Chamber Holds 9th Annual Upcounty Business Breakfast Briefing

On Wednesday, December 10, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) held its 9th Annual Upcounty Business Breakfast Briefing (UCBBB). The UCBBB gives Chamber members and Upcounty Business Leaders an opportunity to discuss legislative issues with their elected officials.

The GGCC was honored to have Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett and County Councilmembers Craig Rice and Sidney Katz as their guest speakers.

(l:r) Jim Muir, Hughes Network Systems, LLC, County Councilmember Sidney Katz; Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President/CEO; Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett and Jonathan Sachs, Director of Public Policy, Adventist HealthCare at the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Upcounty Business Breakfast Briefing
(Photo Credit: Laura Rowles, GGCC Director of Events & Marketing)

“We work very closely with our District Councilmembers and the County Executive. It is our job to remind them that Gaithersburg and Germantown are critical components of the economy in the Montgomery County and the State. Fortunately, they have a good understanding of our role in the business community,” said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President/CEO

The event was sponsored and hosted by Hughes Network Systems, LLC – An EchoStar Company.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett highlighted his six-point economic development plan. Leggett is optimistic about the future of Montgomery County and said that “Montgomery County is the economic engine of Maryland”.

Councilmember Craig Rice noted that the council accomplished a lot in 2014 and his remarks included higher education and the need for a “pathway into jobs” for college students or a need for job placement for college graduates.

Councilmember Sidney Katz mentioned that he is excited to be in his new role and the council has allowed him the lead on public safety committee. Katz is eager about this new venture and said “we need to get a handle on it, so we can all have better lives”

Jonathan Sachs, Director of Public Policy, Adventist HealthCare and GGCC Board Member, conducted an informative question and answer session with the guest speakers. Panelists addressed key issues in Montgomery County; especially transportation issues such as the CCT.

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. Learn more about the GGCC’s Legislative Initiatives or view our 2015 Legislative Agenda at: www.ggchamber.org/advocacy.

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