BWCC

If the above headline caught your attention and you thought that the legislature and hilarity are connected, read on.

The Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 14 for the 432nd time. One might think that, after 400 years, things might change, but they really haven’t and won’t. Alas, laws will be proposed, and it is up to all of us as citizens to be watchful, as well as participatory. As a business owner or leader, you need to make certain your interests and bottom line are protected.

Last session, there were 1,117 Senate bills introduced and 1,555 House bills. Even more may be introduced this year. Who will review and assess their potential impact on your business? Know that the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) is your advocate in Annapolis, and we will keep you informed.

On Jan. 14, MarylandReporter.com (a daily news-gathering web site focused on Maryland business and politics) published an open letter to Gov. Hogan that was signed by 27 legislators: three senators and 24 delegates, and 19 of the 27 are newly-elected delegates. One of the proposals they support is SB40, filed this year as the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Similar legislation has been proposed in prior years, and every businessperson needs to review it.

Think about this. In the fiscal notes for last year’s [similar] bill, an estimate was provided that the legislation “… would cost Maryland employers $165 million to provide new earned sick days for employees, which is equivalent to a 24-cents-per-hour increase in wages for employees receiving new leave.”

Who’s watching out for our interests? We are. It’s your BWCC membership at work.

As for the Hilarity

The BWCC Foundation and BWCC will jointly host the 58th annual gala on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. at the Ram’s Head Center Stage in the Maryland Live! Casino, Hanover.

There will be silent and live auctions, with the “Voice of the Corridor,” Dick Story, serving as auctioneer for the live auction. It will feature phenomenal trips and outings, to include a two-night stay at the beautiful Belle Grove Plantation, birthplace of President James Madison, along with a multi-night outing to an MGM property in Las Vegas, and much more. The theme is “Caribbean Fun for Education,” which will also feature great food, signature beverages and lots of networking among business owners, executives and guests.

There are six sponsorship levels available for sponsors. Last year, the BWCC Foundation gave scholarships totaling nearly $19,000, and this event is one that helps fund the programs for graduating high school seniors across the region. We will also be honoring the Maryland Business Round Table for Education for its great work in schools across our Old Line State.

Back by popular demand will be the singing comedy and political satire group, the always hilarious Capitol Steps, which were founded in 1981 as a group of U.S. Senate staff members who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. Although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of 18 Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded more than 30 albums, including their latest, How to Succeed in Congress without Really Lying. They’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials.

Join us for a great evening to support education and our future workforce. Visit www.bwcc.org for more information.

WCC

Restaurant Week

The West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce (WAACCC) is preparing for its 2nd Annual Restaurant Week, coming up March 2–8 — but we need your support to make it a success. This year, rather than establishing set pricing, we are asking our participating restaurants to come up with their own value-priced menus to highlight their best offerings. We’ll promote your participation and provide you with the necessary signage, promotional post cards, etc., and include your logo in our advertising.

Cost to participate is $200 for WAACCC members and $300 for non-members, but sign up soon to ensure you’re included in all the promotions. For more information, call Kim Wirt at the chamber office at 410-672-3422.

The Celebrate Community Awards

On Monday, March 23, the WAACCC will honor the Stars of Our Community at the annual Celebrate Community Awards. The event will be held at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, in Hanover, from 6 to 9 p.m. What started as what was called Meet Your Neighbors in 1962, the chamber’s first year of operations, recognizes public safety officers from the fire, police and sheriff’s departments, local educators and members of the military.

The WAACCC is currently seeking sponsors ranging from a $2,000 Platinum Sponsorship through $400 table sponsors. For more information, call 410-672-3422 or e-mail [email protected].

West County Mixer at Eyefit

The next West County Mixer will be held at Eyefit, in Hanover, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. Reconnect with fellow WAACCC members and make new connections, too. There is no cost to attend for members, $25 for non-members. Eyefit is located at 7550 Teague Road, Suite 114 (one building over from The Greene Turtle).

Joint Mixer with Leadership Anne Arundel

The WAACCC will join other area chambers on Thursday, March 5, for a reception at Rams Head Center Stage at Maryland Live! Casino. As always for our mixers, there is no cost to attend for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Heavy appetizers will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. RSVP via www.westcountychamber.org or call 410-672-3422.

Weather Policy

The WAACCC follows Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) for delays and event closings.

  • If AACPS are on an opening delay, the office will open at noon and all morning meetings and events would be cancelled.
  • If AACPS closes school for the day, all events are cancelled.
  • If AACPS are on a weather-related early dismissal, all afternoon and evening chamber meetings and events will be cancelled.