Dorchester Banner/Candace Christopher The Board of Directors of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce stand up to take a bow at the annual dinner, celebrating 70 years in Dorchester County.

CAMBRIDGE — The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce held their 70th Annual membership meeting and dinner on Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge. Speaking at the dinner was Maryland Secretary of Commerce R. Michael Gill.

The Hyatt ballroom was filled to capacity with business attendees and local leaders. Delegate Johnny Mautz and Senator Addie Eckardt attended the event as well.

Recently appointed Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Christopher opened the meeting portion of the evening. Past-president Jennifer Layton recognized the outgoing directors during a brief talk. Newly-elected Chamber president Jeff Hubbard presented the 2016 board of directors.

Secretary Gill talked about the Commerce Department and its role in promoting state business. “Economic development is no longer a department, it’s a culture. It’s the way we do what we do,” he said in his talk.

Secretary Gill lauded his department for moving fast in response to need, and said, “I want the 49 states outside of Maryland to get sick and tired of hearing that Maryland has the best customer service in the nation and they want to come here to figure out how we do it.”

He praised Dorchester County for its independence and commitment to getting things done, and praised the newly opened ESIC Incubator site opening. “Dorchester County has never waited for the government to make them successful,” he told the audience.

The evening was deemed a great success, made more so by the close attention and fine service of the Hyatt Regency staff.