🍽️ Calling all restaurants and food-based businesses! Our next Essex Exchange is serving up something special: Profit on the Plate! Join us for an informative presentation by Mitch Mullins, a food industry professional with more than 30 years of experience. Mitch will share strategies to help restaurants and food-based businesses engineer their menus to maximize profitability while aligning with their unique mission and goals. Whether you own a restaurant, food truck, catering business, café, or another food-related business, this session is for you! 📅 Wednesday, September 16, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM📍 Essex CDC Office25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98Essex, MD 21221 ⚠️ Space is limited, so RSVP today! 📧 alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org📞 443-579-7974 Come connect, learn, and discover new ways to put more profit on the plate! 🍽️

☕️ Coffee & Conversation – September 2026 Join Essex CDC and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce for our monthly Coffee & Conversation networking event! 📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026⏰ 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM📍 Churches for Streets of Hope AT THE Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center2323 Eastern Blvd., Middle River, MD 21220 Connect with commercial property owners, business owners and operators, community leaders, and other stakeholders who are invested in the future of Essex. This month's event will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Drug and Violence Expo at the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center, offering attendees an opportunity to network while learning about important community resources, prevention efforts, and local initiatives. ☕ Enjoy coffee, refreshments, conversation, and community connections. 📲 RSVP by September 16Call/Text: 443-579-7974Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org Special thanks to our host organization, Churches for Streets of Hope.

Essex CDC has open office hours! Join us the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 9 -11AM.This is a great opportunity to talk through ideas, gather resources or simply plug in and complete some work in an office setting. Essex Exchange will alternate between Open Office Hours and Essex Exchange Workshops with designated presenters

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 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 your network, or stay informed about local initiatives, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow community and business leaders. 📲 RSVP by Wednesday, October 14Text or Call: 443-579-7974Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org A special thank you to our host, CCBC

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