January 2016 E-Newsletter - Greater Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City’s
www.oceancity.org
mychamber@oceancity.org
Office
Fax
For
Greater Ocean City, MD
Chamber of Commerce
410 . 213 . 0144
410 . 213 . 7521
Business
12320 Ocean Gateway
Ocean City, MD 21842
Eunice Q. Sorin Visitor & Conference Center
January 2016
Mark Your Calendars
Mayors Prayer Breakfast
January 15
2016 OC Chamber Business Expo
February 4
2016 OC Job Fair
March 26
OC Chamber Open House
April 22
OC Chamber Golf Tournament
May 17-Tee-off Party May 16
General Membership Meeting
September 8
2016 Awards Celebration
September 13
12th Annual OC Chamber Crab Feast
October 6
Executive Director’s Message
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 Princess 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 Professionals (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 development and launch of a website, www.mdchamberexecutives.org, the reinvigoration of our Facebook Page and five professional development 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 reasons, 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 melanie@oceancity.org . 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!
Warmest Regards,
January 2016 Business After Hours
Melanie Pursel
Thursday, January 7th, 2016 5:00—7:00 pm
Executive Director
410.213.0144 ext 102
melanie@oceancity.org
Hosted by: BJ’s on the Water

Door Prizes & 50/50

Happy Hour Prices

Chamber Lights Awards Presented!
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 renewal 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.
Keller Williams Select Realtors
Paul Richardson
200 E. Church Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
(410) 677-0909
http://www.kwselectrealtors.com
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.
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
Real Estate Brokerage
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
CrossFit Assateague
Michelle Watts
11726 Winding Creek Road
Berlin, MD 21811
410-937-9800
http://www.crossfitassateague.com
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 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
Copy Central of Ocean Pines, Inc.
Linda Dearing
11065 Cathell Rd.
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 208-0641
http://www.copycentralmd.com
Swimming Pool Management, Service and Repairs
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
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
Thank You !
Welcome New Members continued...
January 2016 Calendar of Events
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 Cutting
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.
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 demonstration team includes six pilots, flying patriotic red, white and blue F-16s that fly in formation and perform aerial maneuvers sometimes 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 resort 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 community 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 designated a 2015 Google eCity.
Worcester County MD Emergency Services
CERT TRAINING
Residents of Worcester County need to be
aware that during and after a large emergency, local responders may become overwhelmed with the numbers of calls for assistance. To aid local residents in helping themselves and their neighbors the Worcester
County Department of Emergency Services
sponsors CERT also known as Community
Emergency Response Training. The program, which is 3-hours per class, one day a
week for seven weeks, gives instruction in
the following;
To see the entire first issue of “The Seaboard”, Worcester
County Emergency Services’s newsletter, please go to :
http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/emergency/cert

Overall emergencies that we face in
Worcester County

How to properly use a fire extinguisher 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 presentation of certificates
Anyone interested in obtaining more information on CERT training may contact the
Department of Emergency Services (410632-1311) or the Lower Shore Chapter of
the American Red Cross (410-749-5331).
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, vera@oceancity.org, and
she’ll make the changes for you.
Promoting Your Business
Is
Our Pleasure!
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 waterfowl, 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.
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 volunteering 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 Volunteer 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 President Jimmy Carter during his term as President of the United States and another 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, nancy@oceancity.org, 410-213-0144 ex.106
for more information.
Out & About with Your Chamber...
December Business Breakfast
Touch of Italy
Holiday Inn 67th St.
2015 United Christmas Spirit Campaign
December BAH
Captains Table Restaurant
15th St. & Baltimore Ave.
Renewing Members con’t.
Paradise Plaza Inn
http://www.paradiseplazainn.com
Seaside Counseling & Wellness Center
http://seasidecounselingandwellness.com
Piney Island Construction, Inc.
http://pineyislandconstruction.com
Surf Villa Hotel & Dhimas Apts.
http://www.surfvilla.com
Scott G. Guay Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
PenFed Realty
http://www.oceancitywaterfront.com
Thunderbird Beach Motel
http://www.ocmotels.com
Member Spotlight
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!
OC Massage is now open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. yearround, except major holidays, for your scheduling convenience.
Would you like to put your business in the spotlight?
Contact vera@oceancity.org.
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, education 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
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 received after the 20th may be published in a later newsletter,
or if time sensitive, published in the next weekly e-lert.
Town of Ocean City