December 2015

Director and Administrative Assistant's Comments

The Holiday Season is finally here and we couldn't be more excited! Businesses are buzzing with activity and promotions, stores are full of patrons and the streets are filled with holiday cheer. This year has been a very successful one for the Chamber; we've hosted a series of successful, well attended events and are looking forward to making them all even better in the New Year; our eyes are already turned to Spring Celebration, Spring Cruisers, and the Jazz and Blues Bash. We've become more dedicated than ever to membership expansion, networking, and community development. Our Business After Hours events have become very popular and we anticipate that they will only grow in said popularity as time goes on. We are also in the process of planning our installation dinner for our new President and Board Members, which will be in January. We know that one year ending means a new year of exciting and new activities and ideas, and we can't wait to share it with all our members. We are more dedicated than ever to making the Chamber the best it can be-what the members deserve! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

-Larnet St. Amant and Morgan Coulson

Renewing Members

Go Organic Grocer

Welcome new members!

Tanger Outlets Of Ocean City

Farmer's Bank of Willards

Assateague Island Alliance

Adams Radio Group

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Attics of My Life, LLC

Benefits of being a member:

Social Media Promotion

Link to your website from the Chamber Website

Listing of your business searchable on our website

Listing in our yearly Berlin Chamber directory

Recognition and member articles in newsletter

Referrals to visitors and area residents

Events listed on our website

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Brochures for your business in the Chamber Center

Networking Events

Spotlight on Businesses

Go Organic Grocer Re"freshes" Berlin by Reopening Its Doors

The Chamber was proud to be there as Go Organic Grocer reopened it's doors with much revelry on November 14! It's another great, healthy, and easily accessible option for everything from Fresh Produce, Whole Foods, herbs, spices, local meats and seafood, grass fed beef, free range chickens, organic chicken, pastured pork, grass fed lamb, local dairy products, and other specialty fare such as gluten free, dairy free, soy free products. Stop by today-- located at 12 Artisan's Way, Berlin MD.

Burley Oak Proves that Bigger Factories Doesn't Mean Better Brews: Get's Voted Best Brewery in Maryland by Yahoo! Travel

This year has been a big one for the Burley Oak team and their leader-- Bryan Brushmiller. Not only have they celebrated four years in business, attended countless beer festivals with their hand crafted, meticulously brewed and delicious beers, they also have celebrated many accolades, including most recently being voted Best Brewery in Maryland by Yahoo! Travel. We're so proud that Burley Oak continues to grow and thrive, and we couldn't be more grateful they're located right here in Berlin. Read the article on Yahoo! here.

Pop Up Shop "Perks" Up Business at Berlin Coffeehouse

The Berlin Coffeehouse held it's Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for it's Maryland Pride Pop Up Shop during Second Friday, November 13. The Town and Chamber are proud to support Berlin's first venture into working with Maryland With Pride, a company slowly building a directory that will allow patrons to buy Maryland products, wherever they may be. In attendance was Economic Development Coordinator Ivy Wells, Councilwoman Lisa Hall, Mayor Gee Williams, our own director Larnet St. Amant and her assistant Morgan Coulson, as well as last year's Volunteer of the Year, Helen Wiley. Congratulations to the Berlin Coffeehouse and its owners-- we know this will be a huge success and we are thrilled to see it take off. For more information visit  http://www.marylandwithpride.org/.

Moving From "Victorian" to "Very Merry," Main Street Has Become A Holiday Wonderland

This year Berlin has outdone itself with Christmas decorations and Holiday events. Volunteers came out to transform the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center into Santa's Workshop, complete with trees, presents, the Polar Express, and even a "Letters to Santa" mailbox, where children can write a letter to Santa and he will reply. (Letters must be received by December 18, and must include the child's address.) In addition the Town is featuring Free Carriage Rides Saturdays and Sundays in December from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as visits with Santa from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Story Time with Mrs. Claus Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. 

Have your used your Chamber Directory Lately? It's the best source for finding local businesses, merchants, services and more in your area. Check out your Berlin Chamber Directory today for the easiest way to Shop Local.  

[December 11]

[Second Friday Art Stroll]

[December 12]

[Diakonia is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa at Lighthouse Sound on Saturday, December 12th from 8 to 11 AM.  Tickets are $10 adults (age 12 and up), $5 for children 6-11, and children 5 and under eat free.  Local musicians Bad Since Breakfast will be playing live music, and there will be holiday giveaways.  It's a great event that's fun for the whole family and supports a great cause.  See flyer for more information.]

More Info

[December 12]

[Worcester Youth and Family One Day Pop Up Thrift Shop]

[December 12]

[Christmas Concert and Hymn Sing/Organ Fundraiser at Stevenson United Methodist Church]

[December 12]

[Berlin Ghost Walk]

 [7:00 pm -  8:45 pm | $9 - $15.  About the Berlin Ghost Walk  - The 1.5 mile Ghost Walk of historic Berlin, Maryland will include enchanting places like the Atlantic Hotel, Ned France's walk, the Old Fish Shop, the Store of Crazy Characters, the IOOF, the Maryland Wine Bar, Pitts House and St. Paul's Graveyard. It also features a "healing tree" and a hidden site known to be occupied by  elementals .]

Get your Tickets/More Info Here

[December 13]

[All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet at the Berlin Fire Co.]

For More Info Click Here

[December 13]

[Holiday Open House at Brew's Up Berlin]

 [ Tastes and Sounds of the Season:  Noon-4pm

Celebrate the end of a wonderful wine and beer year
with your friends at Brews Up.  Special guest DJ Last Call, Zack Johnson.  Make your last wine kit of the year with old and new friends at Brews Up.  RSVP to [email protected];  443-513-4744 ]

[December 14]

[Pizza Tugo's/Worcester County Fire Department Coats for Kids Fundraiser]

[ Winter is coming.... There are too many children that do not have coats to keep them warm during this chilly season. Amy and Max from Pizza Tugos will be here pouring beer and helping the Worcester County Professional Firefighters raise money to buy jackets that for these children. Each child will be fitted to their coat so that it will last them this winter and hopefully a few more. We will have a silent auction, lots of ale and, as always, excellent company! 6 p.m. to close]
Learn More Here

[December 16]

[Burley Oak and Local Artists' Holiday Marketplace]

[ Featuring local artisans and businesses from all around Berlin such as TaDa, Zenna, Atlantic Retreat, and more!]

[December 8-16]

[Warm Your Neighbors Clothing Drive by Bungalow Love]

[ We are collecting gently worn, new and hand knit/crocheted cold weather gear including hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, jackets, sweaters and blankets to be handed out as gifts to those in need of warmth. Everything that is generously donated will be passed out during the Spirit Kitchen's Annual Christmas Party Wednesday December 16. You may drop off during business hours, so we can thank you in person, or simply leave items on our front stoop at 9 S. Main St. Berlin, MD. Thank you in advance! If you can't make it to Berlin to drop off, there a few events in Ocean City going on as well! Thank you for your generosity!]

[December 17]

[Berlin Chamber's Business After Hours]

[Join us for our last Business After Hours of the Year at Bruder Hill, 25 Commerce Street, Berlin, starting at 5:30 p.m.]

[December 19]

[Francis Scott Key's Swim with Santa]

[ Our Annual Swim with Santa is December 19th from 11am-3pm!

  

[December 8- 21]

[Backpacks for the Homeless at Urban Nectar/Mother's Cantina]

[ Every single one of us has been helped in our lives at one point or another so lets extend that love and kindness to someone in need this holiday season! We are gathering items and backpacks to give to the homesless of OC, MD. We are accepting donations at Mothers Cantina in OC and Urban Nectar in Berlin. On the 21st, we will have a packing party for the backpacks at 6 pm at Urban Nectar and then Diakonia will be giving out the backpacks before Christmas. 
Items needed include:

-Backpacks

-Hygeine Products like deodorant, chap stick, lotion, floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash, compact hair brushes, ati-bacterial wipes, and sanittizer. 

-Clothing like cotton socks (men, women and child ren), blankets, scarfs, gloves/mittens, jackets and poncos (Items do not have to be new but in good condition)
-Foods llike bottled water, gatorade, fruit juice, or healthy single wrapped snacks and food items. (beef jerky, cheese and crackers, energy bars, canned fruits and veggies)
-Comfort items like stamps, notepads, envelopes, pens, crayons, coloring or activity books
-Other items could include ziploc baggies. 
If you don't want to give actual items, you can donate money to go towards these items at www.motherscantina.com. Drop off locations are Urban Nectar and Mothers Cantina, but we also will happily come pick up your items at no charge!!]
Read More Here 

[January 8]

[Big Ideas Art Show]

For More Info

[January 15]

[2016 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast]

[The 2016 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is being presented by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce.  This event has been such an inspiration and uplifting morning, where the entire community would come together- including our local citizens, community leaders, elected officials, church congregations, local police and fire departments, the business community, the Board of education, educators and school representatives and nonprofit organizers. It truly is the only event that spans the entire breadth of our community. When Bruce Spangler retired after 25 years,  we knew we had to continue the tradiditon! The Chambers are thrilled to announce that the 2016 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will be held on Friday, January 15th 2016. We are very excited to introduce Mark Mero as the Key Note speaker for the event. From his early days growing up in a single-parent home in Buffalo, NY, Marc dreamed big and set lofty goals. Despite many obstacles, Marc found success with hockey, football and boxing and then achieved fame in wrestling. During the event we will be taken on a journey through Marc's life that will make us laugh and cry- and prompt us to examine our own choices. Tickets are only $20 per person for a full breakfast, with sponsor tables available - you may purchase online or at any of the chambers of commerce visitors centers. Please call 410-213-0144 for more info or visit http://chamber.oceancity.org/events/details/2016-mayors-prayer-breakfast-7641]