Ocean City’s
Greater Ocean City, MD
Chamber of Commerce
12320 Ocean Gateway
Ocean City, MD 21842
www.oceancity.org
[email protected]
For
Office
Fax
410 . 213 . 0144
410 . 213 . 7521
Business
May 2016
Executive Director’s Message
With May, we begin to digest and review the bills that were passed in the 2016 legislative session. Although at the final hour the Paid Sick Leave Bill did not get to the floor for a vote, we are certain that it
will come back stronger and with more support next session. This is a terrible bill for small business
but a reality that we must face. Therefore, the Chamber will be holding roundtable sessions with our
legislative team as well as our elected officials to come up with a plan of action and proposed amendments, such as the 120 day exemption. We hope to discuss this bill as well as many others at the Legislative EDC meeting being hosted by the Ocean City Chamber at the Carousel Resort Hotel on May 11 th,
starting at 8:30 am. All members are welcome to attend and hear directly from our legislators.
A brief synopsis of the session (specific issues of interest will be handed out at the meeting and are
available at the chamber offices):
The 436th Session Maryland General Assembly adjourned “Sine Die” at midnight on April 11 th thereby concluding its 90-day Session for 2016. This Session was considered to be more active than normal with 2,832 separate legislative initiatives considered by
the 188 member Legislature. With approximately 70 new Legislators, and Governor Hogan’s second year in office, this past Session, in terms of substance, was somewhat productive. Both the Republican Administration and the democratically controlled
General Assembly attempted to collaboratively work when practical, but concluded it was to their political advantage to convince
the general public that the “other side” was responsible for any partisan grid-lock. The Governor was consistent in advocating his
priorities of fiscal restraint and taxpayer relief; the General Assembly continued to advocate responsive and smarter government
in delivering services.
As approved overwhelmingly by both Chambers, the $42.3 billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year was enacted without any
additional tax increases and provided for both a surplus of about $400 million dollars and a substantial balance in the State’s
“Rainy Day Fund” of approximately $1 billion dollars. As part of the Budget, the State will provide $94 million to demolish vacant
buildings in Baltimore City. Additional funding also was provided to invest in declining projects and communities and to provide
loans and grants to “anchor institutions” like colleges and universities in blighted areas.
Throughout the 90-day Session, both the Administration and the General Assembly agreed conceptually that a tax reduction initiative should be enacted providing tax reductions for all categories of State taxpayers. Unfortunately, as the Session concluded, the
House and Senate were not able to agree upon a plan on how best to provide those tax reductions. It was hoped that an expansion
of the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor would be adopted as well as tax relief for retirees and small businesses. The
tax reduction effort became indirectly linked to efforts to approve a mandated sick leave policy for all Maryland employers. With
little time left during the last days of the Session, both issues were simply too controversial and complicated to be resolved before
time expired.
A number of legislative initiatives demanded the full focus of the General Assembly. To highlight a few: a comprehensive reform of
the State’s criminal justice system; law enforcement officers Bill of Rights; equal pay for equal work; a revised greenhouse gas reduction target; development of a new scoring system to prioritize transportation projects; and a partnership between University
of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland College Park of Baltimore.
May also brings the Chamber’s 29th Annual Golf Tournament planned for May 17th at Ocean City Golf Club, with a special Pre-Party
at Macky’s Bayside the evening before from 5-7pm. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Eunice Q. Sorin Scholarship- this year’s
award winner will be recognized at the Chamber’s May Business After Hours on May 5 th at Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs- we hope to see
you there!
May 2016 Business After Hours
Thursday, May 5, 2016 5:00—7:00 pm
Warmest Regards,
Melanie Pursel
Executive Director
410.213.0144 ext 102
[email protected]
Hosted by: Buddy’s OC Crabs & Ribs

Door Prizes & 50/50

Happy Hour Prices

Delicious Appetizers
Welcome New Members
Thank You
For Choosing Us
To Promote Your Business!
Keller Williams Realty
Betty Krug
5700 Coastal Highway, Suite #200
Ocean City, MD 21842
(302) 360-0300
http://www.kwmde.com
The Windrow Group/Keller Williams Realty
Erik Windrow
5700 Coastal Highway, Suite #200
Ocean City, MD 21842
410-430-5333
http://www.TheWindrowGroup.com
Real Estate Sales & Rental
Pizza Mambo
Art Chilingaryan
710 N. Philadelphia Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-1200
http://ocpizzamambo.com
Delmarva News Network
Tom Cropper
Ocean City & Surrounding Area,
(410) 202-2988
http://www.delmarvanews.network
Delmarva News
Pizzeria, Dine-in, Take-out, Delivery
Barrevolution
Lara Custer
12216 Ocean Gateway
Suite 1400
Ocean City, MD 21842
443.509.0277
http://www.barrevolution.net
Seafloor Carpets
Donald Robertson
11312 Manklin Creek Rd. Unit 1
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 208-3879
http://www.seafloorcarpets.com
Flooring Store
Fischer, Inc.
William Outten
1 North Main Street
Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 629-1895
http://www.berlinantiquecapital.com
Shore Shredz LLC
Tina Wim
529-4 Yacht Club Drive
Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811
443-397-2154
http://[email protected]
Antiques
RK Technology LLC (DBA TapSnap1194)
Rae Smith
14204 Wight Street
102S
Ocean City, MD 21842
2405147627
http://www.tapsnap1194.com
Open air touch screen photo booth with social media integration,
data capturing, printing, and social media connectivity for real time
event sharing and advertising.
Ultra Solar & Wind Solutions, LLC
Michael Panco
510 146th St. - Suite 6
Ocean City, MD 21842
(443) 302-9463 (855) 858-7279
http://www.ultrasolarandwind.com
ULTRA is OC's 1st & Only Local Solar & Wind Renewable Real Estate
Expert! The only home of the MARILYN: World's 1st Silent/Bird-Friendly
Wind Energy Systems, Solar Photovoltaic Electric System & Solar
Thermal Systems.
Welcome New Members cont.
The UPS Store
Richard Nunez
12417 Ocean Gateway
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 213-8880
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/4613
The Jungle Bar & Restaurant
Jim Burroughs
9800 Plaza Condominium 1st Floor
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 524-1110
http://www.ocjunglebar.com
Shipping; Mailbox Solutions; Printing & More.
Restaurant, inside and outside dining
Victoria's Seafood & Crabs
Victoria Volpe
8006 Coastal Hwy.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(443) 664-5198
http://www.crabsoceancity.com
M.A.P. International LLC
Murat
300 South Baltimore Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-3110
http://www.ocpartymarket.com
Seafood Market Carry-Out & Crab Delivery. Fresh Fish and All Types of
Seafood!
International & American Grocery Store
May 2016 Calendar of Events
Date
Event
Location
Time
May 5
Regional EC Dev. Conference
Wicomico Youth &
Civic Center
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
May 5
Monthly BAH
Buddy’s OC Crabs
Wicomico St.
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
May 6
Barrevolution Ribbon Cutting
12216 Ocean Gtwy.
WOC
4:30 p.m.
May 11
Legislative EDC Meeting
Carousel
118th St.
8:30 a.m.
May 11
YP Meeting
OC Chamber
8:30 a.m.
May 16
2016 Swing Into Spring Party
Macky’s Bayside
53rd St.
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
May 17
29th Annual Chamber Cup
Tournament
OC Golf Club
11:00 a.m.
May 19
Exec. Com. Mtg./Board Meeting
OC Chamber
8:30 a.m.
May 25
Buddy’s OC Crabs Ribbon Cutting
Wicomico St.
4:00 p.m.
May 25
YP Mixer
Outback Steakhouse 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
May 27
Phillips Crab House 60th
Anniversary
21st Street
3:30 p.m.
Women Supporting Women hosts Bras for a Cause fundraiser
Women Supporting Women is gearing up for their Sixth Annual Bras for a Cause event, held at the Center at Salisbury mall. Individuals,
groups and businesses have submitted creative designs in the theme of “Through the Decades” or a message for breast cancer awareness.
The designs will be on display at the mall in front of The Children’s Place throughout the month of May where the public is able to vote
for their favorite design for $1 a vote.
“The sole purpose of this fundraiser is to raise awareness for breast cancer,” WSW’s Emily Rantz said. “The community has come together to create beautiful bras to help us with awareness and at the same time they are raising money for an important local non-profit.”
Grand Reveal Party (for all participants): Tuesday, April 26, 6:00 PM
Public Viewing and Voting (online or at the Centre at Salisbury): Sunday, May 1 - Tuesday, May 31
Awards Ceremony (for all participants): Thursday, June 2, 6:00 PM
Room Tax
Analysis
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
% Change in Tax Collected
from Prior Year
July
3,710,799
3,756,821
3,815,702
1.57%
August
3,051,189
3,254,549
3,478,582
6.88%
September
1,187,977
1,144,417
1,407367
22.98%
October
399,180
456,474
476,842
4.46%
November
131,596
144,466
190,117
31.60%
December
180,098
129,274
221,268
71.16%
January
133,300
203,749
177,377
-12.94%
February
156,997
183,711
187,494
2.06%
March
266,176
239,595
April
467,463
462,653
May
1,137,154
1,262,646
June
2,545.,785
2,607,318
In The News...
In
Worcester County Small Business & Technology Incubator Named a Top 20 Incubator in Maryland
Worcester County Economic Development (WCED) is proud to announce that The Baltimore Business Journal
recently named the Worcester County Small Business and Technology Incubator as a Top 20 Incubator in Maryland.
“This incubator, and our partnership with David Landsberger, has brought forth five new companies and 8
new jobs in this Worcester County location alone,” WCED Director Merry Mears said. “Low cost rent, free internet
and mentoring from a seasoned entrepreneur helps entrepreneurs keep their operating and capital costs down, so they
can focus on taking their businesses to the next level, thereby growing our local economy.” In 2014, the Incubator was
established and recognized as the first of its kind on the Lower Shore, and was formally recognized by the Technology
Development Corporation (TEDCo) through its membership in Maryland Business Incubator Association (MBIA). The
5,300-square-foot Incubator is located in the Pocomoke City Industrial Park and is made possible through a publicprivate partnership with entrepreneur and business mentor David Landsberger. The venue is designed to accelerate
job growth and success of companies in the start-up or early stages of development.
The incubator currently houses five businesses in the bio-energy to telecommunications realm. Tenant amenities include business mentoring, a shared work area, conference room, free WIFI and 24/7 access.
In 2015, last-mile broadband was connected to the Incubator through tenant Eastern Shore Communications,
and presently, the Incubator houses high-speed internet service capability that reaches businesses in the industrial park
and well beyond.
Office and industrial space is available in the incubator to emerging growth companies displaying the potential
to create quality job opportunities. For further information, visit www.chooseworcester.org or contact Mears at 410632-3112.
Travel Tips by Ireland RnR Tours
Airline Airfare Shopping Advice
How do you shop for the best airfare deal on the Internet? Do you go straight to the airline’s web site to
book a reservation? Do you use third party brokers, such as Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity? I’d like to
share with you some advice on shopping for the best airfare deals, based on many years of personal experience travelling to Ireland on various airlines.
You may have seen a lot of airfare shopping strategies, tips and advice from a variety of travel agents and
experts in your travel research. There are two strategies or tips that stand out. First, I’ve heard that airlines
typically offer their best spring/summer travel deals at the start of the year, in January, to achieve their total
annual sales volume numbers early in the year. Therefore, it may be smart to shop around and book your
air travel in January for May through September travel. Second, I’ve also heard that the best day of the
week to book air travel is Sunday for the best deals. From these two tips, it follows that travelers may find
the best airfare deals by going online and booking their ticket(s) on a Sunday in January.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that you do not necessarily find your best deal on the third party broker
sites. In fact, on my past seven trips to Ireland, the airfares on the third party sites were $100 – $200 greater
than the airfares booked directly on the airline’s site for the same itinerary. However, it still pays to shop
around. I recommend taking the time to shop around, using the third party sites and the airline sites to find
your best deal. One airfare clearinghouse website you might try is www.airfarewatchdog.com to receive airline price alerts on flight itineraries that you program into the system. Additionally, you should know that a
web site deposits “cookies” on your computer when you visit that web site to tag and identify you on your
return visits to the site. Third party travel broker sites and airline sites are no exception. When airfare shopping online, it is very wise and prudent to delete all cookies from your computer before each airfare price
search or airline reservation transaction. Deleting cookies each time makes you a new customer visiting the
site with a potential for the best deal, and not a return customer who is presented with higher airfares since
you visited the site once or twice already. You can delete cookies from your computer in your Internet
browser’s Preferences menu. Do a Google search “How do I delete cookies from my computer” to find “how
to” instructions.
I invite you to share your strategies and success stories shopping for the best airfare deals. Let me know if
any of the strategies in this article worked for you.
Aer Lingus, Delta, United, and US Airways all fly direct to Ireland’s Shannon Airport from various USA cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, and Boston. Most of the mentioned airlines also fly
direct to Dublin from those cities. Additionally, Aer Lingus and United fly direct to Dublin from Washington, D.C. Visit www.IrelandRnR.com to learn more about our Ireland RnR tour opportunities and contact [email protected] with any questions. Safe traveling!
— Michael Healy, Ireland RnR Tours
Renewing Members
From March 22 through April 24
''An Angel's Touch'' Cleaning Services
http://www.AngelsTouchCleaningService.net
Apple Discount Drugs
http://www.appledrugs.com
Atlantic Traffic Safety, Inc.
http://atlantictrafficsafety.com
Buddy's OC Crabs & Ribs
http://www.buddysoc.com
C Breeze Shuttle & Limo Service, LLC
http://www.cbreezeshuttle.com
Law Office of Thomas Maronick Jr LLC
http://www.maronicklaw.com
Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc.
http://www.medirents.net
Nick's Mini Golf-125th St.
http://www.nicksminigolf.com
Nick's Mini Golf-18th St.
http://www.nicksminigolf.com
Park & Flea
http://www.parkandflea.com
Dave's Treasure Hunt
http://www.davestreasurehunt.com
De Lazy Lizard
http://www.delazylizard.com/
Endless Golf
http://www.endlessgolf.com
Evergreene Homes
http://www.evergreenehomes.com
Piaza
http://www.piazafresh.com
Pirates Cove Apts
http://www.piratescoveapts.com
Plak That Printing Company
http://www.plakthat.com
We Appreciate Your
Confidence In Us!
a few things to remember as the 2016 Season kicks off
1. Be sure to bring your 2016 Brochures over to be displayed in the Visitor Center on Rt. 50. It is our goal to
have the most up to date materials for our visitors when they stop in to get information.
2. Restaurant owners & managers, be sure to place your current menus in our Dining section. This
is very popular, as many guests like to review what you offer and take your menu along with them.
3. Do you have something special going on? Be sure to let us know & have your event posted in our
Visitor Center.
We also offer our Visitor eLert that reaches over 30,000 visitors twice monthly..
These are people who have requested to receive information on events, specials etc.
(Contact Jill Brady ([email protected]) for pricing & availability for eLerts)
4. Inquiry List: The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce has a leads list with the addresses of many people
who have expressed interest in Ocean City & the following activities:
 Watersports
 Nature Activities
 Fishing
 Shopping
We also track interest in Golfing, Family Activities and Camping, in addition to Lodging preferences. This
list is compiled from leads provided by multiple sources in the Ocean City area, including the Town of Ocean
City, HMRA, Worcester Co. Tourism, the Chamber etc. There are thousands of leads to choose from, a fantastic way to get the word out about your business & what you have to offer.
You can purchase the full list, a partial list or any combination of lists that best suits your needs.

.10 cents per record, sent electronically in either Excel spreadsheet or Word label formats
Please contact Vera Spalt at 410-213-0144 ext. 103 or email [email protected] for more information.
5.
Do you have your 2016 Visitor Guides & The Source Business Directory available for
your guests?? If not, please let us know and we will deliver to your establishment.
6. Take advantage of the many ways the Chamber offers to get your name in front of your potential customers and to show returning customers what’s new.
 There are FREE ways such as posting Hot Deals, Member to Member Discounts,Current Event
Postings, & placing your coupons & fliers in The Chamber Visitors Center..
 Options that have a fee are Business of the Week Display in Visitors Center, Elert, Sponsorship Table at BAH
and advertising in Chamber Publications.
7. Have you updated your Chamber membership record?? Go to www.oceancity.org, log in, and
be sure your company information is correct. This is the information that will display online when guests search
our member directory. Be sure to have correct reps, company info, email addresses etc. If you need to get your
login & password information, just email [email protected].
In The News...
Welcome New Members
Innovative Benefit Solutions Announces Employee Promotions
Company Expands to Six-Person Firm
OCEAN CITY – April 18, 2016 – Innovative Benefit Solutions, LLC, proudly announces the promotion of two
employees and one new hire in its West Ocean City, Md., office. A leading local insurance and benefits broker serving group and individual clients, Innovative Benefit Solutions expanded rapidly over the past year to
accommodate new clients, and it is now a six-employee firm.
The employees include:
Joanne Cropper, client manager, has worked with Innovative since 2013 as a client service representative.
Joanne’s professionalism makes her a valued member of the client management team. As client manager,
Joanne will handle day-to-day service and renewals for current clients. Joanne has more than 15 years of
customer service and business experience.
Irma Russell, client service assistant, joined Innovative in May 2015 in an administrative support role. With
25 years in client service, Irma enjoys helping others and has a warm, positive attitude. She stands ready to
assist all the team’s clients with administrative needs. Irma resides in Ocean City and spends her free time
by the beach.
Jamie Snyder joined the Innovative team in August 2015 as a producer. Her previous work experience includes eight years at State Farm Insurance. Jamie holds both life and health as well as property and casualty licensure, and has quickly become an asset to the team with her “one size does not fit all” hands on
approach. A lifelong Maryland resident, Jamie has lived in Ocean City for six years with her family.
Jamie Snyder
Joanne Cropper
Irma Russell
Founded in 1998, Innovative Benefit Solutions, LLC, provides group insurance, benefit management
solutions and individual health insurance, Medicare supplement, life and disability plans to the MidAtlantic region as well as New York, Florida and Texas.
Out & About with Your Chamber
Dunes Manor Hotel
29th Anniversary Celebration
& Grand Opening of Hotel Suites
Executive Women’s Golf
Association 20th Anniversary
Fish Tales Grand Opening of
New Playground
Sea Floor Carpets
Ribbon Cutting
April BAH
Guidos Burritos
Renewing Members cont.
Food Tax
Analysis
Pop Pop's Cottage
http://www.poppopscottage.com
% Change
from Prior
Year
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
July
261,918.67
286,258.28
281,489.10
286,269.55
1.70%
Shaffer, McLauchlin & Stover, LLC
http://www.smslawoffice.com
Aug
265,278.78
242,680.69
292,682.67
307,996.14
5.23%
The Jackspot Restaurant LLC
http://www.thejackspot.com
Sept
144,439.21
148,405.31
124,396.52
169,009.53
35.86%
Oct
55,937.55
69,487.10
66,313.54
57,914.46
-12.67%
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Ocean City
http://www.spiceandtea.com/oceancitymd
Nov
23,015.66
24,355.90
29,395.15
31,887.75
8.48%
The Voice Radio Network
http://www.thevoiceradionetwork.com
Dec
24,414.66
23,479.68
24,447.74
35,958.23
47.08%
Jan
18,957.07
18,912.78
21,721.38
25,677.87
18.21%
Feb
21,939.47
25,724.26
23,107.14
26,470.65
14.56%
Mar
34,569.08
35,753.96
36,344.56
April
47,335.98
53,613.84
62,124.06
May
112,695.98
121,101.72
136,178.06
June
174,993.91
184,630.11
192,124.36
The Kitchen
TriCounty Workforce Development
Initiative
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
http://www.umes.edu
Wicomico County Recreation, Parks &
Tourism
http://www.WicomicoTourism.org
Women Supporting Women
http://www.womensupportingwomen.org
Did you remember to
renew your Chamber
membership?
If your renewal month is
May, the time is now!
Get more exposure!
Purchase an enhanced web
listing with your renewal for
just $50 more!
The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is to provide community leadership in the promotion and support of
economic development and the continued growth of tourism in Ocean City. The Chamber serves as a hub for development, education and communication within the business community to preserve the viability, quality of life and aesthetic values of our town.
Officers 2015- 2016
Brett Wolf - President
Professional Mortgage Services
John Gehrig - President Elect
D3 Corp
Stephanie Meehan - Vice President
Funcade
Toni Keiser - Treasurer
Atlantic General Hospital
Bob Thompson - Secretary
Ocean Pines Association
Chamber Staff
Melanie Pursel, Executive Director
Lisa Dennis, Events Director
Danielle Davis, Financial Officer
Nancy Schwendeman, Publications Mgr
Vera Spalt, Membership Services Mgr
Joya Mattie, Membership Srvs. Consultant
Jill Brady, E-Marketing Manager
Visitors Center Staff
Directors 2015- 2016
Justin McGinnis - LaserTone
Phillip Cheung - Gregory & Associates
Buck Mann –Polynesian Condo
Sal Fasano - LaQuinta Hotel & Suites
Joe Cavilla - Casino at Ocean Downs
Steve Pastusak - Jolly Rogers Amusements
Chris Woodley Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison , LLC
Ruth Waters
Harrison Group Resort Hotels
Madlyn Carder - BJ’s On the Water
Cole Taustin Embers Restaurant & Blu Crabhouse
Richard Ohanlon - Karen Lynn Marci Russell - Angie KrauseSharon Craven
Community Representatives
Economic Development Committee
Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association
Downtown Association
Ocean City Development Corporation
Town of Ocean City
Ocean City’s Voice for Business is published the first of
each month. Ads and articles may be submitted for publication no later than the 20th of the preceding month.
Items received after the 20th may be published in a later
newsletter, or if time sensitive, published in the next
weekly e-lert.