THE LETTER
The moment someone finally saw the dream behind the manuscript. There are moments in an author's life that cannot be measured by sales. They cannot be measured by rankings, reviews, contracts, social-media numbers, or the number of people who have purchased a book. Some moments are much quieter than that. They arrive in an email. On a page. In a few carefully chosen words. And somehow, those words reach deeper than anything else. For me, that moment came in the form of a letter. For years, I
September 11: Twenty-Five Years of Gratitude, Change and Purpose By James W. Jenkins
There are dates we remember because history tells us to remember them. And then there are dates that become permanently woven into our own lives. For me, September 11 is both. More than twenty years ago, I was freshly enrolled in cosmetology school while also pursuing opportunities in entertainment and modeling. I was young, ambitious, and trying to discover where life might take me. At the time, I was working through L&M Modeling in Pikesville, Maryland, and my agent, Melissa, booked me for an
Harford County’s Business Voice Must Be Heard
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
Harford County Public Library Cares About Its Seniors
Harford County Public Library presents Senior Connections, a series of programs in September, October and November that provide seniors and their caregivers with practical information to make their lives healthy, happy and safe. “Harford County Public Library has always been a place where seniors can learn, connect and discover new opportunities,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library. “This fall, we are expanding our focus with an enhanced lineup of programs that promote lifelong
Harford Chamber Announces New Vice President
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
Jones Junction celebrates Larry Kropff’s 50 Years of service
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
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Chamber Awards 7 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast
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
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Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event
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
Legislative Wrap-Up Provides Insights into the 2026 Legislative Session
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 Bee
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
Economic Insight Breakfast Equips Businesses with Knowledge and Resources
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,
Akehurst Landscape Service Celebrates 150 Years of Service, Innovation, and Community Impact
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 County
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
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Harford County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
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
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
County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community at Harford Chamber’s State of the County
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
Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National Chambers
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,
2025 Harford Award Press Release
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 2025
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
