Welcome to our new Directors:
Rich Cropper, Donna Frankowski and Nancie Corbett!
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2021 Board of Directors
Celeste Rayne
Derrick Elzey Vice Chair
Wes McCabe
Olive Mawyer
Sarah Yonker
Laura Morrison
Allen Duncan
Ashley Sloan Haldeman
Nancie Corbett
Donna Frankowski
Rich Cropper
Steven Sweigert
Past Chair
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Stay tuned and pray for a much easier 2021!!
To stay up on the ever changing happenings and partner news, make sure to follow us on Facebook
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Stay up to date on all our doin's. You can add your events too!
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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED PARTNERS:
Time Flys
AGH's Penguin Swim
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In a normal year, where a virus hasn't sent our world into a tail spin, we would host our annual awards banquet in November. Gorgeous decorations, great food and beverages, people dressing to the 9s and enjoying friends and co workers as we celebrate those who made that year wonderful for us all. Welcome to 2020 and we are unable to bring you such an event.
An integral portion of that event is installing new Directors to our Board while thanking those who may be stepping out of that role. Again, this year, we are unable to properly bestow such appreciation as we would like. We have two Directors leaving the Board, Andrea Hastings and Mike Burrier. We wish them nothing but continued health and prosperity.
One other who will be decreasing their role on our Board is Steven Sweigert. Steven has served as Chair for the past two years, having taken on an extra term. We haven't lost him totally as he will be our Past Chair but I, for one, will thoroughly miss his guidance, patience and expertise. He became Chair shortly after I was hired and was instrumental in helping me acclimate and expand the Chambers' reach. His love for the annual flounder tournament means he will never totally leave us but I will truly miss him as Chair.
Heading into 2021, we will be guided by long time Director and past Treasurer, Celeste Rayne, as Chair, and relative newcomer but trail blazer, Derrick Elzey as Vice Chair. I look forward to their ideas and support as we move into another uncertain year. Hopefully, it will be a year of recovery, new paths and strength in our community.
As our next Chamber Chatter edition will not be until the new year, I will take this opportunity to wish you and your families good health, safe travels, and a joyful holiday season.
Stay well, stay informed and stay Delmarva Strong.
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Why are there logos and ads in the newsletter?
The first week of each month (if I'm on the ball), over 800 businesses, media outlets, community leaders and residents receive this newsletter. Now that we are in an electronic format, we will be sharing it on social media as well, 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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Save Those Precious Memories with TimeFlys
As we approach the holiday season, it is a special time to reflect on our many blessings. Even this year facing a scaled down version of the holidays, this is still a warm, inviting time to share special times with each other.
This brings me to describing what we do at TimeFlys. At TimeFlys, we help people document their memories, family histories, and other ideas into books that last forever. Whether you have already started on a book project or just have the beginnings of an idea for a book, TimeFlys is here to help.
I started the company in 2008 after working with my father-in-law to type up his life story. I met with him several times to interview him and recorded the visits to transcribe later. As he began telling his story, I felt myself transported on his life’s journey with him – from when he was a young boy in a family struggling to make ends meet, to when he graduated high school and joined the Navy, to his days in World War II and Korea, to his getting married and starting a family, and then through his career and retirement. I fell in love with the process of how his book began building over our successive visits and it became a bonding experience for both of us. His book is a treasured keepsake today and will be for future generations.
In short order after launching TimeFlys, I came to see how everyone’s story and creativity are unique. Twelve years and scores of books later, we have been fortunate to help create memoirs, tribute books, and family photo books. We have also helped people fulfill a lifetime dream of having their novels, collections of short stories, and children’s books self-published.
While 2020 has presented all of us with challenges and uncertainties, it has also presented us with greater opportunities for reflection. If you are considering a book project, these winter months indoors may be just the time to think about embarking on it. Please feel free to visit my website or contact me at jmarx.timeflys@gmail.com for a free initial consultation. I would love to chat with you about what you have in mind. Stay safe and well, and warm wishes to all of you for a happy holiday season!
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Owner and Author, Jean Marx |
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For years, our neighboring Chambers have trusted and offered CQI's services to their members. We are proud to announce that your OP Chamber has now partnered with CQI. As an energy co-op, they can offer energy at reduced rates to home and office based businesses. |
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Alternative Financing 2021
Most small business owners are unaware that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has a business lending unit. If you're already thinking about access to capital in the new year, join us for a free webinar on December 15th at 10 am to learn about these loan programs and business growth tools for new and expanding small businesses and nonprofit organizations. You'll also hear from three lenders participating in the Microenterprise Loan Program.
This public-private partnership provides access to capital for establishing and sustaining micro-businesses, offering low interest loans from $500 to $250,000 with coaching, training and support to help you qualify. All small, minority, women, and veteran business owners and startups are encouraged to attend. Advance registration is required.
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eMMA Enhancement
New features were recently added to the state's online vendor platform, eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). To familiarize vendors with these new features, the Department of General Services' Office of State Procurement is offering several live instructional webinars this week. All vendors who are currently registered in eMMA are invited to attend. Vendors who are listed on a master contract or those who are not familiar with DocuSign are highly encouraged to attend. Advance registration is required. Use the links below to register today.
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Our 2020-2021
Business Directory is IN!
If you are able to offer this publication to your customers, please let us know and we will get you copies.
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Our partners renew their support on their anniversary months. The below list are those who renewed since the last edition of the Chamber Chatter. Thank you for your continued trust and support!
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20 or more years
Burbage Funeral Home
Adkins Company
United Restoration
Worcester County Board of Education
Ocean Pines Association
Choptank Electric Cooperative
10 - 19 years
Lifestyle Builders
Ocean Downs Casino
All State Insurance
OC Comfort
Ocean City Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry & Appliances Inc
Baby Boomer Insurance
WMDT 47
Farmers Bank of Willards
OC Today/Flag Publications
Mitchell & Hastings Financial
MD Coastal Bays
TidalHealth (formerly PRMC)
Coldwell Banker
Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services
A & A Air Services
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5 - 9 years
Park Place Jewelry
1 - 4 years
Lower Shore Land Trust
Advance Climate Care
Oceans East Luxury Apartments
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Small Business Webinars
In this environment of social distancing, today's seminars have become webinars, Zoom meetings, Facebook Live events, Google Meets, and more. If you have a smart phone or a computer, you have what you need to tap into these valuable training and information sessions. Capacity can fill quickly, so sign up early when required to do so.
Check out our full listing of small business events
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Ready to wash away 2020?
Join us on New Year’s Day for Atlantic General Hospital’s 27th Annual Penguin Swim! A family-friendly fundraiser to support our community’s Healthcare Heroes on Friday, January 1, at Princess Royale Oceanfront.
The health and safety of our participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff are at the forefront of our logistics planning. Some of the traditional features that we all look forward to at the annual Penguin Swim are being modified to reduce touchpoints, adhere to physical distancing guidelines, and decrease event expenses.
• The entire event will take place outdoors, including registration and check-in, please come prepared for the weather.
• Advance online registration is recommended.
• The swim area on the beach will span from 91st - 94th streets to allow for physical distancing for participants and their spectators.
• Face coverings are required for everyone including participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff.
• To prevent people from gathering inside, there will not be any activities in the Atrium.
• A virtual awards ceremony will be held in the weeks following the event.
Participants who register on or before December 10th will receive an official 2021 AGH Penguin Swim short-sleeve t-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Shirts for participants who register after December 10th will be available while supplies last. Individual participants who raise or donate $100 or more will be also eligible to receive an official 2021 AGH Penguin Swim long-sleeve t-shirt while supplies last.
All participants are required to register either online or in person and check-in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband to gain access to the swim area. Participants are encouraged to come to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale on New Year’s Eve. Avoid long lines and confusion on event day, pick up wristbands and shirts early, and receive an additional Penguin Swim item!
Quarantining? No Problem! You can still participate in the Cyber Swim! Register online then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video of your personal virtual Penguin Swim on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Make sure your post is public so we can see it! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Participants can register for the cyber swim on the event website and pay an additional $5.00 fee per participant to cover costs to have their t-shirts shipped to them.
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