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 structure, schedule, and participation requirements that are conducive to that specific group.
Members are encouraged to take advantage of Direct Connect; participation is a benefit of GGCC membership and there is no additional fee. Also, if you cannot find a Direct Connect group that meets your needs, any member can start a new Direct Connect 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 | Industry exclusive |
| RECN (Real Estate and Construction Network) |
Jerry Therrien, Retired TW Construction
|
7:30-9 AM Every other Wednesday | Industry exclusive within the commercial real estate or construction realm. Member must be in a leadership position. |
| GGCC MasterMind Group |
Mick Collins, Pay it Forward Processing mick.collins@pfprocessing.com; Wendie Veloz, Wendie Veloz Enterprises wendiev@wendieveloz.com
|
7:30-9 AM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month | Industry exclusive |
| 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 |
New – This Direct connect group is now led in collaboration with Capital Bank (Dave West) and M&T Bank (Joey Chambers), with Paula Ross/GGCC Community Foundation to better support our nonprofits. More to come! |
see calendar. | Members must be nonprofit organizations or work directly with nonprofit organizations in support of their mission. |
|
She L.E.A.D.S. Gather Grow Connect (formerly known as Pathways Direct Connect) |
Philippa Channer, Channer Consulting – philippa@channer-consulting.com |
8:30-10 am 3rd Friday of each month |
She L.E.A.D.S. is a women’s professional community where members gather to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections. Our monthly meetings and co-working days create a supportive space for real conversation, practical learning, and shared encouragement. This group is ideal for women business owners, managers, leaders, and professionals who want an active, engaged community of peers. If you’re looking for connection, accountability, and genuine support as you grow in your career or business, you’re in the right place. |
| Diverse Business Leaders Group |
Sarah Savage, WPConcierge sarah@wpconcierge.com Jessica Washington, Perfectly Pinked jessicaw@perfectlypinked.com |
1st Wednesday (virtual) & 3rd Wednesday (in person) each month | Focused on fostering an inclusive space for leaders and allies from all walks of life, and we’re thrilled about this evolution. We seek to create a safe space where everyone can grow, learn, improve their business, and network. All are welcome! |
| GGCC/HCCMC Business Owners of Color Direct Connect Group |
Fernando Fuentes, M&T Bank |
Will meet twice monthly for 90 minutes at the end of the workday; email Fernando for schedule. | Industry-Exclusive, in-person joint program with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County, B2B and B2C businesses welcome. |
| NEW – Health and Wellness Direct Connect Group |
Wendy Iglehart, Wendy Iglehart LCPC LLC, wiglehart@wendyiglehart.com Tia Marie Brumstead, SweetBay Mental Health and Consulting, hello@sweetbaymentalhealth.com |
Meetings scheduled periodically with leadership – Health & Wellness EXPO coming in winter 2026! |
A forum for connection between any business leader in the broad health and wellness space! |
| NEW – Business Growth CoLab |
Justin Volman, Volman HR: |
New – 1st meeting October 7 (virtual) |
Business Growth CoLab blends the best of a mastermind, a workshop, and a trusted leadership circle. This is not a speaker series or a casual networking group, it is an active, purposeful space where every member has a voice and a role. Ideal Audience
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