The Deep Creek Blog

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at Clear Mountain Bank on February 8th

Clear Mountain Bank will be hosting the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's February Business After Hours on February 8th from 6 pm – 8 pm at their new location in Oakland.   Enjoy delicious food and drink as you mingle with  Chamber members and staff at this monthly networking event.

Locally owned and managed since 1891, Clear Mountain Bank is an independent community bank serving Monongalia and Preston counties in West Virginia, and Garrett County in Maryland.  The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Please RSVP by February 7th to charlotte@garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.6171.

Business Before Hours - Economic Forecast

Dr. Martin A. Regalia will present an Economic Forecast at the next Business Before Hours, sponsored by Susquehanna Bank, on Tuesday, January 17th at Will O’the Wisp.  Dr. Regalia is the Senior Vice President for Economic and Tax Policy and Chief Economist at the United States Chamber of Commerce.

This is a great opportunity to hear how 2012 is starting off and learn what can be expected for the next year. “We are delighted and extremely honored that Dr. Regalia accepted our invitation to present an Economic Forecast to our members,” said Nicole Christian, President & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Marty is one of the nation’s foremost experts on economics and it is a real coup to have someone of his caliber come to Garrett County to address our members. I learn so much every time I hear him speak.” 

Regalia served as a principal analyst in the Fiscal Analysis Division at the Congressional Budget Office, as an economist for the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System in both the Banking and Capital Markets Sections, and as a financial economist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  USA Today named Regalia one of the top 10 economists in the nation. Regalia and the other economic experts received this recognition for the accuracy of their 2008 forecasts. 

The Business Before Hours breakfast programs are bi-monthly events designed to focus on specific topics with formal presentations. The topics slated for 2012 include: Legislative Wrap-Up, State of the County, Tourism Update and more. Non-competing sponsorship opportunities are available for each forum. The forum begins at 8 am downstairs at Will O’the Wisp with breakfast and networking, followed by the program from 8:30 am - 9:30 am. The cost for members is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The cost for non-members is $30. Register online or by calling Charlotte at 301.387.6171 by January 12 to receive the advanced payment discount for members. Space is limited so early reservations are recommended.

Heritage Area Grant Workshop

The Garrett County Heritage Area Grants Committee will be accepting grant applications for Fiscal Year 2013 which begins July 1, 2012. Heritage Funding is designed to assist and encourage the preservation of historical, archeological, natural and cultural resources in Garrett County that support economic development through heritage tourism. A mandatory pre-grant worshop will be held at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce in the conference room on January 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Complete project applications will be due February 1, 2012. For additional information, please call Dee Dee Ritchie, Heritage Manager at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at (301) 387-2050 or by email at deidra@garrettchamber.com.

Chamber Hosts Next Business After Hours at Dutch's at Silver Tree on December 7th

Come out and celebrate the holiday season as the Garrett County Chamber holds their next Business After Hours at Dutch’s at Silver Tree on December 7th from 6 pm – 8 pm. Enjoy delicious food and drink as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking event.

And to celebrate the season of giving, the Chamber is supporting the local Toys for Tots Campaign to help give children in our area a special gift for the holidays. If you would like to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the local "Toys for Tots Campaign" to the December Business After Hours, we will give you a free ticket to a future Business After Hours event.

“We are happy to utilize the Chamber’s Business After Hours event to help collect toys for the Toys for Tots program,” said Nicole Christian, President & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “These toys go directly to children in our community to help them have a happy holiday.”

One of the area’s newest restaurants, the newly renovated Dutch’s at Silver Tree offers an delectable array of seafood, steaks, soups and salads. Dutch's is well known for their restaurant in Frederick, MD and have recently renovated the former Silver Tree Inn to provide an all-new menu and atmosphere.

The cost is $6.00 for members paid in advance and $10 for non-members and members paying at the door. Please RSVP by December 2nd to katie@garrettchamber.com or call 301.387.5237.

DC Development Files for Bankruptcy

DC Development, owners of Wisp Resort,  announced their bankruptcy filing on Sunday, as reported in The Baltimore Sun yesterday.  The filing will not affect the opening of the Wisp Resort this season, critical to Garrett County's winter tourism. 

Balanced Body Opens Satellite Studio in Cumberland

Cumberland’s first Pilates studio – complete with unique spring-loaded equipment and certified fitness instructor Karen Smith leading sessions – will open October 3 in the renovated historic Cumberland Brewery building at 711 North Centre Street.

The Balanced Body Studio/Cumberland will be a satellite studio of the Deep Creek Lake-based studio, owned by Master Pilates teacher-trainer Jennifer Christophel, who has taught Pilates, fitness and dance for more than 12 years in the western Maryland region. “We’re looking to complement fitness operations already in Cumberland,” Christophel said.

Non-impact, core-conditioning Pilates exercises build strength, flexibility and overall health for anyone, age 10 to 100, provided they are coached by a properly trained and certified teacher, according to Christophel.

She is delighted that Smith, who is the Wellness Director at the Cumberland YMCA, holds numerous fitness certifications and a B.A. degree in dance from the University of Arizona. “Karen will be doing the teaching at the new studio,” Christophel said. However, Christophel will be available for post-therapy exercise planning and health and wellness consultations at the Cumberland site.

The new studio will offer private, duet and small group sessions by appointment or schedule. “Pilates is a way to integrate mind and body,” said Smith, who also serves as treasurer for the non-profit Wellness Coalition. The group includes a diverse group of wellness practitioners from Allegany County, who promote individuals’ journeys to better health and well-being. Smith said teaching at the new Pilates studio seemed a perfect fit with her background and wellness philosophy.

Smith maintains group fitness certifications through Mad Dogg Athletics, the Arthritis Foundation and Silver Sneakers. She also certified through the Road Runners Club of America as a running coach and is a marathon competitor. A dancer since age 4, she views Pilates as a “gratifying return to the study of body and movement” since she began training under mentor and Pilates teacher Christophel.

Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility, didn’t achieve widespread popularity until recently. Every Pilates exercise, performed on mats and specialized equipment, focuses on proper breathing, form and movement patterns. Practiced regularly, Pilates not only improves one’s balance and core strength, but it can reduce chronic pain and control stress. “It’s a different way of working your body,” notes Smith.

The new studio has free client parking and is equipped with classic Pilates apparatus called reformers and chairs in spacious quarters with refinished hardwood floors and paneling.  Smith has begun registering clients for her classes and plans to offer free 20-minute introductory sessions in October. For more information and to sign up for sessions, contact the Balanced Body Studio at 301-387-7585.

Plan on Shopping Maryland During the State's Tax Free Week

The second Sunday of August to the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland Week each year. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less are exempt from the Maryland 6% sales tax. This year, Shop Maryland Week is August 14-20. Accessory items are not included.

June Business After Hours at The Deep Creek Inn

The Garrett County Chamber is pleased to announce that Inn at Deep Creek will be hosting June Business After Hours on June 9th from 6 pm – 8 pm.  Come and tour the newly renovated Inn, formerly known as the Alpine Village Inn.

Enjoy delicious food and drink as you mingle with Chamber members and Chamber staff at this monthly networking event. Don't forget your business card to enter prizes from the host including a Romance Package and Escape to the Mountain Package Giveways including lodging, gift certificates and more!

Hotel features include a large lakeside grilling area with picnic tables and grills, a large outdoor heated pool (available May through September), a private beach with boat slip (seasonal), and a 2nd-floor community balcony with gorgeous views.

The cost for members is $6 in advance or $10 at the door, non-members are $10. Please register online by June 6 or call Charlotte at 301.387.6171. 

 

Garrett County Chamber Business After Hours Feb 9th

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will hold the February Chamber Business After Hours at Crisscross Communication on February 9 2011 from 6-8 pm.  Crisscross is located in MarketSquare beside Foodland in McHenry.  Register by February 7th at www.visitdeepcreek.com .  

 

Larry Smith New President of Garrett County Board of Realtors

Congratulations to Larry Smith, the new President of the Garrett County Board of Realtors!  Read all about it on the Railey Realty 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.