Media Contact
Paula Ross
President & CEO
www.ggchamber.org
pross@ggchamber.org
240-601-8969
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2026
New name, logo, and visual identity mark a bold new chapter for one of Montgomery County’s leading business organizations
Germantown, MD — The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce officially launched its new brand identity during a celebratory reveal event held last evening, signaling a bold new era for the organization and the dynamic business community it serves.
The launch event, held at BlackRock Center for the Arts, unveiled the Chamber’s refreshed name, logo, and visual identity following a year-long strategic planning and rebranding initiative shaped by member feedback, community engagement, and a vision for the future of Upcounty Montgomery County.
The new identity reflects the Chamber’s evolution from a traditional networking organization into a modern regional leader in economic development, business advocacy, entrepreneurship, workforce initiatives, and community collaboration.
“This rebrand is far more than a new logo,” said Board Chair Steve Barber. “It represents who we are today and where we are headed as an organization. Our business community is innovative, entrepreneurial, and extraordinarily diverse. Our new brand better reflects the energy, inclusiveness, and forward-looking leadership required to support the future of business in Upcounty Montgomery County.”
The Chamber’s refreshed visual identity incorporates modern design elements intended to reflect connectivity, growth, and regional impact while honoring the organization’s longstanding legacy of business leadership and advocacy. The launch also introduced updated messaging designed to position the Chamber as a convener and catalyst for economic opportunity across the region.
The rebrand emerged directly from the Chamber’s strategic planning process, which identified the need for a stronger, more unified identity aligned with the organization’s expanding role in economic competitiveness and regional collaboration.
In recent years, the Chamber has expanded its work geographically along the Upper I270 corridor, and in public policy advocacy, small business support, workforce development, placemaking initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships. Chamber leadership says the new identity better communicates both the organization’s mission and its long-term vision for the region.
“The Upcounty business community is changing rapidly,” President & CEO Paula Ross added. “As our region grows, diversifies, and competes for investment and talent, the Chamber must continue evolving as well. This new identity positions us to lead that work with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”
The April 17 launch celebration brought together business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and Chamber members to commemorate the organization’s next chapter and celebrate its continued commitment to economic vitality throughout the upper I-270 corridor.
For more information about the Chamber’s new brand identity, logo, and future initiatives, visit GGCC Brand Launch Page or follow the Chamber on social media.
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A full vendor list for the evening’s Casino Night Brand Launch celebration and the Brand Identity/Brand Launch Press Announcement:
Venue Sponsor – BlackRock Center for the Arts
Entertainment Sponsor – Epic Events
Press Announcement Decor Sponsor – High Haven Balloons
Photo Moment Sponsor – Mosaic Creative Agency
Heart Sponsor: Beth Borrego & Rod Rodriguez – Cruise Planners
Spade Sponsors:
- Gaithersburg CPAs
- SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown
- LevelUp Solution Services
Club Sponsors:
- Frazier Alzheimer’s & Dementia Consulting
- Nymeo Federal Credit Union
- Bahar Consulting
- Jerry Therrien
- The Challenge Coach
Prize Sponsors:
- Megan Horst – Flowers World Wide
- Steve Barber – LevelUp Solution Services
- Michele & Chuck Potter
- Audrey Awasom – Luminary Branded Solutions
- Paula & Andrew Ross
- Neblin Valladares – Maaco Gaithersburg
- Sandy LeBlanc – Coldwell Banker Realty
- Courtney Malengo – Spark+Buzz Communications
- Colette Releford – Redfin
- SERVPRO of Gaithersburg/Germantown
- Nymeo Federal Credit Union
- Beth Borrego – Cruise Planners
Catering Partners:
- Mackie’s Barbecue
- Caribbean Caterers
- ISAAC’S Poultry Market
- Hornet’s Nest Grille
- Le Macaron Rio
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Jamison & Co Cake Pops
Brand Identity Consultant & Logo Designer : Spark+Buzz Communications
Signage Design and Production: AMI Signs
Brand Reveal Promotional Products Vendors: GCC Printing, Minuteman Press, Luminary Branded Solutions, Sonic Promos, The Logo Shack
Strategic Planning Consultant: Bahar Consulting
Branding Committee Lead: The Branded Company
Photos: a full facebook album is here.
The new brand identity for the Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber.
Logo design: Spark + Buzz Communications
Sign Design and Production: AMI Signs
Balloon Art: High Haven Balloons
Pictured left – right:
Paula Ross, President & CEO with Katherine Cross and Leticia Cobian-Engel from Visit Montgomery.
Photo moment design: Mosaic Creative
Chamber executives from the region and state celebrated with the newly-branded Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber.
Pictured left -right: Mary Kane, President & CEO Maryland Chamber of Commerce; Ken White, President & CEO Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce; Stephanie Helsing, President & CEO Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce; Paula Ross, Presidne t& CEO Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber; Marilyn Balcombe, President & CEO Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber 2003-2022 and current Montgomery Council Councilmember.
Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman provides remarks before the new brand is revealed.
Chamber President & CEO Paula Ross provides remarks before the new brand is revealed.
Chamber board members and local leaders pose in front of the new brand logo signage at the brand identity reveal on April 17, 2026.
Pictured left -right:
Chair Emeritus Jerry Therrien – retired,
Chair Emeritus Colette Releford – Redfin,
Board Vice Chair Dave Buonora – Universities at Shady Grove,
Board Vice Chair Mick Collins – Pay it Forward Processing,
Board Vice Chair Sandy LeBlanc – Coldwell Banker Realty,
Black Rock Center for the Arts CEO Katie Hecklinger,
Board Committee Chair Wendie Veloz – Wendie Veloz Enterprises,
Board Vice Chair Jared Bailey – Northwestern Mutual,
City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman,
Board Chair-Elect Dan Dellon – Gaithersburg CPAs,
Board Member Paul Smith – Paul Smith Homes,
County Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe,
Board Chair Steve Barber – LevelUp Solution Services,
Event Sponsors Rod Rodriguez & Beth Borrego – Cruise Planners,
President & CEO Paula Ross,
Board Treasurer Asif Choudhury – Bahar Consulting,
Chair Emeritus and GGCC Community Foundation Chair Heather Madison _ Peterson Companies,
Corporate Advisory Board Member Cory Luckett – The Branded Co.,
State Delegate Linda Foley,
GGCC Foundation Board Member and brand designer Courtney Malengo – Spark+Buzz Communications;
Immediate Past Board Chair-Elect Michele Potter – retired.
