Chamber Events

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce is participating in the non-partisan National Civics Bee. We believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Maryland and celebrating our civic pride.

Important Dates:  

Essay Submissions Accepted through February 4, 2025 [the portal closes at midnight] 

Essays Judged: through February 19, 2024

Local Live Bee Competition: March 29, 2025 @ St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Cole Cinema. Doors open at 9:30 am, event at  10:00 am.

Sponsorships available:

• Presenting Sponsor - $5000 1 (Exclusive)  
• Technology Sponsor - (Exclusive) SOLD OUT
   
• Venue Sponsor - (Exclusive) SOLD OUT
   
• Event Sponsor - $2500
   
• Impact Partner Sponsor – $350 (5 available)  
• Advocate Partner Sponsor – $200 (8 available)
   
• Community Partner Sponsor – $100 (10 available)

Register by March 1, 2025 to be included in promotional materals. And, if you have not done so recently, please send a high resolution logo to info@smcchamber.com.

More information:

The 2025 National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust™ of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in St. Mary’s County will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.     

Middle school students from across our district are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. A cross-section of community leaders (including business leaders and educators) will review each of the 500-word essay submissions. The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top 3 winners will then have a chance to compete at the State level.  
 

The Bee gives students an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and voices about our community. It is also a way to increase their knowledge of civics.