CBX History
The Columbia Business Exchange was conceived during a "trade show" held at the Columbia Mall in 1972. A number of exhibitors, who were located in the Oakland Mills Industrial Park, were looking for a laid-back networking forum. In 1974, Ron Long was elected the first President of the organization. Since then there have been 24 Presidential 1-2 year terms. A number of Presidents have served multiple staggered terms. Susan Fitzpatrick/Susan Fitzpatrick-Brown/Susan Brown served four separate terms: 1977-1978, 1980-1981, 1985-1986 and 1993-1994. Robert Cardoni served two terms: 1987-1988 and 1990-1992. Darrell Nevin, 1994-1996, is credited with creating the "CBX" moniker.
The organization has always had a reputation for partying. Although we're quite tame compared to what we have heard about the "old days", we jokingly refer to CBX as a "roving, networking cocktail party with a charitable goal". What hasn't changed is the warm and friendly atmosphere that has been with the group since the beginning. Shoving business cards in peoples' hands is not the "CBX" way. Business is done, but relationships come first.
You may be wondering about the "charitable goal" claim. In 1987, CBX President, Joe Wagner, made a $10,000 pledge to the Columbia Foundation which was fulfilled by 1993. In 2000, CBX President Michael Nagle and the Columbia Foundation agreed to set up a "donor advised fund " known as the "Columbia Business Exchange Fund". A second $10,000 pledge was made. As of February 2006, the pledge has been fulfilled! We're now well into our third $10,000 pledge.
The money CBX donates to the Columbia Foundation comes from membership dues and mixer fees. Profits from our investments allow us to donate the fund's earnings growth each year to worthy local charities. In the past, CBX has given to organizations such as Grass Roots and the STTAR Center. With $25,000 invested and more to come, there could be some very large donations made in the future.
So there you have it. CBX is 36 years old and counting. For "a roving cocktail party with a charitable goal" to survive this long must mean we are doing something right. Stop by sometime to see for yourself.
Jeff Motsco
CBX President
2010-
Columbia Business Exchange
P.O. Box 945, Columbia, MD 21044
info@columbiabusinessexchange.com
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