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Laura Beall
Financial Advisor, Hummingbird Wealth Management How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I've been with the Chamber 5 months under Hummingbird and 4 years prior at previous company. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? The Chamber has so much to offer. It is the heart of the Frederick Business Community. As a member you will have the opportunity to learn and grow and most importantly, meet other business professionals in the community. The connections you make you will have for a lifetime. |
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Acacia Bowens
Owner & CEO, Ak's Grafix & Photo How long have you been a member of the Chamber? This is my second year with the Frederick County Chamber but was a member of the Gainesville (FL) Chamber for several years. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Just do it! The Chamber has been instrumental in plugging me into a new community and putting my business on the map. I have met so many amazing and wonderful individuals who genuinely care about the success of my business. The resources and work that the chamber puts in to serve its members really is outstanding. Starting a business can be tough and unfortunately many don't make it but, I feel like the Chamber truly helps to ensure that every business has the tools to succeed. |
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Jennifer Calara
Owner, The Calara Agency, Financial Services and Insurance How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 6 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? When I became a business owner, joining this particular chamber was a no brainer. It’s not only an investment in yourself, but also investing in a community that is bigger than ourselves. You’ll connect with like-minded individuals, grow your business, and market your expertise. Through the many networking events, you’ll make lifetime friendships while building a trusted circle who will support you when you are up and especially when you are down. |
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Jan Colbert
Two Men and a Truck How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 1 year What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Definitely meet with a member and see what support their business is getting from the Chamber and/or make an appointment with Madelyn, find out how the Chamber benefits your business. |
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James Comer
Sales Consultant, TriNet How long have you been a member of the Chamber? Just over 1 year What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? If you’re looking to grow a business, be in the know about what is happening in our community, or simply enjoying being a connector of people, Do It! The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has members from diverse backgrounds, job fields, and all have a sense of community and want to help continue to grow and nourish what has been established here long ago. |
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Megan Donovan
Owner, SHIFT Work + Play How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I joined the Chamber as a new member during the Spring of 2022, as I was working on bringing my new business to life. In August I won the "Idea Stage" of the Chamber's 2022 SHE Pitch Competition and I opened SHIFT Work + Play 3 months later. I joined the Women in Business Committee in January 2023. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Come to an event and see what the Chamber is all about. If you're feeling shy, reach out to the Chamber or to a member you know so you have a "buddy" to meet there. |
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Benny Greenberg
President, BKG Media and Promotions How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 8 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? This is kind of simple. Do it. Though it may seem like an investment you do not want to make, you will be losing out on so much that you did not even know existed. You will expand your network, become an influencer, have your finger on the pulse of all that is going on in Frederick. Make some awesome new friends, Meet Jen Gerlock and when you have absorbed all of that – You will learn how to increase your Presence and Business! |
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Jason Hetrick
Owner, PayClarity How long have you been a Chamber member? About a year and a half. I was a member years ago with a previous company, but rejoined when I opened my own business here in Frederick. Why did you want to be an Ambassador? When I re-joined the Chamber early last year as a new business owner, I was really impressed with the Ambassador program and how it helped me in my first few months. Navigating all the opportunities a membership with the chamber offers can be daunting, so I wanted to be able to pass that support on as an Ambassador to new members. |
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Sandra Hofmeister
Owner, A&S Construction, LLC How long have you been a member of the Chamber? This is my second year with the Chamber. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Just join and participate. Be part of this group of business owners, we are all here to grow and help. I keep telling people that our Chamber is the best, and very active! |
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Natalie Johnson
Associate Agent, The Calara Agency Farmers Insurance How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I personally have been a chamber member for the past 3 ½ years, while our agency has been a member for 5! What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Advice I would give new Chamber members would be to really immerse yourself with the members. Frederick is such an awesome community, where everyone truly wants to see each other succeed. Build relationships and get involved with different boards and events. I look forward to the Chamber events because I get to see so many friends that I have made over the years. It is always great to catch up both professionally and personally. |
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Ellen Keyser
Owner, EKDesigns.com - Web Development & Business Consulting How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 20 years! And have been an ambassador for over 10! What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Don’t join just for new clients, join for this: 1. Knowing what is happening in the county. 2. Meeting new people to compliment your business. 3. Being aware of how you and your business can help in the community! These 3 things will bring you clients when they need you!! Staying in touch is essential. |
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Adam Kreisher
Lead Ambassador M & T Bank Commercial Relationship Manager - Vice President How long have you been a member of the Chamber? - 4.5 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? The Chamber is such a great organization for not only networking opportunities for all, but they are also extremely important and supportive for the Frederick Community and the bettering of it. |
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David Lok
Director of Engineering and Estimating, Wycliffe, Inc. How long have you been a member of the Chamber? Over 10 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? The Chamber is a great resource for any organization looking to be more engaged with other professionals in our community. I have made many relationships over the years connecting with other professionals; when you join you are part of a family. Highly recommend joining the Chamber and engaging with the many members. |
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Chris Martin
Owner and Creator, Convoy Creatives How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 2 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? I would highly encourage new members to be open to any and every conversation and avenue because you NEVER know where it might take you on your new business venture. |
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Danielle Rizzo
Marielle Agency How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I am going into my second year. I have been on the Women in Business committee for one year, and have been apart of SHE week for 2 years. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? It is the best way to meet people, hands-down. Whether you are new to town, or have lived here your whole life- joining the Chamber is one of the easiest ways to make connections that you probably didn't even know you needed! Being the new kid in town or at an event, is never easy- there are so many warm and friendly faces at all of the Chamber events and series, that they will match you with someone to make your transition a bit easier. There are so many opportunities to get involved, meet people, and learn more about not only business, but our town. |
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Leslie Sier
Independent Associate - Small Business & Benefits Specialist - LegalShield How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 11 years What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? It may seem like a daunting task, especially the first time you attend a business card exchange, however you just need to start. Being a member of the Chamber continues to be a great journey and I have learned so much about myself and what it is like to be a business owner, but especially about others and how to serve our community. Being a transplant from New England back in 1981, I now am a part of the community thru serving, volunteering, networking and so much more through my work of helping others. So make friends and don't sweat it as those relationships will grow and so will you and your business! It's all about connecting! Looking forward to meeting you! |
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Jolena Simoneau
Owner, Sun & Moon Balloon Design and Finance & Operations Manager, Children’s Center of Walkersville How long have you been a member of the Chamber? I joined in 2017 and had the privilege to be in the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2020. I also serve on the Women in Business Committee and the LFC 35th Anniversary Committee. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? I’ve been a part of the Chamber since 2017 in various forms of activity. One thing that always comes to the top of mind is how our Chamber really does work for small businesses to move forward. It is an investment of both money and time and you will develop valuable connections both personally and professionally. |
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Rebecca Swain-Eng
CEO & Founder, SEA Healthcare; CEO & Co-Founder, The Quality Collaborative How long have you been a member of the Chamber? Frederick Chamber member for over 2 years, Women in Business Committee Member since 2023. What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber? Joining the Chamber of Commerce offers unparalleled support, especially for small and female-led businesses. Picture it as a vibrant networking hub, seamlessly connecting you with potential partners and clients. Beyond networking, the Chamber amplifies your voice in local policy debates, ensuring your concerns are heard. Members benefit from exclusive perks, discounts, and a community that fervently backs each other. It's not merely a membership; it's a strategic business move. |
"Being a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce has introduced me to business leaders throughout the county, which as the CEO of a nonprofit organization is critical. Spreading the word about your organization and its mission is important for any nonprofit who relies on their community for support and with Chamber events happening all the time, I have the opportunity to do just that. In a broader sense, Chamber membership allows me to support nonprofits across the county, which in the end makes Frederick a better place to live." - Michael Planz, CEO, Community Living, Inc.
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Copyright Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
118 North Market Street, Suite 100, Frederick, MD 21701 [email protected] | Phone: (301) 662-4164 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm |
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