In this issue

Mark Your Calendars P.2 Renewing Members P.4

Welcome New Members P.5 Upcoming Events P.6

Young Professionals P.10

Happy Spring!

Melanie Pursel President & CEO 410.213.0144 ext 102

Ocean City’s Greater Ocean City, MD Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842

For

www.oceancity.org mychamber@oceancity.org

Office 410.213.0144

Fax 410.213.7521

April 2019

Business

The chamber also weighed in with written testimony on a number of issues. A full summary of where all of these bills ultimately end up will be provided at the end of session. We will also have a thorough discussion of the session during the Legislative EDC Meeting which will be in May. For additional updates please visit https://oceancity.org/the-chamber/maryland-legislative-updates/. Unfortunately, not much went our way this session, although we fought incredibly hard. Thank you to all of the business owners who took time away to come and testify in person. I do feel that we were able to secure a number of amendments with the min wage bill, which helped ease the transition slightly. However, on March 27th Governor Hogan vetoed both the Minimum Wage Bill as well as the Post Labor Day repeal. The legislature does have enough time to overturn the vetoes, so we will keep you posted!

There are also 2 excellent training sessions being offered - we have worked in partnership with the HMRA and Wor-Wic Community College to help you create the ULTIMATE guest experience! The detailed invitation is in the newsletter.

Our goals are to:

Create an Ocean City Culture of Kindness

Provide Exceptional Service to all of our Guests

You will walk away with:

Tools to build and maintain a strong, service-oriented front line workforce

The ability to ensure excellent customer service skills for your entire staff

The necessary skills to ensure a memorable guest experience

A certificate of completion from Wor-Wic Community College

I would also like to personally invite all of our members as well as potential members to the Chamber Open House and Community Shred Day planned for Friday April 26th from 10 to 4pm at the Chamber Visitor’s Center. Shredding services will be free and open to all members. This is a great opportunity to meet the staff, learn about the ways in which the chamber can assist your business and get one-on-one assistance with your online profile.

Finally, please mark your calendars for the annual J-1 employer conference planned for April 11th at the Grand Hotel and Spa; we will be discussing cultural differences and the guest experience as well as housing, safety, regulations social security and the bike lights initiative!

As the season quickly approaches, the town and the entire region are bustling with activity. A number of new restaurants, hotels and retail shops are under construction or making major improvements for the 2019 summer season. This is a fantastic sign that our economy is strengthening and there is tremendous optimism about the future. We hope that you can join us for the many ribbon cuttings that will be held throughout the spring. April 8th is Sine Die which marks the end of the legislative session. This has been an incredibly active session with a number of bills introduced that will have an impact on small business and Ocean City as a community. With the engagement of our chamber with the Maryland Chamber and Maryland Tourism Coalition, we had a strong voice either in support or opposition to a number of bills. We testified in Annapolis several times this session including bill hearings on the increase in minimum wage, a 120 day exemption for paid leave, the repeal of the Post Labor Day school start executive order and a bill that would authorize chambers to provide Association Health Plans (AHPs), to name a few.

Mark Your Calendars

General Membership Meeting

September 5

2019 Awards Celebration September 2019

Date TBA

15th OC Chamber Crab Feast October 10

OC Chamber Open House April 26

Soiree on the Bay May 1

Chamber Golf Tournament May 23

Renewing Members February 26, 2019 - March 26, 2019

Thank You!

94.9 KHI-Delmarva's Classic Hits http://www.949jackfm.com ''An Angel's Touch'' Cleaning Services http://www.AngelsTouchCleaningService.net Blue Water Development Corporation http://www.bluewaterdevelopmentcorp.com Blue Water Golf Getaways http://www.bluewatergolfpro.com Buckley Property Services, LLC http://www.BuckleyPropertyServices.com Call Vicki Harmon, Realtor http://cbmove.com/vicki.harmon Coronet Apartments http://www.coronetapartments.com Crazy Ladyz! http://www.CrazyLadyz.com Endless Golf http://www.endlessgolf.com Hooked Restaurant http://www.hookedoc.com Inlet Sea Doos, Inc. http://www.inletseadoos.com Ireland RnR Golf http://www.irelandrnr.com/golf

Maryland Broadband Cooperative http://www.mdbc.us Maze Game, LLC, Escape Room http://www.escapemania.com Montgomery Financial Services LLC., http://www.mfswealth.com Pop Pop's Cottage http://www.poppopscottage.com Prime Cut Lawn Services http://www.facebook.com/primecutlawnservices Rackliffe House Trust http://www.rackliffehouse.org Staples The Office Superstore http://www.staples.com Surfrider Foundation Ocean City Chapter http://oceancity.surfrider.org The Shrimp Boat Inc. http://shrimpboatoc.com Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism http://www.WicomicoTourism.org Wrecker Sportfishing http://www.wreckersportfishing.com/

Aloft Ocean City Michael Hayes 4501 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 (443) 373-0800 http://www.aloftoceancity.com This space is flexible. With urban-inspired guest rooms and state-of-the-art meeting spaces, we are ready to welcome your friends, colleagues and family.

Coastal Home Watch LLC Gretchen Meyer 7101 Coastal Hwy. #3369 Ocean City, MD 21842 (443) 890-1302 http://www.coastalhomewatchoc.com Look for obvious issues by providing scheduled visual inspections on properties that are vacant or while the owners are absent. Also provide concierge and handyman services tailored to each client.

Delaware Seashore State Park Laura Scharle Rehoboth Beach, DE (302) 227-6991 http://destateparks.com/beaches/delawareseashore State Park, museum, campground, marina

Eagle Restoration & Environmental, LLC Jim Atkinson 101 Skipjack Road, #10 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 (443) 975-0000 http://www.eagle-restoration.com We offer mitigation, mold, asbestos, repair service to insurance companies and their clients, as well as many real estate companies.

Fox Gold Coast Theater Bridget Steuer 11301 Coastal Highway Behind Gold Coast Mall Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 213-1505 http://www.foxshowtimes.com Kick back in a warm & cozy heated recliner and watch the latest blockbusters at Fox Gold Coast Theater. Advanced reserved seating is available (and recommended) at foxshowtimes.com.

Global Training Foundation Valerie Whitcomb, PhD 9301 Atlantic Ave. Unit 203 Ocean City, MD 21842 (703) 678-9279 http://www.globaltrainingfoundation.org Global Training Foundation (GTF), a non-profit 501c3 organization provides training and start-up resources for micro-entrepreneurs in need of developing a small for-profit or non-profit business.

Kelly Fogle, An Affiliate of Mickey Vacations & Academy Travel Kelly Fogle (410) 259-7711 https://m.facebook.com/kellyfogle.mickeyvacations/ Specializing in Disney vacations! Planning all of your dining, resort stay, fast passes, and more!

Land to Sand Easy Carts LLC Shirley Kurtz Ocean City, MD 21842 (717) 203-3804 http://www.landtosandeasycarts.com Conversion kits for folding carts and wagons

Lime Energy Sawyer Allen 111941 Industrial Park Rd. #4 Bishopville, MD 21813 (410) 430-6422 http://www.lime-energy.com Lime Energy provides energy saving solutions for commercial businesses throughout the Delmarva area through HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration.

Merrill Lynch/Les Dennis Les Dennis 11724 Ocean Gateway Suite 5 Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 213-9702 Certified Financial Planner

Mother's Cantina Ryan James 2810 Philadelphia Ave. Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (443) 481-7285 http://Www.motherscantina.com Mother’s Cantina and Taco Shop is a Tex-Mex restaurant, bar, carry out, and catering company specializing in carefully prepared, locally sourced, southwest style dining.

Selfie Fantasy Stacey Warner 14 Worcester St. Ocean City, MD 21842 (443) 869-1731 http://selfiefantasy@gmail.com

Shore Rentals OC Brittney Tomsky 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ste 101 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 (732) 841-0050 http://shorerentalsoc.com Specializing in luxury rental equipment for all your linen, beach, and baby accessory needs. Serving Ocean City, West Ocean City, and Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Three Anchors LLC Mark Pugh 7805 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD (410) 524-8930 Family friendly Marlin fishing themed restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner featuring outside dining and the Pelagic Bar at Three Anchors. Carryout with smoothie, milkshake and ice cream bar.

Willows Concrete and Landscaping Wilbert Manuel Ocean City & Surrounding Area (443) 614-8807 http://willowsconcreteandlandscaping.com Decorative concrete, pavers, lawn care, grass cutting, pruning, clean up, acid wash, residential maintenance, edge beds, concrete removal, spring, summer, winter, fall. perennials, annuals.

Welcome New Members

Thank you for choosing us

to promote your business!

Upcoming April Events

DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME

Apr. 4 Hospitality Training Learn More

Clarion Resort Hotel 10100 Coastal Hwy.

3-9pm

Apr. 4 Business After Hours Learn More

Windmill Creek Winery 5-7pm

Apr. 10 YP Monthly Meeting OC Chamber 8:30am

Apr. 11 Business Breakfast Learn More

Barn 34 8-9:30am

Apr. 11 Int’l Student Workforce Employer Conference Learn More

The Grand Hotel & Spa 8am-1pm

Apr. 12 East Coast Tile & Flooring Ribbon Cutting Learn More

7830 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville

5pm

Apr. 15 Hospitality Training Learn More

Clarion Resort Hotel 10100 Coastal Hwy.

9am-3pm

Apr. 18 Executive Committee Meeting OC Chamber 8:30am

Apr. 18 Board of Directors Meeting OC Chamber 9am

Apr. 23 Ambassadors Meeting OC Chamber 4-5pm

Apr. 24 Tech Topics: Blogging 101: Creative

Content to Enhance Your Site

Learn More

OC Chamber Bring Your Own Lunch!

11:30am-

1pm

Apr. 24 i.g. Burton Ribbon Cutting

Learn More

10420 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin

5pm

Apr. 25 YP Monthly Mixer

Learn More

Barn 34 8:30am

Apr. 26 Chamber Open House & Community Shred Day Learn More

OC Chamber 10am-4pm

April Business Breakfast

Thurs, April 11

8-9:30am

$12 per person Barn 34

Inspiring the Entrepreneur: Guest Speaker Jamie Jacobs

of T.C. Studios

DATE LOCATION

April 4 Windmill Creek Winery

May 1 Soiree on the Bay @ Macky’s

June 6 Frontier Town

Future Business After Hours 5-7pm

MD Sales & Use—Worcester County February 2019

# Returns Filed 1,814

Food & Beverage $1,074,951

Apparel $249,067

General Merchandise $748,870

Automotive $193,544

Furniture & Appliances $93,291

Building & Industrial Supplies $724,134

Utilities & Transportation $81,348

Hardware, Machinery & Equipment $66,856

Misc. $347,328

Subtotal $3,579,388

Assessment Collections $658

Total Collections $3,580,046

The April Economic Development Committee breakfast meeting will

be held at The Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street, in Ocean City,

MD on Wednesday, April 3rd at 8:30 a.m. Donna Abbott, the

Director of the Ocean City Department of Tourism will present the

2019 Annual Season Kick Off along with Andy Malis, the President/

CEO of MGH.

MGH has been Ocean City’s advertising agency for several years

and has developed and implemented several successful campaigns

during the last decade. The year’s kick off presentation will provide

a comprehensive update to our stakeholders..

Committee members will also have an opportunity to present

updates and discuss upcoming area events. Please note that this

meeting is being sponsored and held at The Princess Royale on 91st

Street, Ocean City, MD on April 3rd 2018 at 8:30 a.m.

Please R.S.V.P. to Lindy.Kosydar@CarouselHotel.com

Keynote Speaker & Local Entrepreneur

Veronica Correa, Owner, and Clinical Director of The

Personal Wellness Center in Salisbury presents

“The Secret to a Magical Life”

“Years ago, my heart’s desire and my mind’s vision was to create a Wellness Center in our community. I had no prior business experience and limited resources, but there was a little voice inside me that said I could do it. When I decided to listen to my heart and began to unfold my vision, an intense feeling of fear set in very strongly.

In order to accomplish this dream, I knew I had to face my fear. Creating my business was simultaneously the scariest and most beautiful pursuit of my life because it allows me to fulfill my life’s purpose.”

Keynote Speaker

Speaker Panel featuring five successful local women business owners, moderated by Kathleen Case, owner of Case Consulting, LLC

Special Linkedin presentation by Jolie McShane, owner of Vesta Construction Websites

“My Vision Board” activity with Kathleen Case

Vendors, Door Prizes, & More

Win a sapphire ring from Kuhn’s Jewelers valued at $185

Register by April 5 for Early Bird price of $65 & chance to win a gift basket full of goodies donated by Hebron Savings Bank

Contact Lisa Twilley for info. on sponsorships & vendor space

Ribbon Cuttings & Events

March Business Breakfast: AGH Annual Update

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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news & weather

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to Check out all the latest

The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce "Where Business is a Pleasure"

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic growth of the region by providing leadership, inspiration, education and development opportunities to support and promote all segments of the business and tourism community.

Brett Wolf • Professional Mortgage Services

Joe Wilson • Coastal Life Realty Group

Buck Mann • Polynesian Condo

Bobbi Sample • Ocean Downs Casino

Sal Fasano • LaQuinta Hotel & Suites

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/Mad Fish Bar & Grill

Sallie Johnson • Farmers Bank of Willards

Joe Groves • The Plaza Condominium/DCMA

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

Economic Development Committee

Hotel-Motel Restaurant Association

Downtown Association

Ocean City Development Corporation

Town of Ocean City

Melanie Pursel, President/CEO

Lisa Layfield, Events Director

Danielle Davis, Financial Officer

Nancy Schwendeman, Publications Mgr.

Vera Spalt, Membership Services Mgr.

Jill Brady, E-Marketing Mgr.

CHAMBER STAFF

VISITOR CENTER STAFF

Richard Ohanlon

Karen Lynn

Sharon Craven

Kathleen Smith

Ed Colbert

Deb Haas

BOARD 2018-2019

Stephanie Meehan - Chair Funcade

Toni Keiser - Chair-Elect Atlantic General Hospital

Bob Thompson - Treasurer OC Aquafit

Phillip Cheung - Secretary CG Accounting Group, LLC

John Gehrig - Immediate Past Chair D3

DIRECTORS 2018-2019

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.