Groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, open houses, and special events

Executive Director Toni Sprenkle gives presentation at Cecil County Chamber’s Nonprofit Toolkit Networking Event

Bohemia Manor Farm Chesapeake City, MD- Executive Director Toni Sprenkle shares her knowledge of fundraising and resources to a gathering of members of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce. Toni’s engaging presentation gave insight to local nonprofits on accessing capital, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, hosting fundraising events, raising funds through digital platforms, and other ways to assist businesses and nonprofits in gaining funds to keep operations moving forward. The County Chamber hosts these monthly networking events free for members. The networking events have been well attended and are a valuable asset to the local business and nonprofit community.

Executive Director Toni Sprenkle Moderates Cecil County Candidate Forum

Executive Director and Cecil County Chamber of Commerce board member, Toni led the charge of questions for Cecil County Public Schools Board Member Candidates for Districts 1, 2 and 5. The forum, held at Milburn Stone Theater at Cecil College is an opportunity for our candidates running for CCPS board positions, County Council, and County Executive to answer questions and offers a meet and greet for chamber members and public attendees prior to our November election.

BDC Attends MEDA’S Inaugural Maryland Main Street Conference

FREDERICK, MD: The BDC headed west this past week to join the state’s leaders in Main Street. With presentations from Frederick’s mayor and county executive, Maryland Secretary of Housing, and other professionals and leaders the passion and enthusiasm at 2024 Main Street Maryland Conference: Creating a Local & Lovable Main Street Experience was contagious! This event delivered a day filled with captivating presentations, extraordinary experiences, and fresh perspectives that inspired and energized our BDC team! Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson enjoyed the historic Weinberg Center in Frederick, MD where the conference was held. They joined Maryland Main Street managers, board members, community teams, volunteers, advocates, and economic and community developers for an immersive experience and discovered the remarkable assets of Maryland’s local communities while participating in important and engaging conversations that will shape the future of our own Cecil County Main Streets in exciting ways!

 

Business by The Bonfire: A festive, new fall tradition in the business community of Cecil County

ELKTON, MD: The BDC team attended Cecil County Chamber of Commerce’s Business by the Bonfire at Milburn Orchard. This networking event brings together all things fall and local business members to gather around a bonfire to network, fundraise, and get excited about the thriving business community in our county.

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BDC Attends Maryland’s Smart Growth Summit

Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson were in Annapolis this past week to attend Maryland’s Smart Growth Summit held at Crowne Plaza. The ladies of BDC spent the day with legislators, community and municipal leaders, economic development professionals and national experts leading the charge for smart and sustainable growth in our communities. BDC participated in a breakout group and robust discussion to move Maryland in a direction of equity and opportunity for all members of our communities. The goal is to have equal access to homeownership, community resources and business opportunities attainable by everyone. Meeting with legislative members who were engaged and eager to hear from the group in attendance fostered an environment for real conversations to happen about the direction of growth for our state. Toni and Jen were able to contribute ideas and facilitate a collaborative discussion for important topics such as funding for minority business owners, homebuyer assistance that is accessible to all members of a community, planning partnerships that involve actual residents of the community and many more ideas that will hopefully drive the growth of Maryland in an equitable direction, with abundant opportunities for everyone.

 

BDC attends Cecil College Gala

Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson attend Cecil College’s Collegium de Vinum 2024 Gala. The event is held annually as a fundraiser with all proceeds going towards Cecil College’s programs and scholarships.

 

 

Winter Lights Cecil Nights in Port Deposit Chamber Hosts a Successful Second Saturday S’mores and Hot Cocoa Walk through the Historic District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us in February for our next S’mores and Hot Cocoa Walk. Saturday, February 10th from 4-8 PM in Center Square for free s’mores kits, hot chocolate and fun! Stop by one of our toasty fire pits to warm up on the way to touring the shops downtown or heading out for dinner (dessert before dinner is absolutely acceptable!).

BDC Attends Cecil Night in Annapolis

 

The BDC participated as a business sponsor and attendee of the 2024 Cecil Night in Annapolis, organized by the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce. This annual event not only showcases the businesses, government organizations and non-profits in Cecil County, but also provides valuable access to our political leaders and promotes continued networking and connections within our community.

 

Congratulations to Executive Director Megan Mcray and her staff on a successful event!

 

 

BDC attends Port Deposit Mural Dedication Ceremony

BDC had the wonderful opportunity to assist local artist Jessica Kehl in bringing a truly magnificent mural to life. Executive Director Toni Sprenkle attended the mural dedication ceremony Saturday, August 19th and added her hand print to the wall.

Attempting to put into words what this mural project has done for the community of Port Deposit is difficult. Volunteering with brush in hand is really the only way to fully capture the transformation of both the mural wall and strangers that became friends; standing next to one another for a few hours sharing a common goal. Neighbors, local government leaders, community and business leaders all uniting together with a solo cup of paint forging friendships, and creating art.

BDC takes great care in being available to our community and truly meeting folks where they are to strengthen our small town. We look forward to the partnerships we’ve created in Port Deposit to help with future projects that will positivity impact our town.

BDC and Great Wolf Lodge Guest Speakers at Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Event

Executive Assistant Jen Peterson speaks to Chamber members on the positive economic impacts that Bainbridge will bring to the town of Port Deposit and surrounding communities. She was able to network with other businesses and leaders and answer questions relating to the project as well as give updates on progress.