 |
|
West County Chamber Working for You
|
|
Have you looked down Berger Street when you're driving along MD175 in Odenton? Berger Square has taken shape! This is another long-delayed project, underway for over 9 years, and it's great to see it coming to fruition!
FORT MEADE ACCESS FOR BUSINESSES
We have been working with Fort Meade for a number of years to achieve expedited access for businesses, and we've finally succeeded! Effective immediately, businesses who have personnel with a reason to go on post regularly, including delivery drivers, service repairmen, and others, can apply for a 1-year badge that gets them through the gates. It is non-transferable, so you may want to select multiple drivers to get cleared. Process will be available soon, but basically the business will sponsor whomever they want to have access the gate, and that person will undergo a background check (it's thorough - if you have a criminal violation somewhere in your past you will probably be denied) and as long as it comes back clean they will be issued a pass.
This is even more important than in the past, because as of April 4th unbadged personnel will have to apply for a daily visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) in order to gain access to Fort Meade (see story below). When the VCC is closed, including all weekends, unbadged personnel will have to be met at the gate by whomever they are visiting and escorted on post.
By getting your personnel badged, you not only expedite your time through the gate, which benefits your business, but you also reduce the lines at the VCC and increase Fort Meade security, both of which help our largest employer. So please take advantage of this program!
MAPES GATE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
After nearly three years, Fort Meade has finally reopened the Mapes Gate into the Odenton Town Center as a regular entrance. While it is DoD badged personnel only, which doesn't help visitors, it's location makes it much easier for Fort Meade personnel to access YOUR Odenton business. The West County Chamber has been working with Fort Meade to accomplish this, emphasizing the impact the gate closing has had on local businesses. Just one more instance of the West County Chamber working for you!
|
|
NEW INSTALLATION ACCESS PROCEDURES
APRIL 4, 2016
Beginning April 4, 2016, new procedures for accessing Fort Meade will go into effect to align with U.S. Army standards across military posts worldwide.
Please be patient as Fort Meade implements these measures to ensure the safety and security of all who live and work on post.
Individuals without DoD-issued ID cards must obtain a Fort Meade Access pass from the Visitor Control Center (VCC), 902 Reece Road. Frequent visitors are encouraged to pre-register for a long-term Fort Meade Access pass at the VCC.
Beginning April 4, VCC Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. They are closed on weekends. For Fort Meade Access pass questions, call the VCC at (301) 677-1064 or 1065.
For more information, visit www.ftmeade.army.mil.
|
|
Odenton Town Center Master Plan Release
The final draft of the revised Odenton Town Center Master Plan has been released by Planning & Zoning! You can download the document from HERE.
The County Council will be addressing the Master Plan at their meeting on Monday, April 4th, 7 PM. Arrive at 6 PM to sign up to testify.
|
|
|
This Week at the West County Chamber
|
|
Friday, March 25
- Chamber office closed
- Deadline to apply for the Energy Co-Op by CQI Associates (see information below)
Tuesday, March 29 - Cyber Seminar has been postponed until May 24th.
Wednesday, March 30
- Corporate Trustees Luncheon, 12 PM, Chartwell Country Club
|
|
|
Upcoming Happenings in West County
|
|
|
Economic Trends Luncheon & Business Expo
Thursday, April 7
11 AM - 1 PM
Chartwell County Club
|
|
Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber and the West County Chamber present Anirban Basu, one of Maryland's most recognizable Economists with opening remarks by Mike Gill, Maryland's Secretary of Commerce.
Register now, space is limited to 100.
|
|
West County Mixer
Tuesday, April 12
5:30 PM
615 at Odenton Gateway, 615 Carlton Otto Way, Odenton
|
Join us for our April Mixer at the 615 at Odenton Gateway in the clubhouse, 615 Carlton Otto Lane in Odenton and help us welcome spring!
Cost for members - free!
Cost for non-members - $10
|
|
|
|
2016 County Update with County Executive Steve SchuhWednesday, May 118 AMMarriott- BWI Airport
|
Join us for the 2016 County Update with County Executive Steve Schuh on May 11th. See full details below.
|
|
|
|
Box Talks - "Google - Get Your Business on the Map"
Wednesday, April 20, 10:30 AM
Ironmark, USA
9040 Junction Drive
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
Are you using a Google Local Listing to promote your business? Join us for a seminar on Google Local Listing and learn how to verify, edit, and optimize your listing for the best results. Bring your laptop for this hands-on seminar. If you business has not be verified by Google, the business owner can bring original documentation (utility bills, tax letters or business registration certificates) to verify your business on the spot.
Start growing your business today!
Registration is free for members, but space is limited - reserve your seat today!
|
|
Are you ready for some Golf?
|
|
Join us for our Annual Golf Tournament on May 6th. Sponsorships & Foursomes are available now! Contact Kim to reserve your space today.
|
|
|
|
"Serving Chamber Members as the Trusted Energy Advisor since 2004"
As part of an ongoing effort to provide value to our members, The West CountyChamber of Commerce has partnered with energy experts CQI Associates to offer you the services of the Commercial Energy Co-op. We are happy to announce the Spring 2016 enrollment campaign is underway.
Joining the Chamber's Energy Co-op Program provides:
- Increased Purchasing Power in procuring competitive electric and natural gas rates.
- Eliminates the need to 'go through it alone'.
- Budget Stability by offeringFixed Rate energy supply costs.
- Year round Customer Supportthrough energy experts CQI Associates.
Several factors are cause for concern about the market rates into 2016:
Present electric and natural gas commodity rates have decreased. However, increased capacity and regulatory charges have resulted in overall rates to increase. Geo political situations such as the China economy and Iran exporting oil are causing uncertainty in the stock markets as well as tension in the Middle East. These factors along with presidential elections raise concerns over future utility rates.
Procuring utility rates from third party suppliers remains a viable means to reduce utility expenses. Additional savings can now be seen through restructuring of usage through Demand Response programs, automated systems, and renewable energy options.
To participate in the webinar, please register in-advance. Simply go directly to the CQI Associates home page at www.cqiassocatiates.com and click on the date that you want to participate and follow the steps to RSVP.
There is NO FEE to join the Co-op and one application covers ALL of your electricity and natural gas accounts for ALL locations.
To enroll in the Chamber of Commerce Commercial Energy Co-op:
1) Obtain a Letter of Authorization through the Chamber or CQI
2) Complete and Sign the Letter of Authorization
3) Please provide a recent copy of all of your Utility bill/s, all pages, for all accounts you are enrolling.
4) Please provide a full copy of any utility agreement you are presently under.
5) Please scan and email full copies of all documents to joe@cqiassociates.com or fax to 410-630-5911
6) Please mail the originals to :
West County Chamber of Commerce
8385 Piney Orchard Parkway
Odenton, MD 21113
The application deadline for the Chamber of Commerce Energy Purchasing Cooperative program is Friday, March 25, 2016.
If you have any questions contact Joe Tabeling with CQI Associates at joe@cqiassociates.com or call 443-472-3870.
|
|
|
|
Conference Room Available for Rent
|
|
Chamber Conference Room Available for Rent
The West County Chamber, thanks to a generous sponsorship from The Bank of Glen Burnie, has opened a new 20-seat conference room in space separated from its primary office. The conference room, which is equipped with an extended conference table, rolling conference chairs, a whiteboard, projector, and coffee and water service, is available for rental by reservation by the hour or the half day - cost is $50/hour for members, discounted rates available for non-profits. For more information, contact Marnea at the Chamber office, 410-672-3422 or email reception@westcountychamber.org.
|
|
Members can advertise their events and special promotions in this section of the e-news for 2 consecutive weeks pending availability for $25. Deadline for inclusion (if space is available) is Monday each week.
|
|
|
Welcome to our Newest Members
|
|
Kingdom Celebration Center - Kingdom Kafé and Lounge
1350 Blair Drive, Suite H
Odenton, MD 21113
410-672-2003
Learn More
|
|
Giant Food
1155 Annapolis Road
Odenton, MD 21113
Learn More
|
|
|
|
Board Attorney
Hyatt & Weber, PA |
|
|
Sonja Gladwin
Corporate Training Group at Anne Arundel Community College
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
