommends strategies and positions for both local and state legislative matters. While all members are welcome to participate, only one eligible volunteer from each member company is allowed to vote on issues addressed. Become involved with the Chamber’s legislative and government affairs committee.
Membership Committees
The Howard County Chamber of Commerce has three committees related to membership.
Ambassadors
Ambassadors are volunteer representatives for the Chamber and are responsible for assisting in maintaining open lines of communication between the Chamber and its Members. Their purpose is to promote membership services/benefits and enhance goodwill for the Chamber in the business community.
The Chamber Ambassadors help to:
- welcome new members to the Chamber,
- assist those members in becoming acclimated to all aspects of the organization,
- assist staff at special events like ribbon-cuttings, major events, and programs
- assist with membership recruitment and retention
Membership Committee
Our newly configured Membership Committee is responsible for actively recruiting new members, developing strategies for reaching prospective members, and assisting staff with the development of membership leads. We have extended the scope of the membership committee to recruit members from both the private and government sectors. Become involved in the Membership Committee.
Health and Wellness Committee
NEW!! This committee informs Howard County businesses about health care issues specific to the region that impact bottom lines and workforce productivity. The committee hosts several events and programs designed to raise awareness of the importance of health in the workplace and changes in healthcare options and regulations. In these workshops, businesspersons can hear directly from hospital executives, industry experts, and wellness professionals. Lastly, the committee examines pertinent health legislation and works alongside the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Labor & Employment Subcommittee in advancing or limiting related policies. Become involved with the Health and Wellness Committee.
GovConnects Committees
GovConnects Advisory Council
The GovConnects Advisory Council is a group of GovConnects members who help shape the GovConnects Program launched by the Chamber to focus on the State and Federal Government Contracting Industry. The GovConnects Advisory Council works to educate and connect local industry participants with opportunities and represent their interests in the wider community to positively impact the region’s economic future. Get involved with the GovConnects subcommittees.
Committees available with the GovConnects Program:
- GovConnects Engagement Sub-Committee
- GovConnects Sponsorship Sub-Committee
- GovConnects Marketing Sub-Committee
YPN Committees 
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) offers opportunities to network with local community and business leaders and providing professional development for those early in their careers or looking for a career change.
The YPN has its own board of directors and committees including:
- YPN Events Committee
- YPN Sponsorship Committee
- YPN Membership Committee
- YPN Communications Committee
Become involved with YPN’s Sub-Committees.
Chamber Events
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