{SACC} News & Notes December 10, 2012 #223

Salisbury Area

Chamber of Commerce

News & Notes

December 10, 2012 Issue #223

"Get Connected"

Annual Eastern Shore Delegation & General Membership Luncheon - December 20

You are invited to attend the Eastern Shore Delegation Pre-Session Forum hosted by the SACC & Comcast. In preparation for the 90 day 2013 Maryland General Assembly Sessions, senators and delegates representing the Lower Eastern Shore will speak about key issues. Business leaders will have the opportunity to ask questions of our area representatives. The interaction is designed to help legislators understand the interests of this segment of their constituency.

When: Thursday, December 20, 2012

Time: 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Location: Holiday Inn - Salisbury, MD

Cost: $15.00

Please RSVP by replying to this e-mail or call Shannon at the Chamber at 41-749-0144.

Local Legislative Committee Meeting

When: Thursday, December 13th at Noon

Where:

Wor-Wic Community College

Hazel Center Rm. 302

Agenda:

Representatives from Salisbury University, Wor-Wic Community College, & University of Maryland Eastern Shore have been invited to discuss long-range planning and legislative implications of Session 2013, and discuss any ways that the Chamber can be of support to each College & University.

Guest Speakers:

Dr. Ray Hoy, President, Wor-Wic Community College
Kimberly Dumpson, Vice President of Advancement at UMES
Eric Berkheimer, Salisbury University's Associate Vice President of Administration and Finance

Please RSVP to Shannon at the Chamber by replying to this e-mail or calling 410-749-0144. Also, please let us know if you would like to purchase lunch.

Fall 2012 ShoreTrends Survey

Please take the time to fill out the Fall 2012 ShoreTrends Regional Economic Pulse Opinion Leader Survey. The findings from this survey, together with other information being gathered, will be used to provide a better understanding of the changing economic conditions in the region. Responses will be kept confidential and the information gathered will be reported only in the aggregate. Once again our sincere thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions with us. Findings will be presented at the 2012 Economic Forecast in January.

https://www.research.net/s/ShoreTrendsFall12

25th Annual Economic Forecast - January 10th

The 25th Annual Lower Shore Economic Forecast will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at Wor-Wic Community College (Guerrieri Hall). The Economic Forecast program has been designed to help Delmarva businesses plan for the expected 2013 economic conditions. The primary theme of this year's program is the impact of the November Election on the economy at all levels. Presentations will be made regarding specific industries as well as areas of interest to the Eastern Shore.

The event is sponsored by M&T Bank and Sperry Van Ness-Miller Commercial Real Estate. Presented by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Wor-Wic Community College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Salisbury University's Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and the Small Business Development Center, and Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore.

Registration is from 7:30-8:00 am. The Economic Forecast Program will take place 8:00 am-11:45 am, and the monthly General Membership Luncheon will begin at Noon. Cost for the Economic Forecast program is $50 for Chamber members. General Membership Luncheon is $20 per person. Please call the Chamber to RSVP.

Discover Delmarva Relocation Magazine

The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to create its Discover Delmarva relocation magazine. This publication is directly mailed to every chamber member, is included in relocation packets and placed in all high traffic areas throughout Wicomico County. Don't miss this great opportunity to reach thousands of potential customers. Click here for the media kit.

February Business Journal Theme - Finance

The next edition of the Business Journal's theme is Finance. Please email Sophia Smecker at sacc@salisburyarea.com if you would like to submit any articles or news pieces. Also, if you would like to place an ad in next month's Business Journal, please call Greg English at 302-629-9788 for more details and rates.

Wicomico County Winter Walk at Lunch

Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt and the Wicomico Executive's Fitness Council (WEFC) invite you to kick off 12 days of Wellness with a brisk walk, healthy lunch and more! A Winter Walk @ Lunch event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from 11am - 1:30pm. Santa Claus is confirmed to make a special appearance during the event and pose for photos with walk participants. Participants will meet at the Pavilion on East Market Street in Salisbury - just look for the BIG tent!

Walking is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of exercise, but it can be hard to find time in your busy schedule to participate in physical activity. That's why the Fitness Council is sponsoring a Winter Walk @ Lunch - to encourage busy people like you to take a walk during your lunch break. Remember to bring your walking shoes, grab some bells and jingle while you walk on Wednesday, December 12th!

Online registration is now available on the Wicomico Health Department's website via www.wicomicohealth.org. Registrants are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for the Maryland Food Bank.

The County Executive would like to thank all Walk @ Lunch sponsors, including: Salisbury University Foundation, Perdue Farms, Avery Hall Insurance, Inc., Mid-Shore YMCA, Peninsula Regional Medical Center Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, City Florist, Wicomico County Board of Education School Nutrition Services and the Wicomico County Health Department.

Pursuing a Tax Free Retirement

A one hour workshop considering

* The impact of increased tax brackets on retirement planning

* How IRAs and other retirement plans present a "catch 22" at retirement

* How withdrawals from your retirement plans can subject your Social Security Benefits to taxation

* How tax free investment strategies can help answer these problems

The presentation will be made by Steve Smith of the Premier Planning Group

The workshop will be on December 11 at 12pm at the Salisbury Chamber. Please RSVP to 410 546 9725 by December 10.

Delmarva Education Foundation holds Scholarship Fair at Centre

Students from across the lower Delmarva Peninsula are invited to connect with local organizations and individuals offering college financial aid at the Delmarva Education Foundation's annual Scholarship Fair at The Centre at Salisbury mall on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. DEF helps local residents to find money to continue their education.

Through its Scholarship Fair, DEF connects local students with local people who have money to give. Dozens of scholarship sponsors from across the lower Delmarva Peninsula will be on hand to meet with prospective applicants from Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester counties in Maryland, as well as Sussex County, Delaware and Accomack and North Hampton counties in Virginia. Students will be able to learn about DEF's free, online database of local-priority scholarships, talk with counselors from local high schools, ask questions about financial aid, and get help with the scholarship application process.

This is also a great opportunity for local scholarship sponsors to increase awareness of both their scholarship offerings and of their organization. Any group or individual offering financial aid for students is invited to participate; the cost to reserve a fair table is $25.

Civic Center - Holiday Jubilee

The Holiday Jubilee at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center will celebrate the season with an evening of food, music, dancing, door prizes and fun on December 12, 2012. This event is perfect to entertain your small office, have a fun girl's night out or enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. Both individual tickets and tables can be purchased for the event. Ticket prices include food and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests are welcome to bring their own "spirits". Hors d'oreuvres will be served at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25 per person are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (M-F, 8am-6pm), by phone at 410-548-4911 or online at www.wicomicociviccenter.org.

Governor's Challenge - Which Team will Take the Cake, or Pie?

For years, the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center has brought high school basketball players together in competition over the holiday break. In 2010 Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley placed a unique spin on this tradition by issuing a challenge to Delaware's Governor Jack Markell. The wager: a Maryland Smith Island Cake to a Delaware Peach Pie. The inaugural Governor's Challenge Basketball Tournament was born as a result, bringing with it a new level of excitement to the holiday basketball tradition seen on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

The tradition continues this year in Salisbury's Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Tipping off on Wednesday, December 26th, 37 teams will go head to head on the NCAA 94' regulated courts of the Normandy Arena. Play will run through Saturday, December 29th. In addition to tournament play, highlights include a Dr. Pepper 3-Point Contest on Thursday, December 27th at 5:30pm followed by the Dr. Pepper Slam Dunk Contest just a few hours later at 8:00pm.

All-Access Passes are available in advance, offering admission every day to every game for $30 adults / $15 for students with identification. Passes can be purchased online at www.SalisburyChampionships.org or at the WY&CC Box Office (M-F; 8am-5pm; closed Christmas). At the gate, daily admission is available for $10 adults / $5 for students. Children under 11 are admitted free of charge.

For more information, tickets and a complete schedule visit www.SalisburyChampionships.org. Teams and/or schedule may change as the competition nears.

Hampton Inn - N. Salisbury, Toys for Tots Location

The Hampton Inn on E. Naylor Mill Rd is a drop off location for Toys for Tots. Please bring new and unwrapped toys to support those in need during the holidays. For any questions, call Tom Farina at 410-334-3080.

Layton's Chance Vineyard Dash

The event will be held on Sunday, December 30th at 11:30am to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It will be a 5K/10K Run 1mile walk. Children under 18 reduced registration - Family & pet friendly event. Call Karri Todd at 443-521-0978.

Maryland Capital Enterprises Class

Tuesday December 18, 2012, First Steps of Starting Your Own Business

Decide if entrepreneurship is for you. Find out about pros and cons of small business ownership, what skills and resources are needed, State of Maryland requirements to start a business, why is the credit important, why a business plan is needed.

Cost: Free

Instructor: Jessica Weber

Time: 5:30PM-7:30PM

One Stop Job Market

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the 2012 holiday season when it transforms the stage at the Wicomico Civic Center into a wonderland of fantasy and disbelief, Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:30pm. Cirque Dreams, an American theatrical production company, brings its critically acclaimed entertainment brand to Salisbury for one glorious holiday performances presented by Broadway in Salisbury. Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZEis "so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil" according to the New York Daily News and "a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load." Tickets are on sale now.

Delmarva Education Foundation Holiday Gift Wrapping

Come spread some holiday cheer and support the Delmarva Education Foundation. Volunteers are needed for DEF's annual Holiday Gift Wrapping event at Barnes and Noble in Salisbury on Sunday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 21. Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts purchased at Barnes and Noble, working in three-hour shifts between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Barnes and Noble customers bring the items they have purchased at the store to the Delmarva Education Foundation's table to be gift wrapped. There is no charge for the gift wrapping, but we can accept donations and spread the word about our wonderful organization. Call the Delmarva Education Foundation at 410-219-3336 or email def@delmarvaed.org volunteer or for more information. The Delmarva Education is a nonprofit organization that helps residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties find money to continue their education.

Salisbury Jaycees December Events

Monday 12/17

Membership Meeting

Salisbury Chamber of Commerce

7:00 Social Time, 7:30 Meetings, $1 Tacos afterward

Cookie Exchange! Contact Jess@salisburyjc.com

Atlantic General Hospital 19th Annual Penguin Swim

When: New Year's Day 2013 Registration 11:30 am/Swim at 1:00 pm

Where: Princess Royale Hotel, 91st Street and the Ocean

Description: A fun, annual event to raise funds to support our not-for-profit hospital. Your fundraising efforts will enable AGH to continue to provide quality care for the community.

For more information contact:

Laura Stearns

AGH Development Coordinator

Phone: 410-641-9671

email: Penguinswim@atlanticgeneral.org

Wicomico Humane Society Events

Wendy's Giveback

5pm-8pm December 12th

1101 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD

Ruby Tuesday's Giveback

11am-10pm December 20th

Centre at Salisbury Mall

11am-8pm December 6th

413 Fruitland Blvd Salisbury, MD

Download Ruby Tuesday flyers needed to show your server from our website www.wicomicohumane.org under our events.

Feeling in the Holiday Spirit? The Wicomico Humane Society is having a Holiday Party! Bring the whole family (even the furry ones) to our shelter located at 5130 Citation Drive Salisbury, MD 21804 on December 15th from 12pm-3pm and enjoy light refreshments. As always, donations and holiday gifts for our pets are accepted. Can't wait to see you there!

Save the Date!

Join the Wicomico Humane Society for a drink with your favorite guest bartenders Sophia Smecker & Justin Menzies at Uno Chicago Grill from 8-10pm on January 24th and proceeds come directly to us!

Networking Opportunities

Business After Hours:
Thursday, December 13

CATO Oil

5:00pm

1030 Marine Road

General Membership Luncheon

Thursday, December 20

Eastern Shore Delegation

11:30am - 1:30pm - Holiday Inn Downtown

Ribbon Cuttings:

Tuesday, December 11

Trade It!

11:30am

2423 N. Salisbury Blvd

Wednesday, December 19

Dove Pointe - Brain Trauma Center

11:30am

1225 Mt. Hermon Road

Please R.S.V.P. to the Chamber for these events.

Decorating Delmarva Holiday Festival of Lights

Everyone loves driving around local neighborhoods during the holiday season to see the beautiful lights and decorations. This year, in Delmar, DE, visitors can experience Decorating Delmarva - a self-driven tour with holiday displays designed by local organizations. This 36-night holiday event features a 2-mile drive through an animated tour of the North Pole, including holiday lights and displays. Decorating Delmarva will take place at the Delaware International Speedway and US 13 Dragway on US-13 in Delmar, DE from November 15 until January 5.

The North Pole Tour will take visitors to places like Dasher's Diner and Rudolph's Raceway. Make sure you remember which display was your favorite! At the end of the tour, cast your North Pole ballot to help your favorites win a top prize of $5,000 for their organization! The final stop of the tour is Santa's Village complete with arts and crafts vendors, souvenirs, a food court, and even the opportunity to have pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. On New Year's Eve, the festival will have extended hours for a family-friendly outdoor party! For more information, visit www.decoratingdelmarva.com.

Delmarva Birding Excursions

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, hosts a Birding Excursion onSaturday, December 15, 2012. Travel with the Ward Museum to locations throughout the Delmarva Peninsula to witness remarkable bird migrations. Expert bird guides and local specialists will guide you to both popular and little known locations that provide refuge to thousands of migrating birds.

This trip offers the unique opportunity to see some of the most inaccessible waterfowl habitats in Delmarva. A 45 foot research vessel will explore the guts and sounds of Queen's Sound where birds rest and feed on undisturbed sand bars and waters as eagles and osprey hunt overhead.

Meet at the Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, VA, at 9 am; return to the Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, VA, at 4 pm. $70 members; $85 non-memebers.To register or for more information call 410-742-4988 ext 110 or email the education department at wardeducation@salisbury.edu