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Business Journal PO Box 510 Salisbury, MD 21803-0510
The Regional Chamber Newsletter
Vol. 14 No.11
Dedicated to the Principles of Free Enterprise
June 2011
Shown is an aerial view of Peninsula Regional Medical Center, which has undergone substantial improvements in recent years and is a major contributor to the local economy. Peninsula Regional is recognized for its outstanding services and professionals. Photo courtesy of Peninsula Regional Medical Center
Mid-year economic outlook for Wicomico
What’s in store for businesses and the real estate market? By Carol Kinsley
There are some positives when examining Wicomic County’s economy, David Ryan, executive director of Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Inc., reported to the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at its May 19 general membership meeting.
Ryan said he saved the positives so he could finish his report on a positive note. They were: the unemployment rate is below the national average; there has been a moderate decline in the housing inventory; the county has experienced low industrial vacancy rates, and there has been some interest in capital investment which, hopefully, precedes
employment gains, especially in larger industries. Ryan started his report by putting things in context. “We reviewed past recessions,” he said, listing the mid-70s OPEC oil embargo, the touchy oil markets during the Iranian hostage situation, the savings and loan crisis of the early 1990s and the dot.com collapse in the
Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Patrons
www.salisburyarea.com
2000s. “We had a pretty good stretch of economic activity and growth from 1982 to 2007,” he said, because those recessions — although painful were short. “They were not as long nor deep and broad as the recession we’ve just been through and are still feeling Continued on page nine
Advisor Focus SALISBURY, MD│FOR LEASE
SALISBURY, MD│FOR LEASE
1415 WESLEY DR.
2120 WINDSOR DR.
SALISBURY, MD | FOR SALE/LEASE
WESTOVER, MD│FOR SALE
wESTwOOD BUSINESS CENTER
OLSEN’S ANTIQUES BLDG.
John McClellan, CCIM
SALISBURY, MD | FOR LEASE
SALISBURY, MD│FOR SALE
1607 NORTHwOOD DRIVE
BENNETT AIRPORT
Senior Advisor The McClellan Team
24 Years Commercial Real Estate Experience “This market is full of great opportunities for smart investors, users, and tenants. Don’t miss this opportunity. Let me shareNNN $12.00/Sq. Ft. $930/Mo. my market knowledge and help you find the • 4,807 Sq. Ft. of Medical/Office Space perfect •commercial 1,250 Sq. Ft.real Office Spacefor you – estate • 3 Offices with Windows • 2 Offices PLEASE CALL ME TODAY!” • 7 Exam Rooms w/Sink & Cabinets • 3 Nurses Stations & 4 Restrooms
John CCIM Contact: BrentMcClellan, Miller, CCIM or Rick Tilghman, CCIM http://Lease.SVN.com/WesleyDrive MLS # 427617 NORTH GATE OF OCEAN PINES 102 PARK AVE.
• Open Work Area & Kitchenette • Private Bath with Shower 410-543-2428
• 8,000 Sq. Ft.sq. Retail • 2,700-5,500 ft. Building on 2.73 Acres • Room to Expand ExistinginBuilding Size • 24’ clear/loading docks/drive • Custom Finishes Available • Flexible floorplan • Rt. 50 Frontage • Highly Visible on US Route 13 Northbound • Sale or Lease
http://Lease.SVN.com/2120WindsorDrive MLS # 438162
Henry CCIM, SIOR ContactHanna, John McClellan, CCIM http://Sale.svn.com/OlsensWestover http://lease.svn.com/1770westwood MLS #427361
John.McClellan@svn.com Contact: Brent Miller, CCIM or Rick Tilghman, CCIM
OCEAN PINES, MD | FOR SALE/LEASE SEAFORD, DE│FOR SALE
FREE RENT AVAILABLE$699,000
SALISBURY, MD | FOR LEASE
SALISBURY, MD | FOR LEASE
SALISBURY, MD│FOR LEASE
SALISBURY, MD│FOR LEASE
113 w. MAIN STREET
110 BAPTIST ST.
2020 SHIPLEY DR.
8999 OCEAN HWY.
$800 per month plus utilities For$1,275,000 Sale $275/psf For Lease $18/psf NNN
• Manufacturing/Warehouse • RT 589 Frontage • Pre-Engineered Steel with Split Face the North Gate of Ocean Pines Block• Adjacent Office; to Clearspan w/20’ Ceilings • Build to Suit • Paved Parking and Truck Area • Lease/Purchase Options • Multiple Drive-Thru Doors Contact: John McClellan, CCIM Contact Bradley Gillis, CCIM http://sale.svn.com/102Park www.bradleygillis.com MLS #551363
SALISBURY, MD | SOLD SALISBURY, MD│FOR LEASE
436 SNOw HILL ROAD 31400 WINTERPLACE PKWY.
D L O
S
$12.00/Sq. Ft.
$279,000 • 1,283 Sq. Ft. Professional Office Space • Sold Reception Area, Large Open • 3 Offices, Area• &Free-standing File Roomoffice/warehouse facility • Office/retail/warehouse areas • Kitchenette, Restroom and Lots of Storage • 3 drive-in doors • End Unit Located in Winter Place Bus. Park CCIMCCIM, or Rick Tilghman, CCIM Contact: BrentHenry Miller, Contact Hanna, SIOR or http://Lease.SVN.com/WinterPlacePark Wesley Cox, CCIM MLS #439632 http://sale.svn.com/436snowhillroad
• 1,550 sq. ft. of office space • Large reception area, four offices, kitchenette and ADA accessible bathroom$7.50/Sq. Ft. • ComesSq. with off street parking $3.50 spaces psf • 5,000 Ft.2Office/Warehouse • Located 1 block from the court house buildings • Warehouse Features 2 Roll-Up Doors & • EasyRoom access to Rt. 50 & Rt. 13 Parts space for small business or legal office • 2• Great Private Offices and Conference Room • FreeUnit Rentin Complex • Last
$5.50/Sq. Ft.
• 2 Warehouse Units Available $3.50 psf $1 • Drive-In Doors and Truck Dock • 1200 sq. ft. Shell • Zoned TownSalisbury of Delmar Light Industrial • Downtown • Located the G&M Sales Complex • Ownerin offering 18 months of FREE Rent! • Will build to suite
Contact Bill Moore 410-543-2483 Contact: John McClellan, CCIM bill.moore@svn.com http://lease.svn.com/2040Shipley http://lease.SVN.com/110baptist MLS #437339
Contact: McClellan, CCIM Contact John Joey Gilkerson at Joey.Gilkerson@svn.com http://lease.svn.com/8999OceanHighway www.bradleygillis.com MLS #437628, 438370
SALISBURY, MD |MD│FOR FOR SALE/LEASE BERLIN, LEASE 800 SNOw HILL 10231 OLD OCEAN CITYROAD RD.
SALISBURY, MD | FOR SALE/LEASE FRUITLAND, MD│FOR LEASE EAST PARK PROFESSIONAL IN CROWN SPORTS CTR. FACILITY
FREE RENT AVAILABLE$2,800,000 FAA Approval, ••2,000-4,000 sq. ft. Hanger Bldg. w/6T Hangers 2 Grassoffice/warehouse Runways 3150' and 2300' ••Finished Includes all Shop Yard Equipment & Mowers ••Loading Docks/Fenced • Great Tenant Mix HenryJohn Hanna, CCIM,CCIM SIOR Contact McClellan, http://Sale.svn.com/BennettAirport http://lease.svn.com/1607northwood MLS #427047
BRIDGEVILLE, DE | LEASED
SALISBURY, MD│FOR SALE
16219 SUSSEx HwY.
635 HOMER ST.
D E S
A E L
$475,000
• 10,000 Office/Warehouse Flex Building Full General Commercial Zoning ••9,600 sq. ft. Warehouse ••Leased to an AutoArea Body Shop Fenced Yard • For Lease @ $ 5.50/Sq. Ft. • Convenient Location Just Off RT 13 Contact Henry Hanna, CCIM, SIOR or Contact: Wesley Cox, Chris CCIM Peek, CCIM http://Sale.svn.com/635_Homer wesley.cox@svn.com & henry.hanna@svn.com MLS # 427375
SALISBURY, MD | MD│FOR FOR SALESALE HURLOCK, 1000 N. 100 SALISBURY BLVD.DR. ENTERPRISE
FOR SALE $499,000 FOR LEASE $3,500/month • 5,050 +/- sq. ft. of professional office building • Private paved parking lot $18.50/Sq. with access fromFt. Edgar Drive and Snow Hill Road • 1,600 Sq. Ft. Medical Office Space in • Several offices, large open areas, Class A Medical conference roomFacility computer/phone server room • On• Secure Atlantic General Hospital’s Campus • Adjoining 0.46Break acre lot available sale • 3 Exam Rms., & also Chart Rm., 2forNurse at $185,000 Stations, Office, Reception & Waiting Areas
Contact: CCIM or Rick CCIM ContactBrent BrentMiller, C. Miller, CCIM, CPMTilghman, at 410-749-7600 http://Lease.SVN.com/JamesBarrettMedical http://Sale.SVN.com/800SnowHillRd MLS#441004 http://Lease.SVN.com/800SnowHillRd
Sperry Van Ness–Miller Commercial Real Estate View all of our listings at www.SVNmiller.com (410) 543-2440 206410.543.2440 East Main Street • Salisbury, MD 21801 MD 21801 206 East Main Street • Salisbury, www.SVNmiller.com 302.846.9908 30613 Sussex Highway • Laurel, DE 19956 302.227.0768 34634 Bay Crossing Blvd. • Lewes, DE 19958 302.629.2440 604 Porter Street • Seaford, DE 19973
Built for Better Results.
Sale$7.50/Sq. - $180 PSF Ft. Lease - $14 PSF • 13,000 Sq. Ft. $3.50 psf • 1,200-3,900 sq. ft. available • 24 Ft. High Ceilings; 14x10 Ft. Door • Turn-key finishes included • Sprinklered • Plenty of parking • Separate ADA bathrooms • Centrally • Great Flexlocated Space! • Shell only is a possibility Contact: Chris Peek, CCIM Contact Rick Tilghman, CCIM http://Sale.SVN.com/CrownSportscCenter13000 http://Lease.SVN.com/eastparkprofessionalcenter MLS #436513
$995,000 • 22,500 Sq. Ft. on 5 Acres $215,000 • Truck Dock & Drive in Access •• High ADT traffic counts & high visibility location Sprinklered; Paint & Sanding Booths • Parking lots front and rear • Great finish level - Nicely appointed •Contact: Includes Chris pole sign Peek, CCIM
Contact Chris Peek, CCIM at 410-603-9112 http://Sale.SVN.com/100Enterprise http://sale.svn.com/91139 MLS#429528
Sperry Van Ness is a registered trademark of Sperry Van Ness International Corporation. All Sperry Van Ness® Offices Independently Owned and Operated.
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 3
Periodically accessing business is good investment By Brad Bellacicco
SACC Executive Director
Director’s Journal
Around the Chamber the sweet smell of relief is in the air. The Salisbury Festival It is always a good idea and Annual Banquet are for any organization to successfully behind us. The cherish its successes leadership of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and review its perforchanged at a nice dinner mance. at Green Hill on April 14. There were no riots in the years, the Salisbury Area Chamber has street as in the Middle East or a major established a tradition of service and a campaign with political rallies and adreputation for superior performance. vertising. This is a tribute to the volunteers A testament to the health of the orwho put time into the organization and ganization is the willingness of busy guide its efforts to support our comcommunity leaders to step forward to munity. serve. Without monetary compensation The Salisbury Festival is an example and not near enough recognition, peoof the service this organization provides ple are eager to help make this chamber the community. Chamber staff, voluna great organization. Over the past 91 teers, city employees and hundreds of
The 2011-2012 Chamber officers are in the back row, from left: Ernie Colburn, Dr. Memo Diriker, Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello, Dawn Tilghman, Bradley Gillis, Tony Nichols. Front row: D. Nicole Green, Stephen Franklin and Stephanie Willey.
2011-2012 Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Officers President President Elect Vice President Vice President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Asst. Sec/Treasurer Legal Counsel Past President
Ernie Colburn Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello Bradley Gillis Dr. Memo Diriker Tony Nichols Stephen Franklin Stephanie Willey D. Nicole Green Dawn Tilghman
Comcast Spotlight Pohanka Automotive Group Sperry Van Ness - Miller Salisbury University’s BEACON BBSI Accurate Optical Comcast Spotlight D. Nicole Green, P.A. Burnett White Tire & Auto
Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce 144 East Main Street, Salisbury, MD • Phone: 410-749-0144 • Fax: 410-860-9925 email: chamber@Salisburyarea.com • Website: www.Salisburyarea.com
performers, community group members and support company employees executed the 29th annual gathering of varied activities for the community. A very diverse group united in the streets and celebrated the arrival of spring. It would be great if we could see more of this coming together with a unified purpose and a willingness to work together. The Chamber cannot rest on our laurels from these recent successes. It is time to re-accomplish the United States Chamber of Commerce Accreditation process. A committee is being formed to conduct the review of our operations and prepare a report for review by a board in Washington, D.C. This five-year review of our organization is part of why we continue to grow and prosper. We take the time to analyze our strengthens and our weaknesses. We look at how to improve our
service to our members and the entire community. We are a better organization for the effort. It is always a good idea for any organization to cherish its successes and review its performance. It is hard to find the time to do this in these busy times. The speed of business and life make it a challenge, but the reward from the time invested is worth it, especially in these difficult economic conditions. Your fight to recover from the recession and maintain your business or career will benefit from a periodic assessment. Whether it is a paid outside consultant or the office talking over pizza, the information gathered could be the difference when you start dealing with the increasing inflation rate, higher cost of fuel or just the new demands of customers.
Urban Salisbury, Inc. received the 2011 Promotion Award on May 19, in Annapolis. The award is given annually by judges from Main Street Maryland for the best campaign that “encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop and invest downtown.” When presenting the award, Tim Murphy, assistant Main Street coordinator from the Department of Housing and Community Development, said Urban Salisbury’s new logo, brochure, newsletter, the W.J. Ahtes Downtown Salisbury Achievement materials and award were chosen from 23 competitors as special examples of the use of local talent and the benefits of partnerships across a community. Allan Hope, executive director of Urban Salisbury, agreed. “The creativity of Salisbury University Graphic Design students, particularly Chelsea Maher and Jessica Yeoh, resulted in the logo and brochure. The imagination and the vision of Eli Cecil, a student in the Hot
Glass Track in SU’s Art Department, turned the Ahtes Award from a notion into an original work of art from Salisbury.” He added, “Without the dedication and efforts of students from James M. Bennett High School, our newsletter, Main Street Matters, wouldn’t be written. We must also thank and congratulate, Niki Wheatley, our associate at Urban Salisbury, whose hard work and skill added so much to the quality and impact of all these things.” This is the second award Urban Salisbury has won this year. USI received Best Heritage Tourism Event Award from the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council for FireFest 2010. The Edward H. Nabb Center, Joey Dicarlo, the Salisbury Fire Department and Mayor Jim Ireton played vital roles in making FireFest 2010 a great success. “These awards are the proof of the results that can be achieved when the community works together,” said Hope.
Urban Salisbury wins award
INSIDE Ad Directory.......................................30 Barometer............................................7 Business After Hours................. 14, 18 Business Before Hours.....................12 Business Directory...................... 28-29 Calendar..............................................5 Commercial Property.........................19 County Executive..............................31 Education..........................................26 Health................................................24
Human Resources.............................13 Investing............................................15 Insights..............................................30 Member Renewals..............................4 Networking Tip....................................4 New Members.....................................4 Personnel File...................................10 Real Estate ...................................19 Salisbury University...........................27 Technology . ......................................8
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 4
Networking tip Be involved in the Chamber
Become an ambassador, join other chamber committees, and volunteer at events. There are definitely a lot of events to take advantage of, like networking mixers but you will also have an opportunity to join different committees and assist with the carrying out of workshops, seminars, festivals, and other events. These are terrific opportunities to get to know the other members which of course develops relationships and puts you front and center to consistently develop leads. You’ll also have situations available in which you can partner with the chamber and sponsor your own events with a focus on your services.
Membership Renewals Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce
a.s.a.p.r. integrated marketing Ace Printing & Mailing Affordable Bookkeeping Allen & Shariff Corporation Alon Davis, MD Art Cooley Austin Cox Mechanical AWB Engineers Barkley Associates, LLC Bay Runner Shuttle Blood Bank of Delmarva Brittingham Square CADISTA
Lower Shore Chambers of Commerce Chamber Berlin Crisfield Delmar Fruitland Ocean City Ocean Pines Pocomoke City Princess Anne Salisbury Snow Hill
Contact info 410-641-4775 410-968-2500 302-846-3336 tina028@comcast.net 410-213-0144 410-641-5306 410-957-1919 410-651-2961 410-749-0144 410-632-0809
Cambridge Legacy Group Cathy’s Pet Salon Chem-Dry On The Shore Chesapeake Screen Printing, Inc. Coastal Hospice Coastal Title Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/ Cooper-Stewart Consulting, Training, & Development Services Courtesy Chevrolet Cadillac Cynthia Malament, Attorney at Law Delaware Time & Control Delaware Tire Center, Inc. Delmarva Broadcasting: WICO AM/FM,WQJZ,WKTT,WZKT Delmarva Shorebirds E D Supply Edward Jones Investments/Randy O’Neal Etch Art Awards Father & Sons Unlimited FWB Transport Genesis ElderCare
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Reps: David & Anna Meyers 28099 Adkins Road Salisbury, MD 21801 410-422-3100 Davidmyers2662@hotmail.com www.DavidMyersAndAssociatesLLC.com Full service civil engineering and land surveying firm serving Maryland and Delaware.
Pelaton, LLC
Rep: Tom Cropper P.O. Box 268 Hebron, MD 21830 410-202-2920 410-380-2534 – fax tom@pelaton.info www.pelaton.info Pelaton is dedicated to providing COOP (Continuity of Operations) planning and support services for their clients.
WOLC, JOY! 102.5/Maranantha Rep: Deborah Byrd P.O. Box 130
Dues* $125 $100 $75 $75 $175 $145 $150 $50 $220 $75
Members 200 120 56 65 850 300 150 105 800 70
Fax 410-641-3118 410-968-0524
410-213-7521 410-641-6176 410-957-4784 410-651-5881 410-860-9925 410-632-3158
* Basic annual membership cost.
SALISBURY AREA
David Meyers & Associates, LLC
Key contact Olive Mawyer Valerie Howard Diane Johnson Tina Banks Melanie Pursel Elizabeth Kain-Bolen Denis Wagner Dennis Williams Brad Bellacicco Lee Chisholm
Princess Anne, MD 21853 dbyrd@wolc.org www.wolc.org Maranatha Inc. is a Christian radio (WOLC Joy 102.5) and newspaper (“The Manna”) ministry.
Meineke Car Care Center
Rep: Bill Gallion 1822 N. Salisbury, Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801 Shop.977@meineke.net www.meineke.com Complete car care center specializing in mufflers and exhaust systems.
The Children’s Place
Rep: Tammy Merillo Centre At Salisbury 2300 N. Salisbury Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801 410-749-2191 tmerillo@thechildrensplace.com www.thechildrensplace.com The Children’s Place is a leading children’s specialty apparal retailer, provides fashionable, high quality merchandise at value prices for newborns to size 14.
George, Miles & Buhr, LLC Goodwill Industries Grant’s Texaco Harris Market Health South/Chesapeake Rehabilitation Hospital Holt Paper John P. Houlihan, Attorney Jostens Lorch Microwave M&T Bank March of Dimes Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit Mitchell’s Martial Arts & Fitness Peninsula Cardiology Piedmont Airlines, Inc. PKS & Company, P.A. Salisbury Brick Company Salisbury Moose Lodge 654
Service Master Signs By Tomorrow Soule & Associates, P.C. Standard Register The Car Store The Daily Times/Gannett Co. Inc. The Delmarva Dempseys, KFC/TB Inc. The Village at Harbor Point Tilghman Oil Trice Geary & Myers, LLC Trinity Sterile Vantage Point Retirement Living, Inc. Wilgus Insurance Wilmington University WMDT-TV Wor-Wic Community College Wright’s Market Zia’s Italian Grill
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 5
Calendar of Events
Salisbury Chamber
Wednesday, June 1 - Young Professionals Committee, Chamber Business Center, 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 15- Ribbon Cutting/Business After Hours, Pohanka Toyota, 4:45-7 p.m.
Thursday, June 2 - Business After Hours, The Insurance Market and United Way Young Leaders Society, 5-7 p.m.
Thursday, June 16 - General Membership Luncheon, Holiday Inn & Conference Center, noon.
Thursday, June 2 - Beautification Committee, Chamber Business Center, noon.
Tuesday, June 21 - Agri-Business Committee, Chamber Business Center, 7:30 a.m.
Friday, June 3-Saturday, June 4 - Home Ownership Matters Expo, The Centre at Salisbury. June 3 3-9 p.m.; June 4 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more info, call Shannon Mitchell at 410-749-0144 or email chamber@salisbury area.
Wednesday, June 22 - Business Affairs Committee, Chamber Business Center, 8 a.m.
Wednesday, June 8 - Joint Ambass-ador/Membership Committee Meeting, Chamber Business Center, 7:30-9 a.m.
Thursday, June 23 - Recycling Committee, Common Grounds, 8 a.m.
Thursday, June 9 - Local legislative committee, Wor-Wic Community College, 7:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9 - Tech Committee, Chamber Business Center, 9 a.m. Friday, June 10 - Executive Committee, Holiday Inn, 7:30 a.m. Monday, June 13 - Workforce Development, Chamber Business Center, noon. Wednesday, June 15- Technology Lunch & Learn, Chamber Business Center, 11:30 - 1:30. Dr. Memo Diriker, Salisbury University’s BEACON.
Wednesday, June 22 - Budget & Finance Committee, Chamber Business Center, noon.
Thursday, June 23 - PR & Marketing, Chamber Business Center, noon. Monday, June 27 - Executive Committee, Chamber Business Center, noon. Tuesday, June 28 - Business After Hours, Apple Discount Drug, Fruitland, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 - Luncheon with Maryland Comptroller, Peter Franchot, noon. Location to be determined. Wednesday, June 29 - Board of directors, Chamber Business Center, noon.
Salisbury SCORE
410-749-0185
Free Business Counseling! Start-up and Existing Businesses
Email:SCORE@salisburyarea.com
Business Counselors Wanted!
Volunteer and Share Your Knowledge
INFORMATION and LINKS => www.salisburyscore.org
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 6
From left are: Jason Gurka, Delmarva Shorebirds pitcher; Jennifer Small, branch manager, Maryland Food Bank; Spicer Bell, president, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore; and Chris Bitters, general manager, Delmarva Shorebirds.
CF supports hunger campaign The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore is partnering with the Delmarva Shorebirds, Arthur W. Perdue Foundation and Delmarva’s three food banks, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, and the Food Bank of Virginia Eastern Shore to help Strike Out Hunger. The Foundation announced at a recent Shorebirds game that they are matching Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s $10 donation for every time a Shorebirds pitcher strikes out an opposing batter this season making each strikeout worth $20. All of the money raised will be distributed to the three local Delmarva food banks. The Community Foundation also invites organization and business participants who utilize the Foundation’s Nonprofit Support Center for meetings and trainings to bring a canned food item. Donations can be dropped into a Maryland Food Bank food barrel located in the Foundation’s front lobby. The Community Foundation urges local companies and organizations to support the Strike Out Hunger campaign, as well by placing a food barrel at their place of business. For more information about how you
can get involved in the Strike Out Hunger campaign, visit www.cfes.org or call 410-742-9911. In addition, visit Maryland Food Bank’s website at www.mdfoodbank. org.
Delmarva Power rate decreases
Electricity supply rates will decrease for Delmarva Power Maryland customers this summer because of lower-priced contracts taking effect June 1. For the average residential customer, summer monthly bills will decrease by 15.7 percent, resulting in a monthly savings of about $25. Additionally, summer monthly bills for the company’s small business customers in Maryland will decrease about 16.7 percent, on average. The rate decreases are a result of lower commodity fuel prices, which were obtained through a competitive bid process to supply electricity to Delmarva Power’s Standard Offer Service customers. Delmarva Power encourages its customers to visit www.delmarva.com, for information on saving energy and money in their home or business and to get the latest supply information to help in choosing an alternate supplier that fits their needs.
LIBRARY ESTABLISHES NEW FUND - The Wicomico Public Library has established a fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. With this initial $10,000 and any additional contributions, the Wicomico Public Library’s programs and services will be supported in perpetuity for area citizens. Contributions to the new library fund can be made by the general public. Anyone wishing to support the library with a gift can send their donation to the Community Foundation with specific instructions that it go to the Wicomico Public Library Fund. From left are: Spicer Bell, president, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore; Tom Hehman, director, Wicomico Public Library; and Scott Duncan, board of trustees member, Wicomico Public Library.
Employer based wellness plans By Chris Carroll
Vice President, Benefits Division Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley
Wellness plans are hot topics among large and small employers alike. However, some employers are slow to take action because they are concerned about both the cost to implement a plan and the worry that any real return on investment will be realized. Why workplace wellness? It affects employer’s bottom line in many ways, but the big three are: • Decreased healthcare costs • Increased productivity • Better morale. The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), an organization dedicated to the promotion of worksite wellness, has identified seven best practices (“The Seven Benchmarks”) for employers to follow when building a comprehensive, effective worksite wellness program within their organization. The Bench-
marks, known as the “Seven Cs” are to Capture senior-level support, Create a wellness team, Collect data, Craft an operating plan, Choose health initiatives, Create supportive environment and Consistently evaluate outcomes. How to get started with workplace wellness? Contact your trusted insurance benefits advisor. They should be ready, willing and able to help you set a course of action towards wellness. The areas of priority for most employer groups should be focused on: health risk assessment & regular doctor care; health initiatives-weight; tobacco use & exercise; and high risk care management. Through organizing available health insurance carrier, community and broker resources, your advisor should be able to help you structure a low to no cost wellness plan that will deliver for you and your employees.
Mid-Atlantic
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410-546-5404
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Barometer
Business Journal • June 2011
Wicomico County Sales Tax Collections by category
Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Airport May ‘10 . . . . . . . . . . . 11,327 June ‘10 . . . . . . . . . . 11,365 July ‘10 . . . . . . . . . . . 12,233 August ‘10 . . . . . . . . 13,173 September ‘10 . . . . . 11,328 October ‘10 . . . . . . . . 11,835 November ‘10 . . . . . . 11,013 December ‘10 . . . . . . 10,343 2010 Total . . . . . . . 129,341 January ‘11 . . . . . . . . . 9,608 February ‘11 . . . . . . . . 8,796 March ‘11 . . . . . . . . . 10,698 April ‘11 . . . . . . . . . . 10,550
April ‘11
March ‘11
April ‘10
Food & Beverage
$1,228,614
$1,224,896
$1,201,047
Apparel
$330,929
$269,077
$374,166
General Merch.
$1,667,123
$1,442,344
$1,872,217
Automotive & Oil
$453,772
$341,472
$467,789
Furniture & Appl.
$206,226
$182,468
$183,385
Building Supplies
$550,339
$398,472
$540,730
Utilities & Trans.
$340,263
$339,025
$496,195
Hardware & Equip.
$182,964
$155,892
$246,386
Miscellaneous
$579,221
$475,871
$563,659
TOTAL
$5,539,451
$4,829,517
$5,945,574
Information courtesy of Comptroller of the Treasury, Retail Sales Tax Division.
PAGE 7
12.8 3.7 -0.5 8.7 8.0 11.6 16.1 13.7 9.8 5.8 11.3 8.7 4.4
Airline Passengers Enplaned/Deplaned
The number in the right column is the percentage of change in passenger activity compared to the previous year.
National, State, County Unemployment Rates Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
National
9.3
9.1
9.5
9.5
9.2
8.7
Maryland
7.3
7.1
7.3
7.3
7.0
6.6
Wicomico
9.0
9.0
9.2
9.2
8.4
NA
Worcester
14.9
16.3
17.8
17.8
15.4
NA
Somerset
10.2
10.1
10.9
11.4
10.1
NA
Information courtesy of the Maryland Job Service at the One Stop Job Market. (Not seasonally adjusted.)
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 8
Six tips on buying a new MFP By Travis Fisher
Inacom Information Systems SACC Technology Committee
Just about every business on Delmarva uses a copier. And in most instances, they are being used as part of a MFP, or Multi-Function Printer. By combining the copying, printing and faxing, you can often get a more reliable and robust machine that costs less to operate than any single purpose device. For many people buying an MFP represents an unwelcome chore, and an experience similar to buying a car. In this article I would like to give you information that will help you to get the best deal on your next MFP. Audit your document related expenses – This is the perfect time to take a look at all of your expenses related to creating, storing and using paper and digital documents. Do you have a lot of little inkjet and laser printers in your office, or are you running dedicated fax machines, each with their own fax line? These units are very expensive to own and operate, so consolidation might save you more than the cost of a new MFP. Are you cramped for space, and storing a lot of paper inside your office? The right MFP can help you create a document management solution that can free up office space and make it easier to find and retrieve documents. By auditing your current expenses you will have a better sense of your true cost of paper, and put yourself in the best position to reduce your document expenses for the next several years. Investigate productivity enhancements – Today’s modern MFPs can participate in new workflows that make your employees more productive. Scan to Email or Folder can represent a step up for some businesses. More innovative organizations are scanning documents directly into Line of Business software like accounting packages, Electronic Medical Records systems or into document management software like Microsoft’s free SharePoint Services. Successful integration requires experience with data networks, so make
sure the vendor has the right skills to complete the job. The right scanning solution can take a 5 minute attach or retrieval process down to 30 seconds or less, making your office many times more productive every day. Shop your “cost per click” – In industry terms, a “click” is an activity. It could represent a copy, print, fax or scan. Many maintenance agreements determine your costs based on the amount of activity that is likely to be performed with the MFP. Your click rate can vary widely, especially if you currently have or plan to buy an older model. New MFPs price out at about 1 cent per black and white image, and 7 cents per color image. Scans are usually free. If you are in a bad agreement that charges you excessive amounts for prints, copies and scans and have decent volume on the machine, it often makes sense to get a new MFP early. You can use the new machine’s lower costs and a lease to create monthly cost savings without spending a penny out of pocket. Beware of volume commitments and “free clicks” – While knowing an expected print volume is essential to finding the right MFP for your needs, think twice about arrangements that require you to pay for a certain amount of clicks (aka, “banding”) or any offers of free clicks. Banding can often make you purchase images you never use (at 100% profit to the dealer). “Free clicks” are really wrapped into your lease pay-
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ment and generating unnecessary interest expenses. If your vendor is proposing either scenario, you can probably find a better deal elsewhere. Be cautious with used products – Manufacturers of MFPs are operating in a highly competitive industry, and they are constantly introducing new products and innovations. You won’t find today’s new features on yesterday’s MFPs. Meanwhile, used units are going to cost you more to lease because interest payments are higher and more to operate because older generation toners cost more and offer lower yields. Old MFPs are also more likely to break down because of wear and tear. Some dealers like them because they can be purchased very inexpensively on the wholesale market. This can all lead to higher profit margins for the dealer at your expense. Used equipment can often cost you more than new when you factor in your total cost of ownership. Make sure that you make a thorough comparison with similar new machines if your vendor is proposing a used unit. Factor service into the equation – A broken down copier is like an expensive boat anchor. Make sure you purchase from a company that can do a great job servicing your machine after the sale. Beware of companies with a single technician in the area, or headquarters that are far away as these can lead to longer service times. When you are due for a new copier, keep these tips handy. By knowing more about how MFP are priced and can potentially help make your business more profitable, you’ll do a better job finding the best deal for you. About the author Travis Fisher is executive vice president at Inacom Information Systems. He has provided technology solutions to Delmarva’s businesses, non-profits and local government for more than 10 years. He can be contacted at 410-5438200 or travis@inacom-sby.com.
Computer courses at Wor-Wic
Learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot personal computer problems by taking two courses being offered by the continuing education division at Wor-Wic Community College on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. “PC Tips and Tricks: Speed Up, Clean Up and Protect Your Computer” will cover how to remove viruses, malware and spyware, increase performance and protect financial records. The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 6-13, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. “PC Operating Systems and Software Essentials” will cover software installation and maintenance, security and troubleshooting techniques. The class will meet on Tuesdays, June 7-21, from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. For more information, call 410334-2815 or visit www.worwic.edu.
Lead paint inspector training
Home and rental property contractors and workers can gain a better understanding of the requirements of the Maryland lead and rental property standards to qualify to become a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sampling technician by taking “Lead Paint Visual Inspector Training,” which is being offered by the continuing education division at Wor-Wic Community College on Thursday and Friday, June 2 and 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. For more information, call 410334-2815 or visit www.worwic.edu.
New QuickBooks course
Business owners and bookkeepers can learn how to process payroll in-house, including tracking employee leave, processing payroll taxes and completing tax forms, by taking “QuickBooks: Payroll,” a new course being offered by the continuing education division at Wor-Wic Community College on Saturdays, June 11 and 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the college campus in Salisbury. For more information, call 410334-2815 or visit www.worwic.edu.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Mid-year economic outlook Continued from the cover
the impact of. Officially, the recession was over in June 2009, but the impact lingers,” Ryan continued. Also in terms of context, Ryan noted that the unemployment rate for Wicomico County was 8.4 percent in March of this year, while the national average was 8.8. “For much of the decade we have been slightly below the national average,” he said. “On the chart, about half the states are at or below the Wicomico average; half or at or above. We’re right smack in the middle.” Some of the states with a lower average were more commodity-oriented — Nebraska and Kansas, for example. States that were struggling, with a higher rate, were those that really experienced a significant escalation in the real estate market housing boom, Ryan noted. “That lends itself to two things. One, we are less reliant on mass production and manufacturing (as is the whole United States) and, two, it lends itself to a diversity of economic base such as we have in our community.” However, if you look at stock market returns for 2008, generally speaking, it went down a third. “Most people can relate by looking at their 401K or savings, to understand what the drop in the
market did to the average consumer. “We talked about the decline in the price of the average home in Wicomico as well. That’s the gist of this recession,” Ryan said. “It impacted two of people’s nonhuman assets — their savings/investment account and the value of their home. Consumers lost confidence in the market and the economy and began to save more of their disposable income and spend less.” He had illustrated that point with charts of sales tax receipts, he said. There has been some improvement in consumer spending in the last 12 months. “Most people have adjusted their spending patterns in the past couple of years,” Ryan said. Looking at the employment trend in Wicomico county, generally speaking it has moderately improved over the last year or two. “The last year was very challenging,” he added. “That we’re improving is terrific, but we’ve still got a ways to go to get back to historical growth rates.” Recovery has been uneven. Some sectors are doing better than others. “We’ve been fortunate with the diversity to capitalize on health care,” he said. There has been some expansion in manufacturing for health care, growth in information technology, and ship build-
ing, primarily Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., has shown growth. “It’s not all negative. There have been pockets of growth in the community. But we still have a very cautious consumer, and rising commodity prices — oil, gas and food — which has a negative impact on disposable income.” As for the housing sector, trends show a decline of unit sales in the summer of 2005, while prices peaked three years later, just when inventory was being built up. “Now we’re trying to reduce that inventory,” he explained. The excess inventory of existing homes for sale in Wicomico County puts pressure on new home construction. For it to bounce back, we need to reduce existing inventory.” The situation is the same in most areas of the country, Ryan said. “The problem is to be stable in employment and price points combined with reducing inventory, which will take some time. “That’s where we are. “The overall consensus is that we have seen improvement. Last year was a challenging year, but we have a long way to go.” For more on the economy of Salisbury and Wicomico County, visit www. swed.org.
T R I N K E T S
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Homeownership Matters Showcase
The Coastal Association of Realtors and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Homeownership Matters Showcase at the Centre of Salisbury on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. Despite the many challenges in the housing market, this is a great time to buy a home. Prices are low, sellers are motivated and interest rates remain affordable. To help people understand these challenges and opportunities, local Realtors and the Chamber have joined together to provide consumers the information they need to make informed decisions. We are also going to have people who can answer questions on improving the value of your home to improve your equity and/or to sell your property. Questions on avoiding foreclosure will also be answered. Booths are still available. Businesses will be able to pitch to the 10,000 to 15,000 people who will pass through the Centre of Salisbury on Friday and Saturday. For more information contact the Chamber 410-749-0144.
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Becker Morgan welcomes three
The architectural/engineering firm of Becker Morgan Group, Inc. recently welcomed new staff members to their team. Jonathan N. Street joins the firm as a civil designer in the Dover, Taylor Del. office. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor of applied science in engineering technology. Brandon W. Yerkes joins Becker Morgan Group as a survey Street technician in the Dover office. Yerkes has a bachelor of arts degree in communication and a minor in business administration from West Virginia University. Jeanne D. Taylor joins the Salisbury office as a marketing Yerkes coordinator. She graduated with a bachelor of science in marketing from Salisbury University, where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.
Schrecongost celebrates 25 years
Robert A. Leone, president of BesTemps & Career Associates, Inc., recently honored Jean Schrecongost for 25 years of service to the company at a luncheon. Schrecongost has Shrecongost been administrative manager for the corporate office in Salisbury for the past five years. Her position has been to administer and establish new corporations for BesTemps’ affiliates working with state
Business Journal • June 2011
Personnel File and federal entities to ensure the new corporation is a business in good standing. She also handles information technology, vendor negotiations and human resources functions. She continues to be administrator/ career consultant for the outplacement program and leads job search seminars and resume workshops. She resides with her husband, John in Salisbury.
Graves joins Matice Interactive
Chad Graves has joined Matice Interactive as a senior interactive designer. Graves, a Salisbury native and Salisbury University graduate, has 11 years of experience in database implementation and optimization. He was most recently employed on a contract basis for SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) on a project for USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company).
Hanna attends SIOR conference
Henry Hanna, CCIM, SIOR, senior advisor for Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate in Salisbury, recently attended the 2011 SIOR (Society Industrial Office Realtors) spring World Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. SIOR is the leading professional commercial and industrial real estate association with members in more than 580 cities in 28 countries. The overall outlook from the conference was optimistic with brokers agreeing that they are seeing a slow but definitely better outlook for the current market. For 2011, Hanna has 18 under contract or settled properties so far with over $3,400,000 in sales/leased volume. Hanna was also invited to serve on the National Recruitment Committee working to attract other successful industrial brokers to pursue the SIOR designation.
BesTemps honors Mitchell
A luncheon was held for Rebecca Mitchell in honor of her 15 years of service to BesTemps in the Salisbury office on Clemwood Street.
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Robert A. Leone, president, presented her with a plaque in recognition for her service to the company in the Payroll Department and her contribution to special projects through the years. Mitchell started with the company as a payroll assistant and has advanced to senior payroll specialist. She is in charge of special projects relating to company Mitchell compliance with green programs, records retention and energy conservation programs. She serves as direct liaison between major corporations, client companies and the payrolling group in New York City to maintain accuracy and good customer relations. Mitchell lives in Salisbury with her husband, Jon and their two sons, Clark and Brett.
Olinde joins Bay Bank
Greg Olinde has been appointed senior vice president and Eastern Shore regional manager at Bay Bank, FSB. His office is located at 109 Poplar Hill Ave., in downtown Salisbury. Bay Bank acquired the assets of Bay National Bank from the FDIC in July 2010. Olinde has over 17 years experience as a banker in the Salisbury area. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Salisbury University and graduated from the Maryland Banking School and the Risk Management Association (RMA) Commercial Lending School. He resides in Fruitland with his wife and three children.
Rogers passes licensing exam
Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., announces Scott G. Rogers, architect and associate with the firm has recently passed the International Code Council Commercial Building Inspector licensing exam. The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit organization that
develops minimum safeguards for building safety and fire prevention. This national certification permits Rogers to perform building code inspections for commercial structures.
Soliday named CIC designee
Steve Soliday, account executive at Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley in Willards, has earned the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation after his completion of a rigorous education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. Soliday is a 2000 (CIS) and 2004 (MBA) graduate of Salisbury University. He serves as volunteer coach for the men’s and women’s tennis teams at SU and is a committee member for the Purnell-Thomas Memorial tennis tournament held each August at SU. He has been with Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley for six years.
Advisors attend seminar
Advisors with Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate recently hosted a Real Estate Capital Markets Symposium jointly sponsored by the University of Delaware and Sperry Van Ness, “From Lehman to Laymen,” at the Hotel Dupont in Wilmington, Del. The event was created by David J. Wilk, CRE, MAI, a Sperry Van NessMiller Commercial Real Estate advisor, adjunct professor of real estate finance at the University of Delaware and national director of Corporate Real Estate Advisory Services for Sperry Van Ness. The program featured one of the acting real estate managers for Lehman Bros. and a director with Alvarez & Marsal, Jonas Stiklorius, who provided an inside look at how one of the top restructuring firms in the U.S. handled the real estate component of the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, Lehman Brothers. Other advisors from Sperry Van Ness Miller Commercial Real Estate included Brittany Danahy, Wesley Cox and Brent Miller.
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Business Journal • June 2011
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RIVERWALK CLEAN UP - With the coming of spring, the Chamber’s Beautification Committee has begun scheduling RiverWalk Cleanups in the downtown Salisbury area. On Saturday, May 14, a group of four volunteers from Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., spent the morning cleaning up along the river prong. The group, which consisted of Jay Bilbrough, Butch MacCartee, John McGee and Sean McGee, gathered for lunch at Market Street Inn after completing their work. Their efforts help make our waterfront and downtown area a more beautiful and pleasant place to work and live. Thank you, Davis, Bowen & Friedel!
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RIBBON CUTTING - A ribbon cutting was held recently for The Children’s Place in the Centre at Salisbury. The Children’s Place, a leading children’s specialty apparel retailer, provides fashionable high-quality merchandise at value prices for newborn to size 14. The new location is the company’s 25th store in Maryland.
POODLES TO RETURN TO SALISBURY - On April 29, the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center bid a fond farewell to poodles and their handlers as the Poodle Club of America National Specialty Show drew to a close. The International Poodle Club will return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on April 23-27, 2012 with its Speciality Show which sees an estimated $2 million economic impact. For more information, visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or www.SalisburyChampionships.org.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Business Before Hours Community Foundation
On April 14, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, hosted a Business Before Hours networking event at their offices in the Eastpark Professional Office Park. The foundation welcomed many chamber members, donors and community leaders as they made two very important announcements. First, the Community Foundation said they will match the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s $10 donation for every time a Delmarva Shorebirds pitcher strikes out an opposing batter this season, making every strikeout worth $20. All of the money raised will be distributed to three local Delmarva food banks. Second, the Sunrise Rotary Club established a scholarship fund with the foundation, and by doing so, marking a milestone for this great organization by becoming its 500th fund. To find out more about the Community Foundation, visit www.cfes.org.
Community Foundation staff with Sherman the Shorebird: David Plotts, Spicer Bell, Heather Towers, Erica Joseph, BJ Summers, Gary Martin, Patt Strausburg and Anne Schoolcraft.
Debi Rus of Rus Design and Marly Lynk of Women Supporting Women.
Spicer Bell, president of the Community Foundation, Bill Ferguson, president of Sunrise Rotary, and Joan Wharton, president elect of Sunrise Rotary and owner of Sound Advice Audio Specialties.
Joel Hamilton of the Salisbury Zoo, Stacie Weisner of the Delmarva Zoological Society and Maryland State Senator Jim Mathias.
Sherman the Shorebird with chamber board president Ernie Colburn of Comcast Spotlight.
Business Journal • June 2011
Wicomico Works helps special ed students By Jackie Gast
Human Resources
School is out and students are going to work – if they can find work and, if employers can pay them. ...they will be taught Wicomico Works is a the tools and skills they Wicomico County Public Schools program within Spe- need to find work and cial Education that provides services throughout workforce training for students year-round. their lifetimes. The goal of the program is to provide volunteer comA critical piece to this program is munity based work experithat students receive a paid work expeences for high school students while rience prior to exiting from school. Stain school so when they graduate, they tistics show that there is a significantly will have a decent resume and an idea of what they do, and do not want to do. higher rate of success for those students who have worked while still in school. Currently, the program is for students who receive a certificate of completion This summer, Wicomico Works has versus a diploma. 11 students who will be working in Through a grant from the Maryland the community in various businesses State Department of Education’s Rehaincluding hospitality, healthcare, mainbilitation Services, this program will be tenance and office settings. piloted to include selected students who Some of these students’ wages are are planning to receive a diploma. paid through the grant which is a great The goal of the grant is for special opportunity for the employer to try out education students to move seamlessly the student without a the financial risk from the world of school into the comand also for the student to try out the munity. In other words, they will be employer. Finding out what you do not taught the tools and skills they need to want to do is a success, too. find work and services throughout their Wicomico County is one of 10 sites lifetimes. in the state to have received this grant,
the Maryland Seamless Transition Collaborative (MSTC). Our county is the only one that has partnered with a business entity, the Eastern Shore Business Leadership Network at the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce which brings a business oriented perspective to the education process. I am fortunate to be involved and am making a marked difference by providing that different point of view. In addition to employment, emphasis is placed on the student as an active, participating contributor to his/her future. Another emphasis is to bring together the many players in the community who serve people with disabilities in order to combine resources for the good of the individuals. A major goal is to create a process within the school system that will allow the goals of the grant to continue once the money is spent and to eventually include all students. Our school system has extremely dedicated teachers and staff in special education that have been doing a fantastic job in preparing our certificate students for the world of work, a world to which all students are bound. Our general student population could learn a lot from our special education programs.
PAGE 13
New real estate course
Real estate agents who practice in residential, commercial, investment, financing and property management can review current Maryland laws relating to agency issues by taking “MREC Agency -- Residential,” a new course being offered by the continuing education division at WorWic Community College on Tuesday, June 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Another section of this course will be offered on Wednesday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 410334-2815 or visit www.worwic.edu.
Photoshop Elements course
Learn how to edit red eye and skin imperfections, improve the sky and background of images and explore layers by taking “Adobe Photoshop Elements for the Digital Photographer,” which is being offered by the continuing education division at Wor-Wic Community College on Mondays, June 6 through July 11, from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m., at the college campus on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. For more information about the course, call 410-334-2815 or visit www.worwic.edu.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Business After Hours a.s.a.p.r. a.s.a.p.r. integrated marketing hosted a Business After Hours to celebrate its 15th anniversary, and to introduce their new logo and name. Formerly a.s.a.p.r. public relations & marketing, the Salisbury firm headed by Robbie Tarpley Raffish, rebranded to include its experience in advertising, as well as core competencies; public relations and marketing. Family, friends, clients, strategic partners and chamber members joined Raffish in this milestone as a.s.a.p.r. integrated marketing continues to deliver public relations, marketing and advertising services with honesty, integrity and success. For more information, visit www.asapr.com.
Helping to celebrate a.s.a.p.r.’s 15 anniversary are: (back row) Susan Patt, Margo Winans, Stacie Bowen Desautels, Marly Lynk, Debi Rus, Jenni Pastusak and Faith Tarpley. Front row, Susan Lewis Paciga, Cheryl Nemazie, Robbie Raffish and Dina McIntyre.
Jenni Pastusak of Sure Public Relations & Marketing, Robbie Raffish and Margo Winans of a.s.a.p.r.
Paul Johnston of Generations Financial, Michelle Aydelotte of Maryland Broadband and Nicole Green of D. Nicole Green, P.A.
Adam Manning, Rachel Manning of Residence Inn, and Cathie Thorsten of B.B.S.I.
Neelum Moondra of Nick, Inc., Marly Lynk of Women Supporting Women, Susan Patt of Cake Art and Martha Stover of Stover Marketing Group
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 15
Even in tough times, ‘munis’ are a good investment By Kelley Selph No matter where you live, the chances are good that a state or local government near you may be having ...if you want to receive some difficulty in balancinterest payments that ing its budget. As a citizen, you’re probably concerned are exempt from federal about how this situation will taxes, ...explore municiaffect your life and your pal bonds. community. But as an investor, you may also wonder how this might affect any pal on their municipal bond obligations. municipal bonds you own. Furthermore, municipalities must still Fortunately, the outlook might be fund various projects, and even one brighter than you think. bond payment default could impact Of course, taken to the extreme, the their future ability to borrow money in financial challenges of some state and the form of new municipal bonds. local governments could conceivably So are munis right for you? The anaffect their ability to fulfill the payment swer depends on your situation — your obligations on their municipal bonds. goals, need for investment income, curBut investment-grade quality municipal bond default rates historically have been rent investment mix, risk tolerance and so on. But if you want to receive intervery low, especially when compared to est payments that are exempt from fedthose of corporate bonds. And municipalities are cutting spend- eral taxes, you may well be interested in exploring municipal bonds. Keep in ing, eliminating nonessential programs mind, though, that municipal bonds may and, in some cases, raising taxes or fees. In short, they are taking steps that, be subject to state and local taxes and the alternative minimum tax (AMT). while potentially painful to residents, In addition, you’ll want to be faare likely to help them continue making miliar with “taxable-equivalent yield.” timely payments of interest and princi-
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Typically, municipal bonds pay an interest rate that’s lower than those paid by taxable bonds. Since this interest is free from federal taxes, however, the rate may not be as low as it appears. The taxable-equivalent yield measures the rate you’d have to earn on a taxable bond to match the income from a tax-exempt municipal bond. And the higher your tax bracket, the higher your taxable-equivalent yield. Suppose that you’re in the 35% marginal tax bracket, and you are considering a tax-exempt municipal bond with a 3.33% yield. You simply divide 3.33% (0.0333 in decimal form) by 1 minus 0.35 (your tax bracket), which would give you 0.0512, or 5.12%. In this tax bracket, a muni with a 3.33% yield is equivalent to a taxable bond with a 5.12% yield. (This example is for illustration purposes only.) Keep in mind that, before investing in bonds, you should understand the risks involved, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Bond investments are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds can decrease, and you can lose principal value if the investment is sold prior to maturity. So it’s best to discuss municipal bonds
with your financial and tax advisors. By adding quality municipal bonds to your portfolio, you can show faith in your municipality, your investment dollars can help support worthwhile projects in your area, and you receive a steady source of tax-exempt income. About the author
Kelley M. Selph, AAMS, is a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments.
Roberts receives certification
Apple Discount Drugs announces the certification of Bryce Douglas Roberts as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Roberts is recognized under the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), a pioneer in the credentialing industry. There are two parts to being a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). First, pharmacy technicians must sit for and pass the national PTCE. Once a pharmacy technician has passed the exam, he or she may use the designation of CPhT. Second, to continue to hold certification, a CPhT is required to obtain twenty hours of continuing education for recertification within two years of original certification or previous recertification.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Community enjoys 29th annual Salisbury Festival The Salisbury community kicked off the spring season by gathering in downtown Salisbury to enjoy great music, food, arts & crafts, shopping, games, carnival rides, and so much more during the 29th Annual Salisbury Festival on April 29 through May 1. The festival was a big success and would not have been possible without the support of our member companies and volunteers who put countless hours into the event. A very special thank you to the City of Salisbury, Toyota & The Pohanka Automotive Group, and Comcast. Without the support of our presenting spon-
sors, the festival would not be possible each year. Thank you to Matice Interactive who created the fresh and fun Salisbury Festival logo and website. Pepsi Bottling Ventures sponsored the Friday Night Block Party, a funfilled night of great music, food, beverages and more. Sherwood of Salisbury sponsored our souvenir festival cups, a fun way to remember your time at Salisbury Festival. Thank you to Goodwill Industries of the Eastern Shore, BBSI and Common Grounds: A Fair Trade Coffee House, for sponsoring the Salisbury Festival “Green Zone,” which was a lot of fun
The prince and princesses that played host to over 25 kids that attended the Salisbury Festival Princess Tea Party.
Mayor Ireton led a group of kayakers down the river Friday afternoon prior to the Salisbury Festival Opening Ceremony.
Guests at the Salisbury Festival Craft Beer Tasting Event had the opportunity to sample over 60 beers from around the world while enjoying sunny weather and great music provided by the Electric Company.
New this year was the Salisbury Festival “Green Zone,” which consisted of a variety of companies and organizations that are contributing to the effort of keeping our environment clean and green. There were a variety of hands-on activities for children and families to learn about the importance of our local environment. One such activity was the University of Maryland’s Environmental Science Touch Tank, that enabled visitors to learn and interact with fish that are native to the Chesapeake Bay.
Kickers was one of the many organizations that had displays and demonstrations set up during the festival.
Business Journal • June 2011
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Local dignitaries, Chamber board members and Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton cut the festival ribbon to kick off the weekend’s festivities. Presentation of colors was performed by Wicomico High School Army Junior ROTC Color Guard and the Salisbury Police Department Honor Guard, followed by singing of the National Anthem by Salisbury University’s Squawkappella.
for children and families. Also new this year was the Salisbury Festival Princess Tea Party. Thanks to our sponsor, The Local Book, as well as our volunteers who helped to make this event a huge success. BurnettWhite Tire & Auto & Kelly’s Auto Body sponsored the Wheels That Heal Car Show, bringing out hundreds of antique cars on Saturday. The 2nd Annual Salisbury Festival Beer Tasting was enjoyed by all with over 60 beers to sample and great entertainment. Thank you to Sobo’s and Southern Boys Concepts for putting on a great event. We would also like to thank The Salisbury Lions Club and Salisbury Jaycees for providing countless volunteers, Gladden Construction, DiCarlo Digital Copy Center, SWAC, AI &G, Arts & Entertainment Steering Committee, Urban Salisbury, Salisbury University, University Park, Teltronic, Inc., Delmarva Broadcasting, WMDT & WBOC, Encompass A/V, Sharp Water, MidSouth Audio and so many more! The Salisbury Festival is a partnership between the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salisbury. The festival would not be possible each year without the gracious support of the City. The Public Works Department, Salisbury Police Department, Fire Department and all of the city employees put in numerous hours of work to provide citizens a great weekend. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and several County Departments also contributed to the effort, as did Maryland’s State Highway Administration. A very special thanks to everyone on the Salisbury Festival Committee, Salisbury Festival Chairman Brad Gillis, and all of the SACC member volunteers. Your hard work is what truly makes this event successful each and every year! The Salisbury Chamber is proud to be able to offer a community-wide event that helps to raise money for local civic organizations, showcases Downtown Salisbury, and provides a fun weekend for the whole family. We look forward to celebrating the Salisbury Festival’s 30th Anniversary in 2012 – so keep an eye out for new and exciting changes to come!
Numerous organizations and vendors filled the street Saturday, offering something for everyone.
Festival attendees lined up to buy an oyster fritter sandwich from the Powellville Volunteer Fire Department.
Festival goers filled Riverwalk Park to enjoy the Friday Night Block Party.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Business After Hours
Easter Seals
Easter Seals management & staff, local leaders and chamber members celebrate with a ribbon cutting.
Joe Giordano of C.T.D.S., Hayley Gallagher of Maryland Capital Enterprises and Neelum Moondra of Nick, Inc.
Maryland Delegate Norm Conway addresses the gathered supporters.
Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore held a ribbon cutting at their Children’s Therapy Center located in the Eastpark Professional Center in Salisbury. CEO Bill Adami welcomed guests that included state and local elected officials, community leaders, staff and chamber members. After the ribbon cutting, the assembled supporters participated in a Business After Hours networking event. Attendees were given a tour of the facility and were introduced to some of the children and their families who have benefitted from Easter Seals. They also met some of the highly trained and caring staff. To find out more about this organization and how you can help, visit www.de.easterseals.com
Arlene Blake, Dean Coffelt of Apple Drug, Fran Severn of PR Editing, Dave Pfingst of Etch Art Awards and Vicki Shrier of Frugals.
Spicer Bell (center), president of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, presents a check to Easter Seals C.E.O. Bill Adami and Pam Reuther of the Children’s Therapy Center.
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 19
Commercial Property
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Report
By John McClellan, CCIM Sperry Van Ness
In this month’s column, we are reporting on a combination of commercial sales and leases that have occurred in the last several months in Wicomico County. • The Wicomico County offices of The American Cancer Society sold their offices at 1138 Parsons Road to Gary Marshall Insurance. The 2,268 square foot building sold for $160,000. The seller was represented by Roger Sansom of Long and Foster and the buyer was represented by Joey Gilkerson of The Gillis Team at Sperry Van Ness • The former American Legion at 912 West Road in Salisbury was sold to Azaz Azam for $50,000. The 1,908 square foot building was situated on 23 acres. Katie Jones of Weisner Real Estate represented the selling bank. Future plans for the building were not disclosed. • Asghar Choudhry acquired the 1,278 square foot convenience store property located at 1101 North Salisbury Blvd., from James Taylor III. The property is located on the northeast corner of Naylor Street adjacent to the Peninsula Roofing complex. • The Market Place East office condominium unit located at 935 Mt. Hermon Rd., in Salisbury was sold to Richard and Ann Anderson for $166,400. The 2,080 square foot unit will be occupied as the new home of Advanced Computer Systems. John McClellan,
CCIM of The McClellan Team at Sperry Van Ness represented the seller and Brent Miller, CCIM represented the buyer. • Paradise Energy Solutions, a Pennsylvania based solar energy provider, purchased the former Teltronic building at 436 Snow Hill Rd., from The Caldabaugh family. The 3,920 square foot building situated on .56 acres sold for $240,000. The purchaser was represented by Rick Tilghman, CCIM of Sperry Van Ness and Henry Hanna, CCIM of The Hanna Team at Sperry Van Ness represented the seller. • The office/warehouse unit located at 309 Truitt St., in Salisbury has been leased to Genesis Turfgrass. The 4,000 square foot unit was the longtime home of Server. William Moore of Sperry Van Ness represented the landlord and brokered the transaction. • Attorney Andrew Mitchell has leased the first floor office space at 311 East Main St., in Fruitland from Jade Enterprises. The 1,480 square foot space will serve as Mr. Mitchell’s law office. William Moore of Sperry Van Ness represented the landlord and Brad Rayfield of Exit Realty represented the tenant. Write John McClellan, CCIM at Sperry Van Ness – Miller Commercial Real Estate at 206 East Main St., Salisbury, MD 21801 or email ohn.mcclellan@svn.com.
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Business Journal • June 2011
risfield
Town of Crisfield maintains its old time charm By Carol Kinsley Noah Bradshaw was “born and raised” in Crisfield. He left for 40 years, he said, to make a living, and lived in 16 different places. Then one day he packed up and came home. Crisfield is surrounded by water on three sides, so if you’re there, folks figure, “you’ve got to be wanting to come.” Bradshaw is the city inspector, “and dog catcher and anything else that needs doing,” he said. Literally. “The first day I was here I had to get a snapping turtle out of a lady’s front yard.” He’s supposed to be retired, but he described his job as fun. “I want to do it. This is our town; I want to give back.” Crisfield is where he wants to be. “I’ve traveled all over the world and I still haven’t found anything as neat as this place,” Bradshaw said. He enjoys getting involved and setting things in motion, even things he doesn’t expect to see brought to fruition. The windmill at the high school is an example. “We were the first to have one,” he said. It’s been there for five
years, pumping electricity into the high school where renewable energy is part of the curriculum. “It’s part of moving into the future,” he continued. “The kids think wind is what we’re supposed to be doing.” In Crisfield you can put a windmill in your front yard if you want to, so long as you observe the proper setbacks and rules. Also part of thinking in the future is the strategic revitalization that includes a park system for the kids, a walking path and three pavilions, all on the waterfront. People were afraid all the waterfront would be locked up when condominiums started going up, but “we have acres and acres of it, reserved for the future for the citizens of Crisfield. It’s now preserved.” One time a visitor questioned him, distraught about the flooding he saw. “You can’t keep a good town down,” Bradshaw replied. “We’ll be back tomorrow when the tide goes down.” Crisfield was the second most populated city in the state back in 1904, during the oyster boom. “We were the
seafood shipping capital of the world,” Bradshaw bragged. And, according to Jason Rhodes’ book, Crisfield: The First Century, in 1913 there were more vessels registered in Crisfield than any other place in the United States due to the city’s natural deep water port. The town literally is built on seafood, as its foundation is comprised largely of oyster shells. Founded in 1666 by Benjamin Summers, Crisfield was originally known as Annemessex, but gradually the name was changed to Somers Cove. Two hundred years after its founding, the town was renamed Crisfield for Eastern Shore Railroad president John W. Crisfield, who had linked the town by rail to Salisbury. It was incorporated in 1872. The southern-most town in the State of Maryland, it has a total land area of 3 square miles. Approximately 3,000 people live in the area. The city is unique, Bradshaw said. “It’s like going back in time, and it stays that way to some degree.” Many of the inhabitants, including Bradshaw’s
family, came from Smith Island, Maryland’s only inhabited off-shore island in the Chesapeake Bay. It is accessible only by boat, and no, you can’t take your car over on a ferry. “We’re growing the city back to something new, whether tourism or retirement,” Bradshaw observed. With increased regulation, it’s more difficult to make a living harvesting the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. But Mother Nature will take care of that, he said. Bradshaw is doing his part. A member of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, he has tended oyster spat and moved the baby oysters to a reef the state put in in an effort to repopulate the species. Oysters are important to the bay. “Each oyster filters 50 gallons of water per day,” Bradshaw said. Daniel K. Thompson, executive director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission, lived in Crisfield for 33 years and doesn’t live that far away now. “I have a new appreciation for the city,” he said. He sees improvements in infrastructure such as renewable energy
Business Journal • June 2011
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Crisfield photos by Cassie Richardson
projects, broadband Internet access, a marine barge facility, upgrades to Somers Cover Marina where there are 515 boat slips and streetscape type projects with lots of open space. A new Food Lion has moved into town, McCready Hospital has seen renovations plus a new 30-bed assisted living center, a 45-acre industrial park is being created, and old buildings are
being repurposed for new businesses including a restaurant and national Internet seafood business. The Chamber of Commerce has a new promotional video posted at www. youtube.com/watch?v=-5AAtNAoRK8. Watching the video will make you want to visit Crisfield even before the Freedom Fest on July 4 or the 35th annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake on
July 20, which unofficially kicks off the political season. You’ll want to be there then, however, for all the seafood you can possibly eat plus all the soda, beer or bottled water you can drink for $40. You’ll want to come back for the Hard Crab Derby, on Labor Day weekend, featuring crab races, boat docking competition — a tribute to the hard-
working watermen, crab picking, parade and Miss Crustacean Pageant. More than a gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, Crisfield is a way of life. As Brett Barry and Buzz Lerch say in the video, “Life doesn’t get better than here in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay.” For more on the city, visit www. cityofcrisfield-md.gov.
Blue Crab Cafe Crisfield’s Corner Little Hot Spot! By boat, car, bike,
motorcycle…. Blue Crab Café has something for everyone at a great value! Delicious food, dance floor, outside deck, beer, wine and mixed drink specials! We also own a Bed & Breakfast: Check out
30400 Mount Vernon Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853 410-651-3073 • www.chesapeakejewelers.com
Marquis Manor (www.marquismanor.com) Most Popular is Café, Stay & Play: 2 nights lodging Marquis Manor B&B, kayaking for 2, lunch for 2 or dozen crabs at Café all for $375 per couple!
Call now 240-298-1195
Corner of 8th Street in Crisfield
B o! Handcrafted for those who love the bay
Find us on
Joel, Melissa & Jonathan Bailey • Award winning Jeweler and Gemologist
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Business Journal • June 2011
risfield
BUSINESS PROFILES
Bailey Jewelers
For those who love the Chesapeake Bay, a unique collection of jewelry has been handcrafted by Bailey Jewelers of Princess Anne. Melissa Bailey and her husband Jonathan began custom designing jewelry with Eastern Shore motifs, sometimes with gems, in their home in 1985. The business evolved from there into “a full service jeweler in the old sense of the word, not just a retailer,” Melissa said. She continued the business when her husband died in 1995, leaving her with two small boys. She has taken two jewelry design awards and is sought after to do custom design. The boys are now becoming men. The older son, Jonathan, an artist like his parents, is going to apprentice with this mother and will study at the Gemological Institute of America in California. The younger son, Joel, graduates from Parkside High School this year with a 4.2 point grade average and will attend Jacksonville University in Florida on scholarship to study business. The two will be “a perfect match” in busi-
ness together, their mother said. “They are the future; I am the present; my husband was the past.”The Chesapeake Collection at Bailey Jewelers features jewelry in the form of pendants, slides, pearl enhancers, pins, tie tacks or money clips, all available in yellow or white gold or silver. Featured are crabs, skipjacks, work boats, wildfowl, lighthouses and other endearing Chesapeake icons. “We were the first to honor the Chesapeake work boat and tonging boat in fine jewelry,” Melissa said. “We are real people and we believe in personal service. Our family-run, communityoriented company is a moral company, dedicated to great service, high quality and high standards.” Visit chesapeakejewelers.com to select a treasure for yourself or a loved one. You can order online, visit on Facebook or call 410651-3073.
Marquis Manor Bed and Breakfast Marquis Manor Bed and Breakfast reflects the quality of life of Crisfield: it’s a place where you can kick your feet up and relax.
Marquis Manor has been providing hospitality since 1898, when it was started by the Tawes Brothers. Adeline Hill, who inherited the property, was loved by all and her ghost is said to remain, overseeing attention to guests. In 2006, David and Carolyn Marquis began restoring the property and working with other local businesses to enhance the experience for their guests. Located just seven blocks from the marina, the B&B offers shuttle service for guests coming by boat. Traveling by car? Park it just once — shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Marquis Manor offers several package deals such as the “Cafe, Stay & Play” package which includes two nights lodging, breakfast and lunch for two, a kayaking adventure and a bottle of champagne. Lunch is served at the Blue Crab Garden Cafe, which the Marquises also own. They have an arrangement with jcwTAWES Real Estate which offers reimbursement for two nights’ stay if the clients reach settlement on a property within six months. It’s so much better
to put up clients in a beautiful historic home, said Carolyn Marquis, and feed them a fabulous breakfast before visiting properties than to have them stay in a hotel somewhere. Five big homes which had been on the market for years have sold this way. Marquis Manor also offers a “Soft Shell Shanty” package that sends a couple home with a dozen of the soft shell crabs they were able to enjoy at the cafe, or a “crabbing date” package which allows a couple, outfitted with lunch, thermos and lawn chairs, to tend 10 baited crab pots for a day. Visit marquismanor.com to see photos and make a reservation, send an email to marquismanor@yahoo.com, or call 240-298-1195.
jcwTAWES Real Estate
Jim Tawes, owner and broker of jcwTAWES Real Estate at 1003 B Main Street in Crisfield, is a native of the city and has intimate knowledge of Somerset County. Who better to manage, sell or help you buy real estate in Crisfield than someone who has lived there all
Business continues to grow in Somerset County
By Carol Kinsley
Somerset Countians haven’t let a little thing like the worst recession since the Great Depression hold them back. “I am proud to say that it has been a very exciting and rewarding year for Somerset County in view of the many challenges due to the global economic downturn,” said Daniel K. Thompson, executive director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission. According to the EDC’s website, www.somersetcountyedc.org, “The positive business climate of Somerset County stems from its genuine appreciation of the vital role played by industry in the economy. Local government officials are readily accessible to hear and address the needs of industry...” Thompson said the SCEDC has been involved with many projects throughout the county and experienced many success stories in 2010. “Business retention and expansion to local businesses is a
major component of economic development in the county,” he continued. As an example, Thompson cited renovations by McCready Hospital in Crisfield and the building of a new 30-bed assisted living center, the Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home, which will add approximately 15 new jobs in the county. Sherwin Williams-Rubberset Co. spent approximately $2.5 million on renovation and expansion of its plant where more than 3 million paint brushes are manufactured each year, adding 130 new jobs. Old buildings are being repurposed. Lifetime Brands, owner of the former Carvel Hall facility where knives were manufactured, donated the property — 23 acres and the shell of the 73,000-square-foot building to the City of Crisfield for use as part of its new Industrial Park, which has been in the works for at least three years. Forty-five acres in total, the industrial park has thus far attracted an olive oil businesses, a juice business, a winery and a micro
brewery. Also in Crisfield, The Crab Place has moved into the old Fresh Pride grocery store, creating an eat-in, carry-out establishment that is part of a national internet seafood business. The Olde Crisfield Crab and Steakhouse, meanwhile, acquired the vacant SideStreet restaurant site and is making major renovations. Twenty new positions will be added. There’s also a new Food Lion in Crisfield, which added approximately 35 new jobs. Princess Anne boasts a new 65-acre industrial park on Route 13 and a newly constructed shopping center at the entrance to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where businesses such as Caesar’s Pizza Palace, Print and Ship, a Chinese carry out, beauty supply, and a coffee bakery business have all signed leases. “A lot of future economic development opportunities lie ahead and we will continue to pursue the many endeavors that enhance the quality of life
for our residents and benefit our local business community,” Thompson said. Those opportunities include a tomato canning project, a poultry project to address the needs of the Muslim population and their religious beliefs, and a feasibility study for a hotel being considered in Princess Anne. “The many partnerships established by the Somerset County Economic Development Commission with the city, county, state and federal governments create a positive environment for business entrepreneurs to achieve their goals,” Thompson said. The SCEDC also helps to market annual events such as Freedom Fest on July 4, the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake on July 20 this year and the Hard Crab Derby on Labor Day weekend. A visit to any of these events may convince you to bring your business to Somerset County where life is simpler, less hectic, more affordable and more enjoyable.
Business Journal • June 2011 his life? If the Tawes name is familiar, yes, Jim is related to John Millard Tawes, the only Marylander to have been elected the posts of state treasurer, comptroller and governor. He served in the latter position from 1959 to 1967. Tawes’ company offers sales and listing expertise in commercial, residential, farm and condominium properties. “Whatever your needs, we will find it for you,” Tawes said. Having been a successful business in the Crisfield area for some time, jcwTAWES Real Estate is now expanding into the field of property management, so whether you already own a residence, apartment building or commercial building and would like someone to represent you, or you are looking for a nice residential property or commercial unit, call Tawes at 410-968-3110 or email realtor.tawes@verizon.net. Tawes has the expertise to fill your vacancies, maintain your properties and deal with the tenants so you don’t have to worry. Jim Tawes will take care of your needs.
Wilson Realty
Wilson Realty was founded 45 years ago by Robert J. Wilson Sr. to serve the area of Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties in Maryland. Cynthia Wilson Stevens, Robert’s daughter, has been associated with the business as a sales agent since 1980 and became the company’s broker when her father died in 1998. “I am proud of the long term relationships that we have with many of our clients,” Stevens said. Focusing on clients and customer service, she believes, will achieve the best results for them. “We want them to succeed through us. No matter how complex the job, we have the experience and knowledge to do it right the first time.” Stevens added, “Our primary focus is real estate sales, but we offer a full range of services related to the real estate business; we have a rental management division, and I am a Certified General Appraiser. “It has been challenging to be in the real estate business in recent years, but by becoming involved in listing and managing REO (Real Estate Owned) properties and foreclosures, we have
been able to keep abreast of the most recent developments in the market today. We are also happy to give clients advice about short sales as an alternative to foreclosure. With interest rates at an all time low — the rate in mid-May was 4.5 percent APR — and home and land prices lower than they have been in years, it is a good time to buy real estate!” Stevens gives back to the community by volunteering with Junior Achievement, teaching classes at Woodson Elementary School. “Encouraging future entrepreneurs is very rewarding!” she said. Wilson Realty can help your find the property that’s right for you. Call 410968-1882 or visit www.wilsonrealtycrisfield.com.
Azuli Skye Jewelry
Vickie Nelson has only recently begun her Azuli Skye Jewelry sales from her home in Crisfield, Md., but she’s done direct sales and home parties before and this time she wanted to do something really different. “Jewelry is not different, but Azuli Skye jewelry is. I found it on the Internet and liked what I saw. It’s like Pandora beads, but more affordable.” The items are really pretty, she said, all sterling silver crafted with stunning artisan glass, genuine Swarovski crystal, pearls and semi-precious stones. “It’s bling!” she declared. The company began as a hobby for a stay-at-home mom who got together with other women to make mother’s bracelets with their children’s names and birthstones. The bracelets were so popular that the hobby grew into a nationwide business. The jewelry is handcrafted by jewelry artisans in North Carolina — all “made in the U.S.A.” Nelson likes the quick turn-around for her clients. Orders are are individually packaged and shipped directly to the hostess, who earns 20 percent of guest sales for arranging the party. Nelson, who has lived on the Eastern Shore all her life, tailors the home parties to fit the hostess’ wishes. She has plenty of samples to show. “It’s nice when you can actually put your hands on the item you want,” she said.
PAGE 23
To view the Azuli Skye collection, visit www.azuliskye.com/vickie. Then place your order or book a party by calling (410) 968-0442 or emailing vikkee19@gmail.com.
Crisfield Tike Bar & Grill
At the Crisfield Tiki Bar & Grill, “you may not meet anyone you’ll marry, but you will meet a lot of people you will like” and you’ll have a lot of fun, too. Since the summer of 2009, Crisfield Tiki Bar & Grill, formerly the Olde Crisfield Crab, Steakhouse & Tiki Bar, has made a name for itself as one of the best “summer destinations” on the East Coast. Located at 204 South 10th Street, the restaurant is in a unique historic waterfront setting and offers seating for 300. The Tiki Bar is now open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays from noon till ... which means, on Friday and Saturday nights, the bar is open until 1:30 a.m. Additional days and hours will be added later in the season. The same delicious food is served in both the restaurant and bar. A stunning new menu for the summer includes crab, of course, but don’t miss the “Deck Munchies” such as Buffalo Fried Shrimp and Asian Ribeez before your “Burger in Paradise,” hot or cold “Galley Sandwich” or dinner entree. And be sure to save room for a towering slice of Smith Island Cake or Key Lime Pie! Entertainment is offered Friday and Saturday nights by such groups as the
Tom Larsen band, Three Penny Opera, Semi-Blind Band and On the Edge. The Tiki Bar will again sponsor a wine festival, “Wine on the Bay,” on July 30 in conjunction with the antique car show in town. A variety of vineyards will be represented. A $15 entry fee entitles adults to a complimentary glass with logo and samplings of different wines. Arts, crafts, music and some food can also be enjoyed that day. Do you enjoy taking your dog for outings? A new Maryland law goes into effect in July allowing outdoor eaters to dine with their pets. Watch for a bowwowing canine menu coming soon!
Join Us!
204 S 10th ST.
Sun. ssions Jam Se 4-7 pm
CRISFIELD, MD
WWW.OLDCRISFIELD.COM
410-988-2722
June 4th - Tom Larsen Band June 10 - Three Penny Opera June 11 - Semi-Blind Band June 17 - Tom Larsen Band
Wed. Night Open M ic
June 18 - On The Edge June 24 - TBD June 25 - No Byscuyts
Nightly music starts at 8 pm
Business Journal • June 2011
PAGE 24
Health
UMES studies seafood safety and quality characteristics Five years worth of research aimed at improving the safety and quality characteristics of seafood is what distinguishes Dr. Salina Parveen, a member of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Parveen, as associate professor in the UMES Food Science and Technology Ph.D. Program and in her role as principal investigator, has been awarded more than $1.2 million in external funding through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Capacity Building Grants Program and the National Research Initiative to carry out her purposes. Her study involving the prevalence, growth, survival and control of Listeria momocytogenes in blue crab meat have yielded results indicating that raw live crabs and associated surfaces are potentially important sources of L. monocytogenes contamination in blue crab meat and in crab processing plants. Findings have been shared with the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association and the Maryland Department of Agriculture Seafood Marketing Program as part of a Maryland crabmeat
industry continuous improvement program that provides biweekly reports customized for each crab processing plant. During the study, participating plants were assisted with Listeria control strategies, including sanitation protocols and cross-contamination prevention. The group also investigated the effect of storage temperature on the growth and survival of human foodborne pathogenic Vibrio bacteria in oysters. The results of the project fills data gaps in international risk assessment for these pathogens in oysters and will be used by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the FDA and organizations in other countries to develop more accurate risk management practices. Moreover, the FDA is planning to use the research findings in designing and implementing a Vibrio control plan. Recently, Parveen’s research group received funding to evaluate two lowcost methods for reducing the contamination of post-harvest oysters with Vibrio. Drs. Parveen and Paulinus Chigbu, director of the UMES Living Marine
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Resources Cooperative Science Center, are working with Delaware State University, the University of Delaware and the USDA-ARS to develop a multi-institutional research proposal on seafood safety for submission to the USDA. Seafood safety researchers at
UMES have trained nine international scientists, one postdoctoral associate, one laboratory technician, 13 undergraduates and 11 graduates (four M.S. and seven Ph.D.). For more information about seafood research at UMES, call 410-621-3850.
Dr. Parveen, doctoral student Meshack Mudoh, laboratory technician Chanelle White and Master’s of Science Student Robert Korir discuss the presence of Vibrio bacteria in oysters.
Business Journal • June 2011
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Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s 2011 Employees of the Year, Dae Yim and Ronnie Gates, receive from Peggy Naleppa, president/CEO, a sign that will mark their designated parking spots at the medical center for the next year.
Employees of the year named Dae Yim, a clinical pharmacist from Salisbury and Ronnie Gates, an environmental services group leader also from Salisbury, were recently named the 2011 Employees of the Year at Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s annual employee recognition banquet held in conjunction with National Hospital Week. While presenting the Employee of the Year award, President/CEO Peggy Naleppa described both men as dedicated, hard working employees who provide nothing short of exceptional
service and exceptional healthcare every day. Yim and Gates were selected from a field of 16 candidates who had earned Employee of the Quarter honors in support services, nursing services, administrative services and professional services. Yim was chosen to represent the clinical service divisions and Gates the non-clinical divisions. Of the many gifts each received for earning Employee of the Year recognition, perhaps none is more coveted than their own designated parking spaces at the Medical Center for the next year.
HARTLEY HALL RECEIVES GRANT - The Community Foundation awarded a $4,500 Community Needs Grant to Hartley Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to support the creation of a palliative care suite in partnership with Coastal Hospice so that Hartley Hall can provide increased service and care for patients and their families. From left are: Coston Gladding, board of directors president, Hartley Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Diane Conner, RN quality improvement director, Hartley Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Spicer Bell, president, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore; Bonnie Willey, director of marketing, Coastal Hospice; and Gary Crowley, administrator, Hartley Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
LAB RECEIVES RECOGNITION - Medical Laboratory Observer, a peer-reviewed lab management publication, considered an expert resource since 1969, has named the Peninsula Regional Medical Center Laboratory second runner up for Medical Lab of the Year 2011. To celebrate National Laboratory Professionals Week, April 24–30, a panel of MLO judges reviews all of the submissions for Lab of the Year and selects a first place and two runners up. The categories used to select the winners are customer service, contributions to patient care, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, quality control, innovation and creativity. The lab at PRMC has been selected as one of the top three in the nation.
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Business Journal • June 2011
Education
Senator Mathias addresses Wor-Wic graduates During commencement ceremonies for Wor-Wic Community College at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, Maryland Senator James N. “Jim” Mathias Jr. spoke about how his own experience as a community college student helped him discover his career path and become the first person in his family to graduate from college. “In a brief way and hopefully memorable way, I’ll leave you with my memoirs regarding how fundamentally important a community college was and still is to me and really became my guiding light,” Mathias said. Mathias, who got his start at Catonsville Community College, which is now Community College of Baltimore County, talked about how at first he was a “back of the classroom student” who was “preoccupied with many, many things other than really what I was there to do.” While taking a course in municipal government, however, he became “riveted” and discovered his educational and career path in politics. He transferred to the University of Maryland Baltimore County and became “the first Mathias to ever graduate from college.” “What you’ve learned here in the last two years in criminal justice, in nursing, in general education, is really going to make Maryland and the Eastern Shore even greater than it is today,” Mathias told the graduates. Velda E. Henry, vice chairperson of Wor-Wic’s board of trustees, introduced the commencement speaker, members
of the board of trustees and other guests on stage. After the commencement address by Sen. Mathias, Dr. Ray Hoy, college president, presented him with a plaque on behalf of the 2011 graduating class. Dr. Stephen L. Capelli, vice president for academic and student affairs, introduced the student speaker, Michelle Malinger of Wenona, an honors graduate with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA). Malinger works part time for the honors program at Wor-Wic and at the Piercing Pagoda in the Centre at Salisbury. Malinger talked about how she came to Wor-Wic right after graduating from high school, knowing that this was “the smarter debt-free path.... and I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve made regarding my education.” Referring to invitations she received to enroll in the honors program and join PTK shortly after applying to the college, Malinger said that she “didn’t just walk into Wor-Wic. I was invited in.” As for the honors program, she said that she has “never been a part of a more challenging and rewarding program.” Malinger majored in general studies at Wor-Wic and plans to transfer to Goucher College in Baltimore to major in English and minor in communications. She says she looks forward to studying abroad and doing internships for television and radio stations. General studies was the most popular major among members of the graduat-
On stage - Some of the officials seated on stage for Wor-Wic Community College commencement exercises at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center are shown, from left, Velda E. Henry of Berlin, vice chairperson of the board of trustees at Wor-Wic; Dr. Ray Hoy of Salisbury, president of the college; Sen. James N. Mathias Jr. of Ocean City who was the commencement speaker; James L. Purnell Jr. of Berlin, vice president of the Worcester County Commissioners; and Gail M. Bartkovich of Salisbury, president of the Wicomico County Council.
ing class. Following nursing as the second most popular major was education. Other graduates received degrees or certificates in accounting, chemical dependency counseling, computer studies, criminal justice, electronics, emergency medical services, hotel-motel-restaurant management, manufacturing, office technology, radiologic technology or science transfer. The majority of the graduates were from Salisbury or other parts of Wicomico County, followed by Worcester and Somerset counties. Graduates were also from Dorchester, Caroline,
Talbot and other counties in Maryland, as well as from nearby states. In addition to the speakers, dignitaries seated on stage included members of the college’s board of trustees; and members of the Worcester County Commissioners. Other special guests on stage were Sen. Richard F. Colburn, R-37, of Cambridge; Del. Norman H. Conway, D-38B, of Salisbury; Del. Michael A. McDermott, R-38B, of Pocomoke City; and Del. Charles J. Otto, R-38A, of Princess Anne. The Rev. Olin Shockley of Berlin gave the invocation and benediction.
SU awards 2011 Bernstein Achievement Award For Salisbury University senior John “Zack” Kline, taking a little constructive criticism paid off — in the amount of $5,000. The repeat finalist won the University’s 2011 Bernstein Achievement Award competition with his business plan for environmentally-friendly A.I.R. Lawn Care. Last year, he received an honorable mention. “He grew so much,” said judge Hayley Gallagher of Maryland Capital Enterprises. “He was so persuasive and he really took heed of what we told him. He showed flexibility ... and he was willing to change and adapt.” Kline’s plan is to start a company that provides sustainable residential landscaping services. He hopes to launch it after graduating from SU in December 2011 or after earning his M.B.A. from SU. “I’m very persistent,” Kline said. “I knew I had a great idea, I basically needed to improve on it.” The Rockville, MD, native developed his plan after working for a lawn care company for two summers. He wanted to be a “green” service to fill a
void in the market and to minimize the environmental impacts he witnessed as an employee. “I was sincerely bothered by the amount of gas used by the trucks and equipment,” he said. “The emissions were terrible. I knew something could be done better.” Among Kline’s initiatives are using propane and electric powered equipment, emphasizing efficiency, composting grass clippings, utilizing organic waste recycling centers, supporting homeowner gardens and assisting with curbside recycling. Judge David Hill of Easton Bank and Trust said, “I thought his plan was doable. It’s a business he will succeed at. I love that he has a ‘green’ company and targeted affluent homeowners in Montgomery County, who are more apt to be green conscious.” Hill added that it was a close call between all four finalists. Among them were students of all ages, representing three of SU’s four schools. Senior John Stockel, a management major, earned a second place prize of $1,000 for RiteTrak, a bike rental service for North American universities. Freshman Syed Rahman of the Ful-
From left is Dr. Stephen Adams, competition director; Dr. Bob Wood, Perdue School Dean; Kline; and Dr. William Burke, Perdue School faculty.
ton School of Liberal Arts, in partnership with Fuad Balashov, a freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park, earned a $250 honorable mention for a plan for a new bike lock. Graduate student Christopher Maxa also earned a $250 honorable mention for a consulting company to teach small businesses how to benefit from geographic information systems technology. The other judges were Warren Citrin
of Glotocorp and Dan O’Connell of PKS & Company, P.A. Kline was supported at the competition by his parents, grandparents and three sisters, including Alexa, who is a sophomore at SU. The Bernstein Achievement Award was launched in 1987 by local entrepreneur and SU alumnus Richard Bernstein (’76), founder of BAI Aerosystems, Inc. in Easton and K&L Microwave, Inc. in Salisbury.
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Summer 2011: What’s Happening At SU? By Lesley Staffeldt Director of Conference Services
From left, top row: Lindsey Schwalb and Paula Morris. Front row: SU students Caitlyn Twilley, Spenser Smallwood and Jennifer Houghton. Not pictured: SU students Roger Follebout III and Chelsea Kotlas.
Students get real-world advice Students in Paula Morris’ marketing classes at Salisbury University recently received real-world feedback from iostudio, a marketing firm based in Washington, D.C., and Nashville, Tenn. Executives and directors from both of iostudio’s offices judged advertisements designed by Morris’ students as part of a class project. Students were charged with securing and meeting with a client, and designing a print, TV, radio or online ad;
billboard; annual report; or brochure to meet the client’s needs. Student teams worked with local businesses including Station 7 Restaurant, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Jets Gymnastics, Digital Dirt and Kane Real Estate. Iostudio advertising account executive Lindsey Schwalb, a Parkside High School alumnus, coordinated judging for the contest.
Salisbury University is buzzing with activity this summer: The Office of Conference Planning expects more than 10,000 visitors from the local community and across the state. Come find something to see or do! In June, music fills University buildings when barbershop singers from the East Coast return for Harmony College East. Some 200 quartets, including high school and traditional male groups, offer public performances 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 17-18, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. On June 19-24, some 150 high school seniors explore civic engagement and politics when Maryland Girls State comes to SU for the third consecutive year. Hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary, this non-partisan event features a mock legislative session and meetings with legislators, including Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. From July 3-16, the Maryland Summer Center for the Fine and Performing Arts also returns to SU. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the two-week residential program allows 120 middle and high school students to engage in orchestra, musical theatre, acting, digital video production and the visual arts. The students showcase their talents during exhibits and performances in Holloway Hall and Fulton Hall, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 16. For information, visitwww.salisbury.edu/msca. Later in the month, July 17-22, high school juniors and seniors participate in a new Science Camp @ SU. Made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation, the free residential program explores careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through lab experiments and other hands-on activities. Topics include everything from rocket launching to the chemistry of cooking. For details, call Dr. Matt Bailey at 410-543-6486. From August 2-4, SU welcomes another new group: the Higher Achievement Program. SU faculty from all four academic schools will be involved in this rigorous overnight program for 60 middle school students from at-risk communities. For information,visitwww.higherachievement.org. Ongoing at the same time is the sixth Youth Leadership Academy. One of three projects that led to Salisbury being named a 2010 All-America City, it focuses on helping students make positive transitions in high school and in the community. For details, call Dr. George Whitehead at 410-543-6369. Parents looking for summer camps for kids ages 5-10 may be interested in two SU-sponsored weekday programs at the Freeman Stage in Selbyville, DE. During Arts in Motion, July 11-13, participants learn to use music, dance, song and color. During Discovery Days, August 1-3, participants explore nature. Both camps
are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration is $80. A healthy snack, T-shirt and materials are included. To register, call Amy Waters at 410-677-5416. Another option is one of three Young Writers Camps held July 11-15 at Berlin Intermediate School and July 18-22 and 25-29 at SU. Students are encouraged to write creatively and publish an anthology. Tuition is $160. For information, call Kristina Belcher at 410-677-0240. For adults, the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture hosts two summer lectures in its gallery: Canadian Ph.D. student James Jensen explores “Trans-Atlantic Networks: Scottish Immigrants in the 19th Century” at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9, and local historian Linda Duyer speaks on “Taylors Island: Unraveling the History of the Lane Church Cemetery” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15. The talks are free. For details, call 410-543-6312. For sports enthusiasts, SU hosts several Nike athletics programs, a new Sherman Wood Youth Football Day Camp, and other programs for tennis, soccer, lacrosse and more. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is also on campus. For arts enthusiasts, the exhibit “Venice Up Close: Photographs by Cheryl Nemazie” hangs June 3-29 in SU’s Atrium Gallery. The Artists’ Co-op 20th Anniversary Exhibit is in the University Gallery in Fulton Hall from July 26August 19. It features a tribute to the late Sue Thomas, artist and mother of the late Chris Thomas, an SU tennis player and pro. That exhibit overlaps with the eighth annual Jack Purnell-Chris Thomas Memorial Tennis Tournament, which brings professional tennis players from around the world to Salisbury. The public is invited to watch them compete August 17-21 at the SU Tennis Courts. For more information, including play schedules, visit www.purnell-thomas.org. The summer ends with a lecture by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, authors of SU’s 2011 New Student Reader, Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. A rape victim and a once-accused attacker, they speak about their unlikely friendship at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 25, in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Admission is free. For information call 410-543-6100. For the most up-to-date information about events and happenings on campus, visit www.salisbury.edu/calendar.
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JUNE 2011 DIRECTORY PG 2
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RIBBON CUTTING - InFocus Financial Advisors had a ribbon cutting (our first second floor ribbon cutting) on April 21, to celebrate their new location at 540 Riverside Dr., Ste. 10, in Salisbury. Owner Eric Johnston welcomed chamber members, family, friends and clients for an open house after the ribbon cutting to find out about the services that InFocus Financial Advisors offer. For more information, visit www. infocusfin.com.
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ADVERTISING Morning Star Publications, Inc. Melissa Perdue 302-629-9788 302-629-9243 mperdue@mspublications.com 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, DE 19973 302-841-0887 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Andrew W. Booth & Associates, Inc. Matthew Smith 410-742-7299 410-742-0273 awbengineers.com msmith@awbengineers.com 1942 Northwood Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801 Debbie Bailey dbailey@awbengineers.com _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Davis, Bowen & Friedel Michael Wigley 410-543-9091 410-543-4172 dbfinc.com mrw@dbfinc.com One Plaza East, Suite 200, Salisbury, MD 21801 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ George, Miles & Buhr, LLC Michelle Everngam 800-789-4462 410-548-5790 gmbnet.com meverngam@gmbnet.com 206 W. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21801 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING SUPPLIES DiCarlo Precision Instrument & DiCarlo Precision Imaging John DiCarlo 410-749-0112 410-749-9323 dicarlo1.com john@dicarlo1.com 2006 Northwood Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AUTO DEALERS Pohanka Automotive Group Chris Hagel 410-749-2301 410-742-5168 pohankaofsalisbury.com chagel@pohankaofsalisbury.com 2012 North Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801 ext: 8030 ________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sherwood of Salisbury Matt Romanowski 410-548-4600 410-548-4662 sherwoodofsalisbury.com mattromo@sherwoodofsalisbury.com 1911 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21804 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE Rinnier Commercial Blair Rinnier, CCIM, CPM 410-742-8151 410-742-8153 rinnier.com brinnier@rinnier.com 218 East Main St., Salisbury, MD 21801 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONSTRUCTION Malone Homes Jason Malone 443-260-4775 443-260-1769 malonehomesmd.com jason@malonehomesmd.com PO Box 1109, Allen, MD _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ruark Builders Barbie Hanneman, VP 410-749-0193 410-860-4875 ruarkhomes.com bhanneman@ruarkhomes.com 4920 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804 410-677-3835 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FINANCIAL The Bank of Delmarva Debbie Abbott 410-548-1100 410-742-9588 bankofdelmarva.com dabbott@bankofdelmarva.com 2245 Northwood Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Delmarva Wealth Management Bob Anderson 410-912-4286 410-742-9588 lpl.com/bob.anderson bob.anderson@lpl.com 543 B Riverside Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801 855-566-6362 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ HEATING AND AIR Mid-Atlantic Heating and Air 410-546-5404 410-546-5418 2312 Allen Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Businesses invest in technology to cut costs, boost productivity JUNE 2011 DIRECTORY PG 3
Telewire, Inc., a leading unified communications provider, announced expectations of heavy industry growth for the coming year during an interview with Technology Assurance Group (TAG), an international organization of unified communications companies spread throughout the United States and Canada. The TAG organization monitors sales, financial performance and other economic indicators among technology providers. “It’s exciting to see that small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are ramping up acquisition of the latest technology across the country and that even some of the toughest pockets of the nation are beginning to show signs of strong growth,” stated Bryan Murfree, president of Telewire. Several factors are contributing to the turnaround and technology is driving
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the next bull market. Historically, technology has proven itself to be one of the first sectors to pull the economy out of a recessionary period and business owners are investing heavily in disruptive technologies that cut costs and improve employee productivity. One of the most influential and recent technological breakthroughs in business communications is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). In simple terms, SIP supports any form of real-time communication regardless of whether the content is voice, video, instant-messaging or a collaboration application. Additionally, SIP enables users to inform others of their status, their availability, and how they can be contacted before a communication is even initiated. “SIP is reinventing the way we communicate and our customers now
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have an upper hand on their competition,” commented Murfree. Another powerful technology making its way into is the SMB marketplace is Hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Hosted VoIP serves the needs of entrepreneurs and enterprises alike, by delivering powerful features such as improved call quality, valuable disaster recovery tools, and applications designed specifically for telecommuters and remote workers. Included in the system are advanced features such as unified messaging, automatic call distribution, auto attendant, call recording, call flow reporting as well as traditional telephony features. A growing trend among business owners is to outsource the management of their IT networks with managed IT services. Consequently, this is stimulating the economy since these services are
designed specifically to assist companies in maintaining and supporting their network and IT infrastructure. Types of services may include remote network monitoring and reporting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, firewall monitoring, intrusion detection, patch assessment and vulnerability scanning, preventative tasks, disaster recovery, data backup and regular performance analysis. “Today’s marketplace demands excellence from all areas of a business and several of the products and services we provide are enabling our customers to increase their profitability and gain a competitive advantage,” stated Murfree. Murfree was interviewed by TAG regarding his views on the future of technology because he is well-known in the industry, possesses substantial technical expertise and has built a strong reputation in his/her community.
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INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL PAINTING ProCoat, PO Box 2154 David Ennis 410-749-7491 443-944-9924 procoatdmv.com dennis@procoatdmv.com 26538 Siloam Rd., Salisbury, MD 21802 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ INSURANCE Allstate Insurance Fred Pastore 410-860-0866 410-860-0869 allstate.com/fredpastore fredpastore@allstate.com 111 Naylor St., Salisbury, MD 21804-4333 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley Laura Deeley Bren 410-835-2000 410-835-2036 ascd.net lbren@ascd.net 7171 Bent Pine Rd., Willards, MD 21874 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Avery Hall Insurance Group Kevin Hayes 410-742-5111 410-742-5182 averyhall.com khayes@averyhall.com 308 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21801 Joe Gast jgast@averyhall.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gamee Elliott, State Farm Insurance Gamee Elliott 410-749-4725 410-749-4175 statefarm.com gamee.elliott.bvm6@statefarm.com 923 Eastern Shore Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gary K. Marshall Agency David Galeone 410-651-1111 garymarshallagency.com dgalone@yahoo.com PO Box 250, 12610 Somerset Ave. Princess Anne, MD 21853 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Landmark Insurance & Financial Group Charles McClenahan 410-651-2110 410-651-9288 landmarkinsuranceinc.com charlie@ 30386 Mt. Vernon Rd., Princess Anne, MD 21853 888-651-2111 landmarkinsuranceinc.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RPS ISG International Brad Sutliffe 410-901-0736 410-910-0836 isgintl.com Brad_Sutliffe@isgintl.com 204 Cedar St., Cambridge, MD 21613 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRINTING DiCarlo Digital Center. Joey DiCarlo 410-749-9901 410-749-9885 dicarlodigitalcopycenter.com joey@dicarlo1.com 109 South Division St., Salisbury, MD 21801 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RECYCLING Delmarva Recycling Greg Stein 410-546-1111 410-543-9005 delmarvarecycling.com gstein@delmarvarecycling.com 909 Boundary St., Salisbury, MD 21801 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ REAL ESTATE Remax Crossroads, PO Box 307 Susan Mergargee 443-736-3373 443-736-3379 LiveonDelmarva.com susanmegargee@remax.net 103 E. Main St., Fruitland, MD 21826 Broker, Owner ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TIRE & AUTO CENTER Burnett White Dawn Tilghman 410-742-2222 410-543-4182 burnettwhite.com burnettwhite@cavtel.com 412 East Main St., Salisbury, MD 21804 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WATER Sharp Water Lisa Rice 410-742-3333 410-543-2222 sharpwater.com lrice@sharpwater.com 129 Columbia Road, Salisbury, MD 21801 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Is it time to initiate the 32-hour work week? By E. Tylor Claggett
Insights
Much has been written recently about the US unemployment rate which The evolution to a was last reported to be about nine percent. Coincidently, 40-hour work week many corporations have trecame about because mendous amounts of cash on of changes in the way their balance sheets. According to Bloomberg, the S&P people lived. 500 firms had $1.18 trillion in cash on hand in early FebFor example, let us assume a firm ruary. employs four workers; each working Furthermore, the US Department of a 40-hour week. What would be the Commerce reported April was the 21st straight month of manufacturing growth consequences of the same firm hiring a in the US. High unemployment coupled fifth worker and placing all five workers on a four-day, 32-hour work week? with a growing manufacturing sector First, if the five workers had stagsuggests significant increases in worker gered days off, the firm would have the productivity. And, sure enough, the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced same four workers present each day of the work week. non-farm output per hour worked inWe all know modern life is very creased by 2.6 percent, on an annual complex. Therefore, the workers could basis, during last three months of 2010. schedule their doctor’s appointments, This seems counterintuitive when the etc. during their one weekday a week DOL also announced the real average hourly earnings fell by 1.0 percent, sea- they have off. This could make workers less likely to ask for administrative sonally adjusted, from March 2010 to leave. Hopefully, this would reduce March 2011. stress both at work and at home. When taken together, these aspects Second, there are the questions of of our economy paint a rather strange employee compensation and labor costs. and paradoxical picture. Maybe now is For workers to indeed be better off with a good time to contemplate some “outof-the-box” policy changes with respect a 32-hour work week, total compensato how many firms and their workers do tion should remain the same as before. This means the same pay as before for business. 40-hours of work in addition to the
same benefits package. In order for the employer to remain whole (and not have to pass increased labor costs on to customers, which would be highly inflationary), perhaps there could be an offsetting tax credit for implementation of a “same pay, for a 32-hour work week with 25 percent more employees” plan. Third, from a government revenue perspective, there would be 25 percent more actual tax paying taxpayers plus a dramatic reduction in the payout for unemployment and many other social welfare benefits. Most social science research suggests that people are overall better citizens if they have a job and consequently feel productive. So, maybe, with appropriate individual and business tax laws, government revenues would, at the very least, not be adversely affected. If the three components above were to be implemented, perhaps one could argue such a plan might narrow the gap between the haves and the have nots, because some wealth would most likely be shifted to workers from other sectors of our economy. But, workers may also become even more productive than they are today because they would probably enjoy an overall higher quality of life. Theoretically, the unemployment rate would be reduced significantly and there would be an accompanying lower amount of “social wreckage.” Obviously, the devil is in the details of such radical work week reform.
JUNE 2011 INDEX PG 4 5x5.25 Deep
Many of today’s unemployed do not have marketable skills; so called structural unemployment. The proposed policy does not address this very significant issue. To gain the listed advantages, safeguards against cheating would be necessary all along the chain of events. Many four-day-a-week workers would “moonlight” or start and run a sideline business during their off hours. This might create additional societal wealth, but it could also reduce the need for the “fifth” 32-hour-per-week worker. Employers might try to “cut corners” on compensation for four-day-perweek workers and they may also try to “game” a tax credit incentive plan. Finally, no one should under estimate the political difficulty of the proposed plan’s required tax reform. In the course of human history, it was not that long ago that a 60-hour work week was considered standard. The evolution to a 40-hour work week came about because of changes in the way people lived and earned their livelihood. Perhaps what we are seeing today is just another evolutionary cycle which could result in a 32-hour work week. About the author
Dr. E. Tylor Claggett is Professor of Finance at Salisbury University, Salisbury.
Business Journal Advertising Index The following Directory of Business Journal advertisers provides quick reference for your convenience. The number appearing before the name of the business refers to the page number where the ad appears in this edition of the Journal. Accessories 9 Trinkets . . . . . . . . . . 334-6006 Architecture 7 AWB Engineers . . . . 742-7299 Advertising 5 Comcast Spotlight . . 546-6610 Automobiles & Services 7
Pohanka of Salisbury . . . . . . . . . 1-877-4-POHANKA
11 Sherwood of Salisbury . . . . . . . . . 548-4600 Business Counselors 5 Score . . . . . . . . . . . . 749-0185
Employment 6 Express Employment . . . . . . . 860-8888 Farm, Lawn & Garden & Supplies 8 Farmers & Planters . . . . . . . . . . 749-7151 Financial 13 Repress Financial . . 920-0206 13 Shore Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Design 31 Matice . . . . . . . . . . . 858-4775 Health 24 Accurate Optical. . . . 749-1545 25 Apple Discount Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543-8401 24 Delmarva Dental Services . . . . . 742-3000
Heating & Air Conditioning 6 Mid-Atlantic Heating . . . . . . . . . . . 546-5404
Insurance
Sitework & Paving
11 Avery Hall. . . . . . . . . 742-5111
27 Terra Firma. . . . .302-846-3350
15 Gary K. Marshall Agency . . . . . . . . . . . 749-2220
Summer Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Girl Scouts . . . . . 800-334-9811
Mailing 4 Mail Movers . . . . . . . 749-1885 Paving 15 Chesapeake Paving . . . . . . . . . . . 742-2330 Real Estate 19 Lease . . . . . . . . . . . . 603-0399 9 Remax Crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . .443-736-3373 2 Sperry Van Ness . . . 543-2440 Security 32 Sentech . . . . . . . . . . 546-0046 Septic 19 Towers Concrete . . . 479-0914
Utilities 8 Bay Area Disposal . . . . . . . . . . 860-6607 10 Choptank Electric. . . . . . . . 877-892-0001 Crisfield 21 Aulie Skye . . . . . . . . . 968-0442 21 Bailey Jewelers . . . . . 651-3073 21 Blue Crab Cafe . .240-298-1195 23 Crisfield Tiki Bar & Grill . . . . . . 988-2722 21 JCW Tawes Real Estate . . . . . . . . 968-3110 23 Whitehead Real Estate Executives . . . . . . . .749-HOME 23 Wilson Realty . . . . . . 968-1882
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Inmate labor is a valuable resource for county
As mentioned last time, I submitted my Fiscal Year county report 2012 Operating Budget to the County Council on April 19. The county employs I promised to keep you posted on the budget process but, 171 people at the for right now (mid-May), WCDC and the annual there is not a lot to report. cost for housing an inThe Council held a public mate is about $22,000, hearing in early May about not $40,000. the budget which includes a nickel tax increase. Of those proposed $111 million budget. The who addressed the proposed property tax increase, 73% supported it; WCDC accounts for 12% of that or $10.9 million, down from $12.6 million perhaps indicating that our community understands the link between taxes paid in 2009. WCDC capacity is 500 and, more and the quality of services received. often than not, the population apAt my public budget meeting on April 7, several speakers brought up the proaches that number. The county employs 171 people at the WCDC and cost of running the Wicomico County the annual cost for housing an inmate Detention Center (WCDC). One even is about $22,000, not $40,000. This is suggested that, “We spend $40,000 a an important cost number as it provides year to house prisoners!” Such misina measurement with other Maryland formation needs to be corrected. As I county corrections facilities. Charles have mentioned, 79% of the County County has an inmate population capacOperating Budget goes to Education, ity of 486 and identifies its inmate cost Public Safety & Health and the WCDC at $101 per day or $36,865 per year. is part of public safety. In total, those That is almost 60% more than here. categories comprise $88 million of my Here are some other costs from counties
around the state: Washington - $27,025; Baltimore - $29,930; Howard - $40,000; Prince George’s - $43,800; Queen Anne’s - $27,923; Allegany - $28,185. Despite the demand placed on the corrections system by our nearly always “full house,” our cost per inmate figure indicates that we are operating an efficient jail. That aside, cutbacks of the last few years may have negative long term affects. Necessary budget cuts eliminated two programs, RSTAT (Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program) and SIT (Staying in Touch), that were proving to reduce recidivism rates. Eliminating these programs was a tough decision but the county’s revenues are declining and funds have to be put where they are needed most. In this case, the programs had to be sacrificed to retain a full complement of correctional officers at the WCDC. From a business standpoint, the WCDC provides good jobs for our community and the salaries connected to those jobs circulate about $6.5 million back into the local economy. Additionally, the WCDC contracts for about
$1.5 million worth of mental and health care annually. Work release is a large, tax dollarsaving program at the WCDC. Inmates work on recycling at the landfill. Without them, it would cost the county an additional $106,280 to get that work done. Inmate labor has also been invaluable to the Roads Division following last year’s layoffs. Inmates man Roads’ Ditch and Grass Maintenance and Litter Control crews. Without this labor force out on our 720 miles of roads, the county would have to contract out the work or hire part-time labor. As I have often mentioned, our Roads budget has been almost completely decimated by the State cutback in the distribution of Highway User Revenues. An efficient and well-run corrections facility, such as ours, is an essential component of our county services. It helps protect our families and offers an opportunity for those incarcerated there to become productive citizens. And it merits intelligent public consideration rather than attacks made in ignorance.
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