September 16, 2021

‘Incorporating Changes from the Pandemic into Ongoing Operations’ Will Be Theme as County Hosts Revitalization and Recovery Virtual Town Hall on Friday, Sept. 24

“Incorporating Changes from the Pandemic into Ongoing Operations” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, when Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Economic Revitalization and Recovery program continues its series of virtual town hall meetings to keep businesses informed on strategies for doing business as the health crisis continues.

County Executive Marc Elrich initiated the series of town halls held every other Friday to share timely updates on COVID-19 topics of interest to the business community. The town halls give businesses an opportunity to hear directly from County leaders. Judy Stephenson, the County’s small business navigator, will host the session. She also will provide updates on grant programs available to County businesses and offer ideas that can help economic recovery.

During the Sept. 24 town hall, Ms. Stephenson will welcome Kathie Durbin, director of the County’s Alcohol and Beverage Services (ABS). Ms. Stephenson and Director Durbin will discuss how ABS has pivoted during the pandemic.

“We learned many lessons from the pandemic about changes that can be made to policies and procedures that do not have a negative impact on safety," Stephenson said. "Some policy changes will be continued as a result.

Ms. Stephenson also will address updates on the County COVID-19 vaccination efforts and economic recovery from the health crisis with Acting Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard.

If business owners, employees or residents have questions they would like to see addressed at the Sept. 24 town hall, they can be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 22, to BizPortal@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

To join the broadcast, go to https://zoom.us/j/98584224354?pwd=ekdBd05kT08zRmxCekQzajkwdW9LZz09.

The webinar ID is 985 8422 4354. The passcode is 057204. Spanish interpretation is available.

The town hall will be broadcast on County Cable Montgomery (cable station CCM), which is available on Comcast and RCN (channels 6 and HD996) and Verizon (channel 30). The town hall can be viewed live via County social media at https://www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyinfo.

Town halls are recorded and available through the Montgomery County Business Portal at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/covid19/4BizNews.html