Volume 30, Issue 9 | September 2022 |
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2022 Board of Directors
Celeste Rayne Chair
Derrick Elzey Vice Chair
Tylor Lennox Treasurer
Olive Mawyer Secretary
Laura Morrison
Allen Duncan
Ashley Haldeman
Lakeside Assisted Living
Nancie Corbett
Donna Frankowski
Rich Cropper
Cropper Services, LLC
Tina Simmons
Don Robertson
Amy Hedger
Steven Sweigert Past Chair
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Stay up to date on all our doin's.
You can add your events too!
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September
3 - Classic Car and Jeep Show
8 - OP Chamber Connections
14 - Lunch and Learn with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
14 - YPP Meeting
15 - Ribbon Cutting Shore United Bank 34th St
16 - Board of Directors Meeting
20 - Coffee Connect
20 - Ambassadors Meeting
20 - Relaunch Michael Moore KW Offices
22 - OP Chamber Connections
October
1- Fall Community Expo
4 - MarylandSaves Lunch Seminar
6 - OP Chamber Connections
11 - Coffee Connect with Delmarva Public Media
15 - Harbor Day at the Docks
18 - Ambassadors Meeting
20 - OP Chamber Connections
21 - Board of Directors Meeting
22 - Corn Hole Tournament
27 - Lunch n Learn WoCo Economic Dev & Tourism
28 - Ribbon Cutting LeClaire Flooring and Royal Plus
November
3 - Annual Awards Banquet
8 - Election Day
8 - Coffee Connect
10 - OP Chamber Connections
15 - Ambassadors meeting
17 - BAH at Art League of OC on 94th
18 - Board of Directors Meeting
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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED PARTNERS:
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STOP saying summer is over! There's still plenty of sunshine and play days to be had. For instance, our 8th annual Classic Car and Jeep Show which is this Saturday. The weather looks perfect to show off that baby or bring the family out to Memorial Park to admire the entries. Registration is $20 cash day of and we will have the Get Baked Stuffed Pretzel food truck on hand as well as BK and Chrissy of Radio Ocean City providing entertainment for us. See you then!
We are beyond honored to have been given the opportunity to host one of the four nonprofit bars during BikeFest at the Convention Center from September 14 - 18. Come see us!
Our final event of the year will be our annual awards banquet. This year, we will be going western at the casino on November 3 with a square dancing theme! Find those old boots and hats. YOU'RE dancing! Ticket and sponsorship information will be coming soon but save that date.
Some mom advice as we head into September:
- Kids are back at school, slow down and watch for buses
- Lifeguards are limited, stay safe on our beaches in the "off season"
- Enjoy what beautiful weather we have left in the year - get outside!
- Be kind to yourself, you're the only you you will get
Til next month.....
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NEXT MEETING WILL BE SEPTEMBER 8!
Shore Community Connections networking group was founded in June of 2017 and has existed as a local networking/referral group for Ocean City, Ocean Pines, and the surrounding areas. We are excited to announce that we will be joining forces with the Ocean Pines Chamber and our new name will be Ocean Pines Chamber Connections. We will still operate independently from the Chamber but all members of OPCC will need to be a member of the OP Chamber and keep their membership in good standing.
We are a category/industry-exclusive group so only one member per industry will be able to be a part of the networking group. Applicants will be reviewed and notified of their admittance within a week of submitting their member profile.
The group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month at 9am at the OP Library. If you are interested in learning more about our group, please join us on the 16th. For more information, please contact Trish Seitz at 717-891-4277 or trish_seitz@comcast.com.
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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 900 businesses, media outlets, community leaders, and residents receive this newsletter.
Do you want those eyes to see your logo or ad?
Call us! 410-641-5306
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Introducing Waterstone Mortgage’s New Ocean City/ Ocean Pines Branch
Jason Cook and his team, formerly of Embrace Home Loans, are excited to announce that they have made the transition to Waterstone Mortgage – an innovative company that offers its clients a wide variety of mortgage programs. Aside from conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, Waterstone Mortgage also has several no- and low-down-payment mortgage options and many specialty programs for medical professionals, community heroes, first-time homebuyers, and more.
“In an ever-changing market, options are key,” Jason says. “At Waterstone, we not only have traditional financing options, but also portfolio, correspondent, and broker options as well. We have the resources and loan programs to assist buyers in all market conditions.”
Waterstone Mortgage has maintained a reputation as an elite mortgage lender for more than two decades. The company’s mission is to streamline the mortgage process via innovative technology, unique loan products, and effective communication – which gives its customers a clear path to homeownership. The company focuses primarily on purchase loans and is owned by WaterStone Bank SSB.
Jason – who serves as the Eastern Shore Manager for Waterstone Mortgage – looks forward to offering his clients a wide program variety, including the Single Loan Close Construction Loan. This program for new construction homes is available for as low as a 5% down payment and has become an attractive option for homebuyers who are struggling to find suitable homes in the current low-inventory market. Full-time and part-time Ocean City residents will also appreciate Waterstone Mortgage’s loan options for second/vacation homes and condos – which are available for as low as a 10% down payment.
Another aspect of Waterstone Mortgage that benefits its customers is the company’s proprietary technology. This year, the lender introduced Element, an all-in-one platform exclusively for Waterstone Mortgage customers, Realtor partners, and loan originators. Element is a digital experience that makes the loan application and loan approval process simple and streamlined – saving time for everyone.
Through Waterstone Mortgage, Jason and his team offer their clients the support and resources of a larger lender, along with the personalized customer service of a local lender. With 17 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Jason also has an excellent understanding of the local housing market.
“There is something for everyone in this area – whether you’re working, visiting, or living full-time here,” Jason says. “With the recent shift to a work-from-home culture, we have seen an influx of business professionals coming to the area as well – each bringing their own talents and culture. This makes us more diverse and prosperous, and it’s a truly exciting time to live in Ocean City.”
Jason has 17 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry. His team includes Sales Manager Tripper Heckscher, four additional producing team members, and one marketing specialist. In the coming months, Jason hopes to expand the team by adding several loan professionals who have a passion for helping homebuyers understand their financing options.
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The Show Must Go On!
The Ocean Pines Players (OPP) are about to launch their first full season since the pandemic shutdown over two years ago. Just before the shutdown, OPP was thriving with sold-out performances of a salute to Elton John, a Linda Ronstadt tribute and Assisted Living The Musical. Now the Players are back with a flourish.
First up, “A Grand Night for Singing” on November 18. Taste and imagination, the two key ingredients for a first-rate revue, abound in this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon, this new R&H musical opened the 1994 Broadway season with flair and distinction, garnering wildly enthusiastic notices and earning two Tony nominations, including Best Musical. OPP will present this gem as a dinner theater at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. The ticket price of $65 will cover both dinner and the performance. This event is by advance reservation only, no tickets at the door.
Auditions for “A Grand Night for Singing” will be held on September 8 and 9 at the Ocean Pines Community Center from 6-8pm.
Then, presented just in time for Valentine’s Day, “Love...or Not?” is a musical salute to love in all its forms, playing February 10, 11 and 12, 2023. Romantic love, parental love, fraternal love. Love found, love lost, love hoped for. It is upbeat musical fun for the whole family presented at Most Blessed Sacrament School (MBS) on Racetrack Road.
Auditions for “Love...or Not?” will be December 8 and 9 at the OP Community Center from 6-8pm.
March 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2023 will see performances of the stage comedy “Play On”. This is the side-splitting story of a theatre group trying desperately to put on a play despite maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Play On! is a hilarious love letter to community theatre presented at MBS
May 2023 brings the popular dramedy, “Sweet Delilah Swim Club”. Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Over a span of 35 years, the results are heartwarming and side-splitting. Performed at O.P. Community Center.
The Players’ new website: https://oceanpinesplayers.org is the source for all the information you need ranging from audition dates to performance tickets. Other than the dinner theater, general admission tickets are $20. Tickets can be obtained by visiting the website or at the door.
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OPCC YPP
Next Meeting September 14
8:30am
Chamber Office
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The Young Professionals of the Pines (YPP) aims to unite the next generation of professionals. YPP creates opportunities for emerging business leaders to build relationships, expand their leadership skills, and develop their careers while paving the way for the future success of the Ocean Pines community.
The group is designed for professionals between the ages of 21 and 35.
If you can’t make it to our meeting in person, the option to join us via Zoom is also available. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (Ocean Pines Chamber YPP) as well as our LinkedIn Group for more information on upcoming events!
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Have you looked at your utility bill lately? |
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Join the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative
Have you looked at your utility bill lately? Are you concerned about how much you are spending? What's going on?
The war, inflation, and hot temperatures are just some of the factors causing rates to hit a 50-year high! As Bloomberg News reported,
“The U.S. Energy Department Secretary Jennifer Granholm was spot on with where oil and gas are going — and it isn't staying at home. Nearly 75 percent of natural gas produced in the United States is being sold to Europe. Many countries in Europe have higher prices for gas than the U.S.” Natural gas is the major producer of electricity.
CQI Associates will continue to watch the market and seek creative ways to provide protection, stability, and savings for our customers. Clients with agreements, ending between now and May 2023, should contact their CQI representative to assure their paperwork is up to date. This will allow us the opportunity to jump on any opportunities that present themselves between now and then.
The Chamber of Commerce Energy Purchasing Cooperative program provides you with an option to help seek pricing that provides savings when compared to the utility rates and offers you long-term budget stability.
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Maryland passed the Climate Solutions Now Act requiring a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2031. Any business with a 35,000 sq. ft. or more facility, schools, and municipalities that do not comply will be assessed a penalty of $51 or more per ton. Penalties could start as early as 2024. This could cost a small facility, school or municipality thousands of dollars.
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Welcome to the Ambassador Corner!
Next Ambassadors Meeting is
September 20
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Want more exposure for your business while advocating for the community and chamber? Become an Ambassador! We welcome all new partners to the chamber and ensure that they get the most out of their partnership. We meet every third Tuesday of the month at 1:30am at the chamber office. Stop by! |
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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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1 - 4 years
Acquest Title Services
Believe in Tomorrow by the Sea
LeClaire Home Design
Royal Plus Electric
Eastern Shore Asphalt Sealers
New Wave
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5 - 10 years
Mills Creek Builders
Worcester County Economic Development & Tourism
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11 - 19 years
Ocean Resorts Golf Club
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Feature your business on the next athletic poster for
Stephen Decatur High School
We would love to feature your business on the next athletic poster for Stephen Decatur High School. These posters help promote the school's athletic program, bring more fans to their events, and help generate more ticket and concession sales for the school. They are distributed at high traffic areas such as restaurants, gas stations, banks, grocery stores, etc. Two great things about this project are that we don't ask for money over the phone, and your invoice payment will not be due for 30 days.
Please join Dan Dobronz (Athletic Director) and the students involved in supporting this terrific project.
Our most popular sizes are:
One Inch Ad (1" x 2.5") for only $259
Business Card Ad (3.5" x 2") for only $355
Six Inch Ad (6" x 2") for only $419
Sponsor of the Season Ad (4" x 5") for only $629
*See our website at posters.wehelpschools.com to see full list of sizes & pricing*
All-American has proudly helped high school activities since 1996, having worked with thousands of local schools and businesses. Come be a part of this exciting project!
To take advantage of this opportunity, contact:
Jennifer Gray
Project Coordinator for Stephen Decatur High School
All-American Publishing
Direct Ph: (208) 992-3963
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Copy and paste the below png and add it to your email signature and website. Let everyone know you are a proud Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce partner! |
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We need your input!
- Business of the Year
- Business Person of the Year
- Non Profit of the Year
- Ambassador of the Year
- Citizen of the Year
PLUS, would you like to be more involved with your chamber? We have a few seats open on the Board of Directors!
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