HCCC Signature Event a Big Success

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce’s (HCCC) Signature Event 2017, “A Night of Illusion,” is in the books. And it was a great night.

Damon Foreman’s beautiful music filled the Grand Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort, in Ellicott City, as hundreds of HCCC members and guests arrived to the Hall of Fame Reception.

Then it was Emcee Brenda von Rautenkranz’s turn to take command of the room and get everyone seated for dinner. Then came the toast to this year’s ACE winners.

On that note, congratulations are in order for BGE; Commercial Insurance Managers; Bita Dayhoff; Justin Bonner and Kasey Turner of Jailbreak Brewing Co.; Unanet; and Pete Mangione of Turf Valley Resort for their well-deserved awards. Then HCCC President Leonardo McClarty and Board Chair Jeff Agnor took the stage to let the crowd in on a big secret: that the HCCC has just completed phase one of a comprehensive re-branding process, which includes a new logo [see above].

Next, illusionist Jason Bishop took the stage, and in no time he had the audience captivated with astonishing illusions and plenty of humor for the next hour. Commercial Insurance Managers’ Gordon Mumpower was called up on stage and was a great sport, as Bishop had him assist in one of the illusions; Bishop even managed to make his adorable dog Gizmo disappear, but (thankfully) reappear just moments later.

But then it was time to move on to the annual Afterglow Reception. Bishop stayed and chatted with guests and posed for selfies with sponsors and other VIPs, including McClarty.

A thank you is in order to the sponsors, the HCCC’s Signature Event Committee, its board of directors, ambassadors and staff, who are already planning Signature Event 2018.

 

Salute to Vets
Each year, the HCCC takes a moment to honor our veterans, and for 2017, it is holding a Salute to Veterans Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m., at The Great Room at Savage Mill, to do just that.
This year’s luncheon will feature Fort Meade Garrison Commander Col. Thomas Rickard, who will detail the latest on development plans for the post and how they will impact the county.

 

Legislative Preview
The chamber’s annual Legislative Preview Breakfast is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 a.m., at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel. It’s a morning where a select group of Howard County’s elected officials and representatives of the business community talk about the upcoming legislative session.
The breakfast also gives the HCCC a chance to speak directly to members about which issues it will be advocating for or against on their behalves in the coming year. For information about either event, call 410-730-4111.