November – December 2019 www.wkchamber.org

2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101Wheaton, Maryland 20902phone: 301-949-0080e-mail: wkchamber@wkchamber.orgwww.facebook.com/WheatonKensingtonCC

Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commerce the

voice

Continued on page 4

Montgomery County’s Growing Economy and Small Businesses InitiativesThe September 25 WK Chamber Lunch Mixer featuredJerome Fletcher, a Montgomery County Assistant ChiefAdministrative Officer; Ash Shetty, Director of the Office of Procurement; Grace Denno, Division Chief of BusinessRelations & Compliance; and Daniel Koroma, Business

Liaison Officer, Office of the County Executive. This eventwas organized by Luisa Montero-Diaz, the Mid-CountyServices Center Director, and she introduced the panel.

Jerome Fletcher has so far this year been focusing on the

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On October 30, in recognition of Economic & CommunityDevelopment Month in Montgomery County, the WKChamber and FAsMarketplace celebrated with a “WhyLocal” Community Networking Lunch. Local officials,including County Executive Marc Elrich, spoke about the

benefits of buying local and spending time and money inthe community.

Food tastings were from local vendors; everyone browsedand shopped at the local artisans while networking!

Why

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“Why Local” Community NetworkingLunch / Economic Development Month

Executive CommitteePR E S I D E N T

William Moore, IHOP 301-942-2323

VI C E-PR E S I D E N T

Mirza Donegan, Griswold Home Care –Montgomery County 301-330-7646

2N D VI C E-PR E S I D E N T

Omar Lazo, Los Chorros Restaurant301-455-3037

SE C R E TA RY-TR E A S U R E R

James Onder, Onder CommunicationsGroup 301-367-7023

IM M E D I AT E PA S T-PR E S I D E N T

Kathleen Guinan, Crossway Community301-929-2505

DirectorsL. Jeannette Feldner, Letterforms Typography & Graphic Design 301-942-9186

Ali Oliver-Krueger, InterAct StoryTheatre 301-879-9305

James Mensah, State Farm Insurance 301-933-1010

Kenneth Nelson, Montgomery CollegeWorkforce Development & ContinuingEducation 240-328-4747

Laura-Leigh Palmer, a.s.a.p. graphics240-354-5454

Ellen Riger, Just Paws 301-318-7103

Rolando Santiago, Jubilee Association ofMaryland, Inc. 301-949-8628 x185

April Seymour, Lafayette Federal CreditUnion 301-318-7990

Paul Sexton, Edward Jones 301-933-6753

George Sydnor, Fitzgerald Auto MallWheaton 301-933-7400

Harold Weinberg, Miles Realty Co.301-933-6161

Ex-Officio DirectorLuisa Montero-Diaz, Director,Mid-County Services Ctr. 240-777-8101

Administrator & Newsletter EditorVicky Surles 301-949-0080

Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commerce

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ApartmentsInwood HouseMelisa Bell301-649-6595MBell@InwoodHouse.orgwww.InwoodHouse.org

Automotive RepairLogan’s AutomotiveRene B. Guzman301-946-0600Rene@LogansAutomotive.com

Community ServicesOne Montgomery GreenWendy Howard301-946-5091info@OneMontgomeryGreen.orgwww.OneMontgomeryGreen.org

Computer ConsultantsSmart Computer Company, Inc.Seth Katz301-946-2744Seth@SmartComputerInc.comwww.SmartComputerInc.com

Grocery StoresWheaton Tropical MarketBiokou Mathieu Djayeola202-330-2645eliteretail@usa.comwww.WheatonTropicalMarket.com

Housing/CommunityJubilee Association of MD, Inc.Steve Keener301-949-8628skeener@jubileemd.orgwww.JubileeMD.org

InsuranceEwing, Hines & AssociatesDouglas Hines301-942-8220DougHines@EwingHines.comwww.EwingHines.com

Marketing ServicesMocha Local Marketing LLCRoger Weaver301-332-0829Roger@MochaLocal.comwww.MochaLocal.com

Painting & RenovationGalaxy Painting and

DecoratingNeel R. Gearhart301-530-2600Neel@GalaxyPainting.comwww.GalaxyPainting.com

Real Estate / Property MgmtMiles Realty Company, Inc.Harold Weinberg301-933-6161hweinberg@milesrealty.comwww.MilesRealty.com

Remodeling/Home Improvement

All Eco Design CenterDave Taghipour301-949-4326info@AllEcoCenter.comwww.AllEcoCenter.com

RestaurantsCam Ranh Bay Pho & GrillAndrew Quach301-933-1886drew356@yahoo.comwww.CamRanhBayPho.com

Gourmet InspirationsAndrew Quach301-929-8818drew356@yahoo.comwww.GIchinese.com

IHOPWilliam Moore301-942-2323ihop522@verizon.netwww.IHOPwheaton.com

Shopping Centers & MallsThe Shops on AmherstChris & Mary Georgatsos202-306-0022AmherstShops@gmail.com

TH A N K YO U T O OU R ME M B ER RE N EWA L S!

W E LC O M E T O O U R N E W M E M B E R S !Payroll & Tax ServicesPaychex, Inc.Derrick Nelson11710 Beltsville Drive #350Beltsville, MD 20705301-919-3551dtnelson@paychex.comwww.paychex.com

Real EstateHousing Opportunities

CommissionMarcus Ervin10400 Detrick AvenueKensington, MD 20895240-627-9752marcus.ervin@hocmc.orgwww.hocmc.org

Real Estate DevelopmentRalph J. Duffie Inc.Shane Pollin57 Randolph RoadSilver Spring, MD 20904301-434-6166spollin@duffieinc.comDuffieinc.com

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Your Donation Can Make a Huge Difference!

Holiday OnDuty

During the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and

New Year Holidays

We provide meals for these Public Safety Personnel:

• Kensington Volunteer Fire Department

• Montgomery County Police stationed in this Area

• Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad

~ PLEASE HELP AND DONATETO THIS WORTHY FUND ~

Make checks payable to:

Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce

reference:Holiday on Duty

and mail to:2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101

Wheaton, MD 20902

or Donate online: wkchamber.org/events/holiday-on-duty

For more information, contact:Committee Chair Ellen Riger

301-318-7103e-mail: exquisiteladyel@comcast.net

The Wheaton Volunteer RescueSquad in conjunction with

Montgomery HousingPartnership and

The Wheaton & KensingtonChamber of Commerce asks foryour support for the 21st annual

Your generousdonationsof toys

(or cash forpurchasingtoys) are

delivered tolocal children for

Christmas by Santa and his helpers.We prefer unwrapped presents, because

it allows us to better match the gifts with family members.

Sponsors include:Acorn Self Storage

Montgomery Housing PartnershipSherwood Associates

Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squadand

W K Chamber of Commerce

For drop-off locations and information

on how you may help, contact:

For a monetary donation, make checks out to: Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce

reference:Angels for Children

and mail to:2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101

Wheaton, MD 20902

or Donate online:wkchamber.org/events/toy-drive

Charlotte Garvey at 301-812-4138Montgomery Housing Partnership

cgarvey@mhpartners.orgor

Vicky Surles at 301-949-0080W&K Chamber of Commerce

wkchamber@wkchamber.org

“First Picks” Evening Networking ReceptionOn November 6. the Greater Silver Spring Civitan Club, Griswold HomeCare–Aspen Hill, Montgomery and the WK Chamber all partnered for a networking reception. Civitan President Mirza Donegan sponsored the deliciousfood and drinks, and Urban Thrift Manager Richard See offered 50% off newselections (First Picks) ahead of the store’s annual Veterans Day Sale.

Urban Thrift is at 10730 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 (301-933-5666) thearcmontgomerycounty.org/what-we-do/urbanthrift.html

priority of “A Growing Economy” which includes CountyExecutive Marc Elrich’s initiatives for small businesses, andsupport for the small business sector.

Mr. Fletcher opened the meeting by saying that one ofCounty Executive Marc Elrich’s priorities is a growingeconomy, and he is responsible for that priority area. Theadministration has put together business support programsto create an environment where businesses in the Countyhave the best opportunity to succeed. The business connectprogram brings classes, counseling and resources closer tobusinesses. The Elrich administration’s critical focus areasare to improve access to capital, access to information andaccess to procurement.

Mr. Shetty spoke about the updates in the process of procurement. A business interested in a solicitation cannow view a paragraph summary as well as what is typicallyan 8 - 10 page scope of work to determine whether todownload the full solicitation. Daniel Koroma and hisdepartment now holds monthly procurement open housesto engage businesses and answer questions.

County Executive Elrich sent the CountyCouncil a preference program legislation(Bill 25-19, Contracts and Procurement– Local Business Preference Program).The bill would provide a 10% pricepreference in evaluating a bid or proposal from a local business on a contract awarded by the County.

This legislation will give local businesses an advantagewhen competing with other businesses for County contracts. The team also discussed the 4Business ClimateSurvey put together by Elrich and Council Vice PresidentSidney Katz, and encouraged everyone to take the surveyby visiting the website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

dps/business/4Business.html

Montgomery County Business Portal:www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz

The pizza and wings lunch was sponsored byLittle Caesars Wheaton and Griswold HomeCare Aspen-Hill-Montgomery.

The venue was the Crossway Community Center3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895(301-929-2505)www.Crossway-Community.org

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September 25 Lunch – The County’s Growing EconomyContinued from page 1

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and by the Wheaton

2567 Ennalls Avenue301-933-4590 • LittleCaesars.com

www.GriswoldHomeCare.com/

Aspen-Hill-Wheaton

Sponsored by

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If just attending without a food gift – suggested donation of $15, please.301-946-7700 or email Conor Duncan with any questions: CDuncan@KensingtonSL.com

Wheaton & KensingtonChamber of Commerce

is partnering with

Kensington Park Senior Livingand several other organizations for a

FriendsGiving Networking EventCelebrate the Season of Gratitude

Share the gift of food and begin the season of giving!

In conjunction with the season of friends-giving, non-perishables will be collected to donate to Mid-County United Ministries (MUM) and support those who are in need.

Thursday, November 21, 2019from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

atKensington Park Senior Living

3620 Littledale Road, Kensington, MD 20895301-946-7700

KensingtonParkSeniorLiving.com

Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commercethe voice for YOUR business!

WK Chamber of Commerce2401 Blueridge Ave, Suite 101Wheaton, Maryland 20902

email: wkchamber@wkchamber.orgcall: 301-949-0080

www.wkchamber.org

Let your

generous

contribution

help with the

goal of 3000

pounds of

food!

FRIENDSGIVING PARTNERS 2019

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View video of the event at fasmarketplace.com/news.html

October 30 Why Local Community Networking LunchContinued from page 1

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11319 Elkin StreetWheaton, MD 20902

240-558-3263FAsMarketplace.com

NothingBundtCakes.com

September 22 – Third Annual Wheaton Arts Parade and FestivalThe Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival celebratesWheaton’s artistic and cultural diversity and its designationas an Arts & Entertainment District. Artists, marchingbands, dance companies, floats and more joined the paradeup Georgia Avenue in Wheaton on September 22.

The parade started at 10 am, and the Festival continueduntil 5 pm, with entertainment and different acts includinglocal performers, writers, students and artists.

There was food from local restaurants on Fern Street andVeterans Park at Reedie Drive near the Wheaton Metro.

Organizing and planning has already begun for the 2020Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival. There are plenty ofopportunities for volunteers to get involved.

Visit the website: WheatonArtsParade.org

LedoPizza.com

IHOPWheaton.com

Sponsored by

Cost is $15 in advance or online pay / or $20 at the door

Register/Pay online at wkchamber.org/events/mixers-networking-events

~ Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toy Drive ~Ideas: Soccer balls, board games, arts & crafts materials, gifts for babies, gifts for teens

Pick up a Drop-off Box for Toys to place at your business

Celebrate the season and join us for the Kick-off of the 21st annual ANGELS FOR CHILDREN Holiday Toy Drive.

www.wkchamber.org

Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door $5.00

of eachentrance ticket will bedonated

to the

Toy Drive!

Payment by: ❏ Check Total Amount $ __________ for ______ ReservationsPayment by: ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ AmericanExpress

Account #: ___ ___ ___ ___–___ ___ ___ ___–___ ___ ___ ___–___ ___ ___ ___

Expiration Date: ___ ___–___ ___ Name on Card: ___________________________

Sed Code: ________ Signature: _________________________________________Address Card is Issued to:______________________________________________

________________________________________(Company Name)

________________________________________(Phone Number)

________________________________________(e-mail address)

Send payment to:Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce2401 Blueridge Ave, Suite 101Wheaton, MD 20902

________________________________________(Attendee)

________________________________________(Attendee)

________________________________________(Attendee)

Wheaton& KensingtonChamber of Commercethe voice forYOUR business!

www.wkchamber.orgFor registration informationcall: 301-949-0080fax: 301-949-0081email: wkchamber@wkchamber.org

www.MHPartners.org

LosChorrosRestaurant.com

Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce

invites you to a

Holiday Mixeron

Wednesday, December 4, 2019from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

at

LOS CHORROS RESTAURANT2420 Blueridge Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902 (301-933-1066)

~ Warm appetizers will be served ~ Cash Bar ~Sponsored by Montgomery Housing Partnership

Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of CommercethevoiceforYOUR business!

Postage

website: www.wkchamber.orgwww.Facebook.com/WheatonKensingtonCCe-mail: wkchamber@wkchamber.org

A pdf of this newsletter will be posted online.

301-949-0080

2401 Blueridge Ave, Suite 101Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Run an ad inthe VOICE

Business Card-Size

Ad is just $45*

or Insert a Flyer for

only $100*

*Member rates

The Gift Greener ChallengeThis holiday season, there are many cool ways to giftoutside the box: gift greener; buy and give local; giveexperiences; reduce, reuse, recycle; and give back to the community we share.

The County Department of Environmental Protectionand partners would like to encourage giving – in uniqueand meaningful ways, to create deeper connections withloved ones; minimize the environmental impact of gifts;and support local businesses and organizations.

Shop at locally-based small businesses; promote givingof environmentally-friendly gifts; give to local charitableorganizations; and of course, buy recycled and recycleeverything that can be recycled in the County.

Looking for the perfect way to show you care? #GiftGreener by giving back, by making a donation to a cause of your choice in someone’s honor, or donate your time by volunteering. Find great gift ideasand give – and gift differently this year!

Learn more at the “Gift Green” website MontgomeryCountymd.gov/DEP/gift-greener.html