Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union (AFFCU) is proud to announce the recent changes to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of a new Board Chairman, as well as two new board members.

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This past month has been filled with business/commercial burglaries. Officer Kevin Kahl of the Cockeysville Precinct and member of the Community Outreach Team, has asked for local businesses and residents to pass the word along to help prevent and end this crime trend. 

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On Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:30pm, the Baltimore County Council will hold a public input meeting regarding the appointment of an Interim County Executive. 

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Friends of the Forum:

Today we mourn the passing of Kevin Kamenetz and offer our sympathies to his family and friends. For the last 24 years, Kevin served in Baltimore County as our our Councilman, as our County Executive and always a friend to the HVBF. 

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Mary Kraft, a talent acquisition and management firm located in Hunt Valley, received the Best of Staffing Client Award and the Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2018. Congratulations, Mary Kraft! 

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Amy Smolenski, Regional HR Manager for PDP Group, Inc., has been named the Hunt Valley Business Forum Chairperson for the 2018-2019 term. 

Amy Smolenski has spent over 20 years in Human Resources both as an HR Administrator overseeing all aspects of Human Resources and as a consultant for businesses of all shapes and sizes.  She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Frostburg State University and a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development from Johns Hopkins University. Amy holds professional certifications from both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resources Certification Institute.  She specializes in supervisor and leadership training, organizational development, employee relations, change management and has trained extensively in conflict management and mediation.  

On Thursday, April 12, 2018, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz unveiled a $3.3 billion budget plan. Kamenetz is ending his term as County Executive and is running for Governor. His eighth and final budget proposal included $30 million for planning studies to build two new high schools.

Kamenetz's proposed plan would continue a two decade streak in Baltimore County without any increase in local tax rates.  

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Chairperson of the Board: 
Amy Smolenski, PDP Group Inc.

The following Board Chairs have chosen to serve a second term: 
Barbara Pratt, PayPal
Lynn Finckel, Re/Max Components
Harry Barrick, Elements Massage
Ryan McShane, HR Evolution LLC

The Board of Directors has elected the following new members to serve on the Board for the 2018-2021 term: 
Danielle Beyrodt, Hill Management
Ed Podowski, UTX, Inc. 

Thank you to our 2018 outgoing Board Members:
Laura Schlicht, NFD Interior + Design
Matt Piazza, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union
Angeline White, Weyrich, Cronin, & Sorra

Congratulations to our 2018 Award Recipients!

2018 Business of the Year: PayPal, Barbara Pratt

2018 Chairman's Award: SPARKS! Marketing Communications, Greg Pierce

The Hunt Valley Business Forum hosted the
2018 Annual Meeting at Hunt Valley Country Club
on Thursday, April 12th. 

The 2018 Annual Meeting was a success! Our member-only event was well attended and very informative. Our members were provided with breakfast and the opportunity to network. Attendees ranged from long-time members, to new members! 

Matt Blum, the new HVBF Executive Director, shared with our members that 2017 had an 88.3% renewal rate. Upcoming events will be focused on HR Roundtable events, Lunch & Learn's with a focus on Marketing, Business Development, and Technology in Business. In addition, more networking events will be added to the calendar for new members, and evening & breakfast social's for all members. 

New for 2018 is the Taste of Hunt Valley event. This will be HVBF's major event for 2018 and replace the Annual Golf Tournament. The goal of this event is to be more inclusive for the entire membership base, while also highlighting all the great restaurants and businesses in Hunt Valley! This event will take place in the fall, stay tuned for details and event announcements! 

The Strategic Outlook for 2018 is focused on "not reinventing the wheel". In going back to our "value proposition," the forum will continue to host networking events, educational events, and recruitment of new members and businesses. We hope you will use our website and social channels to connect with us and promote your business! 

Pat Reid, HVBF Treasurer, reported the forum financials as of December 31, 2017. Compared to the previous year, total assets were higher. Despite having larger expenses, the 2017 total revenue was greater than 2016. The Taste of Hunt Valley event is expected to be the largest revenue generating event for 2018. 

The Stakeholders Committee, developed in 2017, focuses on bringing a voice to the area. The goals of the committee are to improve rush hour traffic flow, ensure pedestrian safety, and balance light rail & vehicle traffic. In November, officials from the Baltimore County DPW and State Highway Administration came to the committee's panel discussion. We encourage you to get involved with the committee and have your voice heard! Please visit our calendar for upcoming meetings. 

The Annual Meeting marked the end of Paul King's term as Chairperson of the Board. Paul named his successor, Amy Smolenski, HR Director at PDP Group, Inc. Amy has been involved with the Hunt Valley Business Forum for several years and most recently oversaw the HR Roundtable events. Thank you, Paul, for your service to the forum!