Guest Blog by Ellen Coren, President & CEO of Chesapeake Public Strategies

​Successful public policy efforts call for sincere engagement with community residents and civic leaders.  Whether for a development project or a legislative issue, effective outreach campaigns establish meaningful dialogue, stakeholder agreement and active support.  A successful civic engagement strategy will help you ascend the Community Engagement Ladder. 
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​One of the most rewarding benefits of my position is getting out and meeting with our community leaders.  During this unprecedented year of uncertainty related to the global pandemic, we are all hindered with being able to safely and carefully do so.
 
In the past few weeks, I have been fortunate to visit a few of our leaders and learn more about the impacts of effective operations.  

I had a terrific meeting with Jim Willard, General Manager of Euro Motorcars Bethesda. ​

During February, I realized that inspiration comes in many forms.  On a national level, vaccines are rolling out and slowly but surely, we will all have our turn at the shot.  Here at home, the Chamber’s inspiration has come in the form of Allie Williams.  As you know, Allie officially started as President and CEO on January 1.  In two months, he has increased our membership and is working to make us a bigger and better organization. He is questioning why and how things are done; improving our internal processes and systems and taking to the streets to meet current members and bring on new ones.