Dear Fellow Chamber Members:
It is a unique pleasure and opportunity for me to be serving as the Board Chair of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce for 2013. Having served on the board of directors for a number of years, I can share with that the level of energy within the board is extremely exciting for me and encouraging to you. Out of our recent board planning retreat we have renewed our commitment to creating value for our membership through our efforts to Educate, Advocate, and Connect.
We are here to Educate. Whether you have a need to learn more about how to grow your business or start a new one, or have a skill set or expertise that can you make available to the larger business community, the chamber has place for you. In an increasingly complex business environment, having access to quality information is critical. The Chamber is committed to either providing, arranging or directing Calvert County business to the information that will enable it to thrive.
We are here to Advocate. Whether connecting you with what is going on in Annapolis or Solomons, Washington, DC or North Beach, the Chamber of Commerce seeks to speak for the business community and advocate for policies that enrich the lives of those who live and work in Calvert County. We are committed to working with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce to get you connected with what is happening in the capital. We are committed to working with County Government to help them understand the implication their decisions have on your business.
Advocating, however, goes beyond speaking for your business, it is providing you the information you need and the skills required to effectively advocate for yourself. The Chamber of Commerce is committed to assisting local businesses in growing in their own advocacy skills in order to further their own business interests. When critical decisions are being made in Annapolis or Prince Frederick, nothing speaks louder than real business leaders articulating their positions.
We are here to Connect. For many businesses, the Chamber’s ability to connect local business leaders with others is a critical benefit of a Chamber membership. The Calvert County Chamber is committed to creating ways for Calvert County business leaders to connect with other leaders and new customers. We are committed to strengthening our Business After Hours program in order to create more opportunities for people to engage. We are committed to supporting our Women to Women and Leadshare programs in order to create more value for their participants. In an ever increasing virtual world, we are also looking for ways of creating connections that meets the needs of every business member.
The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the business of our communities. If you are a member: jump in with both feet! You get more out of your membership when you get involved. If you aren’t a member, join! Find out how you can benefit from our commitment to Educate, Advocate and Connect.
To your success!
Mr. Andrew W. Applegate, LNHA, MAOM
Chair, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors