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Ocean City’s Greater Ocean City, MD Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842
For
Business
www.oceancity.org [email protected]
Office 410.213.0144
Fax 410.213.7521
June 2020
Interim Executive Director Message As we reflect on an uncommon Memorial Day weekend with fewer guests than we are accustomed to hosting, the weather was nice and people were here taking advantage of all they could. And, although we are still in the midst of a pandemic, we look forward to upcoming exciting summer events (however modified they may be) and preparation for a very busy season.
As everyone knows, on Wednesday, May 27th Governor Hogan declared that we are in completion of phase one of the Recovery Plan. Effective on Friday, May 29th at 5pm, restaurants, as well as social organizations, were able to safely reopen for outdoor dining following strict guidelines. This also allowed for many outdoor activities and youth day camps to safely resume and outdoor pools to safely open; again, following strict guidelines. For all details on the guidelines and best practices, visit the Back to Business Site. Governor Hogan also strongly stressed the need for everyone to follow CDC Guidelines and practice social distancing so that the progress we have made can continue.
Following the Governor’s announcement, the Town of Ocean City issued a press release on how they are working closely with the business community to offer safe outdoor seating and directs businesses on the process. For instructions on how to apply and for the online permit, click here. In addition, in a press release, the Worcester County Commissioners approved a free, expedited process to help bars and restaurants in unincorporated areas of the county develop temporary outdoor seating. Temporary outdoor seating permit applications are available on the county homepage under “Important links” at http://www.co.worcester.md.us. Please note that a separate approval must also be obtained from the Worcester County Health Department. You can contact their office at (410) 352-3234 for details.
Many have asked about the status of the J-1 Student Work/Travel Program. There is nothing new to report at this time. We are still waiting on embassies to open and travel restrictions to be lifted, among other things. Please stay in close contact with your sponsor organization as they will be able to keep you well informed.
The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Foundation is looking forward to the installation of the beautiful Giving Wall this month in the Chamber Visitor Center. When you get a chance, please drop by to see this wonderful display of generosity. The Foundation’s main mission if to support economic and educational growth within our community.
The Chamber Visitor Center is preparing to reopen this month to once again welcome and assist guests. Please make sure that we have your literature so we can promote your business! Contact Karen Lynn at (410) 213-0552 if you have any questions. We are nearing the completion of the Living & Working in OC and the Keycard Booklets. Having been delayed by the pandemic, we are pleased to now move forward and expect delivery by the end of the month.
The Chamber remains steadfast in supporting our valued members with the banners on the home page of our website. As more businesses open, please remember to update or add your information so we can promote you online. These banners will also continue to be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook and Instagram pages. In closing, I would like to congratulate all the 2020 high school and college graduates! As you embark on the next chapter of your life, you are wished great success!
Wishing you the best,
Nancy Schwendeman Interim Executive Director 410.213.0144 ext 106 [email protected]
In this issue
Mark Your Calendars P.2 Welcome New Members P.4
Renewing Members P.4 Young Professionals P.9
Mark Your Calendars
Chamber Cup Golf Tournament
May 11, 2021
16th OC Chamber Crab Feast October 8
NEW DATE! Chamber Awards Celebration Feb. 5, 2021
2021 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Jan. 8, 2021
ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL PROVIDER NAMED
YOUNG PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) has named Dr. Kathleen M. Henley its 2020 Young Osteopathic Physician of the year. Henley completed her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013 and is board certified in family medicine. She joined Atlantic General Hospital in 2016 as a hospitalist to provide inpatient care. In addition to her clinical duties, she serves as the utilization review and clinical documentation improvement physician advisor for Atlantic General. She is the Maryland delegate on the board of trustees for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Physicians Society and also volunteers on several ACOFP committees. Henley earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Shippensburg University and her medical
degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, and is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. The ACOFP Young Osteopathic Physician of the Year honors physicians who have made significant contributions to family medicine 2-10 years after entering the specialty.
English Towers Condominium Russell Hobbs 10000 Coastal Hwy Suite 1 Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 524-4196 http://www.englishtowers.org
Welcome New Members
Thank you for
choosing us to
promote your
business!
Renewing Members April 29, 2020 - May 28, 2020
Thank You!
Atlantic Acupuncture LLC, Dr. Dawn R. Gifford, DOM, Licensed Acupuncturist https://atlanticacutherapy.com/ Atlantic Physical Therapy http://www.atlanticptrehab.com Continental Cycles http://www.continentalcycles.com Edward Jones / Mark Vastine, Financial Advisor http://[email protected] Fight the Bite http://www.fightthebiteoc.org Layton's Umbrellas http://www.laytonsumbrellas.com Maryland Broadband Cooperative http://www.mdbc.us Ocean City Lacrosse LTD http://www.oclaxclassic.org Ocean City Surf Club http://www.oceancitysurfclub.org Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 486 http://www.ualocal486.com/
Positive Energy http://positiveenergyoc.com R & R Coatings, Inc. http://www.randrcoatingsinc.com Royal Plus Electric, Inc. http://royalpluselectric.com/ Shaffer, McLauchlin & Stover, LLC http://www.smslawoffice.com Shore United Bank http://www.shoreunitedbank.com The Windrow Group/Keller Williams Realty http://www.TheWindrowGroup.com Tony's Pizza https://www.facebook.com/tonyspizza62/ Tortuga Bay Fishing http://www.fishingtortuga.com Women Supporting Women http://www.womensupportingwomen.org Worcester County Dept. of Recreation & Parks http://www.worcesterrecandparks.org Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch http://www.worcesterlibrary.org
Worcester County Tourism (WCT) Director Lisa Challenger will retire effective May 29, 2020, after 31 years of public service to the community. Challenger joined WCT as the director on September 11, 1989, and she has played a pivotal role in shaping tourism in Worcester County and across the State of Maryland.
“Tourism supports 14,228 jobs in Worcester County, generates $1.9 billion in visitor spending, and $366.8 million in tourism tax revenues,” Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said. “That statistic speaks volumes and is a testament to what 31 years of hard work can accomplish.”
Challenger, a founding member of the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council, spearheaded numerous projects and programs that directly attributed to the growth of tourism in Worcester County, throughout the Eastern Shore region, and across the state. For her exceptional creativity, positive approach to identifying and developing new tourism markets, and commitment to enhancing and perpetuating the Maryland tourism industry, Governor Larry Hogan appointed her to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority in 2014. Then in 2016, Maryland Tourism Coalition named Challenger Maryland Tourism Person of the Year.
“This job has really defined me and my life here in Worcester,” Challenger said. “I have loved every second of it. I look back and realize how lucky I’ve been to hold this position and to work with all the great folks I’ve had the pleasure to meet and collaborate with over these many years. It feels great to know that my good friend Melanie Pursel is taking over. She’ll be terrific.”
Known for her success in developing regional partnerships, Challenger developed the Cape to Cape Scenic Byway, spearheaded the Wilds of Worcester video series, Eat, Drink and Buy Art campaign, Worcester Green Award Program, Beach and Beyond website and mobile app, West Ocean City Commercial Harbor and African American historic markers, Delmarva Birding Weekend, the social media campaign that earned Berlin the title America’s Coolest Small Town, and inclusion of the Beach to Bay Indian Trail on the Department of the Interior’s National Recreation Trails list.
Challenger successfully applied to have Worcester County recognized as both a Maryland heritage area and a Preservation America Community under then First Lady Laura Bush. She is a past chair of the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, and she organizes the Eastern Shore Economic Data handout to explain tourism’s value to the Eastern Shore delegation. She passes the torch of leadership in WCT to incoming Director Melanie Pursel, who brings 21 years of proven leadership to Worcester County Government and is respected statewide for her contributions to the business community, marketing, and tourism, as well as workforce and economic development.
Challenger has three daughters, Natalie, Mackenzie, and Olivia and is looking forward to spending more time with them, her parents, Ed and Emmy, and her 22-month-old grandson, Kellen.
County Honors Service of Retiring Tourism Director Lisa Challenger
Shore United Bank is excited to congratulate Robin Haddaway on 30 years of dedicated service. Robin began her career with the Bank in April of 1990 as a teller at our Tred Avon, Easton, MD branch. During her career at the Bank, she has held positions of senior teller, head teller, floating customer service representative and branch supervisor. Currently, Mrs. Haddaway is an Overdraft Specialist within our Deposit Operations department. “At Shore United Bank, my coworkers are like my extended family. Our supervisors really care about what’s going on in our lives. It’s nice working for a company where the President/CEO knows you by name. It’s the little things that make working for this company so great,” says Robin. “I know I speak for the whole department when I say, we are so thankful to have Robin as part of our team. She
helps wherever she is needed and always strives to do what is best for the customer and the Bank,” says Stephanie
Dulin, Deposit Operations Manager of Shore United Bank.
Robin resides in Easton, MD with her husband, Ron. They have two sons, RJ and Ryan. She gives back to the community by volunteering to
bake for Habitat for Humanity when they need lunches during a build. She enjoys spending time with her family, visiting the beach, and
reading a good book.
For more information about Shore United Bank, visit ShoreUnitedBank.com
Robin Haddaway Celebrates 30 Years with Shore United Bank
Fire Marshal David Hartley and Longtime Deputy Tim Price Retire After Nearly 70
Years of Combined Service to OCMD
Fire Marshal David W. Hartley will retire after 28 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. Beginning his career with the town in 1991 as a Fire Safety Inspector, Hartley performed many life safety inspections and was promoted to Fire Investigator and sworn Ocean City Police Officer in 1996.
Throughout his career he has held the rank of Chief at various levels for 20 years, as a Chief Deputy, Assistant Chief and ultimately appointed to Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal in 2011. He was a founding member of the bomb squad upon graduating from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hazardous Devices School in 2001, just prior to 9/11.
“It has been and honor working for the Town of Ocean City,” Hartley commented. “I would like to thank the many brave professional employees in the Fire Marshal’s Office, fire department and police department who I have worked alongside for 28 years. I have had a blessed career and very grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents and visitors for so many years.” According to Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers, Hartley’s retirement is well deserved. “Dave has spent 28 years upholding the mission of the Office of the Fire Marshal to protect the residents and visitors to this town,” Bowers stated. “Chief Hartley also served as interim Fire Chief of the Ocean City Fire Department, overseeing all three divisions of the department.”
Also retiring from the Office of the Fire Marshal is a name familiar to many business owners and residents, Deputy Fire Marshal/Plans Examiner Tim Price. Deputy Price will retire from the Town after 38 years of service. Deputy Price began his career with the town in 1982 as a Cardiac Rescue Technician providing advanced medical life support to sick and injured patients. In 1989, Deputy Price transferred to the Office of the Fire Marshal as a Fire Safety Inspector.
Tim was promoted to a Fire Investigator and sworn Ocean City Police Officer, upon graduating from the Police Academy in 1997. Tim was promoted to a Deputy Fire Marshal II/Plans Examiner in 2003. Throughout his career he has served on numerous local and state task forces and committees representing the citizens of
Ocean City, and was the Special Events Coordinator for over ten
years.
According to Ocean City IAFF Local 4269 President Ryan Whittington, Tim’s retirement will leave a void in the department. “Tim has been an integral part of developing fire safety standards not only here in Ocean City, but across the state of Maryland,” Whittington stated. “I served under Tim’s leadership as Deputy Fire Marshal for 7 years and came to learn that Tim is dedicated to protecting lives and property and is extremely knowledgeable. Tim will be missed.”
The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Foundations main mission is to support economic and
educational growth within our community. For the past 10 years, we have worked tirelessly to provide
scholarships and educational programs to facilitate these endeavors. Now, we are asking for your help.
We have designed a beautiful Giving Wall which will be located in our Chamber Visitor Center and
provide funds to continue our mission. We see thousands of visitors and locals each year in the center,
so the visibility that the wall receives will be impressive!
Please take this opportunity to showcase your community support by engaging at the Legacy or
Corporate level. There will be a limit of nine premium Legacy Sponsors with 4”x 12” plaques (1 name
per plaque), and twelve 5”x7” plaques (3 business names per plaque) for Corporate Sponsors. There will
also be an opportunity for individual community supporters to purchase a smaller plaque where we will
list their names. Keep in mind that the Chamber Foundation is a non-for-profit 501C 3, therefore your
donation is entirely tax deductible (EIN 27-215-1222). Please see the attached rendering.
Donations are as follows: The Legacy plaque is $1500 and the Corporate plaque is $750 and will be
prominently displayed for the thousands of visitors that come through our doors each year. Individuals
can participate at the $300 level. You might be surprised to know that our Ocean City chamber of
commerce is the largest in Maryland, over 900 members strong, and supports, organizes and works at
the pleasure of the business community to benefit all. Funds raised will go to providing workforce
scholarships to train and retain our local employees as well as other professional development
opportunities.
We ask that you join us in this sustaining opportunity and look forward to pressing forward in growing a
strong and vibrant workforce in our beloved town of Ocean City, Maryland. Now….
Get Your Name on The Wall!
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Most Sincerely,
Ruth Waters, President
Greater Ocean City Chamber Foundation, Inc. www.occhamberfoundation.org
MD Sales & Use—Worcester County
April 2020
# Returns Filed 1,234
Food & Beverage $859,049
Apparel $27,112
General Merchandise $717,258
Automotive $90,889
Furniture & Appliances $89,440
Building & Industrial Supplies $799,150
Utilities & Transportation $116,993
Hardware, Machinery & Equipment $92,727
Miscellaneous $146,247
Subtotal $2,938,864
Assessment Collections $4,150
Total Collections $2,943,014
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BIG DEALS
The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce "Where Business is a Pleasure"
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic growth of the region by providing leadership, inspiration, education and development opportunities to support and promote all segments of the business and tourism community.
Brett Wolf • Professional Mortgage Services
Joe Wilson • Coastal Life Realty Group
Bobbi Sample • Ocean Downs Casino
Sal Fasano • LaQuinta Hotel & Suites
Ruth Waters • Harrison Group Resort Hotels
Cole Taustin • Embers Restaurant/Blu
Crabhouse/Mad Fish Bar & Grill
Joe Groves • DCMA
Joe Magnolia • 5 Star Plumbing, Heating &
Cooling
Stefanie Gordy • Salisbury University
Chad Toms • Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
Ryan James • Mother’s Cantina
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
Economic Development Committee
Hotel-Motel Restaurant Association
Downtown Association
Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ocean City Development Corporation
Town of Ocean City
Nancy Schwendeman, Interim
Executive Director & Publications Mgr.
Lisa Layfield, Events Director
Danielle Davis, Financial Officer
Vera Spalt, Membership Services Mgr.
Jill Brady, E-Marketing Mgr.
CHAMBER STAFF VISITOR CENTER STAFF
Richard Ohanlon
Karen Lynn
Sharon Craven
Kathleen Smith
Ed Colbert
Deb Haas
BOARD 2019-2020
Toni Keiser - Chair Atlantic General Hospital
Bob Thompson - Chair-Elect CoreLife of Delmarva
Phillip Cheung - Treasurer CG Accounting Group, LLC
Steve Pastusak—Secretary Jolly Roger Amusement Parks
Stephanie Meehan - Immediate Past Chair Funcade
DIRECTORS 2019-2020
Ocean City’s Voice for Business is published the first of each month. Ads and articles may be submitted for publication no later than the 20th of the preceding month. Items received after the 20th may be published in a later newsletter, or if time sensitive, published in the next weekly e-lert.
EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
John Gehrig • Ocean City Council/D3
Joe Mitrecic • Worcester County
Commission/Mitrecic Building
