Chamber Events

Join us! The DEI&B committee will focus on advancing the DEI&B goals of our organization by advocating for economic inclusion, growth and competitiveness of our community’s diverse business population. Our goal is to ensure that the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and experiences within our business and non-profit communities is reflected in every aspect of the Chamber’s operations.

Committee Chair: Wendie Veloz, Wendie Veloz Enterprises

This meeting will be held in person monthly. 2nd Thursday each month at GGCC. We hope to see you all there!     

Plans for 2025 to date:

• Monday, January 13,  11 a.m./Location TBD - Heidi Webb, CFRE: Mapping a whole year fundraising plan

• Monday, February 10 11a.m./Location TBD - Dona Deutsch: Tips to a happy, healthy heart/Stress management and wellness activities for small shops

More to come!

Our Nonprofit Direct Connect group typically meets on the 2nd Monday each month virtually or in person. This Direct Connect group is led by Denise Fredericks, Mercy Health Clinic, and Deborah Zimmer, Universities at Shady Grove. All meetings are open to all Chamber members.  For more information on the GGCC's Direct Connect program, please click here. If you need accommodations to comfortably access this event, please email llumbreras@ggchamber.org. 

The Economic Development & Legislative Affairs Committee will explore various topics. The monthly meeting (3rd Wednesday, 8:30am) will be virtual with a speaker unless we note an in-person opportunity to be in the community.  

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.

Launch your business journey with purpose and clarity in 2024 through one of EmpowerHer’s two transformative programs starting on January 15.

1. 12-Week EmpowerHer Business Accelerator for Entrepreneurs
   Designed for female entrepreneurs, this 12-week program provides a comprehensive roadmap for business growth, covering essential skills from audience targeting and branding to marketing and financial strategy. Through weekly coaching, participants will gain the confidence and tools needed to thrive as CEOs of their businesses.

2. 6-Week EmpowerHer Program for Support Personnel
   This new, streamlined 6-week program is crafted for support staff who play a critical role in business operations. Ideal for administrative professionals, marketing assistants, and others supporting entrepreneurs, this program will teach essential skills for driving efficiency, enhancing client communications, and aligning with the strategic goals of the business.

Why Join EmpowerHer?

• Expert Guidance: Gain insights from business strategist Philippa Channer, with a curriculum tailored to both business owners and their support teams.
• Transformative Learning: Both programs provide actionable, practical tools designed to create impact—whether you’re growing your own business or supporting someone else’s.
• Supportive Community: Join a cohort of like-minded individuals, with a unique track for entrepreneurs and support staff, fostering shared learning and collaboration.

Register Today: Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to join this transformative experience. Sign up to learn more and secure your spot!

The Health & Wellness Direct Connect is designed for like-minded business owners committed to learning, growing, and driving success together. This intimate group will focus on exchanging insights, solving problems collaboratively, and holding each other accountable in a confidential and supportive environment.

Bring your lunch and join us to develop relationships and gain fresh perspectives! If you have any questions, please contact Steve Reinhold at steve@phwassociates.com or Wendy Iglehart at wiglehart@wendyiglehart.com.

Our mission is to encourage, empower, and enrich veteran small businesses through events, networking meetings, community involvement, and chamber activities.

Purpose: To identify, connect, and help grow veteran-owned small businesses through the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.

Meeting dates:  Every second and fourth Thursday monthly.

If you have any questions, please contact Ron David at edavid@icefdt.com

This is your "Chamber 101" learning opportunity! 

Led by President & CEO Paula Ross, you will learn how to maximize your Chamber membership and learn all about the benefits of the GGCC. Learn what the Chamber can do for you, how to get involved, meet the team, meet other new member partners, learn about programming & events, ways to volunteer and so much more! Come and discover the best way to get a return on your investment in yourself and your business.

All members are welcome, no matter how long ago you joined. Advance registration is requested. Thank you.

Sponsorship opportunities are available - come out and meet all of our new members!  

Free for all GGCC members.

AI in Content, Marketing, and Business: Comprehensive Integration (with Ed Samuels from Auxilium)

Overview: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various facets of business, from content creation and marketing to overall business strategy and operations. This comprehensive course, "AI in Content, Marketing, and Business: Comprehensive Integration," is designed for professionals seeking to leverage AI across multiple business domains. Learn how to integrate AI to enhance content production, drive marketing success, and streamline business operations for improved efficiency and growth.

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.

The Idea 2 Action Business Accelerator is a two-day online event designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to gain clarity, prioritize goals, and create a roadmap for success.

Through two interactive workshops, you’ll learn how to:

• Break through mental barriers and align your vision with your actions.
• Use the Idea Surgery process to untangle ideas and map out strategies.
• Manage your time and energy effectively to avoid burnout.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, scaling your business, or creating innovative solutions, this accelerator provides practical tools to help you move forward confidently.

Join us on January 31 (12-1 PM ET) and February 1 (12-2 PM ET) for a powerful, results-driven experience.