Gaithersburg Germantown Chamber Holds Upcounty Business Breakfast Briefing

On Wednesday, September 30, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) held its 10th 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, State Senator- District 39 Nancy King and State Delegate- District 39 Shane Robinson as their guest speakers.

(l:r) Shane Robinson, State Delegate- District 39; Nancy King, State Senator – District 39; Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President/CEO; Jonathan Sachs, Director of Public Policy, Adventist HealthCare and Adam Cox, Senior Manager – Facilities ,Hughes Network Systems  PHOTO | Laura Rowles

“One of the primary functions of the Chamber is to monitor and actively shape the business climate in the County and the State. It is important to stay connected with our elected officials and to work with them through the year. Our legislative breakfast is a great opportunity for our members to work closely with our legislators,” 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 started off the morning by saying he wants to “grow the economy locally with the resources we have”. Leggett highlighted his six-point economic development plan. The County Executive addressed issues including incentives for eligible companies to locate to Montgomery County; the independent transit authority & the County’s growing transit needs; and workforce development highlighting the need of good quality jobs in the County and invited the business community to take part in his “Montgomery Moving Forward Workforce Coalition”.

State Senator Nancy King provided a recap of the budget process last year and expressed her concern over the cut in educational funding. Looking ahead to the 2016 Session she agreed that education and transportation would be major priorities for the Montgomery County Delegation.

Delegate Shane Robinson spoke about House and Senate leadership in Annapolis and what the future holds for Montgomery County. He also mentioned the priority hearings that will take place in Rockville and encouraged attendees to participate by letting our elected officials know what our priorities are prior to the 2016 Session.

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, including jobs, taxes, transportation and the economy.

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/legislative-agenda/.

The GGCC is located at 910 Clopper Road, Suite 205N, Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more about the GGCC visit us at www.ggchamber.org. Find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gaithersburg-Germantown-Chamber-of-Commerce/64339954570. And on Twitter at @GGCCNEWS.

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