Young Professional's Workshop & Happy Hour

Join the Young Professional's Network for a "First Time Home Buying in the Metro Market" Workshop & Happy Hour, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday, March 30, hosted by A.G. Kitchen (931 Ellsworth Drive). The workshop will be presented by Keller Shinholser of Apex Home Loans and Andy Alderdice, W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long and Foster Co. Take the fear out of purchasing your first home, enjoy complimentary appetizers, a specialty YP cocktail, prizes, handouts, and a cash bar. Click here to register.

Coffee + Delicious Breakfast + Networking

Mark your calendar for GSSCC's April Business Networking Breakfast, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13. This event is hosted by Eggspectation (923 Ellsworth Drive) and sponsored by Team Logic IT. Enjoy coffee, a delicious breakfast, round table networking, and make great connections. Take advantage of our early-bird pricing and register now.

Connect @ Lunch hosted by The 4 Corners Pub

Plan now to attend GSSCC's April Connect @ Lunch, scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20. This event is hosted by The 4 Corners Pub (10111 Sutherland Road) and sponsored by TransCen. This members-only networking event is just $25 and includes an appetizer, choice of entree, and a soft drink. Spaces are limited, so register now.

GSSCC's Energy Co-op: Info Webinar this Tuesday

Heard about GSSCC's Energy Purchasing Co-op for businesses and residents? But not sure what's in it for your business? CQI Associates, the Chamber's Energy Co-op partner, will present an informational webinar discussing the Energy Co-op, how it compares to others options, and how it can reduce operational expenses. If you have been bombarded with mail, phone calls or door knocks from individuals seeking to switch you to another energy supplier this webinar is for you. Learn more about: regulations and consumer protection; the difference between the Energy Co-op and other energy purchasing options; rates and contract terms; how to avoid scams; how to read your energy bill; and more. The final webinar will be offered at 1 p.m. this Tuesday, March 22. Advance registration is required. Go to the CQI Associates home page and follow the steps to RSVP. Questions should be directed to Joe Tabeling at 443-472-3870.

March Networking Breakfast at The Daily Dish

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Gusto Italian Grill Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

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* TripAdvisor named downtown Silver Spring one of the "Downtown America: 11 Awesome Urban Districts Exploding with Character". Mentioned specifically in the article were Chamber members AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and The Fillmore Silver Spring. Click here to see the list.

* Creative Colony is celebrating its two-year anniversary from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at the Space (8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 600). All are welcome to attend this free celebration: current members, past members, community supporters, friends, and other halves. Click here to RSVP.

* Class Acts Arts is hosting a benefit concert "Roll Over Beethoven" from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. Cello Fury, Christylez Bacon, Wytold, and the School of Rock House Band will be on stage The Fillmore Silver Spring for an all-ages show featuring original songs and new collaborations. All proceeds will benefit Class Acts Arts education programming. Click here to purchase tickets.

* The Sheraton Silver Spring is hosting a "Chicken & Waffles" fundraiser to support the "Give Kids the World" organization from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, in the lobby foyer. For a $5 donation, guests can enjoy fresh crisp waffles hot from the griddle and deep fried with chicken wingettes, all topped with syrup. Click here to see the flyer.

* Congratulations to these GSSCC Member law firms on having attorneys selected for inclusion in the 2016 Maryland Super Lawyers and "Rising Stars" lists. Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement; "Rising Stars" recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state who are under 40 years old and/or have practiced for fewer than 10 years. GSSCC honorees include: Andalman & Flynn (two Super Lawyers and three Rising Stars), Law Offices of David Goren (one Rising Star); Law Offices of Maria Mena (one Super Lawyer); and Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd (16 Super Lawyers and 8 Rising Stars). Click each link to learn more about each firm and its honorees.

* Looking for creative ideas that will set your brand apart from the competition? Join Summit Group for its annual Spring Trade Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. Meet with industry professionals to review the latest developments and trends in branded merchandise. Catered lunch is included. You must RSVP by April 1st to Rob Silk 240-491-5283.

* Join A Wider Circle for The Race to End Poverty on Saturday, April 9, and help children and adults throughout the area lift themselves out of poverty. All funds raised through the race will go directly to A Wider Circle's newest program: The Wraparound Support Program. Walk or run the race, donate to the program, join Pam Feinstein's team "Together we can end it!", or create your own team and fundraising pages with family, friends, and co-workers.

* On Saturday, April 9, SEEC will host its annual gala to raise awareness and funds to improve the lives of Montgomery County residents who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. The goal is to raise $125,000 to benefit friends and neighbors who have autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other disabilities that require our support. Join 300 guests for a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and dancing with a roaring 1920's theme. Click here for more information.

* Congratulations to Spectrum Printing & Graphics owner, Andrew Berman, for being honored with a Corporate Philanthropy Award from the ALS Association.

* Riderwood, the Erickson Living retirement community, has named Gary Hibbs as its Executive Director. In his new leadership position at Riderwood, Hibbs will oversee daily operations at the 120-acre community whose 2,600 residents are served by 1,400 employees. Click here to read the full press release.

See your company's news here! GSSCC would be pleased to highlight news from our member companies in this section of the weekly e-news. Simply send us your information before close of business each Friday.

Upcoming GSSCC Committee Meetings

* Membership Development Committee - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22

* Government Affairs Committee Meeting - 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 24. Montgomery County Finance Director Joe Beach will discuss the County Executive's proposed FY17 Operating Budget for the County

* Major Events Committee Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5

* Young Professional's Network Meeting - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6

About GSSCC Committee/Team Meetings: All GSSCC members are welcome to participate in Chamber committees. Members are welcome to attend committee meetings to assess interest in joining a committee. Meetings are typically held in the GSSCC Conference Room. Advance RSVP is required and priority will be given to existing committee members when speakers are scheduled.

Thank you to our 2015-2016 GSSCC Partners

Corporate Partners - Downtown Silver Spring; Lee Development Group; Montgomery College; Statland & Katz Insurance, Inc.; Washington Adventist Hospital

Business Partners - AFI Silver Theatre; Apex Home Loans; Bud Miller Associates, Inc.; Digital Industry; Discovery Communications; EagleBank; The Fillmore Silver Spring; Holy Cross Hospital; Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.; Linowes & Blocher LLP; M&T Bank; The Tower Companies (The Blairs); United Therapeutics Corp.; Washington Property Company.

Partners - Adam S. Lowe Photography; Atlantech Online; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; Elite Personnel; My Office Products; Signs By Tomorrow;
Social & Scientific Systems.

Friends- Harvey Maisel/Maisel Hollins Development