The Chamber Chatter Goes Electronic!
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I
n an effort to cut office costs and provide more advertising opportunities for you, the Chamber Chatter is now an
e-newsletter. Please contact us if you wish to advertise in
future editions.
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2020 Board of Directors
Steven Sweigert
Celeste Miller
Wes McCabe
Olive Mawyer
Sarah Yonker
Laura Morrison
Allen Duncan
Mike Burrier
Derrick Elzey
Andrea Hastings
Ashley Sloan Haldeman
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December
12 - Holiday party UGLY Sweater
Contest 5-7 at chamber office
January
8 - Business After Hours
sponsored by
Coastal Home Health at Fox's Pizza
5-7
10 - OC Mayor's Prayer Breakfast 7am
16 - Power Hour Breakfast Chamber Office
8 - 9 How to best utilize social media
for your business w/Anita Hicks
29 - Lunch Bunch Chamber Office
12 - 1 CQI Associates Energy Coop
February
13 - Combined Power Hour breakfast with
Berlin and OC Chambers 8-9 OP
Community Center PRMC
13 - Annual Blow out at DeNovos
Business After Hours) 5-7
Have an upcoming or recurring event? Use the Partner Portal to add it to the Community Calendar
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Everyone at the OP Chamber wishes you and yours a safe, relaxing and joy filled holiday season.
The Chamber office will be CLOSED beginning Dec 24. We will reopen on January 6, 2020.
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President's Corner
Well? What do you think of the new electronic format? While I know several may truly enjoy hard copy newsletters, electronic is definitely more cost effective, time efficient on my end, and allows for better advertising of our partners. Hyperlinks make for quick question answering and exposure. Ads are clearer and not limited due to space. Speaking of ads, should you wish to take advantage of this new style by purchasing an ad, just yell!
How did we get to December? I swear, yesterday was August. You may have noticed this being a smidge late. We had such a wonderfully successful banquet and Senior Living Expo, I got a bit behind. Plus, I needed to tackle the learning curve of this new format. But, never fear, there will be an January edition.
In 2020, we turn 45! Hoping we don't look a day over 30 but... After one year of learning and reorganizing, this coming year will be our year to take off! Bigger! Better! Funner!! Hopefully, you have taken note of our growth and improvements but status quo is not our style, nor should it be yours. Jump in, the waters fine.
If you have not been a very active chamber partner, I do encourage you to join us for our gatherings and events. Take advantage of what our new website offers you. More eyes are on us now, are you advertising? If you are unsure of what your partnership with us provides you, just ask! Make sure you read our Tuesday eblasts to know what is going on and follow us on Facebook. We try our best to give all our partners social media exposure.
I am so proud of our businesses and non profits for all their philanthropic work, not just as we head into colder temps and the holidays, but year round. Nothing is more appealing to a potential customer than a business who truly engages with and cares for our local community and our neighbors. We are partners, because we are all in this together, right?
With OVER 300 partners, the Ocean Pines Chamber is becoming a Delmarva force. The Pines is the population base for the entire county and our economics should reflect that. I am proud to be able to assist in that goal and double proud to have you all leading the way.
Stay warm, be safe, and ENJOY the next few weeks. See you in 2020!
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From the Chair
I trust everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, whether that was preparing an autumn’s feast or as someone recently told me, had a “quiet pajama day” prepping for Christmas. I’d like to share a quick story if I may. Just prior to Thanksgiving I was in the Chamber office talking with Sherri and Kerrie strategizing about upcoming events and we had two separate couples that just walked in at different times. They both asked for specific services that they needed and Kerrie was able to recommend some of our partners to them on the spot. This is what the Chamber is all about! It is because of all of our efforts that residents of Ocean Pines are now seeking out the Chamber, thank you all!
In the continued spirit of giving thanks, I reflected on this last year, my first as Chair. I am very thankful for all of our renewing partners for their continued trust in our Chamber while they continue to enjoy the many benefits the Chamber has to offer. I am also very thankful for all of our new partners that have joined in 2019 for recognizing the great new direction this Chamber is heading. To our new and renewing partners, thank you and please let us know how we may help your business.
Unless you have been living under a rock this year you have seen our many wonderful, successful events! Our Car Show was a huge hit with record participation and we look forward to another successful show in 2020! Our first ever Corn Hole Tournament was such a fun relaxed event that will only grow in popularity. Our joint Senior Expo with the OPA was very successful and many of the residents were able to connect with services specifically tailored to them. The Flounder Tournament was a blast, and I am already looking forward to next August! I’d like to personally invite you to attend, participate and/or sponsor all of our events next year! This is one of the best ways to meet the many neighbors we have in Ocean Pines.
Lastly, I am thankful for all of you who have made my first year as Chair a successful and enjoyable experience. I am honored and humbled to have been asked to serve a second term and I thank all of our partners for the trust you have instilled in me to help lead this Chamber. Here is to a relaxing and fun filled Holiday Season and a prosperous 2020!
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Wilkins Wildlife & BedBug 911
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Wilkins Wildflife & BedBug 911 Is a 24/7 operation humanely controlling wildlife all across Ocean Pines. We are NWCOA (Nuisance wildlife control operator association) certified operators (Father & Son). We carry national Bat Standards Certification and Zoonotic disease certification to protect our communities from diseases most wild animals carry. We are Certified Wildlife Control Operators in Both Maryland & Delaware. Our services range from Live humane trap to Dead animal removal. We provide prevention and exclusion (to keep animals out of structures).
Bird Barrier Certified to keep protected birds at bay using hazing techniques or live trap. We use Goose management control (Laser) to haze them from gathering in an area without harming them. Our BedBug heat treatments carry a 100% effective result to eradicating this pest in most cases 8-10 hours versus weeks for chemical and the 4-5 hours the other guys claim they can kill the pest. We provide K9 detection after the treatment for a flawless follow up to guarantee you are bedbug free.
Recent review from an Ocean Pines resident Jenny Cropper-Rines:
We had a bat problem come up on a home inspection.
Jay promptly assessed the problem, gave a very professional
estimate in a timely manner, showed up and completed the job
exactly when he said he would. Can’t ask for more than
that! Excellent experience.
So, if you need us in the community rest assured we will be there! Give our offices a call at 302-236-3533
Thanks Again and If You Got A Critter, We’ll Gitter!
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JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Ocean City, MD is a full-service junk removal company new to the area, but not new to the business. Owner, Carol Vaillancourt, worked for locations in the Midwest for two years prior to taking the leap to purchasing her own franchise in her new home of Ocean Pines.
JDog is a franchise business that only sells franchises to military veterans and family members. Carol is a current member of the Delaware National Guard holding the rank of Captain. Carol and her family relocated here after visiting the area for over 20 years as Carol’s sister has resided in the area since 1998. No strangers to the area, Carol and her husband, Paul along with their daughter and several animals have settled in quickly and are looking forward to serving the community.
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The services provided by JDog Junk Removal and Hauling include commercial and residential junk removal, small dumpster rental, demolition services and commercial hauling. The business focuses on employing veterans, serving the community with quality service and protecting the environment through reducing waste going to the landfill. When items are removed from homes or businesses every effort is made to divert the material from the landfills through recycling, donating and repurposing items.
The business aims to hire a workforce comprised of primarily military Veterans or Veteran family members giving Veterans the sense of camaraderie many miss from their time in service. This sense of community and purpose empowers Veterans, builds their confidence and provides a safe place where they and their experiences are understood. The service provided by JDog may be junk removal, but the mission of JDog is much bigger than cleaning out unwanted items from homes and businesses.
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To learn more, call 410-881-JDOG (5364) or visit JDog on the web.
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Ocean City, MD looks forward to serving Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City, Salisbury and
everywhere in between.
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POWER HOUR BREAKFASTS
Typically, we schedule a PHB presentation on the third Thursday of the month from 8am - 9am. These gatherings allow a fellow chamber partner the opportunity to describe their business and what they could do for you and your business. Food and beverages are provided and there is a $100 fee to present, free to attend.
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
This is the fun part of networking. The work day is over, time to relax and just enjoy meeting and reconnecting with friends and fellow community leaders. Typically, these are held on the second Thursday of each month from 5pm - 7pm. Free to attend, food is provided, usually a cash bar available. Door prizes, 50/50 and laughs. Hosting partner supplies food and location.
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Shore Community Connections
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We are a local networking group covering the Lower Eastern Shore designed to connect members with potential customers to assist in growing their business. We are category exclusive so that your business is the only one represented in your industry or specialty.
SCC currently has 23 different businesses that belong and we are always looking for new members to join us. Our members represent categories like: insurance, financial, home improvement, TV and digital advertising, real estate, mortgages, exterior commercial clean up, cleaning services, senior care, title services and junk removal plus many more.
Our main goals are to bring local businesses together to foster connections and growth for their business. We have quarterly off-site get-togethers to learn more about each other and further network with one another. SCC was started in June of 2017 with just a handful of members and has grown to over 20 members, and still growing.
We meet the 2
nd
and 4
th
Thursday’s of every month in Ocean Pines, Berlin or West Ocean City at 830am. Monthly dues are $20 and we use that money to give back to the community through donations and fundraisers.
Our 2020 fundraiser, OC Quest for Heroes, will be held on March 28
th
from 12p-7p where teams of 4-6 people will travel through Ocean City collecting clues from area restaurants, hotels and retailers to win points for cash and prizes. Our benefiting charity will be the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation. Follow our Save the Date Facebook page
here
for further information on team sign-up and details of the event. We are looking to hit a goal of $10,000 for the foundation. It will be a super fun day that you won’t want to miss!
We’d love to have you join us for a meeting. You may contact Trish Seitz at 410-925-7551 or at
trisha_seitz@comcast.com
for more information.
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When you renew your partnership with the OP Chamber annually, you are not only supporting your local chamber. You are committing your business to the community it serves.
Thank you for taking
advantage of us!
This month, we wish you a happy CHAMBERVERSARY!
1 YEAR
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Derrick Elzey State Farm Insurance
Dunes Manor Hotel
2 - 9 YEARS
RJ Lock & Security of the Eastern Shore
Worcester County Developmental Center
An Optical Galleria
Poole Contracting
Shore Community Connections
Atlantic Dental
VCA Animal Hospital
Chesapeake Home Services
Bluebird Farms
Pines Point Provisions
Piney Island Construction
Park Place Jewelers
Lower Shore Land Trust
Ayers Creek Adventures
10 - 19 YEARS
Merrill Lynch
WOC Injury & Wellness Center
Mitchell & Hastings Financial
All Gentle Dental
JT Novak, LLC
Copy Central
Kitty's Flowers
M & T Bank
OC Comfort Services, INC
OC Kitchen, Bath and Cabinets
Farmers Bank of Willards
Ocean City Today/Flag Publications
Beach Plaza Hotel
Worcester Youth Family Counseling Services
LifeStyle Builders & Home Inspection
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokers
OVER 20 YEARS
First Shore Federal
Ayers, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand
Apple Drugs
Adkins Company
United Restoration
Burbage Funeral Home
Ocean Pines Association
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Sherri, Freddie and Kerrie celebrate FINALLY surpassing 300 partners!
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BrightStar Care® is a provider of home care services, which allow people to age in place and recover from illnesses and injuries at home, in familiar surroundings. The organization specializes in caring for people with complex medical needs – pediatric through geriatric – including Alzheimer’s disease and various dementias, ALS, end-of-life care, paralysis, and many conditions requiring skilled nursing care including IV therapy and wound care.
The BrightStar Care team is at its best when clients need longer shifts and/or 24/7 care, although shorter shifts can be accommodated if necessary. Whether clients need companion care or personal care provided by a home health aide or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or they have more complex medical needs requiring care provided by a Registered Nurse (RN), BrightStar Care can provide the services necessary to keep them safe and secure.
Providing:
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Medical and non-medical care to private clients – ranging from infants
to seniors
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Companion care: Visiting with clients and assisting with common
household activities like meal preparation, laundry and housecleaning
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Personal care: Dressing, grooming and assistance with other activities
of daily living and mobility issues
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Skilled nursing care and various therapies
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Supplemental medical staffing services to a variety of senior care
facilities, including skilled nursing, assisted living and independent
living facilities
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Community education via ‘Senior Solutions’ including the Virtual
Dementia Tour, a simulation training allowing participants to
experience the physical and mental challenges associated with
dementia. Ideal for professional and family caregivers, health care
workers and community members, who have routine interactions with
people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive
impairments.
Contact BrightStar Care today in their Racetrack Road location.
410-200-9330
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Why are there logos and ads in the newsletter?
Every Tuesday morning (if I'm on the ball), over 800 businesses, media outlets, community leaders and residents receive this newsletter. PLUS, now that we are in an electronic format, we will be sharing it on social media, adding to the number of eyes.
Do you want those eyes to see your logo or ad? Call us! 410-641-5306
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Our Ambassador Committee is seeking networkers and anyone who would like to take a larger role in the OP Chamber. OP Ambassadors assist with ceremonies, events and brainstorming. The committee meets the 2nd Thursday of every month in the Chamber office from 830am - 930am. If you are interested just yell!
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Ocean Pines Does Vegas
If you missed it, you missed out on surprises, tears, laughter
and great community spirit. Our annual awards banquet, held at Ocean Downs Casino in November, was our best ever. Don't believe me? I'll let the photos do the talking...
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Following #FreddieFlounder
Freddie loves meeting chamber partners and checking out their locations. Make sure you follow his antics on our
Facebook page!
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