COC in Blue

 

Kent County Chamber of Commerce

122 North Cross Street

P. O. Box 146 

Chestertown, MD  21620
410.810.2968 Tel  |  410.778.1406 Fax 

 

CHAMBER NEWS                   JANUARY 2013  

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
News From & For Our Members
In the News & Around the State
Chamber Information
LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LORETTA LODGE 

    

PRESIDENT

DAVID BOWMAN

PNC Bank

 

PAST PRESIDENT

DOUG CAMP 

The Investor's Friend

 

TREASURER

DIANE BRANDT 

CNB Bank

     

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.

    

KATIE WARRINGTON 

Horizon Organic Dairy

 

LANSING WILLIAM

Washington College

OUR SPONSORS
CHAMBER EVENTS
1/10/2013
Chamber Board Meeting

12:00 P.M.
Chamber Office
122 N. Cross Street
Chestertown, MD  21620

01/24/2013

Excellence in Business Awards Gala

6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. 

Chester River Yacht & Country 7738 Quaker Neck Road 

Chestertown, MD  21620   

 
































Midnight Clock

    

From the Executive Director

 

Greetings & Happy New Year! 

 

As we close out 2012 and begin a new year in 2013 we have time to reflect on what has transpired over the last year and what our hopes are for the coming year.

   

2012 was a busy year for the Chamber.  We kicked off the year with the 2011 Annual Excellence in Business Awards at the Garfield Center for the Performing Arts at the Prince Theatre.  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 continue to maintain our membership level at just under 300 members.  I would like to see that number exceed the 300 mark, so if you know of anyone who could benefit from membership with the Chamber, please have them give me a call. 

 

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 are always very informative events, with the opportunity for you to talk with our representatives one-on-one.  So please remember to reserve your space for the upcoming Post-Legislative breakfast to be held in April. 

 

The Regional Chamber Mixer in May hosted by all five mid-shore counties (Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Talbot & Dorchester) and held at Chesapeake College was a great success, and one which we hope to duplicate this year.  

 

I want to thank our member businesses who hosted our monthly Business-After-Hours events held throughout the year.  They are:  Kent County Public Library, K&L Services and the National Music Festival, Haven Harbour Marina & High Tide Inn, Great Oak Manor, Champion Whiteley Realty and lastly Uncle Charlie's Bistro. 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!    

  

The annual Holiday Gala held at Uncle Charlies Bistro was well attended  with over 100 guests. The food, courtesy of Chuck Ministero and his staff, was wonderful and door prizes abounded.  I would be remiss if I did not thank those members who so generously donated gifts for the door prizes.  They are:  JBK True Value Hardware/Just Ask Rental, Crow Vineyard & Winery, BB&T, Cross Street Realtors, Sultana Projects, Anthony's Flowers & Landscaping, Houston's Dockside Emporium, River City Upholstery, Chesapeake Bank & Trust, Affinity Business & Technology Solutions, Atlantic Broadband, Lemon Leaf Cafe, McDonald's, Furniture Silo, and Molly's Place.  Your contributions to this event not only helped make the evening a success, they also raised funds from ticket sales.  The proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to the Kent County Food Pantry.  It was a great way to end the year with good food and good friends and contributing to a good cause.

 

Sadly, Doug Camp of the Investor's Friend is stepping down as the Chamber Board's President.  Doug has served on the Chamber Board since January 2008.  He served as the Chamber Board's Vice President in 2010 and as the President in 2011 & 2012.  He will remain on the Board as the Past President through this year.  Doug, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to move the Chamber forward and bring it to the forefront in Kent County.  Your leadership and friendship has been invaluable to all who have had the pleasure of working with you!  Thank you!

 

As Doug steps down, we welcome our new Chamber Board President, David Bowman of PNC Bank.  David has served on the Chamber Board since January 2010.  He has always been a credible resource for the Chamber and an active participant.  We look forward to a great year under your leadership David! 

 

Three Chamber Board Members were up for a re-election in December for the 2013-2015 three-year term.  The following three Board Members have been re-elected.  Diane Brandt, of CNB, Jon Hanley of Hanleyman Services , and Katie Warrington  of Horizon Organic Dairy.  Congratulations all!

 

2013 promises to be a busy year as well, beginning with the Pre-Legislative Breakfast which was held on January 7 at Heron Point with a record attendance, followed by the 2012 Annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala to be held at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club on January 24, 2013.  See the invitation later in this newsletter. 

 

I will keep you informed of upcoming SCORE Workshops, Business-After-Hours, the New Members' Breakfast and many other events and promotions planned for 2013  

  

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

  

P.S.  Did you know January is named after Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway.

 

 
         

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

  _________________________ 

    

 

 

Kent County Department

of

Parks & Recreation

 

Myra S. Butler, Director

11041 Worton Road

P.O. Box 67 

Worton, MD  21678 

Tel 410.778-1948

 [email protected] 

 www.kentparksandrec.org 

 

Kent County Department of Parks and Recreation is a division of the Kent County government and provides quality recreation programs and public parks to aid in improving quality of life for county residents.  We strive to create balanced opportunities for our patrons to play, learn and grow.   

   

~ ~ ~ 

 


Village Real Estate Company

John Carroll 

106 North Main Street
Galena, MD  21635

[email protected] 

www.villageagents.com

      

Village Real Estate Company is a boutique style real estate brokerage offering real estate services throughout the state of Maryland.  Based in Galena, MD  the firm opened for business in 2008 building a large B2B network with many national appraisal and default asset management firms.  Village Real Estate company is open for business Monday - Friday, 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., or by appointment.   

   

_________________________  
    

 Please join us in welcoming our newest

Chamber members!  

 

 
CHAMBER EVENTS 

Chamber Board Meeting
Thursday
, January 10, 2013 

12:00 P.M.

Chamber Office
122 N. Cross Street
Chestertown, MD


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

    

~ ~ ~ 

 

  

Excellence in Business Awards Gala

Thursday, January 24, 2013

6:00 P.M.

Chester River Yacht & Country 738 Quaker Neck Road 

Chestertown, MD  21620

 

See invitation below!

  

~ ~ ~    

The Economic Development Breakfast

originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 2013 has been postponed to an as-yet-unknown date.  

 

Further details to come 

   

  2012 Awards Invitation II-c  

 NEWS FROM & FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS 
Do you have news about your business that 
you want to share with our readers?


Genther Headshot
Cindy Genther - Broker of Record,
 Rock Hall Properties Real Estate

 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Cindy Genther, 443-480-1953

 

 

Genther Named Broker for Rock Hall Properties

 

Cindy Genther has become Broker of Record for Rock Hall Properties Real Estate in Rock Hall, MD. After 30 years as an executive in the high tech industry and three years as Executive Director for the Kent County Chamber of Commerce, Genther became a sales agent in 2009 for the newly formed Rock Hall Properties Real Estate. She was named 2011 Maryland Rookie Realtor of the Year and earned the Graduate, Realtor Institute designation in 2012. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Association of Realtors since 2010 and has had gross sales of $7M in the past three years.

 

"I am excited to take the helm at Rock Hall Properties Real Estate and grow our business on the Eastern Shore", said Genther. "Locally, the real estate market is showing signs of improvement with 14% more homes sold in Kent County in 2012 than in 2011. Average selling prices are starting to increase in Kent and neighboring counties. Our results-driven, client focused philosophy has enabled us to build our business during the recent real estate market downturn and has us well-positioned for future growth in this improving market."

 

Rock Hall Properties Real Estate is a full-service brokerage offering sales and leasing of residential and commercial property. They are leasing agents for more than 40 residential, retail and commercial properties and offer professional property management services.


 

 

Kent County Department of Tourism and Economic Development
Kent County Government Center
Phone 410-778-0416        400 High Street         Facsimile  410-778-2746
Chestertown, MD  21620 

   

 

Meeting time and location changed

 

CHESTERTOWN -- The location and time for the meeting planned for applicants to the Eastern Shore Militia re-enactment group, being formed for events associated with the War of 1812 bicentennial, have been changed.

 

The meeting will take place on Jan. 12, starting at noon, at the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels, 24750 Yacht Club Rd. For directions, search in Google for Miles River Yacht Club and select the map.

 

Applications are now being accepted for volunteers for the unit. The unit is being formed to participate in re-enactments, living histories, parades, ceremonies and presentations to help demonstrate what military life was like 200 years ago.

 

To serve as a soldier and handle weapons, members must be at least 18 years of age.

 

The Eastern Shore Militia is a project of the Eastern Shore War of 1812 Consortium, made possible with funding from the State of Maryland's War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot. It is being administered by the Historical Society of Kent County in cooperation with the Friends of Kent County, Maryland War of 1812, and the Eastern Shore War of 1812 Consortium.

 

For more information contact John Wyman at 443-350-6277 or email [email protected].

 

  
Kent County Department of Tourism and Economic Development
Kent County Government Center
Phone 410-778-0416        400 High Street         Facsimile  410-778-2746
Chestertown, MD  21620 

   

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE KENT COUNTY WAR OF 1812 COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR

TWO HISTORICAL SHOWS ON FEBRUARY 1ST AT 6PM

 

For Press and Production Questions:

CONTACT: Kent County Department Tourism and Economic Development         

PHONE: 410.778.0416                                             

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: http://kentcounty1812.org/


The Friends of Kent County, Maryland War of 1812 Committee is proud to announce auditions for its upcoming productions of "The Burning of Georgetown and Kitty Knight" and "Mitchell Becomes a Prisoner." Both productions are being developed by the War of 1812 Committee as integral components of the Maryland Star Spangled 200 Celebration.

 

In support of its mission to create awareness and inform residents, students, and visitors about the history of the War of 1812 in Kent County, the Committee is developing scripts to commemorate these two pivotal events. Auditions will be held on Friday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. All interested actors and re-enactors are asked to meet at the Kent County Historical Society's future Bordley History Center at 301 High Street in Chestertown. The Committee will be casting a total of 31 male and female actors and re-enactors for both productions, as well as looking for technical crews for both events.

 

"The Burning of Georgetown and Kitty Knight" commemorates Kitty Knight's successful campaign to save the Pearce home during the spring of 1813 British invasion of the Chesapeake Bay shores in Maryland. The Kitty Knight House is one of the structures that survived the May 6, 1813 British attack on Georgetown. Kitty Knight successfully saved the home by pleading with the British troops to spare the structure because of its elderly female occupant. A cast of 14 male and female actors is needed to depict this event which will be staged with two performances on Sunday, May 5.

 

Kitty Knight, aged 37 during the battle, is described as tall, with hazel eyes and raven hair. She never married and numerous accounts refer to her sharp tongue and fiery temper. In addition to Kitty Knight, at least three female actors are needed to portray villagers of all ages (these are non-speaking roles). Three male actors are needed to fill speaking roles. Leading the British effort and the campaign against Georgetown, was 41-year-old Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn, who started the Chesapeake campaign in April by taking possession of and neutralizing the bay islands. Captain Henry Byng, aged about 35, was noted by locals as displaying more civility than his naval counterparts. The events will be narrated by Dr. Edward Scott of Georgetown Crossroads. At least two male actors are also needed to portray villagers of all ages, and at least five male re-enactors are needed to portray British Soldiers.

 

"Mitchell Becomes a Prisoner" depicts the plundering of the plantation home of Joseph Thomas Mitchell on Sept. 3, 1813. It was on this day that Lieutenant Henry Crease landed with a small party of marines and sailors and made their way to the Mitchell farm located between present-day Tolchester and Caulk's Field, plundering the farm and even shooting Mitchell's horses. A cast of 17 male and female actors is needed to depict this event which will be staged with two performances on Sunday, Sept. 1.

 

Male speaking roles include 39-year-old Joseph Thomas Mitchell, merchant and farmer who came to Kent County from Charles County; and 29-year-old Lieutenant Henry Crease who was 1st Lieutenant, second in command, of the Menelaus and who led a small company to Mitchell's house, abducted him, and imprisoned him aboard the Menelaus. Non-speaking male parts include 10-year-old Robert Mitchell, at least four farm-hands/servants of any age, and four British sailors. The only female speaking role belongs to Anna Maria Mitchell, Joseph's 29-year-old wife. Non-speaking female roles include 12-year-old Louisa Mitchell and at least three farm-hands/servants of any age. This production will include a narrator who may be portrayed by a male or a female actor.

 

Those interested in portraying speaking and non-speaking roles, re-enacting, or being technical workers are encouraged to come to auditions which will consist of cold readings from the scripts on Friday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Kent County Historical Society building located at 301 High Street. The Friends of Kent County, Maryland War of 1812 Committee encourages anyone who is interested, regardless of experience, race, gender, or personal beliefs, to audition. The Committee endeavors to cast new faces and fresh talent through standard and/or non-traditional means to promote involvement. All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open to anyone auditioning without pre-casting or exclusion.

 

The Committee asks that auditioners please bring all rehearsal conflicts covering mid-February until the end of April for the May production of "The Burning of Georgetown and Kitty Knight" and covering mid-July until the end of August for the September production of "Mitchell Becomes a Prisoner." For further information, please contact the Kent County Tourism and Economic Development at 410-778-0416 or [email protected].

   

Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Business Day in Annapolis

January 15, 2013 - Loews Annapolis Hotel

 

Paul Reed Smith to Speak at Business Day


Paul Reed Smith, owner of PRS Guitars, will speak at Business Day in Annapolis on Tuesday, January 15, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel. The success of his company, like its guitars, was made in Maryland. Join us to learn more about his story and why PRS Guitars continues to choose Maryland as its headquarters.
 
Business Day in Annapolis will also connect you with key legislative decision makers in Annapolis and promote a strong pro-business, pro-jobs agenda. The event , which will begin at 7:30 a.m., will provide an outstanding opportunity to:

*    Network with hundreds of senior business leaders.
*    Preview the 2013 General Assembly session with the legislature's most influential leaders.
*    Promote the 2013 Business Agenda.
*    Visit your legislators.

Registration is $75 per person for Maryland Chamber members. The nonmember rate is $90. Register online or contact Kristen Solis at (410) 269- 0642, (301) 261-2858 or [email protected].
 
 
See Who is Attending
 
Agenda

7:30 a.m.
Registration and networking
8 a.m. Seated breakfast
8:30 a.m. Remarks by internationally renowned guitar manufacturer Paul Reed Smith
8:45 a.m. Legislative Briefing by Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch, Senate Minority Leader E.J. Pipkin and House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell
10 a.m. Meet with legislators from your home and work districts

 
Breakfast Sponsor
CareFirst  

Reach Business Leaders
Sponsorship opportunities are available to help your company gain recognition before a senior business leaders from throughout the state. Contact Jan Krueger for more information 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 8, 2013.
*    Cancellations received after January 8, 2013 are non-refundable.
*    If you have accessibility needs, please contact Kristen Solis at (410) 269-0642,
     (301) 261-2858 or [email protected].


  APPI Energy Forum

APPI Energy has enhanced our existing energy program for associations and their members. Education is critical to the executive decision-making process. APPI Energy's enhanced program delivers quarterly white papers and webinars designed around a series of online member surveys. Research findings will identify best practices and forecast how businesses intend to manage their energy needs going forward.

Conclusions from our survey data will be made available to you for use in your own publications, website, and social media activities. For more information, click here.

Please join us on either Wednesday, January 23, at 1:30 p.m. (EST) or Friday, January 25, at 10:00 a.m. (EST) to discuss how our enhanced program adds value to your association and your members. Register here

Best Regards,

Kathy Kiernan
Senior Vice President
APPI Energy
800-520-6685, extension 102
www.appienergy.com


Workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths can be a threat to the very survival of the small businesses.  Trauma to a worker can also be trauma for the business from increased costs for things such as workers' compensation insurance premiums or worker replacement processes.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published  a new online Small Business Safety and Health Resource Guide . It will help them find free or inexpensive information about protecting their workers. The guide includes:

  • More than 30 websites with resources from training guides and courses to workplace regulations, hazard checklists and emergency guidance.
  • Contact information for safety organizations and government safety agencies PLUS resources for specific industries such as convenience stores, construction sites, restaurants, and health care settings.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions about the guide. Protecting small business workers is in everyone's interest.

 

Ray Sinclair, Coordinator

Small Business Assistance and Outreach Program

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

4676 Columbia Pkwy
Cincinnati, OH 45226
[email protected]
513.533.8172

IN THE NEWS
&
AROUND THE STATE
MD Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate

 

 

MBBWL  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


 
Maryland's consumer alcohol advocates release positive economic impact report on chain store sales - $100 million additional business activity, 500 additional jobs
 
Baltimore, Maryland - December 19, 2012
 
Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws (MBBWL), Maryland's progressive alcohol consumer advocacy group, released today its commissioned economic impact study evaluating how chain store beer and wine sales would impact Maryland.  Performed by the Sage Policy Group ("Sage"), Maryland's foremost economic impact consulting firm, the study found the following if Maryland were to allow its chain retailers to sell beer and wine:   

 

  • Beer and wine sales in chain stores will generate an economic impact approaching $100 million annually. Upfront licensing fees would generate $72 million for the State of Maryland and permanent/annual fiscal impacts would exceed $22 million;
  • The availability of beer and wine at Maryland's chain stores will result in a net increase of 5.5% in total annual Maryland beer consumption (+$64.6 million) and a 6.5% increase in wine consumption (+$16.1 million);
  • Beer and wine sales at current off-premise license holders (e.g., liquor stores) will decline only 1.1% and 1.6% in dollar terms, respectively. This translates into an average of $13,624 in lost beer sales annually and $3,489 in lost wine sales annually per current off-premise license holder;
  • The number of jobs created directly and secondarily by expanded sales activity approaches 500.

 
"This report conclusively shows how much Maryland and its citizens would benefit from entering the 21st Century," said Adam Borden, President of MBBWL.  "We were surprised by the magnitude of impact and reassured that existing retail licensees would continue in business with little affect.  So many businesses and consumers would benefit from this law change that we hope they will contact their elected officials in Annapolis to make it a reality."
 
The report evaluated the impact on chain stores, existing licensees, in-state breweries and in-state wineries.  For a complete copy of "The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Better Wine & Beer Policy in Maryland", visit MBBWL's website.

Released by: Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws.  Our mission is to represent a diverse group of Maryland constituents in advocating for improved alcohol laws in our state.  Our 20,000+ member, consumer-led advocacy non-profit pushes to modernize Maryland alcohol law.  We led the fight to legalize wine shipping in Maryland which became law in 2011 and restaurant corkage which became law in 2012.   

Contact:

Adam Borden, President
Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws

Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO
Sage Policy Group

Phone:

443-570-8102

(410) 522-7243

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

   


Mikulski Letterhead Banner FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2012

 

CONTACT:

Rachel MacKnight

Matt Jorgenson

202-228-1122

                 

 

SENATOR MIKULSKI EXPECTED TO BECOME

CHAIRWOMAN OF THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Washington -- U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today announced that she is expected to become Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. She would be the Committee's first woman chair, succeeding Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), who sadly passed away on Monday.

 

"It's an honor and a privilege to be expected to follow the great leadership of Senator Inouye, one of my most treasured mentors, and become the Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee," Senator Mikulski said. "It is especially gratifying to be the first woman to lead this powerful Committee. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight for the day to day needs of the American people and the long range needs of the nation."

 

Senator Mikulski is expected to be ratified as Appropriations Chairwoman by her colleagues at tomorrow's Democratic Caucus meeting.

 

The Senate Appropriations Committee's role is defined by the U.S. Constitution, which requires "appropriations made by law" prior to the expenditure of any money from the Federal treasury. The Committee writes the legislation that allocates federal funds to the numerous government agencies, departments and organizations on an annual basis.


###


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!