A Sampling of Holiday Wishes

I spent a little time Tuesday at the local BNI International chapter's weekly meeting and the holiday open house at the .

While there, I asked a handful of business owners and executives what they wanted for the holidays. Here's a sampling of their responses.

Claire Louder, president and CEO of the , said she'd like a "Virginia win in the 'formerly known as the Peach Bowl.'"

Louder, for those who don't know, is a die-hard Virginia Cavaliers football fan. She'll be attending the Chick-fil-A Bowl (formerly known as the Peach Bowl) in Atlanta on Dec. 31, when the Cavs take on Auburn.

Stephanie Duncan-Troxell, the chamber's membership director, said she wished to soon hit 400 members for the chamber, and hopes to reach 500 in 2012.

Janet Garmen, owner of Gambrills General Store, said she asked all four of her children, ages 19-26, to be home for Christmas, and they will be.

"I just wanted a day where I could see all my kids at the same time," she said. "I get to see all of my family, so I am really excited."

Anita Marshall of BB&T Bank in Odenton also said she is excited that her entire family will be home for the holidays and her son is home from service in the military.

"I got everything I asked for ... now, I need to just go purchase a winning lottery ticket," she joked.

Wami Shittu, the owner of , said, "I want 2012 to be way better than 2011. That's what I hope for."

Jon Haas of Rainbow International, a home restoration and cleaning company, said he hoped to continue gaining customers through referrals instead of cold calls.

"I want lots of referrals. Keep those calls coming," he said.