County Executive Speaks At GSPCC Luncheon
Beautification Awards Bestowed To Local Businesses
Photo by Paul Lancione
County Executive John Leopold updated Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon attendees on budget matters and other issues affecting the County during the June meeting at Chartwell Country Club.
By John Singleton
It has become one of the most recognizable corners in Severna Park - that little nook behind the old Church Building at 8 Evergreen Road. Passersby can't help but admire the graceful curve of the bluestone sitting wall and the cool pastel of the Quayle and Company headquarters just across the street from Severn School.
At the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon on June 6 at Chartwell Country Club, the talents of Hal and Mary Quayle were officially recognized when they became recipients of a Greater Severna Park Business Beautification Award.
"Dr. Gerald Church owned the building for 30 years," noted a smiling Mary Quayle. "We're very proud to add to the legacy of what we call - the Church Building. We live in Severna Park and have really enjoyed beautifying the property," she added.
Conceived in 1989 by Hal Quayle, Quayle and Company specialize in assisting homeowners from the beginning to the end of their home renovation project. To separate itself from its competitors, the firm relies on unique design skills and superb space management to meet client goals.
But the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon wasn't just a day of beauty; there was business to tend to, and when County Executive John Leopold was introduced by Chamber President John Barranco the crowd hunkered down in anticipation of a serious discussion. During a thirty-minute address, the fledgling County Executive touched on issues as diverse as keeping taxes low, to preserving the environment, to curbing the reliance of non-profits on government largesse.
"Non-profits need to be trained to raise money on their own. They should not be so reliant on government funds to support their operations," explained the dapper Leopold, sans his trademark red vest. "After all, these non-profits may represent causes you don't agree with," he continued. Tackling the issue of government dollars being used to reward special interest that in turn donate to the re-election of politicians was perhaps the most thought provoking moment of the luncheon. For the most part Leopold made a solid impression on the lunchtime crowd of approximately 100, demonstrating an acute knowledge of county budget numbers and processes.
In the end, the event was a celebration of the vibrant small business community that exists in the greater Severna Park area. When Earl Schaffer, point man for the Independence Day Parade, asked the roomful of business owners and executives for their support with the annual July 4th Parade and Fesitval hands were raised and assistance offered - no questions asked.
"Participating in the Severna Park Chamber of Commerce gives our company great insight into the community, which is a very sought after market," stated Dan O'Neil, sales manager at WNAV 1430. "We tailor our programming around many Severna Park activities. We carry about six Severna Park High School football games each year, and we've had the privilege of following the team deep into the playoffs the last two years."
8 Evergreen Road Severna Park MD 21146