The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) honored its volunteers at the Business Networking after Five event on Thursday, September 19. The event was held at and sponsored by Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc. in Gaithersburg.
The GGCC holds its annual picnic in honor of its volunteers who generously give their time and talents to the Chamber. These remarkable people are an integral part of the Chamber and its success. The event is held annually at Smokey Glen Farm – an active supporter of the GGCC – a family owned business that has held Corporate Citizenship as a core value for over 50 years.
“We have the best volunteers around. We do a lot of great things for business and the community and we would not be able to do everything we do if it weren’t for our volunteers. We love them,” stated Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President.
Balcombe personally thanked all of the Chamber’s volunteers noting their “participation on committees and at events is priceless”. The GGCC has 90 active volunteers serving on one or more of the following committees:
- Board of Directors
- Legislative Affairs
- Economic Development
- Membership
- Events
- Young Professionals
- Women Balancing Life & Business
- Golf
- Annual Celebration Dinner
The volunteers’ commitment helps the GGCC remain vital and meet the needs of our business community.
Five chamber members received an award & special recognition for their commitment and involvement with the Chamber. These “exceptional volunteers” were nominated by the working committees of the Chamber for having substantially contributed to GGCC member programs and activities.
The 2014 Exceptional Volunteers include:
William Ferry, Bargain Movers: Ferry has been a star and an asset to the Young Professionals Group (YPG). He serves on the YPG planning committee and attends YPG events regularly. He recently stepped up and sponsored the 2nd Annual YPG Birthday Celebration and was instrumental in its success as well. His passion, drive and commitment enhance the value & ensure the success of this group.
Phil Fabrizio, Sugarloaf Photography by Fabrizio: Phil Fabrizio is priceless. He has generously offered on multiple occasions his camera and expertise and captures chamber moments at the Annual Public Safety Awards Ceremony and Celebration Dinner. He has also popped up at events and ribbon cutting ceremonies and offered to shoot a few pics too. No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. And Fabrizio is one of those people.
Ellen Lambert, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: Lambert was awarded for her work on the events committee. She is go-getter. Anytime the events committee needs help with anything, she is willing to assist. Her support of the Events Committee, as a regular attendee and active participant, has greatly contributed to the vitality of the committee.
Jonathan Sachs, Adventist Health Care: Sachs had no easy task this year but rose to the occasion and helped revamp the chamber’s legislative affairs program. He is a volunteer in motion and one of those volunteers who may not necessarily have the time; he just has the heart.
Anna Tavongsa, New York Life: Tavongsa was awarded for her work on the membership committee. She is truly an asset to the committee and is always willing to not just be a chamber member but an engaged member. When she is doing business she looks for ways to be a resource to new and potential members and is a great connector and asset to the membership program.
(l:r) William Ferry, Bargain Movers; Phil Fabrizio, Sugarloaf Photography by Fabrizio: Ellen Lambert, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott; and Jonathan Sachs, Adventist Health Care; receive Exceptional Volunteer awards from Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyn Balcombe at the GGCC Annual Membership & Volunteer Picnic on September 18, 2014.
(Photo credit – Laura Rowles, GGCC Director of Events & Marketing)