february 2016 · dance you are sure to discover hidden possi-bilities other businesses have to...

The Chamber

FREE Business After Business

Focusing on Small Business Owner’s

Personal LiabilityFeb. 23, 2016

Photos by Balance Photography

At the Chamber’s annual Catonsville Business Awards, member businesses were recognized for the contributions they have made toour community. Five of the award winners learned in advance oftheir honors. Two very special awards, however, were not an-nounced until the ceremony at Overhills Mansion. Marleen Griffin,(inset), business devopment specialist for Saint Agnes FederalCredit Union received the President’s Award and Bill Higggins,owner of Bills Music, Inc., was named Business Person of the Year.See page 3 for descriptions of these award winners and page 7 forpictures of all the evening’s honorees.

A Newsletter from the

VIEWI N S I D E

This Issue

February2016

President’s Message

Call for Outstanding Teacher 2Awards Nominations

2nd Annual B.O.B. Event 3Honoring The Best of 2015“Surprised” Winners 4Business Awards Photos 6Biggest Loser CommunityChallenge in Catonsville 82016 Calendar 11

R. Shawn McBride, Esq.

“Don’t Take My House!”

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Saint Agnes Federal Credit Union

Event is free for registered Chamber members; limited seating available. www.catonsville.org

NETWORKING ON THEHALF-SHELL

BB usiness networking is a really valuableway to expand your knowledge, learnfrom the success of others, attain new

clients and tell others about your business. Byregularly networking and pushing yourself totalk to people you don’t know, you will increaseyour confidence. This is really important as abusiness owner, because your business growthis very dependant on talking to people andmaking connections.On Thursday, February 18, the Chamber has

the perfect venue for you to network in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that makesbuilding those business relationships easy. The

event is the B.O.B. Event, Business, Oysters &Beer, where you will enjoy a delectable variety ofappetizers, desserts and specialty beers, alongwith the evening’s highlight, oysters on thehalf-shell accompanied by homemade sauces.This B.O.B. event is sponsored by Coldwell

Banker Catonsville and We Love Catonsville. Asilent auction to benefit Coldwell Banker’sCARES Foundation will also take place.It all happens on February 18, 5:30 to

7:30pm at Overhills Mansion, 916 S. RollingRoad. The cost is $25 pre-paid and $35 at thedoor and for non-members. Register online atcatonsville.org or call 410-719-9609.

2 Greater Catonsville Chamber Newsletter • www.catonsville.org

dance you are sure to discover hidden possi-bilities other businesses have to offer andmake new connections with businesses thatcould use your services. The Chamber’s B.O.B. event follows on

Feb 18th with a fun networking experiencethat includes oysters and beer. This is a greatvenue to work on developing those interper-sonal skills in a relaxing and fun environ-ment. Remember networking is all aboutbuilding personal relationships and that’s amuch easier task when you feel at ease andare having fun. We end the month with a FREE Business

After Business event being held at the newlocation for the Saint Agnes Federal CreditUnion. This is one event the owner of a smallbusiness should attend. We are pairing anevening of networking with an importantlearning experience. R. Shawn McBride,Esq., whose law firm specializes in protect-ing small business owners, will share impor-tant tips on how to limit your personalliability if unfortunate circumstances shouldhappen. I’m sure you will meet someonenew at this event. And sharing expert adviceis something everyone enjoys doing and cancertainly lead to meaningful conversations.Remember an easy way to meet new peopleis to chat about a speaker you have justheard or the business hosting the event.All these events are now featured on our

website so register today. I’ll look forward toseeing you there.

Editor,Design & Layout

Teal CaryGCCC Executive Director

410-719-9609

PURPOSEThe purpose of the Chamber of

Commerce is to have a strong voicewith the county government, business and local community;

to affect positive change in our area;to foster growth and expansion ofour members’ business; and toachieve the betterment of the Catonsville community.

Chamber Web Site:www.catonsville.org

ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONOPPORTUNITIES

One-Page Insert $75Get special attention for an

event, sale, etc. An 8 1/2 “ x 11”insert (pdf file) in The Viewprovided by your business.

Event SponsorshipYour company can be

highlighted at one of our monthly events.(Costs vary)

Business After Business HostInvite the Chamber to your

location for onsite promotion.(Costs vary)

WebsiteBanner AdvertisingSidebar Advertising

Check the Homepage of theChamber’s website for additionalopportunities to promote your

business

Call the Chamber Office410.719.9609for more information.

VIEWThe Chamber The Chamber Working for You

President’s Message

Cathy Schneider2016 President

TT he Best of 2015Business Awardsceremony was

just wonderful and Iwould like to congratu-late our award winnersagain. I also want tothank Sally Grace and

Omar Jennings, our Business DevelopmentCo-Chairs, for coordinating such a success-ful event, and Whitehouse Caterers at Over-hills Mansion for being our hosts. And ahuge thank you to the evenings’ sponsors:Diamond: We Love Catonsville, WhalenProperties; Platinum: CCBC; Gold: EdibleArrangements, Wolfe & Fiedler; Silver: TomQuirk-Retirement & Investment Group, Senator Ed Kasemeyer, Coldwell Banker andSaint Agnes Federal Credit Union.In February our Chamber is all about net-

working. We have three very different net-working opportunities planned for ourmembers and I encourage you to take ad-vantage of them all. On Feb 3 you can mixand mingle with businesses from 15 differ-ent organizations throughout BaltimoreCounty at the 14th annual MEGA Network-ing event. I personally have attended thisevent several times and I can tell you it isamazing. With over 300 people in atten-

TIME TO NOMINATE ANOUTSTANDING TEACHER

TT he Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for ourfourth annual "Outstanding Teacher Awards" to be held at the John Erickson Conference Center at Charlestown, Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. Students,

parents, fellow teachers, and community members and businesses are encouraged to nomi-nate teachers, individuals and organizations they believe made an outstanding impact on education. An online Nomination Form can be found at www.catonsville.org and a printable

nomination form can be found there, as well. Nomination forms can also be obtained fromparticipating Baltimore County public and private schools, and at the Greater Catonsville Chamber Office (924 Frederick Road).

The deadline for the submission of all nominations is February 20, 2016.Nominations received after this date will not be considered. Hand delivered or emailed nominations mustbe received by 5:00PM. Mailed nominations must be postmarked by the due date.

The B.O.B. Event“Business, Oysters & Beer”

February 18, 2016(Inclement weather date: Feb. 25)

5:30 to 7:30 pmOverhills Mansion, 916 S. Rolling RoadSponsored by: Coldwell Banker

We Love CatonsvilleSilent Auction to benefit Coldwell Banker CARES

Cost: $25 for registered & pre-paid members $35 at the door and for non-members

Register online at www.catonsville.orgor call 410-719-9609

Nothing says February like beer and oysters. Take a break from winter and join the Chamber & Coldwell Banker for our

B.O.B. event – Business, Oysters and Beer!Network with other area businesses

while enjoying a delectable variety of appetizers, beer, and oysters. Plus an opportunity to contribute to the CARES Foundation.

Greater Catonsville Chamber Newsletter • www.catonsville.org 3

TT he Catonsville Business Awards washeld on Thursday, January 14 atOverhills Mansion at 5:30 pm. We

would like to thank Diamond Sponsors:We Love Catonsville and Whalen Proper-ties; Platinum Sponsor: CCBC Catonsville;Gold Sponsors: Edible Arrangements andWolfe & Fiedler, P.A.; and Silver Sponsors:Senator Ed Kasemeyer, Coldwell BankerCatonsville, Tom Quirk-Retirement & Investments Group, LLC and Saint AgnesFederal Credit Union.Each year the Chamber celebrates

small businesses and the contributionsthey make to our community and thelocal economy. With the theme “The Bestof 2015,” the chamber was pleased tohonor those chamber member busi-nesses who through their own inventive-ness, creativity and innovation havehelped create a positive future for all ofCatonsville.There were still a number of surprises

left for the evening when the Chamberannounced the recipients of the President’s Award, and the BusinessPerson of the Year.

And those winners are...PRESIDENT’S AWARDMARLEEN GRIFFINSaint Agnes Federal Credit Union

From Cathy Schneider2016 Chamber President

The Presidents Award was designed toacknowledge Chamber members whowork tirelessly behind the scenes, making adifference in the business community. It is a difficult task because there are somany people that strive to make theChamber successful, and in turn,Catonsville. If I could, I would award aplaque to you all, and thank you personallyfor the work you have done this past year. But my assignment this evening is to

single out one person in 2015 that made animpression on me personally. This personhas been a Chamber member since 2009.For many years, she has volunteered at theFlowerFest, Frederick Road Fridays, theArts and Crafts Festival, the Taste ofCatonsville and the Holiday Party. Whenshe joined our Program Committee, shecame with an open mind, great ideas, anda willingness to do whatever it took tomake the Chamber successful. She faceseach task with joy and enthusiasm, alwaysgiving 150%. And this honoree is very resourceful, she

knows soooo many people. I watch the

way she works a room…... she’s like a suc-cessful mayor, working hard to make sureall her constituents are happy. It didn’t takelong for her to go from committee memberto committee chair and on to a ChamberBoard member. In 2015 she chaired a verysuccessful Taste of Catonsville and HolidayParty, and was instrumental in persuadingSaint Agnes Federal Credit Union, whereshe serves as business development spe-cialist, to extend membership in the creditunion to Chamber members. This added awonderful benefit to our members andforged a great relationship with the creditunion.It is with great pleasure that I present the

President’s Award for 2015 to this loving, en-thusiastic, and professional businesswomen……Marleen Griffin of Saint AgnesFederal Credit Union.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEARBILL HIGGINSBill’s Music, Inc.

It is unique these days not only to find acareer that you are passionate about, but toremain in that same career for a lifetime.But this year’s Business Person of the Yearhas accomplished just that. Bill Higginsnever dreamed back in 1965 when heopened his music store with his wife Nancythat he would be blessed to spend the next50 years of his life doing a job that he ab-solutely loved. It is that love and passion formusic that has transformed what began 50years ago as a small 8’x 8’ guitar lessonroom into what is now a 36,000 square feet

music superstore. Often considered a mu-sician’s paradise, Bill’s Music has some-thing for everyone, from music lessons forthe novice to a showroom packed withnew and used musical equipment by allthe top name brands in the industry. Thestore has earned a national following andit’s that renowned reputation that givescredence to Catonsville’s designation asMusic City Maryland. In addition to the ex-pansive lesson space and outstanding se-lection of equipment, the store also housestwo on-site repair shops, band practicerooms, a live bandstand, and clinics tokeep music alive and well in our commu-nity throughout the year.In 2015 Bill Higgins marked the 50th an-

niversary of his business with a year-longcelebration dedicated to the staff, musi-cians and friends who have supported himover the years. The celebration was cappedby an all-day festival that featured livemusic, the Baltimore Ravens MarchingBand, a Gibson Guitar Bus, a KidZone,local vendors and a huge anniversary sale.Bill and his wife, Nancy, son Brian, and

daughters Jamie and Tracy, continue togrow and adapt the Bill’s Music store andBillsMusic.com online for a music industrythat is constantly evolving. And we are cer-tain that because of Bill Higgins’ devotionand leadership, this landmark business inthe heart of Catonsville will continue toflourish for another 50 years. That is whythe Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the 2015 Business Person of theYear Award to Bill Higgins.

HONORINGTHE BEST OF 2015


In celebration of Bill Higgins’ Business Person of the Year Award guests offered a congratulatorytoast to Nancy and Bill and their family.

R. Shawn McBride, Esq.

“Business After Business” Event

“Don’t Take My House!”

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Saint Agnes Federal Credit Union

Event is free for registered Chamber members; limited seating available. www.catonsville.org



The Chamber In Pictures

The Best of 2015January 14, 2016


OURAWARDWINNERS

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARDCROSSFIT CATONSVILLE, Chris Aiken

COMMUNITY ENTHUSIAST AWARDHUBBARD FUNERAL HOME, INC.Heather and Dan Simons

SERVICE/RETAILERCOSMIC COMIX & TOYS, Andy Bridges

REVITALIZATION AWARDORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES OF CENTRALMDDr. George Brouillet and Dr. Sam Sydney

LEGACY AWARDSTAUB ART STUDIO, INC.Maria Staub Goebel and George Goebel

Photos by Balance Photography

AA n exciting, national wellness initiative is launching across thecountry in February and our

community is invited to join the MOVE-ment! NBC and The Biggest Loser arelaunching The Biggest Loser CommunityChallenge on February 15. This Com-pany vs Company competition invitesteams of four to join an eight-week, on-line health & wellness community chal-lenge. The challenge is for companies ofall sizes (no limit to the amount of teamsyou can sign up!) and people of all fitnesslevels. It is designed to get our commu-nity moving, eating better and havingfun!

“This challenge is for everyone. No matter what your goals areyou’ll find something in it

to help you achieve your next levelof fitness.”

Dolvett Quince – Biggest Loser andCommunity Challenge Trainer

Businesses are encouraged to registerteams of employees to represent theircompany in the challenge. For only $100for a team of four, this exciting wellnessoffering is an affordable and fun way tokick start the new year for employees.Past contestants of The Biggest Loser

will guide teams through eight weeklychallenges. Challengers will also receiveweekly motivation and nutrition tipsfrom trainer, Dolvett Quince. Participantswill earn points for each minute of activ-ity they engage in, as well as additionalpoints for completing weekly tasks andlogging additional challenge activitiesdesigned to improve nutrition and over-all wellness. Each participant will haveaccess to their own private wellness ac-count and mobile app, where they willjournal challenge activities, accessweekly health guidance and keep theireye on friends and competitors on liveleaderboards. The focus of the challengeis not on weight loss and all personal in-formation, including weight, is com-pletely private. WARNING: Side effectsmay include weight loss!Prize draws will be made each week,

with over 10,000 prizes to be won acrossthe country, including trips to LA to seethe Finale live! On the local level our Chamber is part-

nering with two chamber member fitnessexperts, Shelley Sharkley of MissFIT andChris Aitken of CrossFit Catonsville.Shelly and Chris will be forming teams oftheir own and will be available to other

local teams for fitness guidence. Theywill also offer their facilities for workoutsessions. And MissFIT and CrossFit areplanning a community “play day” for ourentire community when the competitionends in April.So let’s get moving Catonsville, the

Biggest Loser is putting America to thetest. Let’s show them 21228 is the Best!Register Teams on the page below and

type Greater Catonsville Chamber as yourselected organization: https://biggestlosercommunity.com/signup?sid=57More information can be found online

at: www.biggestlosercommunity.com.

Healthy People. Healthy Companies.Healthy Communities!

THE BIGGEST LOSER COMPETITIONCOMES TO CATONSVILLE


Looking for a more “Active Role” in the Chamber?

Being part of a chamber committee is a great way to network with fellow chamber

members while making an impact on the community yourbusiness serves.Just contact the committee

chairpersons listed on our websiteor call the chamber office. Yourparticipation will be enthusiasti-cally received and welcomed.

Join a committee today!


Unique 2015 Charlestown Retirement Community FacebookProject Reached 43,000 People

“365 Days at Charlestown,” aFacebook project atCharlestown retirement com-

munity that featured a different residentor employee each and every day of theyear in 2015, reached more than 43,000people. This was nearly five times thenumber of the community’s Facebookfollowers. Daily posts were “liked” morethan 4,000 timesMoreover, “365 Days” took the public

behind-the-scenes of Charlestown on adaily basis, honoring the individualityand the life values of the men andwomen who live and work at the com-munity.The project, said to be the only one

of its kind ever done in the world, wascreated by Public Affairs Manager MelTansill, who roamed Charlestown’s 110-acres and 23 buildings twice-a-week totake photos of residents and staff and askthem to share their favorite virtues, theirideas of happiness and their personalmottos for living. He also asked them totell their job or former occupation. Participation was voluntary and the

responses were varied. About three-fourths of the posts were of residents,with the remainder being of staff. A random sampling of resident

responses follow:

John Fahey, a former Associate Professor, said his motto is “Maintain the utmost integrity.”

Dottie Mitchell, a former Pre-School Teacher, said her idea ofhappiness is “Having a man.”

Charlotte Allen, a former BaltimoreCity Health Department worker,said her idea of happiness is“Candy.”

The project seemed to develop a cultfollowing of sorts among residents as itevolved throughout the year.“The ‘365 Days at Charlestown’ was a

huge success,” said Ann MacKay, Presi-dent of the Charlestown Residents’ Advisory Council. “ Those of us on Face-book got to see residents and staff, oldfriends as well as new faces. We sharedon our Facebook pages, told others tocheck out the day’s post, and talkedabout it at dinner.

The Chamber Member News

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, CatonsvilleEmergency Assistance (CEA) willhave a pizza fundraiser at Peace A

Pizza (410-747-2255), 15 Mellor Ave. onWednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. You can eatin or take it out, but you must mentionCatonsville Emergency Assistance whenyou pay, that way CEA will receive 20 per-cent of the proceeds! Deliveries are notpart of the fundraiser.

“Mel did what some may say was im-possible,” she said. “He posted a photo ofa resident or staff person and somethingabout them every day on Facebook for anentire year. He always managed to makeus look good. The ‘365 Days’ projecthighlighted the interesting and diversepeople who live and work here. It is hardto believe the year is over.”The project brought recognition to

employees for the jobs they do to help tocreate a community that celebrates life. Afew employee responses follow:Stock Utility Associate Lloyd Dixon’s

idea of happiness is “Fishing.”Resident Life Coordinator Judi Welsh’s

motto is “Respect all, fear none.”Sales Move-in and Event Associate

Megan Converse’s idea of happiness is “Aroom full of puppies and a glass of wine.”“It was wonderful to see ‘365 Days’

highlight our employees and the vastrange of their work being done,” saidKaren Parker, Senior Human ResourcesManager. “I often heard staff proudlytalking about their having been featuredin the posts. It was also good to knowmore about them on a personal levelsince both residents and employees are apart of the Charlestown family.”Don Grove, Director of Sales, said the

“365 Days” project proved invaluable inincreasing public awareness ofCharlestown throughout the year. “ The project brought thousands of sen-ior citizens to social media as it instilled asense of pride from our residents in see-ing their profiles and sharing them withtheir families,” he said. The Charlestown Facebook project can

be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/312037282319624/

Eat Some Pizza and Help a Neighbor

The ChamberNew MembersPremium LevelReinstated-Sam’s Club #6651Shoaib Iqbal, Tawanda Baker, Steven Belknap5702 Baltimore National PikeCatonsville, MD 21228410-744-7174www.samsclub.com

Member Level

ACT Insurance Program, Veracity Insurance Solutions LLCRoss Graham260 S. 2500 W. Suite 303Pleasant Grove, UT 84062(801) [email protected]

ACT (Artist, Crafters & Tradesman) Insurance offers competitively pricedshort term and annual insurance optionsfor vendors and exhibitors of all types.They also provide reporting systems thatcan easily be used by event organizers totrack insurance purchased through ACTby their vendors.

Nonprofit Level

Westchester Elementary SchoolPhillip Byers2300 Old Frederick RoadCatonsville, MD 21228(410) 887-1089Fax (410) [email protected]://westchesteres.bcps.org/

Built in 1998, Westchester ElementarySchool, a certified Maryland Green School,provides a continuum of services for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. The school is dedicated to the academic, civic, and social developmentof all students. The development of criticalthinking and problem solving skills continue to be their top priority. Westch-ester Elementary embraces change inorder to raise the academic bar and closeachievement gaps so that every studentwill become a globally competitive citizenin a culturally diverse world.


Matthew DuniganEdward Jones Financial AdvisorContributing View Columnist

AAmericans spent nearly $19 billion inValentine’s Day gifts last year, according tothe National Retail Federation. Much of

this money went for gifts with short shelf lives,such as candy, flowers and restaurant meals (and

about $700 million was spent on gifts for pets). There’s certainlynothing wrong with giving chocolates or roses. But this year, thinkabout going beyond the classic gifts. Instead, use Valentine’s Day asan opportunity to determine how you can make gifts with long-lasting impact to your circle of loved ones. Here are some suggestions:• For your spouse or significant other … As long as your spouse

or significant other has earned income, he or she may be able tocontribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. So, consider giving a checkto be used for that purpose. A traditional IRA can grow tax deferred,while contributions are usually tax-deductible. (Taxes are dueupon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject toa 10% IRS penalty.) While Roth IRA contributions are not de-ductible, any earnings growth can be distributed tax free, providedthe account owner doesn’t take withdrawals until age 59½ and hashad the account at least five years. For 2015 and 2016, the IRA con-tribution limit is $5,500, or $6,500 for those 50 or older.

• For your children… You don’t have to be rich to give your chil-dren a gift worth $1 million – you just have to help them throughschool. College graduates earn about $1 million more over theirlifetimes than those without a degree, according to research fromthe Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Still, college isn’t cheap: Theaverage annual cost – tuition, fees, room and board – for a privatefour-year college is more than $42,000, according to the CollegeBoard, while the comparable figure for a public four-year school isabout $19,000. Of course, if financial aid is available, you could getsome help. Nonetheless, you may want to start putting awaymoney for college. One popular college savings vehicle is a 529plan. Your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from yourstate taxes, and any earnings growth can be withdrawn tax-free,provided it is used for qualified higher education expenses. (How-ever, if you take withdrawals from your 529 plan, and you don’t usethe money for these higher education expenses, you may be sub-ject to both income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings.)

• For your parents… If you have elderly parents, you may wantto find out if they’ve got their retirement and estate plans in place.If they’ve already taken care of everything, you may not need to getinvolved – but if they’ve left some “loose ends,” your help could bea valuable gift. So, ask them if they have drawn up the necessarylegal documents. Do they each have a will? Have they created adurable power of attorney, which allows them to name someone tomake financial and health care decisions on their behalf if they be-come incapacitated? If it appears they have much work to do inthese areas, you may want to offer to arrange a consultation forthem with a legal advisor and a financial professional.None of these ideas are “traditional” Valentine’s Day gifts – but all

of them can prove of great value to your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

THINK ABOUT SENDING FINANCIAL“VALENTINES” TO LOVED ONES

continued on page 12

Dennis Sullivan, Executive DirectorCenter for Business Innovation, CCBCContributing View Columnist

NN ot all websites are created equal. Mostare awful. So what makes a websitegood?

Many clients are relaunching their websitesto take advantage of new technology such

as higher resolution images, video, social media plug-ins, interactive forms, e-commerce payment systems, inventorymanagement, CRM tools and on and on, but they miss thenumber one thing they should care about most…

How can we help our prospects get what they want?

It’s a simple, but very powerful question to ask. Recently, as I was meeting with the executive team of a large pharma-ceutical wholesaler they explained how they felt their websiteneeded a new look and feel, with updated images because itjust looked dated and they felt the changes would help in-crease sales.Here’s the rub; the website is not for you. The website is for

your prospects and customers. The art of a well-designed sitehelps prospects get what they want – and helps you increasesales! In fact, we built a tool, The Breakthrough Pros WebsiteRedesign Workbook, to help businesses achieve both of thosegoals that we’re making available FREE for the first time. I’llexplain more in a moment…

Here are two key questions I like to ask that gets to the heartof any website redesign:

1. Why are people coming to your website?

2. What do you want them to do once they arrive?

Just about every study shows that most consumers arecoming to your website searching for information. They’reconsidering a purchase and they’re doing research online.What’s the number one question they’re researching? Cost.What do you charge? Most companies are afraid to talk aboutpricing so a customer moves on to the next site and the nextone until they get their answer.If the #1 question centers on cost, then address it. Talk

about your pricing strategy. Most likely you’re not the cheap-est around so talk about why you believe you offer a fair priceand the advantages of doing business with you compared tothe low-cost providers. Talk about what benefits you offer –other than just price. You will not only prevent a prospectfrom searching elsewhere to get their answer, but you will alsobegin to build trust.The key is to match your content with what people are

searching for online. Price is the biggest question but othersmay not be so obvious. To find out what keywords people frequently use to search online in your business categorycheck out Google.com/Trends/ or Ubersuggest.org. For example, you may be surprised that the most popular termpeople are searching on when it comes to flooring is “laminate.” Few flooring stores promote laminate, but if that’swhat people are searching for then a good flooring websiteshould include content that discusses laminate v. tile or the

WHAT MAKES A WEBSITEGOOD?


FEBRUARYEvent: Mega Networking Event

& Trade ShowJoint event with the other Chambers andBusiness Associations throughout Baltimore CountyDate: Wednesday, February 3, 2016(Inclement Weather Date: Feb. 10)Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pmPlace: Sheraton Baltimore NorthCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid

$35 at door, $35 non-members

Event: “The BOB” Networking EventBusiness, Oysters and Beer

Sponsors: Coldwell Banker Catonsville,We Love Catonsville

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2016(Inclement Weather Date: Feb. 25)Time: 5:30 pmPlace: Overhills MansionCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


Event: Business After Business EventGuest Speaker: R. Shawn McBride, Esq.Topic: “Don’t Take My House”Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2016Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pmPlace: St. Agnes Federal Credit Union

716 Maiden Choice Lane, Ste.101Cost: FREE

MARCHEvent: Lunch & Learn Seminar-

Facebook & TwitterSponsor: Breakthrough ProsDate: Thursday, March 3, 2016Time: 12 NoonPlace: Brightview Rolling HillsCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


Event: Breakfast Networking EventJoint event with the Baltimore CountyChamber & Baltimore Washington Corridor ChamberDate: TBATime: 7:30 amPlace: Overhills Mansion

916 S. Rolling RoadCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


APRILEvent: Outstanding Teachers AwardsDate: Thursday, April 14, 2016Time: 5:30 pmPlace: John Erickson Conference Center

at CharlestownCost: Tickets $40 pre-registered only

Event: Southwest Area -Mega Networking Event

Joint event with the other southwest areaBusiness Associations Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2016Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pmPlace: Arbutus Volunteer Fire Dept. Hall

5200 Southwestern Blvd.Cost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


MAYEvent: Catonsville Flower Fest

Opening of Sunday Farmers Market (each Sun. 5/1 to 11/20)

Date: Sunday, May 1, 2016Time: 10:00 amPlace: Frederick RoadCost: FREE

Event: Lunch & Learn Seminar-Linked-In

Sponsor: Breakthrough ProsDate: Thursday, May 5, 2016Time: 12 NoonPlace: Brightview Rolling HillsCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


Event: Chamber Open House/Networking Event

Date: Thursday, May 19, 2016Time: 5:00 -7:00 pmPlace: 924 Frederick RoadCost: FREE

JUNE Event: 20th Taste of CatonsvilleDate: Monday, June 6, 2016Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pmPlace: Overhills Mansion

916 S. Rolling RoadCost: $35 pre-registered & pre-paid,

$45 at door

JUNE through AUGUSTEvent: Frederick Road FridaysDate: Every Friday, June 10-Aug. 26Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pmPlace: The Shops on MellorCost: FREE

SEPTEMBEREvent: 43rd Annual Catonsville

Arts & Crafts FestivalDate: Sunday, September 11, 2016Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pmPlace: Frederick RoadCost: FREE

Event: 58th Annual Crab Feast& Auction

Date: Friday, September 30, 2016Time: 6:00 pmPlace: The Lodge in OellaCost: TBA

OCTOBEREvent: Lunch & Learn Seminar-

Instagram & PinterestSponsor: Breakthrough ProsDate: Thursday, October 6, 2016Time: 12 NoonPlace: Brightview Rolling HillsCost: $25 pre-registered & pre-paid


Event: Chamber Open House/Networking Event

Date: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016Time: 5:00 - 7:00pmPlace: 924 Frederick RoadCost: FREE

NOVEMBEREvent: Legislative LuncheonGuest Speakers: Elected OfficialsDate: TBA

DECEMBEREvent: Holiday PartyDate: TBA

2016 Chamber Events Calendar

NOTE: Times, locations, and costs are subject to change. Check website for the most updated information.


Quote for the New Month Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.Charles R. Swindoll

By David ClarkCommunity Relations CoordinatorPatients’ First

TT he Mid-Atlantic braced for a majorwinter storm that dropped a lot ofsnow across the region the week-

end of January 22nd. The storm createddangerous conditions. It is important tokeep some basic winter safety tips inmind during and after a storm:

Shoveling Snow

A necessary evil after a snow storm,shoveling snow can pose a health risk formany people. Snow shoveling is a stren-uous activity. It can increase blood pres-sure and heart rate. Individuals with ahistory of heart disease, high blood pres-sure or strokes should not shovel snow. If you must shovel snow, shovel as

early as possible. Snow is heavier after ithas been on the ground for a few days -often melting and re-freezing, creating asolid chunk of snow rather than powdery,just-fallen snow. Also, make sure thatyou are properly hydrated and prepareyour body for shoveling by warming up.Jog in place or do ten jumping jacks be-fore you begin to shovel, as this will getyour blood flowing before you begin.Also, be sure to take your time and moveslowly when shoveling snow. Shovelingtoo fast can increase your blood pressureand put you at greater risk for sprainingor pulling a muscle.

Walking on Ice

Icy patches can be difficult to see. Theslips and falls caused by ice can be seri-ous. If you come across an area that youbelieve may be icy, tap the edge of the

WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPSarea with your foot to be sure. Wear shoeswith gripping soles to provide traction.Also, keep your hands out of your pocketswhen walking in order to keep your bal-ance on a slippery surface. Don’t carryheavy items like shopping bags with youwhen walking on slippery surfaces. Thiscan change your center of balance, mak-ing you more likely to slip and fall. When getting out of your vehicle,

check to make sure there are no icy spotsnear your vehicle. If you are parked on aslick spot, move the vehicle to a differentarea if you can. Also, when entering andexiting your car while on ice, use the vehi-cle for balance and support.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when skin and its un-derlying tissue are exposed to very coldtemperatures and freezing conditions.Skin that appears waxy or hard and has agray tone may have frostbite. The dam-aged skin may also itch or burn and mayturn red in color as the affected areathaws. The first step to treating frostbite is to

get out of the cold. Get inside to a warmplace as soon as possible. Once inside,remove any wet clothing. If you cannotget out of the cold, place your handsunder your arms to warm them. Also,cover areas that can be most affected byfrostbite (nose and ears) with a scarf andtry not to walk if your feet may have frost-bite, as this will make the conditionworse. Frostbite is generally treated by gradu-

ally warming the skin. Remember to seekthe treatment of a medical professional assoon as possible if you think you mayhave frostbite.

WHAT MAKES AWEBSITE GOOD? continued from page 10

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advantages or the problems with lami-nate. Again, you will help people find theinformation they need and build trust.The second question to ask yourself is

this: what do you want people to do oncethey arrive? Do you want them to call tomake an appointment for a consultation?Fill out a form? Opt-in for additional in-formation? Stop by for a special sale oroffer?In other words, what is the next step

you want people to take? What’s the nextstep after that? And the next step? For ex-ample, for many clients we offer a FREEe-book or Idea Book with a compellingtitle knowing that it contains the infor-mation people want or need for their re-search. It’s a great tool to build a list ofqualified leads that you can continuemarket to for years to come.Once you have determined why people

are coming to your site and what youwant them to do once they arrive, youwill be in a much better position to de-liver videos, content, images, testimoni-als, etc. that will give prospects what theywant. And, most importantly, you will in-crease sales.As a special benefit for readers of The

Chamber View, we’re offering our FREEBreakthrough Pros Website RedesignWorkbook. To get your copy, simply sendme an email at [email protected] and I will send it to you.

About Dennis J. Sullivan: Dennis is a full-time facultyinstructor at CCBC teaching business management,marketing, and sales and is the Executive Director of thecollege’s Center for Business Innovation. He is also ownerof Breakthrough Pros, a full-service marketing and con-sulting company specializing in lead generation, salesconversion and product launches. Contact information:[email protected] or at [email protected]

february 2016 · dance you are sure to discover hidden possi-bilities other businesses have to...

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