Chamber Chat

This week my guest is McDaniel College Professor of Communication & Cinema, Robert Lemieux. We're talking about a unique project he has championed, a PBS documentary,  Growing Into Greatness: Maryland's Champion Trees.  This documentary about the Champion Trees in Maryland, and even one in Carroll County, will air on November 22, 2025 on PBS.

This week my guest is Brenda Meadows, Executive Director of The Shepherds Staff. We talk about their mission, the people they serve, their Festival of Trees, and the plans for their new location. 

This week I'm talking with Molly Sherman, Executive Director of the Carroll Technology and Innovation Council, about the exciting things they are doing, and about the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence.

This week I'm chatting with Ian Scott of Quest Voyager about our amazing Portugal trip  in October of 2026.  We have a webinar set for Wednesday, November 12th, at 6PM at Exploration Commons at 50 East with an optional Zoom link.

This week my guest is Steve Wantz, Executive Director of the Community College Foundation. Steve reflects on almost 25 years with the Foundation and about his upcoming retirement.

This week Mike welcomes Renee Garvin, Executive Director of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, for a follow up chat, and they talk about the impact CLV has on the local community, as well as the 45th Anniversary Celebration they are having. In addition, Renee introduces the Capital Campaign they are launching.

This week Mike chats with Renee Garvin, Executive Director of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, about this amazing Life Plan Community nestled in a scenic spot of Carroll County. Renee shares her history and what inspired her passion to work at CLV. Part #2 of this show will air on October 18, 2025.

This week Mike is chatting with the leadership team from  BGK Hope Foundation , a local non-profit with the mission of providing essential services to local and international families. Give a listen and discover how you can partner alongside these passionate people.

Mike is talking with Richard Turner, CEO of the Community Media Center (CMC) and the 2025 Chamber Chair of the Board.  He shares what new things are happening at CMC, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

This week Mike is talking with Tricia Wegman, the Volunteer Coordinator of this year's Pink Fling event to benefit the Hospital Center For Breast Health.

This week Mike is chatting with Chris Fong, owner of Gilberts Premium Jerky and the Grand Prize winner of the 2025 Carroll Biz Challenge.

Mike chats with Jaclyne Roberts of Launch Carroll, the Chamber's Premier Young Professional Group, about their next event at Flood Zone Brewery in Union Bridge on September 11th, from 5-7PM.

Mike is talking with  Tom Scanlan and Craig Paskoski about the Environmental Advisory Council's upcoming 2025 Environmental Action Awards!  Nominations need to be submitted by September 22nd and   winners will be announced by September 30, 2025.  Presentation of awards will occur at the 2025  Carroll EnviroFest , scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Robert Moton Center in Westminster. 

Mike's guest is Tony Gerald, owner and head chef, of Collision Course, the amazing soul food restaurant in Downtown Westminster. Stop by 61 East Main Street and enjoy one of his signature dishes, and Tony will even serenade you with a song!

This week Mike is talking with Taz from Toastmasters about their clubs and involvment in the Carroll County community and how they can help with public speaking and leadership.

This week I'm chatting with Dana Wachter, Events Coordinator of the Carroll County Farm Museum, about upcoming events for the summer, including the Wine Festival.

This week we're talking about the greatest Carroll County event of the year, the 14th Annual Carroll Biz Challenge. Mike talks with Steve Lowe, co-owner of 127 Creative and the producer of the Biz Challenge, about the August 14th event and the Final Five Finalists!

This week Mike is chatting with Savannah Mitchell, the owner of Sunday Morning at Savannah's, the new Bed & Breakfast/Coffee House/Events location in New Windsor. Visiting this wonderful establishment is like stepping back in time!

This week I'm chatting with Margo Adkins, owner of a new catering business called Root & Ranch Catering, Concessions out of Union Bridge. She will be supplying the delicious food for our July 28th Breakfast at the 4H & FFA Fair.

This week Mike is chatting with Dan Cooper, President and CEO, of Fuchs North America in Hampstead.   Fuchs is the world's largest privately-held seasoning and spice company, and they have been making great products for customers right here in the United States for over 75 years.   Learn more about Fuchs by attending our PM Connections networking event on Thursday, July 24th, from 4-6PM. They are...

This week Mike is chatting about the upcoming European Christmas Markets Trip in December, and about our Galapagos Trip in April 2026. We have a few spots left for each adventure, but they won't last long!

My guest is Val Giovagnoni, the Chair of the Chamber Foundation's Board of Directors and the Market Development Manager of Carroll County for Flight Fiber by Antietam Broadband. We're chatting about what the Chamber Foundation is and who we are.

In this week's show, Mike chats with Dwayne Myers, owner of Dynamic Automotive, a new business in Downtown Sykesville about their community focus and their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting set for Thursday, June 26th at 3:00 PM. They are located at 881 Dndosky Rd. in Downtown Sykesville.

This is Part #2 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.