GGCC Honors Its Volunteers and Awards Four

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) honored its volunteers at the Business Networking after Five event on Thursday, September 15. The event was held at and sponsored by Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc. in Gaithersburg.

(l:r) Jeff Samuels, Field Representative for Congressman John Delaney (MD06); Pascale Brady, Global Life Coaching LLC; Marilyn Balcombe, Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Brett Rough, Aerotek; Eileen Cahill, Holy Cross Health; and Brooke Bruch, Contemporaries, Inc. PHOTO | Laura Rowles

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.

“We simply can’t do all we do at the Chamber without our volunteers. Each year there are a number of volunteers who go about and beyond and we are truly honored to recognize their efforts,” said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President.

Balcombe personally thanked all of the Chamber’s volunteers noting their “participation on committees and at events is priceless”. The GGCC has 95 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, certificates from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Office on Service and Volunteerism & Congressman John Delaney & 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.

The 2016 Exceptional Volunteers include:

• Eileen Cahill, Holy Cross Health
  Cahill was one of the founding members of the Chamber’s new entrepreneur breakfast series. The series kicked off in October of 2015 and will conclude in April of 2016. Cahill has been an integral member of the planning committee and has leant her expertise to the chamber on several occasions. She has provided exceptional work and the Chamber looks forward to the next several months as we continue this successful endeavor.
• Pascale Brady, Global Life Coaching LLC
  Brady was recognized for her work with the Chamber’s membership committee. She dedicated her time to transform the committee into a successful team. She always has a positive attitude and has greatly contributed to the vitality of the committee. Additionally, she spoke to our Young Professionals Group on work/life balance earlier this year. The presentation was superb and rewarding. Brady has supported the professional development of the next generation of leaders & our membership committee.
• Brooke Bruch, Contemporaries, Inc.
  Bruch was recognized for her contributions to the events & membership committees. She joined the GGCC in November of last year and has been active since her inception. She has been an asset to both of the groups and is a member of the Young Professionals Group too. She is a regular attendee and active participant on the events committee. She has stepped up to be the emcee of many events. On the membership committee, her dedication and positive attitude has greatly contributed to the vitality of the committee.
• Brett Rough, Aerotek
  Rough has been an asset to the Young Professionals Group (YPG). He currently serves on the YPG planning meetings and attends YPG events regularly. He volunteers at events to ensure they run smoothly. His passion, drive and commitment enhance the value & ensure the success of this group.

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