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SOFO is a local non-profit business association that seeks to represent businesses from all along the SOuth FOrest Drive corridor which includes Wards 3-8. SOFO businesses include small, minority and women-owned businesses and residential areas all contribute to a diverse representation of the economy.  SOFO works with the businesses to create a more neighborhood feel along the corridor.

Podcast about SOFO from Eye On Annapolis

SOFO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024

Kimberly Barton, President – owner of Kinetic Realty, Inc.
Jennifer Balducci, Vice President – owner of One. Physical Therapy, Fitness and Wellness
Casey Santora, Secretary – Holland Law Firm
Lorie Stout, Treasurer – owner of STOUTgear Promotional Products
Faye Currie, At Large – Community Outreach Chair, Arundel Federal Savings Bank
Lori Schramek, At Large, Community Outreach Co-Chair – Movement Mortgage
Heather Giovingo, At Large, Social Committee Chair – Coldwell Banker

SOFO Accomplishments 2023

Open for Business is live now on YouTube. Broadcast on TV will air on Tuesday, September 5.

Officers and Board Members:
Jennifer Balducci, SoFo President - owner of One. Physical Therapy, Fitness and Wellness
Andrew Parks, SoFo Vice President - owner of Sam's On the Waterfront
Lorie Stout, SoFo Treasurer - owner of STOUTgear Promotional Products
Dovie Metzger, SoFo Secretary - State Farm Agent
David Marberger, SoFo Board Member - owner of Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits
Jared Littmann, SoFo Board Member - owner of K&B True Value
Faye Currie, SOFO Board Member - Arundel Federal Savings Bank

Rick Hutchinson, SOFO Board Member - Arundel Federal Savings Bank

Membership continues to grow every year with anticipated members in 2022 at 60

SOFO Accomplishments 2021

1. Cleanup of Annapolis Middle School Fence and property in Spring and Fall
-cleanup and planting of at Bay Ridge Garden Triangle and Robinwood Community Entrance
-200 more bulbs planted along SOFO triangle and Robinwood Community Entrance
-Additional Annapolis Middle School fence artwork installation from local school kids
2. SOFO Drive In Movie Night
-Successful viewing of 4 free drive in movies this summer on side of Bay Ridge Shopping Center and Annapolis Library with music prior to the viewing
-Food service provided by Grumps café and Papa Johns to vehicles
3. SOFO HoHo
- With toy donations and $1500.00 cash donation we were able to give out over 300 gifts to Georgetown East, Taylor Heights, Hillsmere, and Mills-Parole elementary schools.
4. Government
-Seat on the Small Business Recovery Task Force to problem solve ways to keep businesses open and support local business
-SOFO continues to have a voice with the city, a seat at the table at the monthly Business Leaders Meetings
-SOFO was part of the Adopt a Bus Sheler campagin and video completed by the city
5. Social Media Presence
-SOFO Facebook page is active, now has over 730 followers (up from 380 at start of year)
-shared posts effectively increase business visibility on social media
7. Support of Annapolis Anti Doping Movement
8. Donation to Bay Ridge Gardens backpacks and coats, as well as food donations for other local low income developments along Forest Drive Corridor
10. Adopt a Bus Shelter Program-We created One Annapolis posters, partnered with local photographer to have images of Annapolitans with masks on and had them placed on city bus shelters along Forest Drive for message of diversity, safely and inclusivity
11. Placement of Permanent SOFO Sign in front of BB&T bank to advertise SOFO corridor location as well as a location to place sign for upcoming SOFO events
12. SOFO Recovery Zone nights at local restaurants/shopping centers with free music/swap meets to the public and spotlighting local business during pandemic
13. Navigating and encouraging inclusivity for all during events over past year
14. Partnering with Heritage Baptist Church for local Food Pantry on our corridor, volunteers from local businesses helped to support this endeavor