Harford Community College announces the appointment of Dr. Darren Gibson to the new position of Vice President, Workforce & Continuing Education, effective November 2, 2026. Dr. Gibson has extensive experience in workforce education, community partnerships, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gibson has been dedicated to expanding educational opportunities, cultivating impactful institutional partnerships, and bridging the gap between education and workforce Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce have been selected to participate in the Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships initiative to strengthen collaboration between community colleges and local chambers of commerce, better align education with workforce demand, expand work-based learning opportunities, and build stronger pathways to employment.
This effort is led by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping community colleges transform to
Harford Chamber Announces Harford Award Recipients, Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 32nd Annual Ceremony
Bel Air, MD – Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 32nd annual Harford Award on Monday, October 19th at Water’s Edge Events Center. The prestigious award honors companies and organizations which exemplify a strong commitment to the Harford County business community. Recipients are chosen through a nomination/application process focused on Fisher Financial Services Welcomes Andrea Bailey as Branch Operations Manager
Bel Air, Maryland — October 1, 2026 — Fisher Financial Services is pleased to announce that Andrea Bailey has joined the firm as Branch Operations Manager, bringing more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Andrea’s career includes roles ranging from Financial Advisor to Investment Executive, as well as experience forming and operating multiple real estate-related businesses. She brings a broad Fisher Financial Services Welcomes Raylaina Hammond as Client Relationship Manager
Bel Air, Maryland — October 1, 2026 — [Company Name] is pleased to announce that Raylaina Hammond has joined the firm as Client Relationship Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the financial services industry.
Raylaina’s diverse background includes banking, investment services, and employer-sponsored retirement plans. Her previous management and leadership roles included developing Bel Air, Md. – Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) is proud to recognize Steven D. Linkous on his 20th anniversary as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Linkous became President and CEO on October 16, 2006, becoming only the 10th president to lead Harford Mutual since its founding in 1842. His 20-year tenure makes him the third-longest-serving president in the company’s nearly 185-year-old history, following John Carroll Walsh, who served for 29 years, and Richard Dallam, who served for 45
An Editorial on Race, Humanity, Spiritual Accountability, and the Generations We Continue to Fail
By James W. JenkinsAward-Winning Author | Creator of The THINKER Method™
THE WARS WE FOUGHT ABROAD. THE WAR WE NEVER FINISHED AT HOME.
America, I have a question.
After all the wars we have fought, the lives we have sacrificed, the nations we have helped defend, and the freedoms we have proclaimed to the world, why are we still struggling to recognize the humanity of the people standing right beside Music Land has partnered with The MacKenzie Group to explore adding a tenant (or tenants) on either side of the existing building at its property at 200 Gateway Drive in Bel Air, MD 21014. If interested, please contact Sean Langford at 443-573-3218 or slangford@mackenziecommercial.com
THE TOP THINKER
THE FUTURE IS NOT WAITING FOR PERMISSION
James W. Jenkins | The Visionary Behind a New Era of Thinking
An extraordinary story of transformation, intellectual independence, leadership, and one man's determination to challenge the way the world thinks.
SPECIAL EDITION | NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2026
By The Visionary Editorial
PROLOGUE: A MESSAGE FROM THE FUTURE
THE YEAR IS 2036.
Somewhere in America, a young student receives a disappointing grade.
Instead of declaring defeat, she asks Bel Air, Md. – Jeffrey S. Rink, Executive Vice President of Harford Mutual Insurance Group, has joined the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation Board, further expanding his commitment to serving the Harford County community.
With more than 35 years of insurance industry experience, Rink joined Harford Mutual in 2009 and has served as Executive Vice President since 2021. During his tenure, he has helped guide the company’s strategic growth and community engagement efforts.
Rink has previously served on The Harford County’s Business Voice Must Be Heard
Bel Air, MD – The November 2026 election will shape the cost and competitiveness of doing business in Harford County for years to come. The leaders elected this cycle will confront a state budget gap, rising energy and health-care costs, workforce and housing challenges, and growing pressure on local governments. When the Maryland General Assembly convenes in January, these issues will become legislation, regulations, taxes, and spending decisions that Bel Air, Md. – Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) has earned national recognition for its corporate social responsibility, employee communications, and recruitment marketing efforts, receiving honors from both Ragan Communications and the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA).
HMIG has been named a finalist for Ragan Communications' 2026 CSR Awards. Harford Mutual is one of six finalists in the Employee Engagement Campaign category for its #HMIGgivesback Employee Engagement Campaign,
Harford Chamber Announces New Vice President
Bel Air, MD – The Harford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the promotion of Natalie Pixley to Vice President, effective July 1. Following four years of distinguished service as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Pixley steps into this executive role to partner with President & CEO, Angela Rose and the Board of Directors in advancing the Chamber’s strategic vision as it builds the foundation for the next 50 years of local economic From Washing Cars to General Manager: Five Decades of Leadership, Loyalty and ServiceBel Air, MD – July 14, 2026 – On June 29, Jones Junction celebrated a remarkable milestone as Larry Kropff marked 50 years of service with the company, a journey that began when he walked into the dealership as a teenager looking for his first job and evolved into a leadership career spanning five decades.Larry joined Jones Junction June 22, 1976, just after his 16th birthday. After responding to a newspaper advertisement Chamber Awards 7 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast
Bel Air, MD – The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Education & Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, June 12th, at Harford Community College. This event celebrates the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation scholarship recipients and recognizes the Harford County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, the event serves as an opportunity for the business community to gather and network with future leaders Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event
Bel Air, MD – On Tuesday, May 19th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Military Appreciation Luncheon event, presented by Freedom Federal Credit Union and hosted at Top of the Bay, Aberdeen Proving Ground. This year marked the 49th anniversary of the event, highlighting the Chamber’s history and commitment to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the men and women who serve our country in uniform. The event centered around the 250th Bel Air dealership group earns national recognition for growth, customer experience and year-round performanceMay 26, 2026, BEL AIR, MD —Jones Junction is celebrating a series of major milestones, led by its first appearance on the Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups list.Jones Junction was named one of just six dealership groups nationwide to make the list for the first time, joining the ranks of the country’s top-performing automotive retailers. The Bel Air-based company, which operates eight Legislative Wrap-Up Provides Insights into the 2026 Legislative Session
Bel Air, MD – On Thursday, April 30th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Legislative Wrap-Up event, hosted at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs and sponsored by Harford Community College. The event featured a panel of Maryland Delegates and Senators to discuss the results of the 2026 Maryland
Legislative Session and key priorities for next year. The panel consisted of Senator Jason Gallion – District 35, Senator Harford Chamber Hosts 2nd Annual Harford Regional Civics BeeBel Air, MD – On Saturday, April 18, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Harford Regional Civics Bee in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Civics Trust. The event was held at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland and sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union, Baltimore Gas & Electric, MedStar Health, Harford Bank, Harford County Public Library and Harford Community College.
The event began in
McArtor & Co, formerly Maryland Homes Team of RE/MAX Components, announces its official name change to better reflect its growth and long-term vision in the Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania areas. The team continues to deliver the same trusted, client-first real estate service while expanding its reach, partnerships, and property offerings across Maryland and beyond. The new brand supports future opportunities without changing the people, values, or results clients expect.Fallston, MD, January 31, 2026 Economic Insight Breakfast Equips Businesses with Knowledge and ResourcesBel Air, MD – On Tuesday, March 31st, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Economic Insight event, presented by APG Federal Credit Union, at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. Featured speakers: Dr. Daraius Irani of Towson University and Regional Economic Studies Institute, and Karen Holt of Harford County’s
Department of Economic Development, and Ben Seigel, Deputy Comptroller of Maryland for Policy, Public Works,
Scaling your market research means building a repeatable system for gathering, analyzing, and acting on customer and competitive intelligence — so your business decisions stay grounded in data as your needs grow and change. For small businesses in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region, that system doesn't require a big budget or an outside consultant. It requires knowing which tools exist, which methods match your stage of growth, and how to keep your findings from sitting unused in a folder no one
A media kit is a curated collection of brand assets, company information, and story angles that helps businesses present themselves clearly to journalists, partners, and event organizers. For businesses seeking stronger public relations outcomes, increased visibility, and consistent media engagement, a well-built media kit acts as both a credibility signal and a conversion tool. It organizes your narrative so others can tell it accurately and quickly.Key Takeaways
A media kit centralizes your brand
Sixty percent of small businesses encounter disputes with vendors or suppliers, and those disputes can drain 9% of annual revenue — a cost most owners never anticipate because they assumed a strong relationship would handle anything. In Harford County, where businesses regularly work across healthcare supply chains, federal contracting relationships, and the broader Baltimore logistics network, a vague agreement creates exposure that outlasts the deal. This guide covers what to include, what assumptions Akehurst Landscape Service Celebrates 150 Years of Service, Innovation, and
Community Impact
Joppa, MD — March 13, 2026 — Akehurst Landscape Service, a trusted leader in the commercial landscape industry, proudly announces the celebration of its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.
Founded in 1876, Akehurst Landscape Service has grown from its humble beginnings into a respected organization serving customers, partners, and communities Inner County Outreach and Fresh Start Furnishings Unite to Address
Furniture Poverty in Harford CountyAberdeen, MD — March 6, 2026 — Inner County Outreach (ICO) and Fresh Start Furnishings (FSF) have announced a strategic merger expanding access to furniture and coordinated support services for families across Harford County.
Fresh Start Furnishings will now operate as Fresh Start Furnishings at Inner County Outreach, integrating its furniture program into ICO’s established service model. For more than Harford County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50 Year
AnniversaryBel Air, MD – On March 4, 2026, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce reached a historic milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its incorporation. To mark five decades of service, the Chamber hosted a commemorative "Golden Anniversary Ribbon Cutting & Membership Social," bringing together business leaders, community partners, and local officials to honor the organization’s enduring legacy and vibrant
future.
Since its founding in Harford Chamber and Partners Host Minority and Small Business Resource Fair
Bel Air, MD – On Wednesday, February 25th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Minority & Small Business Resource Fair in partnership with the Harford County Department of Economic Development and Harford County Caucus of African American Leaders. The event, sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union, was held at the Converge Center in Aberdeen.
The event featured 38 business resource vendors, 2 educational breakout
Small businesses in Harford County often grow fastest when they don’t grow alone. Partnerships—formal or informal—help owners expand their reach, reduce risk, and combine strengths that would be difficult to achieve individually. But successful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident; it’s engineered through clarity, communication, and trust.
Learn below about:
Why partnerships succeed or fail
How to identify the right partner
Ways to structure agreements that protect everyone
Tools for keeping County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community
at Harford Chamber’s State of the CountyBel Air, MD – On Thursday, January 22nd, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual State of the County event, sponsored by MedStar Health. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly gave his State of the County Address, sharing the administration’s accomplishments this past year and future opportunities. Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone of E-Moxie, welcomed guests and recognized Bel Air, Md. - Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) is proud to announce it donated nearly $600,000 to more than 90 nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout 2025.
Through its HMIG Gives Back Program, Harford Mutual’s direct contributions supported initiatives focused on health and human services, as well as community enrichment. This commitment to philanthropy reflects Harford Mutual’s continuous efforts to positively impact the communities it serves.
The largest contributions were presented to Bel Air, Md. - Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) is proud to announce a number of distinguished awards, accolades, and recognitions received in 2025.
Harford Mutual received honors in 2025 for its innovative internal video series, “News in 90”, which delivers key company updates to employees in a concise and engaging format. The company earned a Gold Showcase Award from the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) in the “Other Employee Communication/Publication” category. HMIG was also Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National ChambersBel Air, MD – On Tuesday, December 16th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast, in partnership with the Army Alliance and presented by Harford Community College. This year’s event featured two panel discussions focused on each organizations’ priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone, E-Moxie, offered welcome remarks,
Harford Chamber Announces Harford Award Recipients, Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 33rd Annual Ceremony
Bel Air, MD – Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 33rd annual Harford Award on Monday, October 20th at Water’s Edge Events Center. The prestigious award honors companies and organizations which exemplify a strong commitment to the Harford County business community. Recipients are chosen through a nomination/application process focused on Town of Bel Air Announces Annual Award Winners
Bel Air, Maryland -- The Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Economic & Community Development
Commission (ECDC) held its Bel Air Annual Awards event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Bel
Air Armory in downtown Bel Air.
John’s Men’s Clothing, located at 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue, took home top honors as the 2025
Business of the Year. Owners Beth Pocalyko and Maureen Bruneau were on hand to receive the
coveted award, given by the Bel Air Board of
There’s a fine line between throwing money at a problem and investing in something that transforms a team. Training isn’t a cure-all, but when done for the right reasons, it becomes a catalyst. The challenge is knowing when the timing is right—and what kind of training will actually make a dent in performance or culture. Companies often rush to upskill or reskill without asking the deeper questions that separate check-the-box exercises from real development.
The Tension Between Growth and Plateau
The
In the competitive landscape of startups, digital marketing is not just an option but a necessity for growth. The right strategies can significantly enhance your brand’s presence and foster meaningful connections with your audience. By adopting innovative marketing tactics, startups can navigate the complexities of the digital world and position themselves for long-term success. This article delves into effective strategies that can transform your startup’s marketing efforts, ensuring you stay ahead in
Harford Community College Announces New Vice President, Workforce & Continuing Education
Harford Community College and Harford County Chamber of Commerce selected for national initiative to strengthen employer partnerships and workforce pathways
Harford Chamber Announces Harford Award Recipients, Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 32nd Annual Ceremony
Fisher Financial Services Welcomes Andrea Bailey as Branch Operations Manager
Fisher Financial Services Welcomes Raylaina Hammond as Client Relationship Manager
Steven D. Linkous Marks 20 Years as President and CEO of Harford Mutual Insurance Group
“OPEN YOUR EYES, AMERICA!” We Changed the Laws. Why Haven't We Changed Our Minds?
Won't You Be Our Neighbor?
THE TOP THINKER THE FUTURE IS NOT WAITING FOR PERMISSION
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Executive Vice President Jeff Rink Joins Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation Board
Harford County’s Business Voice Must Be Heard
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Named Ragan CSR Awards Finalist, Earns Two IMCA Awards
Harford Chamber Announces New Vice President
Jones Junction celebrates Larry Kropff’s 50 Years of service
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Chamber Awards 7 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast
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Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event
Jones Junction Named to Automotive News Top 150
Legislative Wrap-Up Provides Insights into the 2026 Legislative Session
Harford Chamber Hosts 2nd Annual Harford Regional Civics Bee
Maryland Homes Team Rebrands as McArtor & Co to Support Expanded Real Estate Services
Economic Insight Breakfast Equips Businesses with Knowledge and Resources
How Harford County Small Businesses Can Scale Market Research Without a Research Firm
The Business Case for Building a Media Kit That Gets You Noticed
Before You Shake Hands: A Contract Guide for Harford County Business Owners
Akehurst Landscape Service Celebrates 150 Years of Service, Innovation, and Community Impact
Inner County Outreach and Fresh Start Furnishings Unite to Address Furniture Poverty in Harford County
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Harford County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
Harford Chamber and Partners Host Minority and Small Business Resource Fair
How Small Business Owners in Harford County Can Collaborate Effectively
County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community at Harford Chamber’s State of the County
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Donates Nearly $600,000 to Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations in 2025
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Secures Top Honors for Communication, Culture, and Leadership
Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National Chambers
2025 Harford Award Press Release
Town of Bel Air Announces Annual Award Winners 2025
Training Isn't Optional: Knowing the Right Time to Educate Your Team
Propel Your Startup’s Success Through Savvy Digital Marketing Tactics
