GSSCC to Launch New Silver Spring Safety Alliance
​May 15, 2023

Join the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Chief of Police - Marcus Jones, and officers from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) 3rd District for the launch of the Silver Spring Safety Alliance at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at the Downtown Silver Spring Stage on Ellsworth Drive!

What is the Silver Spring Safety Alliance?

The Silver Spring Safety Alliance brings the “neighbors looking out for neighbors” concept to the business community, creating a partnership in progress between downtown Silver Spring businesses and the MCPD 3rd District that builds on the plan to actively reduce and prevent crime through cooperation, education, and most importantly, communication. The Business Watch philosophy is straightforward: take control of what happens in your business community and lessen your chances of becoming a victim.

Silver Spring Safety Alliance Mission: harness our collective resources to support a more prosperous Silver Spring for all.

The culture of Silver Spring is one of inclusivity, appreciation, and concern for our neighbors. The Silver Spring Safety Alliance is another avenue by which we can demonstrate this. For the past two years the Greater Silver Spring Chamber has worked with MCPD, elected officials, and businesses to put systems in place to ensure the safety and security of our inclusive business community.

The Silver Spring Safety Alliance is the opportunity for the business community to be more engaged and will: 
  • Promote communication and understanding between law enforcement and business.
  • Encourage and enhance cooperation among merchants.
  • Assist merchants in crime-proofing their own properties and watching over neighboring businesses.

How will the Silver Spring Safety Alliance Work?
  • All businesses will receive a Silver Spring Safety Alliance window cling to be prominently displayed.
  • The Chamber will develop an email distribution list, that any and all businesses or property owners can join, to quickly disseminate information about incidents, programs, trainings, and more.
  • The Chamber will facilitate quarterly safety briefings with the MCPD 3rd District – (virtual and in-person options).
  • Signage will be posted in the Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) to alert people that this is a Silver Spring Safety Alliance Business Watch area.

Additional benefits for Chamber member businesses:
  • The Chamber will facilitate MONTHLY safety briefings with the MCPD 3rd District.
  • The Chamber, in conjunction with the- MCPD 3rd District Community Engagement Team, will facilitate quarterly trainings, workshops, and education opportunities according to the needs of the businesses.
 
  














  • CHAMBER NEWS






  • GSSCC to Launch New Silver Spring Safety Alliance
    ​May 15, 2023









  • Join the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Chief of Police - Marcus Jones, and officers from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) 3rd District for the launch of the Silver Spring Safety Alliance at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at the Downtown Silver Spring Stage on Ellsworth Drive!

    What is the Silver Spring Safety Alliance?

    The Silver Spring Safety Alliance brings the “neighbors looking out for neighbors” concept to the business community, creating a partnership in progress between downtown Silver Spring businesses and the MCPD 3rd District - that builds on the plan to actively reduce and prevent crime through cooperation, education, and most importantly, communication. The Business Watch philosophy is straightforward: take control of what happens in your business community and lessen your chances of becoming a victim.

    Silver Spring Safety Alliance Mission: harness our collective resources to support a more prosperous Silver Spring for all.

    The culture of Silver Spring is one of inclusivity, appreciation, and concern for our neighbors. The Silver Spring Safety Alliance is another avenue by which we can demonstrate this. For the past two years the Greater Silver Spring Chamber has worked with MCPD, elected officials, and businesses to put systems in place to ensure the safety and security of our inclusive business community.

    The Silver Spring Safety Alliance is the opportunity for the business community to be more engaged and will: 
    • Promote communication and understanding between law enforcement and business.
    • Encourage and enhance cooperation among merchants.
    • Assist merchants in crime-proofing their own properties and watching over neighboring businesses.

    How will the Silver Spring Safety Alliance Work?
    • All businesses will receive a Silver Spring Safety Alliance window cling to be prominently displayed.
    • The Chamber will develop an email distribution list, that any and all businesses or property owners can join, to quickly disseminate information about incidents, programs, trainings, and more.
    • The Chamber will facilitate quarterly safety briefings with the MCPD 3rd District – (virtual and in-person options).
    • Signage will be posted in the Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) to alert people that this is a Silver Spring Safety Alliance Business Watch area.

    Additional benefits for Chamber member businesses:
    • The Chamber will facilitate MONTHLY safety briefings with the MCPD 3rd District.
    • The Chamber, in conjunction with the- MCPD 3rd District Community Engagement Team, will facilitate quarterly trainings, workshops, and education opportunities according to the needs of the businesses.



  • Wednesday, May 17
    11 a.m. - 12 noon
    Downtown Silver Spring Stage








  • Nominations, Admission Open for 30th Anniversary Awards & Installation Event​
    ​May 15, 2023



  • Admission is now open for the GSSCC 30th Anniversary Awards & Installation Event set for Wednesday, June 28, at AFI Silver Theatre. Member admission is $80 per person and Non-Member admission is $100 per person. Admission increases after COB on Friday, June 9.

    Thank you Joseph W. McCartin Insurance for being the Hospitality Sponsor. The Welcome Sponsorship is still available. Visit here for more details.

    The Chamber welcomes members to submit an application or nominate a fellow member company to be considered for the GSSCC “Circle of Stars” Award. Deadline for nominations is Monday, May 22. Click here for the application form.

    Additional honorees include the Trail Blazer Young Professional, Volunteer of the Year, and Montgomery County 3rd District Police Officer.




  • PURCHASE ADMISSION








  • GSSCC Cuts Ribbon, Celebrates SEEC New Offices​
    ​May 15, 2023







  • GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing was honored to cut the ribbon in celebration of SEEC's new welcoming, tech-forward, and collaborative office space at 1300 Spring Street, 4th Floor, in Silver Spring. SEEC is a progressive non-profit agency providing a wide range of community supports to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities. View more photos from the ceremony here.








  • GSSCC Member Orientation
    ​May 8, 2023










    • New members or new representatives of member companies: learn how to make the most out of your membership, connect with your fellow Chamber members, and meet GSSCC staff and Board Members at the GSSCC101: Member Orientation.



    • Wednesday, June 7
      Chamber Conference Room
      8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.




    • REGISTER








  • Ashlie Bagwell Meeting Recap
    May 8, 2023



  • ​Ashlie Bagwell, Senior Government Relations Associate at Harris Jones & Malone, provided a comprehensive overview and analysis of the legislation taken by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session that are of interest to businesses. Below are a few highlights.
    • Ashlie mentioned a number of tax issues, including combined reporting (HB0046 and SB0576), which is a perennial bill and not move forward, but will be presented next session. There was also a bill to allow local jurisdictions to increase the income tax that received support from many County Executives. Tax issues will be important in year two of a 4 year term.
    • A Four–Day Workweek Pilot Program and Income Tax Credit – Established (Four–Day Workweek Act of 2023) (HB0181 and SB0197) was also presented but did not move forward. Too many questions about how you implement, but there was language included to "study" a four day work week. No clarification on if this is being presented as a way to cut down on commuting and meet the 2035 environmental impact goals. There was also uncertainty about how this would apply to 24/7 businesses and industries.
    • An issue for Montgomery County is Governor Moore accelerating the minimum wage increase, through the Fair Wage Act of 2023 (HB0549 and SB0555). Montgomery County's minimum wage remains indexed and the current state mandate took out the indexing in session, which means the County minimum wage will continue to tic up accordingly, but the state will remain at $15 per hour. This presents another disincentive for business to be located in Montgomery County.
    • Paid Family Leave passed last year and now it is in the implementation planning process to get it set up. Questions still remain around who pays how much and is there supplemental budget money for businesses. The start date has been pushed to October 2024.
    • Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage - Tipped Employees (HB1256 and SB0803) did not pass, but DC has taken steps toward eliminating tip credit as of May 1, 2023.  
    • Cannabis legislation passed, making it legal for adult use. There is already a statue addressing employers, who can have and implement a testing policy for their business. This will need to be revisited once cannabis is declassified at the Federal level. Still working out how it should be taxed, excise, sales, etc. to make it consistent with alcohol taxes.
    Stay tuned for our next Government Affairs Committee meeting!








  • OEC Business Tips: Customer Persona & Archetypes
    May 8, 2023




  • ​Members of the GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Circle recently discussed how they discover customer personas and archetypes, how these drive their sales and marketing strategy, and how they adapt to changes in their target market over time. Attendees offered a few tips that might be useful for all businesses:
    • Identifying “red flags” during your initial marketing/sales process is helpful to avoid a bad match between you and the client, before you sign the contract.
    • Aspects of the ideal client that go beyond demographics are very useful; for example, their mindset toward you and your services, and their willingness to commit time and effort to partner with you (if your product/service requires that). 
    • We all wanted not only a successful sale, but a successful outcome of the service we provide, and the client’s attitude significantly affects the outcome.

    The next OEC meeting is Thursday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at TBD. Topic: Knowledge Transfer: Ideas for Efficiency in Training, Delegating, and Documenting. Register here.









  • Chamber Creates Art at Chalk Riot Event​​
    May 1, 2023







  • The Chamber enjoyed a fun day in the community this past Saturday. Thank you Downtown Silver Spring for inviting us to participate in Chalk Fest! We had a blast bringing the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, an iconic venue in the Silver Spring central business district, to life with chalk as a way to highlight just one of the incredible businesses we have in Silver Spring.








  • Advocacy Action Alert: County Legislation​​
    May 1, 2023



  • GSSCC Members: We are closely following and OPPOSING three pieces of County legislation.
    1. Proposed 10% Property Tax Rate increase 
    2. Two separate Rent Control legislation proposals

    A 10% property tax increase is proposed by County Executive Elrich in the FY2024 Operating Budget. Stephanie Helsing, President & CEO of the GSSCC, will testify in opposition to the property tax rate increase at the County Council budget hearing on Tuesday, May 2, at 1:30 p.m. Please come to the hearing!

    The GSSCC Testimony tomorrow is in opposition to the property tax increase proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich. The Chamber is urging the County Council to reject this proposed budget and any property tax rate increase. As business leaders here, we care deeply about economic development in the County. This property tax rate increase, especially combined with the proposals for recordation tax increase and rent control, will effectively deter investment in our community, make it difficult to bring a workforce here, and make it even more impossible for the next generation of business leaders to afford to root themselves in Montgomery County. If the County must prioritize schools and public safety, both of which are important to economic development, the Council must decrease other areas of the budget. Make the hard choices. Prioritize. The Chamber also encourages additional accountability in the school system for the $3 Billion budget funded by our taxpayers.

    To respond to the Rent Control Legislation Bill, Bill 16-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Rent Stabilization (The HOME Act), sponsored by Councilmembers Jawando and Mink, which proposes a 3% rent cap and Bill 15-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations-Anti Rent Gouging Protections, sponsored by Councilmember Fani- González and five other Councilmembers, which proposes an 8% rent cap plus CPI, see the Chamber's prior Call to Action! 








  • GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Enjoy Happy Hour​
    May 1, 2023







  • ​The GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Circle (OEC) gathered last Wednesday for a happy hour event at The Urban Winery and enjoyed laughs, some honest and open dialogue, and amazing food and drink. Attendees included Jordan Smith, Edward Jones Investments; Damon and Georgia Callis, The Urban Winery; Brad Eisenberg, BE Lean; Andrea Dunathan, Dunathan Consulting; Katheryn Hoerster, Nothing Bundt Cakes; Jennifer Meltzer, All Set Restaurant & Bar; Bruce Cotting, RLAH Real Estate; Matthew Hardwick, ResInnova Laboratories; and Dauda Kondeh, ItsMcube.

    The next OEC meeting is this Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at J. Hollinger's. Topic: How well do you know your customers, really? Register here.








  • GSSCC Welcomes New, Renewing Members in April
    May 1, 2023



  • GSSCC welcomes companies that became Chamber members during April and encourages you to check out the services they offer. GSSCC also thanks member organizations for continuing to invest in the business community by renewing their Chamber membership during the past month. We're pleased to link readers to these businesses and the products and services they provide.






    • New Members

      ​BethMichaels Floral & Events
      Ayobami Akindele
      8735 First Ave.
      Silver Spring, MD 20910
      (240) 615-7910
      www.bethmichaelevents.com
      Florists

      Ecoverde Cleaning
      Carolina Rodriguez
      914 Silver Spring Ave., #116
      Silver Spring, MD 20910
      (202) 618-0562
      www.ecoverdecleaning.com
      Home and Garden

      Javara
      Christopher Cannon
      10750 Columbia Pike, St. 401
      Silver Spring, MD 20901
      (240) 760-1667
      www.javararesearch.com
      Healthcare and Wellness








  • Burtonsville Crossing Groundbreaking a Celebration of Economic Revitalization
    May 1, 2023












    • ​Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center, was announced as a future tenant at the Burtonsville Crossing groundbreaking event last Friday, April 28. To be located adjacent to Sprouts, Domain Fitness & Performance is co-owned by Chamber member Jason Miskiri, owner of The Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge. Read here for more information on Burtonsville Crossing and read here for more information on the groundbreaking ceremony.








  • GSSCC Action Alert: County Legislation Updates
    ​April 24, 2023



  • With the release of the County Executive’s FY2024 Budget and the introductions of some other bills by the County Council, we are closely monitoring significant pieces of County legislation which would impact our members.

    • Proposed 10% Property Tax Rate increase
      • You can find more information here.
      • The GSSCC’s opposition to this increase was noted in the Public Testimony we supplied on April 11.
    • Rent Control Legislation
      • Bill 15-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Anti Rent Gouging Protections (Fani-Gonzalez, Friedson, Albornoz, Balcombe, Katz, and Luedtke).
      • Bill 16-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Rent Stabilization (Jawando/Mink).
      • The GSSCC’s opposition to these bills was noted in the Public Testimony we submitted on April 11.

    All of these efforts will damage our economy, discourage investment, and worsen the affordability of having a business and workforce in Montgomery County.








  • Members Connect@Lunch at J. Hollinger's​
    ​April 24, 2023






















  • Last week, members gathered for Connect@Lunch where they met new President & CEO, Stephanie Helsing, promoted their businesses and organizations, networked, exchanged business cards, and enjoyed a delicious meal by host J. Hollinger's Waterman's Chophouse. Thank you to everyone who attended! Check out the Chamber Calendar for upcoming networking opportunities.








  • Department of Permitting Services Solicits Feedback from Businesses​
    ​April 24, 2023



  • Montgomery County Councilwoman Natali Fani-Gonzalez and the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) are teaming up to ensure the permitting streamline process is efficient and towards a "yes culture" that truly supports businesses in Montgomery County.

    Councilwoman Fani-Gonzalez is touring businesses with DPS Director Sabbakhan to see what challenges businesses are facing and to work together toward making changes.

    Any business that would like to discuss their recent permitting issues with Councilwoman Fani-Gonzalez can do so by email here and by phone: (240) 777-7870.







Wednesday, May 17
11 a.m. - 12 noon
Downtown Silver Spring Stage

Nominations, Admission Open for 30th Anniversary Awards & Installation Event​
​May 15, 2023

Admission is now open for the GSSCC 30th Anniversary Awards & Installation Event set for Wednesday, June 28, at AFI Silver Theatre. Member admission is $80 per person and Non-Member admission is $100 per person. Admission increases after COB on Friday, June 9.

Thank you Joseph W. McCartin Insurance for being the Hospitality Sponsor. The Welcome Sponsorship is still available. Visit here for more details.

The Chamber welcomes members to submit an application or nominate a fellow member company to be considered for the GSSCC “Circle of Stars” Award. Deadline for nominations is Monday, May 22. Click here for the application form.

Additional honorees include the Trail Blazer Young Professional, Volunteer of the Year, and Montgomery County 3rd District Police Officer.

GSSCC Cuts Ribbon, Celebrates SEEC New Offices​
​May 15, 2023

GSSCC President & CEO Stephanie Helsing was honored to cut the ribbon in celebration of SEEC's new welcoming, tech-forward, and collaborative office space at 1300 Spring Street, 4th Floor, in Silver Spring. SEEC is a progressive non-profit agency providing a wide range of community supports to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities. View more photos from the ceremony here.

GSSCC Member Orientation
​May 8, 2023

New members or new representatives of member companies: learn how to make the most out of your membership, connect with your fellow Chamber members, and meet GSSCC staff and Board Members at the GSSCC101: Member Orientation.
Wednesday, June 7
Chamber Conference Room
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Ashlie Bagwell Meeting Recap
May 8, 2023

​Ashlie Bagwell, Senior Government Relations Associate at Harris Jones & Malone, provided a comprehensive overview and analysis of the legislation taken by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session that are of interest to businesses. Below are a few highlights.
  • Ashlie mentioned a number of tax issues, including combined reporting (HB0046 and SB0576), which is a perennial bill and not move forward, but will be presented next session. There was also a bill to allow local jurisdictions to increase the income tax that received support from many County Executives. Tax issues will be important in year two of a 4 year term.
  • A Four–Day Workweek Pilot Program and Income Tax Credit – Established (Four–Day Workweek Act of 2023) (HB0181 and SB0197) was also presented but did not move forward. Too many questions about how you implement, but there was language included to "study" a four day work week. No clarification on if this is being presented as a way to cut down on commuting and meet the 2035 environmental impact goals. There was also uncertainty about how this would apply to 24/7 businesses and industries.
  • An issue for Montgomery County is Governor Moore accelerating the minimum wage increase, through the Fair Wage Act of 2023 (HB0549 and SB0555). Montgomery County's minimum wage remains indexed and the current state mandate took out the indexing in session, which means the County minimum wage will continue to tic up accordingly, but the state will remain at $15 per hour. This presents another disincentive for business to be located in Montgomery County.
  • Paid Family Leave passed last year and now it is in the implementation planning process to get it set up. Questions still remain around who pays how much and is there supplemental budget money for businesses. The start date has been pushed to October 2024.
  • Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage - Tipped Employees (HB1256 and SB0803) did not pass, but DC has taken steps toward eliminating tip credit as of May 1, 2023.  
  • Cannabis legislation passed, making it legal for adult use. There is already a statue addressing employers, who can have and implement a testing policy for their business. This will need to be revisited once cannabis is declassified at the Federal level. Still working out how it should be taxed, excise, sales, etc. to make it consistent with alcohol taxes.
Stay tuned for our next Government Affairs Committee meeting!

OEC Business Tips: Customer Persona & Archetypes
May 8, 2023

Picture
​Members of the GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Circle recently discussed how they discover customer personas and archetypes, how these drive their sales and marketing strategy, and how they adapt to changes in their target market over time. Attendees offered a few tips that might be useful for all businesses:
  • Identifying “red flags” during your initial marketing/sales process is helpful to avoid a bad match between you and the client, before you sign the contract.
  • Aspects of the ideal client that go beyond demographics are very useful; for example, their mindset toward you and your services, and their willingness to commit time and effort to partner with you (if your product/service requires that). 
  • We all wanted not only a successful sale, but a successful outcome of the service we provide, and the client’s attitude significantly affects the outcome.

The next OEC meeting is Thursday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at TBD. Topic: Knowledge Transfer: Ideas for Efficiency in Training, Delegating, and Documenting. Register here.

Chamber Creates Art at Chalk Riot Event​​
May 1, 2023

The Chamber enjoyed a fun day in the community this past Saturday. Thank you Downtown Silver Spring for inviting us to participate in Chalk Fest! We had a blast bringing the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, an iconic venue in the Silver Spring central business district, to life with chalk as a way to highlight just one of the incredible businesses we have in Silver Spring.

Advocacy Action Alert: County Legislation​​
May 1, 2023

GSSCC Members: We are closely following and OPPOSING three pieces of County legislation.
  1. Proposed 10% Property Tax Rate increase 
  2. Two separate Rent Control legislation proposals

A 10% property tax increase is proposed by County Executive Elrich in the FY2024 Operating Budget. Stephanie Helsing, President & CEO of the GSSCC, will testify in opposition to the property tax rate increase at the County Council budget hearing on Tuesday, May 2, at 1:30 p.m. Please come to the hearing!

The GSSCC Testimony tomorrow is in opposition to the property tax increase proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich. The Chamber is urging the County Council to reject this proposed budget and any property tax rate increase. As business leaders here, we care deeply about economic development in the County. This property tax rate increase, especially combined with the proposals for recordation tax increase and rent control, will effectively deter investment in our community, make it difficult to bring a workforce here, and make it even more impossible for the next generation of business leaders to afford to root themselves in Montgomery County. If the County must prioritize schools and public safety, both of which are important to economic development, the Council must decrease other areas of the budget. Make the hard choices. Prioritize. The Chamber also encourages additional accountability in the school system for the $3 Billion budget funded by our taxpayers.

To respond to the Rent Control Legislation Bill, Bill 16-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Rent Stabilization (The HOME Act), sponsored by Councilmembers Jawando and Mink, which proposes a 3% rent cap and Bill 15-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations-Anti Rent Gouging Protections, sponsored by Councilmember Fani- González and five other Councilmembers, which proposes an 8% rent cap plus CPI, see the Chamber's prior Call to Action! 

GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Enjoy Happy Hour​
May 1, 2023

​The GSSCC Owners & Entrepreneurs Circle (OEC) gathered last Wednesday for a happy hour event at The Urban Winery and enjoyed laughs, some honest and open dialogue, and amazing food and drink. Attendees included Jordan Smith, Edward Jones Investments; Damon and Georgia Callis, The Urban Winery; Brad Eisenberg, BE Lean; Andrea Dunathan, Dunathan Consulting; Katheryn Hoerster, Nothing Bundt Cakes; Jennifer Meltzer, All Set Restaurant & Bar; Bruce Cotting, RLAH Real Estate; Matthew Hardwick, ResInnova Laboratories; and Dauda Kondeh, ItsMcube.

The next OEC meeting is this Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at J. Hollinger's. Topic: How well do you know your customers, really? Register here.

GSSCC Welcomes New, Renewing Members in April
May 1, 2023

GSSCC welcomes companies that became Chamber members during April and encourages you to check out the services they offer. GSSCC also thanks member organizations for continuing to invest in the business community by renewing their Chamber membership during the past month. We're pleased to link readers to these businesses and the products and services they provide.
New Members

​BethMichaels Floral & Events
Ayobami Akindele
8735 First Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(240) 615-7910
www.bethmichaelevents.com
Florists

Ecoverde Cleaning
Carolina Rodriguez
914 Silver Spring Ave., #116
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(202) 618-0562
www.ecoverdecleaning.com
Home and Garden

Javara
Christopher Cannon
10750 Columbia Pike, St. 401
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(240) 760-1667
www.javararesearch.com
Healthcare and Wellness
New Members Continued

PVI Office Furniture Plus
Phill Scott
9405 Seminole St.
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(240) 417-3409
www.pvipvi.com
Office Supplies/Furniture

Urban One, Inc.
Karen Wishart
1010 Wayne Avenue, 14th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 429-3238
www.urban1.com
Marketing, Media, and Advertising

Renewing Members
​15+ YEARS
The Fillmore Silver Spring

NEWER MEMBERS
Elite Bodies
Peak Performance Digital

Burtonsville Crossing Groundbreaking a Celebration of Economic Revitalization
May 1, 2023



​Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center, was announced as a future tenant at the Burtonsville Crossing groundbreaking event last Friday, April 28. To be located adjacent to Sprouts, Domain Fitness & Performance is co-owned by Chamber member Jason Miskiri, owner of The Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge. Read here for more information on Burtonsville Crossing and read here for more information on the groundbreaking ceremony.

GSSCC Action Alert: County Legislation Updates
​April 24, 2023

With the release of the County Executive’s FY2024 Budget and the introductions of some other bills by the County Council, we are closely monitoring significant pieces of County legislation which would impact our members.

  • Proposed 10% Property Tax Rate increase
    • You can find more information here.
    • The GSSCC’s opposition to this increase was noted in the Public Testimony we supplied on April 11.
  • Rent Control Legislation
    • Bill 15-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Anti Rent Gouging Protections (Fani-Gonzalez, Friedson, Albornoz, Balcombe, Katz, and Luedtke).
    • Bill 16-23, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Rent Stabilization (Jawando/Mink).
    • The GSSCC’s opposition to these bills was noted in the Public Testimony we submitted on April 11.

All of these efforts will damage our economy, discourage investment, and worsen the affordability of having a business and workforce in Montgomery County.

Members Connect@Lunch at J. Hollinger's​
​April 24, 2023

Last week, members gathered for Connect@Lunch where they met new President & CEO, Stephanie Helsing, promoted their businesses and organizations, networked, exchanged business cards, and enjoyed a delicious meal by host J. Hollinger's Waterman's Chophouse. Thank you to everyone who attended! Check out the Chamber Calendar for upcoming networking opportunities.

Department of Permitting Services Solicits Feedback from Businesses​
​April 24, 2023

Montgomery County Councilwoman Natali Fani-Gonzalez and the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) are teaming up to ensure the permitting streamline process is efficient and towards a "yes culture" that truly supports businesses in Montgomery County.

Councilwoman Fani-Gonzalez is touring businesses with DPS Director Sabbakhan to see what challenges businesses are facing and to work together toward making changes.

Any business that would like to discuss their recent permitting issues with Councilwoman Fani-Gonzalez can do so by email here and by phone: (240) 777-7870.
Copyright Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 203  |  Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 565-3777 | info@gsscc.org | www.gsscc.org
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