Director and Administrative Assistant's Comments

It's already March and the weather is starting to warm up, and the days are getting longer, and our next event is around the corner!
Congrats to Our First Ever Poster Design Contest Winner Shelby Long of Parkside Highschool!

  This year, Berlin is going back to Wonderland for our Annual Spring Celebration, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our celebration will coincide with the Berlin Little League Parade that morning at 8 a.m. Then the day will be filled with themed games and crafts, screenings of the Alice in Wonderland movie in our Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center, characters from the book throughout town, pictures with the White Rabbit, a Mad Hatter Hat Contest, musician Ray Owen, a moon bounce, face-painting, story time and more. All games and crafts will be covered by the one time purchase of a wristband for 5 dollars. Carriage rides will be available at cost. We will also be featuring a kid's "tea" party in the Visitor's Center with baked goods, "tea" (water, milk, juice), sweets, and a take home tea cup for 5 dollars! There will be three seatings-- 11:00, 12:15, and 1:30, and reservations are required; please contact the Chamber to confirm your spot.

We've added another new event this year for our Celebration as well. In keeping with our tradition of Second Friday, we are hosting an Alice in Wonderland Art Stroll Show at the Visitor's Center and Chamber of Commerce Building with all Wonderland themed pieces of art, in any medium. It is an all ages show, free to enter, and all entries are welcome. The show will take place April 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. The pieces will be up during Spring Celebration as well for display. If you would like to make reservations for the tea, submit work for the Art Stroll, or be a volunteer (students get community service hours) contact the Chamber at 410.641.4775 or [email protected]. 

We're pleased to say membership is up, and we are looking forward to putting out our new Berlin Chamber of Commerce Directory this Spring. The Chamber Directory will feature all businesses that have renewed or signed up for the year, with the opportunity to purchase ad space for more exposure. Be sure to secure your spot by becoming a member, or renewing your membership before time runs out. If you are already a member, be sure to make sure we have all your updated contact information so it will be accurate when printed. Remember, to get all the amazing benefits of being a Chamber member, like the website listings, e-blasts, features in these newsletters, advertisement during Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and more-- you have to renew! 

Cheers!
Larnet St. Amant
Morgan Coulson
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPRING CELEBRATION SPONSORS, YOU MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE!
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
Main St. Sweets
 
Welcome New Members:
Tracy's Barbershop
Miss Patti Cake
Sherwood of Salisbury
Gilbert's Provisions

Renewing Members:
Tidewater Dermatology
Blacksmith Berlin
The Daily Times
WMDT
Casino at Ocean Downs
Choptank Electric Cooperative
Worcester County Economic Development
Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Atlantic Retreat
Holland House Bed and Breakfast
Baked Dessert Cafe
 Better Business Bureau Greater Maryland 
Historic St. Martins Church 
Berlin Nursing and Rehab Center 
Copy Central 
The Atlantic Hotel 
Rayne's Reef Luncheonette
Coastal Hospice
Art in the Fields 
Sprout Creatives 
The Globe 
Atlantic Orthopedics 
Atlantic General Hospital
 WMDT
 CW3 Delmarva 
Peninsula Home Care
 Una Bella Salute 
Telamo n Corporation
 Decatur Investments
 Pitt Stop Beer & Wine
 All American Bail Bonds

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 Visitor's Center and Chamber of Commerce gets Colorful
Artist John Donato
Recently the students of Buckingham Elementary joined together with local artist John Donato to create an amazing mural, the first of several to be placed on the North wall of the Visitor's Center and Chamber building. The concept was conceived by the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Council, consisting of local businesses with a dedication to the arts. The suggestion for the artist came from our Director, Larnet St. Amant, after seeing his work at Most Blessed Sacrament. The mural had a grand unveiling during March's Second Friday Art Stroll with a reception following. This is a great piece of artwork done by Berlin locals and a beautiful sight to behold while walking up and down Main Street! 
Mayor Gee Williams Addresses the Attendees at March Second Friday's Mural Unveiling


Downtown Berlin Gets a New Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold Kids has recently relocated from their old venue on Broad Street to 27 N. Main Street and their new store looks beautiful! They have the same cool, quirky, hip kids' clothes, toys and accessories as before, gifts for moms (expecting or not), jewelry and more in an even more convenient location. To celebrate their move they are offering a coupon for 5.00 off a purchase. If you're strolling down Main Street enjoying the weather, check our their amazing wares!

No Matter the Weather, Berlin's Got Provisions

Chef Toby Gilbert has recently purchased and renovated a space at 25 Commerce St. Suite B to open Gilbert's Provisions, opening this Spring. The shop is slated to have "artisan cheese, charcuterie, fermented foods, soft serve ice cream and various prepackaged goods." This will be a welcome addition to the already diverse cultural and gastronomical profile of downtown!


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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS FOR MARCH
March 31, 2016 Beginning at 5:30 p.m. 
Hosted by The Atlantic Hotel 2 N. Main Street Berlin, MD 21811
Come enjoy an evening of networking refreshments and fun! 
Click the photo to RSVP on Facebook. 
[11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Free to Public
Featuring egg hunts, clowns, face painting, moon bounces, pony rides, arts & crafts, food, Easter Bonnet parade and more.
Egg hunt times:
ages 0-2: 11:30 am / ages 3-4: 12 noon / ages 5-6: 1 pm / ages 7-9: 1:30 pm. The Easter bonnet parade contest is open to all ages up to 10 years & will be held at 12:30 pm.
Location: White Horse Park, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Contact Information:410-641-7052]

[March 29]
[Free Estate Planning workshop hosted by the AGH Foundation]
[Do you have your plan in order?
What you need to know about Wills, Power of Attorney, and Medical Directives.
presented by Michael Mathers, P.A.  Light refreshments and food provided.Location:
Atlantic Health Center Conference Room - 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, Md. 21811
10 am
Contact Information:
RSVP to [email protected]]
[April 8]
[2nd Friday Art Stroll]

[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.]

[April 8]
[Berlin Chamber of Commerce's Alice in Wonderland Art Show]

[We've had so many great submissions for the Alice in Wonderland Poster Design Contest for Spring Celebration-- we decided to give everyone who wished to make "Wonderland Themed Art" the opportunity to display for the Second Friday Art Stroll. Any and all mediums are welcome; this is an all ages show. If you wish to show; please contact the chamber at [email protected] or call 410.641.4775. There is no fee to show, refreshments will be provided. Come be part of the area's biggest Art Stroll and stick around for our Spring Celebration the next day!
5 to 8 p.m.
14 S. Main St.
Berlin MD 21811]

[April 1]
[Guest Bartending Event Starring Sarah Squared, Charlie Moore & Gordon Kretser to Benefit March of Dimes Worcester County Chapter at Sisters]

[Please join us at Sisters in Downtown Berlin, MD for a fun evening for a great cause. Guest bartenders Sarah E, Sarah D and their fantastic brothers should make for a comical evening for all. Cocktails, shopping, live music and light food. Will be a good time for sure!! Hope to see everyone there!!!1 at 6 PM  ]

[April 11]
[Diakonia's First Fashion Show]

[Used to be Mine thrift store presents a Fashion Show luncheon to benefit Diakonia. Tickets are $25 and include a chicken lunch from Waterman's, fashion show, raffles and more. Procedes benefit Diakonia's programs including housing, emergency food assistance and veterans' assistance. Join us for a fun afternoon! 
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Waterman's Seafood Company
12505 Ocean Gtwy, West Ocean City, Maryland 2184  Contact Mary at 443-504-7181.]




[April 21]
[Berlin Chamber's April Business After Hours]

[Come join us for an evening of networking, refreshments, and fun! Hosted by Pitt Stop Beer and Wine at 9040 Worcester Hwy, Berlin MD 21811. 5:30 p.m. till--]

[March 26]
[Berlin Merchants Easter Event]
[Berlin merchants will be offering an Easter Saturday event with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Rayne's Reef, Kid's Lunch and a movie at the Globe, and Easter Egg Hunt, a Easter Bonnet Parade, and other family-friendly activities.
The Easter Egg Hunt will be on Commerce Street, next to Victorian Charm at 11:00am with 2 divisions: 4 and under & 5 and up. The Easter Bonnet Parade and Contest will follow that at the same location. Don't forget about Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Rayne's Reef with 3 seatings: 9am, 10am, & 8am if needed. The cost will be $8 for Adults and $6 for kids and includes Pancakes, Sausage and a beverage. Call Rayne's Reef for reservations. 410-641-2131. This will be a cash only event, thanks. (There are a couple of ATMs in town if you need to hop over to them.) Various shops will have kids games and activities in or in front of their business:
Stuart's Antiques: Guess how many Jelly Beans Contest.
Treasure Chest: Make a bracelet activity.
Bleached Butterfly: Flower craft activity. (Fee charged)
Sisters: Coloring activity.
Victorian Charm: Face Painting and bubble wanding.
Bungalow Love: Terrarium making.
The Church Mouse: Free flower seeds while they last. ]


[March 29]
[Burley Oak's Easter Keg Hunt]

[It's Burley Oak's 1st Annual Easter Keg Hunt! Explore Berlin's downtown bar scene while looking for our Easter Kegs and other random items within these establishments.
You don't have to drink beer to enjoy this scavenger hunt, because points aren't all about the brews!
Entry fee ($15 per person) includes pizza from Mama Della's and 20% off beer during registration at the brewery from 12-1pm, plus a Special Edition 2016 Easter Keg Hunt koozie!
Meet us back at the brewery by 4pm so you don't miss the Award Ceremony at 5pm. Prizes will be awarded to
Highest Scoring Teams
Best Dressed Team
Best Team Name
We will have a maximum of 20 teams, and all must consist of 3-6 members.
Must be 21 to attend!] 

[April 22]
[Worcester Youth and Family Coyote Ugly Stomp out Child Abuse Fundraiser]
[Help.....STOMP OUT CHILD ABUSE (April is stop Child Abuse Month) Coyote Ugly Rodeo @ Cowboy Coast 17th Street Ocean City Maryland April 22, 2016 from 7pm to 11pm. COYOTE DANCERS, FOOD SAMPLINGS FROM DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS, DJ BIGLER, 50/50, WINE RAFFLE, BALLOON RAFFLE, ORIOLES TICKET RAFFLE AND MUCH MORE.... Carole Setzler and Joe Kendall are Pirates for WCYFCS for the Pirate Event and we need to raise funds so we do not have to walk the plank!!!! Help us STOMP OUT CHILD ABUSE. Tickets on sale.... March 25th from Carole Setzler, Joe Kendall, Kendall Home Furnishings and Worcester County Youth and Family Services in Berlin]


[March 27, April 4]
[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.]

[April 16-23]
[Take Pride in Berlin Week/Berlin Cleanup Day]

[Berlin's Clean Up Day is Saturday, April 16th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Volunteer to help clean up or beautify one of our parks or areas throughout town. Free lunch provided afterwards. Sponsored by the Berlin Parks Commission. 
Contact:  410-641-4314
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.
Leaky Pete's Celebrated It's Grand Reopening and Newly Redesigned Upstairs Bar!

  March 11, 2016
Owner Terry Feehley stands center with his wife Robin, and Mayor Gee Williams. Councilwoman Lisa Hill, Town Administrator Laura Allen, Economic Development Director Ivy Wells and her Administrative Assistant Sharon Timmons, Dan Hallon of Adams Radio, Chamber President Donna Compher, The Church Mouse Thrift Shop's Helen Wiley, Executive Chamber Director Larnet St. Amant among others were in attendance. 

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.
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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