Chamber Events

This is a GGCC community engagement series -developed to build community and bridge gaps between our community and those that protect us.

This is a chance to grab a cup of coffee and join in the conversation with officers from the City of Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, and nearby jurisdictions. So make sure to bring your ideas, comments, and questions!

A special thank you to GGCC member ServPro ofGaithersburg/Germantown for sponsoring this important community series, along with McDonald's for hosting us! 

Join us for a morning joint networking breakfast with several great business networking organizations: Connect Network, GGCC, & FNG!

Sponsored by Launch Physical Therapy & Fitness Coaching!

Expand your network of business friends and referrals. Bring your business cards! Breakfast and coffee will be served.

All proceeds from this event will equally benefit two local 501c3 nonprofit charity organizations: MoCo Cares Charity Race supporting (GGCC Chamber member) So What Else? to be held Oct 5; and the GGCC Community Foundation. THe GGCC Community Foundation is currently raising funds for the Gaithersburg PD & MCPD Shop with a Cop programs and scholarship funds at Montgomery College.  

So What Else?, Gaithersburg Police Foundation, MCPD, and Montgomery College are all wonderful GGCC nonprofit members.

Please register for the event at this link.  

Non-Profit: MoCo Cares Charity Race benefiting So What Else? – October 5th    https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Gaithersburg/LaunchCaresCharityRace

Thank you to these sponsors and partners!

This month’s meeting will be centered around business development and our topic is “Mastering Confident Sales: Authentic Strategies for Success.” We will learn how to embrace our value and confidently claim our worth! Receive the rightful reward for changing someone's life. Learn how to close deals more effectively, bring in new Chamber members, and build better client relationships. 

Jean Wright, author of the book Selling Your Confidence will be our speaker. Jean's sales experience spans nearly forty years of selling for industries like personnel agencies, sports entertainment, television, print, and digital media. She also worked as a membership sales rep for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce where she and the sales team attained a membership goal of over 1,000 members in 2012. She knows firsthand what it takes to recruit and sign new members as well as retain them. After serving as president of the Women's Business Network and learning about confidence issues among its members, Jean is now on a mission to empower women to tap into their unique strengths by using authenticity to confidently build their businesses.

The Membership Attraction and Retention (MAR) Committee is charged with: maintaining a strong growth in membership through targeted new member recruitment activities that effectively communicate the value of membership to community businesses; Promoting the ongoing value of membership to member businesses through personalized contacts with member business representatives and other initiatives that monitor member needs, member satisfaction, and their perception of Chamber Value; communicating the Return On Investment to Members and engaging them in GGCC activities.

All Chamber Members Welcome to Join and Attend our Meetings

Energy rates are going through the roof and it’s going to get worse!

CQI Associates, a nationally recognized energy consultant with over 25 years experience, is
providing an informational Zoom webinar to discuss the energy market, what’s to come and the
Chamber’s Energy Co-op Program.

If you are mad about your energy bill. If you are upset about losing profits. If you’re wondering
how you are going to keep your doors open. THIS EVENT IS A MUST FOR YOU!

Join us from 12 noon – 1pm as we explain:

* What is causing energy rates to be high.
* What increased fees are coming our way.
* New regulations and consumer protection.
* How to protect yourself through the Chamber’s Energy Co-op Program.
* And much more…

To participate you must register in advance. Please register here so we know which GGCC members to expect, and then ALSO please send an email to joe@cqiassociates.comwith your name, company name and phone number to receive zoom credentials.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Joe Tabeling at 443-472-3870

Energy rates are going through the roof and it’s going to get worse!

CQI Associates, a nationally recognized energy consultant with over 25 years experience, is
providing an informational Zoom webinar to discuss the energy market, what’s to come and the
Chamber’s Energy Co-op Program.

If you are mad about your energy bill. If you are upset about losing profits. If you’re wondering
how you are going to keep your doors open. THIS EVENT IS A MUST FOR YOU!

Join us from 12 noon – 1pm as we explain:

* What is causing energy rates to be high.
* What increased fees are coming our way.
* New regulations and consumer protection.
* How to protect yourself through the Chamber’s Energy Co-op Program.
* And much more…

To participate you must register in advance. Simply send an email to joe@cqiassociates.com
with your name, company name and phone number.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Joe Tabeling at 443-472-3870

GGCC is supporting a BOE Candidate Debate: Funding our Future for the upcoming November election.  BOE races are non-partisan, and every voter county-wide has the opportunity to vote for every Board of Education seat. The November ballot will include Board of Ed races in BOE District 2, BOE District 4, and BOE At-large.

GGCC intends to ask questions relative to the link between a strong education system and economic development progress. GGCC will not endorse candidates in any election.

Program for September:  We will be joined online by MD State Senator, Will Smith for conversation about the Juvenile Justice Reform legislation that was passed during the 2024 session, and what's expected on that front in the 2025 session.

(Please note - we've moved Sept's meeting to the 4th Wednesday instead of our normal 3rd Wednesday to accommodate the Senator's schedule.) 

Through the Gaithersburg-Germantown Economic Development & Legislative Affairs (ED&LA) Committee, the Chamber will proactively work with City, County and State Leaders to support the Economic Development of Gaithersburg, Germantown and surrounding jurisdictions, and represent the GGCC and its members in a pro-active manner in the formulation of state and local legislation and policy affecting the business community. These meetings are open to all members to attend and learn more about the various economic and legislative topics impacting businesses in our area.

Free for all GGCC members.

Deep Dive Into Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Audit/Checklist (with Ed Samuels from Auxilium)

Overview: Gain the essential skills to perform and understand SEO audit and create practical checklists with this course. This course is tailored for marketers and business professionals/consultants who want to enhance their website's search engine performance and achieve higher rankings. Learn how to systematically evaluate and optimize critical aspects of SEO to drive organic traffic and improve user experience.

Please feel free to bring lunch from any of these nearby Chamber member locations!

Are you eager to tap into the collective expertise of our vibrant business community? Look no further than the Member-Led FYI Lunch & Learn Series, a dynamic initiative designed to foster knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative growth. 

Join us for an engaging lunchtime session where fellow members take the spotlight and share their insights, experiences, and industry know-how. This series offers a platform for learning about a variety of topics while getting to know your peers on a deeper level.

A free event for middle school and high school students. SSL hours available.

Featuring local food vendors, community resources, student performances, outdoor fun, and good vibes!  

Hosted by Montgomery County Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, in partnership with BlackRock Center for the Arts, MCPS, and GGCC - all in Germantown Town Center!

Sponsorships are available and tax-deductible donations are accepted through the GGCC Community Foundation - thank you to our business community for helping to make this an amazing event for our local students in Germantown and the Upcounty!

• Sponsorships: click here. In-kind snack and beverage donations are also being accepted - contact us!
• To get more information about obtaining SSL hours for this event, visit the MCPS rep at the event.

Please contact councilmember.balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov for more information!  

34th Annual Business Golf Classic!

Join us at the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Annual Business Golf Classic - not to be missed! Incredible prizes, golf contests, delicious breakfast and lunch buffets, and drinks await you on this unique golf experience.  A portion of the proceeds from contests and raffles at the Business Golf Classic supports the GGCC’s scholarship programs at Montgomery College.

The 2024 GGCC Business Golf Classic is a scramble format, and will be held on October 1, 2024 at Worthington Manor Golf Club.

Click here for Sponsorship opportunities! Two golfer spaces remain available before we sell out at 120 golfers! See link below!  

Schedule of Events:  

• 8:00am: Registration & networking, Hearty Traditional breakfast buffet, Mimosa/Bloody Mary Bar
• 9:00am: Putt-a-Rama Contest, then assemble at carts
• 9:30am: Shotgun Start, Scramble format
• Assume 5-6 hours on course: The fun includes Beat the Pro, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Hole in One, Heckle Hole, Putting contest, Open Beverage/snack carts on the course all day! Want to bring your own business's brand of fun to the tournament? Give us your ideas! 
• ~3:00pm or as golfers finish: Putt-off finals as golfers finish
• ~3:00pm or as golfers finish the course: Lunch includes a delicious BBQ Buffet and bar beverage at the clubhouse
• ~3:30pm Awards Ceremony & Networking: as soon as everyone is enjoying the BBQ lunch and a beverage, we'll give awards in the cluhouse, and we'll announce the 50/50 winner and post the 50/50 2nd chance winners!

All Golfer Registrations include:

• cart, cart signs & scorecards, complete bag handling services, printed rules of play, tournament scoring.  
• hearty breakfast with a mimosa/bloody mary bar before the shotgun start    
• snacks in your cart     
• open beverage/snack carts on the course with beer, seltzer, and nonalcoholic options
• delicious BBQ buffet lunch and bar beverage at awards ceremony    
• wonderful take-home gifts    
• opportunities for prizes    
• great networking!

Additional contest opportunities, mulligans, and other fun items will be available for purchase after registration and on the course.

Upcounty business leaders and GGCC members look forward to this event all year, this year more than ever. This year expect a new and fun experience that’s truly “above par!" Round up your colleagues, invite your clients, or come on your own and we’ll team you up. 

Awards:  

• Team Awards (1, 2, 3) – team trophy, top foursome also gets free round of golf for each player  
• Long Drive (men, women)  
• Closest to the Pin (two holes)  
• Putting Contest
• Keep Your Day Job    

Purchase on the Course:   

• Putt-A-Rama – $10 (winner gets 20 tickets to the 50/50 raffle)
• Beat the Pro – $20+ per group. Proceeds benefit the GGCC’s MC Scholarship Fund and the GGCC Community Foundation.
• Mulligans for the foursome – 2 for $20 or 5 for $40. Proceeds benefit the GGCC’s MC Scholarship Fund through the GGCC Community Foundation.
• Heckle Hole - if you value silence during your backswing, please make a donation!
• Swing-n-Sip - $20. Putt for a fine beverage bottle! You hit it, you take it! Proceeds benefit the GGCC’s MC Scholarship Fund and the GGCC Community Foundation. 
• Raffles: 50/50 Raffle, Guess the Golf Balls, Golf Ball Jenga – $5ea or 5 for $20. Proceeds benefit various GGCC programs; 2nd chance winners get chances for other donated raffle prizes including free rounds of golf
• More!

About Worthington Manor: The 19th century clubhouse, picturesque country setting, rolling valleys, scenic wetlands, superb conditioned bentgrass tees, fairways and greens along with 10-minute tee time intervals are just the beginning. This Ault-Clark signature course is notably one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier daily-fee golf clubs. A frequent U.S. Open Qualifying site with numerous accolades ranging from “Best Courses You Can Play” Golfweek to “Middle Atlantic’s 50 Best Courses” GolfStyles. From the time you are welcomed at the bag drop, you’ll enjoy the first-class practice facilities and prestigious championship golf course.

Click here for Sponsorship opportunities! (limited opportunities remain!) 

Registration for individuals remains open - only 2 spots remain! 

Registration will be held through the GGCC Community Foundation: 

• Major Sponsorships: Register and reserve your sponsorship here. 
• Hole/Course/Contest Sponsorships: Register and reserve your sponsorship here. 
• Golfer/Foursome Registration: Register here.
• Register for Networking Breakfast or Lunch only (no golf): Register here.

Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsor:

And thank you to these major sponsors: 

Thank you to these Contest and Range sponsors:

Fitzgerald Auto (Hole in One - car prize!)

Beltway Merchant Services (Hole in One - cash prize!)

Pay it Forward Processing (Heckle Hole)

Cruise Planners - Beth Borrego & Rod Rodriguez (Long Drive Women)

Solar Energy Services, Inc. (Closest to the Pin, men & women) 

Custom Ink (Swing n Sip) 

Montgomery College (Putt a Rama, Beat the Pro)

dexian/DISYS (Long Drive Men) 

Custom Ink (Swing n Sip) 

Thank you to these Hole sponsors: 

Montgomery College

Rio Lakefront 

SHS Payroll Services

Homespire Mortgage - Kempes Group 

Proudly

Launch Physical Therapy & Fitness Coaching 

Paycor - Ramesh Sunderasan 

Edward Jones

Thank you to these Giveaway and Prize Sponsors:  

The Branded Company

Leonardo DRS 

ServPro - Gaithersburg/Germantown 

Randy Scritchfield & Associates

Custom Ink 

Bargain Movers 

Fogo de Chou

Capital Bank (Chambers & West)

Click here for Swing n Sip Donors!  

Save the Date for the Germantown Oktoberfest | Celebrating our Unique and Vibrant Community

October 5^th from 11 am to 5 pm 

Celebrate our history and celebrate the wonderful diversity of our community with us!

**GGCC Brings Back the Long-Loved Germantown on October 5, 2024 from 11 am - 5 pm | Celebrating Our Unique and Vibrant Community**

Germantown, MD, the third most populous community in Maryland, and one of the most diverse in the country, is all set to share the spirit of Oktoberfest in a grand celebration that promises something for everyone! This year, the Germantown Oktoberfest will not only reflect the traditional elements of Oktoberfest, but will be an ode to the diverse community it serves in a free celebration perfect for the whole family! Montgomery County Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe says, “The Germantown Oktoberfest was our signature event for many, many years. I am thrilled it is coming back to Germantown.” The event is centered in Germantown Town Center along Century Blvd. Event partner BlackRock Center for the Arts will host the hub of activities on its grand lawn and surrounding streets.

• Community parade
• The MoCo Show Biergarten
• iHeart Radio Oktoberfest Stage with live music and DJ entertainment
• DC 101 pop-up with games featuring the Commanders’ Major Tuddy and Commanders’ Cheerleaders
• the Lil’ Pumpkins Activities for children - a pumpkin patch, Spooky Dance Party, and Costume parades - with BlackRock Center for the Arts
• BSO Music Box Series Performances inside BlackRock Center for the Arts
• Children's carnival by Great Kids Events and activities sponsored by TopGolf
• GGCC Business Expo
• Painting Pop Up with We Art Fun sponsored by the Fairchild Apartments
• Food trucks, food and drink specials from local restaurants
• After-party deals to keep the fun alive after the event ends at 5 pm.

Come Celebrate!

Mark your calendars for this unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and compassion at the Germantown Oktoberfest.

Attendance is free for all! Guests are encouraged to RSVP for a chance to win one of three prize packs valued at over $200 here: Germantown Oktoberfest Tickets, Sat, Oct 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

To apply to walk in the parade (free of charge) click here: Germantown Town Center: Germantown Oktoberfest 2024 (signupgenius.com)

To sponsor the event, learn more here: Gaithersburg, MD Chamber Events (ggchamber.org)or email zdavis@ggchamber.org

To exhibit in the business expo, click here: Gaithersburg, MD Chamber Events (ggchamber.org)

Click below to register for Business Expo spaces or Sponsorships!  Danke!

Special discounts available for GGCC members. Click through into your member portal for more information. 

Prost!