2024 Howard County Executive’s Small Business Summit

Maryland Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive., Columbia, MD, United States

Thursday, May 2, 2024 7:15 AM - 12:30 PM EST Maryland Innovation Center 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, MD 21046 Space is limited - reserve your seat today Hosted by: - Calvin Ball County Executive - Howard County Economic Development Authority - Howard County Chamber - Central Maryland Chamber The 2024 County Executive’s Small Business Conference is a multi-faceted, half-day program focusing on issues relevant to small businesses looking to grow and expand their operations. Conference attendees will gain valuable knowledge, insight, and practical tips on the benefits and challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Other topics include business growth and expansion strategies, reputation management in the age of social media, and business succession planning. Proposed Timeline of Events 7:15 – 8:00 am: Registration, Breakfast, Networking, and Exhibit-Resource 8:00 am – 9:30 am: Opening Remarks with Local and State Dignitaries 9:45 am – 11:45 am : Breakout Groups / Resource Expo (50-minute sessions with 10-minute transitions) Event Cancellation Policy

$25

Navigating Growth in Challenging Times

Central Maryland Chamber Conference Room 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD, United States

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST Central Maryland Chamber Conference Room 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway Odenton, MD 21113 Growing any business is difficult. Growing a business during time of challenge and uncertainty is even more difficult. This workshop is designed to provide business owners with 10 proven strategies for creating a 5-year growth plan for the business, making the company stronger, and achieving profitable growth.  The seminar will include strategies on pricing, marketing, hiring, process improvement and cost reduction.  Attendees will learn: - The critical steps in creating a 5-year growth plan. - The importance of gross profit margin and pricing appropriately. - The 10 strategies that companies use to navigate uncertain times. - How to create a hiring plan and position the company as an employer of choice. - The next steps that every business can take now towards growth and profitability. Speaker: Doug Howard President and Senior Consultant, Growth Team Strategies Doug Howard is the President and Senior Consultant for Growth Team Strategies. He has been a business consultant since 1989 and has worked with thousands of businesses guiding them on understanding financial statements, navigating growth, improving profitability, lean process improvement and succession planning. Doug has created the Growth Planning Framework, a tool for creating a comprehensive 5-year growth plan. He has been an instructor, having led the small business program at Carroll Community College. He is also regularly a speaker at national events and and written for industry publications. He brings humor and high energy to whatever business topic he is presenting. This event will be held in person for up to 8 attendees in the Central Maryland Chamber Conference room and virtually. Event Cancellation Policy

$15.00

Business Building Networking Luncheon

Crowne Plaza 173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, MD, United States

Monday, June 3, 2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST Crowne Plaza 173 Jennifer Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401

$60.00

June Coffee Catch Up

Maynard Scott Spedden Farmers Agency 8640 Guilford Road, Suite 223, Columbia, MD, United States

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST Maynard Scott Spedden Farmers Agency 8640 Guilford Road Suite 223 Columbia, MD 21046 Join us and catch up over a cup of coffee! Make valuable connections while promoting your business! Sponsorship Opportunities

$20.00

Central Maryland Classic Golf Tournament

Turf Valley Resort 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD, United States

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST Turf Valley Resort 2700 Turf Valley Road Ellicott City, MD 21042 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Schedule of Events 7:30am: Registration Opens 7:30 - 9:00am: Breakfast, Networking, Raffle Entry, Whiskey Pull & More! 7:45 - 8:45am: Putting Contest 9:00am: Shotgun start 9:00am - ~2:00pm: Have FUN golfing! ~2:00pm: Afternoon Reception including Raffle Prizes, Award Presentation, Buffet, Networking & More! Event Cancellation Policy

$40.00

Your Authentic Brand Voice

Central Maryland Chamber Conference Room 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD, United States

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST Central Maryland Chamber Conference Room 8379 Piney Orchard Parkway Odenton, MD 21113 In the noisy landscape of modern business, finding your authentic voice is not just a branding strategy; it’s the cornerstone of building meaningful connections with your audience. Join Patrick Lee in a conversation exploring the concept of your authentic voice as a process that defines, communicates, executes and maintains a business’s authentic approach, value, and differentiators.  Speaker: Patrick Lee Chesapeake Think Tank This event will be held in person for up to 8 attendees in the Central Maryland Chamber Conference room and virtually. Event Cancellation Policy

$15.00

Ribbon Cutting: Plan it to the T LLC

Grey Rock Mansion 400 Grey Rock Road, Pikesville, MD, United States

Monday, July 1, 2024 2:30 PM EST Plan it to the T LLC Grey Rock Mansion 400 Grey Rock Rd Pikesville, MD 21208 Join us in celebrating Plan it to the T’s Ribbon Cutting. • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Witness the official opening and be part of this exciting moment. • Light Refreshments: Enjoy a specially assortment of small bites! • Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders, local businesses, and other guests. • Tour of the Venue: Explore our new space and envision hosting your future events, dinners, and brunches with us.

Ribbon Cutting: Ruth’s Chris Steak House Odenton

Ruth's Chris Steak House 1110 Town Center Boulevard, Odenton, MD, United States

Join us in celebrating Ruth's Chris’ Ribbon Cutting. • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! • Light Refreshments: Enjoy a specially assortment of small bites! • Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders, local businesses, and other guests. - NETWORKING NIGHTS & BITES - CMC'S NETWORKING AFTER HOURS  • Tour of the Venue: Explore the space and envision hosting your future events, dinners, and brunches!

Ribbon Cutting: PerfectSpin 360

House of Comedy and Jazz 9430 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD, United States

Join us in celebrating PerfectSpin 360's Ribbon Cutting at the House of Comedy & Jazz. • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! • Light Refreshments: Enjoy a specially assortment of small bites! • Networking Opportunities: Connect with community leaders, local businesses, and other guests. - NETWORKING NIGHTS & BITES - CMC'S NETWORKING AFTER HOURS 

Multi-Chamber Power Connections Networking Breakfast

Maritime Conference Center 692 Maritime Boulevard Building 2, Linthicum Heights, United States

Please join us for the Multi-Chamber -  Power Connections Networking Breakfast. Make valuable connections while enjoying a delicious breakfast and fun door prizes. This is the largest speed-networking event of the year! Participating Chambers: Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce The Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce Howard County Chamber of Commerce Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Southern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce AACO Chamber of Commerce

$55.00