Committee Summary

BOARD COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

GGCC has four primary standing committees of the Board of Directors, plus a number of supporting subcommittees and/or task forces.  These committees are Chaired by members of the Board of Directors and supported by Chamber staff. It is critical to the health of the Chamber that members have input into the programs and activities, therefore, all GGCC members are encouraged to become involved in the committee(s) of their choice. Additionally, the Chamber has several member-led Direct Connect groups, each with their own personality and meeting requirements. 

• Economic Development & Legislative Affairs
  Vice Chair: Joyce Fuhrmann, MD Soccer Foundation

  Through the Gaithersburg-Germantown Economic Development & Legislative Affairs (ED&LA) Committee, the Chamber will proactively work with City, County, and State Leaders to support the Economic Development of Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg and surrounding upcounty jurisdictions, and represent the GGCC and its members in a pro-active manner in the formulation of state and local legislation and policy affecting the business community. The committee will work towards the implementation of the Germantown Sector Plan, the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan, and the Shady Grove Sector Plan. The primary goal is to bring more jobs to area. Additionally, we will survey the membership to determine the critical issues facing our GGCC members on Gaithersburg, Germantown, Upcounty and State Legislative issues, which have an impact on our Membership and the communities we represent and to develop the GGCC Annual Legislative Agenda; to monitor any legislative issues being considered by our elected officials in state, county, and local governments, and to participate in the process where and when needed; to respond to, and take part in, discussions of issues that may have an impact on our member businesses, including the issue of local governance in Germantown and Gaithersburg.

• Membership Attraction and Retention Committee
  Vice Chair:  Romy Nunez, USI Insurance & DJ Romy

  The Membership Attraction and Retention (MAR) Committee is charged with: maintaining a strong growth in membership through targeted new member recruitment activities that effectively communicate the value of membership to community businesses; Promoting the ongoing value of membership to member businesses through personalized contacts with member business representatives and other initiatives that monitor member needs, member satisfaction, and their perception of Chamber Value; communicating the Return On Investment to Members and engaging them in GGCC activities.

• Member Programs (Events) Committee
  Vice Chair: Mick Collins, Pay it Forward Processing

  The Vice Chair of Member Programs oversees the development of the GGCC Calendar of Events, monitors and evaluates networking events, and oversees the GGCC Special Events Series. This committee also works with the GGCC Community Foundation to support community engagement and philanthropic events in the business community.

  • • Celebration Dinner Gala SubCommittee

      This annual December event is our year end celebration of membership. It is our premier event and it is a great committee to work with.

    • Golf Tournament Subcommittee

      This annual event is a fun networking, fundraising opportunity for members and guests.  This event brings the fun of golf and networking together in one outstanding tournament with great prizes. Held annually in October.

• Young Professionals Group (YPG) Committee
  Vice Chair: Kathryne Carter, Grace and Virtue Events

  The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) serves as a dynamic networking group for dedicated early to mid-career professionals. This initiative offers chamber young professionals the opportunity to connect with fellow business-minded individuals, fostering both career advancement and personal connections. By prioritizing personal growth and development, YPG empowers the next generation of leaders through a variety of opportunities focused on education, skill-building, knowledge exchanges and networking. Our commitment to nurturing young professionals ensures that there are resources and experiences necessary to thrive in their respective fields and contribute meaningfully to our community.

• Ad Hoc Committee of the Board: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
  Chair: Wendie Veloz, Wendie Veloz Enterprises

  The DEI&B Committee is formed as an Ad Hoc Committee at the direction of the Board of Directors in 2023 to assess the Chamber’s programming in matters related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Mission:  To support the chamber to connect, promote and develop businesses of all backgrounds. To provide essential resources and education. To create an educated, informed board and GGCC membership that empowers a diverse community.
Vision:  All Upcounty small and diverse businesses have equal opportunity to achieve success.

• Ad Hoc Committee of the Board: Germantown Town Center (GTC)
  Chair: Heather Madison, Peterson Companies

  The Germantown Town Center Committee is formed as an Ad Hoc Committee at the direction of the Board of Directors in January 2025 to assess the Chamber’s programming and to monitor the County’s grant related to the Germantown Town Center Emerging Business District Project.  This committee also includes community leaders from nonprofit organizations serving Germantown including the Upcounty Hub and The Core Foundation, community and religious organizations, GTC business owners, and our generous partners from Montgomery County, who are helping to inform our community engagement and brand identity process. GGCC has retained Maier & Warner and The Branded Company for their professional services and experience in helping the community shape a “brand” for the Town Center. 

• Ad Hoc Committee of the Board: Strategic Planning
  Chair: Steve Barber, Supporting Strategies; CoChair: Michele Potter, Asbury Methodist Village

  The Strategic Planning Committee is formed as an Ad Hoc Committee at the direction of the Board of Directors in January 2025 to fulfill Strategic Planning responsibilities.  GGCC has retained Bahar Consulting to facilitate the strategic planning process with our Board of Directors and members through summer 2025.