A Message From Our President & CEO, Allie Williams

“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.”
-  George Bernard Shaw

​As we enter our 95th year of service to the business community, the leadership and staff of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce take Mr. Shaw’s words to heart.  Our responsibility and future is NOW.  We have advocated for the Bethesda region during times of growth, recession, war, and change. We continue to advocate for business by providing a strong voice of clarity through the uncertainties and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve been a helping hand, a (virtual) shoulder to cry on, and an encourager, while providing clarity about the confusing maze of resources designed to help sustain businesses.

This past year has seen the Chamber take a position on a number of important issues not only to business but those that affect the quality of life in our communities.  We have celebrated milestone anniversaries of community events like Bethesda turning 150. We watched growth that not only celebrates the way people live, but the environment with designed green growth and smart development. We are planning for the future of the Greater Bethesda Chamber through an intensive and comprehensive Strategic Plan to be rolled out later this summer. 
 
We are transitioning to recovery and rebuilding, and we’re focusing on helping businesses meet the challenges they face, whether financial, managerial, regulatory, or otherwise. I just know that the Greater Bethesda region will overcome; we will ultimately thrive.
 
As we prepare for the future by learning about the past, we will share our history with you throughout the year and encourage all of you to learn with us, engage with us, and advance with us.  Together, we are building a Greater Bethesda.