Carroll County Chamber Chat

For the last show of 2025, Mike chats with Richard Turner, the Chief Executive Office of the Community Media Center of Carroll County and the 2025 Chamber Chair of the Board, about CMC's expanding mission and reach, as well as the impact the Chamber has on the local community.

This week Mike is chatting with Seth and Alston Shipley, the Father/Son duo from Shipley's Diamonds and Fine Jewelry at 1224 N. Main Street in Hampstead. This family run local jewelry store is the perfect place for a special gift for a loved one. It's especially great for that last minute Christmas Gift!

This week I'm chatting with Kim Samuelson, Executive Director of MAGIC, which is a nonprofit located in Downtown Westminster. MAGIC's mission is to build a tech ecosystem that creates and nurtures talent, entrepreneurship, and tech businesses, elevating the Westminster Gigabit Community to lead the Mid-Atlantic region.

This week I'm chatting with Jill Centofanti, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for McDaniel College, about how they are expanding their Legacy Scholarship program to recognize all children of first responders, along with health professionals, and government employees to a maximum of $132,000 over four years. Listen in to all the scholarships available through McDaniel!

This week my guest is Lisa Oh, the owner of Little Explorers Cafe in Sykesville. This is an amazing place to bring children to keep them entertained for hours!

This week my guest is McDaniel College Professor of Communication & Cinema, Robert Lemieux. We're talking about a unique project he has championed, a PBS documentary, Growing Into Greatness: Maryland's Champion Trees. This documentary about the Champion Trees in Maryland, and even one in Carroll County, will air on November 22, 2025 on PBS.

This week my guest is Brenda Meadows, Executive Director of The Shepherds Staff. We talk about their mission, the people they serve, their Festival of Trees, and the plans for their new location. 

This week I'm talking with Molly Sherman, Executive Director of the Carroll Technology and Innovation Council, about the exciting things they are doing, and about the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence.

This week I'm chatting with Ian Scott of Quest Voyager about our amazing Portugal trip  in October of 2026.  We have a webinar set for Wednesday, November 12th, at 6PM at Exploration Commons at 50 East with an optional Zoom link.

This week my guest is Steve Wantz, Executive Director of the Community College Foundation. Steve reflects on almost 25 years with the Foundation and about his upcoming retirement.

This week Mike welcomes Renee Garvin, Executive Director of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, for a follow up chat, and they talk about the impact CLV has on the local community, as well as the 45th Anniversary Celebration they are having. In addition, Renee introduces the Capital Campaign they are launching.

This week Mike chats with Renee Garvin, Executive Director of Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, about this amazing Life Plan Community nestled in a scenic spot of Carroll County. Renee shares her history and what inspired her passion to work at CLV. Part #2 of this show will air on October 18, 2025.

This week Mike is chatting with the leadership team from BGK Hope Foundation, a local non-profit with the mission of providing essential services to local and international families. Give a listen and discover how you can partner alongside these passionate people.

Mike is talking with Richard Turner, CEO of the Community Media Center (CMC) and the 2025 Chamber Chair of the Board.  He shares what new things are happening at CMC, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

This week Mike is talking with Tricia Wegman, the Volunteer Coordinator of this year's Pink Fling event to benefit the Hospital Center For Breast Health.

This week Mike is chatting with Chris Fong, owner of Gilberts Premium Jerky and the Grand Prize winner of the 2025 Carroll Biz Challenge.

Mike chats with Jaclyne Roberts of Launch Carroll, the Chamber's Premier Young Professional Group, about their next event at Flood Zone Brewery in Union Bridge on September 11th, from 5-7PM.

Mike is talking with Tom Scanlan and Craig Paskoski about the Environmental Advisory Council's upcoming 2025 Environmental Action Awards!  Nominations need to be submitted by September 22nd and  winners will be announced by September 30, 2025.  Presentation of awards will occur at the 2025 Carroll EnviroFest, scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Robert Moton Center in Westminster. 

Mike's guest is Tony Gerald, owner and head chef, of Collision Course, the amazing soul food restaurant in Downtown Westminster. Stop by 61 East Main Street and enjoy one of his signature dishes, and Tony will even serenade you with a song!

This week Mike is talking with Taz from Toastmasters about their clubs and involvment in the Carroll County community and how they can help with public speaking and leadership.

This week I'm chatting with Dana Wachter, Events Coordinator of the Carroll County Farm Museum, about upcoming events for the summer, including the Wine Festival.

This week we're talking about the greatest Carroll County event of the year, the 14th Annual Carroll Biz Challenge. Mike talks with Steve Lowe, co-owner of 127 Creative and the producer of the Biz Challenge, about the August 14th event and the Final Five Finalists!

This week Mike is chatting with Savannah Mitchell, the owner of Sunday Morning at Savannah's, the new Bed & Breakfast/Coffee House/Events location in New Windsor. Visiting this wonderful establishment is like stepping back in time!

This week I'm chatting with Margo Adkins, owner of a new catering business called Root & Ranch Catering, Concessions out of Union Bridge. She will be supplying the delicious food for our July 28th Breakfast at the 4H & FFA Fair.

This week Mike is chatting with Dan Cooper, President and CEO, of Fuchs North America in Hampstead.  Fuchs is the world's largest privately-held seasoning and spice company, and they have been making great products for customers right here in the United States for over 75 years.   Learn more about Fuchs by attending our PM Connections networking event on Thursday, July 24th, from 4-6PM. They are located at 3800 Hampstead Mexico Rd. in Hampstead.

This week Mike is chatting about the upcoming European Christmas Markets Trip in December, and about our Galapagos Trip in April 2026. We have a few spots left for each adventure, but they won't last long!

My guest is Val Giovagnoni, the Chair of the Chamber Foundation's Board of Directors and the Market Development Manager of Carroll County for Flight Fiber by Antietam Broadband. We're chatting about what the Chamber Foundation is and who we are.

In this week's show, Mike chats with Dwayne Myers, owner of Dynamic Automotive, a new business in Downtown Sykesville about their community focus and their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting set for Thursday, June 26th at 3:00 PM. They are located at 881 Dndosky Rd. in Downtown Sykesville.

This is Part #2 of an interview with Reggie Smith, owner of RU Coached and author of a new book called Workplace Relationships That Thrive, along with Sylvia Blair, owner of Blair Copywriting and Communications, LLC, and ghostwriter of this essential book on culture and relationships at the office.

This week's guest is Brooke Nixon, Miss Maryland Volunteer, who will be representing Maryland on the national stage in Jackson, TN this June! Miss Volunteer America is a nationwide scholarship program based in Tennessee that seeks to empower young women across the country through scholarships and community service efforts. Mike and Brooke talk about scholarship and service opportunities that Miss Maryland Volunteer offers and talk about Brooke's preparation for the national competition!

This is Part #1 of an interview with Reggie Smith, owner of RU Coached and author of a new book called Workplace Relationships That Thrive, along with Sylvia Blair, owner of Blair Copywriting and Communications, LLC, and ghostwriter of this essential book on culture and relationships at the office.  Part #2 of this interview will air on June 8th.

This week I'm talking with Andrea Lane, General Manager of Sweetbay Farms, a wonderful local Nursery and Garden Center in Westminster with everything needed to beautify your landscaping and interior greenery!  Coupled with their knowledgeable and friendly employees, this is the place to go in Carroll County.

Our guest this week is Andy Gilliland, Valvoline Instant Oil Change General Manager. We're talking about their new location in Westminster and their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on May 16th.

This week Mike is talking with Trish Alejandrez, co-owner of Papa Joe's Mexican Restaurant in Westminster, about their local Westminster restaurant of 19 years. All their Mexican food is made from scratch and it's delicious, so check them out! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This week I'm talking with JoJo Maguire of JoJo Maguire Design, a new business in Westminster that specializes in offering a full service bridal experience. This is the show for April 27th and they also have a Grand Opening with us set for May 7th.

In honor of Earth Day (April 22, 2025), I'm interviewing two board members from the Carroll County Environmental Council about what they do and about their awards.

This week Mike is talking with Michelle and Mia Alessi, the owners of Starlings Kitchen & Bakery at 172 E. Main Street in Downtown Westminster. They're open 7 days a week and they serve amazing baked goods, as well as a very diverse breakfast and lunch menu.

This week my guest is Garrett Hoover, President and COO of Carroll Hospital and Sr. Vice-President of Lifebridge Health. We're talking about Carroll Hospital's new Emergency Department Renovation Project.

This week I'm talking with United Way Board Member, Celene Steckel, about the United Way of Central Maryland ‘s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration.

This week Mike is talking with Mandy Gilbart, Principal of Carroll Lutheran School, about the excellent education they offer that is formed in faith.

This week I'm talking with Stephanie Powers, Executive Director of Care Healing Center, formerly Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County.  They are the primary provider of free comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence in Carroll County since 1978 and now with an expanded mission and new name, they also provide services for human trafficking victims of any age.

My guest is Cody Snyder, Manager of O'Lordan's Irish Pub in Downtown Westminster. We're talking about all the happenings at O'Lordan's as they gear up for St. Patrick's Day on March 17th.

The Carroll Biz Challenge application period is officially open!  I'm chatting with past Grand Prize winners, Steve Moore of Run Moore in Downtown Westminster and Hannah Brookfield of BotaniGal in Downtown Sykesville, about the Biz Challenge and what the experience did for their businesses.

This week my guest is Steve Potorti, the owner of Giulianova Groceria and Italian Deli at 11 East Main Street in Downtown Westminster. Giulianova is the next door neighbor of the Chamber and Mike is beyond excited about their new Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich!  As Mike is a Chicago native, this slice of home is so welcome!

This Sunday. I'm with Paul, the owner of Chicken Salad Chick. We're talking about this new Westminster restaurant and all they have to offer!

This week I'm chatting with Sam Havighurst, President of North Carroll Community School, about their philosophy on educating children and their amazing school.

This week I'm talking with Steve Lowe, co-owner of 127 Creative and the Producer of the Chamber's Marquee event, the Carroll Biz Challenge.  We're holding the Biz Challenge Kickoff meeting this Tuesday, February 4th, at 6 PM at Carroll Community College. 

This week my guest is Jaclyne Roberts of R & W Kitchen and Bath in Westminster. We chat about the unique service this long standing local business provides. Owners, Jaclyne and her husband, Daniel, are community-minded people who are very involved in the Chamber's Young Professional Group, Launch Carroll.

My guest is Art Riley of Kiwanis and we are talking about the leadership programs they are offering for 7th and 8th grade students, as well as 9th and 10th graders. This sounds amazing and there is still time to enroll your students.