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For 32 years the Bethesda community, led by Hyatt Regency Bethesda and the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce along with the BCC Rescue Squad, have made a tradition out of celebrating the holidays with those in our community who need a little extra. Unfortunately, the onset of COVID-19 has made that need greater and more urgent than in years past. However, we knew we didn’t want to do the same thing in the name of tradition when the need and resources were more different than ever. Through our connections in the area came… The Solution! A few weeks ago, St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church reached out with a way for us to serve those we serve every December as well as more of those who find themselves food insecure, possibly for the first time because of COVID-19. St. John’s had already aligned with the BCC Rescue Squad as a location for distribution and had partnered with Nourish Now to get food in the hands of those who need it on a weekly basis. Now, instead of a one-time celebration, we have the wonderful opportunity to feed our community every single week. This distribution happens every Friday from 1pm – 3pm and includes the following: THREE hot cooked meals from a local restaurant, dairy products and fresh produce along with non-perishables; enough to keep a family of four fed for about a week! This new endeavor is called Nourishing Bethesda…and the GBCC involvement in the endeavor is called the Goodwill Dinner Coalition.
Your Inclusion!
How can you help? And we NEED you! There are three major ways we need the Bethesda community to continue supporting the Goodwill Dinner Coalition.
THANK YOU in advance for supporting and coming alongside those in the community who need us. Consider it a Christmas in August through February – with so many opportunities to impact the lives around us. - The Goodwill Dinner Coalition
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We are living in challenging times. We've all experienced so much change in such a short amount of time. Covid has upended our lives in a way few of us could have imagined just a short time ago. With this disruption, we seem to all be craving comfort and familiarity. A place I have always found these things is in my favorite neighborhood restaurant. You know the place. You probably have a favorite room. Maybe even a specific table that you prefer. The place feels good as soon as you walk in. It feels even better when your favorite server greets you with a warm smile. The beautiful plate of food looks up at you as you share this moment with your family, your friends, your colleagues. That first bite, that first sip of wine - you remember why you chose this restaurant. It is a part of your life. A familiar part of your routine. It makes you feel, dare I say it, normal. As restaurant dining rooms re-open, we are able to go back to our favorite places in search of comfort and familiarity. Sure, it's not exactly the same just yet, but it's still wonderful. In fact, there are parts that may be even better. Tables are spaced farther apart. Reservations are more spaced out to prevent large groups at the front door. There is even new technology being leveraged to help keep us all safe. In an effort to pass fewer things between people, menus are often being viewed on your own cell phone via QR codes. Dining al fresco is where many guests are choosing. Sharing a meal out on the patio as the sun sets and everyone's face glows in the golden hour makes for great memories (and Instagram photos.) Restaurants are working harder than ever to keep people safe. From even more stringent hand washing standards to face masks and employee temperature checks, restaurants have adapted quickly to ensure their lifeline - guests - continue to frequent their establishments. Your continued health is in a restaurant's best interest. They are going to work to keep you safe. As you make the decision to go back to restaurants, realize that you are in control. If you are uncomfortable, say something. If you don't like a table or the dish that you chose, let the restaurant know. You may have to wait a little longer to get exactly what you want, but you'll be happy. You will get what you came for. You want that and the restaurant wants that for you because that will bring you back again. Even if only briefly, it may even help you feel normal. Guest Blogger: Adam MurphyGeneral Manager, Mon Ami Gabi Bethesda Networking and connecting with businesses in the community remains critically important. The Chamber is working to bring businesses together to continue growing their network – virtually! We’ll be holding Zoom networking events and seminars every week to continue providing the benefits members have come to expect. Check out our calendar for up-to-date information about upcoming programs and events.
Here’s a peak into last Friday’s Networking at Noon conversation: Attendees had a chance to introduce themselves and share what services their businesses are currently offering. The discussion shifted to how to best support one another, as well as how to pivot to be successful and generate income during this time. Some key tips were shared, including:
Two events have been scheduled as a result of this conversation! Join us for: 4/8 @ noon: Top 5 Small and Medium-Sized Business Social Media Tips from IdeaFire Consulting 4/9 @ 4:30 - Virtual Off the Clock + Specialty Cocktail Class with Silver Let us know if you have any tips on how to help support fellow businesses during this time, or if you have an idea for a seminar topic. Restaurants have been greatly impacted by the state-wide business closures. The Chamber is encouraging everyone to help support our local restaurants – by ordering takeout or purchasing gift cards to use in the future! To provide additional support to these members, the Chamber pulled together a meeting on 3/26 with our local restaurants and Andrew Friedson, County Councilmember for District 1, to provide some clarification on new regulations and create a space for conversation about the current situation.
Councilmember Friedson provided an update on the $20 million grant program Montgomery County will be launching. The bill passed on Tuesday and, as an emergency legislation, immediately went into effect. The grant can be applied toward any business operating expenses: payroll, debt, rent, etc. About 98% of businesses in Montgomery County should be eligible for a grant. The county is also launching a program in partnership with Visit Montgomery to provide subsidized hotel rooms for healthcare workers. Hotels can contact Kelly Groff at Visit Montgomery for more information about this program. Councilmember Friedson encouraged anyone with questions to contact his office; they will help direct businesses on accessing other pools of funding at the state and federal level. **Add his social media councilmember.friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov You can also visit our resource page for helpful inks and community updates. Questions from the call: If you get one loan/grant, does it affect your ability to qualify or receive another? No. The county grant program does not limit any other funding or take other funding into account when awarding grants. Is the grant first come first served? Or will certain amounts be earmarked for different industries and businesses? It will most likely be first come first served. There may be some tiering and bucketing, but this has not been finalized. What is the maximum amount a business can receive from the grant program? The maximum amount a business can receive from the county’s program is $75,000 depending on demonstrated need and losses. The limit through the state’s $175 million plan is $10K. In other locations, places are buying back unopened alcohol – for example from people that bought preparing for St. Patrick’s Day. Is Montgomery County considering this? There has been discussion with ABS about buy-backs for unopened liquor. What information can we take back to our furloughed or laid off employees? Expedited unemployment – furloughed employees qualify for unemployment insurance and the wait periods are gone. There also is a 4 month extension on unemployment insurance. SafetyNet programs – $5 million appropriation for healthcare needs, food insecurity, housing/homelessness issues and needs There is a stay on all evictions – commercial and residential - this order is reassessed and extended every 15 days. I’ve been having trouble accessing the Maryland unemployment application… It seems to be a traffic problem – people have suggested accessing the site between 7pm and 7amm when traffic is lower. My business has been harmed but I don’t have the proof yet; it is going to be a delayed loss. What is the criteria going to be for the grant program? The Executive branch is working through it, but the county cannot be in the position to pay for prospective losses. Each business applying for a loan/grant will have unique needs and should consider all possible sources of funding. Councilmember Friedson’s office can help businesses navigate access to different programs. Updated on April 7 While the Governor’s order to close all restaurants as a part of the catastrophic health emergency remains in effect, all restaurants licensed by the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners may sell sealed containers of beer, wine, and liquor (for those with a qualifying liquor license) for off-premises consumption along with a takeout or delivered meal. This permission includes any type of sealed container, including bottles, cans, growlers, crowlers, and takeout cups with lids for off-premises consumption. This permission expires when the emergency order to close restaurants is lifted. Businesses may deliver beer, wine and liquor to Montgomery County addresses along with a meal using their own staff. State law prohibits the delivery of alcohol by a third party, such as Grubhub or Uber Eats. Don’t forget that purchasing gift cards to use when the restaurants re-open is another great way to support local businesses! If you are a member of the Chamber and not included in this list, please contact staff@greaterbethesdachamber.org to get added. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza - (240) 781-6943 Pickup, Curbside Pick Up, and Delivery - Limited Menu MENU The Barking Dog - (301) 654-0022 Pickup and Delivery MENU Bean Bag Catering - (301) 251-4794 Curbside Pickup, Delivery MENU Benihana - (301) 652-5391 Pickup and Delivery MENU Black's Bar & Kitchen - (301) 652-5525 Pickup and Delivery MENU Bradley Food & Beverage - (301) 654 -6966 Pickup & Delivery MENU Brickside Food & Drink - (301) 312-6160 Pickup & Delivery MENU Caddies on Cordell - (301) 215-7730 Pickup, Curbside Pick up, and Delivery Mini Mart with Beer, Wine, Liquor, Cleaning Supplies, etc. MENU Capital Beer & Wine - (301) 656-8855 Store is Open, Option for Delivery WEBSITE Clove & Cedar Coffeebar - (301) 718-9400 Coffee Delivery, Delivery Donation to Local Hospitals WEBSITE Clyde's Chevy Chase - (301) 951-9600 Pickup MENU Cooper's Mill at Pooks Hill Marriott - (301) 897-9400 Delivery MENU Dog Haus Biergarten - (301) 652-4287 Pickup and Delivery MENU HAUS MARKET MENU Fogo de Chao - (301) 841-9200 Pickup and Delivery MENU Georgetown Bagelry - (301) 657-4442 Pickup orders through their Mobile app GTBagel or their website MENU Gusto Farm to Street - (240) 396-6398 Curbside Pickup & Delivery MENU Gringos and Mariachis - (240) 800-4266 Pickup & Delivery MENU Henry's Sweet Retreat - (240) 483-0485 Pickup, Curbside Pickup, and Delivery MENU Matchbox - (240) 465-0500 Pickup and Delivery - Please order online MENU Mon Ami Gabi - (301) 654-1234 Pickup and Delivery MENU Morton's The Steakhouse - (301) 657-2650 Pickup MENU STEAK KIT MENU Not Your Average Joe's - (240) 316-4555 Pickup and Delivery MENU Olazzo - (301) 654-9496 Pickup and Delivery MENU The Original Pancake House Rockville Location: (301) 468-0886 Bethesda Location: (301) 986-0285 Pickup, Curbside Pick Up, Delivery MENU The Red Bandana Bakery - (240) 505-7396 Curbside Pickup and Delivery MENU Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant - (301) 652-1311 Pickup and Delivery MENU Silver - (301) 652-9780 Pickup and Delivery MENU KID'S MENU Stella Barra Pizzeria - (301) 770-8609 Pickup and Delivery MENU Summer House Santa Monica - (301) 881-2381 Pickup and Delivery MENU Tommy Joe's - (301) 654-3801 Pickup and Delivery MENU Urban Plates - (301) 690-9540 Pickup and Delivery MENU West Wings at Pooks Hill Marriott - (301) 897-9400 Delivery MENU We want to provide an update and share with you some changes and recommendations the Chamber has developed in response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We have all received messages from the government, our vendors, the press and fellow businesses about actions we must all take in order to keep from contracting the virus or endangering our employees, customers and others in the community.
Therefore, please note the following: Chamber Operations: Given the directives from Governor Hogan yesterday, and out of concern for the general welfare and safety of our members and the community, the Chamber will be cancelling all monthly committee meetings and events until March 27th at which time we will reassess the current crisis. We are working on developing ways in which our members can continue to network with each other through virtual programs, as well as platforms to provide business and professional development, and will keep you apprised as we move forward with these additional services. Please let us know if you have any recommended programs. Beginning Monday, March 16th, Chamber staff will be working virtually and the office will be closed, but we will be accessible by phone and email. Please feel free to contact any of the staff at the Chamber and let us know how we can help you and your business get through this situation. Resources: Our focus is on promoting the security, safety and continuity of our member businesses, their employees, customers and our community. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has put together two documents regarding the CDC’s recommendations for workplace health and safety. You can also find links to numerous resources for your reference on our blog on the Chamber’s website, which will be updated frequently. Business does not stop and neither will your Chamber of Commerce. We are here to support you, so please let us know how we can help. Most important, as always, we encourage all members to support and do business with each other. A survey will be going out to all members next week regarding how COVID-19 is affecting you and your businesses and we would appreciate your participation. The results will be sent to government leaders so that they have a full picture of the situation and understand how best to continue supporting the business community. Thank you for your continued support during this time. We hope you and your families stay healthy and safe. Business Resources
Financial Resources:
Employer Resources:
Virtual meetings: Consider hosting your meetings virtually using the free version of: CDC (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL)
EEOC EPA FEMA OSHA
Ready.gov WHO
U.S. Chamber
ALL OTHER RESOURCES: We are excited to announce that we are combining the Annual Installation Dinner with the Sapphires & Diamonds Gala to form one signature event: The Annual Installation & Awards Gala. We invite you to celebrate the installation of our new Chair, Anna Behnam (Behnam & Associates, a Financial Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.), and new Board members, as well as honor outstanding members of the greater Bethesda community. Join us for an evening filled with fun and networking on Thursday, June 18, 6-9:30 PM at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda. You can see more details and register here. Awardees will be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to our social media! Check out our current sponsorship opportunities.  The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce participated in Leap of Kindness Day, which was on February 29. As part of our contribution, we kicked off a month long clothing drive for A Wider Circle's Workforce Development Program. Professional clothing and accessories will be collected throughout the month of March. Donations will be collected beginning March 2 until April 2. If you would like to donate, please take a look at the donation guidelines here. Please call ahead to confirm a drop off time. There are two drop off locations: The Greater Bethesda Chamber Office: 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1204, Bethesda Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (301) 652-4900 Behnam & Associates - Ameriprise Financial Services: 6010 Executive Blvd #1000, Rockville Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (301) 284-8800 Whether you want to donate to our clothing drive, or do something for your favorite non-profit or charity, we hope to inspire everyone in our community to do something kind for someone else! You can see a list of our non-profit and charity members here.
Use the hashtag #LeapofKindnessDay and tag us so that we can share your Leap of Kindness! With the first cases of COVID-19 in Maryland being confirmed on March 5, we are monitoring the situation and its possible impact on the business community closely. Currently, the Maryland Department of Health has stated that all programs should continue as usual, and the Chamber will continue holding meetings & events as scheduled. However, we ask that you please stay tuned to our social media, newsletter, and website for any changes.
Per the CDC guidelines, we are encouraging all of our members to please stay at home if they have cold or flu like symptoms. Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
Recommendations from the CDC to prevent illness:
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers. |
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Phone: (301) 652-4900 staff@greaterbethesdachamber.org 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1204 Bethesda, MD 20814 
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