A Recap of MCCC Advocacy Efforts on Your Behalf  - March 2, 2015
Georgette "Gigi" Godwin
President & CEO
The General Assembly is at the mid-point of the 2015 Legislative Session. Visit MCCC's 2015 State Advocacy page to see the full list of MCCC positions taken to date. 

The MCCC "Voice of Business" Board leadership was heard at two lively roundtable meetings, first with Congressman John Delaney (MD 6) to discuss infrastructure investment and second, with acting DBED Secretary Mike Gill on top business priorities to fuel economic growth for a strong and competitive Maryland.  

Tax reform, capital investment and the removal of obstacles to help our members succeed remain our priorities at the Federal, State and local level. Read on for highlights from the last two weeks and upcoming items of note. 

Thank you for your calls and emails! Keep them coming. It is a great day when we hear from you with questions or input. 301-738-0015 or ggodwin@mcccmd.com.
Federal
Federal
Congressman Delaney joined by members of the MCCC Board of Director
Infrastructure 2.0 

On Wednesday, February 18, The Board of Directors welcomed Congressman John Delaney (MD-6) for a round table discussion on tax reform and infrastructure investment. Members learned about his proposal for "Infrastructure 2.0". Read more here.

 

Women's Small Business Procurement Parity Act 

Senator Ben Cardin was among a group of Senators to urge the U.S. Small Business Administration to expedite implementation of Women's Small Business Procurement Parity Act. Read more here. 

StofMD
State of Maryland

MCCC Testimony of Note

Clark Kendall in Annapolis
Clark Kendall at the Economic Matters Committee Room

Small Business Vice-Chair Clark Kendall of Kendall Capital

Management accompanied MCCC to testify in opposition to the proposed Maryland Savings and Retirement Trust program (HB 421), drawing on his experience as a small business owner and a financial planner of 32 years. Read his testimony here.

 

MCCC joined County Executive Leggett, President of the Board of Education Pat O'Neill, and Acting Superintendent Larry Bowers to support Senate Bill 228 on Supplemental Public School Construction Matching Fund Program, sponsored by Senator Nancy King. Watch the "MCPS Moment" on the School Construction Funding Bill here. 

 

DBED Secretary Gill with Chair Lisa Cines, Chair-Elect Jerry Shapiro and Gigi Godw

Visit from Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary

At the Board of Directors Meeting on February 25, Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED) Acting Secretary Mike Gill shared his experience and ideas for making Maryland 'open for business'. He said he looks to MCCC members as his "Advisory Board".

County
County
Members of the County Council are hosting forums on important topics such as planning for growth and school construction.  MCCC plans to attend these important meetings that are open to the public.

Infrastructure and Growth Symposium
March 7, 2015 

Councilmember Roger Berliner will host "Infrastructure and Growth: Are We Keeping Pace?" Find out how you can join the conversation here. 


Education Budget Meetings

March 2, 9, 11, 16, 23

Montgomery County Council Education Committee Chair Craig Rice, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Chief Operating Officer Andrew Zuckerman and Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard  will host five public forums to provide information, and seek input, on the programs and budgets of the County's public school system and its community college. Dates and locations are: 

 

March 2 - Silver Spring Civic Building

March 9 - Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring 

March 11 - Gaithersburg High School 

March 16 - Kingsview Middle School in Germantown 

March 23 - Churchill High School in Potomac

ComingUp
Coming Up
  • Sign Up for Purple Line Lobby Day on Monday, March 9, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Annapolis. Be a part of the effort to make the economic development case for this important project.
  • Many of our elected officials will join us at the 41st annual Public Safety Awards Luncheon on Friday , March 13. Seats are limited, register today to be a part of this great event.
  • The US Small Business Administration has proposed changes to two rules that have impacts on small businesses. The comment period is open until April 6. Visit our MCCC Federal Advocacy Page to learn more about how you can provide important input.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce advocates for 
strategic capital spending, a positive business climate and balanced tax reform 
to further the success of our 500+ members and to affirm Maryland's place as 
relevant and competitive in the regional and global marketplace. 

For more information on these and other advocacy issues, 
contact the MCCC Advocacy Team:
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