The Towson Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
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| "Individually Distinctive, Collectively Strong!
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| Who We Are! |
| The Towson Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a private, nonprofit
business organization founded in 1964 to plan a program of
action to enhance the Towson Community. We represent more than
250 businesses that are concerned with making Towson a better
place to live, work and visit. One of our key functions is
to serve as a unified voice for Towson businesses, both at
public hearings and as a representative to the other Towson
groups which all share a common goal to assure planned growth
in Towson. Our mission is to strengthen existing businesses
as well as to help new ventures in Towson succeed. Several
ways of assisting and promoting local companies is the annual
publication and distribution of our Towson Chamber of Commerce
Business Directory, our newly created website designed to promote
business members on a world-wide scale and to produce a top
quality street map of our area. |
| Another function of the organization is to co-ordinate and
promote special events, which help to bring visitors to the
Towson area. The Towsontown Fine Arts & Crafts Spring Festival
is held each year during the first weekend in May and is one
of the largest outdoor street festivals on the east coast.
Over 250,000 people attend the two day event to experience
top notch entertainment at one of four musical stages, enjoy
the hundreds of arts and craft vendors we attract from all
over the nation, savor some of the ethnic foods from anyone
of our 50 specialty food vendors and overall, to enjoy the
wonderful atmosphere of this family event, rich in tradition
as we celebrate the arrival of spring. |
| Summertime has many outdoor activities including the July
4 th Parade and the weekly Towson Farmers Market. The July
4 th parade is coordinated totally by local volunteers and
funded completely by contributions from businesses, organizations
and the general public. It is one of the most impressive parades
in this area and in its 25 th year, is a family tradition for
many Towsonites. |
| Fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers are abundant at the
Towson Farmers Market scheduled every Thursday during the summer
and early fall. The market is located on Allegheny Avenue between
the York Road Circle and Washington Ave. That portion of Allegheny
Ave. is closed to vehicles from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. so that
local farmers can bring their produce, cut flowers, plants
and some baked goods to sell to the Towson community. There
is a festival feeling as resident’s purchase their goods
and then stop by one of our many side walk cafes’ for
lunch. |
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| All Towson businesses are encouraged
to join the Towson Chamber of Commerce so their views and
opinions can be expressed and to take advantage of the many
networking opportunities available to members. For more information
about membership in the Towson Chamber
of Commerce, please contact us at 410-825-1144. Towson
Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Please read on to learn about our
mission, committee structure projects and activities. |
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| Mission Statement |
| The Towson Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Promotes the Bussiness
Environment in Towson. |
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| Towson Chamber of Commerce Goals |
| The Towson Chamber is a voluntary partnership of business
and professional people working together through a dynamic
framework that includes grouping objectives into divisions,
action areas and committees. The Towson Chamber members are
businesses, organizations and individuals concerned with the
socio-economic climate of Towson. They have joined together
as one united voice. This increases the advantage of accomplishing
set goals. As we work together to improve our community's economy
and quality of life, your Chamber keeps the following broad
objectives in mind: |
To help business prosper and grow
To increase job opportunities
To encourage any possible growth and development of all
segments of the community
To contribute to the overall economic stability of the
county
To encourage and promote the nation's private enterprise
system of competitive marketing
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| Description of our Organization & Committees |
| Board of Directors: Objective:
To direct the affairs of the Towson Chamber and establish policy.
The Board consists of 23 Chamber members, in good standing,
to represent the composition of our organization and its interests.
To serve on the Board, the individual must be actively involved
in the Chamber and is strongly encouraged to chair a committee
prior to the directorship position. Meets the 3rd Wednesday
of each month at 8:00 a.m. |
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| The Committees: Our programs’ success
is directly reliant on volunteer input. Consider participating
in one or more of these many committees. Your involvement can
make a difference! |
Government Relations Golf Tournament Spring Festival
Membership Economic Development Retail Merchants/Restaurants
Winter and Fall Social Annual Membership Luncheon Award
Ceremony & Dinner
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| Ambassadors & Benefits Committee: Objective:
To make every member feel welcome and well-oriented to all
available Chamber benefits, as well as to recruit new organization
members. Chair: Calvin Gladden - Meets Monthly. |
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| Golf Tournament: Objective:
To organize one golf tournament per year, providing our membership
opportunities to network with other Chamber members and guests.
Chair: Dick Celeste - Meets Periodically. |
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| Government Relations Committee: Objective:
To assist and promote business participation in government
and legislative affairs and to monitor legislation pertaining
to business on a local, State and Federal level. Meets: Monthly
during the General Assembly session (January through March),
and periodically during the rest of the year as issues arise.
Chair: John Bartkowiak |
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| Retail Merchants & Restaurant Committee: Objective:
To promote the Towson Inner Core Business District, through
promotion of the restaurants and retail shops in the area.
The goal is to market the area as a whole and coordinate promotional
events that will “bring consumers back to Towson.” Chair:
Nancy Hafford - Meets Periodically. |
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| Towsontown Fine Arts & Crafts Spring Festival: Objective:
To provide a first class annual festival event, that promotes
Towson and also serves as a major fundraiser for the organization.
Chair: Todd Huff - Meets Monthly & Periodically as Event
nears |
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| The Programs: |
| Consider hosting or sponsoring programs and events for the
Towson Chamber. Sponsorship opportunities include, membership
breakfasts, golf tournaments, the coffee connection, the Towsontown
Spring Festival, the Towson Farmer’s Market or one of
our educational program series. The level of sponsorship varies,
so contact the staff at 410-825-1144 or email us at info@towsonchamber.com
for more information . |
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| Our Good Works: The Towson
Chamber contributes toward a scholarship program for students
at the following schools: Towson High School, Towson Catholic
High School, The Carver Center, and Loch Raven High School. |
| We also maintan the Towson Core Area streetscape, planting
seasonal flowers in the tree wells lining our streets and weeding
the general planting beds and other areas. During the holidays
we sponsor the tree lights on trees lining York Road. |
| In addition, we co-sponsor the Baltimore County Christmas
Tree Lighting complete with a 35ft tree, free hot chocolate & cookies
for all attending, caroling and a visit from Santa & Mrs.
Claus including their horse drawn carriage and appropriate
holiday decorations. |
| The Towson Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the “Welcome
to Towson” banners that grace the streets of Towson. |
| We also make contributions to the
local YMCA and the Towson 4 th of July Parade. Finally, we
contribute towards funding amenitites for the Towson Public
Library. |
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| The Staff: |
The staff consists of two members.
Nancy Hafford, Executive Director, has been involved with the
Towson Chamber of Commerce for over 9 years. She was District
Manager for a fitness chain and has lived in the Towson area
for 18 years.
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Pattie McLane, Executive Assistant,
provides membership support and enhancement serving as a
liaison between the membership, the Board of Directors and
the Executive Director. She is a graduate of Hollins University
in Roanoke, Virgina.
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