Coffee & Conversation Happy Hour – October 2026 Join Essex CDC and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce for a special Happy Hour edition of Coffee & Conversation! 📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM📍 CCBC Center for Business Innovation & Trades (BIT)7201 Rossville Blvd., Essex, MD 21221 - BIT Building is located in the Robert and Eleanor Romadka (ROMA) College Center-Upper Lobby- Attendees must park in Parking Lot 1 and in parking spots with white lines only-Red lined spots are for permitted and CCBC staff only! Connect with commercial property owners, business owners and operators, community leaders, and professionals who are invested in the future of Essex and Eastern Baltimore County. Enjoy an evening of networking, conversation, food, and drinks while learning more about the innovative programs and opportunities available through CCBC's Center for Business Innovation & Trades. Whether you're looking to build new partnerships, expand

Parking Matters: How Smart Parking Supports Strong Commercial Districts! Join us for the next Essex Exchange Wednesday on Wednesday, October 21 at 9:00 AM at the Essex CDC Office. We’re pleased to welcome Ken Mills, Chief Executive of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority (BCRA), for an important conversation about the role parking plays in thriving commercial districts. Learn how metered and paid parking can help:• Manage limited parking resources• Encourage turnover and improve access to businesses• Support strong commercial districts• Inform community parking decisions 📍 Essex CDC Office25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98, Essex, MD 21221 🕘 9:00–11:00 AM📅 Wednesday, Ocotber 21, 2026 Space is very limited! RSVP by Tuesday, October 20th📧 alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org📞 443-579-7974 Business owners, property owners, community leaders, and residents are encouraged to attend!

Coffee & Conversation – November 2026 Join Essex CDC and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce for a morning of networking, collaboration, and community connections at our November Coffee & Conversation! 📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM📍 Life Center200 N. Marlyn Avenue, Essex, MD 21221 This free networking event brings together commercial property owners, business owners and operators, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents who are invested in the future of Essex. Meet new contacts, strengthen existing relationships, and learn more about the programs and services available through Life Center and other community partners. Whether you're looking to grow your business, connect with local leaders, or stay informed about what's happening in Essex, this event is for you. ☕ Enjoy coffee, refreshments, conversation, and community. 📲 RSVP by Wednesday, November 18Text or Call: 443-579-7974Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org A special thank you to Life Center for hosting and Freedom