Gaithersburg /Germantown, MD (September 24, 2013) – The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) honored its volunteers at the Business Networking after Five event on Thursday, September 19. The event was held at and sponsored by Smokey Glen Farm Barbequers, Inc. in Gaithersburg.
The GGCC holds its annual picnic in honor of its volunteers who generously give their time and talents to the Chamber. These remarkable people are an integral part of the Chamber and its success. The event is held annually at Smokey Glen Farm – an active supporter of the GGCC – a family owned business that has held Corporate Citizenship as a core value for over 50 years.
“It is always important to say thank you and to recognize those who have helped us along the way. We simply could not do all the great things we do without our volunteers. It is an honor to work with them,” stated Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President.
Balcombe personally thanked all of the Chamber’s volunteers noting their “participation on committees and at events is priceless”. The GGCC has 99 active volunteers serving on one or more of the following committees:
- Board of Directors
- Legislative Affairs
- Economic Development
- Membership
- Events
- Young Professionals
- Golf
- Annual Celebration Dinner
The volunteers’ commitment helps the GGCC remain vital and meet the needs of our business community.
Four chamber members received an award & special recognition for their commitment and involvement with the Chamber. These “exceptional volunteers” were nominated by the working committees of the Chamber for having substantially contributed to GGCC member programs and activities.
The 2013 Exceptional Volunteers include:
Kent Fegani, JK Moving Services: Kent Fegani is a young star and an asset to the GGCC’s Young Professionals Group (YPG). Fegani serves on the YPG planning committee where he assists with event planning, helps the committee make phone calls to other young professionals about upcoming events and attends YPG events regularly. His passion, drive and commitment enhance the value & ensure the success of this group.
David Marshall, Great Idea Video: David Marshall is an artist. For months, Marshall was attending and filming events. This past summer at the Asbury picnic attendees were puzzled when he asked the group to form a big circle and shout – “The Chamber is Great!” It wasn’t until shortly after this event that Marshall stopped by the office with a video that now is the feature on the front page of the Chamber’s website and the first video on the Chamber’s You Tube page. The video is an exceptional piece of art that sums up what the GGCC is in 1 minute and 7 seconds. It is more than Chamber could have ever wanted.
Michele Potter, City of Gaithersburg: Michelle Potter was recognized for her work on the events committee. She is truly an asset to the committee. Her support of the events committee, as a regular attendee and active participant, has greatly contributed to the vitality of the committee.
Ibi Sofillas, MyRealtyTeam Real Estate LLC: Ibi Sofillas is a leader. She was nominated for her work on the Chamber’s membership committee. Sofillas took the reins of the Chamber’s ambassador program – revamped and rewrote it. She consistently connects with new members and welcomes them with her glowing personality and cheerful smile. Her dedication and positive attitude has greatly contributed to the vitality of the committee. Sofillas was also a contributor to our Best Practice Book and is active in the Women’s Group.
(l:r) Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC Executive Director presents Kent Fegani, JK Moving Services; Ibi Sofillas, MyRealtyTeam Real Estate LLC and David Marshall, Great Idea Video with 2013 Exceptional Volunteer Awards for their contributions to GGCC member programs and activities at the Chamber’s Annual Picnic and Volunteer Recognition on September 19, 2013. (l:r).
(Photo credit – Laura Rowles, GGCC Director of Marketing)
(l:r) Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC Executive Director, presents Michele Potter, City of Gaithersburg with her 2013 Exceptional Volunteer Award for her important contribution to the GGCC’s events committee at a recent committee meeting.
(Photo credit – Laura Rowles, GGCC Director of Marketing)