OCTOBER 2003 NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2^nd MEETING
Our next meeting will be held on October 2^nd at 8am at the Mt. Airy Fire Hall, Main Street and Watersville Road. You enter the building from the back parking lot. We have a busy agenda and a great deal of items to vote on. We ask that all members make a special effort to attend this very important meeting.
A decision will be made about whether to change the price of our dues for next year. A Membership Drive is being planned for November 6^th and the idea is to offer a reduced fee on 2004 dues to those attending the event.
A decision will also be made on our Association status.
The proposed change, from Tim Barkley (Tim Barkley Law Offices): The Greater Mt. Airy Business Association, Inc., the formal legal name of the Chamber, was formed on March 12, 1992. The Association lost its corporate status in 1999 by failure to file its personal property tax return in 1998. Until this date, no one was aware that there was a problem. This is not uncommon in volunteer organizations – everyone just assumes that "somebody else" is "taking care of things."
Since there is no corporation, and since the Chamber is not a charitable organization, its members could have personal liability for any actions of the Chamber. Lest we start a mass exodus over delinquencies of half a decade ago, however, I suggest a simple solution.
Rather than revive the old organization and change its name, a process requiring two filings with the State and fees of $200 at a minimum (with possible additional penalties), we should simply form a new corporation, with a more apropos name, and proceed. This will allow us to reconsider our By-Laws afresh and to reconstitute the organization in a way more consonant with the demands of business in our growing town. And, it’s one less filing and $50 cheaper.
At our October meeting, we will be bringing this matter to a vote and all viewpoints will be considered.

NETWORKING SUCCESS
Our Business Card Exchange of September 22^nd at the Tim Barkley Law Offices was a great success with many new faces in attendance.
The event was co-sponsored by Drs. Andrea and Andrew Williamson of Chiropractic First and the door prize donated by New Windsor State Bank.
Chuck Rheinsmith of The Gazette was the lucky winner and he received a basket of gourmet coffees and a $50 voucher from The Olive Leaf Cafe.
The hors d’oeuvres, pasta and great desserts were provided by Catering 2 You, the wines came from Mt Airy Liquors and music was provided by local guitarist Brian Litz.

NEW MEMBERS IN SEPTEMBER

We wish to welcome the following members who have joined the Chamber:

PeopleCare, Inc.
301-831-3270
Dr. David Williams & Jesse Logan

Carteret Mortgage
301-831-7681
Scott Simpson

Historical Society of Carroll County
410-848-6494
Barbara Lilly, President

Century Ford/Century Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep
301-829-1440
Joe Degiorgi, Managing Partner

Downtown Business Association (DBA)
301-829-4444
Carol Cahall

The Blossom & Basket Boutique
301-829-8300
Ellie & Rene Bonde

Catering 2 You
240-731-3844
Gayle Plummer Owens

New York J&P Pizza
301-829-2200
Frank Illiano

NOVEMBER 6^th (Pt.1)
At our monthly meeting on November 6^th (8 am at the Fire Hall) the Nominating Committee will report and nominations for next year’s offices will be made. For more information please contact Audrey Stapf of Stapf Crafters Woodworking at 301-831-7339.

NOVEMBER 6^th (Pt.2)
This first Thursday of November is the scheduled date of our Membership Drive & Networking Event.
Details are still being worked out but Century Ford has agreed to host the event.

BUSINESS FAIR
Plans for a Business Fair are underway. Carol Cahall is the Chairman and anyone who is interested in helping with this event, please contact her at The Main Event 301-829-4444.

CHAMBER PINS
If you have purchased a Chamber pin, you can add your company name to your pin for a charge of $3. Anyone who would like to do so, please contact Debbie Harker of Barger-Harker Insurance at 301-831-0223.
Chamber pins are also available to our new members and to anyone who hasn’t yet purchased one. The price is $7 for each pin.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & APPLICATION
Our new Fall 2003 brochure is now available (sponsored by The Gazette). If you would like to suggest that a brochure be sent to a local business that is not yet a member, please contact Audrey Stapf of Stapf Crafters Woodworking at 301-831-7339.