LBC Alumni, we need your help! Each year, Leadership Baltimore County offers a variety of events for our class members and alumni to attend, as well as ways to remain engaged in LBC and the Baltimore County community.

But we need to know if we’re offering our alumni the right experiences and opportunities. What would you like to see LBC offer? Is there a company you’d love to see behind-the-scenes? A CEO you want to learn from? Or maybe you have a fresh idea to share with us!

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to share your feedback by completing a brief survey. It should take you approximately 8 minutes to complete.

       

 

           Take the Survey

At LBC’s first Leadership Lunch & Learn on April 28, we looked at issues small businesses are facing right now, specifically selling during a time of social distancing, cyber security and SBA loan programs.

Chris McDonell, CEO of McDonell Consulting Group, addressed how to sell and lead during this time of social distancing. He focused on the importance of building relationships for mutual gain, rewriting beliefs and redefining behaviors.

Up next was Mike Volk, Cyber Risk Solutions Vice President with PSA who shared best practices and tips for your organization as many employees are now working remotely. One tip he shared was to have cyber insurance and ensure that it covers employees working from home, as well as data stored on the cloud or managed by a third party.

Finally, Steve Umberger, District Director of the SBA’s Baltimore District Office, spoke about the loan programs designed to help small businesses, including Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance and the Paycheck Protection Program. The SBA has processed 26,000 PPP loans with a total value of more than $6.5 billion in Maryland. Out of the 160 lenders who have done loans in Maryland, he said approximately 85 have been Maryland-based banks or credit unions.

McDonell Consulting Presentation

PSA Cyber RIsk & Insurance Presentation

SBA Presentation

Dear LBC Alumni,

There is no playbook for the situation we are enduring. We are all doing our best to find innovative solutions; learn new technologies; be flexible; and model courage, vulnerability and empathy.

As a leader, we may feel the expectation to rise to the occasion, have all the answers, or make everyone feel comfortable. And, yes, we will do our best to think outside the box, find effective, alternative methods for doing business and learn new skills. However, what’s most important is to model good leadership behaviors, such as courageousness and vulnerability. While those two words may seem like an oxymoron at first thought, let’s take a moment to explore that. Below are Merriam-Webster’s definition for each word.

Courage: Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Vulnerable: Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage.

Generally speaking, society sees being vulnerable as a weakness. Actually, being vulnerable is courageous, according to Merriam-Webster. So, don’t be concerned about what you think other people expect of your leadership during these unparalleled times. Rather, say you don’t know when someone asks a question about what the future will bring, whether or not they will still have a job in three or four months or how this pandemic will change life as we know it.

What truly is expected of a leader during these times is to be authentic, honest, transparent, generous and empathic. Isn’t that how we should always operate, anyway?

To your health and well-being,

To help local organizations and nonprofits during this time of COVID-19 and all the uncertainty it brings, LBC will continually update a list of donation opportunities, mask requests, call for volunteers and other opportunities to help the community.

If you have something to share, please send the details to Lauren Taylor.

 

The Arc Baltimore

Needs donations of masks (watch this video for directions) for their clients and staff in more than 100 homes. Also has a wish list of items like board games, art supplies and cleaning products.

Contact Debbie Staigerwald to coordinate mask drop off at The Arc Baltimore, 7215 York Road in Towson.

 

Baltimore Community Mediation Center

Needs donations to fund their work. The also offer a variety of community-building online events, including yoga and mindful meditation, and has a list of COVID-19 resources.

 

Board of Child Care

Needs donations of masks (find directions here) and other gear to protect their children and staff.

 

CASA of Baltimore County

Needs donations of gift cards to local food stores, Target or Walmart to support their older kids in independent living situations.

Mail gift cards to Jennifer Stine, LBC ’17 at CASA of Baltimore County, 305 W. Chesapeake Ave. #117, Towson, MD 21204.

 

Fire Museum of Maryland

Needs donations due to loss of visitor income.

 

Helping Up Mission

Maryland Food Bank

Needs healthy people to volunteer as individuals or small groups. Volunteers ages 13-60 are welcome and safety practices/social distancing are in place. They are also accepting donations to help with the increased demand they’re experiencing.

 

National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware      NEW 4.8.20

Needs donations to fund their Patient Emergency Assistance program, which supports transportation, food, medical equipment, etc.

 

St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center      NEW 4.8.20

St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center is open to opportunities for its staff to assist or support other nonprofit organizations during the pandemic. Potential ideas could be delivering supplies and calling people to provide support. LBC alumni can reach out to Executive Director Chip Woods, LBC ’05 with their ideas.

To help you stay informed during this time of COVID-19 and all the uncertainty it brings, LBC will continually update a list of essential information and resources.

If you have something to share, please send the details to Lauren Taylor.

 

Baltimore Community Mediation Center

Baltimore Community Mediation Center offers a variety of community-building online events, including yoga and mindful meditation, and has a list of COVID-19 resources.

 

Baltimore Development Corp.

The Baltimore Development Corp. has created a website – Baltimore Together – with information and resources for both residents and businesses related to COVID-19.

 

Best Friends Fur Ever Dog Daycare and Overnight Resort

20% discount and 24/7 pickup and drop off to those on the front lines of COVID-19 (police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, truck drivers, grocery workers, etc.)

 

The Daily Record

The Daily Record has compiled a list of resources for small businesses at both the state and federal level.

 

Echo Resource Development

Dave Brown, LBC ‘ 16 offers virtual workshops and professional development for organizations and businesses to support mental and social-emotional health, as well as academic, social-emotional and mental health supports and services to families, schools and school systems.

 

Maryland Business Relief Wizard       NEW 4.9.20

There are numerous local and national programs for businesses in need of emergency support, but understanding which options are relevant for your organization can be a challenge. The Maryland Business Relief Wizard helps connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible, streamlining the process of finding support.

 

Maryland Department of Commerce

The department is currently accepting applications for the Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund, a $5 million incentive program to help Maryland manufacturers produce personal protective equipment and other items identified as critical need items.

On March 5, the Class of 2020 traveled to Annapolis for Maryland State Government Day to develop a broader understanding of how the state legislature functions, while gaining exposure to the role and impact of lobbyists. The class observed House and Senate sessions in the morning, as well as various committee meetings in the afternoon.

The fun and learning started on the bus ride with audio clips of “I’m Just a Bill” and information about the legislative process. Be honest. That song is stuck in your head now, isn’t it?

Once in Annapolis, the class met with Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and asked him questions about issues important to them, before moving into the Senate and House galleries, where the class observed the two sides debate legislation, including sports gambling.

They put their new knowledge of how government works in a panel with lobbyists, including Charles Conner III with the Office of the Baltimore County Executive; Brett Lininger with Nemphos Braue; Deborah Rivkin with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; and Tommy Tompsett with Harris, Jones & Malone. The panelists shared how they fit into the legislative process, how they work with legislators and work with their clients, with Chuck Conner adding, “We can sleep when Session’s over.”

Over lunch, many of Baltimore County’s legislators visited the class to chat about upcoming legislation. Thanks to the following legislators who joined us: Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, Del. Kathy Szeliga, Del. Rick Impallaria, Del. Carl Jackson, Del. Harry Bhandari, Sen. Kathy Klausmeier, Sen. Shelly Hettleman, Del. Dana Stine, Del. Eric Ebersole, Del. Jessica Feldmark, Sen. Chris West, Del. Catherine Forbes and Del. Michele Guyton.

Special thanks to our LBC alumni serving in the Maryland legislature who all stopped by: Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones, LBC ’86, Del. Jon Cardin, LBC ’08; and Del. Pat Young, LBC ’14.

In the afternoon, Andy Clark, assistant vice chancellor for the University System of Maryland gave the class an introduction to the Kirwan legislation that was pending before the class broke into teams to debate the topic. In two groups, the class was broken into teams for the Kirwan legislation, teams against it and a panel of judges who asked questions of the two sides. All class members came prepared with research and points to support their side.

Great job to the Maryland State Government Day Planning Team for all their hard work: Tameka Bell with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; Tricia Bradley with Towson University; Rich Grason with Hanley & Grason; Dave Mattera with BGE HOME; and Earl Shaw with Erickson Living. And big thanks to their alumni coaches Marie Lilly, LBC ’19 with UMBC and Brian Powell, LB ’19 with Baltimore County Public Schools.

 

LBC Alumni,

We need your help! Each year, Leadership Baltimore County offers a variety of events for our class members and alumni to attend, as well as ways to remain engaged in LBC and the Baltimore County community.

But we need to know if we’re offering our alumni the right experiences and opportunities. What would you like to see LBC offer? Is there a company you’d love to see behind-the-scenes? A CEO you want to learn from? Or maybe you have a fresh idea to share with us!

This morning, we emailed all LBC alumni a brief survey. Please take a moment to share your feedback by March 31. If you didn’t receive the email, contact Lauren Taylor to receive the survey link.

With gratitude,

 

 

 

Amanda Zinn               Pattie Dash
President/CEO             Alumni Engagement Committee

Leadership Baltimore County is closely monitoring the developing news about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to following the guidelines and recommendations of our federal, state and local governments and will always exercise an abundance of caution when it comes to the health and safety of our program participants, partners, staff and Board.

 

All upcoming Information Sessions will be held by video conferencing, as will all Board and committee meetings until social distancing orders are lifted.

The Public Safety and Education days have been postponed. The class is asked to keep May 20 and June 9 on their calendar.

LBC will continue monitoring daily communications from the CDC, State and County public health sources so that we can stay informed and respond quickly to new guidelines. We will provide clear updates on our website and social media, as well as special emails.

Did you know?

• 1 in 5 Americans are affected by mental health conditions each year?
• Serious mental illness costs the U.S. $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year?
• The overall suicide rate has increased 31% since 2001?

On Health Care Day Feb. 6, the Class of 2020 developed a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of mental health and the impact that has on our society. They examined the stigma surrounding mental illness, learned about the challenges faced by the healthcare system and heard from individuals about their own mental health struggles.

Both Dr. Thomas Smyth, President and CEO of the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, opened the day, followed by Virginia Jump, CRNP, Clinical Program Leader at the hospital’s Cancer Institute Wellness and Support Center, who lead the class in a meditation exercise.

One of the most powerful elements of Health Care Day was NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s “In Our Own Voice” program. The class watched a video of people talking about their mental illnesses, interspersed with two NAMI volunteers speaking about their own experiences. Thank you to Kathleen Lyon and Amber Barnett for sharing their stories with the class.

In the afternoon, Dr. Gregory Branch, Director and Health Officer of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, gave an overview of the department, with a focus on mental health. Using details from actual cases from the department, Dr. Branch demonstrated the difficulties mental illness can cause and the ethical dilemmas the department faces when deciding cases.

During the day, the class toured both the Cancer Institute Wellness and Support Center with Virginia Jump and the Emergency Department with Elizabeth Nash, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department and Stroke Program. The class even got to visit a newly opened portion of the ED designed for patients who came in for mental illnesses and are awaiting beds in other locations.

Thanks to the Class of 2020’s Health Care Day planning team: Mitch Clay, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center; Erica Kimmel, DPR Construction; Tina Kummelman, Erickson Living – Oak Crest; and Julie Maneen, CareFirst for such a thought-provoking day.

And big thanks to their alumni coaches: Christie Ryan, LBC ’15 with Y in Central Maryland and Wanda Lessner, LBC ’18 with CareFirst.

Sponsored By

                                                       

Dear LBC Alumni,

LBC is looking to forge more collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with LBC alumni and regional companies. The opportunities range from showcasing your business to maximizing your brand exposure and displaying your commitment to our community. Let’s strengthen Baltimore County and the region by working together!

Shine the Light on Your Expertise: The wisdom and expertise among LBC’s alumni and their companies are simply impossible to value. LBC can highlight your unique talents and thought leadership in a number of ways:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in one of LBC’s monthly Leadership Learning Day;
• Present at an alumni event;
• Be a guest writer/thought leader in one of our aspirational new publications (LBC blog and white papers);
• Share your expertise by engaging as a committee member;
• Help lead LBC by becoming a member of our Board of Directors;
• Display your qualifications on LBC’s website by becoming a Lifetime Member; and/or
• Let us shoot a short video of you sharing how LBC was a catalyst for you personally, professionally and/or from a community perspective to be viewed on LBC’s website.

Showcase Your Brand for One Entire Year: By becoming an annual Corporate Partner of LBC, your brand will be prominently displayed on “everything LBC” for an entire 12-month period, including: every outgoing email from LBC; all of our promotional materials including all newsletters and event announcement emails; signs at every monthly Leadership Learning Day and bi-monthly alumni event; special social media shout outs; and in our annual Commencement Celebration Program Book. Plus, plus, plus for higher levels. You won’t believe how inexpensive our partnerships start!

Build Your Team and Make Baltimore County Better: To derive the most value from a collaboration with LBC, participate in our program. Your team member will:

• Be immersed in building deep and meaningful relationships with a cohort of 40 diverse professionals;
• Meet the movers, shakers and decision-makers in our county and how the county works, as a whole;
• Garner a deeper understanding of how to position your company in the Baltimore County marketplace;
• Experience what it is like to be in the shoes of a police officer, nurse, school principal, policy maker, someone who is homeless, someone suffering with a mental illness and on and on. These experiential activities enhance one’s emotional intelligence – one of the most important strengths of an excellent leader;
• Create a clear path forward for becoming a servant leader in our county so we can realize the full potential of a prosperous, healthy, thriving community for all people; and
• Boast a strong network, gain new inspiration, and possess the ability to contribute at a higher level at work and in our community.

Display Your Corporate Leadership & Responsibility: Prominently show your dedication and commitment to both your greatest assets and to our community by:

• Partnering with LBC for a day of community service. Let’s choose a project that reflects our mutual priorities for improving our community and work together to achieve our community goals.
• Sponsor one of LBC’s Leadership Learning Days or alumni events to get your brand in front of like-minded corporate leaders.

Help Build Tomorrow’s Leaders: It is more important now than ever before to ensure all people have the opportunity to become their best selves and a community leader by accessing the opportunity to participate in LBC. Consider making a contribution to the Elayne Hettleman Scholarship Campaign so all qualified candidates can benefit from our program, regardless of their means.

Together we can advance as individuals, companies and community. Shoot me an email and let’s talk over a cup of coffee about your interests and goals and how we can support one another. I am looking forward to exploring the possibilities with you!

With gratitude,
Amanda