May 3 8:00 am Membership Committee Meeting Chamber Boardroom May 9 3:00 pm Expo Committee Meeting Chamber Boardroom May 10 7:30 am Education Committee Meeting Evergreen Heritage CenterMay 15 12:30 pm Leadership Allegany! Annual Planning Meeting Allegany College of MarylandMay 16 8:00 am Economic Devlopment Committee Meeting Chamber Boardroom 5:30 – 7:30 pm “Chamber After Hours” Frostburg State UniversityMay 21 8:00 am Leadership Allegany! Alumni Committee Meeting Chamber Boardroom May 31 Noon Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Boardroom

May Calendar

“Civility costs nothing, and buys everything.” — Mary Wortley MontaguCivility. Synonyms for the word civility include courtesy, politeness, good manners, consideration, respect and politesse. Anto-nyms are disrespect and rudeness. In July 2017 the Allegany County Library System became a chapter of the Choose Civility Initiative that started in Howard County in 2006 and is aptly named “Choose Civility, Allegany County, MD”. The initiative was inspired by the book, Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct, by Johns Hopkins University Professor Dr. P.M. Forni. The Chamber’s Leadership Allegany! Class of 2018 felt so strongly about Choose Civility they made it their class project. A few of the principles of civility include listen, respect other’s opinions, take respon-sibility and assume the best. That sounds easy enough. In a time when the ease and available means of communication are at an all time high, however, there seems to be very little civil communication. Political partisanship, impatience, intolerance and the complete unwillingness to even acknow-ledge other points of view exist seem to be the norm. There are any number of opin-ions of how we got to this point as a society but all that really matters is how we fix it. The basic principles of civility are a good place to start remembering that we don’t always have to agree but we do have to live and work together. If all else fails, try simply not being a jerk. I think most of us can at least do that. Let’s agree to start there and our entire community will benefit as we learn and grow into complete civility together. Kudos to the Allegany County

“Chamber After Hours”Wednesday, May 16, 2018

5:30 to 7:30 pmHosted by:

Frostburg State University

Executive Director

Chamberthe

Library System and the Leader-ship Allegany! Class of 2018.The Legislative Committee held their last weekly meeting of the 2018 Maryland General Assem-bly session on April 11th and hosted the Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast on April 20th. Thank you to Jeremy Irons (Carl Belt, Inc.), Patsy Koontz (Western

Maryland Health System) and the Legislative Committee for their hard work during the session. I would also like to extend gratitude to the Western Maryland Delegation and their staff for their accessibility during the session and throughout the year. The Legisla-tive Committee will meet monthly during the summer months as needed.Thank you to the Allegany Radio Corpora-tion for hosting the April “Chamber After Hours”. The over 100 in attendance enjoyed an evening of networking and great hospitality. It was Jr. and Vicki Couter’s lucky night as Service Unlimited, Inc. was selected as the winner of the $1,000 Network and Win cash drawing! The cash prize now resets to $500 for our next “Chamber After Hours” on Wednesday, May 16th hosted by Frostburg State University. Do not forget to pre-register by Thursday, May 10th.April was a busy month that also included our Outstanding Business Student Awards with the Cumberland Rotary Club, a Maryland Paid Leave Law Seminar and our Second Annual Golf Outing in addition to our regular monthly committee meetings. Thank you to all who participated.The Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2018 Outstanding Business Recognition Awards. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Outstanding Business Recognition Dinner in the fall. Details on the awards and nomination process are available by contacting the Chamber office.Make a difference one starfish at a time.

Stu Czapski Executive Director

August 3, 2018Ali Ghan ShrinePicnic Grounds

6 - 9 pm

CHAMbEr CrAb FEAst

Volume XXXVI No. 5 Bell Tower Building • Cumberland, MD 21502 May 2018

The Allegany County Chamber of Com-merce is seeking nominations for its 2018 Outstanding Business Recognition Awards. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Outstanding Business Recogni-tion Dinner scheduled for the fall. Three awards will be presented – Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and Community Service Award. Criteria are based on the following:Business of the Year – for the business best demonstrating positive economic impact in our community while including significant contributions to the community’s growth and well-being. This business would demon-strate an exceptional level of representing their industry and the local business com-munity as a whole. Benchmarks may be exemplary staying power, sales growth, em-ployee growth, production expansion, signif-icant improvement in financial position, etc. Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – for the individual, founder or team who has demon-

strated the best of community-wide benefits of the entrepreneurial spirit. Benchmarks may be a significant product, service or technology innovation, successfully taking a division in a totally new direction, starting a new product/service line, innovative ways to overcome significant challenges, etc. Community Service Award – for the indi-vidual or organization best demonstrating Chamber members’ involvement in com-munity service. Benchmarks may be demon-strations of regularly going above and beyond their core mission, in order to serve our broader community. Do you know of a business or individual who should be recognized for their accom-plishments? Then please nominate them – this is YOUR chance to recognize business partners, friends, acquaintances or someone you do business with who has not received the recognition they so greatly deserve.Awardees are limited exclusively to Chamber members who are recognized by their peers

Allegany County Chamber of CommerceOutstanding business recognition Dinner

as making exemplary contributions to the community by:1. Contributing to the betterment of the region through community service, leader- ship roles and achievements that benefit the people and the progress of our county. 2. Demonstrating an exemplary model in professional and personal practice. Awardees provide a role model for other business professional and community leaders; hold a greater vision for self and for company ethic that models progress; and raise the standard for professionals locally.Any designated representative of a Chamber member may nominate another Chamber member – self nominations are also accept-able. Nomination packages are available at the Chamber office or on the Chamber website (www.alleganycountychamber.com). The deadline for submitting completed nomination packages to the Chamber office is Friday, June 15th.

PHOTO NAMES:First Row – Left to Right:Kevin Foose, Allegany High SchoolRyan Hipp, Fort Hill High SchoolDerek Rapson, Frostburg State University MBA ProgramJozef Pendorf, Allegany College of Maryland – Business Management

Outstanding business student Awards Held tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Cumberland Country Club

Brandi Morgan, Mountain Ridge High SchoolKrystal Stair, Frostburg State University – Department of Marketing and FinanceRobyn Knestrick-Nolf, Allegany College of Maryland – Business Administration

Back Row – Left to Right:Stu Czapski, Executive Director, Allegany County Chamber of CommerceBrenda Friend, President, Rotary Club of CumberlandBenjamin DeVore, Allegany College of Maryland – Business AdministrationJames Kirk, Frostburg State University – Department of EconomicsJohn Poole, III, Frostburg State University – Department of ManagementZachary Plauger, Calvary Christian AcademyHudson Howard, Frostburg State University – Department of Marketing and Finance Steven Glasbrenner, Frostburg State University – Department of AccountingSean Aurigemma, Frostburg State University – Department of Marketing and Finance Autumn Becker, Education Committee Vice Chair, Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Charles Croft, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Absent when the photo was taken was Eden Li, Bishop Walsh School

Member Profile: Patrice & Associates of Western Maryland P.O. box 186, McHenry, MD 21541 301-798-7350 www.PatriceJobs.com/Jshober

Why Patrice & Associates? As part of a nationwide network of Restaurant and Hospitality Recruiting Offices, they have an immense database of qualified candidates and over 600 jobs to fill at any one time. Patrice and Associates is the recruiting engine that fuels the res-taurant and hospitality industry. They are specialized recruiters for all restaurant and hospitality jobs and have connections that build rewarding careers and grow great brands. They work the entire country with a specific focus on Western Maryland. 

For Their Clients:Contingency Recruiting: You only pay for results not efforts! • Only WBENC certified Hospitality Recruiting Agency • Database access to 400,000+ candidates • Open positions will be featured on their website • Their recruiters deploy a multi- pronged candidate sourcing strategy including Cold Calling competing concepts, Social Media, Networking and Advertising targeted positions 

For Their Candidates:They know your work schedule can be crazy and they make themselves available in your time frame. They understand this is not a 9:00 – 5:00 industry and they work the hours necessary to meet your needs. Their services as a career coach are completely free to you and include: • Access to all open management positions in your area • Free resume critique and re-write • Free coaching in preparation for interviews • Free inside information on companies and interviewers • Access to exclusive positions not advertised

John shober, Franchise Owner301-798-9466Email: Jshober@Patriceand Associates.com

Emily Lilly, territory Manager301-798-9467Email: ELilly@PatriceandAssociates.com

Advanced Mobility, LLC16107 McMullen HighwayCumberland, Maryland 21502 240-362-7307Fax: 240-362-7345 www.advancedmobilityllc.comContact: Aaron Becker, Co-Owner Email: abecker0@gmail.comCategory: Home Medical Equipment Health-Rehabilitation Durable Medical Equipment Orthopedic Rehab AppliancesDescription: Area’s leading provider of orthopedic rehab and home medical equipment

Smart Choice Computer Solutions 42 National HighwayLaVale, Maryland 21502 301-722-0885Fax: 301-722-0887 www.smartchoicepc.com

New Members(patronize these members and welcome them to the Chamber)

Contact: Wayne Snyder, OwnerE-mail: wsnyder@smartchoice.comCategory: Computer Services Computer Products Description: Area leader in computer solution sales and services, in shop, in home or office. PC, Networks and Phone Systems

Staples1230 National HighwayLaVale, Maryland 21502301-729-7840Fax: 301-729-7844 www.staples.comContact: Timothy Fuzie, General Manager E-mail: timothy.fuzie@staples.comCategory: Office Supplies Description: Retail for office supplies, technology and furniture along with a print and marketing department

Thursday, October 11, 2018Allegany College of Maryland

Gymnasium10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Returning for 2018: Extraordinary Sponsorship

Opportunities with benefitsthat extend into 2019

Chance To Be Creative – decorate your booth in the 50’s theme and win great

prizes (attendees will vote)

“Sample” the best Allegany Countyfood vendors have to offer.

The Leadership Allegany! program is accepting applications for the Class of 2019. The program is dedicated to promoting positive change by creating a network of leaders with a clear understanding of the community. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to become acquainted with the processes, programs and challenges that exist in the region. Leadership Allegany! helps participants identify issues and acquire a deeper understanding of the leadership structure within and beyond Mountain Maryland. In a forum of open discussion and interaction, class members gain the knowledge and motivation to effect positive change within the region. Educational programs engineered for class participation and dialogue will cover such topics as Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health Care, Local Government, Social Services, State Government and Arts and Entertainment.

This nine-month program begins with an orientation in September and concludes with graduation ceremonies in June 2019. Leader-ship Allegany! is currently entering its twenty-second year. The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce believes today, more than ever, that our future is tied to strong leadership. The more informed and involved the citizens of a community become the stronger the community. In June the Class of 2018 will hold graduation ceremonies and join the ranks of almost 490 alumni who have completed the program.Are you ready to make a difference in your community and join a network of leaders? Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community. A limited number of partial scholarships are

available to individuals who might not otherwise be able to participate. An application is included in this newsletter and is also available on line at www.alleganycounty chamber.com. If you require additional informa-tion, please contact the Chamber at 301-722-2820.

Leadership Allegany!Accepting Applications for Class of 2019

ChambertheStuart C. Czapski, Executive Director

Allegany County Chamber of Commerce 2018 Officers Chair: Charles L. Croft, Jr. First Vice Chair: scott C. PfeifferSecond Vice Chair: Nicole r. D’AtriImmediate Past Chair: Jeremy G. Irons

Bell Tower Building 24 Frederick Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502 301-722-2820 • 301-722-5995 Fax e-mail: info@alleganycountychamber.comwww.alleganycountychamber.com

The Chamber News is published monthly by theAllegany County Chamber of Commerce

The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Allegany! Rising program recently held graduation ceremo-nies for the twenty-two participants who completed the seven-month program that began with an orientation in September 2017. The inaugural program, modeled after the Chamber’s very successful Leader-ship Allegany! program, is dedicated to providing positive change by creating a network of future leaders committed to impacting their community. The twenty-two participants, all high school juniors, were from Allegany High School, Bishop Walsh School, Calvary Christian Academy, the Center for Career and Technical Education, Fort Hill High School, and Mountain Ridge High School. In a forum of open discussion and inter-action class members gained the knowledge and motivation to effect positive change within the region. Class members covered topics such as healthcare, social services, government, economic development, busi-ness careers and higher education. Participating in the program were:Brynne Adams, Fort Hill High SchoolTrey Bishop, Fort Hill High SchoolEleanor Browne, Center for Career and Technical EducationChance Crislip, Mountain Ridge High SchoolAimee Culler, Mountain Ridge High School

Leadership Allegany! Alumni Committee Update

When members of the Leadership Allegany! Class of 2018 graduate in June they will join the ranks of almost 490 individuals who have graduated from the leadership program. To allow graduates an opportunity to continuenetworking with fellow classmates and interact with other alumni graduates the Alumni Committee was created. On a monthly basis Alumni Committee members meet to develop social, networking and educational programs. To assist future class members the Leader-ship Allegany! Scholarship Fund was created to make the program available to individuals whose financial resources may prohibit or restrict their involvement. Small business owners, non-profit agencies, and interested individuals are the primary target group for the scholarship fund, but funds are available to everyone. To date, 73 individuals have accessed over $29,500 from the scholarship fund from the first Class of 1998 through the current Class of 2018. 15% of the Lead-ership Allegany! alumni have been given an otherwise unavailable opportunity to learn about our region, develop their leadership skills, and make a positive impact in our county and communities through the Schol-arship Fund. The scholarship fund covers up to 50% of the tuition. We hope you will consider contributing to the scholarship fund as we continue to provide educational and leadership opportunities to all members of our region. We extend special thanks to members of the Alumni Association for their contributions, time, and energy in keeping the Leadership Allegany! experience alive and for building opportunities for other leaders.Alumni members are notified of upcoming events by way of e-mail. If you are not receiving emails please contact the Chamber office with your updated information. Stay Involved— Your Leadership Allegany! adventure does not have to end at graduation!

Molly Dawson, Allegany High SchoolMatt DiNola, Bishop Walsh SchoolLibby Dozart, Center for Career and Technical EducationBenjamin Koch, Bishop Walsh SchoolJacob Merrill, Center for Career and Technical Education Madison McKay, Center for Career and Technical Education Alyssa Mullery, Fort Hill High SchoolSheridan O’Donnell, Bishop Walsh SchoolZack Plauger, Calvary Christian AcademyLaurel Plitnik, Mountain Ridge High SchoolChristopher Reed, Allegany High SchoolHannah Reynard, Allegany High SchoolBrooke Riley, Calvary Christian AcademyAnna Saweikis, Calvary Christian AcademyJohn Taube, Allegany High SchoolGrace Trenum, Mountain Ridge High SchoolHaley Viola, Fort Hill High SchoolJoining them for the photo was Leadership Allegany! Rising Chair Autumn Becker (Allegany College of Maryland) and Leader-ship Allegany! Rising Vice Chair Dr. George Brown (Allegany County Board of Education). Leadership Allegany! Rising will begin recruiting participants for the Class of 2019 in the fall. High school juniors inter-ested in participating should contact their school counselors. There is no cost to participate.

Leadership Allegany! Rising Graduates Class of 2018