John Hartline told the Maryland General Assembly Southern Maryland delegation on Jan. 10 that the delegation’s annual reception is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at The Graduate hotel on West Street and that sponsorships are arriving, including one from Lockheed Martin.

"The reception is on schedule for Thursday, February 20th. It will be at the same hotel, The Graduate," Hartline said. He told members the hotel has been paid and organizers are working with the chambers of commerce for all three counties and the Southern Maryland Black Chamber to recruit additional sponsors.

Hartline asked delegates to help recruit businesses and attendees, and to encourage interns to volunteer at the event. He said organizers typically need three to four additional volunteers above their staff to greet attendees and provide name tags; attendees normally number in the "300 to 400 people range," according to Hartline.

Delegation members expressed support for outreach to new businesses and agreed the reception provides an opportunity for constituents and businesses to meet legislators in a less formal setting. The delegation will circulate additional sponsorship information and volunteer requests to members and their staff.

The delegation did not take a formal vote on the reception; the update was informational and organizers requested assistance with outreach and volunteer staffing.