Director and Administrative Assistant's Comments

We can't believe it's already February! Our line up of this year's Chamber events is fast approaching. Spring Celebration will take Berlin once again back to Wonderland, April 9, and we can't wait. We encourage Chamber members to take to the streets and participate as vendors, for food or goods! We also are offering  the opportunity to Sponsor the event; whether it be games, rides, one of the music acts we've lined up, a fun activity, or just the event itself. Sponsorship allows you to get your businesses' name advertised exponentially more than usual, with e-blasts, announcements during the event, banners hung around town, features on the website and more. These events are great for the not just families, but for Chamber members as well. We're working hard to make sure this year's Celebration is better than ever, with more to do and more to see, and sponsorship helps us do that! We also have been having an extremely successful Membership drive. Make sure you have renewed for 2016, as we will be sending out our Member Directory later this year. The Directory will be a comprehensive resource and guide for visitors and businesses alike to find services, goods and merchants locally-- don't miss out!

Cheers!
Larnet St. Amant
Morgan Coulson
Welcome New Members:
Plak That
Ocean Resorts Golf Club
Surfside East, Inc.
Terrapin Farms

Renewing Members:
Heart of Gold Kids
Bennett Pest and Termite
Frontier Town
Fort Whaley
Seaside Plumbing
Hileman Real Estate
Gerard Ott, D.M.D P.A.
Ayers Creek Adventures
Ocean 98-- Irie Radio
Mary Bradford, Realtor
Poole Contracting & Consulting
OC Comfort Services
Claudia Nicholls, State Farm
Bleached Butterfly Floral & Home Boutique
Bergey & Company, P.A.
Bunting Realty, Inc.
Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc.
Francis Scott Key Family Resort
Berlin Optical
Worcester Prep
Healing Hands Chiropractic, P.C.
Midway Chevy Buick Cadillac Toyota
Berlin Heritage Foundation
Bayside Gazette
Delmarva Power
Watermans Seafood Company
Buckingham Presbyterian
Myers Tool Rental & Parties Your Way
Atlantic Physical Therapy, Inc.
Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services
The Adkins Company
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
Diakonia, Inc.
Days Aluminum and Vinyl
VCA Animal Hospital
Ocean Pines Association
Insurance Management Group
World of Toys
Custom Mechanical, Inc.
A Friend of Mine Kennel & Cattery
Gary's Shore Service
Cropper Oil Company, Inc.
Berlin Fire Company, Inc.
Siculi
Shamrock Realty Group, Inc.
Mark Showell Interiors
First Shore Federal
Harrison Group
Culver's Antiques
Burley Oak Brewing, 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
Do you have news or events coming up you want shared? Send them to us! The Chamber does marketing for you!
Contact us  here.
  Spotlight

Berlin Chamber Celebrates 30 Years at Our Annual Installation Dinner
Our 2016 Installation Dinner was a wonderful time, filled with familiar and new faces and an amazing menu provided by the Holiday Inn and Touch of Italy. This year, Best New Business went to Uncle Jon's Soaps, Business Philanthropy of the Year went to Heather Layton of Bungalow Love, The Reese Cropper Bright Idea Award was given to Ivy Wells, and the Volunteer of the Year went to Helen and Michael Wiley. We had a great evening filled with fun, laughter, and a moving speech by our Chamber's founder, Reese Cropper. It was a great way to kick off our 2016 Calendar, and we want to thank everyone who joined us! A special thank you also goes to Plak That Printing Co. for their generous donation of the awards this year!

Administrative Assistant Morgan Coulson and Executive Director Larnet St. Amant

Board Member and Co-Owner of Victorian Charm Steve Frene gave the invocation.

Chamber Founder Reese Cropper III made a rousing address to the attendants.

Incoming President  and Sisters Owner Donna Compher and Immediate Past President and Good Clean Fun Life Co-Owner Natalee DeHart gave incoming and outgoing remarks.

Mayor Gee Williams Accepted the Bright Idea Award on Behalf of Ivy Wells.


Helen Wiley Accepts Her Award for Volunteer of the Year Along with Her Husband Michael.


Councilwoman Lisa Hall Accepted the Award for Best New Business for Uncle Jon's Soaps.


Business Philanthropy of the Year Went to Heather Layton of Bungalow Love for her "Love" Campaign. She donates 10% of profits from a "love item" to the charity of your choice-- Humane Society, Diakonia, Inc., or Maryland Coastal Bays.

Inca Ruins Hits the Beach
Inca Ruins has opened its second location in the Village by the Sea shopping center in Rehobeth, Delaware. We're thrilled that a Berlin business is booming so well! Make sure to stop by and see them at their new location, and of course their original one on Pitts Street. As ever they have Fair Trade, high quality merchandise! 







UPCOMING EVENTS
Make sure to keep a record of this year's calendar; the event dates have been finalized for 2016!


[Join us to celebrate Craft Beer Lovers Month and enjoy world-class craft beer, live entertainment and lots of Love On Tap!Participants will be able to talk with Shore brewery representatives and sample over 20 beers, created exclusively for FeBREWary Craft Beer Lovers Month. Attendees will also receive a limited-edition, commemorative pint glass! (First 400 attendees are guaranteed a glass!)Enjoy live entertainment from the Whiskeyhickon Boys. A special food pairing menu will be available during the event. (Food purchased separately.)Participating Breweries:
Evolution Craft Brewing Company, Dogfish Head Beer, Fincity Brewingcompany, Burley Oak Brewing Company, Ocean City Brewing Company, Backshore Brewing Company, 3rd Wave Brewing Co. Assawoman Bay Brewing Company, Tall Tales Brewery, RAR Brewing, Mispillion River Brewing & Fordham and Dominion Brewing. Tickets: $25 in Advance / $35 at the Door-- Includes:
- Sampling of all Shore Craft Beers at Event
- Discussion with Shore Craft Brewery Representatives
- Commemorative Pint Glass
- Live Entertainment
** Designated Driver Tickets available for $10
Stay the Weekend - Hotel Packages:
Make a weekend of it and stay at one of the five hotels offering weekend packages. Prices start from $150 and include two tickets to the festival. Visit ShoreCraftBeerFest.com for event hotel packages.
**Must be at least 21 years of age & over with valid ID to attend.]

[February 20]
[Globe Theater Murder Mystery Dinner]

[The Globe presents
Murder Mystery Dinner
Sunday Feb 21, 2016
Doors: 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM (ends at 9:30 PM)
$15 - $25
The Globe Theater
12 Broad St, Berlin
Berlin, MD
All tickets are non-refundable.
Murder Mystery Dinner Seating is from 6pm to 6:45pm, the show starts at 7pm. Groups will be seated in the order they arrive, thus there may be a short wait for your table. Complete access to the Coppertop Bar is available during your wait.
Please call The Globe at 410.641.0784 for more information. ]


[February 25]
[Little Black Dress Social]
[ It's Little Black Dress event! It cost $40 a person which will include apps, dinner, dessert and a goodie bag. Members will be donating purses and we will be silently auctioning them off. If you have any questions please email [email protected]. This is a great event to bring any girlfriends who might be interested in joining JAG or buying a new purse for a great cause. Save the date and hope to see you there!  The mission of JAG is to increase community awareness of Atlantic General Hospital and its associates through fun, fellowship, and family-oriented activities and fundraising.]
Learn More


[Every Second Friday we celebrate our local shops and artists, enjoy complimentary refreshments, stroll the town and grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, indulge in a glass or wine or craft beer, enjoy entertainment provided at various locations! From 5 to 8 p.m.]

[February 28]
 [6th Annual Snow Hill Oyster Roast]

[Join the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce for our 6th Annual Oyster Roast in downtown Snow Hill! All you can oysters, beer and live entertainment! ]

[March 5]
[Leaky Pete's Paddy in the Alley]

[Grab your shamrocks and head over to 119 N. Main Street for our annual tradition of celebrating St. Patricks Day, Leaky style! Live music, Burley Oak Brewing, OC Pipes & Drums, lucky charms eating contest, green beer, Ocean 98.1 and great food!] 

[February 23]
[Empty Bowl Project]
 
[ Join the Art League of Ocean City to help end hunger!
Here's how you can help: join us on these dates to create a bowl free of charge as part of the Empty Bowl Project. Then join us for the Soup Dinner on March 19, 2016 from 5-8 PM. For a $20 donation, enjoy a dinner of soup, bread, and desserts donated by local restaurants and take home a bowl to remind you of all the empty bowls in the world.  Proceeds to benefit Diakonia and the Art League of Ocean City. ]

[March 2]
[Adams Radio Group Ribbon Cutting]
[Adams Radio Ribbon Cutting and After Hours Catered by Mother's Cantina, March 2 from 4 to 7 p.m., Adams Radio Group
119 Naylor Mill Road, Suite 10A
Salisbury, MD 21801]

[March 9]
[2016 Annual Chamber Business Expo]
[Hosted by the
Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce
at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club
1 Mumford's Landing Road
Ocean Pines, MD
Wednesday, March 9, 4PM-7PM
Only 35 exibitor spaces will be available  on first come basis!
Click here to download the registration form.  
Local Business Owners & Professionals plus Members of the
MD,DE & VA Chambers are invited to attend! No Entrance Fees!  Complimentary Food & Beverages, Free Drawings
& Lots of Networking Opportunities!]

[February 20]
[Beer Brewing Class]
[Learn to brew beer with Chef and brewer Tony Hilligoss. Be the first to call and you get to pick the recipe for the class. $25 per person. Includes tasting. 443-513-4744] 

[February 21, 28]
[Pooch Playdates]

[Hosted by Those Clever Canines:  Bring your dog friendly dog on leash to play with us in a climated controlled 2000 safe environment with toys, games, treats and fun. $8 to stay as long as you lie between noon and 4 PM on Sundays (except for holidays). We'll even help you teach your dog a new trick or two.  Pay for four sessions and get a fifth session free.]
Use your favorite Berlin hashtags on your social media outlets! #berlinmd #americascoolestsmalltown #shopberlin #eatberlin #berlinMDchamber #bMDCoC 

Need help with Social Media for your Business? Our administrative assistant is here to help! Email her at [email protected] with all your social media and marketing questions.
February 2nd Friday at the Worcester County Arts Council

 
Via Worcester County Arts Council:
Congratulations to students artists and winners of the annual Art Contest sponsored by the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club!

Awards in painting category were presented to the following students:
1st Place: Taylor Zarif - Worcester Preparatory School
2nd Place: Nick Ager - Stephen Decatur High School
3rd Place: Kathryn O'Malley - Worcester Preparatory School

In drawing category, awards were given to:
1st Place: Alex Bradford - Snow Hill High School
2nd Place: Miranda Garliss Grifith - Stephen Decatur High School
3rd Place: Jade Pontious - Stephen Decatur High School

Diane McCloskey and Gavin Harrington, both from the Stephen Decatur High School, were presented with Honorable Mention Awards. People's Choice Awards were given to Nick Ager of Stephen Decatur High School and Samantha Hickens, student of Snow Hill High School.

The exhibit of students work is on display at the Arts Council's gallery until February 29th. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 11 am - 3 pm.

Pictured from left to right: Steve Acton - Optimist Club President, Anna Mullis - WCAC Executive Director, Kate Cashman, Karen Letonoff, Miranda Garliss Grifith, Gavin Harrington, Alex Bradford, Samantha Hickens, Nick Ager, Taylor Zarif, Kathryn O'Malley.

Want to be part of our events for the year? We need Volunteers! Sign up on our website, or click here!

We want to you to rejoin the Chamber for 2016!

Why be a Chamber member? Our administration now has a grounded foundation, as we have been here for six months and now are ready to pursue the New Year with knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience. Some of the benefits you would get to enjoy as a member are great opportunities for advertisement and promotion during events such as the Spring Celebration, Jazz and Blues Festival, Bathtub Races, Fiddler's Convention, Fall Cruisers, as well as Business After Hours and Learning Seminars. While the Chamber is already a great networking tool for expanding your business and clientele, these events would be a gathering of members not only in our Chamber, but Chambers around the area, and an opportunity to collaborate on the expansion and diversification of their businesses. We are also working to create new fun inventive local social events that, through sponsorship, your business could gain a larger following from. This year we will also be creating a Membership Directory booklet, with the opportunity for businesses to buy placed advertisements so they will really stand out!
                We also promote local business members through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Constant Contact e-blasts, advertising on our website and our new campaign with Instagram. Along with the efforts of the Chamber Administration, each business within the Chamber supports the advertisement and promotion of its fellow members. We strive to make sure that each member gets the individual attention they deserve and to enhance their profitability by any means that we can.
Your business is already a huge success, and we'd love to help you achieve the apex of what you're capable. You have our full support should you need it, and if you have any questions or concerns please call or email at any time. Membership is $125.00 for a business of less than 5 employees, $145.00 for a business of 5 employees or more, and $95.00 for non-profit organizations.  If your business doesn't fall into these guidelines, please let us know. Thank you so much for becoming a part of our wonderful community, and we look forward to working with you as soon as possible.

Larnet St. Amant
Morgan Coulson
Berlin Chamber of Commerce
410-641-4775

Please return the portion below with your payment by cash or check to The Berlin Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 212, Berlin MD 21811, download this letter here and print it from home, or use your credit card at our website: www.berlinchamber.org to sign up digitally for your convenience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Name:
 
Date:
 
Amount Enclosed:
 

Board of Directors 
President- Donna Compher
Immediate Past President- Natalee Sondberg Dehart
President Elect- Cathryn Nellans
Secretary- Nicky Chavis
Treasurer- Brian Roberts, CPA
Executive Director- Larnet St. Amant
Administrative Assistant- Morgan Coulson
Director- Charles Adams
Director- Tom Sholtis
Director- Halima Yusuf
Director- Shelly Bruder
Director- Steve Frene
Town of Berlin Liaison - Ivy Wells