Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

The Chamber of Commerce is engaged on many fronts representing business interests, supporting a strong, vibrant and growing economy, promoting diversity, supporting excellence in education, and expanding member services. Much of this work is done by volunteer Chamber members who participate on the many committees and taskforces the Chamber has in place to address such important issues.

Member involvement is a good way to learn more about your community and help the Chamber effectively promote and support a dynamic business climate in the region. It is also a good way for members to build rich and rewarding long-term relationships in the business community.

Following is an overview of the Chamber of Commerce’s committees

Economic Development
A dynamic committee with a very successful history of promoting economic development, assuring a strong and balanced tax-base in the region, and promoting sustained and planned economic growth. Over the years, this committee has lead the way in creating the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Leadership Anne Arundel, and the annual VIP Tour of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

This committee meets monthly and the  committee members are often the first to know of new economic development and growth initiatives occurring in the region, listen to presentations given by the areas top business leaders, and serve in delegations who reach out to potential businesses considering relocation to the region and welcoming new businesses into the area.

Government Matters
This is a fully engaged committee that takes proactive stances on state, county and city legislation that impact regional businesses and the economy. Each year, this committee drafts the Chamber’s legislative priorities, reviews pending legislation and regulatory initiatives, lobbies on behalf of business interests, and seeks solutions for some of the most pressing issues facing businesses in the region. Such issues include the rising cost of healthcare, public infrastructure, land-use and development, the environment, and taxes/fees.

Highly respected for its thoroughness and pragmatic approach to solving problems, this committee has earned the respect and admiration of elected and appointed officials at all levels of Government, and is continually contacted by legislators for input on pending and proposed legislation impacting the business community and the regional economy.

Education
This committee in renowned throughout the regional for its leadership role supporting excellence in education, preparing our youth for entry in the workforce, and career exposure opportunities for students contemplating career choices after graduation. Strategically partnered with the area’s public school system, this committee provides valuable insight and support for initiatives that promote a quality education for our youth, promote teacher retention, and enhanced learning experiences for students inside and outside the classroom.

Membership
This committee seeks to broaden the membership of the Chamber of Commerce and provide businesses who are not members the opportunity to explore the benefits of membership. Each year the strategic membership plan for the Chamber is updated, member services are reviewed, and best practices are sought from among other chambers across the nation in an effort to continually improve upon member benefits and services. Annually, a membership campaign is conducted by the committee to bring new members to the Chamber.

Ambassadors
Ambassadors are chamber members who volunteer to be representatives of the Chamber to their fellow members. They provide a number of important functions that include welcoming new members into the Chamber, providing a point of contact for current members, and responding to member questions on how best to utilize and access the many benefits of Chamber membership. As representatives of the Chamber, Ambassadors also have the opportunity to gain greater exposure for their own business among their fellow Chamber members.

Programming
This committee is actually an assortment of subcommittees that plan and execute the many programs and events conducted by the Chamber throughout the year. Volunteers on these subcommittees perform a vital role in assuring the success of the Chamber’s programming. They also have the opportunity to experience leadership responsibilities while planning and implementing the many member and community wide program and events conducted by the Chamber each year.

Environmental
The Environmental committee is committed to promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among Chamber members.  It identifies environmental concerns in the business community and closely monitors pending legislation on environmental issues.  The committee sponsors the annual Chamber of Commerce Environmental Awareness Award and, jointly with the Recycling Division of Anne Arundel County, co-sponsors an annual Recycling Awareness Award.