Howard County's Advisory Board On Consumer Protection Seeks Volunteers

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Volunteers are needed to serve on Howard County's Advisory Board on Consumer Protection, specifically a person representing a consumer interest group. The deadline to apply for this vacancy is Dec. 15.

“Our Advisory Board on Consumer Protection plays a vital role in addressing new scams and consumer issues and needs, as well as protecting our Howard County consumers,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I encourage residents who are interested in this important work and who have worked with or are currently employed by a consumer interest group or organization, to join this board and support its efforts to improve consumer protection services here in Howard County.”

The board has seven voting members, with at least two members representing consumer interest groups, two members representing business interest groups, one member representing an economically disadvantaged group and two members representing the general public. Board member responsibilities include participating in community activities, developing programs, conducting research, reviewing legislation and advising the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Consumer Protection and the County Executive on policies, programs and practices that can improve consumer protection-related services in the county.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be a Howard County resident, be 18 years of age or older, have an interest in consumer issues, meet the mentioned category above and be able to attend the board’s meetings, which are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. Meetings may be held virtually at the board’s request.

Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Advisory Board on Consumer Protection” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the county executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation. For any questions regarding the application process, please email ApplyBC@howardcountymd.gov.