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Salisbury Star PO Box 1000 Seaford, DE 19973-1000
Complimentary
Vol. 2 No. 11 February 2016
AWARDS- Chris Brassure was named Firefighter of the Year during the Fruitland Chamber of Commerce’s banquet. Story and more photos on page 7.
Finance
This month’s Star looks at businesses that help us manage our money. Pages 9-10 MLK Day- Area youth celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at 30th annual event. Page 3 DRONES- Popularity of drones continues to soar. Page 4 VETERANS- Town of Delmar considers proposed home for veterans. Page 6 VALENTINE’S DAY- Local businesses offer Valentine’s Day specials. Page 9
INDEX Bulletin Board ......................21-23 Business Digest ....................... 12 Business Directory..............36-37 Business Profile ....................... 12 Church ....................................... 35 Community ...........................35-38 Delegate Report .......................... 6 Gee Dunsten ............................. 29 Education ............................24-28 Entertainment ........................... 22 Final Word ................................. 39 Health....................................32-34 Personnel File ........................... 14 Real Estate ................................ 29 Salisbury University ................. 27 Sports ...................................16-20 Student Profile .......................... 24 The Great Outdoors ................. 19 Veronica Correa........................ 39
FORUM- Maryland economist Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, gives his analysis of the local and national economy during the 2016 Commercial Real Estate Forum. See story on page 5. Photo by Mike McClure
Kim Gillis sworn in as first chairwoman during Salisbury Chamber of Commerce’s installation
By Mike McClure
Kim Gillis officially became the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce’s first chairwoman during the organization’s 96th Annual Installation of Officers and Board Directors which took place Jan. 21 at the Black Diamond Lodge in Fruitland. “I am certainly proud to be here today and to follow in the footsteps of many great leaders,” Gillis told the crowd. Gillis, a Senior Associate with Becker Morgan Group, was sworn in by Stephanie Willey. The two met through
their work for the Chamber seven or eight years ago. “Having Stephanie do that was extra special because of the bond that we have. She inspires me everyday with what she does for the chamber,” said Gillis. Kim was Co-Chair of the SACC Young Professionals Network prior to becoming a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2011. Gillis, along with Sophia Smecker (Chamber Media and Public Relations), launched the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA). Since becoming a member of the Board, Gillis has worked her way up through the Chamber’s ranks. “I’ve en-
joyed working my way up through the ranks and learning how the Chamber runs,” Gillis said. During her speech at the installation, Gillis said she has already received input from the Chamber’s past presidents through a planning session and retreat and is looking to develop a good relationship with the city, county, and state representatives, plans to have an open dialogue with community groups, and is looking for the organization to work on reciting new members as well as keeping current members. “Our goal is to keep everyone engaged and active,” she Continued on page 7