Adrian for Laurel

»Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce Small Business Mixer«

It was a great pleasure to be part of extending a warm Laurel welcome to the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) as they held their small business mixer at Caribe Express on Main Street on May 22. I had a chance to meet Chamber President Kenneth White (a resident of Laurel) who hopes to see the MBCC do additional events in Laurel as well. He shared with me about the free educational resources available to business owners through the MBCC (like how to use AI in your business, making sense of your business finances, etc.) plus the strong financial partners that help bring entrepreneurs’ vision to life (like FSC First). I let him know how excited I was to see MBCC help the small businesses of Laurel (one of my personal passions), and it was also another testament to me about the many talented people we have here in our town! Check out MBCC website linked above to become a member.

»”Crepes on Main” Ribbon-Cutting«

In an almost perfect coincidence, the next day I joined with the City and community to celebrate the opening of another new great food spot Main Street: Crepes on Main. Small business owner Remi Bello shared how she and her husband had a favorite crepe spot in Baltimore which inspired her to one day open her own, and we swapped stories about the great crepes spot we’d both visited in Annapolis. Well Laurel: We now have one of our own! :) – If you haven’t tried crepes before, they’re loosely like super thin pancakes, but inside you can put all types of goodies: anything from sweet tastes of chocolate and fruit, to savory tastes like shrimp and Thai sauce. I was honored to eat the first crepe off the line which I thoroughly enjoyed! So no matter your taste buds, you’re sure to find something to love at Crepes on Main, so come on down to Main Street and check them out for the Grand Opening on July 4th or after!

»52nd Annual Memorial Day Joint Service at Ivy Hill Cemetery«

As I’ve gone on in years, I’ve worked to make a special effort to pause and reflect on Memorial Day – Sure, it’s day to look forward to as a long weekend and for cookouts with family and friends. But remembering what the day is about, those whose lives were lost to preserve and protect the unique freedoms we can so easily forget, precious freedoms only purchased by those willing to pay the highest price. The morning’s reflection were emceed by Mr. Robert DiPietro, past Mayor of Laurel and emcee of the event for 51 of the 52 years its been held here in Laurel. He alluded that it was time for him to pass the torch, and our thanks to him, Laurel Volunteer Fire, Laurel Volunteer Rescue, Laurel Police, and the American Legion for helping us pay tribute and bring honor each year in such a fitting way.