Leadership Howard County Announcements

December 2023

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." 

— Albert Einstein   

Join us Wednesday, December 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at The 3rd, to learn more about Columbia Community Care (CCC). Created three years ago, CCC has become a thriving non-profit and pillar of Columbia that supports the community throughout the year.

Donations will also be collected for CCC at the event. Members and guests are asked to bring needed items that CCC collects and distributes during the year - please see the link below. If you need to miss this gathering but still want to lend your support, items may be dropped off at the LHC office; please call first to ensure that staff will be in the office, (410) 730-4474, or email Karen Bryant to arrange a date/time.

Thank you in advance for your support!

LHC's still feeling the glow from the recent Night of Illuminating Leadership. Much appreciation to our community, guests, and sponsors for their continued support. Click the below links to view highlights of the night!

Program/Sponsor Recognition

The Evening in Photos - Special thanks to Jenise Dunn Photography

Although the Leadership 2024 program is in full swing, it's time to look ahead to Leadership Premier 2025. Do you know someone who may be a great candidate? The first virtual information session and program to learn more about HCPSS' Homewood Center is scheduled for Thursday, December 7 from 9 to 10 a.m. Please share this event with your networks and encourage them to register and/or contact Tim Payne, LHC's President & CEO, to learn more!

Event Link

Holiday happenings at Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District: 

The MERRI & Bright Holiday Market takes place today, Friday, December 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, December 2 from 1 to 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. Click here to learn more.

Festive Friday Cocktail Crawl happens today, Friday, December 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Columbia Lakefront. Click here to learn more.

Family Festive Fridays, hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Columbia Association, with support from Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and Howard Hughes Holdings, will be held on Friday, December 8, and Friday, December 15 from 5:30-8 p.m., at the Lakefront in Downtown Columbia. Click on the event date links below to learn more and register for these free activities.

• December 8
• December 15

The annual Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion is now open until January 1, 2024. Details ...

The Howard County Welcome Center is excited to debut an original exhibit that explores the history of Savage Mill's brief time as a Christmas village, "Santa Heim, Merryland". This exhibit, completed in partnership with the Savage Historical Society and Savage Mill, tells the story of Baltimore businessman, Harry Heim's vision and how Santa Heim evolved into the Savage Mill.  Read more ...

Ohana HC is seeking an Executive Director to lead their unique mentorship program for young people in Howard County. For details about the position, please click here for more information and/or email Steven Porter with questions.

HCPSS, in partnership with the Bright Minds Foundation, is looking for businesses and organizations for the HCPSS Teacher Externship Initiative. Visit HCPSS Teacher Externships for details. Email Laree Siddiqui with any questions.

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce is again partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a civics competition that encourages students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The deadline to apply is January 8, 2024. Read more ...

Upcoming Events: 

• December 12: Economic Forecast Breakfast; learn more.
• March 1 (2024): Women's Leadership Conference (Early Bird Through 12/18); click here for details.

As a reminder, the slate has been cleaned and the race for 2024's Best Class Ever (BCE) is underway (it's a marathon, not a sprint, with the submission window being open from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024). Visit the links below to get started!

BCE Points-Tiers Criteria

BCE Submission Form

The next Class Connections will be distributed in mid-December. Remember to let LHC know how you are staying connected... please share your news/updates/photos with Karen Bryant.