Names & notes

Friday, July 4, 2008

Steven Tripp, marketing manager for Chaney Enterprises, was honored as the 2007 Promoter of the Year by the Maryland Ready Mix Concrete Association on June 9, according to a company press release.

Tripp received the award during the Maryland Construction and Materials Conference in Cambridge.

‘‘What impresses me, as a full-time promoter, is that Steve challenged me to reach further, be more competitive and think about an even ‘bigger picture’ to advance the concrete industry,” said Tom Evans, promotion director of MRMCA, in the release. In his remarks to conference attendees, Evans noted Tripp’s ability to engage decision-makers during numerous trade shows, how Chaney Enterprises hosted several industry events at its locations, encouraged teamwork to promote industry partners and not just his company and how Tripp volunteered on his own time to advance the association’s marketing campaign.

Tripp is a champion of pervious concrete, an environmentally friendly surface that allows water to run through the surface instead of ponding, offering storm water management options and for surfaces such as driveways and walkways constructed in critical water areas. He was recognized for his efforts and forward-thinking to introduce, educate and promote pervious concrete as a viable product, not only for Chaney Enterprises, but throughout Maryland.

‘‘This recognition is well-earned and quite an accomplishment for someone who has only been in our industry since February of last year,” said Bill Childs, president of Chaney Enterprises in the release. ‘‘Steve is truly a valuable addition to the Chaney team.”

Chamber welcomesnew employees

Beckie Rich has been appointed finance manager for the Charles County Chamber of Commerce. She will handle all financial matters for the chamber. Rich was self-employed prior to coming to work for the chamber.

TaWana Garvin has been appointed administrative specialist. Garvin will oversee the administrative functions of the office as well as assist with chamber communications. Her previous employers include Manpower Inc., American Bankers Association and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

‘‘We are excited to have Beckie and TaWana as part of our team,” said Helen Heier, chamber president, in a press release. ‘‘Please join us in welcoming them both.”

Region’s CEOs meet

CEOs and entrepreneurs from across the Southern Maryland region met recently to discuss the daily challenges facing small business owners, according to a press release.

The event took place during the inaugural roundtable meeting of CEO Junction, a new business networking group and the flagship brand of Capture Enterprises.

Led by an experienced facilitator, invited attendees voiced concerns, asked questions and talked about issues of particular importance to small business owners such as the best way to market small businesses, to assimilating within the nonprofit realm.

The meeting was hosted by the Spring Dell Center in La Plata, and a hot breakfast was catered by Apple Spice Junction. The group met again on July 3. Attendance at the meetings is limited to 12 people and is by invitation only.

CEO Junction is a membership organization where CEOs, presidents, business owners, executive directors and entrepreneurs can share their valuable experience, skills, build relationships, and help each other grow professionally.

E-mailinfo@CaptureEnterprises.com.

Work life alliancehonors CSMfor fifth year

For the fifth year, the College of Southern Maryland was recognized by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence as an outstanding organization in providing an excellent workplace environment and for its dedication and commitment to employee work life initiatives.

Recognizing 62 top employers at its Workplace Excellence recognition awards ceremony June 19, the alliance acknowledged CSM as an employee-friendly organization, honoring it with the 2008 Workplace Excellence seal. The 2008 winning companies represent more than 1.3 million employees from small, medium and large, private, nonprofit and public sector businesses.

‘‘CSM has long been recognized for its commitment and service to the Southern Maryland community. We are honored to receive this Workplace Excellence Award for the fifth year as it validates the college’s long-term efforts to provide innovative, employee-friendly programs with an emphasis on work⁄life balance, such as the summer flex-time program and programs that emphasize health and wellness,” said CSM President Bradley M. Gottfried in a press release.

Over the years the college has steadily increased its health and wellness programs for the public as well as for its employees, said Denise Bailey Clark, CSM’s executive director for human resources, in the release.

CSM offers competitive benefits including telecommuting and flexible work schedules. A staunch supporter of employee growth and development, CSM offers employees a number of development opportunities including leadership training, computer software training, tuition waiver for CSM courses and partial tuition reimbursement for job-related coursework at other institutions.

New gym opens in Waldorf

Pinnacle Performance, an athletic and personal training facility at 2896 Old Washington Road in Waldorf, has opened.

Pinnacle Performance offers one-on-one and small group fitness programs in a modern facility, according to a company press release. Along with general training, Pinnacle Performance also offers sports performance training.

The staff at Pinnacle Performance has worked with the Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, according to the release.

Farmers market openat National Harbor

National Harbor’s 40-vendor-strong farmers market is now open with produce, pastries, crafts, artwork and fashion, jewelry and flowers.

The American Market, which will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 18, will eventually have 60 vendors.

‘‘We want something the community can come out and enjoy. It’s a free event with whole market food and family programming,” said Vikki Herald, who owns The Party Connoisseur in Bowie and was chosen to coordinate the market for National Harbor.