Why Advocacy
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce advocates to ensure that your business has the best chance to grow, and that policies have a positive effect on our community.
Government policy has the ability to impact your business drastically. New laws can either put up barriers for growth, or open new roads to success.
With our voice we’ve achieved multiple advocacy WINS, which support our 3 main advocacy focuses, and create business opportunity for YOU.
With our voice we’ve achieved multiple advocacy WINS, which support our 3 main advocacy focuses, and create business opportunity for YOU.
Advocacy Wins for Small Business Government Contractors
Require a Five-Year Look-back for the Purpose of Small Business Administration (SBA) Size Determination
Modifying the receipt calculation from the current three-year average to the preceding five years of receipts for the purposes of size determination will give businesses more runway as they prepare for the transition into full and open competition.
Modifying the receipt calculation from the current three-year average to the preceding five years of receipts for the purposes of size determination will give businesses more runway as they prepare for the transition into full and open competition.
- The Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018 was signed into law on December 17, 2018.
- MCCC press release on the House and Senate passing the Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018.
- On December 5, 2019, the SBA finalized the regulations implementing the act.
Economic Competitiveness Wins
Recoupled Estate Tax
Prior to 2014, the Maryland Estate Tax had a significantly lower and different threshold than the federal level. To create more consistency, MCCC successfully advocated for the estate tax to be ‘recoupled’ to the same level as the federal limits. Each year since then, the limit has come closer in step with the federal rate.
Expanded R&D credits in Strategic Industries
Research & Development is important for remaining relevant and competitive. Businesses across industries in Montgomery County and Maryland utilize this oversubscribed program to spur innovation and bring new products and services to market. MCCC successfully champions this program so that our members can continue to diversify and grow.
Streamlined Electronic Filing
Submitting required forms by standard U.S. mail, with triple copies on single-sided paper, is not an efficient way to comply with taxes and regulations. MCCC worked with the Comptroller’s office to better meet the needs of craft brewers who are required to fill out multiple forms on a monthly basis. Thanks to new legislation, excise taxes can now be filed electronically.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
Prior to 2014, the Maryland Estate Tax had a significantly lower and different threshold than the federal level. To create more consistency, MCCC successfully advocated for the estate tax to be ‘recoupled’ to the same level as the federal limits. Each year since then, the limit has come closer in step with the federal rate.
Expanded R&D credits in Strategic Industries
Research & Development is important for remaining relevant and competitive. Businesses across industries in Montgomery County and Maryland utilize this oversubscribed program to spur innovation and bring new products and services to market. MCCC successfully champions this program so that our members can continue to diversify and grow.
Streamlined Electronic Filing
Submitting required forms by standard U.S. mail, with triple copies on single-sided paper, is not an efficient way to comply with taxes and regulations. MCCC worked with the Comptroller’s office to better meet the needs of craft brewers who are required to fill out multiple forms on a monthly basis. Thanks to new legislation, excise taxes can now be filed electronically.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
- Defeated Combined Reporting
- Supported Lockheed Martin’s Training Center
- Secured Marriott and Choice Headquarters
- Secured SCIF Facilities
- Extended Commuter Benefits
- Lowered interest rates
Strategic Capital Investment Wins
MetroNow Coalition
MCCC joined numerous organizations from around the region to advocate for dedicated funding for the Metro system. Together, we successfully accomplished this challenging goal.
The Intercounty Connector (ICC)
Plans for an east-west connector were on the books for decades. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce worked with legislators and executives through multiple administrations to make the ICC a reality. Today, ICC use far outpaces what even was predicted, becoming a lifeline to strengthen connections between the I-270 Corridor and I-95.
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Montgomery County is home to many federal agencies, and our members work closely with them. MCCC was a key player in making the case for why Montgomery County is the right choice for the home of the new National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and we continue to partner with them on this important aspect of commerce and government.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
MCCC joined numerous organizations from around the region to advocate for dedicated funding for the Metro system. Together, we successfully accomplished this challenging goal.
The Intercounty Connector (ICC)
Plans for an east-west connector were on the books for decades. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce worked with legislators and executives through multiple administrations to make the ICC a reality. Today, ICC use far outpaces what even was predicted, becoming a lifeline to strengthen connections between the I-270 Corridor and I-95.
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Montgomery County is home to many federal agencies, and our members work closely with them. MCCC was a key player in making the case for why Montgomery County is the right choice for the home of the new National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and we continue to partner with them on this important aspect of commerce and government.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
- Montrose Parkway
- Metro 8-car trains
- Transportation Trust Fund
- Health and Human Services offices
- Strathmore
- Soccerplex
- County Conference Center
- Funding for Universities at Shady Grove, Montgomery College, MCPS
Shaping the Marketplace Wins
Small Business Reserve Program
Procurement at the local and state level is a big earner for small business. MCCC worked to secure more opportunities for our small businesses with these key customers. Through our Montgomery County and State of Maryland advocacy, we established programs that promote the use of small businesses in the procurement of goods and services.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
Procurement at the local and state level is a big earner for small business. MCCC worked to secure more opportunities for our small businesses with these key customers. Through our Montgomery County and State of Maryland advocacy, we established programs that promote the use of small businesses in the procurement of goods and services.
Other Successful Initiatives We Have Supported
