Participate in the Mid-Atlantic region’s first comprehensive employer survey to identify “green” employment and training opportunities. The Green Jobs Survey was recently mailed to 35,000 employers located across the region. The survey defines a green job as one that involves producing a product or service in one or more of the following seven categories:

  • Renewable energy and alternative fuels
  • Energy efficiency and energy conservation
  • Greenhouse gas reduction
  • Pollution reduction and cleanup
  • Recycling and waste reduction
  • Sustainable agricultural and natural resources conservation
  • Education, compliance, public awareness, and training directly related to green jobs

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is partnering with this regional effort to encourage employers receiving the survey to quickly complete it, and mail it back in the attached postage-paid envelope. While the initial survey is a paper-pencil mailed survey, respondents will also have the option of completing the survey online or by phone. The survey closes at the end of August.

The results of this inaugural Green Jobs Survey will assist both employers hiring skilled workers and skilled workers pursing new employment. Survey results will also establish a baseline from which to measure future growth of green industries and jobs. In addition, information from the survey will assist policy makers to better align education and training opportunities and create a better prepared workforce to support the region’s expanding green industries. Initial results of the survey will be available mid-October and a final comprehensive report will be available in early 2011. Learn more.

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I just posted the for our 2010 Business Policy Conference. We are still working to finalize a few speakers, but we wanted to give you an idea of what to expect this October.

We have invited Maryland’s gubernatorial candidates, Governor Martin O’Malley and former Governor Bob Ehrlich, to join us for the opening dinner on Thursday, October 28. Beginning Friday morning, October 29, there will be a series of presentations and panel discussions, including briefings by the Maryland General Assembly’s presiding officers and minority leaders, all confirmed. Topics for this year’s breakout sessions include the federal health care law, unemployment insurance cost savings, water quality issues, and Maryland’s budget deficit. View the complete agenda here.

The Business Policy Conference will be held on Thursday and Friday, October 28-29, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The conference is a great way to learn more about important public policy issues that impact Maryland’s economy and business climate, and the new location will dazzle you.

Registration for Maryland Chamber members is $295 before September 28 ($325 after). Nonmembers will be charged $425. Register online or contact Kristen Solis at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 ksolis@mdchamber.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Jan Krueger at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or jkrueger@mdchamber.org.

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Join members of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, along with members of other area business organizations, for a special networking event on August 4 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Now in its sixth year, Baltimore the Region will bring together professionals from around the Baltimore area for a fun evening of network and sharing ideas. Participating organizations include Baltimore County Chamber, the Baltimore City Chamber, the Maryland Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Straight Ally Chamber, and the Maryland Chamber.

Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Register online, or contact Gail Lemke at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or glemke@mdchamber.org.

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This fall, professional football teams across the country will be choosing a squad of 53 to lead them to victory in the upcoming season. The Gazette of Politics and Business will be choosing their own squad of 53 this fall as part of the 3rd Annual Gazette P&B Exceptional 53 Awards.

Now is your chance to be a part of the Most Valuable Maryland Business Dream Team and get the recognition your business deserves in an arena of your peers.

In recognition of the top businesses in the State of Maryland, The Gazette of Politics and Business has organized this competition to determine which businesses are the most exceptional in Maryland in the areas of revenue growth, employee satisfaction, community service and innovation in their field of expertise.

Registration is fast and easy. The nomination deadline is July 15 at midnight. Register online. Don’t fumble this opportunity.

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July 19: Free Small Business Lending Event

July 12, 2010

The Maryland Chamber is partnering with Congressman John Sarbanes, the Maryland Bankers Association, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Anne Arundel Community College to present a small business lending event on July 19. The event will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Anne Arundel County Community College’s Cade Center for Fine Arts.
This [...]

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Keys to Running a Successful Internship Program

July 7, 2010

Whether your business is large or small, with a long history or just a few years under its belt, interns can provide tremendous value to your operation and the development of new ideas and projects.
If you are considering hiring interns for the first time or have had limited success with interns in the past, here [...]

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Gross Mendelsohn Volunteers Make Baltimore Community Center Cleaner, Greener

June 28, 2010

Thirty-three members of Gross, Mendelsohn and Associates’s staff toiled in the 99-degree heat on Wednesday, June 23 to plant trees, install raised garden beds, plant hundreds of perennials, collect trash and spread mulch around the Sandtown / Winchester Community Center.
The Maryland-based CPA firm partnered with the Parks & People Foundation on the community service project. [...]

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Background Checks and Drug Screenings

June 28, 2010

So far, our series of posts on the hiring process has covered writing good job descriptions, finding innovative ways to identify candidates, screening applicants and interviewing prospective employees.
Now that you’ve chosen a final candidate and preparing to make an offer, it is important to consider conducting background screening and a drug test. HR Anew President [...]

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Reznick Group Sets Community Service Example

June 24, 2010

Reznick Group’s Baltimore office spent Friday, June 11th giving back to the community as part of its 4th Annual Community Outreach Day. Community Outreach Day is the Baltimore office’s largest annual community service event.
“As a recognized leader in the accounting profession, we also take pride in being a leader in the area of community service,” [...]

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Tips For Interviewing Potential Employees

June 24, 2010

Interviewing a candidate is one of the most important steps in selecting a new employee. The encounter with the candidate can give you a sense of how they will conduct themselves in your workplace, and often it is apparent very quickly whether the candidate is the right fit for the position.
If you’ve narrowed down resumes [...]

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