Chamber Logo 2010American Flag



Kent Co
unty Chamber of Commerce
122 North Cross Street
P.O. Box 146
Chestertown, MD 21620
410 810-2968 / 410 778-1406 (fax)
[email protected]

www.kentchamber.org
 
Chamber News            August 2010

The Mission of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce is to serve, represent and be the leading advocate for the business interests of its membership in ways that enhance the environment of the business community and quality of life and well being of residents and visitors.

In This Issue
Member News Bytes
Focus on New Members
Chamber News & Events
Member New & Events
In The News
Quick Links
Peoples Bank
 
Bronze
So what have you done for me lately?

That's a question often heard in the sports and entertainment industries.  But have you heard it in other arenas?  Have you heard it from other Chamber members?  Or, perhaps, have you asked the question yourself, about the Chamber?

As the Chamber's Mission Statement states, we are here "to serve, represent and be the leading advocate for the business interests of its membership..."

In order to accomplish this, the Chamber acts as a spokesman for the business and professional community and transforms into action the group-thinking of our members.

We also provide specific services of a type that can be most effectively rendered by a community organization, both to its members and to the community as a whole.  Examples of these services are:
  • Partners In Education - to help our young citizens  prepare for their future and to help build a solid base for our community's future
  • Grand Openings to announce your business, products or service
  • Membership Directory listings for your business and linked on our website
  • Maps for your customers, with member advertisements
  • Networking Events to increase your exposure
  • Free workshops & seminars through our association with SCORE to build your business smarter
  • A voice to lobby for your interests in Annapolis & Kent County
  • Networking and much more
In addition to services the Chamber provides, there are also benefits associated with your Chamber membership.  The buying power of a large organization of businesses has generated an impressive list of member benefits. 

Some of these benefits include:
  • Bulk Mail Permit available to all Chamber members
  • Chamber Member Discount Programs
  • Web Page Links
  • Web Page Promotional Opportunities
  • Networking Events
  • Advertising Corner in the Visitor's Center exclusively for our Chamber members
  • Sponsorships available to our members
So how are we doing?

As YOUR Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to provide high-value services to our members. Over the coming months, we look forward to introducing new services. But before we do, your input is needed.

Which services are important, interesting and helpful to you and your business?  What new services would you like us to introduce in the future?

Please take a moment to give us your feedback: by email, phone or letter. Help us make your membership more valuable.

We look forward to your feedback.  It will serve as the focus of our efforts in the future.  Thank you for your time, advice and support.

Loretta
Loretta M. Lodge
Executive Director

Member News Bytes



Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland

BBB Board of Directors Wanted:

Submit your nominations today!


Business owners and senior level executives interested in helping advance marketplace trust are sought to serve on the BBB's Board of Directors.  The Board is responsible for the governance of BBB operations including fiduciary responsibilities and adherence of the organization to BBB Standards.

If accepted, a Board member serves (1) three-year term and can serve no more than two consecutive terms.  The Director must represent a BBB Accredited Business in Greater Maryland.
 
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, August 20, 2010.  For more information about BBB Board responsibilities, please contact Angie Barnett or call 410-347-3981.

The election proceedings for new Board members and officers will be announced at the 2010 Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence on September 22.

Apply Here


CASA of Queen Anne's & Kent Counties

CASA Board Members
Left to right, Kathy Sells, president of CASA of Queen Anne's & Kent Counties, welcomes new Board members Robin Klinefelter and Janice Duty.

Janice Duty and Robin Klinefelter have joined the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Queen Anne's & Kent Counties.  Both were unanimously appointed to a three-year term.
 
Duty has owned and operated Wye River Custom Builders with her husband Butch for nearly 30 years.  She also worked in her family's wholesale seafood business, where she was vice president and treasurer.  She is a licensed Realtor� with Champion Realty, Inc. and is a Maryland notary public.  Duty lives in Queenstown.   
 
Klinefelter, a resident of Crumpton, is a personal and professional coach who specializes in working with leaders in nonprofit organizations.  She was previously employed by Chester River Health System for more than twenty years, where her responsibilities included communications, development, strategic planning, and board relations.
 
Kathy Sells, president of CASA of Queen Anne's & Kent Counties, said, "We are pleased to welcome Janice and Robin to the Board, and we look forward to the expertise, community connections and energy that each of these Directors will bring to CASA."
 
CASA's mission is to advocate for the best interests of children who are under the protection of the court system because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.  CASA provides trained volunteer advocates to make assessments and recommendations.


Chester River Health System

Chester River Hospital Center Purchases New Telemetry and Anesthesiology Equipment from Philips Healthcare
 
Chestertown, MD., July 8, 2010 - Chester River Hospital Center selected Philips Healthcare to install and supply new telemetry and anesthesiology monitoring equipment to be completed by mid-July.  This new medical equipment, IntelliVue Telemetry System, utilizes half a million dollars of the funds allotted to the hospital by the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).  These upgrades will replace the two oldest systems in the hospital and will increase the number of monitored beds from 16 to 24. 

The new telemetry system uses cellular technology, which ensures seamless information management and more flexible patient monitoring. This increases clinical efficiency and improves patient outcomes. The system is designed specifically to manage flows of time-critical, round-the-clock patient monitoring. Kathy Abend, RN and director of adult inpatient services, comments, "The new equipment is more efficient, and while high tech, still user-friendly. We are very fortunate to have this equipment available to us through our affiliation with University of Maryland Medical System."



Chester River Health System & Parker Harris Designs

Rocking Chair Donation-CRHC









Barbara Parker, interior designer, (right) donates a cherry wood rocking chair by Adden furniture, designed with a mother's comfort in mind. Carol Leonard, maternity nurse at CRHC, accepts the chair and comments, "This chair will be perfect for our nursery.  The new mothers will love this."





Kent County Extension Service

JOHN E. HALL Extension Education, Ag And Natural Resources for the University of Maryland Extension, Kent County, retired on July 1, 2010.

John's 30 years of dedicated service to the University of Maryland and the citizens of Kent County will be recognized on SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010, Noon to 4 p.m., at the Kent County Public Works Complex, 709 Morgnec Road, 1st floor, Chestertown, MD 21620.  If you wish to contribute to John's Retirement Gift/Retirement Reception, please send your contribution to:
University of Maryland Extension
        Kent County Public Works Complex
        709 Morgnec Road
        Ste. #202
        Chestertown, MD 21620.
Checks should be made payable to: Elizabeth M.S. Hill. 

If you would like to send a card or letter for John's "book of good wishes" please send to the above address.  (Must RSVP to 410-778-1661 or mail to address above or email: [email protected])  DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS, DONATIONS and BOOK ENTRIES IS AUGUST 16, 2010.  If you have questions or need more information, please call the Kent County Extension Office at 410-778-1661.


SCORE
(Senior Core of Retired Executives) invites retired executives to become counselors for new and existing local businesses. Contact Bart Stolp at S.C.O.R.E. to get more information: [email protected]
 
 
If you or a member you know is making headlines, please submit a brief description to Loretta at [email protected] with the subject line: "members in the news."
 Send it to us and we'll include it in our next issue!

Focus on New Members 
 
Welcome to our New Members in July!

  
Chester River Landscaping/Neff & Son, Inc.
301 Clovelly Lane
Chestertown, MD  21620
Owner:  Stormy Neff
Landscape Sales Consultant:  Lisa Spears
Phone:  410/778-9686 (Office)  410-708-1720 (Cell)
Fax:  410/778-9128
From the Owner:
Chester River Landscaping is a family owner/operator landscape company doing business on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Delaware areas since 1984.  Our services range from landscape design & installation, unit paver walkways & patios, fencing & decking, property irrigation, shoreline restoration, reforestation, and lawn maintenance.   In addition to our landscaping business, we also own/operate Clovelly Nurseries, a 200+ acre tree growing nursery in Chestertown, MD.  

We are pleased to be "new members" of the Chamber community and we look forward to meeting you at upcoming events.



Lauretum Inn, LLC
Bed & Breakfast Inn
954 High Street
Chestertown, MD  21620
Owners:  Kelly & James Anthony
Innkeeper:  Heidi Frey
Phone:  410/778-3236  |  800/742-3336
Website: www.lauretuminn.com

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

A long winding lane invites you to Lauretum (1881), sitting splendidly atop a tree graced knoll on six acres in Chestertown, MD.  The complex form and massing of the house reflect the eclecticism of the late Victorian period.

In 1877 the original owner, Harrison W. Vickers, commissioned the internationally renowned architect, Edmund George Lind to design his country estate which he named "Lauretum Place". The name Lauretum or "Laurel Grove", is the name of a place on the Aventine Hill in Ancient Rome. Now operated as a Bed & Breakfast, it provides a unique setting for your visit to the Eastern Shore.


          
"Lauretum is a most extraordinary building, by far the best example of picturesque architecture on the Eastern Shore."
                                                 - Maryland Historic Trust

"We couldn't have imagined a more perfect getaway. The hospitality made us feel welcome, and the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere was a nice departure from the usual chain hotel stay. Just the right balance of pampering and privacy." 
                                                - A Washingtonian Couple


Dollars & Sense Financial Services
Owner:  Mark W. Blackmer
Registered Principal Investment Advisor Representative
357 High Street
Chestertown, MD  21620
Phone:  410/348-3069
Fax:  443/282-0290
Email:  [email protected]
Website: lpl.com/mark.blackmer

Mark has 21 plus years as a full service Financial Advisor with experience in:
- Tax Advantage Investing
- Cash Flow Analysis
- College Planning
- Retirement Planning
- Investment Portfolio Analysis
- Estate Planning



Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings!
 
August 6 at 5:00 P.M.
Dollars & Sense Financial Services
357 High Street
Chestertown

Please join us as we welcome Mark Blackmer and congratulate him on the opening of his business Dollars & Sense Financial Services.

 
Congratulations Molly's Mart on your recent
 Ribbon Cutting!
 

Chamber News & Events Calendar
 
 

REMINDERS & NOTICES
  • The 2010-2011 Kent County Chamber of Commerce Directories have arrived!  In the interest of going green, saving on postage and administrative time & materials, copies are available at the Chamber Office and in the Visitor's Center at 122. N. Cross Street for you to pick up.  Please let someone in either of these office know if you do pick up your copy so we don't duplicate it by mailing a copy to you.  Thanks!
  • The AG Mixer, originally scheduled for November 5, has been rescheduled for September 16.  It will still be hosted by Crow FarmStay.  Please mark your calendars accordingly.
  • Jeff Carroll of The Fish Whistle has graciously offered to host the November Mixer on November 5.  Details to follow as the time gets closer.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
 

August 6, 2010
5:00 P.M.
Ribbon Cutting for Dollars & Sense Financial Services
357 High Street
Chestertown

August 12, 2010
12:00 P.M.
Kent County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting

at the Chamber Office, 122 N. Cross Street, Chestertown.  The meeting is open to all members. Please contact Loretta in advance if you plan on attending.
 
August 14 & 15, 2010
10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
The Chamber Booth will be at
Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend
in Rock Hall
Stop by and see us!

Remember!  If you have any literature you would like distributed from the Booth, please let Loretta know by no later than Wednesday, August 11.

If you are interested in manning the Booth for one or two hours on either day, please contact Loretta at 410/810-2968 or [email protected] to sign up!

RSVP for any of these events to Loretta at 410-810-2968 or
[email protected] or on our website at www.kentchamber.org




Member News & Events

Artworks
 
Gallery Show:  A STUDY IN CONTRASTS:  METAL AND GLASS
First Friday, August 6, 2010

Reception from 5:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M. - The artists will present an informal talk on their techniques and inspirations.

For more information, call 410-778-6300 or [email protected]
 
Smooth or rough, delicate or strong, subtle or vibrant.  In August the Artworks Gallery at 306 Park Row in Chestertown demonstrates how ordinary raw materials can become exquisite pieces of artwork when put in creative, skilled hands.
 
Chestertown craftsman Rob Glebe is back to curate the August show.  Artworks is honored to exhibit his new metal work along with glass art created by Douglas Conner of Millington and Patti and Hegland Glass of Chestertown.
 
Glebe is an award-winning artist who admits to a love of metal fabrication as well as pottery, bowls, and textures.  Originally from Pennsylvania, he began his career as a toolmaker eventually switching careers which lead to operating his own yacht service. In his spare time he began making lamps, furniture, and decorative art, and participated in local art shows. Five years ago with a leap of faith he embarked on his career as a metal artist.  He sees his opportunities and possibilities with metal as limitless.  Metal - who knew?
 
Douglas Conner is a glass artist from Millington who creates jewelry, seashells, and assorted sea life. While studying flameworked glass at Salem Community College, he worked with several world-renowned artists. He notes, "while glass is thousands of years old, the medium of glass in fine art has not been fully explored."
 
David and Patti Hegland create handcrafted contemporary functional and sculptural art glass. Both have studied with internationally-recognized artists in kiln-formed glass. Their work will be featured on the Artworks Studio Tour October 30-31 and November 6-7, at the Arts at Still Pond Station.
 
Regular hours are Wednesday through Friday, 12-3 and Saturday, 9-3.  The Artworks gift shop is also featuring a new selection of one-of-a-kind reasonably-priced items made by local artists. Proceeds benefit community art programs for adults and children. For more information on classes, membership, or shows, call 410-778-6300 or visit www.artworkschestertown.org.
 

Chesapeake College

Chesapeake Lab for Environmental Education (CLEEn)
Monday, August 16, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Dorchester Building, Board Room

Chesapeake College will present their proposed Chesapeake Lab for Environmental Education (CLEEn) in the Dorchester Building Board Room at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 16, 2010.  You will be able to view plans and talk informally with staff about the College's vision for the Upper Shore's first regional training center for green technologies.  This meeting will be held immediately after the ribbon cutting at 10:00 A.M. to open the newly renovated Kent Humanities Building.

It is anticipated that the Lab will become a substantial regional resource, and a vibrant part of the Chesapeake College curriculum.  The College's goal is to establish this facility as a demonstration and training tool for energy efficient technologies and to link that training with careers in green technologies.

If you plan on attending , please contact Anita Simpson, Executive Assistant to the President at 410/827-5802, or by email at [email protected], no later than August 5, 2010.


Chester River Health System

Golf Tournament to Benefit Cancer Center
Monday, September 20, 2010
Talbot Country Club
Easton, MD
 
The Shore Health System Golf Invitational will be held on Monday, September 20 at the Talbot Country Club in Easton.  Pepsi Bottling Ventures is the presenting sponsor for this fundraiser that benefits Shore Regional Cancer Center.
 
The tournament begins at 11:30 a.m. with a single shot gun start.  All golfers will receive a deluxe gift package, and beverages, lunch and snacks will be served on the course during play.  A reception and awards presentation will follow the tournament.
 
The Foursome entry fee is $1,500.  The Memorial Hospital Foundation welcomes Golf Invitational sponsors.  Sponsorship levels are: Eagle - $5,000; Birdie - $2,500; Pro - $1,000.  Tee sponsorships are also available at $100 for teams and $150 for individuals and businesses not playing in the tournament.  For more information, call the Memorial Hospital Foundation, 410-822-1000, ext. 5481


Galena Lions Club

Sixth Annual "Ride To See" Bicycle Tour of Kent County, MD
Saturday, August 14, 2010
  • Sponsored by Galena Lions Charities, proceeds from this ride will be used to proudly sponsor the Galena Lions' sight-oriented foundations, scholarship fund and community organizations.
  • Any financial support you may wish to contribute will be gratefully accepted.  Donations of $100 or more will sponsor a route and have your name and/or business displayed on a route sign along one of the four routes.
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law as goods and
services were not offered in exchange.


Kent County Public Schools

*Kent County High School Marching Band
to Play at The Gator Bowl
!*


January 1, 2011
Jacksonville, Florida


The Kent County High School Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Keith Wharton, will be traveling to Jacksonville, Florida to participate in the 5 mile Wynn Dixie Parade on December 31, 2010.  The highlight of the trip will be the band's halftime performance on the field during the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day.
 
The KCHS Music Boosters are currently in the process of raising money to cover the cost of the trip, including over $10,000 for transportation.  As a result of their "Cow Plop Bingo" event held during Rock Hall's 4th of July Celebration at the Civic Center, they raised over $5,500 towards the trip.  As you can see, they still have a long way to go in their fund-raising efforts.  They are asking local businesses and organizations for contributions so that their students can experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity & represent Kent County with Pride!
 
Contributions are being accepted at:
 
KCHS Music Boosters
c/o Grace Eyler, Treasurer
P.O. Box 210
Chestertown, MD 21620
 
Checks can be made payable to:  KCHS Music Boosters

PRINCE THEATRE

IMPROV NIGHT & TALENT SHOWCASE 
Friday, July 30 @ 7pm -
$5.00
 
The Prince Theatre Playmakers invite you to join them for a fun fundraiser.
Join in the fun as an audience member or, on stage as an IMPROV ARTIST!
 
FUNDRAISER supports Prince Theatre Education Programs & Scholarships 
 
*Additional Donations Encouraged 
 (and are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law)


SASSAFRAS RIVER BUSINESS COUNCIL

Open House
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
5:30 PM
Harbor Cafe
1 George Street, Georgetown
HOSTED BY:  SUSAN & JOHN ARCUICCI

Come join us for an evening of Networking and Business.  Stop by and have a drink or a snack with us and meet other local business leaders.  You may even walk out with a new client or lead!
 
****The Sassafras River Business Council will be holding their meeting during this event****


Washington College

Filmmaking and Photography Boot Camp
August 23, 24 & 25, 2010
Washington College

A letter from Brian Palmer
Manager, Multimedia Production Center
Washington College

Hello all,

I'm running a Filmmaking and Photography Boot Camp in August, and am looking for people with some sort of dynamic talent that might translate well to photos and/or video.  Off the top of my head, I'm picturing BMX street, street skaters, break dancers, dancers (in general), etc.  Are you a summer-saulting, gymnastics wiz?  Can you do crazy dunks on the basketball court?  Do you juggle fire?  Are you a karate or kung-fu kicking dynamo?  We need you!

What's in it for you?  You'll get a DVD disc with both high res images (for personal printing) and low res images (for web, Facebook, etc).  If your talent translates well to video, we'll include high quality video clips as well on the disc. Plus, you'll get to help inspire student of the visual arts!

We've got three available blocks of time, one of which we hope will align with your busy schedule.  Monday 8/23 from 12:30PM-6:00PM, Tuesday 8/24 from 1:30PM-6:00PM, and Wednesday 8/25 from 8:30AM-11:00AM.  

If this sounds intriguing to you, please contact me with your name and your talent, and which time(s) you are available.  We'll only need you for one block of time, but knowing you are potentially available for multiple times helps us coordinate things.  Please also include your email and phone number where you can be reached during the day.  Thanks!

-Brian

Brian Palmer
Manager, Multimedia Production Center
Office of Information Technologies
Washington College

[email protected]
(410)778-7864 (Office)
(410)810-5800 (Lab)
(443)282-6531 (Mobile)



IN THE NEWS



Business Tax Reform Commission Update

Thursday, July 22, 2010

By Ronald W. Wineholt
Vice President of Government Affairs
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 07:58 AM

Subcommittees of the Maryland Business Tax Reform Commission have met recently, as the Commission works to develop a consensus for its final report that is due by December 15, 2010.  Although no votes have been taken, considerable time and support has been devoted to the issues of corporate income tax changes such as combined reporting, single sales factor apportionment for all corporations, additional tax credit authority for local governments, and enhanced reporting accountability for business tax credits. 
The Commission is planning on public hearing in the late fall and final votes on recommendations in November.  If your business has concerns regarding these issues, we need you to contact us now. Contact Ron Wineholt for further information at [email protected].


$30 Million in Funding from the Recovery Act and FY 2010 Budget Appropriations to be Made Available to Qualified Small Businesses

Department of Energy Office of Public Affairs

Washington, DC (Thursday, July 15, 2010) - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced yesterday that $30 million in funding from the Recovery Act and FY 2010 budget appropriations will be made available to qualified small businesses to support the commercialization of promising new technologies. Today's funding announcement builds on the Department's existing efforts under the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR) to develop near-term clean energy technologies and support American small businesses that will play an important role in building the clean energy economy of the future. This is the first time DOE has offered Phase III awards under these small business programs.

"Small businesses are the engine of job creation and innovation, and we need their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to drive a clean energy economy," said Secretary Chu. "By helping America's small businesses bring these innovative technologies to market, we will spur economic growth and help reduce the country's energy use."

Small companies previously awarded Phase II grants through DOE's Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) or the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR) are eligible.  Projects that include developed technologies with a strong potential for commercialization and impact on U.S. manufacturing and job creation are encouraged to apply.  Successful applicants may receive up to $3 million over three years to research, develop, and deploy new technologies.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following technology areas of interest:
Biomass Technologies
1.Harvesting/Dewatering Technology for Algal Biofuels Production.

Buildings Technologies
1. Transitional Technology for Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)
2. SSL Products made from Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)
3. "Core" Technology for Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)

Fuel Cell Technologies
1. Advanced Materials for Fuel Cell Technologies
2. Bio-Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Geothermal Technologies, High Temperature Tools and Sensors
1. High Temperature Downhole Tools
2. High-Temperature-High-Volume Lifting
3. High Temperature Downhole MWD Tools for Directional Drilling

Industrial Technologies
1. Sensors and Controls
2. Industrial Membrane Process Systems
3. Advanced Materials
4. Integrated Reaction-Separation using non-thermal processes
5. Mitigation of Heat Losses, Fouling, and Scaling in key Manufacturing Unit Operations.

Solar Technologies - Lowering the Cost of Photovoltaics through Innovative Augmentation
1. Lightweight, Flexible and Low Cost Multi-junction Solar Cells
2. Static Module PV Concentrators
3. New Methods of Crystallizing Silicon

Vehicle Technologies
1. Technologies to Address Internal Heating in DC Bus Capacitors
2. Improved Magnetic Materials for Motors
3. Advanced Materials for Lightweight Vehicles

Wind Technologies
1. Advanced Wind Power Technologies and Systems

Fossil Energy
1. Pollution control
2. Advanced power systems
3. Stationary power fuel cells
4. Clean fuels
5. Carbon sequestration
6. Recovery of oil, natural gas, and methane hydrates
7. Advances in materials, sensors, monitors, controls, biotechnology, and computational processes

Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
1. Smart Grid Technologies and Systems
2. Electric Transmission Technologies
3. Superconducting Technology for Power Equipment
4. Advanced Materials for Power Electronics and Energy Storage

Nuclear Energy
1. Advanced Instrumentation and Control, Radiation Resistant Sensors, and Wireless On-Line Monitoring Systems for Nuclear Power Plant Applications

The deadline for submission of applications is August 4, 2010, at 8pm EST. 

Information regarding applications is available in the funding notice section at: http://www.er.doe.gov/sbir/. For more information about the DOE FY 2010 Phase III Xlerator Program please visit http://www1.eere.energy.gov.

  
THE EASTON PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 23, 2010) - Governor Martin O'Malley today issued the following statement regarding Post Master General Potter's decision to further investigate the possible impacts of the consolidation at the Easton Processing and Distribution Facility:
 
"We are pleased to learn of Postmaster General Potter's decision to further investigate the possible impacts of consolidation at the Easton Processing and Distribution Facility. This facility is vital to the entire Eastern Shore, servicing 91 rural and remote post offices.
 
The many families and small businesses that benefit from the excellent service provided by the employees in Easton have a right to have their voices heard in this matter. It is very encouraging to hear that additional public meetings will be scheduled should the Postmaster General decide to continue with the Area Mail Processing study.
 
The overwhelming opposition of the community, as demonstrated at the June 15 public meeting, has clearly sent a strong message to the United States Postal Service. This is too fragile an economic time to jeopardize 124 jobs on the Eastern Shore.  A consolidation at this facility would have a devastating ripple effect throughout the community and indeed the entire Delmarva Peninsula. I will continue to stand with Senators Mikulski and Cardin and Congressman Kratovil to ensure that the budget of the United States Postal Service is not balanced on the backs of the families of the Eastern Shore."