Direct Connect is a GGCC program that strategically connects members in smaller groups. Each group has its own unique personality where members act as strategic partners helping the group to develop and grow each other’s businesses though information sharing, referrals, and personal contact. Direct Connect Groups are run by GGCC members, rather than Chamber staff, and employ an informal structure, meetings time and location that is conducive to that specific group.
If you are interested in learning more about our Direct Connect Groups, please reach out to us at info@ggchamber.org or (301) 840-1400.
| NAME / FOCUS | MEMBER LEADERSHIP | MEETING TIME | DEFINING QUALIFICATION |
| B2B Referral Sharing Group |
Ed Samuels, Auxilium Technology ed.samuels@auxiliumtechnology.com
|
8:30-9:30 AM Every other Tuesday | Exclusive industry |
| RECN (Real Estate and Construction) |
Jerry Therrien, Retired TW Construction
|
7:30-9 AM Every other Wednesday | Exclusive industry within the commercial real estate or construction realm. Member must be in a leadership position |
| GGCC MasterMind Group |
Steve Barber, Supporting Strategies sbarber@supportingstrategies.com
|
7:30-9 AM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month | Exclusive industry |
| Young Professionals Group |
Eric Ashmont eric.ashmont@edwardjones.com
|
Varies – check the GGCC calendar for events | Member must be 21-40 in age |
| SOHO (Small Office – Home Office) |
Dan Dellon, Gaithersburg CPAs – dan@gaithersburgcpas.com Kathryne Carter, Grace and Virtue Events – kathryne@graceandvirtueevents.com
|
9-10 AM 2nd Wednesday of each month | Member must work for themselves, from home or in a small office |
| Nonprofit Group |
Currently facilitated by Paula Ross, GGCC. Seeking member leader.
|
2nd Monday of each month. Currently on zoom. | Members must be nonprofit organizations, or work directly with nonprofit organizations in support of their mission. |
| Pathways Women Group |
Philippa Channer, Channer Consulting – philippa@channer-consulting.com
|
8:30-10 am 3rd Friday of each month | Member must Identify as female, and have a business that is 5 years or younger. |
| NEW – LGBTQ+ Business Leaders and Allies |
Sarah Savage, Carved Path Consulting sarah@carvedpathconsulting.com
|
Launching – 8/9/23 8:00am @GGCC Conference Room | Focused on fostering community among LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners. We seek to create a safe space where everyone can grow, learn, improve their business and network. We invite LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to participate. |
| NEW – GGCC/HCCMC Business Owners of Color Direct Connect Group | Fernando Fuentes, First National Bank fuentesf@fnb-corp.com |
Will meet twice monthly for 90 minutes at the end of the workday; launched May 2023. Email Fernando for schedule. | Industry-Exclusive, in-person joint program with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County, B2B and B2C businesses welcome. |
| NEW – Wellness in Aging Direct Connect Group |
Mark Asch, Right at Home
|
Launched May 3rd. Email Mark for schedule. | Open to any professional in the wellness industry, care industry, aging and elderly care industry. |
| NEW – Veteran Business Leaders |
Traci Eisenberg-Rayburn, E&R Business Consulting |
Forming now – next meeting 8/9/23 10:00am @GGCC Conference Room |
This is open to any veteran, dependent or family member. The meetings will be conversations regarding business and opportunities for veterans and will include speakers, marketing, vet-benefit information but not limited to these topics. |
| NEW – COMING SOON |
*Early- and Mid-Career Mastermind Group
|