Video / Photos
Ribbon Cutting at Big Papi's Tacos 4
We were so excited to officially welcome Big Papi’s Tacos to Rockville with a lively ribbon-cutting celebration on Thursday, April 18th, at their brand-new location at 201 E Middle Lane, Suite B.
It was a fantastic afternoon filled with flavorful taco samples, warm welcomes, and meaningful connections. Chamber members, local dignitaries, and community supporters came together to show their support and enthusiasm for this incredible new addition to our local business scene.
From the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the conversations shared over delicious food, the spirit of collaboration and community was truly on display. We’re thrilled to see Big Papi’s expand and thrive, and we encourage everyone to stop by, enjoy their menu, and give them a proper Rockville welcome.
Here’s to more great food, strong partnerships, and continued growth—welcome to Rockville, Big Papi’s!
View all the pictures from the Epic Events Photobooth here...
View the images by ACB Precision Focus Photography here...
Ribbon Cutting at Montgomery Fertility Center
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Ribbon Cutting Event at the Montgomery Fertility Center on March 28, 2025. It was a wonderful event.
Pivoting Again: Handling the New World of Federal Contract Work
Thank you to Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, its alumni, Mayor Ashton, and Montgomery Councilmember Evan Glass for supporting the workshop, “Pivoting Again: Handling the New World of Federal Contract Work.”
Panel 1 (Analyzing Financial Metrics): Jeff Wilson (The W2 Group). Panel 2 (Marketing to Commercial Clients): Mia Horm (Creative Analytics), Heidi Hiller (Innovative Party Planners), Mercedes McCladdie (AMSA Creative Marketing), and Salima Rabb, (PJL Construction). Panel 3 (Cost Cutting During Transition Periods): Stephanie Bagley (SCB Management Solutions), Heidi Hiller, and Joy Einstein (Shulman Rogers). Panel 4 (Identifying New Revenue Streams & Pricing Strategies): Stephanie Bagley, Bola Audena (MBA Growth Partners), and Monica Mack (M3T Cx Authorities). Panel 5 (Building Long-Term Relationships & Outreach Plans): Debra Keller-Greene (Keller Professional Services), Monica Mack, Bola Audena, and Arold Jaques (Jax Media Design).Thanks to Jaren Rosen (Epic Events) for the sound system, Best Western Plus Rockville Hotel & Suites for the breakfast and hosting, and Wawa for the boxed lunches.
CI Destinations Portugal Presentation
Experience the magic of Portugal with CI Destinations and the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce! This unforgettable trip took GRCC members and friends on a journey through Portugal’s rich culture, stunning architecture, vibrant cities, and breathtaking coastal views. From Lisbon’s historic charm to the colorful streets of Sintra and the coastal beauty of Cascais, every moment was filled with adventure, connection, and discovery.
Whether you joined us or are dreaming of your next getaway, take a look at the highlights and imagine yourself on our next incredible journey!
Key Employment Law Changes Under the Trump Administration
Webinar for employers and business owners.
We would like to thank John Flood or Flood Law, LLC for moderating our webinar on Wednesday, February 5th. Over 50 businesses attended to learn from Joyce Smithey, Smithey Law Group, experienced counsel for employers & employees. Leader with the Maryland State Bar Association and Aisha Massengill, Sedgwick Andrews, experienced counsel for employers & business owners. Former lead employment lawyer for Under Armour. We learned about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Hiring, Promotions & Policies; Gender & Transgender rights – GOV policy & enforceability; Recission of Executive Order 11246 (Affirmative Action & Non-Discrimination, GOV Contractors); and the FTC’s ban on noncompete agreements: status & enforceability and the impact of these changes on State & Local laws.
Watch the video here.
2025 Business & Community Expo
Business & Community Expo
We would like to thank Lakewood Country Club for hosting our Business & Community Expo on Tuesday, February 4th as well as our sponsors, Rockville Economic
Development, Inc (REDI), First National Bank of Pennsylvania and John Flood of Flood Law LLC for sponsoring the Expo. Over 200 people came through to meet these
vendors:
Akkomplish
ATFA
Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites
BNI
Care Patrol
CarePlus
Champion Home Improvements
Cruise Planners
Details Matter Bookkeeping & Advisory
EPIC Events
First National Bank of Pennsylvania
Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
Hilton Washington, DC/Rockville
J. Hilburn
Jason Weil Photography
Lafayette Federal Credit Union
Nealey Tire & Auto
NIH Federal Credit Union
Patient First
Peblla
Picnics by Peace
PNC Bank
Rockville Economic Development Inc (REDI)
Schooley Mitchell of Germantown
Skypoint Federal Credit Union
Sunrise of Rockville
Synergy Home Care
Talk of the Town
The Treatment & Learning Centers
The Vertical Connection
Town & Country Movers
What’s Up Promotions
Worksource Montgomery
See you at our next Business & Community Expo in the Fall on October 7th. Same place, same time.
Rockville Mayor & Council Small Business Saturday Proclamation
On Monday, November 18th, our President & CEO, Marji Graf accepted the Small Business Proclamation at the Rockville Mayor & Council Meeting. She gave the following speech:
Good evening, Mayor Ashton and members of Council.
It is both an honor and a privilege to accept this citation on behalf of the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, in celebration of Small Business Saturday. On behalf of our board, our members, and the entire business community, I’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor and Council for this recognition. This citation is not just a reflection of the hard work and resilience of our small businesses, but also a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They create jobs, contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods, and provide personalized services that large corporations simply cannot replicate. Today, as we celebrate Small Business Saturday, we are reminded of how much these businesses contribute—not just in terms of economics, but in the sense of pride and identity they help create in our community.
We are fortunate to live in a community where the value of small businesses is recognized and supported at every level. The Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in this by advocating for local businesses, offering valuable resources, and fostering a spirit of partnership among our business owners. We are grateful to work alongside so many passionate entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to making this community a better place to live, work, and shop.
To the Mayor and Council, thank you for your ongoing support of small businesses and for this recognition today. Your commitment helps ensure that our local economy remains strong and sustainable for future generations. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 will stay in the community.
Finally, to the many customers and residents who continue to choose to shop small and support local businesses, we thank you. Your support is what makes days like today possible, and we couldn’t do it without you. We are excited to continue working together with all of you to strengthen our community and grow our local businesses.
Thank you again to the Mayor, the Council, and everyone here today. We are proud to represent the small businesses that make this community unique, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.
On Tuesday, November 19th, Marji accepted the Small Business Proclamation at the Montgomery County Council. See the full photo album here.
Economic Development Panel 11/19/2024
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our Economic Development Panel on November 19th. Your engagement and questions made this event a success.
A special shoutout to our amazing panelists for sharing their insights and expertise on the future of Rockville's growth and opportunities. We love seeing our community come together to exchange ideas and build connections.
If you missed it, please watch the video on our YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for more events, and let’s keep the momentum going!
9th Annual Rockstar Awards
We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended and supported the 9th Annual GRCC Rockstar Awards. Your enthusiasm and support brought the Rockville community together to celebrate our outstanding local businesses and leaders.
A special thanks to our sponsors - Westat, DARCARS Automotive Group, Pepco, Interfaith Works, WesBanco Bank Inc., and CarePlus Inc. for making this event memorable.
Congratulations to this year's award winners!
Small Business of the Year - Our Gift Biz, is recognized for their innovative and impactful contributions to Rockville. Presented by last year's winner Intelligent Office.
Large Business of the Year - CarePlus Inc., honored for their commitment to their employees, customers, and community. Presented by DARCARS Automotive Group.
Nonprofit of the Year - Interfaith Works, celebrated for creating lasting, positive impacts on Rockville residents. Presented by Comfort Cases.
Entrepreneur of the Year - Margarita Womack of Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas, awarded her for her resilience, and dedication to Rockville. Presented by Glenn Noble of Proudly Give.
Young Professional of the Year - Luke Fleck of Eastern Title & Settlement, recognized for his leadership and commitment to Rockville. Presented by Shane Senior of Cornerstone Montgomery.
Community Service Award - Jared Rosen of Epic Events - honored for his generosity in providing free photo booths for Chamber events and his dedication to giving back. Epic Events, known for creating memorable experiences across the DMV, specializes in providing DJs, photo booths, and lighting for all types of occasions, from weddings to corporate events.
A big thank you to our emcee, Laz, and DJ, J Element who brought great energy to the evening. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this memorable night and look forward to continuing to celebrate and uplift the incredible Rockville community in the year ahead!
Ribbon Cutting at Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant
Chef Tony Marciante & Chef Sonia Marciante own and operate Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurants as well as HEMI Detroit Style Pizza.
Chef Tony's Seafood restaurant started in 2007 in downtown Bethesda on St Emo Avenue. After 13 years the downtown location moved to the Promenade Building on Pooks Hill Road and we continue to operate that today.
In 2022 we purchased Amalfi restaurant in Rockville and have converted to another location of Chef Tony's Seafood restaurant. We are excited to continue the tradition of excellent dining in Montgomery County.
We serve a daily menu of Fresh Seafood in a Mediterranean style with extensive specials.
Wine Dinners, Catering, Cooking classes, Lobster Thursdays and so much more...we're excited to be a part of Rockville after growing up here for over 50 years!
See what we do and become part of the family...http://www.
View the photo album from ACB Precision Focus Photography
Ribbon Cutting at White Flint Creations
We had a wonderful time at the Ribbon Cutting for White Flint Creations.
White Flint Creations is a member-only community woodshop in North Bethesda, offering a 4,000 sq. ft. space. It features a sound-reduced room that serves as an office, lounge, and kitchen, providing a peaceful environment for relaxation, design, and learning.
See the full photo albums:
Ribbon Cutting at Torchy's Tacos
What an amazing turnout for the ribbon cutting at Torchy's Tacos earlier this week! We were thrilled to celebrate this exciting new addition to our community with so many of you. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the festivities – it was a day full of delicious bites, great company, and shared excitement for what's to come!Ribbon Cutting at Gregorio's Trattoria - Park Potomac
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gregorio’s Trattoria - Park Potomac on September 25th. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces come together to welcome Gregorio’s Trattoria into our community. A special thank you to Mayor Monique Ashton for her continued support and participation in this special event. Your presence made this celebration even more memorable, and we look forward to many delicious meals and great memories at Gregorio’s Trattoria!
Visit the full photo albums:
Grand Opening of the Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas New Manufacturing Plant
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the joint ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the brand-new Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas manufacturing plant! This exciting event marked a significant milestone for them and your presence made the event even more memorable.
Click below to view the photo albums from this event:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/
2024 State of the City Address
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the State of the City Address with Mayor Monique Ashton. The event was well attended and provided valuable insights for our community.
We’d also like to extend a special thank you to our moderator, Brian Barkley of Barkley & Kennedy Chartered, for expertly guiding the conversation.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at our future events!
See the full photo album.
Ribbon Cutting at Wormald Homes - The Grove
A huge turnout for our Chamber’s ribbon-cutting of Wormald Homes’ newest property, The Grove, luxury townhomes at Great Seneca and Blackwell Rd in Rockville. The owners – brothers Robert and Ken – were on hand for the festivities, which included a cake to celebrate the builder’s 60th anniversary. That’s many years of building homes across Maryland. Congratulations Wormald Homes and welcome to our Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce!Ribbon Cutting at KungFu Kitchen
We had a wonderful turnout at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony for KungFu Kitchen on September 9th! 
We are so excited to welcome this new restaurant to our community.Ribbon Cutting at Little Miner Taco
What a wonderful ribbon cutting for Little Miner Taco in Rockville Town Square at 39 Maryland Avenue Suite A.
Thank you to all the dignitaries; Senator Cheryl C. Kagan, Maryland State Delegate Joe Vogel, Delegate Ryan Spiegel, Montgomery County council members, Evan Glass, Laurie-Anne Sayles; Rockville Councilmember Marissa Valeri, and Adam Van Grack; Chamber board members Beth Perell, Becky Briggs; public safety officials; Chief Brito, City staff, Linda Moran, City Manager Jeff Mihelich and Monique LaRocque Ashton for coming out in support of this new woman-owned business! Also, present to show their support were Rockville Rotary and Worksource Montgomery. Kathy Voss, your community welcomes you! Thank you to Brooke Washington of The Tot Space (our last ribbon cutting) for passing the scissors to our newest business, Little Miner Taco. See the full photo album here.
Ribbon Cutting at The Tot Space
We welcomed The Tot Space to the chamber and celebrated with a ribbon cutting. Thank you to chamber ambassador members Lori McConnaughey from First National Bank of Pennsylvania and Abby Sakariyah of Cherished Hands Healthcare Services for attending. Dr. Pallavi Gowda of Premier Health for passing the scissors to Brooke (the last ribbon cutting to the next), and presentations from Senator Cheryl Kagan's office, Maria Harvey from the County Executive's Office and Richelle and Amanda from REDI. Thank you to ACB Photography for the photos. View the photo album here.
Ribbon Cutting at Premier Health
We celebrated the ribbon cutting for Dr. Pallavi Gowda of Premier Health at 3202 Tower Oaks Blvd, Suite 200 on August 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
Dr. Gowda offers a membership-based concierge program for those who are interested in a compassionate personalized approach to their health and wellness with enhanced services. She has over a decade of healthcare experience, is a US Army Veteran, Rotarian, and is the recipient of multiple awards including Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2017 & The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. We wish her the very best!!
We would like to thank the County Executive, Rockville Mayor Ashton, Councilmember Barry Jackson, Narbeli Galindo from the MCEDC, Representatives from Senator Kagan's office, Councilmember Sayles office, a citation from Senator Van Hollen's office and Chamber Board members Leslie Keenan and Becky Briggs for attending. Also, a special thank you to Suzanne from the Treatment & Learning Center for carrying on our tradition of passing the scissors from one ribbon cutting to the next! And always a big thank you to ACB Precision Focus Photography.
Click here to view the full photo album.
4th Annual Golf Tournament
On Monday, July 15th, the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce hosted the 4th Annual Golf Tournament at The Crossvines in Poolesville, MD.
The heat was at an all-time high, and so were the good times! There were more than 100 golfers who braved the sun and completed all 18 holes.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors for making the tournament a HUGE success! Swag was provided by What's Up Promotions, how about those personalized ball markers?!
Of course, no event is complete without a photo booth and Epic Events has one of the best around! The awards ceremony was MC'd by none other than Laz Stark. Thank you all for your dedication to making our events such a huge success!
GRCC 2024 Golf Tournament by ACB Precision Focus
2024 Energy Panel
On Wednesday, June 11th, the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce hosted a free morning breakfast information event on saving money through energy efficiency. The event had representatives from:
- Pepco’s Energy Savings for Businesses program
- Montgomery County Green Bank
- CQI
These representatives talked about how these programs can be useful to you to reduce the energy consumption of your property or business space and increase your business bottom line or allow you to use your capital for other business purposes. The programs offer incentives and low-cost loans to help you take on these improvements and reduce your operating costs for the long term.
Attendee takeaways:
- Learn how to save money at your business. By introducing energy savings improvements you can reduce your operating costs.
- Find out about free funds and low-cost financing to undertake these improvements – Learn what Pepco has available as incentives for your business and what other programs are offered in the county to support costs not covered by the incentives. Explore how you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint – Help Montgomery County reach its public goal to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Learn how to create a roadmap for greening your operations and enhancing employee engagement.
Our moderator for this event was Brian Barkley, Sr. Managing partner of Barkley & Kennedy Chartered. Barkley & Kennedy is a general practice law firm that is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Law Firms which places it in the top half of 1 percent of the law firms in the US. Brian is listed in Who’s Who in American Law and in Super Lawyers. He chairs our Public Policy Committee and is former Chair of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce.
Panelists included:
Stephen Morel, CEO, Montgomery County Green Bank - Stephen Morel is the Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank. In this role, he oversees the Green Bank’s programs and financial products that are dedicated to drawing in commercial capital and accelerating the climate goals of Montgomery County, MD.
The Green Bank’s mission is to unlock and amplify the benefits of clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience improvements to capital providers, contractors, and most importantly, Montgomery County businesses and residents. Stephen’s primary role is to listen to market feedback and create strategies for the best ways to enable commercial investment at scale. Prior to the Green Bank, Stephen’s roles in investment banking research, commercial banking, and international project finance honed a deep interest and skillset in impact investing and blended finance. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Stephen came to the D.C. area for an undergraduate degree from The George Washington University and graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Joe Tabeling, CQI Associates - Joe Tabeling is the Senior Associate of CQI Associates and has been in the Energy Industry for over fifteen years. He manages over twenty-five Chamber of Commerce Energy Cooperative Programs and over 3,500 clients, oversees all business development in the Northeast territory, assists with business development in Texas and Georgia, manages all corporate marketing initiatives, presents all webinars throughout the United States, and is responsible for all sales staff training. Joe is a native Marylander with over 30 years experience as the owner of a nationally acclaimed Pool and Spa business, owner of a Sales and Marketing firm and owner of an Import/Export business. He is acknowledged as the Top Regional Salesman in the Marine and Sporting Goods industries, as well as the recipient of numerous Display and Marketing awards including the prestigious Sig Sigler's Top Innovative Marketing Award. Joe also has over twenty years experience as a Motivational Speaker, Sales Trainer, Business Consultant, and Personal Coach.
Stacy Jordan, PEPCO - Stacy Jordan, a Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Pepco Holdings, has been an integral part of the company since 2014. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on diverse roles within the organization. Stacy's main responsibility lies in overseeing and executing energy efficiency programs in Pepco Holdings' Maryland territory. Her efforts not only assist customers in conserving energy and reducing costs but also contribute to the company's regulatory objectives. With a specific focus on Small Business and other commercial customer programs, Stacy has dedicated her expertise to addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups when implementing energy-efficient enhancements.
Nardo Aponte, Regional Plant Operation Director, Greystone Communities - speaking on their experience going green.
35th Annual Public Safety Awards
What a wonderful day to celebrate our first responders! The 35th Annual Public Safety Awards were held at Lakewood Country Club, honoring Rockville's finest from the Police, Fire, Sheriff, and Corrections departments. We are grateful for their unwavering dedication and service to our community.
We also thanked Judy Hruz and John Tyner for their continued support of this awards ceremony over the past 35 years. Their hard work and dedication were marked with a shadow box containing a badge from all four departments.
If you missed the event, check out the photo album linked below to see all the highlights.
https://acbprecisionfocus.pixieset.com/rockvillepublicsafetyawards2024/
Joint International Rooftop Reception
On Tuesday, April 30th we were part of a joint International Rooftop Reception with the British American Business Association, the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, and the French American Chamber of Commerce. It was held in the penthouse of the Michael Best building at the wharf. The views were magnificent and we enjoyed meeting other businesses from around the globe. 8 of us traveled courtesy of RMA Limo while the other 8 drove directly. Because the chambers can partner together, it allows new connections to be made that would never happen otherwise. We are looking forward to more partnering events!!
Thank you to our sponsors: Michael Best Strategies, Diageo, Excluservice, and Fresh Baguette!
Please click here to view photographs from the event. Photo credit goes to photographer Keith Harvey.
Access to Capital
The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce held its Access to Capital panel on April 29 at the Cambria Rockville. We want to thank David Hincapie, Lender Relations Specialist, Veteran Business Development Officer, of the SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District office for moderating the panels.
We had two sets of panelists. One was borrowers and bank lenders. The second set was alternative financing options.
We want to thank Margarita Womack of Latin Goodness Foods, and her lender Angela Steele of Capital Bank and Matthew Hardwick of ResInnova Labs and banker Patrick McCloskey of John Marshall Bank for sharing their experiences with us.
We want to thank our second panel including Michael Clark of A/R Funding, Eric Lin from Latino Economic Development (LEDC), Teddy Gresser of TEDCO and Stephen Clark, Public Affairs Specialist of the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery.
Also providing resources were WorkSource Montgomery and REDI (Rockville Economic Development) and the Maryland Woman’s Business Center.
Cocktails & Commerce with the French American Chamber
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, we had a fantastic evening of networking, collaboration, and inspiration as we brought together professionals from various industries.
Ribbon Cutting at PremiumCare USA
On Friday, March 8, 2024 the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce and REDI joined in welcoming Premium Care USA at their ribbon cutting.
Everybody Works
EveryOne Works is a Montgomery County based collaborative of four workforce development agencies – TLC - The Treatment and Learning Centers, Cornerstone Montgomery, SEEC and Kennedy Krieger Institute - that provide talented, screened and qualified candidates to businesses across all industries. Our "first in the area" organization is bringing creative staffing solutions to local businesses, small and large, and the panel discussion will allow you to learn firsthand from four businesses who have leveraged the untapped potential of people with disabilities. Learn how your staffing challenges can be addressed by incredibly talented candidates through this "no cost to you" business solution.
Moderated by Steve Blanks and Panelists Include:
Matt Hardwick, President/CEO, Resinnova Labs-
“Dr. Hardwick is a thought leader in the field of infection prevention in the healthcare environment of care and is an expert in antimicrobial surface technologies. He has 20 years of academic research experience, at Georgetown University where he completed his PhD in Cell Biology, and at Johns Hopkins University, where he completed 2 postdoctoral fellowships, one in the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the second in the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute. Dr. Hardwick’s last academic appointment was with the MedStar Health Research Institute where he worked on numerous research initiatives including the use of antimicrobial surfaces in clinical healthcare environments. He is widely published, including several articles on the use of antimicrobials in clinical environments and the role of microbial surface contamination on infection rates in clinical settings.”
Bart Yablonksy, Owner, Dawson’s Market-
“Bart is from Baltimore and began his love of food as a teen by taking trips to DC with his father to sample the latest and greatest new restaurants. He attended college in New Orleans and continued to develop his interest there. Bart has worked in natural food store leadership in both metro DC and Atlanta. As a small business owner, his interests expanded to wellness and green business design, owning all-natural Day Spas in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Bart opened Dawson’s in 2012 as the General Manager. He has many years of experience in food and a passion for the environment, community, and a healthy lifestyle. In October 2018, Dawson’s Market closed under previous ownership. Just 7 weeks later, Bart reopened Dawson’s Market on December 15, 2018, bringing all of the things Rockville loved back to life. Bart is married to Paige who he met through one of his natural food customers, they have a wonderful son and enjoy traveling and finding the best new places to eat.”
David Schek, Work Comp Staff Solutions
“With a career spanning 34 years in the staffing industry, David Schek has left an indelible mark through his dedicated work and entrepreneurial spirit. Having founded and managed a national staffing company for 17 years, which he successfully sold in 2004, David transitioned into his next venture, Work Comp Staff Solutions. In this role, he serves as a consultant, assisting staffing companies in securing work comp programs tailored to their needs.
Under his leadership, Work Comp Staff Solutions has flourished, boasting a diverse clientele of over 400 staffing clients. These clients encompass a wide spectrum, from those specializing in clerical and IT positions to those focused on heavy industrial roles. Driven by a passion for making a difference in people's lives, David finds great satisfaction in helping clients achieve their personal and professional goals. His commitment to providing information and innovative solutions is reflected in the success of his endeavors.
Beyond his professional achievements, David finds fulfillment in his family life. In 1999-2000, he and his wife welcomed three siblings from Romania into their home. Their youngest child, who graduated from KTS in 2019, now works alongside David's wife in her business. Meanwhile, their eldest child is currently undergoing Marine boot camp training, and the middle child assists David in managing the comp business. Together, they navigate the joys and challenges of both work and family life, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments.”
Jerry Ellis, Owner, Ellis-Lopez Travel
Mr. Jerry Ellis created his company in 2018, starting with online travel reservation services. Subsequently he became a licensed travel agent and eventually added private car service in 2021. Keeping with his company's mission and identity as a Public Benefit LLC, Mr. Ellis chose to focus on the following six areas to make a difference in this world: protection of the environment, public safety, education, job creation, mental health, and the welfare of infants and children. He has had many campaigns to support the education of students through his travel and transportation services. Periodically Mr. Ellis launches programs that introduce new ways of charitable giving to Montgomery College, and his Alma Mater, Clark Atlanta University. Most recently, a new partnership provides travel sales proceeds to The Spirit Club Foundation based in Montgomery County. Mr. Ellis proudly employs a diverse workforce and partners with Cornerstone Montgomery to help fulfill his hiring needs.
Ribbon Cutting at Walk In Closet Beauty Bar
On February 14, 2024, we had the honor and privilege of welcoming Walk In Closet Beauty Bar to the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce and conducting their ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Walk In Closet Beauty Bar is a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs. From haircuts and coloring to makeup and wardrobe styling, our team of experts is here to help you look and feel your best. We offer personalized services to meet the needs of each client, and we use only the highest quality products. Visit us today and see why Walk In Closet Beauty Bar is the premier beauty salon in Rockville, MD.
Thank you to all who came out to support this wonderful new business in our community.
Worksource Montgomery Programs
At our February Lunch & Learn held at Cooper's Hawk, we had a wonderful presentation by Jan Abraham with Worksource Montgomery.
Some of the programs that Jan highlighted were:
Connecting Small Businesses to Resources & Funding
MCEDC presents: Connecting Small Businesses to Resources & Funding
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, MD. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow, and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business, market intelligence and prime locations. During the presentation, you will learn about available resources to help you achieve business success in Montgomery County, MD. They will also discuss how they partner and collaborate with the county and state on funding, incentives, tax credits/programs, and much more for minority-owned, women-
2023 Economic Development Panel
On Monday, November 20, 2023, the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2023 Economic Development Panel at the Best Western Premier in Rockville.
Event Highlights:
- Gain insights from industry leaders and experts.
- Explore innovative strategies for economic growth.
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in the current economic landscape.
- Network with professionals and stakeholders in the field.
Panelists:
- Carla Merritt - Maryland Department of Commerce
- Cynthia Rivarde - Rockville Economic Development, Inc.
- Bill Tompkins - Montgomery County Economic Development Commission
- George Thomas - Connected DMV
- Kelly Schulz - Maryland Tech Council
8th Annual Rockstar Awards
For Immediate Release:
November 4, 2023
Contact: Marji Graf, President & CEO
Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
It was an honor and pleasure for emcee Dr. Elizabeth Wheeler Julich and myself to award this years’ Rockstar Award winners on November 2, 2023 at the Manor Country Club.
I would like to thank our Title Sponsors: Westat and DARCARS Automotive Group.
Our VIP sponsor: Montgomery College and their Jazz Tet for playing during cocktail hour.
Our Partners: Wesbanco, Skypoint Federal Credit Union, Interfaith Works, House to Home Solutions and John Marshall Bank.
Our Large Business of the Year award went to DARCARS Automotive Group and Jamie Darvish accepted the award. US Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a citation congratulating them on this award.
The Small Business of the Year award went to Intelligent Office – Rockville and was presented by last years’ Small Business of the Year awardee, Steve Suissa of SHS Payroll. Leslie & Chris Keenan along with business partner Rick Lowrie accepted the award. The MD Department of Commerce also sent a citation congratulating them on their 20-year anniversary and US Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a citation congratulating them on this award.
The Nonprofit of the Year award went to Comfort Cases. The award was presented by last year’s Nonprofit winner, Jackie DeCarlo of Manna Food. Accepting the award was Noelle Calfee and Reece Scheer. Rob attended via video. US Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a citation congratulating them on this award.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Glenn Noble of Proudly Gives. The award was presented by last year’s winner Kimberly Hubert-Mejia representing Architessa. US Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a citation congratulating them on this award.
The Young Professional of the Year went to Shane Senior of Cornerstone Montgomery. The award was presented by last year’s Young Professional Ethan Litvin of SEEC. US Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a citation congratulating him on this award.
Our emcee, Dr. Liz Wheeler Julich, asked Bill Chambers, President and CEO from the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) to present the Maryland 2023 Chamber Executive of the Year Award to Marji Graf, President & CEO of the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Marji thanked Bill for honoring her and MACCE for this award and her team, Dawn Hipsley and Connie Rhind Robey for contributing to our Chamber's success!
Other awards included:
Marji Graf awarded Dr. Liz Wheeler Julich an Outstanding Board Volunteer award for all of her contributions to the Chamber including Chairing our Health & Wealth mastermind and events committee.
Stakeholder awards:
Nikki Gachot from Marquis Health awarded a surprised Kerri Donnelly a 2023 Service Excellence award.
Derek Ellis from Westat awarded a surprised Suzanne Osborne a 2023 Service Excellence award.
Leslie & Chris Keenan & Rick Lowrie of Intelligent Office awarded a surprised Aretha Montgomery a 2023 Service Excellence award.
Marji acknowledged Edgardo Zuniga of Twin Valley Distillers a MD Department of Commerce citation for 10 years in business.
Robert Klein of Omega World Travel gave away 2 roundtrip domestic airfare tickets, won by Martha Hemingway!
Our board chair, Laura Nash ended the evening and reminded everyone to attend Launch 5k Charity walk/run on 11/11 and our Annual Meeting and Holiday party on 12/13 at Greencourt Innovation Center.
The evening ended with dancing and networking.
View the full photo album here.
Real Estate Panel Discussion
Panelists include:
Todd Pearson, B.F. Saul. Mr. Pearson is the President and COO for the B. F. Saul Company and affiliates. The Saul organization owns and operates approximately 8 million square feet of retail space, 5.2 million square feet of office and mixed-use space, over 1,400 apartments, 20 hotels, and has two large
developments under construction primarily in the DC metropolitan area.
Todd received his MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Information Systems from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of Saul Centers Inc., Rockville Economic Development Inc., and the Boys & Girls Club of Washington DC. He is the Past Chair of the Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission, co-chaired Loudoun’s Nighttime Economy Ad Hoc Committee, is a member of the 2030 Group, and is an active member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, International Council of Shopping Centers, and Urban Land Institute. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Todd currently lives in Washington DC with his wife Sarah and four children; Mage, Jack, Eleni, and
Mike Howard, Rappaport, Executive Director of Brokerage. As Executive Director of Brokerage, Michael Howard employs his two decades of experience, in-depth knowledge, and resolute determination when representing renowned owners and tenants within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. His trend-spotting, positive, and composed approach to closing deals and retail real estate cultivates equally positive and mutually beneficial partnerships amongst his peers, clients, and throughout the community. Since joining Rappaport in 2006, Mike has cultivated an impressive portfolio in both tenant and landlord representation, including Sephora, Sprouts Farmers Market, Raising Canes, PM Pediatrics, Panera Bread, Orangetheory Fitness, Federal Realty, ARES Management, Morguard, Principal Life Insurance, Northwestern Mutal and Foulger Pratt, among others.
C.J. Overly - Boston Properties. C.J. Overly is a Senior Project Manager of Development with BXP, formerly Boston Properties, in the Washington, D.C. Region, where he is responsible for the execution of new office, residential, and life science developments. C.J. is currently leading the strategic repositioning, master planning, and project deliveries at the Shady Grove Innovation District, an emerging life science hub with 1M+ SF of future development in Rockville, MD. Prior to Boston Properties, C.J. served in a variety of roles with Trammell Crow Residential, Montgomery County Public Schools (Md.), and JPMorgan Chase. He serves on the board of the Maryland Tech Council and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and NAIOP. He received an AA in Business from Montgomery College; a BSBA in Finance from Georgetown University; and, an MBA in Real Estate and Corporate Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Devin Zitelman, Advisory Lead, Scheer Partners. Devin Zitelman is the Advisory Lead for Scheer Partners, advising on scientific real estate, commercial development, and investments in the Mid-Atlantic region. He offers agents and clients timely market analysis and forecasting on current trends. He previously served as the Regional Manager, Mid-Atlantic for Avison Young’s market intelligence platform developing data analytics and technology solutions. Earlier, he was the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Washington DC Economic Partnership overseeing external affairs and program development. Devin attended the University of Colorado and obtained his Master of Business Administration from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
Emcee - Brian Barkley of Barkley and Kennedy Chartered.
Ribbon Cutting at Dill Dinkers - North Bethesda
Dill Dinkers' purpose is to bring people together in the community by offering a year-round venue dedicated to the sport of Pickleball. They aspire to create an atmosphere that inspires fun, learning, healthy competition, and lifelong friendships.
On September 26th, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate with Dill Dinkers - North Bethesda as the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce conducted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Please see the full photo album here.
Candidate Forum
Rockville Election 2023 Candidate Forum was hosted by the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, at the Thomas Farm Community Center on September 26, 2023.
Watch the full video here.
Ribbon Cutting at Therapeutique Salon & Spa
The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce and Therapeutique Salon and Spa had a wonderful Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on September 11th.
Therapeutique (THere pyooTeek) Salon and Spa welcomes you to their eco-friendly, technology-driven luxury environment. Creating a healthy working atmosphere for artistic beauty professionals who are thriving for growth, education, and opportunities. They believe in leading with a high-end level of culture and professionalism. That will lead them to advanced exposure to the community and industry. Saving our environment around us, creating change within us, and providing a therapeutic service for everyone!
Visit the full photo album here.
Adapting to the AI Revolution
Please review the recorded program here.
In the face of rapid AI advancements, resistance to change and a fear of the unknown can leave businesses lagging in competitive markets. Delve into an exploration of current AI capabilities, its limitations, and its potential impact on your business. This presentation empowers participants to cast aside these fears, embrace technological evolution, and future-proof their businesses. Learn how to leverage current AI capabilities to increase your productivity, as well as which critical skills that will keep you indispensable in an AI-driven landscape.
Presented by Marcy Santos, Bahar Consulting. Bahar Consulting is a leading authority in small business consulting, coaching, strategic planning, financial management, marketing strategy, revenue growth, and technology. Marcy Santos joined Bahar Consulting in 2021. She brings her entrepreneurial spirit to the team, with a focus on helping business owners increase their company’s adaptability and resilience against changing market trends. She currently serves on the GRCC's Board of Directors and was honored as the 2021 Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year.
Access to Capital
On September 6th, we convened at the Cambria Suites Rockville to hear our panel discuss the current Access to Capital and grant availability. Our panelists included:
Michael Clark, SVP of Business Development with AR Funding, Inc (Accounts Receivables Funding, Inc) for the last thirty-seven (37) years has worked financing businesses that engage with the Federal Government as either Prime or subcontractors. Prior to AR Funding, Mike held various positions developing and managing portfolios of businesses for other banks and lending companies in and around the Northern Virginia area. He is well-steeped in the subtle differences between government contract lending and the subsequent structuring of effective lending programs to meet his customer and his enterprise needs.
Libo Suen, Marketing and Outreach Team Supervisor, U.S. Small Business Administration - Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WMADO) leads WMADO’s Marketing and Outreach team. He is the primary point of contact for all external communications and special events associated with promoting WMADO’s business counseling, training and entrepreneurial support programs. In addition to supervising three Economic Development Specialists, Libo cultivates close working relationships with SBA’s portfolio of preferred lenders in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Libo is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford and an MBA from The George Washington University.
Horacio Chacon, Capital Bank. Horacio Chacon is a relationship manager whose work is focused in the commercial and industrial sector of commercial lending. He specializes in lending money for commercial purposes, such as funding business expansion, funding owner-occupied commercial real estate, purchasing equipment or inventory, and meeting working capital needs. Commercial lenders assess the background, industry, and creditworthiness of a borrower, analyze their financial statements and business plans, and determine the terms and conditions of a loan. Commercial lenders offer term loans, lines of credit, and asset-based financing.
Speaking on available grants:
Cynthia Rivarde, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). Cindy Rivarde serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), which identifies and develops economic opportunities to help Rockville prosper and lead as a 21st-century city for business. With her 20+ year background in commercial real estate law and development, she leads REDI in new and inventive ways to create economic growth, attract and retain businesses, and highlight Rockville as a premier community for businesses, workers, visitors, and residents. She has previously served as a Deputy City Manager for Coral Springs, Florida, the Community and Economic Development Director for Modesto, California (which included oversight of the City’s Tourism and Convention Center), and the Economic and Cultural Development Director for Coral Gables, Florida. She obtained her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, a Master of Fine Art in painting from Towson University, and a bachelor of arts degree in dramatic art/studio art from the University of North Carolina.
Jan Abraham, Worksource Montgomery. Jan Abraham has been a skilled business development manager engaging with businesses providing solutions for 30+ years. Currently, she is with WorkSource Montgomery as a Business Solutions Consultant. WorkSource Montgomery is a community facilitator and connector identifying issues and acting with partners collaboratively to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
Prior to WorkSource Montgomery, she was an Employee Relations Manager with 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. staffing for the NIH contract and overseeing 70+ Virginia State Contracts. She has her MBA from Marymount University in Marketing and Management and her BA from Ohio Wesleyan University in Political Science.
Laura is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She earned her BA and MBA degrees from George Washington University. She has a Certificate in Organizational Development from Georgetown University. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce.
CI Destinations Information Meeting
Did you miss the informational webinar by CI Destinations about the Amalfi Coast? Have no fear, we recorded it for you and you can watch at our leisure.
How to Recognize Fake Emails by KBIT Technologies
There are so many scams out there today, and the scam artists are getting good!! Join us to learn the who, what, why, and how of fake emails and how to save yourself from becoming a victim.
On this webinar, you will hear from KBIT Technologies President, Brian Arshawksy about the email scams they are seeing and how to avoid them.
How to Navigate Your Member Information Center
Learn how to maximize your Member Profile on the GRCC website, post job listings, and more on this webinar.
3rd Annual Golf Tournament
We had an amazing time at the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament held at Montgomery Country Club on July 17, 2023. Thank you to all who came out to play and enjoyed the beautiful day with us. The weather was perfect and the company was even better!
Thank you again, to our title sponsors, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and DARCARS Automotive Group.
To view all of the images from the event, please visit the photo album courtesy of ACB Precision Focus Photography.
We're already excited for next year's tournament!!
Is Your Business Prepared for Recreational Use Cannabis?
For a full view of the PowerPoint Presentation, please download the slides here.
34th Annual Rockville Public Safety Awards
The Rockville Public Safety Awards Program, now in its 34th year, in cooperation with the City of Rockville and the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, honors members of the Rockville City Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department.
The program aims to recognize outstanding achievements by the members of these public safety agencies based in Rockville. All of us have benefited from the fine service we receive from our public safety agencies. The awards are presented at a luncheon each year. Click this link to review the images from this year's award ceremony.
SBA's Video Series
The WOSB program is excited to announce that we are introducing a series of short videos addressing various aspects of our application process. In response to applicant feedback and aligned with SBA's objective to continually improve customer experience, we’ve identified six areas that will improve application submission.
The following videos are up and ready for viewing:
· Tax/financial documents for participants applying for Economically Disadvantaged WOSB status. We cover different types of tax documents required for these applications and answer commonly asked questions.
· Required letters of explanation for outside employment and ownership so firm owners understand what is being asked of them and how they can provide documentation to address full-time devotion.
· Resume requirements to not only detail the firm owner’s work history, but to demonstrate the firm owner’s experience managing the daily operations of the applicant firm.
· Governing documents such as the Articles of Incorporation or the Articles of Organization. We address what these documents are and where firms can find them.
Shady Grove Innovation District
by C.J. Overly, Senior Project Manager, Development/ BXP Life Sciences
2022 Public Safety Awards
2022 GRCC Golf Tournament
Visit the full album of photos...