BLOG: Chamber Members Give Back

photo credit: Maggie O’Connor, JK Moving Services

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC), in partnership with JK Moving Services, made life sweeter for the community and supported the effort to eliminate hunger in Montgomery County through Manna Food Center at the second annual Cake, Battle,and Network.

Richard Branson said, “doing good is good for business”. This concept rings true at the GGCC, as we are committed to working together with our businesses and community leaders to strengthen the local economy, increase opportunities for our residents, and do more good. We look for opportunities for our Chamber Members and leaders to feel like good corporate citizens.

“Cake for breakfast – what’s not to love”, said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President / CEO. “Not only is it a great networking event, it’s a great way to show our first responders how much we appreciate them. Having our members bring food for Manna was icing on the cake.”

Nearly twenty contestants preheated their oven, fired up their competitive spirit, and gave their time and talent by entering the “Great Chamber Bake Off and Networking event”. The baked goods were judged by Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz, JK Moving’s general manager Tom Grass, and Executive Chef/Owner/Operator at Duck Duck Goose Bethesda, Duck Duck Goose Baltimore, and George’s Chophouse Ashish Alfred. Alfred cooked at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, participated in many cooking demos and insights on local TV, and battled it out as a contender on the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and Chopped.

The contestants’ bakers “dozens” of muffins or cupcakes were portioned for judging and sampling, then the remainder were packaged for delivery to the Upcounty’s local fire and police personnel. The goodies were delivered by Chamber staff and board members to local fire and police stations – Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Station 8 and Station 332, Germantown Volunteer Fire Department, Gaithersburg Police Department, and the Montgomery County Police, 5th District and 6th District.

Those not participating in the bake-off helped by donating canned goods for Manna Food Center’s warehouse and supported the effort to eliminate hunger in Montgomery County.

The winners of the bake-off were: Sabrina McGowan, BlackRock Center for the Arts; Jennifer Lolli-Hall, SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown; and Kristi Stossel Bick, Resource Title, LLC; they placed third, second, and first respectively.

“I chose my item because even though it wasn’t as pretty as some of the cupcakes and muffins- this recipe is always a favorite at parties”, said Bick. “I feel lucky that I was able to give back to the community. Our first responders are so brave and selfless, and if I was able to sweeten their day- even a little bit- then that makes my day!”

The GGCC is active in providing business-to-business networking opportunities throughout the year: a collective voice in local, regional, and state legislative affairs, professional development opportunities and other services that enhance the business environment.

About Laura Rowles

Laura authors the blog Your Success is Our Business on MyMCMedia. Laura is the Director of Events & Marketing for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce - a member-based organization of businesses that have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and industrial progress in our communities. The area's economic well-being is a result of the caliber of work that is done by the Chamber. The Chamber has a major impact on business, income and future growth of the area. My position at the Chamber - Director of Events & Marketing - affords me the opportunity to plan quality events for our Members and market the Chamber is a variety of avenues. At the GGCC, we typically have around 30 events each year including: breakfasts, lunches, after-five's, ribbon cuttings and special events. The consensus is we have high quality events with good energy. In 2012, we had over 2,040 people visit our events. Most our events are free to Members so securing sponsorships for all events. Additionally, I am responsible for planning networking, overseeing the budget and marketing of all events in order to make them successful. Lastly, I coordinate all marketing and communication efforts of the GGCC including weekly email blasts, its quarterly newsletter, all social media platforms, media relations and community outreach.

View all posts by Laura Rowles