Ocean City’s
Business
www.oceancity.org
Office 410 . 213 . 0144 Fax 410 . 213 . 7521
Eunice Q. Sorin Visitor & Conference Center January 2016
Greater Ocean City, MD Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842
Mayors Prayer Breakfast
January 15
General Membership Meeting
September 8
2016 OC Chamber Business Expo
February 4
2016 OC Job Fair
March 26
OC Chamber Golf Tournament
May 17-Tee-off Party May 16
2016 Awards Celebration
September 13
OC Chamber Open House
April 22
Mark Your Calendars
12th Annual OC Chamber Crab Feast
October 6
For
Executive Director’s Message
Melanie Pursel Warmest Regards, Executive Director 410.213.0144 ext 102 [email protected]
January 2016 Business After Hours
Thursday, January 7th, 2016 5:00—7:00 pm
Hosted by: BJ’s on the Water
Door Prizes & 50/50
Happy Hour Prices
Chamber Lights Awards Presented!
The start of a new year brings hope, optimism and so much to look forward to! 2015 was one of our best years yet,
and with the positive momentum of booming business and great weather, we feel that 2016 will be even better! We
look forward to seeing everyone out and about at all of the area’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, such as the Northside
Park Celebration and Fireworks and the Berlin Ball Drop. New Year’s Day brings the tradition of the Mayor’s Open
House at the Convention Center/Performing Arts Center and the AGH Annual Penguin Swim taking place at the Prin-
cess Royale. These events bring locals together, as well as guests from a number of different states! Ocean City has
truly become a year round destination.
The 2016 Vacation Guide will be out this month and we are so pleased with how it turned out, offering guests a useful
guide for planning their OC vacation. Once guests are in town, it is an amazing tool, showcasing all that there is to do
and see in the Ocean City area. Guides are distributed throughout the mid-Atlantic and direct mailed to thousands
of leads that we receive through web requests, trade shows and calls. The local guide is available at most area hotels and motels as well
as convenience stores, the Convention Center and Chamber Visitors Center. If you would like to have guides available for your guests,
groups that you may be hosting or simply for your front desk or key staff to familiarize themselves with Ocean City, please contact us!
In addition, the guide is always available online by visiting http://ocvacation.guide/ .
As 2015 comes to an end, I reflect upon my year serving as president for the Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Profes-
sionals (MACCE). This is the professional organization of Chamber Executives and CEOs from across the state, so it was an absolute
privilege and honor to serve and lead this organization over the past year. We had so many great accomplishments, such as the devel-
opment and launch of a website, www.mdchamberexecutives.org, the reinvigoration of our Facebook Page and five professional de-
velopment events over the past year, one of which was a mini institute held in Annapolis for chamber staff members from across the
state. Almost our entire OC Chamber staff participated! Being a part of an organization where you network, share ideas and develop as
a professional and an individual is priceless and I look forward to continuing the Greater Ocean City Chamber’s involvement with
MACCE. This position has also afforded me a seat on the Maryland Chamber’s Board of Directors, giving Ocean City representation
on the board of one of the most powerful business organizations in the state.
The MD Chamber along with numerous other tourism and business related organizations and businesses from across Maryland will be
monitoring a number of bills this coming session, which starts January 13th. One of the top priorities for the chamber continues to be
the Post Labor Day School Start initiative. We hope to continue to lobby for this to become a statewide mandate for a number of rea-
sons, from economics to family values. We are working collectively with partners from across the state to launch a PR and advertising
campaign encouraging those that support the bills introduced to contact their legislators and local school board members. If you would
like more information about this initiative and to lend your support please email [email protected] . The chamber will also be
putting out information throughout the session about any additional bills that could impact area businesses. We continue our work with
an active legislative committee including Dennis Rasmussen, our Legislative Affairs Consultant.
We also look forward to seeing everyone at the first Business After Hours of the New Year at BJs on the Water January 7 th, where the
winners of the Chamber Lights Holiday decoration contest will be announced.
Finally, please be sure to reserve your seats for the 2016 Mayor’s Prayer breakfast. Seating is limited for this phenomenal morning of
fellowship, community and inspiration- perfect timing as we bring in the New Year. For more information and to purchase tickets,
please visit http://chamber.oceancity.org/events/details/2016-mayors-prayer-breakfast-7641
Wishing everyone a prosperous New Year!
Did you remember to renew your Chamber
membership? If your renewal month is January, the time is
now! Get more exposure! Purchase an enhanced
web listing with your re-newal for just $50 more!
Welcome New Members
Thank You For Choosing Us
To Promote Your Business! Berlin Seahawks - Henlopen Pop Warner Tony Morris PO Box 205 Berlin, MD 21811 (443) 783-8628 http://www.Berlinseahawks.com Providing football & cheerleading to the Berlin/Ocean City area for over 20 yrs. We take pride in not only teaching great sportsmanship but scholastic & athletics go hand in hand. We are proud members of Pop Warner.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michelle Abu-Zaid 12534 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 337-0050 http://www.microtelinn.com The Microtel Inn & Suites is conveniently close to the Ocean City Park & Ride, 1 block from outlet shopping and dining, and just 1 miles from the beaches.
Keller Williams Select Realtors Paul Richardson 200 E. Church Street Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 677-0909 http://www.kwselectrealtors.com Real Estate Brokerage
E-Taxes, LLC Lana Rakutsis 5700 Coastal Hwy. Unit 203 Ocean City, MD 21842 (443) 365-0099 (877) 420-8747 http://www.e-txs.com Bookkeeping for Small Business. Accounting Advise, Taxes, Income Tax for Personal & Businesses.
Kenille's Kupboard Pet Pantry & Rescue, Inc. Carolyn Miller Ocean City Animal Hospital 11843 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 213-0393 Non-profit Pet Pantry Helping Community Members Who Cannot Afford Food for Their Pets So That They Will Not Need to Surrender their Pets to a Shelter.
CrossFit Assateague Michelle Watts 11726 Winding Creek Road Berlin, MD 21811 410-937-9800 http://www.crossfitassateague.com CrossFit Assateague is a small gym specializing in small group training and one on one personal training. We want to stay small allowing us the unique opportunity to be able to focus on every member.
Continental Pools, LLC Danielle Terrebrood 11941 Industrial Park Road, Ste 2 Bishopville, MD 21813 301.498.1000 http://www.continentalpools.com Swimming Pool Management, Service and Repairs
Copy Central of Ocean Pines, Inc. Linda Dearing 11065 Cathell Rd. Berlin, MD 21811 (410) 208-0641 http://www.copycentralmd.com Full Business Retail Gift Store; Graphic Design, UPS, Notary, Faxing, Full Color Specialist.
Airmasters Dan Kominos 6300 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-5335 Heating/Air Conditioning-Residential & Commercial Refrigeration, New Construction
All Ages Fitness t/a WOC Fitness Jennie Livolsi 12319-203 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 410-213-7000 http://wocfitness.com
Renewing Members 11/23/2015 through 12/22/2015
Thank You !
Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.
http://www.AtlanticRefrigeration.com
Bennett Construction, Inc.
http://www.bennett-construction.com
Decatur Diner
http://www.decaturdiner.com/
Delmarva Two-Way Radio
http://www.delmarvatwoway.com
Elis Apartments
FlipKey
http://www.flipkey.com/ocean-city-summer-rentals/g41298/
Franchise Management Services Inc.
http://www.delmarvadd.com
Francis Scott Key Family Resort
http://www.fskfamily.com
Greene Turtle, The Original
http://www.thegreeneturtle.com
Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc.
http://www.habitatworcester.org
Holiday Real Estate
http://www.holidayoc.com
Inn On The Ocean
http://www.innontheocean.com
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra
http://www.midatlanticsymphony.org
Moore Companies
http://www.themoorecompanies.com
OCBESTRENTALS
http://www.ocbestrentals.com
Ocean City Timeshare Resales & Vacation Rentals http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/ocean-city-timeshares-buy-sell/
Oyster Bay Tackle Shop
http://www.oysterbaytackle.com
Welcome New Members continued...
Date Event Location Time
Jan. 1 22nd Annual Penguin Swim Princess Royale 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 1 Annual Mayor’s Open House Ctr. For the Performing Arts 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Jan. 7 Business After Hours BJ’s on the Water 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 Mayors Prayer Breakfast Clarion Fountainebleau
101st Street
7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Jan. 13 YP Committee Meeting OC Chamber 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Jan. 14 Ocean City Elks Lodge Ribbon Cut-ting
13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Ocean City 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 20 E-Taxes, LLC Ribbon Cutting 57th St. & Coastal Hwy. 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 21 Monthly Exec. Committee & Board of Directors Mtg.
OC Chamber 8:30 a.m.
Jan. 21 Dynamic Physical Therapy Ribbon Cutting
Ocean Creek Plaza, WOC 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 27 YP Mixer Coral Reef in the Holiday Inn
17th St. & Boardwalk
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
January 2016 Calendar of Events
In the News...
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to headline 2016 OC Air Show U.S. Navy Blue Angels to return in for 2017
Military jets will soar over the beach and boardwalk of Ocean City, Maryland once again next year as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to headline the OC Air Show, June 18-19, 2016. The 9th annual edition of the event was moved one week later to accommodate the jet team’s schedule. The Thunderbirds flight dem-onstration team includes six pilots, flying patriotic red, white and blue F-16s that fly in formation and perform aerial maneuvers some-times just inches apart. They fly 40 maneuvers during their demonstration which showcase their skill and dedication. The Thunderbirds will headline a full afternoon line up of some of the nation’s top military and civilian performers. Air Show officials also announced that the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return again the following year for the 10 anniversary of the OC Air Show on June 17-18, 2017. Their inaugural appearance at this year’s event drew record-breaking crowds to the resort town. "The OC Air Show keeps getting bigger and better thanks to the support of the Town of Ocean City and the hundreds of thousands of spectators who come out to make it a success some from as far away as New York, Ohio and the Carolinas” said Bryan Lilley, President of the OC Air Show. “With the confirmation of the Thunderbirds in 2016 and the Blue Angels in 2017 it will mark four straight years that the OC Air Show has featured a major military jet demonstration team.” To request interviews with OC Air Show officials or USAF Thunderbird representatives please contact Cathy Bassett at 443-735-9577.
Town of Ocean City Named Google 2015 Google eCity Award Winner
The Town of Ocean City has another award to add to the trophy mantle, as Google recently named the re-sort town the 2015 eCity of Maryland award winner. The Google eCity Award recognizes the strongest online business community in each state, according to Google’s website. “We know that more than 50 percent of people get information online and our local business owners do a great job connecting virtually with our visitors and our residents to promote all of the wonderful things Ocean City has to offer,” said Ocean City Mayor, Richard Meehan. “This is a terrific honor and another positive example of how our com-munity is thriving, both online and off.” This is the second eCity award for Ocean City, who also received the award from Google in 2013. According to Google, the company worked with an independent research firm, IPSOS, to analyze the online strength of local small businesses in cities in all 50 states. The city with the highest scores in each state was desig-nated a 2015 Google eCity.
http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/emergency/cert
CERT TRAINING
Residents of Worcester County need to be aware that during and after a large emer-gency, local responders may become over-whelmed with the numbers of calls for assis-tance. To aid local residents in helping them-selves and their neighbors the Worcester County Department of Emergency Services sponsors CERT also known as Community Emergency Response Training. The pro-gram, which is 3-hours per class, one day a week for seven weeks, gives instruction in the following;
Overall emergencies that we face in Worcester County
How to properly use a fire extin-
guisher on small fire Emergency first aid training Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) Hazardous materials in the home,
light search and rescue and take home exam.
The National Incident Management
System (NIMS) Review of take home exam and pres-
entation of certificates Anyone interested in obtaining more infor-mation on CERT training may contact the Department of Emergency Services (410-632-1311) or the Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross (410-749-5331).
Worcester County MD Emergency Services
To see the entire first issue of “The Seaboard”, Worcester
County Emergency Services’s newsletter, please go to :
Register now for the best of winter birding on Delmarva!
The new Delmarva Winter Birding Weekend will be held January 29-31, 2016, and celebrates the water-fowl, sea birds, raptors and songbirds that share the coast with us during the colder months. The Delmarva coast is wild in the winter! The water may be too chilly for us, but it provides the perfect habitat for loons, grebes, scoters, sea ducks -- and seals! The beaches and marshes are patrolled by Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Northern Harriers, and the occasional Snowy Owl. Fields are filled with Snow Geese and Tundra Swans. Freshwater ponds near the coast are teeming with more than 20 species of waterfowl. The Winter Birding Weekend combines boat trips and expeditions by foot, all led by local experts. After bundling up to explore the outdoors, we'll enjoy the coastal comforts of our resort accommodations and restaurants.
For more information, please visit www.DelmarvaBirding.com.
URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS!
Our Crystal Ball is
Broken!
Please make sure your business information on
the Chamber’s website, www.oceancity.org, is
correct and up-to-date.
You can make changes using your log-in name and
password, or contact Vera, [email protected], and
she’ll make the changes for you. Promoting Your Business
Is Our Pleasure!
Anna Foultz to Celebrate Her 90th!
Anna Foultz, born January 11, 1926, is about to celebrate her 90th birthday! Anna is still incredibly active, and known to almost everyone locally for all the volunteer-ing she does. In 2006, Anna formed "Star Charities", with her now deceased husband Carl, enabling the all-volunteer foundation to make charitable contributions to local organizations. She's received many awards: Maryland State Senior Hall of Fame in 2005, Worcester County 2005 Most Beautiful People Award, 2008 "Sam Wilkinson Vol-unteer of the Year Award, the highest award from the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, two "Keys to the City" of Ocean City, a Congressional Award from Presi-dent Jimmy Carter during his term as President of the United States and an-other from Congressman Andy Harris, the first ever awarded "Citizen of the Year" from the Sons Of Italy Ocean City Lodge. In recent years, Anna has included fund raising to benefit our military. Annually she continues her deceased husband Carl's project, collecting items to be shipped overseas to soldiers for Christmas. She held a V.I.P. Social in October 2015 which combined with her Annual Beef 'N Beer, to be held on January 8th, 2016, will benefit Maryland Wounded Soldiers. Anna has been a shining "STAR" in the OP/Berlin/OC area, and continues to shine through her many philanthropic endeavors.
Reminder—Ad Space Reservation Deadline for “The Source” is January 18, 2016. Please contact Nancy Schwendeman, [email protected], 410-213-0144 ex.106
for more information.
Out & About with Your Chamber...
December Business Breakfast Touch of Italy
Holiday Inn 67th St.
December BAH Captains Table Restaurant 15th St. & Baltimore Ave.
2015 United Christmas Spirit Campaign
Renewing Members con’t.
Paradise Plaza Inn
http://www.paradiseplazainn.com
Piney Island Construction, Inc.
http://pineyislandconstruction.com
Scott G. Guay Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
PenFed Realty
http://www.oceancitywaterfront.com
Seaside Counseling & Wellness Center
http://seasidecounselingandwellness.com
Surf Villa Hotel & Dhimas Apts.
http://www.surfvilla.com
Thunderbird Beach Motel
http://www.ocmotels.com
A Heart-Felt Thank You from OC Massage!!!
Sharon Phillips and Karen Thibault opened their new massage therapy business, OC Massage, one year ago, on 120th St. after leaving The Grand Hotel/Acqua Day Spa. They have enjoyed a very successful year, thanks to all of your support. In an effort to give back to the community that has so generously given to them, they are offering the gift of massage.
Special Donation Offer: Do you know someone who is always giving to others and never doing enough for themselves? Call OC Massage today at 410-390-3318. They want to hear your story! To thank this wonderful person for all they do, OC Massage will send one of their caring massage therapists to give back to this very deserving person…a FREE seated massage at the nominee’s place of business. Imagine how good they will feel!
Member Spotlight
Would you like to put your business in the spotlight?
Contact [email protected].
OC Massage is now open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round, except major holidays, for your scheduling convenience.
The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce The mission of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is to provide community leadership in the promotion and support of economic development and the continued growth of tourism in Ocean City. The Chamber serves as a hub for development, educa-tion and communication within the business community to preserve the viability, quality of life and aesthetic values of our town.
Officers 2015- 2016 Brett Wolf - President
Professional Mortgage Services John Gehrig - President Elect
D3 Corp Stephanie Meehan - Vice President
Funcade Toni Keiser - Treasurer Atlantic General Hospital
Bob Thompson - Secretary Ocean Pines Association
Directors 2015- 2016 Justin McGinnis - LaserTone
Phillip Cheung - Gregory & Associates Buck Mann –Polynesian Condo
Sal Fasano - LaQuinta Hotel & Suites Joe Cavilla - Casino at Ocean Downs
Steve Pastusak - Jolly Rogers Amusements Chris Woodley -
Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison , LLC Ruth Waters
Harrison Group Resort Hotels Madlyn Carder - BJ’s On the Water
Cole Taustin - Embers Restaurant & Blu Crabhouse
Chamber Staff Melanie Pursel, Executive Director
Lisa Dennis, Events Director Danielle Davis, Financial Officer
Nancy Schwendeman, Publications Mgr Vera Spalt, Membership Services Mgr
Joya Mattie, Membership Services Jill Brady, E-Marketing Manager
Visitors Center Staff Richard Ohanlon - Karen Lynn -
Marci Russell - Angie Krause
Community Representatives Economic Development Committee Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association
Downtown Association Ocean City Development Corporation
Town of Ocean City
Ocean City’s Voice for Business is published the first of each month. Ads and articles may be submitted for publication no later than the 20th of the preceding month. Items re-ceived after the 20th may be published in a later newsletter, or if time sensitive, published in the next weekly e-lert.
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