GGCC opposes proposed increase in county property tax & fees
The Issue: Montgomery County’s proposed FY2026 budget includes two major tax and fee increases that will burden businesses and residents. MCCC is taking action – and we need your voice. There is strength in numbers. Let’s stand together.What’s at Stake? A 3.4% property tax increase – following a 4.7% hike just two years ago. A sharp rise in the systems benefit charge, increasing costs for all property types. Why We Oppose These Increases: Another property tax increase would unnecessarily raise costs for both businesses and residents. In addition, the proposed increase to the systems benefit charge would mean a 31% hike…
GGCC encourages members to oppose 3% State “tech tax”
GGCC joins with the MD Chamber of Commerce and other Chambers across the state in opposing the newly-proposed “tech tax.” At a time when Maryland already ranks 46th in business tax climate and the third most expensive state to do business in, now is not the time to increase costs on small businesses. From the MD Chamber of Commerce: Last week, Governor Moore and General Assembly leaders announced a 3% tech tax on small businesses. This policy would be disastrous for Maryland’s economy, businesses and jobs, undermining our future as a tech hub and leader. This tax will affect…
GGCC and other Chambers support More Housing N.O.W. legislative package
GGCC has issued joint testimony with the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to support the More Housing N.O.W. legislative and budget package. GGCC believes this is a piece of the housing puzzle in Montgomery County. “Our chambers commend the goals of the More Housing N.O.W. initiative, which aims to increase housing supply, reduce costs, and expand pathways to homeownership. Notwithstanding the extreme headwinds facing Montgomery County’s housing market, which include rent control and the specter of increasing property taxes, the availability of attainable…
GGCC Opposes State Proposed Legislation to add Sales Tax to B2B Services
ACTION ALERT (UPDATED 3/13/25) Members – please see March 7 email regarding the state budget proposal (HB 1554/SB 1045) to add a 2.5% sales tax to B2B professional services. This legislation was filed late, testimony is due Monday, hearings are scheduled in the House and Senate on Wednesday, March 12. Read an article from Maryland Matters about it here. Read a detailed post about the potential taxes from the MD Chamber here. The bottom line (MD Chamber): “The proposed small business services tax in HB 1554/SB 1045 trades short-term budget gains for long-term economic damage. While it may generate immediate…
GGCC shares comments on State budget proposals
The GGCC has shared additional comments on the various state budget proposals that would impact the business community in Maryland, and disproportionately impact Montgomery County. Read the full statement here in PDF. View previous testimony on LinkedIn video. ———————————————————————- February 26, 2025 Letter to the Members of the Montgomery County MD State Assembly Delegation Re: SB 321 & HB 352 – Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 Dear Members of the Montgomery County MD State Assembly Delegation: The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) was founded in 1949. Since then, the organization has grown to…
GGCC Partners with Other MoCo Chambers to Oppose State Budget Reconciliation Financing Act of 2025
The GGCC has partnered with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce to oppose the MD Budget Reconciliation & Financing Act (BRFA) of 2025. The Annual BRFA codifies the Governor’s budget proposals into legislation. We are deeply concerned about several proposals but focus on Combined Reporting and the proposed increase to income taxes for small businesses who are passthrough entities. Read the House statement here. Read the Senate statement here. View on LinkedIn
GGCC comments regarding M-83 and MPOHT
Please see attached PDF file for complete comments. January 23, 2025 Comments to Montgomery County Planning Board Position: Support keeping M-83 in the County Master Plan of Highways & Transitway (MPOHT) Submitted by: Paula Ross, President & CEO, Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) represents over 450 businesses along the upper I-270 corridor. I offer the following comments regarding M-83, and the proposal to remove M-83 from the Master Plan of Highways & Transitways (MPOHT), on behalf of our membership. The GGCC is opposed to removing M-83 from the Master Plan for several reasons,…
GGCC issues RFP for Strategic Planning Consultant
Request for proposal – click here for PDF. Request for Proposal (RFP): Strategic Planning Consultant Issued by: Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) Website: www.ggchamber.org Issue Date: January 22, 2025 Proposal Due Date: February 21, 2025 The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC), a vital business organization serving the Upcounty communities of Montgomery County, Maryland, is seeking a qualified consultant to lead the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. With a proud history of over 75 years and recent expansion of our service area, the GGCC recognizes the need to redefine our vision, mission, and goals to ensure we continue to…
GGCC issues RFP for annual charity Golf Classic & annual Gala
Charity Golf Classic Request for Proposal – click here for PDF. The GGCC Community Foundation is seeking proposals for their Annual Business Golf Classic. The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization serving the Upcounty business community in Montgomery County, MD. The GGCC Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that brings the business community and philanthropy together in the Upcounty. This event brings together leaders in the Upcounty business community to raise awareness and funds for scholarships at Montgomery College. This event will be managed by the GGCC Community Foundation with support from GGCC members and volunteers. The…
GGCC Presents Several Awards at 2024 Gala Celebration
The GGCC 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration & Awards Dinner was held December 5, 2024 at Bretton Woods Country Club The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration & Awards Dinner brought together 175 leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from the Upcounty to celebrate business excellence and leadership, and to recognize students who were awarded scholarships through GGCC’s scholarship funds at Montgomery College. Emceed by GGCC President & CEO Paula Ross, the event recognized the outstanding achievements of GGCC members in several categories. Featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers and honorees, the evening was filled with inspiration, recognition, and a…