County Celebrates National Small Business Week
A listening session and joint proclamation are planned during National Business Week in Montgomery County.
“Small business is big business in Montgomery County,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement. “Over 95 percent of the businesses in Montgomery County have fewer than 50 employees, and their success is vital to grow our economy and to keep our communities vibrant.”
National Small Business Week runs through May 11, and the annual event has highlighted the country’s top entrepreneurs for more than a half-century.
Elrich and County Council Vice President Sidney Katz recently launched the 4Business: Benchmarking to Be the Best for Business initiative, intended to engage the county business community.
On Monday, he will hold the third of six listening sessions as at East County Regional Services Center in Silver Spring.
Elrich and the County Council will issue a joint proclamation recognizing National Small Business Week at their Tuesday meeting.
“I am pleased to be helping to lead the efforts in the County for the 4Business initiative,” Katz said in a statement. “Recognizing Small Business Week is yet another way to bring the importance of these businesses to light. The success of small business in Montgomery County is crucial to our economic development.”
On Wednesday, Elrich will launch the Business Connect hub at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown, which will include classes and connections to assist local businesses in their communities.
“My administration is committed to making sure our businesses are supported and that we develop a healthy incubator and innovation climate to help local entrepreneurs bring their ideas into the world and to grow jobs in Montgomery County,” Elrich said.
Loyal Companion pet-care chain opens several locations
The pet-care brand recently acquired several businesses in the industry and launched its new community of stores on Saturday.
Loyal Companion has brought Kriser’s, Especially For Pets, Bark! Dogma – Life, With Your Pet, Pet Source, Pet Life and Whole Pet Central under one brand.
The Bark! at Congressional Plaza and the Whole Pet Central on East Gude Drive in Rockville are both now Loyal Companions.
There are five Loyal Companions in the county, with locations in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring and Olney.
The company offers a wide range of services, including daycare, training, nutrition and veterinarian care.
Store Reporter first reported the grand opening.
Community Ministries of Rockville changes name
The organization will now be known as Community Reach of Montgomery County in an effort to “better express its mission,” according to a news release.
The group has been providing healthcare, housing and education, among other services, to vulnerable members of the community for 52 years. Initiatives include the Language Outreach Program, Rockville Emergency Assistance Program and Elderly Ministries Program.
The name change had been discussed by the organization’s board and supporters from the community for years, seeking to update its title to reflect the range of current offerings.
The group filed unveiled the name change and a new logo at its annual gala at Lakewood Country Club on April 27.
Community Reach of Montgomery County’s website and social media accounts will remain at the same Community Ministries of Rockville addresses for now.
Volunteers flock to annual C&O Canal Clean-Up
Around 130 residents came out to restore the C&O Canal National Historical Park at Great Falls in Potomac on Saturday.
The 12th annual clean-up is the largest volunteer event at the park, with locals painting historic buildings, picking up trash and filling holes, among other revitalization duties.
The event is hosted by the C&O Canal Trust, founded in 2007 as the official nonprofit partner of the park. The group raises funds and works with local communities to preserve the park for future generations.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
