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| Kent County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter |
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Kent County Chamber of Commerce
122 North Cross Street
P. O. Box 146
Chestertown,MD 21620
410.810.2968 Tel | 410.778.1406 Fax
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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.
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CHAMBER NEWS  JULY 2015
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LEADERSHIP
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LORETTA LODGE
PRESIDENT
DIANE BRANDT
CNB
VICE PRESIDENT KEN COLLINS WCTR BROADCASTING, LLC TREASURER
LINDA DAWSON
KENT FORWARD
PAST PRESIDENT
DAVID BOWMAN
THE PEOPLES BANK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SALLY CAMP
The Fiduciary's Friend
DR. KAREN COUCH
Kent County Public Schools
SUZANNE EINSTEIN
Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters
CREG FLEETWOOD
FAM&M Insurance Agency, Inc.
BOB GRACE
Dixon Valve & Coupling Company
BOB GREENWALD
East Coast Storage
LORI KERN
Chesapeake Benefit Services, Inc.
STEWART SEITZ
UM Shore Nursing
& Rehabilitation Center
LANSING WILLIAMS
Washington College
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UPCOMING EVENTS
7/09/2015
Chamber Board Meeting
12:00 P.M.
Chamber Office
122 N. Cross Street
7/16-18/2015
Kent Ag Center, Inc.
21349 Tolchester Beach Rd.
Chestertown, MD
8/19/2015
Ribbon Cutting
10:00 A.M. Chesapeake College
Health Professions and Athletic Center
9/17/2015
Ribbon Cutting
&
Open House
Physically FITch
329 Cannon Street
Chestertown, MD
9/24/2015
Business-After-Hours
Rotary Club of Chestertown
Lelia-Hynson Pavillion
Chestertown, MD
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From the Executive Director
Greetings! Summer is in full swing and I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend with family and friends! Here at the Chamber I am putting the final touches on the 2015-2016 Kent County Chamber Business Directory. As soon as it arrives, a copy will be distributed to each of our members. Additional copies will be available at the Visitors Center in downtown Chestertown, the Department of Tourism at 400 High Street in Chestertown, and at all Chamber events held throughout the year in the County. The Directory is the perfect way to get your name out there to local businesses, residents of Kent and surrounding counties, as well as those visiting and relocating to our area. In thinking about what a valuable tool the Chamber's annual Business Directory can be for our Chamber members, I began thinking about some effective strategies for our members to let others know that they are proud members of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. After all, people like doing business with businesses that belong to their local chamber of commerce. In fact, a national survey* of 2,000 adults revealed that being active - not just being a member, but being active - in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. Why? Because more than two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices. They are considered to be reputable. Consumers sense that they care about their customers. And consumers feel good in knowing that these businesses are involved in the local community. * The study was conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives. Additionally, if a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber, (i.e., serves on the Chamber Board or a Chamber committee, sponsors a Chamber event, or volunteers for Chamber events), consumers are 10% more likely to think that business' products stack up better against its competition. You could offer the very same products as your competitors, but consumers will perceive yours as superior because of your chamber affiliation. Now that's a credential worth utilizing! If you are not currently a member of the Chamber, perhaps you want to consider the above and join the Chamber. For more information, call me at 410-810-2968 or visit our website at www.kentchamber.org. If you are already a member, perhaps you want to examine whether you're effectively showing off your business credential of Chamber membership! Here are some effective strategies for proclaiming you're a proud member of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce! - The easiest, most visible, no-cost way to boast about YOUR Chamber connection is by showing off your membership decal. You get a new one every year when you renew your membership. Take a stroll outside your front door; imagine you're coming in for the first time. Can you see your decal? Is it affixed at eye level, near the handle to your main entry doorway? Is the glass around it clean and free of other notices or stickers that might distract from it? Remember, this is part of your business strategy - make the decal work for you!
- Do you include the Chamber's "Proud Member" logo on your letterhead, invoices and advertising materials? Think of how many pieces of mail and electronic communications you send out in a year. That's equal to the number of times you can say, "Hey, my business is a proud member of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and we support our business community!" If you need a digital version of the "Proud Member" logo, contact me at the Chamber office.
- Do you invite your business acquaintances to join you at Chamber events? That's a powerful way to show how well known and respected you are in your community!
- Do you talk up your Chamber in the community? Do you share what's happening at the Chamber with your personal contacts? Remember, the Chamber works on behalf of the entire community, so it's very possible that everyone you meet has been touched by the Chamber is some way. Let folks know that you are part of that success!
The Kent County Chamber of Commerce is here to provide opportunities for your business. It's up to you how well you take advantage of those opportunities
Until next month, enjoy this beautiful weather!
Loretta
Loretta M. Lodge
Executive Director
"The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to
every evening think what can be done better tomorrow."
- Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA founder
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THANKS TO OUR 2015 SPONSORS
(Click on any of the logos below to visit their website!)
2015 Platinum Sponsorship
2015 Silver Sponsorships
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New Member Welcome
The following business has recently made an important investment in their future and a significant commitment to the community by joining the
Kent County Chamber of Commerce.
We urge the membership to use the goods and services of other Chamber members.
This is what the Kent County Chamber of Commerce is all about.
_________________________
99 N. Queen Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
443.288.6280
Brenda Wilkins
_________________________
Please join us in welcoming our newest
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Send Us News of Your Business and We Will Publish It for FREE!
You are invited to submit a FREE announcement about your business for each weekly Chamber NewsFlash. The content of your message should be about something that's happening in your business, announcement about an employee, an award that your business has won, etc. This space is not intended to be used for advertising. Please limit your message to 100 words or fewer. It's a great way to get your business noticed! Please note that your article may be edited for spelling, grammatical errors and/or length. Photos are welcomed. Submit your announcement to kentchamber@verizon.net.
Chamber NewsFlashes are published every Tuesday.
Deadline for submission is Friday to be included in the following Tuesday's NewsFlash.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Richard Fleetwood The UPS Store
410-778-9446
THE UPS STORE IN CHESTERTOWN
CELEBRATES 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
CHESTERTOWN, MD June 29, 2015 - During the month of July 2015, The UPS StoreŽ, located at Washington Square Plaza, is celebrating its 25th-year anniversary. To honor the occasion and demonstrate their continued commitment to the community, the location is hosting a month-long celebration.
Stop in any time and receive discounts on many different services.
"Since opening our doors on July 3, 1990, it's been a pleasure getting to know our customers. We take pride in helping to meet their individual shipping, postal and business needs," said Richard Fleetwood, The UPS Store franchisee. "We're looking forward to many more years of serving the Kent County, MD community."
In addition to domestic and international shipping via UPS, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service, The UPS Store offers full-service packaging; digital printing and online printing; black-and-white and color copies; document finishing (binding, laminating, etc.); printing services (business cards, letterhead, banners, posters, canvas prints, rubber stamps, etc.); notary; custom crating and shipping for large items (furniture, artwork, motorcycles, etc.); mailbox and postal services; office and packaging supplies; and more.
The UPS Store is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information, call 410-778-9446 or visit www.theupsstorelocal.com/1198.
About The UPS Store
With more than 4,400 locations, The UPS Store network comprises the world's largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers throughout the United States. The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS. For additional information on The UPS Store, including information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit www.theupsstore.com.
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Meet Amy Smith, Supervisor of Assessments for Kent County at the July 9th breakfast meeting of the Kent Community Breakfast Group (CBG). Amy will tell us more about tax exempt property in Kent County. The Maryland General Assembly has limited such exemptions because all other property owners are indirectly subsidizing any exemptions granted by reducing the base of persons obligated to pay taxes. However, there are still many ways in which property can be made exempt from paying property tax. Guidelines for the various types of exemptions include the following: Religious: Religious groups may receive an exemption for properties used exclusively for public religious worship, a parsonage or convent or educational purposes. The law does not extend this type of exemption to properties owned by religious groups that are used as a caretaker's residence, a residence for a minister of music, or a residence for an administrator or other employee. Charitable: These groups must demonstrate that the use of the property serves the traditional objects of charity and not just merely providing a service to a particular segment of the community. Moreover, non-profit use is not the equivalent of charitable. Fraternal, Sororal: These organizations are generally limited to receiving an exemption on property used as a meeting location. Educational: These groups must show that the property's use adds to the systematic dissemination of education or knowledge to the general public of Maryland. Hobby support organizations do not meet the tests for receiving this type of exemption. Blind Persons: Those persons with a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye may receive, with a doctor's certification, an exemption of $15,000 of assessment reduction on the dwelling house and surrounding yard. Legally blind persons may apply at any time and need not meet the general September 1 filing deadline. Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses: Armed Services veterans with a permanent service connected disability rated 100% by the Veterans Administration may receive a complete exemption from real property taxes on the dwelling house and surrounding yard. These veterans also may apply at any time and do not have to meet the September 1 filing deadline. Non-remarried surviving spouses also may apply for this exemption. Surviving spouses of military personnel killed in the line of duty may apply for an exemption. Other Exemptions: There are other special tax exemptions granted to government owned properties, cemeteries, community water systems, fire companies and rescue squads, historical societies, housing authorities, environmental conservation groups, and certain specifically named organizations. The CBG meets for breakfast every Thursday at 7:30AM at the Holiday Inn Express in Chestertown. Our meetings start promptly at 7:30AM, so you may want to come at 7:15AM to get your breakfast before the meeting. Our website is www.kentcbg.org.
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  JIM O'LEARYNATURE AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHYAT KENT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARYIf the name Jim O'Leary sounds familiar, it might be because you know him in his capacity as a scientist rather than an artist. His day job is as the Senior Scientist at the Maryland Science Center and you may have heard him on WYPR as the co-host of SkyWatch or seen him on TV interpreting space science and astronomy for the general public.
This month, you have the opportunity to get to know Jim O'Leary as a photographer through his "Nature and Wildlife Photography" exhibit, which is on display at Kent County Public Library's Chestertown branch and can be viewed anytime the library is open. A reception hosted by Mr. O'Leary will be held on Wednesday, July 15 from 5-7pm. All are welcome to attend, meet the artist, and mingle with others who appreciate art.
"I have always enjoyed photographing nature and wildlife," Mr. O'Leary writes. "A butterfly on a flower, an egret on a pond, a bird in flight - all prompt a certain sense of wonder and inspire me to try and preserve it. Seeing these images gives me an appreciation of the majesty and diversity of our natural world. With these images I hope to share that joy of nature with others."
For more information about this exhibit or to learn about exhibiting artwork at KCPL, please call 410-778-3636 or visit KCPL's website: kentcountylibrary.org. |
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The Peoples Summer Concert Series Back By Popular Demand
Back again for a return performance is The Peoples Summer Concert Series. Once again the concerts will be held in Fountain Park. This year they will be on Wednesdays: July 15, 22 and 29. We hope that you will come out and enjoy a pleasant evening in the Park with friends, family, and GOOD MUSIC. Line up: July 15, our own Lions of Bluegrass, July 22, the new band that is taking Chestertown by storm Phil Dutton and the Alligators; and for a taste of the islands and popular rock July 29 we will present the Chris Sacks Band.
Concerts start at 6:30 P.M.
Should there be inclement weather the concerts will be at the Chestertown Fire House.
Questions: call Karen 410-778-3500.
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 1ST PIRATES & WENCHES 5-K RUN/WALK
Sunday, August 9, 2015
For the Eighth year, Rock Hall, MD will be hosting the Annual Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend Festival on AUGUST 7-9, 2015. This year, the festival will be hosting a new 5-K event and donating proceeds to the Rock Hall Elementary School P.T.A. The "1st Annual Pirates & Wenches 5-Run/Walk & Kiddie K" will kick off Sunday, August 9 th 9:00 a.m. The Kiddie K Run for children is FREE (10 yrs. & under) and will start at 8: 50 a.m. at the Rock Hall Elementary School, 21230 Sharp Street, Rock Hall, MD.
Registration is $ 20.00 until August 2; $ 25.00 after and on event day. Register on line at TriSportsevents.com - or- make checks payable to GRHBA and mail to TriSports Events, 2772 Hazlettville Rd., Dover, DE 19904. Registration forms are also available by contacting Peg McHugh, peg.mchugh2@gmail.com. Other questions, email Tri-Sports contact Ray@TriSportsEvents.com Proceeds from this year's event will be donated to the Rock Hall Elementary P.T.A. Many local Rock Hall businesses have jumped on board this year to provide donations to support the School & 5-K. Sponsors of this year's "1st Annual Pirates & Wenches 5-K" are the following: Commodore Level sponsor, The Mainstay; Captain level sponsors are: Haven Harbour Marina, Greater Rock Hall Business Association, and Rock Hall Properties. Local businesses providing donations at the Mate Level are: Rock Hall Lumber, Miss Asheri Charters, Rock Hall Marine Consignment, American Legion Riders Post 228, and Copper Pearl Confections. In addition, Java Rock will be providing water bottles. Silent Hero participants are accepted if you cannot attend but would like to show your support. Simply register as a silent hero! We appreciate your support.
Awards to overall male/female and master winners, top 3 male/female runners in categories 10 and under through 70 & over and top 5 male/female walk finishers. Ribbons to all Kiddie K finishers. Refreshments available to participants at finish. The awards ceremony will be held at Rock Hall Elementary School at 10:30 a.m. *Pirate attire is encouraged and awards will be given for best dressed male/female participants. Quality "Pirates & Wenches 5-K" TECH SHIRTS to all registered participants. Enjoy the party atmosphere, grub, grog, treasure hunt, live entertainment, music, vendors, artisans, and all other post-race festivities at the Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend! Results and photos of the 5-K will be posted at TriSportsEvents.com. See you at the Races!
After the race, be sure to stick around for music, merchants and more mayhem on Main Street from 10 am - 4 pm. Kids will find much to do in the Kid's Cove with entertainment, games, a live pirate encampment, face-painting, tattoos and more! Shop Main Street while enjoying live music and plenty of grub and grog. Join in the Town-wide Treasure Hunt to win cash prizes or enter to win the Kids and Pets Costume Contest. This is surely a weekend you won't want to miss!
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Kent County Office
4-H EVENTS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BY ELIZABETH M.S. HILL, FEA, 4-H Youth Development
4-H COMING EVENTSVolunteers needed in 4-H: Looking for volunteers as Kent County Fair 4-H Division chairpersons, judges and much more! Call the Extension Office if interested, 410-778-1661. The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.  |
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Kent County
COMING EVENTS
BY AG DEPARMENT, UME Kent Co. ................................................................................................. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Every TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY, 8:30 a.m.-Noon, Sabine Harvey, Horticulture Program Assistant & Master Gardener. Free service. Help with home horticulture problems & questions. Call 410-778-1661 or stop in and talk to Sabine. Bring plant samples with you for cultivar & disease identification. The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. La Universidad de Maryland es una institución con Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo y con Igualdad de Acceso a Programas. If you need special assistance to participate in the (meeting/program), please contact the University of Maryland Extension Kent County Office at 410-778-1661.
JULY 2015:
07 - Timely Ag Issues, 7:30 a.m., Tilghman Terrace, Centreville, MD. $2/person: coffee, donuts, etc.
08 - Queen Anne's County Farm Bureau Picnic, Queen Anne's Co. 4-H Park, Centreville, MD. Call 410-758-0166
for more info.
15 - Acreage reporting deadline at Farm Service Agency. Call 410-778-5353.
16, 17, 18 - KENT COUNTY FAIR! Kent Ag Center, 21349 Tolchester Beach Road, Chestertown, MD. Call 410-
778-1661 for details or visit: https://www.extension.umd.edu/kent-county/4-h-youth/kent-county-fair-0
21 - Timely Ag Issues, 7:30 a.m., Tilghman Terrace, Centreville, MD. $2/person: coffee, donuts, etc.
23 - MD Commodity Classic, 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Queen Anne's Co. 4-H Park, Centreville, MD.
25 - New Grower Training, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Caroline- Dorchester County Fairgrounds, 4-H Park - Williams
Bldg., Detour Road, Denton, MD 21629.
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NEWS FROM & FOR OUR MEMBERS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Willis
Telephone: 410-778-3500
E-mail: kwillis@pbkc.com
Date: July 3, 2015
The Peoples Bank Announces Regulators' Termination of 2012 Consent Order
The Board of Directors and Management of The Peoples Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Peoples Bancorp, Inc., are pleased to announce that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation have terminated the consent order the Bank entered into November 9, 2012.
"From hour one, day one, our Board and staff have been committed to achieving this milestone. The termination of this order is reflective of the efforts of the staff and the quality of the organization. We will continue to build on the traditions of the past while providing the best in customer service to our community," said Ralph Dowling, President and CEO.
The 105 year old Financial Institution, headquartered in Chestertown, Maryland recently completed its second year of profitability and has increased its capital to meet the "well-capitalized" criteria of the FDIC. In addition, the Bank received the "Community Service Award" from the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland General Assembly.
The lifting of the consent order comes at a time when The Bank is well positioned to move forward with its introduction of Mobile Banking-Mobile Deposit and new loan products. An environment of stability, growth and continued commitment to its communities provide the foundation for The Peoples Bank and its plans for the future.
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IN THE NEWS
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AROUND THE STATE
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STEP UP TO THE MIC!
Don't miss out on this
marketing opportunity
Exclusively for Chamber Members!
Every Thursday morning at 8:40am a Chamber Member will be featured on WCTR Radio 1530 AM and 102.3 FM to talk about their business at NO COST to the Chamber Member.
Please call or email Loretta at the Chamber office to set up a date today! 410-810-2968 OR kentchamber@verizon.net
WCTR - The Voice of Kent & Queen Anne's Counties
Listen to WCTR online: www.wctr.com
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Send Us News of Your Business and We Will Publish It for FREE!
You are invited to submit a FREE announcement about your business for each weekly Chamber NewsFlash. The content of your message should be about something that's happening in your business, announcement about an employee, an award that your business has won, etc. This space is not intended to be used for advertising. Please limit your message to 100 words or fewer. It's a great way to get your business noticed! Please note that your article may be edited for spelling, grammatical errors and/or length. Photos are welcomed. Submit your announcement to kentchamber@verizon.net.
Chamber NewsFlashes are published every Tuesday.
Deadline for submission is Friday to be included in the following Tuesday's NewsFlash.
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Notary Service Now Available!
Notary services are now available free to our members at the Chamber by appointment. Please contact the Chamber office to schedule an appointment.
- E-Blasts - Broadcast E-Mail Service Available!
The Chamber 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 (Service Core of Retired Executives)
Invites retired executives to become counselors for new and existing local businesses. Contact Bill Noll at SCORE to get more information: wbnoll@yahoo.com.
- 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.
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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.
For details about discounts offered by participating members, please contact them directly.
Don't miss out! Sign up for this program today!!
The following businesses are participating members.
Please support these businesses!
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