The Deep Creek Blog

Garrett County Chamber Holds Annual Membership Dinner

The annual Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting & Dinner, held Thursday, June 3, enjoyed a strong turnout this year at Pine Lodge Steakhouse, the first year at this new location. With entertainment by DJ Jonny Rock, the attendees enjoyed dinner and saw the presentation of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by Bill Meagher, and the Chamber President’s Award.
 
Michael James Delligatti won the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Mr. Delligatti first conceived of the Big Mac’s formulation and opened the first McDonald’s in western Pennsylvania. Mr. Delligatti is also the owner of Arrowhead Market, Garrett 8 Cinemas, Uno Chicago Grill and the Honi Honi. The award was presented by Bill Meagher, last year’s Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner to Michael Delligatti’s son, who accepted the award on Mr. Delligatti’s behalf.
 
Winners of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award must have originated and developed a business from inception, shown a willingness to take risks, shown community involvement, held high ethical standards and demonstrated leadership by overcoming a formidable problem that threatened business’ existence or shown business acumen through embarking on a creative, insightful or overlooked opportunity that will make an important contribution to Garrett County’s business environment through substantive community impact.

The Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Committee, comprised of previous winners, selects three nominees to be voted on by the general Chamber membership. Past honorees include Jonathan “Smiley” Kessler, Bill Sisler, Olen Beitzel, Johnny Marple, Barry Rush, Dave Demaree, Brenda McDonnell and Bill Meagher.

Garrett College Interim President, Dr. Jeanne Neff, received the President’s Award from Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The President’s Award recognizes achievement in building the business community in promoting Garrett County beyond its borders and in creating a dramatic shift that improves the quality of life for Garrett County citizens.
 
Board of Directors’ Interim Chairman Tony Doerr and Interim Chamber President Joyce Bishoff presided over the annual meeting portion of the evening. They extended appreciation to the Board’s outgoing members, Bill Meagher, who owns and operates Lakeside Creamery, Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory and has been restoring buildings in Garrett County, Gary Harringer, the owner of the Law Offices of Gary C. Harriger, LLC, County Commissioner Denny Glotfelty and Rob Michael of State Farm Insurance and welcomed new Board Members, Warren Glotfelty, one of the owners of Double G RV Park, and Merlin Beitzel of Beitzel Corporation.
 
Door Prizes for the annual dinner were graciously provided by Chamber members. Mt. Lake Park Tennis Club provided a complimentary tennis lesson, Minn-Scape provided a ½ cord of seasoned hardwood and one free residential lawnmowing, The Window People provided one room of cleaned windows and Accident Bakery provided a $25 gift certificate.
 

Chamber Holds Next Business After Hours at Friendsville Town Park on June 23rd

Come down to Friendsville Town Park for the Business After Hours event on June 23rd from 6 pm – 8 pm. With a beautiful park, walking/biking trails, new tennis courts, ball fields, playground equipment, you and your family can enjoy a wonderful summer evening in Friendsville while networking with fellow businesses, employees, guests and the Chamber staff. Be sure to bring your business card to enter to win door prizes.

The cost is $6 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP by June 21st to charlotte@garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.4386 ext. 22. For more information about the Garrett Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com  or call 301.387.4386.

Garrett Chamber Annual Membership Dinner Slated for June 3, 2010

The annual Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Dinner & Meeting will be held Thursday, June 3rd at 6 pm at Pine Lodge Steakhouse. With entertainment by DJ Jonny Rock, attendees will enjoy dinner and the presentation of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and the President’s Award.  The evening kicks off at 6 pm with a Cocktail Hour & Cash Bar, 7 pm Dinner and 8 pm program before music & dancing.

Tickets are $50 per person in advance. There are a limited number of tickets available so please RSVP by May 27th by calling Jessica Stullenbarger at 301.387.2050 or emailing jessica@garrettchamber.com.

Chamber Hosts "Passion For Service" Workshop May 21st

The Garrett County Chamber of Commercewill be presenting a "Passion for Service: How to Win Customers and Reduce Lost Sales" workshop on May 21st from 8:30 am - 12 pm at Wisp Resort.

Customer Service expert Bill Drury, who was the National Training Consultant for the Zig Ziglar Corporation, will be hosting this workshop that will help your business go to the next level of sales & service excellence and help create lifetime loyal customers. Subjects that will be covered include Stay Motivated; Make a Great First Impression; Create a Vision for Service; Communicate Respect to Every Customer; Personalize your Service; Listen; Handle the Irate Customer; Overcome Stress & Burnout and Handle the Ten Most Difficult Customers.

This workshop has received rave reviews from over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies. Bill Drury has delivered over 1,000 presentations in the last 15 years and has proven to be one of the most effective and entertaining speakers in the industry.

Thru May 20th, the cost to attend is $89 for one person, $79 for five or more and late registration on May 21st is $99 for one and $89 each for 5 or more attendees. If you are a non-Chamber member, the price is $199. To register to attend, please RSVP to Charlotte at charlotte@garrettchamber.comor by calling 301.387.4386 x22.   

Garrett Chamber Holds "Appreciation Marketing" Brown Bag Lunch on April 20

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Brown Bag Lunch on Appreciation Marketing on April 20 in the Chamber conference room. Bring your lunch to this 12 pm – 1 pm meeting while you learn how you can make your guests feel appreciated.
 
What sets you apart from your competition? Who do you do business with and why? It’s time to reinvent yourself! Deep Creek Blog’s Becky Sciullo and Paula Yudelevit of MarketWorks LLC will present “Appreciation Marketing – Achieving Greatness through Gratitude,” a presentation on the art of appreciating your clients and customers, friends, family, and acquaintances, followed by a demonstration of Send Out Cards, an appreciation marketing product that will allow you to take professional and personal relationships to the next level.
 
To RSVP, please contact Charlotte at the Chamber at 301.387.4386 ext. 22 or charlotte@garrettchamber.com by April 19th.
 

Garrett Chamber Announces 2010 Young Enterpreneur and Over the Top Customer Service Award Winners

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2010 Young Entrepreneur award to Jodi Refosco of Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and the 2010 “Over the Top” Customer Service award to Parker Jacobs of the Aquatic Center at the Chamber’s annual Membership Forum on April 8 at Will O’the Wisp.

“Over the Top” Customer Service award nominees must be a person or a business who exemplifies high standards giving priority attention to every customer, client, or guest. The nominated business’s focus must be first and foremost service to the customer and have a policy in place that demonstrates that attitude. If employees are involved in that business, all employees must demonstrate the customer service attitude through training and/or incentives, and there must be a policy of customer care and service through objectives and strategies that can be demonstrated, particularly in how this has driven business growth.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year nominees must be between the ages of 21 and 40 during the calendar year of the award presentation, an owner or partner in a business located in Garrett County at least 1 year old (12 months), and must demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, growth potential, current success and drive in the business and their community.

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce members attended the annual Chamber Membership Forum and Luncheon from 9 am - 2 pm on Thursday, April 8th at Will O'the Wisp. The theme of the forum was Together - Working on the Vision. The forum included a State of the Chamber presentation and a Board visioning discussion before breaking into sessions regarding Tourism Education, Economic Development and Business Support Services.

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Rentals Nominated as "Best in Class for Customer Service"

Congratulations to Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations for being nominated as Best in Class for Customer Service by Vacation Rental Managers Association. Jodi, co owner of Taylor-Made DCV, was selected to speak on the “Best in Class” panel at the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) Eastern Seminar! Taylor-Made DCV was nominated and selected by vacation rental industry leaders because of their expertise in the property management industry. Over 300 attendees are expected at this Seminar, which will be held April 20-21 in Myrtle Beach. The event will provide two days of education and networking opportunities with the most influential players in the vacation rental industry.

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Forum and Lunch April 8

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members to attend its annual Membership Forum and Luncheon from 9 am – 2 pm on Thursday, April 8th at Will O’ Wisp Resort. The theme of this year’s Forum will be Together – Working on the Vision.

 

“The annual Membership Forum & Luncheon is a terrific way to receive feedback from our membership,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage all of our Chamber members to attend since this forum gives the Chamber membership a chance to discuss their involvement with the Chamber and the Chamber’s involvement with their business.”

 

The forum will include a State of the Chamber presentation and a Board visioning discussion before breaking into sessions regarding Tourism, Education, Economic Development and Business Support Services. The day will also include a complimentary buffet lunch.

 

Chamber members should RSVP by April 5 to Charlotte at 301.387.4386 ext. 22 or email charlotte@garrettchamber.com. For additional information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.4386.

 

Bear Creek Crossing B&B Weekend

Last summer I was asked to spend a complimentary weekend at Bear Creek Crossing B&B with my family to blog about the experience.  We had originally scheduled the trip for the first weekend in February, hoping to experience the perfect Garrett County winter weekend, but the timing of the blizzard got in our way.  We scheduled again for this past weekend. It was not exactly a winter wonderland...but rather like Brigadoon, which was perfect just before St. Patrick's Day. 

If you've never stayed in one, a bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a home or other small inn that typically offers lodging along with breakfast.   The word "B&B" often brings to mind formal Victorian homes crammed with antiques along with shared bathrooms, but many are evolving to comfortable places to make yourself at home while you unwind.  Bear Creek Crossing proves to be one of these.   My husband, like many men, used to be leery of B&Bs, but we've had some positive experiences in the past.  So, when I brought up the project, he was a willing participant, along with my daughter.

Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing is not your grandma's B&B, that's for sure.  It is warm, inviting, modern and clean.   Their website describes the place as "traditional, quaint, classic charm with a modern day appeal".  This is a good description, as the inn is decorated tastefully, yet comfortable enough for us to feel right at home upon entering. 

There are two spacious rooms, each with comfortable king beds, television and private baths.   Both are decorated in warm soothing earth tones.  There is also a cottage bedroom, the Sunflower Room, with a double, four poster bed.  This room is perfect for guests needing an extra room for children.   Outside of the bedrooms there is a sitting loft where guests can enjoy relaxing on sofas, tv, games or reading.   There is also a second sitting area in the main living room of the house. 

It rained most of the weekend, so we did not get to experience the outdoor amenities. I have visited in the summer, so I've seen the place in full bloom.  Some of the extra bonuses of staying here include a gated campfire and picnic area along with a country garden.  Guests can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the hammock in the country garden or an evening of family fun roasting marshmallows over the campfire.  The large front porch makes for a great meal time or just a moment to relax. 

Guests have experienced everything from quiet romantic getaways to family birthday weekends.  This past year, weekend visitors who braved epic winter storms were able to have great ski weekend getaways.  The B&B is located little more than a five minute drive to the Wisp Resort, making it a great location for winter warriors. 

In the warmer months, the B&B makes a great location for weddings, and the venue is available for special events. Bear Creek's wedding planner works with couples to plan a full-service wedding on the premises and can arrange for lodging for all of the guests attending as well.  Guests have also made use of the inn for mother-daughter retreats, birthday weekends and anniversaries.  

As the website states, you can truly make yourself at home in this B&B, and even have access to a living and dining area.   Other amenities include central air and high speed internet access.  

All told, it was a great weekend, and we enjoyed our B&B experience in Garrett County.  Enjoy the pictures below, some taken by me and some provided by Bear Creek Crossing. 

Enjoy the large front porch during warmer weather.

This campfire and picnic area is gated, great for keeping an eye on the kids. 

 

My daughter was sad the hammock was put away for the season.

The main living area, with a gas burning fireplace, is great for relaxing...especially on a rainy day.

The Sunflower Room is perfect for extra guests or children.  

 

Dining area where we enjoyed great breakfasts.  

Peggy's Coast Toast

Chamber Holds Next Business After Hours on December 10 at the Visitors Center

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be holding the last Business After Hours networking event at the McHenry Visitors Center on Thursday, December 10 from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Exhibitors include Friend Consulting, Think Outside, Friends of Deep Creek Lake, AXA Advisors, 1st Team, and MTS. Refreshment donations are being provided by Will O' Wisp Resort, Mountain State Brewing, Savage River Lodge, Deep Creek Foodland Fresh Bakery & Deli and McHenry Beverage Shoppe.

“Our most recent Business After Hours gatherings have been very successful with lots of new faces and great interaction with our Chamber members,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Bring your friends, employees and neighbors to network, socialize and support this terrific event.”

The cost is $6 per person. To register to attend, please RSVP to Charlotte at 301.387.4386 ext. 22 or email charlotte@garrettchamber.com. If you are unable to attend after making a reservation, please be sure to notify Charlotte.

In an effort to allow smaller Chamber member businesses an opportunity for additional participation, the 2010 Business After Hours events will be held at a central location in different communities throughout Garrett County. Following the motto that 'people do business with people they know', whether you have a small office, are home-based, or work out of a business vehicle, Chamber members will now be able to join in as hosts for a Business After Hours just like those with storefronts or meeting rooms have done in the past.

For additional information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com

FireFly Farms Celebrates Six New Awards in 2009 Award Competitions

Garrett County's FireFly Farms, producer of artisan goat cheeses, proudly announces six additional individual awards received by its goat cheeses in its 2009 competition season. The full press release is available on their web site at www.fireflyfarms.com.

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Chamber Holds Next Business After Hours September 24 at Garrett College

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Business After Hours event on September 24 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Garrett CollegeCampus in McHenry.

The event will be a social evening of networking with fellow businesses, employees, guests and the Chamber staff.  McHenry area businesses will have displays set up for guests as they enjoy refreshments. Be sure to bring your business card to enter to win door prizes.

“Our most recent Business After Hours gatherings have been very successful with lots of new faces and great interaction with our Chamber members,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to bring our new Business After Hours format to McHenry area residents and business owners. Bring your friends, employees and neighbors to network, socialize and support this terrific event.”

The cost is $6 per person. To register to attend, please RSVP to Jessica at 301.387.4386 ext. 16 or jessica@garrettchamber.com by Monday, September 21.  If you are unable to attend after making a reservation, please be sure to notify Jessica.

The August Business After Hours was held in Grantsville and the remainder of the 2009 schedule is slated for Loch Lynn Heights in October and Kitzmiller in November. Dates and exact locations will be determined.

For additional information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.4386. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Governor Taps Karen Myers for Economic Development Commission

Karen Myers, president of Wisp Resort Development, Inc., and Mountaineer Log and Siding Company, was among the 25 members of the Maryland Economic Development Commission sworn in by Gov. Martin O'Malley during an Aug. 18 ceremony in Annapolis.

Created in 1995, the commission has been inactive since 2006. Christian S. Johansson, secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, made it one of his priorities to revive the group. The commission’s task is to develop a 10-year strategic plan for Maryland’s economy and provide its recommendations to the governor. Members serve three-year staggered terms.

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Chamber Holds Next Business After Hours in Oakland

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Business After Hours event on July 30 from 6 pm – 8 pm at Diakon Adult Day Services at Mountain Glade, located at 375 Avenue in Oakland.

The event will be a social evening of networking with fellow businesses, employees, guests and the Chamber staff.  Oakland area businesses will have displays set up for guests as they enjoy light refreshments. Be sure to bring your business card to enter to win door prizes.

“Our most recent Business After Hours gatherings have been very successful with lots of new faces and great interaction with our Chamber members,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to bring our new Business After Hours format to Oakland area residents and business owners. Bring your friends, employees and neighbors to network, socialize and support this terrific event.”

The cost is $6 per person. To register to attend, please RSVP to Jessica at 301.387.4386 ext. 16 or jessica@garrettchamber.com by Tuesday, July 28th.  If you are unable to attend after making a reservation, please be sure to notify Jessica. If you need directions, please contact the Chamber at 301.387.4386.

At the Business After Hours held last December at the McHenry Visitors Center, the Chamber announced that, in an effort to allow smaller Chamber member businesses an opportunity for additional participation, the 2009 Business After Hours events will be held at a central location in different communities throughout Garrett County. Following the motto that ‘people do business with people they know’, whether you have a small office, are home-based, or work out of a business vehicle, Chamber members will now be able to join in as hosts for a Business After Hours just like those with storefronts or meeting rooms have done in the past.

The June Business After Hours was held in Friendsville and the remainder of the 2009 schedule is slated for Grantsville in August, McHenry in September, Loch Lynn Heights in October and Kitzmiller in November.  Dates and exact locations will be determined.

For additional information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.4386.

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Congratulations Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations

Votes of 50,000+ past guests identify Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations
 as the one of the top ten vacation rental managers for guest satisfaction.

Escapia, Inc. the #1 provider of web-based management and marketing solutions for vacation rental managers announced that Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations of Deep Creek, Maryland was named the #3 Guest Satisfaction Superstar.  Guest satisfaction ratings were collected and analyzed using the EscapiaOne ratings and review system.  All ratings are 100% verified and were submitted by more than 50,000 past guests of vacation rental firms across the country.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the #3 guest satisfaction superstar by Escapia. We work incredibly hard to give our guests the best experiences possible so they’re happy to tell their friends. It’s nice to see that our hard work is paying off and our guests appreciate it” said Jodi Taylor-Refosco of Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations.  The high satisfaction scores reflect the kind of standout service recognized by guests through comments like these:

“We had a wonderful time on our mini vacation. The chalet had a wonderful view and it snowed all day on Saturday and it was beautiful. The house was great and took care of our family just great. I would recommend Taylor-Made and the chalet to anyone.” –Guest, stayed in a five bedroom chalet.

“Property location was perfect. Close to skiing and grocery. Easy to find and priced right. The bonus ski passes are reason enough for us to come back again. Would definitely recommend to our friends and would be happy to rent again next year!”
-Lucy, stayed in a four bedroom house.

Bill Furlong, CEO of Escapia, said “It is companies like Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations that are raising the bar for vacation rentals. This is incredibly important since vacation rentals are quickly moving from the specialty lodging category and into the mainstream of travel. It’s all about making sure the guests’ expectations are met and exceeded. It’s gratifying to see that our clients like Taylor-Made are able to enhance their business so much with the tools Escapia provides.”

About Escapia
Escapia, Inc., founded in 2000, is leading the Internet revolution in the $24 billion vacation rental industry with a comprehensive Internet business platform and breakthrough online marketing and booking services. Escapia empowers professional vacation rental management companies to reach new customers, manage guest and owner relationships, and perform trust-based accounting, housekeeping, maintenance and other mission critical aspects of their businesses. Seattle-based Escapia can be reached at 1-800-ESCAPIA, info@escapia.com or via the web at www.escapia.com.

About Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations (www.deepcreekvacations.com) is family-owned and operated to specialize in providing the most memorable family vacations. Their reservation staff place guests in dream vacation homes every day of the year. Taylor-Made’s knowledgeable and caring staff is dedicated to providing the best customer service to ensure the most of their guests’ vacations. Taylor-Made has a combined twenty-five years of experience in the property management industry. Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations’ top grade service and high standards allow them to provide every vacationer their special dream home.