january– february 2015 keeping your...
TRANSCRIPT
January – February 2015 www.wkchamber.org
2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101Wheaton, Maryland 20902phone: 301-949-0080e-mail: [email protected]
Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commerce the
voice
The season was celebrated with a feast of Mexican andSalvadoran dishes, including quesadillas, pupusas, guacamole,and sopapillas for dessert. The Chamber Holiday Mixer washeld on December 3 at Los Chorros Restaurant in Wheaton.
The Mixer attendees gathered around the large bar area, aswell as near where the food was served. Everyone brought anew unwrapped toy (or gave a monetary donation) to helpkick off the 16th Annual Angels for Children Holiday ToyDrive. There were plenty of stuffed animals, soccer balls, andarts & crafts materials, as well as gifts for teens and babies.
MIx
er p
hoto
s cou
rtesy
of V
icky
Sur
les
Chamber Holiday Season MixerReturns to Los Chorros Restaurant
Continued on page 3
Whether you have a retail shop, provide a specialized service,work business-to-business, or have a nonprofit in need outof outreach, you need to keep your business relevant!
The November 19 Breakfast Mixer featured respected veteran speaker Casey Willson (Manager, Main Street and
Sustainability Programs of America’s SBDC Small BusinessDevelopment Center, University of MD). Casey offeredinsights on what is impacting customer behavior; how bricksand mortar and outward facing communication effects customers’ decision-making and brand perception.
Also Devala Janardan and Dan Thompson of the WheatonUrban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC) discussed
Mixe
r pho
tos c
ourte
sy o
f Vic
ky S
urle
s
Keeping Your Business Relevant inan Ever-Changing Market
Continued on page 4
Executive CommitteePR E S I D E N T
William Moore, IHOP 301-942-2323
VI C E-PR E S I D E N T
Tavarious Butts, BB&T Bank 301-929-2005
SE CO N D VI C E-PR E S I D E N T
James Onder, Onder CommunicationsGroup 301-367-7023
SE C R E TA RY
Kristen Wright, CornerstoneMontgomery, Inc. 240-650-8398
TR E A S U R E R
Harold Weinberg, Miles Realty 301-933-6161
SE R G E A N T-AT-AR M S
Kenneth Nelson, Mont. Coll. WorkforceDevelopment & Cont. Ed. 240-328-4747
IM M E D I AT E PA S T-PR E S I D E N T
Kathleen Guinan, Crossway Community301-929-2505
DirectorsOmar Lazo, Los Chorros Restaurant301-455-3037
Paul Nowacek, Lafayette Federal CreditUnion 703-639-1813
Laura-Leigh Palmer, a.s.a.p. graphics301-942-1121
Ellen Riger, EllenOriginals 301-946-7141
Paul Sexton, Edward Jones 301-933-6753
George Sydnor, Fitzgerald Auto MallWheaton 301-933-7400
Tim Wiens, Jubilee Association ofMaryland 301-949-8628 x105
Ex-Officio DirectorsPete McGinnity, Montg. Co. Dept. ofGeneral Services, Office of Planning &Development 240-777-6016
Ana Lopez van Balen, Mid-CountyServices Center 240-777-8101
Administrator & Newsletter EditorVicky Surles 301-949-0080
Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commerce Warner Circle • Kensington Cabin • Noyes Library
Saturday, January 31, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pmatSt. Paul’s United Methodist Church10401 Armory AvenueKensington, MD 20895
The Maryland-National Capital Park andPlanning Commission is working withKensington citizens to activate andenhance three of the community’s historic buildings.
You are invited to help identify potential:- Art and educational programs- Partnerships and funding opportunities- Collaborative endeavors across the
three sites
Draft Schedule:9:00 am – 9:30 am:Welcome & Introductions
9:30 am – 10:00 am:Historical Background
10:00 am – 1:00 pm:Brainstorming
Morning Session:Partnerships & ProgramsAfternoon Session:Building-Specific Ideas
Light refreshments and snacks will beprovided throughout the day
Please RSVP [email protected]
Visit website atwww.ParksCulturalResources.org
Kensington Historic Buildings Workshop
Phot
os c
ourte
sy o
f Par
ks C
ultu
ral R
esou
rces
.
2
Steve Sobolewski of the WheatonVolunteer Rescue Squad recountedthe story of how he was there whenthe Angels for Children Toy Drive originated, and toldwhat is involved in keeping up the spirit each season.
$5 of each ticket was donated to the Toy Drive. TheMixer was sponsored by Montgomery Housing. Specialthanks go to Lesia Bullock, Jill Goodrich and Eva Dillonof MHP. And thank yous go to our Door Prize donorsIHOP and Los Chorros for Dinner Gift Certificates.
Los Chorros Restaurant • 301-933-10662420 Blueridge Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902www.LosChorrosRestaurant.com
TH A N K YO U T O TH ES E ME M B ER RE N EWA L S!
AccountantsGino Marinucci, CPA, PCTony Marinucci, [email protected]
Arts OrganizationsThe British PlayersFor information, check website301-838-0042information@britishplayers.orgwww.BritishPlayers.org
Banks/Financial InstitutionsBB&T BankTavarious [email protected]
Barber SchoolAcademy of Professional
Barbers/StylistsTrudie [email protected]
Employment Services/WorkforceMontgomery College
Workforce DevelopmentKenneth Nelson240-567-5695kenneth.nelson@montgomerycollege.eduwww.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce
Event PlanningThe Party Rescue TeamEmma Williams301-717-6140info@thePartyRescueTeam.comwww.ThePartyRescueTeam.com
Framing/Art GalleryArtistic Gallery & FramingHassan Lolavar301-929-8988ArtisticFramingGallery@gmail.comwww.ArtisticCustomFramingandGallery.com
Music & Audio SystemsWashington Professional
SystemsBrett Schneider, [email protected]
Musical InstrumentsChuck Levin’s Washington
Music CenterAlan [email protected]
Police DepartmentMont. County Police - 4th DistrictCommander Laura Lanham240-773-5500Laura.Lanham@montgomery
countymd.govwww.mymcpnews.com/districts/
fourth-district
Real Estate DevelopmentWashington Property CompanyEvan [email protected]
RestaurantsChina Gourmet RestaurantSteve [email protected]
IHOP International House of Pancakes
William [email protected]
Warehouse ClubWheaton Costco WholesaleDebbie [email protected]
TH A N K Y O U T O O U R N E W M E M B E R !
Accounting & Tax ServicesZP Tax, Inc.Carlos Perozo11208-A Grandview AvenueWheaton, MD [email protected]
BookstoresKensington Row BookshopEli Sola-Sole3786 Howard AvenueKensington, MD 20895301-949-9416Kensington.Books@verizon.netwww.KensingtonRowBookshop.com
MIx
er p
hoto
s cou
rtesy
of V
icky
Sur
les
3
Holiday Mixer at Los ChorrosContinued from page 1
www.mhpartners.org
Every Small Business is UniqueCompeting with the Big BoysDon’t compete; differentiate!✔ What is your business?✔ What need does it fill?✔ Who is the customer?✔ Why is it special?✔ Why is it better than the competition?✔ How is that communicated?
An E-Myth Question:✔ Does the business I have [in mind] alleviate a frustration
experienced by a large enough group of consumers tomake it worth my while?
It’s Still All About the Customer!!✔ Demographic✔ Behavior Method✔ Local vs Out of Market✔ Value Orientation✔ Sustainability Interest✔ Digital Sophistication ✔ Market to Millennials
Amazing Mobile Marketing Statistics:✔ It takes 90 minutes for the average person to respond to
an email. It takes 90 seconds person to respond to a textmessage. (Source: CTIA.org)
✔ 70% of all mobile searches result in action within 1 hour.(Source: Mobile Marketer)
✔ Mobile coupons get 10 times the redemption rate of traditional coupons. (Source: Borrell Associates)
✔ 91% have their mobile device within reach 24/7.(Source: Morgan Stanley)
Marketing THE NEW WAYPurposeful brands ❋ Local (and Global)Personalized ❋ On demandPeople share/make ❋ Empowered people
SBDC ❋ One-on-One Counseling ❋ 301-403-05017100 Baltimore Ave, Suite 400, College Park, MD 20740
[email protected] ❋ www.mdsbdc.umd.edu
4
opportunities and ways that business and property ownerscan make improvements that can attract customers andenhance the community. They gave information aboutcounty programs and community development organizations
that can assist in making your retail business more appealingto customers while saving you money and helping to saveour environment. For more details, visit the websitewww.WheatonMD.org/Beautification.
The breakfast at Panera Bread in Westfield Wheaton Mall wassponsored by Griswold Home Care, Aspen Hill-Wheaton,whose owner, Mirza Donegan is a member of WUDAC.
What has 2014 Taught Us? What Does2015 Hold in Store for Us?2013 and 2014 were dramatic years forsmall businesses and their customers.Changes in the economy, new productsand services, the accelerating impact ofe-commerce, volatile cost of goods and services, and rapidlyevolving technology have all impacted the interaction ofbusinesses and their customers.
What is Business?“CREATING A CUSTOMER!!!” – Peter Drucker
Market hit three highs the week of September 23, 2014This is the highest weekly average found since the weekending June 30 of 2013, and continues the upward trend inconfidence that began in late September.
Spending was up 35% ($65 to $89) November 3, 2014.
Trends in 2014:✔ Thriftiness is the new high.✔ Customers are more prepared.✔ Store as a showroom for online retailers.✔ Generational divides within the labor force.✔ Customers are coming in with blinders on.✔ Amazon. The world of GAFA.✔ Stalking customers through Big Data.✔ Products will find their way to customers in
unconventional places.
November 19 Mixer – Keeping Your Business Relevant in a Changing MarketContinued from page 1
Mixe
r pho
tos c
ourte
sy o
f Vic
ky S
urle
s
www.GriswoldHomeCare.com/Aspen-Hill-Wheaton
301-330-7646
Sponsored by:
6
Lesia Bullock, Communications & Volunteer Manager of MHP andJaime Selvin, Toy Drive coordinator, orchestrated the volunteeractivities, toy box pickups, wrapping sessions, and delivery.
We had 4 volunteer Santas this year, 4 Mrs. Claus, and 3 elves, and finished in record time by 8:30 pm. We recruited over 100 volunteers during the three weeks between December 4 andDecember 23 to help with the collection, wrapping, sorting anddelivery of 1,200 – 1,500 gifts.
Special thanks to the many MHP volunteers and the WV RescueSquad for the ongoing support during the holidays.
Volunteers made the 2014 Angels For Children Toy Drive SuccessfulThe Wheaton Volunteer RescueSquad, Montgomery HousingPartnership (MHP), and the WK
Chamber offer thanks for your supportduring the16th Annual Angels forChildren Toy Drive.
Generous donations of toys are deliveredto local children for Christmas by Santa
and his helpers. The Angels for Children Toy Drive has provided toys for the less fortunate children in the Wheaton
area for the past 15 years.
Holiday On Duty 2014 Campaign – the Donations Really Help!The Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce provides meals for area Public Safety Personnel through theHoliday On Duty Fund during the Thanksgiving, Christmas,and (depending if there are enough donations) New YearHolidays.
During these times, most eating establishments are closed inthe area. Many public safety men and women are handlingemergencies and find it difficult to locate restaurants open for meals while on duty. For most of us, this is a holiday, butfor the Public Safety personnel, it is their duty.
This is the 16th year the Chamber has sponsored this worthyproject, and contributions from our business and residentialCommunities are key, says chairperson Ellen Riger. The localfirst responders are Montgomery County Police stationed inthis area, the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad, and theKensington Volunteer Fire Department.
The Chamber urges everyone to donate to this program forthose who work to protect us, while we are celebrating theholidays with family and friends. For more information,contact Ellen Riger, Holiday on Duty Chair at 301-318-7103.
Ted Emerson of Beltway Visa and Passport
Fitzgerald Auto Mall*Greenhill Realty Company***Neil B. Johnson, Attorney at Law*Kindness Animal Hospital – Patients
and Staff*
Omar Lazo of Los Chorros Restaurant*Jack Marshall & Vicky SurlesLynn Murphy of Fitzgerald Auto Mall*Murphy Modifications LLC*Sherwood Associates***George Sydnor of Fitzgerald Auto Mall*Kathleen Thompson*
United Methodist Women – Hughes United Methodist Church**
Larry White
* Donation of $100 or more** Donation of $200 or more*** Donation of $500 or more
Contributors to Holiday On Duty this year:
Ange
ls ac
tiviti
es p
hoto
s cou
rtesy
of M
HP, W
VRS
and
volu
ntee
rs.
Cont. on page 8
Kensington - WheatonBusiness Networking Reception
Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of Commerce
www.wkchamber.org301-949-0080
and
are partnering for a
Meet Kensington Mayor Pete Fosselman and members of the TownCouncil, the Kensington Business District Association, the KensingtonMerchant’s Association, and members of the Board of Directors of theWheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce.
Also meet with several state and local elected officials, MontgomeryCounty Police and Rescue and Mid-County Regional Services.
~ Free event ~ Appetizers and Drinks served ~
~ Mix & Network with Other Businesses ~
Bring a Friend, or another Business Associate!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
at the
Kensington Town Hall3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD 20895
• TOWN OF •
KENSINGTONWheaton & KensingtonChamber of Commerce
• TOWN OF •KENSINGTON
www.tok.md.gov301-949-2424
Wheaton&KensingtonChamber of CommercethevoiceforYOUR business!
Postage
www.facebook.com/WheatonKensingtonCCe-mail: [email protected]: www.wkchamber.org
301-949-0080
2401 Blueridge Ave, Suite 101Wheaton, Maryland 20902
Academy of Professional Barbers/StylistsAcorn Self Storage - Kiutza AndradeBB&T BankBianca Christensen Hair SalonDiane Coury*Ted Emerson of Beltway Visa
and PassportFilippo’s Italian Specialties
(was Marchones)Flora Singer Elementary SchoolGreen Acres SchoolHardware City*Hollywood East CaféInternational House of PancakesKensington Volunteer Fire DeptKindness Animal HospitalJudith Lapping* & AmeriCorps
Volunteer GroupThe Limerick Pub
Little Bitts ShopLos Chorros RestaurantJack Marshall & Vicky SurlesMontgomery Art Association MAA GalleryMontgomery Housing Partnership - especially
Lesia Bullock, Jaime Selvin, Rob Goldman
Moore Hospitality - William Moore of IHOP**Laura-Leigh PalmerSignal Financial Credit UnionSherwood Associates – Nancy Sherwood***Sligo Middle SchoolSpeedy Signs
Vista Management – Barry Wertleib*
Wheaton Animal Hospital
Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce
Wheaton Studio of Dance
Wheaton VolunteerRescue Squad –
especially Deputy Chief Steve Sobolewski
Another Successful Angels For Children Toy Drive for 2014!Continued from page 6 Special Thanks to these Individuals and organizations who donated money, gift cards, wrapped or distributed toys, or placed donation boxes at their businesses:
* Donation of $100 or more** Donation of $200 or more***Donation of $500 or more
Ange
ls gr
oup
phot
o co
urte
sy o
f Ada
m S
t. Jo
hn, W
V Re
scue
Squ
ad