President's Report

​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. ​

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We discussed great successes and huge challenges but more than anything, the enormous pivot from a several months long, full shut down to efforts from the dedicated team to safely open and create an environment for sales and service to thrive.  The showroom is amazing.  Visit Jim and his team soon.
 
Beth Cox, the passionate and long-time veteran of Tastee Diner greeted me at the front door with a warm smile and steaming hot cup of delicious coffee.  We discussed relief efforts, some of the incredible folks who have made the diner an institution, local politics, and a few issues related to pressing needs like parking, increasing the capacity to serve, and working with local officials on the dire need for additional hours of operations.  We are continuing our discussions and the Chamber is assisting any way we can, not only for Beth, but for all restaurants in the Greater Bethesda region.
 
Last Friday, at the invitation from Chamber Board Member, Monique Sanfuentes, I had the amazing opportunity to return to a building I had first been to in the mid-1960’s.  Actually, the building where I was born.  Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Naturally, I don’t remember my first visit there, but will never forget this one.  I had the unique opportunity to tour the Vaccine Clinic and see the new, north wing of the facility.  What a well-oiled-machine.  Monique, Administrative Director, Community Affairs, introduced me to LeighAnn Sidone, interim President and VP Chief Nursing Officer and my tour guide Cindy Notobartolo, Administrative Director ED/Trauma, Safety, Security and Employee Health Services.  The flow of individuals safely entering, registering, and going through the full process of receiving the shot was nothing shy of spectacular.  The clinic started administering shots to the hospital employees on December 15th and on January 28th, the clinic opened to the public.  To date, more than 21,000 have received their first dose of the vaccine and 13,000 plus have been fully inoculated. We spoke with some of the devoted staff, many of whom volunteer time during days and evenings off to put a smile on the faces of our senior community members, teachers and other essential workers in the current phase.  It was 90-minutes that I am so dearly grateful for, and the team at Suburban Hospital swaddled me in and made me feel just as comfortable as they made me feel 50+ years ago.

Please click on the links below to see the latest on the great work they are doing for all of us.
COVID information:  Suburban Hospital:  General vaccine information:  Maryland vaccine information: