Kent County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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 


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. 
CHAMBER NEWS                Shamrock                       MARCH 2016 
IN THIS ISSUE
LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE BOARD

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LORETTA LODGE 

    

PRESIDENT

KEN COLLINS  

WCTR Radio 


VICE PRESIDENT

STEWART SEITZ    

UM Shore Regional Health 

    

TREASURER

LINDA DAWSON 

Kent Forward 

   

PAST PRESIDENT

DIANE BRANDT 

CNB 

  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

 

DAVID BOWMAN

The Peoples Bank

   

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 GREENWALD 

East Coast Storage

 

LANSING WILLIAMS 

Washington College   

UPCOMING EVENTS
3/10/2016
Chamber Board Meeting
12:00 P.M.
Chamber Office
122 N. Cross Street
Chestertown, MD  21620

3/10/2016
Business-After-Hours
Host:  Compass Regional Hospice
Location:
J.R.'s Past Time Pub
408 High Street
Chestertown, MD
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

3/10/2016
Young Professionals of Kent County March Meeting
404 High Street
Chestertown, MD
7:00 P.M.

4/18/2016
Post-Session Legislative Breakfast
The Fish Whistle
98 Cannon Street
Chestertown, MD
8:30 A.M.

4/21/2016
Education Breakfast
Kent County High School
25301 Lambs Meadow Road
Worton, MD  21678
8:30 A.M.

 
From the Executive Director
   
Though the first day of spring, astronomically speaking, or the vernal equinox as it is known, is still 20 days off, we can take heart ... because today, Tuesday, March 1st marks the start of meteorological spring!  And it certainly feels like it today!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for some consistently warm days and not just the one or two day teases that have been tantalizing us.

I'm not sure if there is a reasonable segue from my musings about spring to what is happening here at the Chamber so I guess I'll just jump right in.

First I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jackie Adams and her staff at the Kent County Public Library for once again hosting a wonderful Business-After-Hours last Wednesday.  Despite the threatening weather, we had a good turn-out of about 30 folks.  If you were unable to attend that evening, make sure you take the time to stop by the library to see the renovations they have made and how it has created additional usable space and improved traffic flow.  Plus - it just plain looks nice!  While you're there, check out the many programs and services the library provides to the public for FREE!  Libraries are not just about books anymore.

On Thursday, March 10, Compass Regional Hospice will be hosting the March Business-After-Hours from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at J.R.'s Past Time Pub in Chestertown.  Come meet the Compass Regional Hospice staff and learn about the hospice care and grief support services available in Kent County.  Refreshments and cash bar will be available.  Don't forget to bring your business cards to enter drawings for door prizes!

Also on Thursday, March 10 the Kent County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will be holding their monthly meeting at 7:00 P.M. at the Kent County Commissioners Building at 400 High Street in Chestertown.  Even if you aren't a member of the Young Professionals and just want to find out what they are about, you are welcome to join them.  For more information about the Young Professionals, visit: www.ypkcmd.org.

The Chamber's Post-Session Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for April 18th at the Fish Whistle restaurant in Chestertown. The Chamber will be hosting our 36th District Delegation to hear directly from them about what has transpired during this year's General Assembly and how it will affect your business, including a Q&A session.  One issue of interest to Kent County will be what legislation has passed and how it will affect the status of the hospital here in Chestertown.

Then on April 21st, the Chamber along with Kent County Public Schools will be hosting our annual Education Breakfast at the Kent County High School.

More details about these events follow later in this newsletter or will be posted as the times get closer.

So mark your calendars now for these upcoming events.  Remember, you get out of your Chamber membership only as much as you put into it!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!  

Loretta
Loretta M. Lodge
Executive Director
 
    
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.

~ Lewis Grizzard                
 
OUR SPONSORS
THANKS TO OUR 2015 SPONSORS
(Click on any of the logos below to visit their website!)
 
 
2015 PLATINUM SPONSOR
 
2015 GOLD SPONSORS
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 SILVER SPONSORS
 
 
 
 
 
 


2015 BRONZE SPONSORS


 
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 [email protected].  

Chamber NewsFlashes are published every Tuesday.
Deadline for submission is Friday to be included in the following Tuesday's NewsFlash.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
 
 
 
New Member Welcome 
  
  
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. 

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. 



  KRM CONSTRUCTION
Kenny Gray
205 Cannon Street
Chestertown, MD  21620
410-810-1574 Tel  |  410-810-1571 Fax

KRM Construction Company, is a full service construction company based in Chestertown, Maryland serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware.

At KRM Construction, our business philosophy is composed of honesty, integrity and hard work. Our philosophy is not only to build a quality product in a timely manner, but also to build quality, long standing relationships with all of our clients. With a solid reputation as a custom builder, with a hands-on approach, KRM Construction's portfolio includes commercial projects ranging from small build outs to medical office facilities to large warehouses, as well as stately manor homes and estates, traditional homes in local communities, additions and renovations.

Working in coordination with owners, architects, and KRM Construction, every project is managed to the last detail. We are dedicated to exceeding every client's expectations. 



~~~
 
CORSICA RIVER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
John F. Plaskon
120 Banjo Street
Centreville, MD  21617
410-758-2211 Tel  |  410-758-0698 Fax

Corsica River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) is an outpatient mental health clinic with locations in Centreville, St. Michaels and Cambridge.  CRMHS offers services in psychiatry, therapy, counseling, medication management and substance use disorder services, including evaluation and individual and group treatment.
 
~~~
 
CROSSROADS COMMUNITY, Inc.
John F. Plaskon
120 Banjo Street
Centreville, MD  21617
410-758-3050 Tel  |  410-758-1223 Fax

Crossroads is a 501(c)3; private, non-profit organization founded in 1983 to provide psychiatric rehabilitation services that help people recover from severe and persistent mental illness and to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.  Operating for over 30 years, Crossroads was originally established to serve adults in Kent & Queen Anne's Counties through a day program.  We now serve all five counties of the mid-shore:  Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester.  Our services have grown over the years in type, (e.g., residential and vocational), and persons served, (e.g., children, youth and homeless).

~~~

JAVA ROCK, LLC
Jim Rich - Owner
21309 Sharp Street
Rock Hall, MD  21661
410-639-9909 Tel  |  610-742-9999 Cell  |  410-639-2924 Fax
 [email protected]
 www.javarockmd.com
 
Located at the active corner of Sharp and Main Streets in scenic Rock Hall, our convivial coffeehouse cafe is the perfect place for people-watching. Local walkers/talkers make this their go-to favorite! With award winning Gimme Coffee, grab and go breakfast offerings and unique, delicious lunches, Java Rock has something for everyone. Eat indoors in air-conditioned comfort or our shady deck is ideal for three-season dining and we welcome pets, too!

~~~

PACQUIN DESIGN BUILD, INC.
Michael Eline
115 Pullman Craossing Road
Suite 101
Grasonville, MD  21638
410-643-7811 Tel  |  443-359-1154 Cell  |  410-604-2696 Fax
[email protected]
We are a construction company specializing in custom homes and remodels as well as commercial building. We offer design/build packages to help the customer from start to finish.

~~~

THE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
Susan Basener - Board Chair
401 High Street
P.O. Box 346
Chestertown, MD  21620
410-778-0550 Tel  |  410-810-2170Fax
The Community Food Pantry serves low income families food for approximately one week of meals.  Families are eligible monthly and are primarily referred by the Department of Social Services.  The Pantry relies on local donations.

  
 
Please join us in welcoming our newest 
Chamber Members!


UPCOMING EVENTS
KCPL Logo-White

Kent County Public Library is kicking off March with a celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday and opening receptions for art shows at both the Chestertown and North County branches

In March, Kent County Public Library welcomes two art exhibits. Laurie Cumpston's fine illustrative works will be on display at the Chestertown branch and Anita Lohinecz's photography will be shown at the North County branch.








As a teenager, Ms. Cumpston drew a border for Vernon Goode's Famous Houses of Kent, which was presented to Queen Elizabeth. In the decades since, she has found inspiration in nature and mythology. No detail is too small for her crow quill pen! An opening reception for Illustrative Works of Laurie Cumpston will be held on Wednesday,
March 2 from 5-7pm at the Chestertown branch.



 






A retired social worker and college instructor, Ms. Lohinecz enjoys the challenges of capturing the natural world on film.  Her photographs document natural beauty in a variety of contexts. An opening reception for Photographic Perspectives of Nature will be held on Friday, March 4 from 2-4pm at the North County branch.







All are welcome to attend the opening receptions.  Both exhibits will remain on display throughout the month of March.  For more information, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410.778.3636.

                                                                                           Celebrating Dr. Seuss at Kent County Public Library

Come one, come all, and join the fun!
We'll jump, skip, bounce, sing and run!
Whether it rains, or "weather" it's sunny,
We'll have lots of good fun that is funny!
You should not, would not want to miss,
A celebration quite like this!

Kent County Public Library celebrates reading and early literacy all year long. However, there are some extra special days, including the birthday of Dr. Seuss! It will be a party like no other with cake, stories, balloons, truffula trees, songs, free books, and more.
Chestertown branch | Wednesday, March 2 | 6pm
Ages 2-6

The Seussy celebration doesn't end there! Families are invited to join us for a showing of the 2012 full-length movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. Rated PG. All ages welcome. Free popcorn!
Chestertown branch | Tuesday, March 29 | 2:30pm

For more information, call For more information, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410.778.3636.


Meet Jack Gantos!
Saturday, March 5 | 10:30am
Chestertown Branch

Mark your calendar and come meet Newbery Medal winner Jack Gantos!

First, Jack Gantos will give a hilarious talk. (If you've read his famous Joey Pigza series, you know that he is a very funny man. If you haven't read them, put them on hold today!)

Then, there will be light refreshments, a chance to purchase books, the opportunity to have your book signed by the author, and art projects for kids.

All ages are welcome.

This free event is part of the 2016 Chestertown Book Festival.

 
 
 
   
Meeting on March 3rd, 2016, 7:30 am
 
Holiday Inn Express, Chestertown


Blaine Loos, Apex Clean Energy,
 
Project Developer

 
Blaine Loos from Apex Clean Energy will introduce the Mills Branch Solar Project, a 60 MW solar farm that will help produce clean, renewable energy in the northeastern part of Kent County. Blaine will discuss the progress that solar energy has made in recent years, and will describe the benefits that this project will have to the environment and the economy.

Kevin Chandler,
Public Affairs Manager at Apex Clean Energy
will also be in attendance.


 

It appears that Kent County has successfully prevented a large number of 500 foot bird killing windmills from taking over the horizon. Now, a somewhat more palatable prospect of having large solar array collectors where some farmer's fields have been is being given the opportunity for consideration. Surely, these arrays have their own look, but they are not visible from great distances, so long as you are on the ground. I'm not at all sure what long time residents will think about such modernization. I'm also not sure that what is proposed will be proper state of the art solar collectors. Technology in this field is very rapidly advancing and changing. If we must deal with collecting sunlight, we might as well collect as much as we can possibly make use of and sell the leftover. Good return on the investment will have a huge impact on how the effort to build these collection facilities is received by local government and citizens, too.

Let's be sure we cut the best deal with the latest technology possible, if a deal is to be made at all.




WINTER STORM CANCELLATION POLICY: 
When the National Weather Service issues a winter storm "Hazardous Weather Outlook" on Wednesday, the day before our meeting, our Thursday morning meeting will be automatically cancelled.


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 web site is www.kentcbg.org.  If you have any suggestions for a program you would like to see, please send us an email message at [email protected]

         History Happy Hour

  • Friday, March 4, 2016   |  4:00 pm
  • Location: Bordley History Center
  • Contact: Historical Society of Kent County
  • Phone: 410-778-3499
  • URL: www.kentcountyhistory.org
  • Learn more about Kent County and Maryland history while enjoying a glass of wine.

         RiverArts "Members' Show"

  • Friday, March 4, 2016   |  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • This event runs March 4 to March 26
  • Location: 315 High St., Suite 106
  • Contact: RiverArts
  • Phone: 410-778-6300
  • Email: [email protected]
  • URL: www.chestertownriverarts.org
  • RiverArts members only exhibition - open to all media.

         First Friday in Downtown Chestertown

  • Friday, March 4, 2016   |  5pm - 8pm
  • Location: Downtown
  • Contact: Downtown Chestertown Association
  • Email: [email protected]
  • URL: www.facebook.com/downtownchestertown
  • Explore Chestertown's vibrant Arts & Entertainment District and enjoy longer shopping hours every First Friday of the month. Many retailers and galleries are open from 5-8pm and feature special exhibits, entertainment and refreshments. Restaurants entice with happy hour specials and unique culinary creations. Check our Facebook event page monthly for details!

         The Right Tree in the Right Place

  • Friday, March 4, 2016   |  10am
  • Location: Kent County Public Library
  • Contact: University of Maryland Extension, Kent County
  • Phone: 410-778-1661
  • Email: [email protected]
  • URL: https://extension.umd.edu/kent-county/home-gardening
  • Jonathan Cowherd, Certified Arborist with Barlett Tree Experts will give you some suggestions for beautiful trees to plant in your yard and how to take care of them.

         Soroptimist International of Kent & QA Live Auction

  • Saturday, March 5, 2016   |  12:00 Noon Cake Wheel, 1:00 p.m. Auction
  • Location: Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department
  • Contact: Cathy Quesenberry, Barbara Reed
  • Phone: 443-480-2687
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Many great items to bid on with live auctioneer. Proceeds benefit Soroptimst education and signature programs that improve the lives of women and girls in the community and worldwide.

         The Bumper Jacksons

  • Saturday, March 5, 2016   |  8pm
  • Location: The Mainstay, 5753 Main Street, Rock Hall
  • Contact: The Mainstay
  • Phone: 410-639-9133
  • URL: www.mainstayrockhall.org
  • Sizzling and sweet, rootsy 1930s-style hot jazz, traditional jazz and pre-war country with vocals and instrumentals that draw from New Orleans' brothels to Appalachian hollers. Taking new sounds from forgotten 78's, the Bumper Jacksons boldly and elegantly pay homage to roots and traditions while fashioning a rich, raw and true style. They playfully create their own originals and re-imagine roots music with both power and tenderness. Admission is $20. Call for reservations
 




Kent County Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals
General Meeting

Thursday, March 10, 2016
7:00 pm
� Kent County Commissioners Building (400 High St. Chestertown)

� Join us for our monthly meeting where we will discuss updates, events, and meet in committees.
Our first 10-15 minutes we will talk about general items and then committees will break out to talk about their initiatives. Come even if you aren't on a committee yet or you just want to find out what
we are all about!
For more information, visit: www.ypkcmd.org.


2016
Kent County Chamber of Commerce
Post-Session Legislative Breakfast

Monday, April 18, 2016
8:30 A.M.
Fish Whistle Restaurant
98 Cannon Street
Chestertown, MD

More information about this event coming soon! 
 
Mark your calendars now and don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from your representatives about what has transpired in this year's General Assembly Session and how it affects you and your business.   




Save the date



A formal invitation will be mailed in early March. 
If you would like to register now visit the website www.chesapeake.edu/foundationevents.



   
NEWS FROM & FOR OUR MEMBERS

  
 

A good representation of those responsible for Chester Gras gathered for the traditional check presentation Wednesday, February 24 in The Peoples Bank, Main Branch lobby.
Front sitting l to r: Sue Basener, Karen Willis, Annette Dimaggio, Ralph Dowling, Mayor Chris Cerino Back Standing l to r:  Margie Pierson, Amy Ferguson Leslie Raimond, Margaret Elliot, Kathy Barnhart,
Jennifer Teat, Leslie Sea, Kim Wood, Henri Moloney, Terri Garvey, David Bowman, Grace Eyler, Cecil Unruh,
Katie Disano, Jan Taylor, Clare Maguire
    
ONCE AGAIN, Chester Gras was a big success. The event's parade was a crowd pleaser. The gumbo was a hit. The music was enjoyed by all, and the silent auction offered many great items. The live broadcast by WCTR added a new dimension. The proceeds to go to the Backpack Program again topped last year's amount. Funds are actually still coming in, but it is safe to say that at least $11,000 will be going to the Backpack Program as a result of Chester Gras. The event would not have been the success it was without the help of the whole community, but especially The Town of Chestertown, Kent County Arts Council, County of Kent, Baldwin Electrical Company, Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, Blue Heron Contracting, Rasin, Wootten & Hurd, Blue Heron Caf�, Chester River Seafood, Culinary Class of Kent County High School, Fish Whistle, K-B Market and Kitchen School, Lemon Leaf Caf�, Luisa's Cucina Italiana, The Kitchen at the Imperial, and Uncle Charlie's Bistro. A big thank you goes out to all who came out and attended the event. Hope to see you all again next year.


Main Office
100 Spring Avenue, P.O. Box 210
Chestertown, Maryland 21620-0210
Phone:  410-778-3500  Fax:  410-778-2089

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Willis
Phone: 410-778-3500
Date: March 1, 2016


THE PEOPLES BANK BRANCHES OUT TO A BROADER MARKET WITH OPENING OF EASTON LOCATION

The Peoples Bank is excited to soon open its newest Branch in Easton, MD, at 204 N. Washington Street, adjacent to the Farmers Market on Harrison Street.

We will launch as a loan production office while restorations are being completed to the building. It is anticipated that the Easton location will be operating as a full service branch within three months. The location will have a drive through ATM and ample parking.

Ralph Dowling, Peoples Bank President and CEO stated: "We are excited about this new venture and the expansion of our service area into the Talbot County/Easton market. We look forward to making new friends and developing partnerships within the Community."

We look forward to bringing the same award winning level of customer service to the residents of the Easton area as we have been providing our customers in Kent and Queen Anne's counties for over 100 years.

   IN THE NEWS AND AROUND THE STATE


MD Biotech Logo
 

   NOTICES  

  STEP UP TO  THE MIC!

 

Don't miss out on this

FREE !!

 

marketing opportunity

Exclusively for Chamber Members!  

 

Every Thursday afternoon at 3:00 P.M. 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  [email protected] 

 

WCTR - The Voice of Kent & Queen Anne's Counties

Listen to WCTR online:  www.wctr.com   


 
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 [email protected].  

Chamber NewsFlashes are published every Tuesday.
Deadline for submission is Friday to be included in the following Tuesday's NewsFlash.

CHAMBER INFORMATION 

 


  • 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: [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.

For details about discounts offered by participating members, please contact them directly. 
  
 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!