Direct Connect is a GGCC program that strategically connects members in smaller groups. Each group has its own unique personality where members act as strategic partners helping the group to develop and grow each other’s businesses though information sharing, referrals, and personal contact. Direct Connect Groups are run by GGCC members, rather than Chamber staff, and employ structure, schedule, and participation requirements that are conducive to that specific group.
Members are encouraged to take advantage of Direct Connect; participation is a benefit of GGCC membership and there is no additional fee. Also, if you cannot find a Direct Connect group that meets your needs, any member can start a new Direct Connect group!
If you are interested in learning more about our Direct Connect Groups, please reach out to us at info@ggchamber.org or (301) 840-1400.
| NAME / FOCUS | MEMBER LEADERSHIP | MEETING TIME | DEFINING QUALIFICATION |
| B2B Referral Sharing Group |
Ed Samuels, Auxilium Technology ed.samuels@auxiliumtechnology.com
|
8:30-9:30 AM Every other Tuesday | Industry exclusive |
| RECN (Real Estate and Construction) |
Jerry Therrien, Retired TW Construction
|
7:30-9 AM Every other Wednesday | Industry exclusive within the commercial real estate or construction realm. Member must be in a leadership position. |
| GGCC MasterMind Group |
Steve Barber, Supporting Strategies sbarber@supportingstrategies.com |
7:30-9 AM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month | Industry exclusive |
| SOHO (Small Office – Home Office) |
Dan Dellon, Gaithersburg CPAs – dan@gaithersburgcpas.com Kathryne Carter, Grace and Virtue Events – kathryne@graceandvirtueevents.com
|
9-10 AM 2nd Wednesday of each month | Member must work for themselves, from home or in a small office |
| Nonprofit Group |
Denise Fredericks, Mercy Health Clinic – denise.fredericks@mercyhealthclinic.org Deborah Zimmer, Teh Universities at Shady Grove – dzimmer@umd.edu |
2nd Monday of each month. Currently on zoom. | Members must be nonprofit organizations, or work directly with nonprofit organizations in support of their mission. |
| Pathways Women Group |
Philippa Channer, Channer Consulting – philippa@channer-consulting.com |
8:30-10 am 3rd Friday of each month | Member must Identify as female, and have a business that is 5 years or younger. |
| NEW – LGBTQ+ Business Leaders and Allies |
Sarah Savage, WPConcierge sarah@wpconcierge.com Jessica Washington, Perfectly Pinked jessicaw@perfectlypinked.com |
Launched summer 2024 – see organizers for detailed schedule. | Focused on fostering community among LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners. We seek to create a safe space where everyone can grow, learn, improve their business and network. We invite LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to participate. |
| GGCC/HCCMC Business Owners of Color Direct Connect Group |
Fernando Fuentes, M&T Bank |
Will meet twice monthly for 90 minutes at the end of the workday; email Fernando for schedule. | Industry-Exclusive, in-person joint program with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County, B2B and B2C businesses welcome. |
| Early & Mid-Career MasterMind Group |
Vicki Lin, CapStar Victoria Lin vlin@capstarco.com John Teel, Supporting Strategies jteel@supportingstrategies.com |
Meets 2nd Wednesday each month 10:30-12:00. Quarterly happy hour. |
Group provides an educational deep dive for Early- to Mid-Level professionals in the networking sphere. Cross-industry discussions and speakers. Industry agnostic Industry exclusive to 2 seats max per industry
|
| NEW – Health and Wellness Direct Connect Group |
Wendy Iglehart, Wendy Iglehart LCPC LLC, wiglehart@wendyiglehart.com Steev Reinhold, Practical Health & Wellness, steve@phwassociates.com |
LAUNCHED in November! Meeting at the Chamber office. |
A forum for connection between any business leader in the broad health and wellness space! |
| NEW – Stars & Stripes Veteran Direct Connect Group |
Ron David, I.C.E. Firearms & Defensive Training redavid@icefdt.com |
LAUNCHING: Jan 23, 2025 Will meet second & fourth Thursdays each month |
Mission: Our mission is to encourage, empower, and enrich veteran small businesses through events, networking meetings, community involvement, and chamber activities. Purpose: To identify, connect, and help grow veteran-owned small businesses through the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce. |