Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Honors Its Volunteers and Awards Four

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) honored its volunteers at the Business Networking after Five event on Tuesday, September 12. The event was held at and sponsored by Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc. in Gaithersburg.

The GGCC holds its annual picnic in honor of its volunteers who generously give their time and talents to the Chamber. These remarkable people are an integral part of the Chamber and its success. The event is held annually at Smokey Glen Farm – an active supporter of the GGCC – a family owned business that has held Corporate Citizenship as a core value for over 50 years.

GGCC President / CEO Marilyn Balcombe personally thanked all the Chamber’s volunteers noting their “participation on committees and at events is priceless”. The GGCC has a little over 80 active volunteers serving on one or more of the following committees:

• Board of Directors
• Legislative Affairs
• Economic Development
• Membership
• Events
• Young Professionals
• Non-Profit
• Golf
• Annual Celebration Dinner

The volunteers’ commitment helps the GGCC remain vital and meet the needs of our business community.

Four chamber members received an award & special recognition for their commitment and involvement with the Chamber. These “exceptional volunteers” were nominated by the working committees of the Chamber for having substantially contributed to GGCC member programs and activities.

“We can’t do all the great things we do without our volunteers. Our exceptional volunteer awardees show the breadth of involvement in the Chamber. With Susan, Trina, Abdi, and Roy, you get a cross section of who we are as a Chamber.,” said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President.

The 2017 Exceptional Volunteers include:

Trina LaPier, St. Martin’s of Tours

Trina LaPier has been a GGCC member since 2005 and has served in many capacities including Board Chair. She was recognized for her work with the Chamber’s membership committee. The Chamber recently hired Chelsea Selby as their Director of Membership and LaPier spent time with her developing a retention plan and meeting with members. LaPier was thanked for supporting Selby’s professional development & the membership committee.

Roy Quick, Primerica

Roy Quick is an active participant on the Chamber’s membership committee. He always has a positive attitude, is dedicated and is the first to volunteer as an ambassador or just to lend a hand. Quick was awarded for his dedication and contributing to the vitality of the committee.

Susan Pendy, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Susan Pendy is a regular attendee and active participant on the Chamber’s events committee. She even sponsored a mixer this Spring. She loves to volunteer as the registration host and always lends her support to the group ensuring its success and the success of the Chamber’s events.

Abdi Russi, BB&T

Abdi Russi is an asset to the Young Professionals Group (YPG). He currently serves on the YPG planning committee and attends YPG events regularly. He always has a smile and goes the extra mile to ensure that all the young professionals are engaged at an event and having a good time. He even volunteers his time at events to ensure they run smoothly. Russi was awarded because his passion, drive and commitment enhance the value & ensure the success of this group.

Interested in learning more on how you can volunteer with the GGCC? Check out the Chamber’s committee page at: https://goo.gl/7KCc91.

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.

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