Joan Renner and Julie Natoli, the Co-CEOs of The Brick Companies (TBC), are set to be honored at Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) County's Annual New Leaders Celebration on May 2, 2024, at Carroll's Creek Cafe in Annapolis. Their leadership journey began on May 1, 2023, when they were promoted to the top executive positions, symbolizing a new era for TBC. Under their guidance, The Brick Companies has continued its mission of maintaining a diverse investment portfolio while enhancing the value and appeal of its properties. Renner and Natoli have successfully upheld TBC’s ethos of community contribution and environmental care, embodying the company's longstanding tradition of corporate social responsibility. Leadership Anne Arundel's New Leaders Celebration is an eagerly anticipated event that draws attention to local leaders who have taken significant new roles over the past year. The event recognizes leadership excellence and underscores these leaders' commitment to the betterment of Anne Arundel County. Renner and Natoli's inclusion in this year's celebration is a testament to their impactful leadership and the positive changes they have initiated at The Brick Companies. Nominations for the honor come from LAA alumni and the broader community, spotlighting those who have assumed vital leadership roles, whether in non-profit, government, or for-profit sectors, affecting Anne Arundel County since March 2023. This recognition underscores the importance of leadership that significantly benefits the local community and reinforces the value of proactive community engagement and stewardship. As the Co-CEOs of The Brick Companies, Renner and Natoli have exemplified leadership that not only drives business success but also fosters community well-being and environmental sustainability, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Leadership Anne Arundel’s mission to celebrate and cultivate leaders who make a difference.

The Brick Companies (TBC), through its Foundation, is committed to giving back and fostering positive change in the communities where our employees live and work.  Every year, The Brick Companies hosts the Annual TBC Classic – Charity Golf Tournament and the TBC Summer Slam Charity Pickleball Tournament.  Proceeds from these events fund our community giving throughout the coming year.  We are honored to have recently supported both Arundel Rivers Federation and YMCA Camp Letts with a donation of $60,000. Our $30,000 grant to the Arundel Rivers Federation supports its new Summer of Science Program. We are ecstatic to help approximately 1500 campers (750 each year for two years) learn vital information about the rivers and surrounding forests and what they can do to help achieve clean, fishable, swimmable waterways for current and future generations. Camp Letts is well known for offering the best summer camp opportunities to youth in the area.  They have various options for families, including day camps, overnight camps, and retreats.  Campers become a true community while engaging in physical, social, and educational activities.  We are honored to have donated $30,000 to the camp to support their facility improvement initiatives, ensuring a comfortable camping season for all who visit in 2024 and beyond.

On Saturday, March 9, when the rain and cold seemed to cast a shadow over spirits, The Brick Companies Foundation brought together volunteers and a canine-loving community for a purpose much greater than themselves for the 2024 Mutt March. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the fundraiser was a beacon of hope and joy, proving that a little rain couldn't dampen the spirits of those dedicated to making a difference for the YMCA’s Camp Letts and the Maryland Senior Dog Sanctuary (SDS). This special event wasn't just a fundraiser but a beacon of hope for dogs needing a fur-ever home. Among the heartwarming stories of the day, one stands out: the story of Rocky. Adrienne and Tom Meredith, employees of Atlantic Marinas, were devastated after losing their beloved 16-year-old dog. However, despite the heavy weight of grief and the cold rain, Adrienne selflessly volunteered at the Mutt March event. It was a day that would change their lives forever. The event became the setting of a serendipitous meeting between Adrienne and a senior dog named Rocky. As Adrienne was chatting with a small group of people, Rocky and a volunteer from SDS approached the group. In a moment that seemed to defy the day’s gloom, Rocky sat on Adrienne’s foot and looked up with those big brown eyes that said, "You're my person." And just like that, a bond was formed. Adrienne knew deep down that Rocky was the one, and she immediately called Tom, who was working. Tom started the paperwork to adopt Rocky before she even left the event. A couple of weeks later, they picked up Rocky from the Senior Dog Sanctuary, and he has been living his best life ever since. Rocky's journey to his forever home was not easy. He endured hardship and neglect before finding solace at the Senior Dog Sanctuary. According to the Anne Arundel County shelter, his previous owner surrendered him in poor condition and underweight. His intake form at the shelter listed him as a “sweet older boy" without indicating how long Rocky had been there before being rescued by SDS. Despite his past, Rocky remains a gentle soul and has quickly adapted to life with Adrienne and Tom. Now a cherished member of the Meredith family and a beloved figure at the marinas, Rocky's days are filled with love, sunshine, and adventure. Whether he's lounging in the office, basking in sunbeams, confidently navigating the docks, or going on an after-work boat ride with the team, Rocky's easygoing nature and love for life are contagious. He embodies resilience, showing that there’s always a chance for a new chapter no matter what life throws your way. The Mutt March may not have raised as much money as hoped, but it achieved something far greater: it changed the life of a senior dog in need and brought joy to his fur-ever family.  Rocky's story is a testament to the impact of giving back and the profound difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.

The Brick Companies (TBC) has been named the 2022 Sponsor of the Year by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. This prestigious recognition is a testament to TBC’s dedication to our good works and community engagement through our partnership with Camp Letts and the significant contributions made via our innovative employee-wellness and giving platform, GivHero. TBC’s alliance with Camp Letts has allowed us to impact the lives of numerous children and families by allowing them to experience the joys of camp life and the great outdoors. The Camp's commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility resonates with our core values at TBC, where community support and inclusion are at the forefront of our mission. The honor bestowed upon TBC is also a testament to the culture of giving that thrives within our organization. The GivHero program has been instrumental in bolstering our charitable efforts, allowing every team member to contribute seamlessly to causes they are passionate about. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition, but even more so for the opportunity to make a difference in partnership with organizations like Camp Letts. Our sincere thanks go to the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington for this honor and to all our employees, whose generosity and spirit of giving embody the core values of TBC. As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded of the impact we can create when we come together to enrich lives and strengthen communities. We are motivated more than ever to continue this journey, fostering the well-being of our employees and communities. Click HERE to view the award ceremony.

On Sunday, October 29, a picturesque autumn day, the Smithsonian Environmental Center (SERC) was painted with autumn hues and high spirits as The Brick Companies Foundation hosted the memorable 2023 Zombie Dash. The event, a testament to TBC's Good Works, drew over 120 participants for the 5K, ranging in age from 8 to 67, while the Kids' Fun Run saw the spirited participation of 32 young enthusiasts aged between 2 and 9. Not to be left behind, the Inflatable Costume Dash added a touch of whimsy, inviting participants of all ages to join in the merriment. The "Skele-bration Zone" was abuzz with activities for everyone. While kids delighted in games and face painting, adults found entertainment in the mini bottle wheel and the "Fire Pit of Fear" raffle. Sponsored by Waterman's Tavern, this raffle was the talk of the day, offering everything one might need for a cozy autumn evening by a fire pit, sumptuous libations, a restaurant gift card, cozy blankets, and the making for s’mores. Attendees also treated themselves at a bake sale and savored beverages from Rise Up Coffee and Moveable Mixtures, with delectable bites provided by Meat My Buns. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of many volunteers who brought the event to life. It was a day of fun, frolic, and memories, all while raising funds for the invaluable work of the host, at the Smithsonian Environmental Center. Click HERE to see photos from the event.

Called “a waterfront experience unlike any other” by its creators, you can relish breathtaking 360-degree rooftop views of the Magothy River aboard Bung-a-flo, a new FLOHOM located at Atlantic Marinas at Ferry Point. On Monday, October 9th, Atlantic Marinas at Ferry Point, a fun property of The Brick Companies, located in Arnold, Maryland on the Magothy River, welcomed an exciting new slip tenant. Bung-a-flo, a cozy FLOHOM that is third in a series of new releases, is a floating tiny home that provides all the modern conveniences of a home coupled with the added luxury of being "on the water". Bung-a-flo is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps two adults with a bohemian-inspired design and includes a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating area, heating/air conditioning and WiFi, amongst many other amenities. Atlantic Marinas and The Brick Companies are excited to welcome this unique offering to our Ferry Point location. To learn more or to reserve a stay, click here: https://book.flohom.com/listings/146946

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Mid-Atlantic has announced the winners of their 2023 awards. Queenstown Harbor was selected as the 2023 winner of the Sustainability Award, which recognizes a club for innovation and leadership to incorporate sustainability and environmental stewardship into operating practices. The conservation efforts that Queenstown Harbor is recognized for are detailed below by NGCOA: Queenstown Harbor, Queenstown, MD (October 5, 2023) – A certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2008, Queenstown Harbor has 37 holes of championship golf that line the shores of the Chesapeake Bay on the Easter Shore. The turf experts at the courses employ best management practices and Integrated Pest Management to minimize inputs at their site. Wildlife habitat creation, water conservation, and reduced pesticide usage are also vital to be good stewards of the land. Since its original design and construction, Queenstown Harbor captures the majority of the rainfall it receives and stores it in ponds for irrigation, conserving water, and reducing runoff. Keeping nitrogen out of streams and rivers is key to protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and this careful management approach has lowered the nitrates and nitrogen in the groundwater compared to the farm that preceded the golf course. In addition, Queenstown Harbor has a wide variety of native grasses and landscaping that grow around Queenstown Harbor. Along the shorelines, you’ll find wetlands with a variety of Chesapeake Bay vegetation. The inland freshwater lakes offer buffer strips designed to reduce internal runoff. The course has a number of sustainability efforts in place, including: Water conservation: The course uses a variety of water conservation measures including switching to more drought-tolerant turfgrass. Wildlife habitat: The course provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, fox, wild turkeys, birds, bees, and butterflies. Efficient Energy: The course uses recycled materials whenever possible, and it has implemented a number of energy-efficient measures including solar power to assist with electric golf cart charging. Decreased Pesticide Use: The overall pesticide use has decreased greatly with the switch to more tolerant turfgrass types demanding significantly less input. In addition to the above, Queenstown Harbor Golf Course has also won the National Public Course "Environmental Leader in Golf Award" from Golf Digest and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. This award recognizes the course's outstanding environmental record and its commitment to sustainable practices. Source: Press release on 10/5/2023 from The National Golf Course Owners Association Mid-Atlantic.

Annapolis, MD - On Tuesday, July 11, The Brick Companies' employee resource group, Go Green!, proudly partnered with Annapolis Green to sponsor the Green Drinks event at the picturesque Paca House Gardens. This gathering served as a platform for individuals who share a deep passion for the environment, fostering connections and facilitating knowledge sharing. Throughout the evening, Annapolis Green took the opportunity to promote Plastic Free July, encouraging attendees to join the movement and reduce plastic consumption. The event offered a unique blend of cocktails, conversation, and eco-consciousness, creating an enjoyable and meaningful experience for all. Green Drinks is not just your typical social event; it is a gathering specifically designed for individuals who genuinely care about the environment. At the core of Green Drinks' philosophy is the belief that meeting face-to-face in a casual and relaxed atmosphere is the most effective way to get to know one another, collaborate locally, and work towards a sustainable future. The idyllic Paca House Gardens provided a serene and harmonious backdrop, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and sustainability. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, sharing their experiences, ideas, and visions for a greener future. The partnership between The Brick Companies and Annapolis Green highlights a shared commitment to promoting sustainable practices and engaging the local community. By supporting Green Drinks, both organizations have demonstrated their dedication to creating a positive impact at the grassroots level and actively contributing to the development of a thriving and sustainable future for our community.

The Brick Companies’ Inaugural Summer Slam Pickleball tournament took place on July 8th, 2023, on a warm and sunny Saturday at Truxtun Park in Annapolis, Maryland. The event attracted hundreds of pickleball enthusiasts, both players and spectators, who enjoyed a wonderful day of friendly yet heated competition to benefit CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating) charity of Annapolis. During check-in, players received a tournament shirt and pins to commemorate the event. After which, announcements were made regarding rules of play, court assignments, and bracket formats. Men's & Women's Doubles took place early in the morning and Mixed Doubles took place in the afternoon, including youth. Teams were guaranteed at least 3 games, so players were able to get into the swing of the fun and fast-paced game of pickleball. Exceling at hosting charity events, The Brick Companies brought in popular pickleball vendors and offered exciting contests during the fun-filled day. The "Beat the Pro’s” competition was a crowd favorite. Over 15 pairs of players of all ages accepted this challenge including a few memorable duo’s: a father and son, wife (with child)/husband, and two youths. None were successful in beating the professional pair, but the effort was applauded, nonetheless. Another highlight was the announcement of raffle winners. Over 15 intriguing items were offered, such as restaurant gift cards and pickleball jewelry by Dainty Dinker. The raffle items generated a lot of interest and excitement while raising money for a great cause. Scattered throughout the tournament area were popular vendors offering the latest and greatest pickleball gear. This included local favorites Charm City Run of Annapolis Town Center and Stretch Zone in Festival at Riva, who provided on-site relief to athletes competing in the tournament. Other vendors included Dope Pickle, Full Throttle Pickleball, Joola, Meat my Buns, and Atlas Brew Works. At the conclusion of each bracket’s tournament play, podium winners were announced and presented their respective medals. It was an exciting and memorable experience for all who participated. Eastport Pickleball and the Greater Annapolis Pickleball community were instrumental in making this inaugural event a success. Additionally, this inaugural event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors: The Old Brick Inn, Beth Rossman, Luminis Health, Compass Wealth Strategies, Pioneer, and The Stretch Zone. The Brick Companies Foundation proudly generated over $12,000 in proceeds to benefit the efforts of CRAB – Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. CRAB is an amazing organization within our Annapolis community that provides the therapeutic benefits of sailing to people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities. Revisit the day's excitement through our photo gallery: https://www.thebrickcompanies.com/2023-summer-slam-photos Looking ahead to 2024, The Brick Companies is excited to continue the Summer Slam tournament and its successful charitable contributions.

The 21st Annual TBC Classic Charity Golf Tournament took place on June 6th, 2023, against the stunning waterfront backdrop of Queenstown Harbor. The event attracted 280 golf enthusiasts, who enjoyed a wonderful day of delicious food, engaging activities, and friendly competition on both the Lakes & River Courses. Setting the tone for a day full of excitement, golfers were greeted with a tasty breakfast, refreshing drinks, a putting contest, and a gift of Maui Jim sunglasses upon arrival. But that was just the beginning! In true TBC Classic tradition, on-course contests and exciting new challenges like the "Wheel of Fortune Hole" made for an entertaining round of golf. Scattered throughout the courses were vendors offering delectable treats, such as tarts from Dem Pies, surf & turf rolls from Jimmy’s Fat Rolls, and custom specialty beverages using local mixers by Cane Collective. The event was a treat for all participants! In addition to on-course events, a silent auction was held featuring over 35 intriguing items, in addition to an “Orlando Getaway” raffle. The day concluded with a delightful dinner featuring flank steak and watermelon, basil, and feta salad by Ken's Creative Kitchen, during which the tournament, silent auction winners, and the lucky recipient of the raffle were announced. Despite the challenge of rescheduling the tournament from its initial October 2022 date, The Brick Companies Foundation generated over $50,000 in proceeds to benefit the efforts of Luminis Health J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center. Revisit the day's excitement through our photo gallery: https://www.thebrickcompanies.com/copy-of-the-2021-classic-photos Looking ahead to 2024, The Brick Companies is excited to return this annual event to its regular fall date in October.

Through The Brick Companies' employee-focused corporate wellness program, a $10,500 donation was made to YMCA Camp Letts, located in Edgewater, Maryland. YMCA Camp Letts is located on a 219-acre peninsula off the Chesapeake Bay, overlooking 3 islands and a 2,600-acre preserve. Now the oldest overnight camp in the Washington D.C. area, Camp Letts was founded in 1906 and has been the fabric of generations of childhood memories. At Camp Letts in Edgewater, kids become a community as they learn how to be more independent and collaborative while engaging in physical, social, and educational activities. The YMCA is an inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. To learn more about Camp Letts, and their various camps, or to support them, visit: https://ymcadc.org/campletts/

Through The Brick Companies' employee-focused corporate wellness program, a $5,000 donation was made to Nourish Now, whose mission is to end hunger and food waste through food recovery. In May of 2023, Nourish Now was able to use that monetary donation from The Brick Companies to provide Family Relief Boxes to 80 local families who are struggling with food insecurity. Each box contains a five-day supply of food for a family of four, with shelf-stable items including vegetables, fruits, rice, pasta, and protein. Nourish Now recovers surplus food from dedicated food donor partners including restaurants, grocers, caterers, farms, sporting venues, and more. Food is then directly donated to children, families, seniors and veterans in need primarily in Montgomery County, MD along with the DC metro area. To get food or give food, visit https://nourishnow.org/