Do you have cabin fever? I know that I do, big time. Even though this has been a relatively mild winter, and even though Larry Brock & I took a 15 mile bike ride the other day, I must have a high temp strain of cabin fever. To my knowledge, there is no vaccine for cabin fever. However, there are two cures: 

take some time off, and dine & dance with us at the Chamber's 2nd Annual Spring Fling, Friday, April 11. If you are reading this and still have no tickets, you may be out of luck. But just in case, call the Chamber at 301-722-2820, to see if there are any last minute cancellations. Last year's Fling was a blast and a huge success.

Speaking of fever - board member Rick Thayer, First United Bank & Trust, avoided getting a fever from taking the Hooley Plunge on March 08. We weren't certain we'd have a board of director member with enough courage to take the plunge in very cold Rocky Gap Lake Habeeb for the benefit of Special Olympics, but Rick "volunteered" to jump for us. Thanks, Rick. In his words, "It was a great deal of fun and one of the coolest events in which I have ever participated. When I volunteered, I had no idea it would be such a gratifying experience. I absolutely will consider doing it again next year on behalf of the Chamber. Many thanks to everyone who supported me in this worthwhile event."

We held another Member Orientation on March 13 that was very well attended. It was led by Steve Nelson, Town Planner Publisher and 1st Vice Chair and membership co-chair. Attendees typically rave about what they learn, and how much fun their membership will be. Your directors approved the addition of George V. "Mac" McKinley, criminal defense attorney, as co-chair for the Membership Committee. We look forward to George assisting with upcoming orientations.

Your board of directors wants all members to benefit from Chamber membership. We provide you a valuable package....but you need to open it! We do a tremendous job of bringing a value proposition to our members. Yet, we know that we must constantly try to improve our service to you. So let us know what you think, what you want, what you don't want. Please make the time to enjoy your membership.

At our February Board of Directors' meeting we started analyzing the variety of Chamber networking activities held during the January through March time period. Granted, we lack an After Hours program during those months but we are working hard at the committee level. During the time that the Maryland legislature is in session (Jan-Apr), a great deal of staff and committee resources are devoted to the work of two of our committees: Education and Legislative.

The voice of business and Chamber members needs to be heard when it comes to educating our youth. Thank you, Jim "Snake" Robertson, WMDJATC, for chairing our Education Committee. And, the voice of business and Chamber members needs to be heard in Annapolis. Thank you, Bob Smith, Allegany Aggregates and Barb Buehl, Chamber, for co-chairing and driving the legislative committee's value to members. Yes, we pay educators and administrators to "teach our kids." And, yes, we pay legislators to "represent us." Yet we get solid and beneficial results only when we are involved in the processes that affect us. Look at the committee schedules. Attend! Learn! Network! Participate!

It's time again for your Chamber's Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast, Tuesday, April 22, 7:30am, Downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn. Will it be happy, sad, or mixed? Hmmmm. You'll find out at the breakfast. Look for the insert and fax in your RSVP. Our delegation is very approachable and eager to represent us well. Attend this and you'll be better prepared for next year's session. Plus, you'll remind our delegation that you care, and that they count.

Your Chamber is very proud each year to sponsor the Outstanding Business Student Awards luncheon, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Cumberland. This year's luncheon will be held at the Downtown Cumberland Holiday Inn, Noon, Tuesday, April 29. We honor outstanding business students from the public schools, private schools, Allegany College of Maryland, and Frostburg State University. Congratulations to the awardees.

Rev up your networking engines: the next "Chamber After Hours" is hosted by Friends Aware, Inc. on Wednesday, April 16th, from 5:30-7:30pm. The insert with reservation details is in this newsletter. Fill it out and fax it to the Chamber office to RSVP. It's another one of those free Chamber benefits. If you cannot attend, send a respresentative to meet & greet other Chamber members. It's the BEST way to get an inside look at the host organizations. Come find out why Friends Aware is so very notable.

                                               Esse quam videri

                                               Daryl