Dear Readers of The Business Monthly,

On behalf of the board of directors, staff and membership of the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) —Maryland’s only regional chamber — we welcome you to this special publication in The Business Monthly.

BWCC serves members principally located in the four counties between the nation’s capital and Baltimore: Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s. This area is at the heart of the fourth-largest marketplace in the United States and is home to 46% of Maryland’s population and a similar percentage of all the jobs in Maryland. The Corridor also is home to 45% of all households in the state, but occupies just 17% of the total land area.

As chair of the board, I [Plummer] follow Steve Zelenak, CPA, senior vice president & senior lending officer of Revere Bank. Steve’s work in helping start and grow a community bank focused on small- and medium-sized businesses brought great insight to the program of work and initiatives of the Chamber. We collectively thank him for his leadership.

Part of the spirit and dramatic effectiveness of the BWCC is that we alternate our chief elected officer from small to large business — so we never lose focus on who we represent: businesses of all kinds, and all sizes.

Over the coming months, members and guests will hear prominent newsmakers, attend an economic forecast and political overview, participate in the annual program dealing with procurement issues and enjoy each other’s company at the annual BWCC Foundation Holiday Mixer. There will be joint networking breakfasts, educational seminars and Women in Business programs as well. Most importantly, as a member, you will have a seasoned team of professionals who work for you, but are not on your payroll. We are your advocates on legislative issues, helping protect all that you have worked so hard to achieve.

The BWCC’s board and staff lead a team that supports you. We pride ourselves on having a welcoming organization where businesses get their questions answered, develop beneficial relationships and are assured their interests are championed. We are proud of our 68-year history and invite you to join us if you are not a member and become even more involved and engaged if you are.

Sincerely,

Ray Plummer, CPA
Partner

Bormel, Grice & Huyett P.A.
Board Chair, Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber

Walt Townshend
President & CEO
Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber