Partner In Trust Report

The Chamber remains committed to sharing as much information as possible with the community. From the beginning of this pandemic, we've tried to clear the fog and focus on what truly matters to our businesses.

​This began with the creation of two pages filled with both financial and employer resources and we update them daily (when possible) with new information as it becomes available. 
As a companion to our COVID-19 resource pages and independent conversations with members, we hosted a live webinar covering the opportunities, resources, and tools currently available along with other information about how our Chamber family can support businesses during this uncertain time.
We worked with our friends at the Frederick News Post to accelerate the release of the Conduit Magazine, a joint partnership we’ve been working on for a year. Conduit includes ads featuring our Partners in Trust, members and cutting-edge content about our business and nonprofit communities.

Why release it early? Because we just felt that we all need more hope, and to be reminded of the underlying power of our local economy. Bringing it back will be a major fight, but if we focus on what we know we can be, then that fight just doesn’t seem as challenging.

​For those of you who did not receive it in the paper, we have plenty of copies at the Chamber offices for you once we all return.
We've also run weekly positive messages from Rick Weldon in the Monday edition of the Frederick News Post. The content varies from week to week but we've had a tremendous response from the community on these messages. 
March 23
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April 13
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March 30
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April 20
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April 6
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April 27
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As of this week, we've officially launched a twice weekly video series titled Chamber Conversations: Trusted Advice in Challenging Times. This video series is intended to capture direct, simple conversations with experts in various industries in order to provide valuable information and insight to our community. They are uploaded to all of our social channels for easy access for all of our members and the community at large.

Our first guest was Shabri Moore of Moore Wealth. Shabri discussed financial challenges associated with COVID-19 and resources available to business owners as a result of the pandemic.
We’ve launched a new online projected called Shop Local Frederick that is on Facebook aimed at supporting all Frederick County Businesses. The Facebook page is meant to encourage our community to shop local by providing them with updates, specials, and opportunities from local businesses. We will happily share your online shops, to-go and delivery food offerings, specials, deals, and unique service options that are available while we are practicing social distancing.We’re actively collaborating with our partners at Visit Frederick and Downtown Frederick Partnership on content ideas. 
Our team decided to pivot from in-person events to webinars in order to deliver valuable educational content to grow members and nonmembersknowledge base. Much of the online content is free to the community. 

APRIL WEBINARS (Remaining) ONLINE ARTICLES
​We are also continuing to produce weekly online articles to help our membership on relevant topics.
These include: 
SOCIAL MEDIA 
Our social media channels continue to work overtime multiple times a day to provide content in support of businesses as well as to provide information on financial and community resources.

Legislative Matters Pre-COVID

Before the COVID-19 shutdown, we were involved in some very important legislative matters. A reporting from Rick:
  • I-270: Spent several days during the legislative session advocating for the Public\Private Partnership to improve the capacity of Interstate 270. I testified on our behalf in support of the project, and in opposition to several bills designed to restrict or impede the project. As the General Assembly was ended early due to COVID-19, I’m happy to report that the overall project remains on track and  underway.
  • Paid Leave and Wage Mandates: Our Chamber, along with Chambers across Maryland, continues to advocate for the inclusion of employer opinions and impacts on policy and regulatory changes that make it harder to hire and retain workers. The Frederick County Chamber is now seen as a credible influencer by both the Hogan Administration and the legislature.
  • Downtown Hotel & Conference Center: Just before the shutdown, we hosted an unveiling of the updated fiscal report that proves, unequivocally, that the project would generate substantial financial resources for both the City, the County, and most importantly, for the downtown. The release of the report was intended to begin a series of public hearings, leading to votes of the Board of Aldermen and County Council. Once approved, the City/County would make up the “public share” of the project, enabling the developer to move forward. I don’t exactly know how COVID-19 will effect this project in the short term, but I can assure you that the Chamber continues to lead, to problem solve, and to advocate for this important project.

Partner In Trust Trip | Pre-COVID

​Our Partner-In-Trust trip, which some of you had indicated your interest in participating,  was fully booked and planned. We had tours, panel discussions and work sessions all planned out. All of our logistics, from transportation, to hotel, to food, was fully aligned and prepared. All of this had to be cancelled.

We’re hoping to take a trip in the future but are hesitant to begin that planning process until we know what the short-term future holds for us all. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW MEMBERS
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118 North Market Street, Suite 100, Frederick, MD  21701
[email protected] | Phone: (301) 662-4164
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm