Chamber Chat

This week's guest is Brooke Nixon, Miss Maryland Volunteer, who will be representing Maryland on the national stage in Jackson, TN this June! Miss Volunteer America is a nationwide scholarship program based in Tennessee that seeks to empower young women across the country through scholarships and community service efforts. Mike and Brooke talk about scholarship and service opportunities that Miss...

This is Part #1 of an interview with Reggie Smith, owner of RU Coached and author of a new book called  Workplace Relationships That Thrive , along with Sylvia Blair, owner of Blair Copywriting and Communications, LLC, and ghostwriter of this essential book on culture and relationships at the office.  Part #2 of this interview will air on June 8th.

This week I'm talking with Andrea Lane, General Manager of Sweetbay Farms, a wonderful local Nursery and Garden Center in Westminster with everything needed to beautify your landscaping and interior greenery!  Coupled with their knowledgeable and friendly employees, this is the place to go in Carroll County.

Our guest this week is Andy Gilliland, Valvoline Instant Oil Change General Manager. We're talking about their new location in Westminster and their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on May 16th.

This week Mike is talking with Trish Alejandrez, co-owner of Papa Joe's Mexican Restaurant in Westminster, about their local Westminster restaurant of 19 years. All their Mexican food is made from scratch and it's delicious, so check them out! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This week I'm talking with JoJo Maguire of JoJo Maguire Design, a new business in Westminster that specializes in offering a full service bridal experience. This is the show for April 27th and they also have a Grand Opening with us set for May 7th.

In honor of Earth Day (April 22, 2025), I'm interviewing two board members from the Carroll County Environmental Council about what they do and about their awards.

This week Mike is talking with Michelle and Mia Alessi, the owners of Starlings Kitchen & Bakery at 172 E. Main Street in Downtown Westminster. They're open 7 days a week and they serve amazing baked goods, as well as a very diverse breakfast and lunch menu.

This week my guest is Garrett Hoover, President and COO of Carroll Hospital and Sr. Vice-President of Lifebridge Health. We're talking about Carroll Hospital's new Emergency Department Renovation Project.

This week I'm talking with United Way Board Member, Celene Steckel, about the United Way of Central Maryland 's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration.

This week Mike is talking with Mandy Gilbart, Principal of Carroll Lutheran School, about the excellent education they offer that is formed in faith.

This week I'm talking with Stephanie Powers, Executive Director of Care Healing Center, formerly Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County.  They   a re the primary provider of free comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence in Carroll County since 1978 and now with an expanded mission and new name, t hey  also provide services for human trafficking victims of any age.

My guest is Cody Snyder, Manager of O'Lordan's Irish Pub in Downtown Westminster. We're talking about all the happenings at O'Lordan's as they gear up for St. Patrick's Day on March 17th.

The Carroll Biz Challenge application period is officially open!  I'm chatting with past Grand Prize winners, Steve Moore of Run Moore in Downtown Westminster and Hannah Brookfield of BotaniGal in Downtown Sykesville, about the Biz Challenge and what the experience did for their businesses.

This week my guest is Steve Potorti, the owner of Giulianova Groceria and Italian Deli at 11 East Main Street in Downtown Westminster. Giulianova is the next door neighbor of the Chamber and Mike is beyond excited about their new Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich!  As Mike is a Chicago native, this slice of home is so welcome!

This Sunday. I'm with Paul, the owner of Chicken Salad Chick. We're talking about this new Westminster restaurant and all they have to offer!

This week I'm chatting with Sam Havighurst, President of North Carroll Community School, about their philosophy on educating children and their amazing school.

This week I'm talking with Steve Lowe, co-owner of 127 Creative and the Producer of the Chamber's Marquee event, the Carroll Biz Challenge.  We're holding the Biz Challenge Kickoff meeting this Tuesday, February 4th, at 6 PM at Carroll Community College. 

This week my guest is Jaclyne Roberts of R & W Kitchen and Bath in Westminster. We chat about the unique service this long standing local business provides. Owners, Jaclyne and her husband, Daniel, are community-minded people who are very involved in the Chamber's Young Professional Group, Launch Carroll.

My guest is Art Riley of Kiwanis and we are talking about the leadership programs they are offering for 7th and 8th grade students, as well as 9th and 10th graders. This sounds amazing and there is still time to enroll your students.

This week Mike's guest is Megan Plumley, co-owner of Plumley Creative, a design studio in Sykesville that specializes in branding and web development. Megan is also the newest Chamber of Commerce Board member.

Mike's guest today is Sherry Cracium-Bolin, Principal of Brown Plus in Westminster. Sherry fills us in with some of the bigger business tax changes coming in 2025.

Today Mike is talking with Dort Mollett, owner of Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, about their amazing establishment, which is a true jewel and Carroll County destination.

Today Mike is talking with George Wenck, co-owner of Westminster's newest Main Street business, Bargain Hunters Antiques and Collectibles. Located at 10 East Main Street in Downtown Westminster. They are celebrating their Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting on Wednesday, December 18th, at 1PM. This is a great place to pick up some last minute gift items!