For Greater Ocean City, MD Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842

www.oceancity.org

mychamber@oceancity.org

Office 410 . 213 . 0144 Fax 410 . 213 . 7521

Eunice Q. Sorin Visitor & Conference Center May 2014

Ocean City’s

Business

A Message From Our Executive Director

Melanie Pursel Executive Director

410.213.0144 ext 102 melanie@oceancity.org

May 2014 Business After Hours May 1, 2014 5-7 p.m. Harrison’s Harbor Watch

Delicious Food Happy Hour Prices 50/50 Fantastic Door Prizes

It is so wonderful to see the summer finally upon us! Springfest opens May 1st with a wonderful line up of entertainment and crafters! This is also the night of our Business After Hours at Harrison’s Harbor Watch, so you can come out for the BAH, then head over to Springfest! The chamber is also hosting the Legislative EDC meeting on May 7th at the Car-ousel Hotel, where we invite our members to interact with the state legislators and local elected officials to reflect upon the 2014 session in Annapolis- with a number of bills passed that affect businesses, primarily the minimum wage bill, this is an important event to participate in. There is no fee to attend, simply RSVP to melanie@oceancity.org. May is also when golf season really picks up and we are holding our 27th Annual Chamber Golf Outing on May 20th at OC Golf Club, so be sure to come out for all the fun, food and priz-es! As we prepare for the summer season, please be sure that the Chamber Visitors Center staff has all of your new promotional materials. The guest count through the center is steadily picking up; we are also fielding a tremendous amount of calls and requests for vacation guides. We look at this as a great sign for things to come this summer. Finally, I would like to commend our OC Young Professional group for hosting a successful Job Prep 101 for Stephen Decatur High School Students looking to gain useful interviewing skills as they begin the search for their first job. We hope to see this program grow and give area students a forum to learn skills outside of the classroom that will help them become the next generation of Young Professionals.

OC Young Professionals Host Job Prep 101

At Stephen Decatur High School

OC Young Professionals

Project Spotlight: Job Prep 101

The Young Professionals most recent project was our Job Prep. 101. Sara Sabia and Chrissy Maddy stepped up and put together a pro-gram for students receiving their work permits through the guidance

office. This was setup to be a two day after school program from 3:00pm-4:30pm. We had eight people give their time to help the stu-

dents better understand the process of gaining employment. We start-ed with a presentation on building a quality resume, geared toward someone that would have little to no job experience. From there we went in to the importance of volunteer work. We not only spoke of its importance but also gave the students a great contact to get involved

in the community. Every student was given a folder of information from the United Way, which offers countless ways to get involved and

help others on a local level. We also had an HR person speak on proper attire for both men and women. She also spoke on how it is imperative to dress for the job you want not the job you have. We taught them that the entire process of obtaining a job is important, from going in an asking for an application to the interview process.

Another one of the points we stressed was the effects of social media in today’s job market. We are very excited to see this program grow in

the community and continue to benefit the youth.

CONTACT US :

The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-213-0552

info@oceancity.org | facebook.com/YPsofOC

Welcome New Members

Rosanna & Erma at Healthy Happy Skin Rosana Dorsett Berlin, Md 21811 240.793.4542

www.rosanadorsett.nerium.com Nerium Anti aging skin line...2 years old ,number one skin care in the world. New contouring cream that really works!!!

Platinum Roofs Joe Crispin 29029 Lewes Georgetown Highway Lewes, Delaware 19958 302-226-4510 http://Platinumroofs.com Roofing Company specializing in Flat Roofs and Walkable Roof Systems

The Kitchen Anesti Gjikurla 106 Wicomico Street Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-2226 Breakfast & Lunch Restaurant. Free Parking for costumers.

Pirates Cove Apts Anesti Gjikurla 611 St. Louis Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 289-2220

www.piratescoveapts.com

1,2,3 & 4 Bedroom Apts. w/TV, A/C, Wi-Fi, Full Kitchens.

On the Bay Seafood Rosemary Corbey 4204 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 524-7070

www.onthebayseafood.net

Seafood, Live Steamed Crabs, Heavy!! Full Menu

Grease Monkey - Oil Changes & More Deanna Martin 685 S. Salisbury Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-0828 Quick Lube & Car Maintenance

Performance Water Systems ESR Eric Foster Ocean City & Surrounding Area Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 770-4977 877-770-PURE

www.performancewatersystems.com Highly Trained Water Treatment Professionals

An Optical Galleria, LLC Niki Pino 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 390-3924

www.eyesandart.net

Our mission is to educate and provide you with the best in eye care.

Lotus Palm Group Vincent Pastore Ocean City & Surrounding Area Ocean City, MD 21842 (443) 880-5945

www.lotuspalmgroup.com Lotus Palm Group provides high quality training, treatment & con-sultation services in holistic (mind/body/spirit) personal develop-ment, including Traditional Japanese Reiki Training & Life Coaching.

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism Kristen Goller 500 Glen Avenue Salisbury, MD 21804 410.548.4914

www.WicomicoTourism.org Wicomico County's Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Dept., including the WY&CC strives to provide quality events, preserve natural resources, and acquire/develop/maintain park land & facilities

OCRooms.com Debby Wells 9 N Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD 21842 410-289-6282 800-787-6246

www.ocrooms.com

We are your one stop Ocean City, Maryland Rental Headquarters

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines/Ocean City Carolyn Dryzga 239 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, MD 21811 (410) 208-3686 www.kiwanisofopoc.com Non-profit Service Organization Supporting Infants & Children in Northern Worcester County.

Companies Make Gains To Establish Maryland Offshore Wind Industry Baltimore MD –April 8, 2014 - The Business Network for Maryland Offshore Wind (BizMDOSW) launched a supply chain portal to support the development of both Maryland’s and regional offshore wind projects. Through the web-based portal, Maryland busi-nesses can self-identify where they fit into the supply chain, list their capabilities and register for notification of upcoming project bid solicitations. The supply chain portal helps companies understand the different types of services needed. Companies who regis-ter will receive notification of contract opportunities that become available throughout the planning, construction and operations process of Maryland’s wind project. “As bid solicitations become available, they will be sent electronically to the contact person reg-istered on the supply chain portal, ” said Liz Burdock, Executive Director of BizMDOSW. “As a potential developer of Maryland’s offshore wind farm, the supply chain portal is a great resource to help us know what companies exist, their capabilities and how they can potential-ly help us implement the project.” said Kevin Pearce, President Green Sail Energy, and Biz-MDOSW board member. With a growing multi-billion dollar national and international offshore wind industry market, the demand for additional supply chain vendors is increasing. “Europe has a robust offshore renewable energy industry; it has very specific processes, procedures and requirements for suppliers in that industry. Many of the European offshore wind lessons learned will be shared during the Annual Meeting of the Maryland Offshore Wind Industry on April 25th in Salisbury, MD. “The purpose of the meeting is to provide participants with an update of the public and private sector activities that have occurred over the last year. It will give companies a solid understanding of how this industry works and the opportunity to quickly become involved in the offshore wind industry,” said Liz Burdock, Executive Director, BizMDOSW “. The developers will be selected in June by the Federal government. Development teams are starting to form. We want Maryland businesses to be aware of the opportunities and meet the key players including the development teams.” To register for the meeting and to register on the supply chain portal, please go to www.bizmdosw.org. Contact: Liz Burdock liz@bizmdosw.org 1701 North Gay St. Baltimore, MD 202-403-7507.

About BizMDOSW: The Business Network for Maryland Offshore Wind (BIZMDOSW) works to maximize Maryland content in

the development, construction, maintenance and operation of Maryland’s and other regional offshore wind projects. BizMDOSW is

a nonprofit organization. www.bizmdosw.org

In the News

Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce honors APPI Energy at 94th Annual Banquet Ceremony

Walter Moore, President/CEO of APPI Energy, accepted the award, which was presented by sponsor Fred Baker of Comcast Spotlight, at Salisbury University Perdue Hall Atrium.

Energy consulting firm APPI Energy was honored with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Medium Business of the Year Award at the chamber's 94th Annual Banquet Ceremony on April 16, 2014. Each year, SACC bestows the award to a firm that has demonstrated growth, has been involved in the community, and has exhibited superior customer service and an innovative approach to the market.

Blue Flame, LLC

Grand Opening

&

Ribbon Cutting

Celebrating Success

ish

Grand Re-Opening

&

Ribbon Cutting

April 2014

Business Breakfast

Peaky’s Rooftop

Restaurant

29th Annual

OC Job Fair

75 Employers

2,000 +

Attendees

7th Annual

OC Chamber

Business Expo

Out & About With Your Chamber

May 2014 Calendar of Events

Date Event Location Time

May 1 OC Chamber Business After Hours Harrison’s Harbor Watch

5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

May 1-4 24th Annual Springfest Inlet Lot Thurs - Sat 10 -10 Sun 10 - 6

May 3 Berlin Blues & Jazz Bash Main St - Berlin Noon - 8:00 p.m.

May 4-18 OC Restaurant Week City-Wide Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

May 7 EDC Meeting—sponsored by OC Chamber Clarion 8:30 a.m.

May 8 Precious’ Boutique Ribbon Cutting Herring Creek Pro-fessional Center

4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

May 9 Tommy Hilfiger Ribbon Cutting Tanger Outlets 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

May 10 White Marlin Festival Crab Soup Cook Off Somerset Plaza 1:00 p.m. -4:00 pm

May 14 Brews Up Open House Rt. 113 Berlin 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

May 15-18 Cruisin’ Ocean City OC Convention Ctr Inlet Lot

9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

May 15 Exec. Committee Meeting OC Chamber 8:30 a.m.

May 15 Board of Directors Meeting OC Chamber 9:30 a.m.

May 17 OC Young Professionals Mtg. OC Chamber 9:00 a.m.

May 20 27th Annual OC Chamber Cup Ocean City Golf 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

May 23 Lucky Surf Shop Ribbon Cutting Gold Coast Mall 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

This winter has brought price volatility back to the natural gas market and is a good reminder of the im-portance of having a pur-chasing strategy in place. The Chamber of Commerce commercial and residential energy cooperative (Co-op) provides a program to as-sist members purchasing electricity and natural gas supply services. Learn how your business and home can benefit from joining the Energy Purchasing Co-operative by calling;

Joe Tabeling at 443-472-3870 or email joe@cqiassociates.com

Message from Your Energy Advisors 2014 has started off the year with its’ own set of records. According to Bentek Energy, the U.S. set a new peak day natural gas consumption record of 139 BCF on January 7, 2014, which is 33% higher than the av-erage consumption volume of 104.6 for the previous 5-year period. In January the U.S. saw the largest net withdrawal of working gas for a month at more than 950 Bcf, surpassing the previous record of 847 Bcf set in January 2003. Throughout January, February and March, utilities and pipelines across several market ar-eas called constraints and/or curtailments on one or more days. Multiple pipelines experienced compres-sor problems, further exacerbating system challenges, and a pipeline explosion in Canada interrupted the main supply to some areas of the Upper Midwest.

Meanwhile, frigid temperatures all winter continued to drive demand for the fuel that heats about half of all U.S. households, eating away at natural gas stocks. EIA forecasters predict that U.S. natural gas supplies will fall to an 11-year low at the end of the winter heating season in March. Industry experts forecast that storage inventories will fall below 900 Bcf, which is its lowest level since 2003. For the week ending March 7, 2014, natural gas in underground storage is down 46.2% as compared to the 5-year average. As can be expected during a cold winter with rising demand, natural gas spot prices were exceptionally high the past few months.

Ask yourself - what room in your house do you spend the most time

in – awake, that is. Many will answer “the kitchen.” Depending on

the meals you are serving, the time spent in the kitchen preparing

them may be more than the time it takes to consume them. With

that being said, the time you spend in the kitchen should be effi-

cient, effective and of course – enjoyable.

Planning Tips:

Study your existing kitchen

Think about traffic patterns

Design with ergonomics in mind

Plan for the unforeseeable

Choose all your fixtures and ma-

terials before starting

Don ’ t be afraid to seek help

When it comes time to update the

kitchen you want to make it worth

your time, investment and energy.

A kitchen remodel is a big deal and

can become a major undertaking.

But in the long run you can end up

seeing the return on your invest-

ment that makes it all worth your

while.

“Often times when homeowners

remodel their kitchens they are

looking to increase the value or

marketability of a property,” said

Sheila Dodson, CAR Executive Di-

1. Plan Planning the kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction and will help the homeowner stay on budget. 2. Keep the Same Footprint Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes, electri-cal outlets, and knocking down walls. If possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the

same location. 3. Think functionality when it comes to appliances Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen. 4. The Power of Lighting Lighting can make a big difference in a kitchen and can help with safety and efficiency. 5. Be Quality-Conscious Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. 6. Add Storage, Not Space Install cabinets that reach the ceil-ing. Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas 7. Communicate Clearly With Your Remodelers Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construc-tion team is essential for staying on budget.

“What many may not realize is that large portion of kitchen remodeling

costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to the home.” Ac-

cording to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Re-

port, kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup close to 74%

of the initial project cost at the home’s resale. Coastal Association of

REALTORS suggests following these simple steps to stay on budget and

help maximize the return on investment

SMART KITCHEN REMODELS

“PAY IT FORWARD FOR HOMEOWNERS”

Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) is the leading local advo-cacy group in the real estate industry on the Eastern Shore of Mary-

Pest of the Season - Swarmer Termites: Termites can cause serious damage to our homes and buildings. Termite damage can be as

serious as fire damage to a home. Swarmer termites are sneaky insects that reproduce quickly and create new colonies during the spring months.

These pesky creatures can create damage that costs billions of dollars to repair each year.

Termites can feed and reproduce undetected. Swarmer termites are a winged variety that produces eggs from birth to death. Their only job is to repro-

duce. Worker termites search for food all day and then deliver their findings to the swarmer termites who are busy reproducing and colonizing. The

swarmers shed their wings immediately after mating. If you spot any dead ant-like creatures, bugs that look like flying ants, or notice a pile of

small insect wings anywhere around your home or business, give Bennett Termite & Pest Solutions a call immediately!

Important Things to Remember

as the Season Approaches

Be sure that our Visitors Center has your most current brochures available. Questions? Call 410-213-0552 Brittany Sharp -Tourism Manager Brittany@OceanCity.org

Login to your membership account : Verify that all company & representative

information for your business is correct Make sure you are utilizing all key

words, descriptions, mapping, emails addresses, photos etc.

Questions? Call 410-213-0144 Vera Spalt - Membership Services Coordinator Vera@OceanCity.org

Post Hot Deals - Upcoming Events & Job Openings

Host a Business After Hours Host Business Breakfast Become an Event Sponsor

Questions? Call 410-213-0144 Lisa Dennis - Events Director Lisa@OceanCity.org

Get Active

HOT DEALS

SPONSOR

EVENTS

Enhance your guest check-in At no cost to you!!

As your guests check in to your hotel - why not immediately provide them with a piece that will help them navigate through town with ease.

The Ocean City Area Map ! A HUGE added value at check-in that is of no cost to you!!

Also ideal for restaurants & real estate offices! Have them delivered directly to your business (available in cases). Call Nancy Schwendeman : 410-210-0144 ext. 106 Nancy@OceanCity.org

On Friday, May 9, 2014, Shark Tank will hold an Open Casting Call at the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University in partnership with the School of Business and 47 ABC (WMDT). Casting Manager Mindy Zemrak will fly in from California to super-vise the taping of the presentations from 10AM to 4PM at Perdue Hall, South Salisbury Boulevard (Business Route 13), Salisbury, MD. Entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to do a 1-minute pitch of their business/ product/idea, followed by 2 or 3 questions – just like it would be if they were on the show. Pre-registration for a spe-cific time can be made by calling Theresa at 47 ABC (410.742.4747 x 346) or just sign in upon arrival at the Perdue School of Business. Parking is across the street at the University Parking Garage located directly behind Hardee’s. There is an underground passage from the garage to Perdue Hall and representatives will be there to provide additional directions to the registration room. Entrepreneurs should bring a completed Application Packet with them. The packet, along with business advice and Q&A interviews with the Sharks, can be found at http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/open-call For further information on the event, call Kathleen McLain at 47 ABC

(410.742.4747 x 303).

Officers 2013- 2014 Buck Mann - President

Mann Properties Brett Wolf - President Elect

Professional Mortgage John Gehrig - Vice President

D3 Corp Stephanie Meehan - Secretary/ Treasurer

Funcade Tom Perlozzo—Past President

Mid - Atlantic Marketing

Directors 2013- 2014 Justin McGinnis - LaserTone

Phillip Cheung - Gregory & Associates Bob Thompson - Ocean Pines Association

Toni Keiser - Atlantic General Hospital Michael James - Carousel Hotel

Greg Fleming - Fenwick Inn Joni Waldych - Innovative Benefit Solutions

John Gehrig - D3 Corp Chris Woodley -

Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison , LLC Ruth Waters

Harrison Group Resort Hotels

Chamber Staff Melanie Pursel, Executive Director

Lisa Dennis, Events Director Danielle Davis, Financial Officer

Nancy Schwendeman, Publications Manager Vera Spalt, Membership Services

Visitors Center Staff Brittany Sharp - Tourism Manager

Sharon Craven, Richard Ohanlon, Rachel Selby

Community Representatives Economic Development Committee Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association

Downtown Association Boardwalk Development Association

Town of Ocean City Ocean City Development Corporation

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 re-ceived after the 20th may be published in a later newsletter, or if time sensitive, published in the next weekly e-lert.

The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce

"Where Business is a Pleasure"

The mission of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is to provide community leadership in the promotion and support of economic development and the continued growth of tourism in Ocean City. The Chamber serves as a hub for development, educa-tion and communication within the business community to preserve the viability, quality of life and aesthetic values of our town.