COC Tonal Logw w/ Whtie Background

Kent County Chamber of Commerce

122 North Cross Street

Chestertown, MD  21620
P. O. Box 146
410.810.2968 Tel  |  410.778.1406 Fax
[email protected]
www.kentchamber.org

 CHAMBER NEWS

January 2012  

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
Welcome New Members
Chamber Events
Chamber Member News & Events
Chamber Information
Our Sponsors
Upcoming Chamber Events
Membership & Marketing Committee Meeting 
Thursday, January 5, 2012 
12:00 P.M. 
Chamber Office

Legislative Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 5, 2012 
3:30 P.M. 
Chamber Office 

Legislative Breakfast 
Monday, January 9, 2012 
8:30 A.M. 
Heron Point
RSVP by January 4 
 
Chamber Board Meeting 
Thursday, January 12, 2012
12:00 P.M

Chamber Office

2011 Excellence in Business Awards Gala
Friday, January 27, 2012
6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
The Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theatre
 
LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE BOARD

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LORETTA LODGE

 

PRESIDENT

DOUG CAMP 

The Investor's Friend

 

TREASURER

DIANE BRANDT 

CNB Bank

 

PAST PRESIDENT

KEN COLLINS 

WCTR Broadcasting, LLC   

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

 

DAVID BOWMAN 

PNC Bank

 

BOB GREENWALD 

East Coast Storage

 

JON HANLEY 

Hanleyman Services, LLC

 

JIM RICH 

Inn at Huntingfield Creek

 

JIM ROSS 

Chester River Health System

 

BILL RUCKELSHAUS 

Champion Realty, Inc. 

 

JAY SILCOX 

David A. Bramble, Inc.

 

KATIE WARRINGTON 

Horizon Organic Dairy

 

LANSING WILLIAMS 

Washington College

 

Happy New Year 2012 

From the Executive Director

   

Greetings & Happy New Year! 

 

As we close out 2011 and begin a new year in 2012 we have time to reflect on what has transpired over the last year and what our hopes are for the coming year.

   

2011 was a busy year for the Chamber.  We kicked off the year with the 2010 Annual Excellence in Business Awards at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club.  There was a tremendous turn-out and we had a wonderful evening celebrating the "Best of the Best" of our membership.  Again, congratulations to all of our awardees.   

 

Though times have been difficult economically, we have managed to maintain our membership level at just under 300 members.

 

Both Pre- and Post-Legislative Breakfasts held in February and April, hosted by Heron Point were well-attended with many of our local legislators present.  These can be very informative events, so please remember to reserve your space for the upcoming Pre-Legislative breakfast to be held next week on Monday, January 9. 

 

The Joint Kent & Queen Anne's County Mixer in May was a great success, in spite of monsoon type weather!  I wish to thank all our members who provided fabulous fare for the event; Fish Whistle, Osprey Point, Crow FarmStay, Simply Bed & Bread, Against the Grain, Jammin' Jesse's and Lemon Leaf Cafe, as well as Flower Child for the beautiful flower arrangements and Eastern Shore Tents and Events for providing tables and linens.

 

I also want to thank our member businesses who hosted our monthly Business-After-Hours events held throughout the year - Osprey Point, Sommers Enterprises, Chester River Hospital & Artworks, Rock Hall Yacht Club, JLS Designs & Chester River Docks, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, and Champion Realty. Your participation and contribution to the Chamber and your fellow members is greatly appreciated and provides invaluable opportunities for networking and making that face-to-face contact that can broaden your customer base and enhance your bottom line.    

   

The annual Kent County Chamber of Commerce County Map and the annual Chamber Business Directory were published in January and July, respectively.  Both of these publications have been distributed widely throughout Kent County and the surrounding area as well as to visitors and new community residents.  Advertising in these publications does get the word out!    

  

In November we rolled out our new "Proud Member" Logo exclusively for our Chamber members to be used on any advertising or promotional materials, letting your client base know you are proud to be a member of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.

  

In December, the Chamber introduced our new Chamber Member Card.  Not only does this card identify you as a Proud Member of the Chamber of Commerce, it also entitles you to discounts on goods and services at our participating member businesses.  A list of participating businesses can be found on the Chamber website at www.kentchamber.org.  Remember, if you wish to add your business name to the growing list of member businesses providing discounts to other members, please contact the Chamber Office.  A big thanks to The UPS Store (a participating member) for the design and sponsorship of this card!   

 

Also in December, the annual Holiday Gala was held at the Fish Whistle restaurant with over 100 in attendance. The food, courtesy of Jeff Carroll and his staff, was wonderful and door prizes abounded, courtesy of Atlantic Broadband, Blue Bird Tavern, Brittland Estates, Chester River Bike & Paddle, Craig Damon Architect, Crow Farm, Echo Hill School, Houston's Dockside Emporium, J. Michael Kelly, Michael Wootton, Sailing Emporium, Turner's Unlimited, and Worton Creek Marina. Proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to the Community Food Pantry.  It was a great way to end the year with good food and good friends and a festive beginning for the holiday season.  

 

Three Chamber Board Members were up for a re-election in December for the 2012-2014 three-year term.  The following three Board Members have been re-elected.  Jim Rich, of Inn at Huntingfield Creek, Jim Ross of Chester River Health System, and Bill Ruckelshaus of Champion Realty.  Congratulations gentlemen!

 

2012 promises to be a busy year as well, beginning with the Pre-Legislative Breakfast on January 9 at Heron Point, followed by the 2011 Annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala to be held at the Garfield Center for the Performing Arts at the Prince Theatre, catered by the Imperial Hotel. Look for your invitation coming soon to your inbox

 

We will keep you informed of upcoming SCORE Workshops, Business-After-Hours, the New Members' Breakfast and many other events and promotions planned for 2012.  

  

In addition to our Chamber Members, I would like to thank the Chamber's Board of Directors for their unwavering support and guidance of the Chamber throughout the year and I look forward to working with all of you during the coming year.

 

Loretta

Loretta M. Lodge

Executive Director

          

Welcome New Members 

      

The following businesses have recently made an important investment in their future and a significant commitment to the community by joining the

Kent County Chamber of Commerce

  _________________________ 

 

 

  

 Alton Darling Construction Company  

408 High Street

Chestertown, MD 21620

410.778.3636

 www.kentcountylibrary.org  

 

Building Community One Reader at a Time

in 

Kent County, Maryland 

~~~

Corner Print Shop

101 Spring Avenue, Suite 3

P.O. Box 981  

Chestertown, MD 21620

410.778.3546

www.cornerprintshop.com  

"If you can think it, we can ink"
The Corner Print Shop is your one stop shop for all your business and personal in print and online services. No job is too small. We offer copy, print, typing, design and fax services.
~~~
DBS

191 Airport Road

New Castle, DE  19720

302.395.0900

  www.dbs4pos.com

  

 Established in 1983, DBS is a leading provider of point of sale systems and services to the hospitality and retail industries.  Our footprint covers the entire Delmarva peninsula and beyond.  

~~~

ES Wargotz, P.A.

P.O. Box 369  Grasonville, MD  21638  410-570-0305

 

 Medical Consulting; Physician services; Laboratory operations consulting 

~~~

National Music Festival

875 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD, 21620 
410.810.0163
www.mcmaryland.com/12960
~~~
Welcome back to Returning Member
Henry Gruber 
  

 Please join us in welcoming our newest

Chamber members!

 

 

Chamber Events

_______________ 

      

 

 
Membership & Marketing Committee
Meeting
 

Thursday, January 5, 2011

12:00 P.M.

Chamber Office, 122 N. Cross Street, Chestertown

  

~~~~~
 
Legislative Committee Meeting 
 

Thursday, January 5, 2011

3:30 P.M.

Chamber Office, 122 N. Cross Street, Chestertown
  
~~~~~

 

Kent County Chamber of Commerce

Legislative Pre-Session Breakfast

 

Monday, January 9, 2012

8:30 A.M.

Heron Point

501 East Campus Avenue, Chestertown, MD

 

You are cordially invited to the

Legislative Pre-Session Breakfast

at Heron Point, Chestertown

 

This is your opportunity to hear directly from our Legislators and find out what challenges they face during the upcoming 2012 State Legislative General Session and how these issues will impact your business.

 

State and Federal Delegates and Senators and the

Kent County Commissioners have been invited.

 

$10/members and $15/non-members

 

Deadline for Reservations:  Wednesday, January 4, 2011

 

RSVP to Loretta at 410/810-2968 or [email protected] or online at www.kentchamber.org

    

~~~~~

     

Kent County Chamber of Commerce 

Board Meeting 

 

Thursday, January 12, 2011

12:00 P.M.

Chamber Office, 122 N. Cross Street, Chestertown

  

The meeting is open to all members.  Please contact Loretta at 410/810-2968 or 
[email protected] if you plan on attending.
 

  

   
   


SENIOR DISCOUNTS
IN KENT COUNTY

Approximately three years ago, the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and the Kent County Commission on Aging collaborated to develop a brochure, listing discounts available for seniors.  At that time over 50 local businesses participated.  We realize that this document needs updating since several new businesses have opened and some have closed.  In order to complete this task, we need your assistance!

 

Providing discounts for seniors, even if it is only one day a week, can increase your retail sales and will help our older residents financially. 

 

If you would like to participate in this project, please send the following information by January 13, 2012 to:

Pat Clarke at [email protected]
or 
Loretta Lodge at [email protected] 


Business Name:
Address:
Contact Person:
Phone Number:
Discount % or Amount:
Minimum Age to Qualify for Senior Discount:
Day(s) Discount is Available:



Chamber Member News & Events
________________ 


 

Avery Hall Holiday Donation 2011 Avery Hall Benefit Solutions recently donated funds to two Eastern Shore charities from its annual holiday bowling party held at the Easton Bowling Center. The company donated five cents for each pin that was knocked down and divided the donation between the Mid Shore Brighter Christmas Fund and the Village of Hope in Salisbury. Pictured are employees of both the Easton and Salisbury offices.

 

  Avery Hall Benefits Logo

             Contact: Cindy Whaley, President

     410-822-7300

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD - DECEMBER 21, 2011)

 

Avery Hall Benefit Solutions Donates to Brighter Christmas Fund and Village of Hope

 

Avery Hall Benefit Solutions, with locations in Easton and Salisbury, recently held its annual holiday party at the Easton Bowling Center. The company donated five cents for each pin that was knocked down and divided the donation between the Mid Shore Brighter Christmas Fund and the Village of Hope in Salisbury. The donation to the Village of Hope went toward its new children's facility and library, along with books that the employees donated.

 

Since 1984, Avery Hall Benefit Solutions (www.averyhall.com) has provided health, Medicare supplement plans, and Medicare prescription drug plans for individuals and families, and employee benefit packages, including life, disability, dental and vision insurance for businesses on Maryland's Eastern Shore and in Delaware.   The company is an affiliate of Avery Hall Insurance Group.

 

 

AMY STEWARD
114 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 28
EASTON, MD 21601
410-829-0436
[email protected]

 

 

 

 


Willow Construction, LLC Announces that

Estimator Justin Hiner Graduates from
Shore Leadership Program

For Immediate Release (Easton - January 2012)

Justin Hiner of Cordova, Maryland and Estimator for Willow Construction, LLC recently completed Shore Leadership's leadership development and community education program. Modeled after national and regional leadership organizations, Shore Leadership was formed in 1997 to promote a regional approach among local leaders for addressing community issues.

Justin was among 19 Eastern Shore executives and members of senior management who were selected to take part in the program.

Meeting for day-long sessions once a month April through November, the group explored regional interests relating to legacy, technology, economic development, community, healthcare, agriculture & environment, education and government.

The program began with an overnight retreat in April at the Aspen Institute in Queenstown.

Following their December 2011 graduation ceremony, the class members join a network of over 300 alumni leaders from the upper, mid and lower Shore.

"Our participants engage in a broad range of experiences focused on the Eastern Shore as a whole-its people, its needs, and its services," according to Marcia Bryan a member of the Class of 2006 and President of Shore Leadership. "Through face-to-face discussions with community leaders, these
class members had a unique opportunity to hone their leadership skills and develop a better understanding of the shared challenges and opportunities of this region."

For more information about Shore Leadership, becoming a sponsor or applying for a future class, contact Susan Parenteau at 856-981-0754 or 

 

           
Send your member news to
[email protected]

 


IN THE NEWS & AROUND THE STATE

________________ 

 

ESBLN  Eastern Shore Business Leadership Network

Putting Ability to Work                          www.esbln.org

By Jackie Gast

 

 

A large number of federal contractors and subcontractors here on the shore and nationally will be affected by the possible changes in the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs' proposed rulemaking on Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.   Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said, "This proposed rule represents one of the most significant advances in protecting the civil rights of workers with disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act."  Public comments on the rule, identified by RIN number 1250-AA02, are invited and must be submitted by February 7, 2012 at www.regulations.gov.  

The following are excerpts taken directly from the U.S. Department of Labor's website, http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/sec503/Sec503_Media_Release_2011-12-07.htm.

 

The departments' Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs'(OFCCP) proposed rule, published December 9, 2011, would strengthen the affirmative action requirements established in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 obligating federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure equal employment opportunities for qualified workers with disabilities. The proposed regulatory changes detail specific actions contractors must take in the areas of recruitment, training, record-keeping and policy dissemination-similar to those that have long been required to promote workplace equality for women and minorities. In addition, the rule would clarify OFCCP's expectations for contractors by providing specific guidance on how to comply with the law.

 

For more information, please click here

 

 

January 19, 2012
Business Day in Annapolis
  Loews Annapolis Hotel
126 West Street
Annapolis, Maryland, 21401

Join Hundreds of Business Leaders in Annapolis

Business Day in Annapolis on Thursday, January 19, 2012, will connect hundreds of business leaders with decision makers in Annapolis to promote a strong pro-business, pro-jobs agenda. This event, which will be held at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, beginning at 7:30 a.m., is an outstanding opportunity to:

  • Network with hundreds of other Maryland business leaders.
  • Learn about the impact federal budget cuts will have on Maryland from Congressman Christopher Van Hollen (D-Dist. 8), a member of the 12 member congressional "super committee" working on a deficit deal.
  • Preview the 2012 General Assembly session with the legislature's presiding officers and minority leaders.
  • Promote the 2012 Business Agenda.
  • Visit your legislators.

Registration is $50 per person ($65 after December 16) for Maryland Chamber members. The nonmember rate is $85. Register online  or contact Kristen Solis at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or  [email protected].

  

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available to help you gain visibility before an engaged and influential business audience. For more information, contact Jan Krueger at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or [email protected] .

  

Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Member rate applies to all employees of Maryland Chamber member companies.
  • Payment must accompany registration by January 12, 2012.
  • Cancellations received after January 12, 2012 are non-refundable.
If you have dietary or accessibility needs, please contact Kristen Solis at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or [email protected] .
 

 

November 16, 2011

    

Dear BBB Accredited Business:

 

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Office of Boards and Commissions has designed a short survey to help the State better understand the needs of the small business community.

 

BBB invites you to participate in the short survey on behalf of the Commission. The greater the participation of businesses like yours, the greater the value of the data. The information collected through the survey will be used to help support Maryland's small business community. 

The survey is anonymous and while participation is voluntary, your assistance is very much appreciated!
 

  

--To access the survey, click here--    

 

Thank you,

 BBB Logo

BBB | GMD

 


 


Chamber Information  

_________________________  


  • E-Blasts - Broadcast E-Mail Service Now Available!

The Chamber now offers an E-Blast service to all of our members.  In an effort to help you build your business and get your message out efficiently and cost effectively, the Chamber office will send an email specifically on your behalf to all Chamber members and non-members who have signed up for our mailing list.  This is an excellent way to announce new products, services or events.  As a Chamber member, you can take advantage of this service at a very reasonable cost of $25.  Please contact the Chamber office for further details.

  • SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives)   

Invites retired executives to become counselors for new and existing local businesses. Contact Damon Bradley at SCORE to get more information: [email protected] 

  • Help Us Help You.  Keep Your Business Information Current! 

Please remember to contact Loretta in the Chamber office if you have any changes or updates to your business contact information.  We want to keep all of our members' information current.

 

  • Member-To-Member Benefit Program

This program allows any Chamber member to offer discounts on their products and services to other Chamber members and their employees.  Even if you do not offer a discount to fellow members, as a Chamber member, you may take advantage of the discounts offered by other members.  

 Don't miss out!  Sign up for this program today.

Call Loretta at 410/810-2968 or email at [email protected]   


The following businesses are participating members.
Please support these businesses!

 

 



  OUR SPONSORS

 

 

PLATINUM
PNC Bank


GOLD

Atlantic Broadband

CNB

 

SILVER

Chester River Health System 

Horizon Organic Dairy 

The Peoples Bank

Washington College

 

BRONZE

Affinity Business & Technology Solutions

Sears Hometown Store - Chestertown

WCTR Broadcasting, LLC