8-13-2025 6:19am

Chamber Closes

Chamber Of Commerce Closes, Citing Post-Pandemic Struggles

The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce closed after nearly 60 years. The group cited declining membership and changing business needs.

The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce closed last week, citing its financial challenges and changes in business needs post-pandemic.

"After careful consideration and extensive evaluation of our organization's financial position, the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce will cease operations indefinitely, effective August 8, 2025," a message on the chamber's website said.

The chamber was founded in 1966 and was headquartered in Towson.

Chamber membership peaked at over 400 in the 2010s and declined to fewer than 200 today. The group previously relied on in-person events, but businesses sought virtual support after the pandemic.

"We're in the new reality. The organization, in terms of how it was structured, wasn't viable in the same way post-Covid in how members are interacting and what their needs are," Chamber President and CEO Brent Howard said in an interview with the Baltimore Business Journal that was later converted into a press release.

Chamber members will be rolled into the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce. Members can also choose to enroll in the Towson Chamber of Commerce, the Hunt Valley Business Forum, the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber and the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce.

"Baltimore County is not lacking for leadership at this particular level. When we fall off, it's not like no one else is there," Howard told the BBJ.

Howard will still be available for a few months to help members transition. After leading the chamber since 2018, Howard has accepted a position in the private sector.

The Greater Baltimore Chamber previously only covered Pikesville, Owings Mills, Reisterstown and Northwest Baltimore.

"Founded in 1977, the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce is a well-established organization with strong community roots," the Baltimore County Chamber said. "Member contact information has been shared with the Greater Baltimore Chamber leadership, and current members will receive direct correspondence."

The Greater Baltimore Chamber has not responded to Patch's request for comment. We will update this story if the group replies.

"Thank you for your support of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce," the organization's farewell message said.