Howard County Chamber of Commerce

06/15/2026

Less than 10 tickets remain! 🚨☕️ Looks like we're not the only ones excited for Young Professionals Network of Howard County's YPN in the Morning at JAM Eateries.

Next week, we're trading inboxes for in-person connections, coffee refills, and conversations that are actually worth having. Join fellow young professionals for a relaxed morning of networking, light bites, fresh coffee, and the kind of community that makes getting out of bed a little easier.

Whether you're looking to grow your network, meet new people, share ideas, or simply start your day with something more exciting than emails and meetings, this is your chance.

🎟️ Fewer than 10 tickets left, and once they're gone, they're gone.

Register now and start your morning the YPN way: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/ypn-in-the-morning-5743

Join HoCo YPN for a relaxed morning mixer at JAM Eateries. Enjoy coffee, light breakfast, and easy conversation while connecting with fellow young professionals and starting your day on a high note.

06/15/2026

Election Day is almost here! 🗳️ If you haven't had a chance to review the candidates for Howard County Executive and County Council, now is the time.

The 's candidate questionnaire features unedited responses from candidates on the issues that matter most to local employers, including economic development, budgeting, regulation, development, and education.

Early voting is underway and runs through Thursday, June 18, with the Primary Election taking place on Tuesday, June 23.

The Chamber does not endorse candidates. Our goal is to provide the business community with the information needed to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

📖 Read the candidate responses: https://www.howardchamber.com/meet-the-2026-howard-county-candidates/

06/12/2026

We’re excited to share a new blog post from President & CEO, Kristi Simon, highlighting the Chamber’s newest Board of Directors members, officially confirmed at our 2026 Annual Meeting!

The post offers a closer look at this impressive group of leaders and the experience they bring across healthcare, law, finance, workforce development, HR, technology, and community engagement. Learn more about who they are and how their leadership will help guide the Chamber’s work as we move forward with our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.

Read the full blog post to get to know our newest Board members: https://www.howardchamber.com/howard-county-chamber-welcomes-new-board-members/

06/12/2026

If there were ever a perfect day for a networking mixer, Tuesday was it! ☀️🌿

We had a wonderful turnout for our Lunchtime Mixer at Historic Waverly Mansion, where guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon under the tent filled with great conversations and new connections. Thank you to everyone who joined us, we loved seeing so many connections made in real time!

A big thank you to our co-hosts at Historic Waverly Mansion and Victoria Gastro Pub for the fantastic setting and delicious catering that helped make the event such a success. And a special shoutout to Joe Does Video for capturing the day so beautifully! 📸

06/11/2026

This is it...the 2026 Howard County Small Business Summit is NEXT WEEK! 🚨

The , in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority and the Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s Office, is bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for a high-energy morning focused on real ideas, real connections, and real strategies you can use immediately.

And there is still time to join us. For a limited time, we're offering a flash sale on registration. Use code 10SUMMIT at checkout to save $10 on your ticket! If you have been considering attending, this is your sign.

This is more than an event. It is a fast-paced, practical, and inspiring morning designed to help you move your business forward with confidence. Whether you are growing, pivoting, or planning ahead, you will gain actionable insights on strengthening relationships, accessing funding, protecting your business, refining your brand, and preparing for long-term success.

Plus, enjoy a complimentary breakfast, great coffee, and meaningful networking with fellow business owners and professionals who understand the realities of running and growing a business today ☕🤝

We are looking forward to seeing you there! Register here: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/2026-howard-county-small-business-summit-5754

06/11/2026

School’s almost out, calendars are filling up, and summer is officially on the horizon...which means our community is heating up! 🌞

As we head into this new season, we're excited to welcome another fantastic group of members to the Chamber. From healthcare and education to fitness, finance, and business development, these organizations bring a wealth of expertise and passion to our community. We can't wait to see the impact they'll make.

Meet our newest members:

🩺 Dr. Douglas McWilliams M.D.: Bringing back the traditional physician-patient relationship, where personalized care and partnership take center stage.

📚 Chelsea School -Hyattsville, Maryland: Providing individualized, college-preparatory education for students with language-based learning differences since 1976.

🍽️ We Sell Restaurants: Maryland’s first franchise owner and Certified Restaurant Broker for the brand, helping buyers and sellers navigate the restaurant industry with confidence.

💪 Strong Pilates Columbia: Delivering a high-energy fitness experience where expert coaching, music, and atmosphere come together for a powerful workout.

🌿 Eclipse Funerals: Building on a trusted legacy to provide compassionate funeral services for all faiths, including green burial options.

📈 R RISE Collective: Supporting individuals and organizations through change, growth, and transition with practical, emotionally informed guidance.

🚨 PuroClean Emergency Restoration: Helping homes and businesses recover from water, fire, storm damage, mold, and other unexpected emergencies.

🎤 Dale Carnegie Training: Empowering individuals and organizations through leadership, communication, and professional development programs that have stood the test of time.

💻 Eniola Techpreneur: Helping professionals build scalable online businesses through automation, social media marketing, coaching, and mentorship.

📊 Marinucci & Associates: Providing personalized financial guidance to help individuals and businesses thrive today while planning for tomorrow.

If this is how we're starting the summer, it's going to be a great season. These new members represent the innovation, expertise, and community spirit that make Howard County such a great place to live and do business.

Want to make this the summer your business grows its network, visibility, and impact? 🚀 Join the and be part of what's next: https://www.howardchamber.com/membership/

06/09/2026

Just ONE WEEK left until the 2026 Howard County Small Business Summit! ⏰ If you've been meaning to register, now's the time. Join the , Howard County Economic Development Authority, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball for a high-impact morning dedicated to helping small businesses grow, adapt, and succeed.

You'll hear from experts and industry leaders on the topics that matter most right now:

🤝 The Connection Code: Unlocking Stronger Relationships in Business
Kashonna Marrow of Simply Kashonna will share how understanding communication styles and personality differences can help you build trust, strengthen connections, and become a more effective leader.

💰 Prep and Secure: The Path to Business Funding
Get insider perspectives from lenders, government agencies, and venture capital experts on how to prepare your business for funding opportunities and access capital with confidence.

🔒 The Cyber Playbook: Outsmarting Threats with Confidence
Learn how to identify risks, strengthen your defenses, and protect your business from today's growing cybersecurity threats.

📖 Your Story is the Strategy
Discover how the story behind your business can become your most powerful marketing tool, helping you stand out, build loyalty, and connect with customers in meaningful ways.

🌟 Next Up! Crafting a Succession Plan That Works
Whether you're planning years ahead or considering your next move, learn how to protect your business, your team, and your legacy through thoughtful succession planning.

And that's not all...your registration includes breakfast, networking with fellow business leaders, the chance to win prizes, and a goody bag to take home!

📅 June 17, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
🔗 Register today: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/2026-howard-county-small-business-summit-5754

Seats are filling up! Don't miss your chance to invest in your business and leave with actionable strategies you can put to work immediately.

06/08/2026

Less than 5 spots left for our lunchtime Networking Mixer tomorrow! If you want to join us, make sure to register now! Get your ticket here: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/lunchtime-networking-mixer-06-09-2026-5753

Not all networking events are created equal! 🌿☀️ Next week, trade your conference room for the beautiful grounds of Historic Waverly Mansion and join us for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community.

This isn't your typical networking event. Enjoy a change of scenery, refreshments from Victoria Gastro Pub, and the opportunity to connect with local professionals in one of Howard County's most stunning historic settings. Whether you're looking to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, or simply step away from your desk for a while, this is the perfect way to spend your lunch hour.

The best business relationships often start with a simple conversation. Come see where yours might lead!

📅 June 9
⏰ 11:00am-1:00pm

Don't miss out. Register today and join us next week: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/lunchtime-networking-mixer-06-09-2026-5753

06/05/2026

Here's to opening doors, building futures, and creating opportunity throughout Howard County! Yesterday, President & CEO Kristi Simon joined Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Opportunity and Economic Mobility Center in Columbia.

This incredible new space is all about connecting residents with opportunities and resources that help individuals and families thrive. By bringing workforce development, housing services, and future childcare resources together in one location, the center will serve as a welcoming hub for support, growth, and success.

From job training and career coaching to homeownership assistance and housing resources, the Opportunity and Economic Mobility Center will help open doors and create pathways for residents across our community.

Congratulations to Howard County and everyone who helped bring this project to life! We are excited to see the lasting impact this center will have and the opportunities it will create for years to come.