The Annual Membership meeting reflects on the accomplishments of the past year along with announcing goals for the future. Elections for new board of director members and new officers are also held as part of the annual meeting.
Those elected to serve in 2024 are: Chairwoman – Parika Andreassen, Hampton Inn, Frostburg, First Vice-Chairman – Robert Collette, Jr., Cumberland Healthcare Center, Second Vice-Chairwoman – Julie Westendorff, Allegany Arts Council and Immediate Past Chairman – Patrick Buck, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services.
Delegate Carl Anderton, Jr. joined the Department of Commerce as Director of Rural Economic Strategy earlier this year. The position serves as the Department’s principal adviser on rural economic development and will spearhead the Administration’s strategies and policies on expanding economic opportunities and growth in rural communities, with priority focus on Western and Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore. During the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Carl will present his findings from visiting the rural communities in Maryland since his appointment, particularly what challenges are shared among Western and Southern Maryland, and what strategies he and his team are developing to spark growth and economic vitality.
Anderton, prior to the appointment, was serving his third term in the Maryland House of Delegates representing Legislative District 38B, was a member of the Appropriations Committee and its Education and Economic Development Subcommittee, as well as the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission. He previously served as mayor of Delmar, Maryland and president of the Maryland Municipal League.
