I look forward to working with our new staff members, Larnet and Morgan, along with the Board of Directors to bring the Berlin Chamber of Commerce to solid ground. We have had continued success with our events that have been held in the town of Berlin, but also look forward to hosting some new events elsewhere in the county within the next year. We look forward to adding new memberships, and hearing feedback and ideas from current members on what we can do for you, to improve your business. 

  -Natalee Sondberg Dehart, President of the Berlin Chamber

Coulson and St. Amant in front of the Berlin Chamber Offices

The Berlin Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new members to its directive team this month. Larnet St. Amant will be serving as the new Executive Director, and Morgan Coulson will serve under her as the Administrative Assistant. Larnet is ambitious, compassionate, outgoing, and determined to see the town of Berlin and all its local businesses flourish. She is a Berlin local, being a resident for nearly 30 years. She currently works part time at Bruder Hill alongside her duties as director, anxious to engage herself in as many facets of the Berlin community as possible. Her first official event of the Jazz and Blues Bash was a complete success, despite the rain on everyone's parade! Her infectious enthusiasm encouraged everyone involved to have a good time as business continued! Her excellent retail and communal experience make her an ideal fit for the Director's position. She knows the Berlin mentality inside and out; the mantra of: creativity, individuality, prosperity, and community.

 Morgan Coulson is a born and raised Salisbury native, and has described working for the Chamber as her "dream job." She graduated from Salisbury University with a Film Photography degree, and minors in Biology, Spanish, and English. As a child she spent every summer traveling to Berlin and Assateague Island, and grew to love and revere the town. Morgan believes she can add a creative, eccentric, and fresh look to add to the already spectacular goings on in Berlin. Morgan is extremely excited to work with the town and members of the Chamber to enhance all and any business during this prolific, artistic, and when all is said and done, phenomenal period in Berlin's growth.

The Board of Directors believe these two will be an excellent match together, especially working with the nearly 80% female business ownership in downtown Berlin. This marks a new period in economic climate which can only mean upward mobility for the city. Their personal insight and new creative collaboration with the constituency will be invaluable as we move forward in enhancing and encouraging the growth of the Chamber.

Spotlight on New Business

Sprout Creatives

Mayor Gee Williams congratulates Sprouts Owners with Larnet St. Amant

The Chamber warmly celebrated the ribbon cutting for Sprout Creatives, a unique, innovative up and coming Web Development Company that has recently set down its roots in Berlin, at 29 Broad Street. Along with web development, they also specialize in Graphic Design, Commercial Printing, and Internet Marketing. The company's co-owners, Vincent Gisriel III and Paul Starkey - have expressed their enthusiasm for the town and the sense of community that they've felt since they've moved into their new location. "Our goal at Sprout Creatives is to bring Madison Avenue advertising to the Mid-Atlantic region without New York City prices."

 The sense of symbiosis is already blending through-they look forward to doing work for local businesses and expanding into the surrounding area. The Chamber is thrilled to have this unique business as a member, and can't wait to start working with them in the future. 

In June we were contacted by a couple in Germany who had visited our small town and loved it and remembered it so fondly they sent us this email:

We have been visiting your sweet Little town a second time in May 2014.While staying in Berlin we bought a Coffee Mug at "The Berlin Coffeehouse". Unfortunately the mug has been damaged in the dishwasher. This was a sad Moment for my wife. Please let me know if there is a way to send a new Mug (black or White) to Germany. We will of course be happy to pay for all expenses. Please restitute our morning-coffee memories of your nice Township. Thank you very much for your help!!

Sincerely, Hans Liesenfeld

We relayed the message to our Chamber member Berlin Coffeehouse, and in the true nature of hospitality, she gleefully replied that she would send them a new mug. Just another touch of the kind of compassion and heartfelt nature that leaves an impression on everyone who visits our city. In due time we received a wonderful response!

Good morning dear Peggy,

We received the new black mug yesterday. You packed it very carefully, so it has been undamaged. Thank you very much for your handling of the case. My wife is very happy again and she had her first coffee from your mug already this morning. To put faces to our emails: I will add a picture of my wife and her friend taken at your place in May 2014. We hope to visit you again in the near future for some coffee and sweet stuff.

All the best for the running season and thanks again from,

Hans + Karin Liesenfeld