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| Director and Administrative Assistant's Comments |
Greetings from the Berlin Chamber!
Well, summer is over... but... It's nearly here! Fiddler's Convention 2015, our biggest event of the year, is upon us and we couldn't be more thrilled. We've had an outpouring of support from Sponsors and Volunteer Organizations alike, and we know these events could not be possible without your continued assistance. We've had a huge number of businesses join the Chamber this summer, and a large group of renewing members return. Thank you! We so look forward to working with all businesses in our community as much as possible to enhance your profitability and create a thriving, flourishing social and economic network for everyone's mutual benefit. Business after hours is coming up next week, our first this year under our new administration, and after Fiddler's, we have Fall Cruisers to look forward to. Summer may be gone, but the Chamber is here for you all year round! We're here to assist you with any promotional or networking needs you may have, any time. We're looking for to working with all of you. Happy September!
-Larnet St. Amant and Morgan Coulson
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Renewing Members
Associated Center of Realtors
Diversified Maintenance
Bungalow Love
Welcome new members!
Inca Ruins
The Beez Kneez
Tidewater Dermatology
Mary Kay - Judith Celozzi
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
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Burley Oak Proves They've Got Strong Roots- 4 Years and Growing!
We want to personally congratulate Burley Oak Brewing Company on their four year anniversary. As soon as they broke ground, we knew something great was about to happen, and four years later they are still surprising and impressing us with their amazing work. We were lucky enough to be their for the celebration and share in the revelry. The event featured great beer, complimentary food, and great live music! We saw lots of new and familiar faces!
      
Cheers everyone! Fantastic work! |
Spotlight on New Business
Art In the Fields Opens Their Doors with a "Pop!
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| Kelly Lehman, pictured center front next to Mayor Williams, is the gallery's manager. |
Art in the Fields recently joined the Chamber, and everyone in Berlin has been abuzz with what the new fine arts gallery would be like inside. It did not disappoint. AITF first show featured gorgeous Andy Warhol prints, including some of his "Soup Can" series, and several from of his famous Marilyn Monroe pieces. The light, spacious gallery was crowded with people enjoying complimentary Burley Oak and sparkling cider courtesy of the owner, Foster Schoch. Kelly Lehman, who is the gallery manager, was there to help cut the ribbon with Mayor Gee Williams. We are so thrilled about the opening of this gorgeous building, and can't wait to see what exciting works will show up for the next exhibition!
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| We can't wait to see Art in the Fields continue to bloom! |
Uncle Jon's Soaps comes to Berlin and discovers, "There's No Place like Foam."
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| Uncle Jon proves that homemade, all natural soaps are Good Clean Fun. |
Jon Conley started making soap for his family in early 2011, and by that autumn, realized it was something he wanted to share with the public. He started Uncle Jon's Soaps and since then has been making small batch cold process all natural soaps in his home and in his recently opened shop in Berlin to the community's elation. Since he opened his doors he has surprised our community with new products like sugar scrubs, pomade, lip balms, beard balms, mustache waxes, shaving kits, laundry soaps, bath bombs, even surf wax! Conley joined the Chamber over the summer, to our great delight. His store is full of quirky coastal and original artworks by both himself and local artisans from around the area, as well as his soaps and sundries. Conley's approach to soaps is that by making them with all natural ingredients, our bodies aren't exposed to harsh chemicals that can damage our skin or ourselves. He offers a panoply of scents-- everything from Burley Oak to Lavender to Poison Ivy. We were there for his ribbon cutting on August 20th, and were happy to celebrate the occasion with another great addition to our town and to our Chamber. Congratulations Jon! Thanks for making Berlin your "foam sweet foam."
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The Fiddler's Convention is ALMOST HERE!
Three days of live music and competition highlight the 23rd Berlin Fiddler's Convention, Sept. 18-20 in downtown Berlin, Md.
The free, family friendly event attracts competitors from across the country to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes during the popular annual event sponsored by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.
Such Fools, winners of last year's full-band competition, kick off this year's festival on Friday Sept. 18 from 7-10 p.m. on the north end of Main Street. Headline act Bob Perilla's Big Hillbilly Bluegrass will immediately follow. The free concert is scheduled to run until 10 p.m.
The competition runs on Saturday Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on South Main Street, featuring adult and children's categories including fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and full band.
A Gospel Bluegrass Jam closes out the weekend on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on Main Street from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Burley Oak Brewing Company will provide a beer garden on Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday, nearly a dozen vendors selling local art and artisan products will be set up on Main Street. Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services will sponsor children's activities, and the Chamber will provide a bouncy house.
There is also a raffle for these two beautiful pieces: A MD305 A-STYLE MANDOLIN 
And a 3/4 EF Beginner's Fiddle.
Tickets can be purchased at Bruder Hill in Berlin, or the Chamber of Commerce before the event, and during the duration of the festival Friday and Saturday.
The Chamber would like to thank headline sponsors PNC Bank and The Car Store, as well as additional sponsors Taylor Bank, Bayside Gazette, TaDa, Bank of Ocean City, The Globe, Church Mouse Thrift Shop, Rayne's Reef, Victorian Charm, Treasure Chest, Baked Dessert Café, Bruder Hill, Siculi Rustic Italian Kitchen, Eastman Strings, Beach Music, The Atlantic Hotel and Fager's Island.
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LOCAL BUSINESSES! CHECK THIS OUT!
MCE AWARDED $1 MILLION THROUGH STATE CASINO FUNDS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES IN WORCESTER AND CECIL COUNTIES
BALTIMORE -- Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) was awarded $1 million from revenues generated by the state's casinos to provide small business loans to businesses that are seeking to open or expand in Worcester and Cecil Counties.
The State's Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Loan Fund was approved by the Board of Public Works to receive a total of $11.1 million in FY 2016 to make loans and investments in small, minority and women-owned businesses statewide. The program receives 1.5 percent of video lottery terminal revenue from Maryland casinos.
MCE is slated to receive $1 million to help businesses, with priority given to those located or created within a 10-mile radius of Ocean Downs in Berlin and Hollywood Casino in Perryville.
"Small businesses fuel Maryland's economy and we are pleased to be able to support them through this program," said Governor Larry Hogan. "Creating jobs and providing more opportunities for Marylanders is one of our administration's top priorities and programs like this play a big role."
The Maryland State legislation that authorized casinos to operate in the state included a requirement that 1.5 percent of video lottery terminal revenue generated be allocated to help Small, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in the State. DBED set up the grant program and award the management of the funds to loan fund managers who competed for the award. MCE won a five-year contract to manage $1 million which is renewable at the end of five years. This is the second time MCE has won this award.
"MCE is pleased once again to be selected to administer these funds," said George Koste, Executive Director of Maryland Capital Enterprises. "This funding will significantly increase our ability to help businesses in our service areas."
MCE is a non-profit micro-business finance and assistance agency formed in 1998 that provides loans, education, and assistance to small businesses on Maryland's Eastern Shore and provides loans to small businesses in the Baltimore - Annapolis area. Based in Salisbury with an office in Baltimore, the firm is certified by the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Development Financial Institution. It is also certified as an Intermediary Micro-lender for the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and the State of Maryland.
For more information or to apply for these funds, contact MCE at (410) 546-1900 or visit their website at www.MarylandCapital.org
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We have a lot of exciting events coming up for the month of September!
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[September 5th]
[Shakespeare on Main]
[
Deception and desire abound in Shakespeare's classic comedy when Christopher Sly, a tinker tricked into believing himself a nobleman, is treated to a play wherein an ornery and willful woman is "tamed" and men will stop at nothing to claim their love. The familiar story is reimagined through a cast of characters comprised of nine women and one man, who together weave in and out of Shakespeare's layered world to create a fresh and surprising theatrical experience for all audiences.
Taking place on Main Street in Berlin, Starts at 5 p.m.]
Learn More
[September 8th]
[Project Runway Fall in Love Colors]
[Mary Kay Project Runway- Fall in love with new colors. Everyone is invited, please bring a friend to see the newest trend. Learn how to apply makeup from the most basic to the most sophisticated way. Hosted at Stevenson Methodist Church 123 N. Main Street Berlin, MD 21811 7 p.m. RSVP to receive a gift-- 443-695-3328 or [email protected]]
[The Berlin Chamber Presents Business After Hours on September 10, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Saltwater Media/Commerce Street Parking lot. Hosted by Saltwater Media, Oh My Hair Salon and Sprout Creatives. There will be refreshments, fun and networking! Join us!]
[September 17th-19th]
[Paint Berlin]
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Artists will have an opportunity to network, exhibit and sell their artwork as well as compete for a very attractive cash prizes in this 6 annual plein air competition.
Open to the public, "Wet Paint" exhibit and sale: September 19, 1 pm - 4 pm.
]
[September 26th]
[BLOC Party]
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The Berlin branch of the Worcester County library invites you to join them as they kick off their fundraising campaign for a new branch library! Pony rides, face painting, raffles, games, and a moon bounce are just a few of the kid's events on tap, along with music by the WWIIunes.
Saturday, September 26, 2-6pm
Located on Harrison Avenue (behind the library, next to the Waystead Inn), Berlin
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[September 11th]
[Second Friday Art Stroll]
[Come enjoy our monthly art stroll featuring artists at various shops and restaurants around town, and some local vendors as well. Take in the sights, have a libation, grab some dinner, and enjoy a casual stroll during one of the last warm weeks of summer!]
[September 11th]
[Crab Cake Dinner]
[
Stevenson United Methodist Church,
123 N Main St Berlin;
Dinner includes: Single Crabcake Sandwich with Fresh Garden Salad, Seasoned Baked Potato
Cost: $10.00
CARRYOUTS AVAILABLE - ALSO BAKE SALE TABLE
410-641-1137
]
[September 11th]
[Diakonia Beard and Mustache Contest/Dinner]
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Diakonia has an event coming up on September 11th at the Pit-n-Pub on 28th St in OC. It is hosted by the bearded men club of OC, and will feature live music and Beard and Mustache Contest. 20% of the night's sales go to Diakonia, and guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or paper product for donation!
6-8pm family friendly tunes from
DJ Bigler;
8-10pm
1st Annual Beard & Mustache Competition;
10pm+ Live music from
The Phantom Limbs.
Come out, bring a donation item, and join the
fun while supporting a great local cause!]
[September 26th]
[4th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk to End Suicide ]
[This annual walk r
aises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, with those funds used to teach suicide awareness and mental health first aid.
Several local organizations, including the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund and the Worcester County Health Department, invest the pledges generated by walkers in working to end suicide in Maryland and Delaware's coastal communities, where suicide rates are historically high. As in years past, walkers will gather at the band shell, at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. After opening remarks by Senator Jim Mathias, the procession will walk solemnly to 10th Street, turn and walk to the Inlet, then back to Caroline Street.
To learn more about the Ocean City Out of the Darkness Walk, to raise your personal pledge team, or to pledge on behalf of an existing team, visit www.afsp.org and click on Out of the Darkness Walks.]
[September 28th]
[Arts for Animals 2015]
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Join us on Monday Sept 28th from 6-9pm @
Burley Oak Brewing Company
for "Arts for Animals 2015" to support a great cause. There will be a silent auction, 50/50, great company, live music from Kaleb Brown & Bad Since Breakfast and awesome local art. Special thanks to
MyInkViolin.com
by Alex Ottenstein for another awesome fundraiser to support our animals.
]
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Out and About in Berlin!
This Second Friday was a busy one! We had The Little Miss and Mr. Peach Festival, The Annual Sidewalk Sale, and Second Friday all at once!
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| Stanley Opiel, Jr. of Mudboy Guitar works shows off his wares outside the Chamber of Commerce. |
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| FranceAnna Ariola shows off her gorgeous coastal painting at Nest Boutique. |
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| Bungalow Love hosted it's Terrarium Bar. |
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| Monika Lilley showed off her fiberglass works at the Worcester County Arts Council. |
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| May Tignall stands with her work at the Worcester County Arts Council. |
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| Berlin Coffeehouse's Jason Hagy is always around to make delicious drinks for 2nd Friday-- and all the time! |
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| Christina Simms shows off her tin earrings at Bleached Butterfly. |
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| Josh Faber, aka DJ OPTIMUSflo, spins some tracks at Bleached Butterfly during Second Friday. |
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| Victorian Charm owner Steve Frene had a blast selling his goods during the Sidewalk Sale. |
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| Shelly Bruder and Larnet St. Amant show off their Sidewalk Sale wares outside of Bruder Hill. |
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| Former Little Miss Peach Haley takes in the sights as the judges vote in a successor. |
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| The New Little Miss and Mr. Peach, Brooke Cathell and Will Rayne stand with their runners up, Beckett Green and Abby Bunting and Mayor Gee Williams. |
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| Maria Lunginbill shows off her fun work at Baked Dessert Cafe. |
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| The sisters of Sea La Vie had an outdoor market patio for the Sidewalk Sale. |
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| Postrock Davis, son of Bayside Gazette's Josh Davis, gets a smooch from Berlin's mascot Petey at Nest Boutique. |
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Board of Directors
President- Natalee Sondberg Dehart
President Elect- Donna Compher
Secretary- Nicky Chavis
Immediate Past President- Tom Sholtis
Treasurer- Brian Roberts, CPA
Executive Director- Larnet St. Amant
Administrative Assistant- Morgan Coulson
Director- Charles Adams
Director- Joe Mulford
Director- Halima Yusuf
Town of Berlin Liaison - Ivy Wells
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See whats happening on our social sites.
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