January Small Business Spotlight |
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Trademark-Art
Owner : Arlette Bright
Location: Salisbury , MD
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About Our Spotlight Business Owner:
Where it all began .....
We recently asked Arlette Bright to tell us in her own words about her business Trademark-Art.com and how it all began . We learned that Trademark-Art was established in early 2021 by Arlette with key contributions & website development from a student intern by the name of Amber Kesapradist. Arlette tells is that Trademark-Art was developed as a first of its kind interactive platform to bring artists of all mediums together with customers looking to create business branding, marketing, graphic design, logos, advertisements, social media posts, visual art, and animations.
They created a “Build-Your-Brand” service where business customers engage in a step by step online process to select an artist for the visual content, creative writers for written content and musicians for jingles and musical content. Trademark-Art also provides intellectual property legal services, such as filing for trademarks at the federal and state levels and copyright filings, for business clients that want to protect their creations.
When asked - as a local small business owner, what is she most proud of, Arlette told us that she is most proud of creating an opportunity for independent artists to showcase their work and talents and the opportunity for small businesses to commission the artists to create distinct business branding.
Trademark-Art continues to grow its artist community and business clientele. We have a wide array of talented individuals who are available for commission, ranging from photographers and graphic designers, to musicians and painters. . We were thrilled that MCE commissioned one of our artists to create the new logos for MCE & the MCE Women’s Business Center.
Our platform provides a creative space that brings together artists and clients to create specialized designs and creations to meet the client’s specifications. The website also provides an option to shop artist creations directly from the site. Their artists have been commissioned to create custom pieces of artwork, photographs, logo and graphic designs. Our platform has experienced success in a multitude of different areas.
In closing we asked , What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs? Alette says the best advice she can give is Take chances. Do your research and utilize services and resources ( like MCE) that are available to you.
MCE provided valuable resources and assistance to us as entrepreneurs. I saw first hand how incredibly supportive they are to local small businesses .... and the many ways they help small businesses grow here.
As a woman -owned business, we have found the services and information provided by the MCE Women’s Business Center particularly helpful!
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Join us for our
Free & Informative
Professional Development Workshops
Below you will find all of the great webinars we have scheduled so far for 2022 .
Our workshops are always LIVE - we always encourage those in attendance to be interactive!
To see our most up to date list and register for any of our events
Click Here or visit our website anytime & click on the WORKSHOPS tab
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Getting To Know Our Speakers :
Shira Oz-Sinai Acupressure Practitioner at The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine
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This month we would like you to meet Shira Oz-Sinai :
Shira is the guest speaker for our monthly Self-Care Fridays workshop.
Shira was born in the USA, grew up in Israel, and returned to the US to complete her education (B.A. in Spanish, M.A. in literature). She’s found acupuncture, acupressure, and meditation to be extremely useful in meeting the aches and pains, limiting emotional patterns, and spiritual challenges that had resulted from living in a tumultuous country and from just living in general. And, whatever Shira finds useful for her, she quickly wants to share with others!
As Shira explains, “Yoga Nidra and acupressure share the core principle of awareness. By becoming aware of physical sensations, the breath, emotions, and thoughts, we activate our intrinsic ability to heal and grow. The results are a deep friendship with your Self that allows you to be with whatever shows up in your life: an ache, a joy, a challenging thought, or bliss.”
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January
BUDGETING 101
January 24, 2022 1:00 pm -2:00 pm
Guest Speaker: John Hickman, Director of BEACON (Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network) at the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business
Mr. Hickman will deliver a webinar to discuss planning for a successful 2022 by developing a budget for your small business. Topics include the process for business budgeting, reviewing cash flow and cash needs, understanding which financial statements to use and how a budget ties in with other planning for your business.
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WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
COVID ASSISTANCE SUMMIT
January 27th, 2022 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Join us for a “Meet the Expert” session and learn how you can get the FREE advice you’ve been looking for!! Do you need assistance with your business due to the effects of COVID 19? (SEE FLIER in this newsletter)
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February
LinkedIn CONNECTIONS TO CLIENTS DURING COVID
February 3, 2022 10:00-12:00
Guest Speaker:
Jessica Koch, Jessica Koch Consulting
Throughout the COVID19 pandemic staying connected has been one of the toughest challenges. Keeping that line of communication open with current connections & making new ones.
This proves to be especially challenging when we are limited mainly to picking up the phone or connecting via virtual meetings & events. But, the good news is that it’s easier than ever to build and maintain meaningful relationships digitally.
When it comes to staying connected, it is more important than ever to not overlook the human element of the relationship. Sharing advice or lessons learned with one another is a great way to stay focused on solving current challenges, together.
Join us as Jessica talks about a variety of ways to keep these client relationships thriving during COVID19
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BASIC BUSINESS FINANCES
February 9, 2022 12:00 Noon -1:00 pm
Guest Speaker:
Lyndsae Peele, CEO | Kingdom Vision Consulting
All small business owners should be knowledgeable when it comes their finances. This webinar has something for everyone, whether you are learning these things for the first time or you need a little refresher
Please join us and feel more confident about taking care of your finances, understanding the basics, and making informed decisions about your small business’s finances.
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HEART SUPPORT FOR BODY AND BUSINESS DURING COVID19
February 11, 2022 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guest Speaker: Shira Oz-Sinai
Acupressurist and Meditation Expert
Staying afloat during Covid19 takes heart.
Join Shira Oz-Sinai, in exploring key self-care tools for balancing blood pressure, improving circulation, and increasing heart health for a stronger body and business this season
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Square Solutions:
Tools to run your business - even when it’s not business as usual
February 16, 2022 12:00 NOON – 1:00 pm
Guest Speaker: Martin Guerrero, SQUARE
Small Business and Community Advocacy
Square revolutionized payments in 2009 with Square Reader, making it possible for anyone to accept card payments using a smartphone or tablet. Today, Square builds tools to empower businesses and individuals to participate in the economy. Sellers use Square to reach buyers online and in-person, manage their business, and access financing. Join us for an overview of all the tools we offer that help businesses of all sizes to start, run, and grow their business.
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March
Save the Date!!
March 11, 2022
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
ASPIRE TO SUCCEED & LEAD: 7TH ANNUAL MCE WOMEN’S BUSINESS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
Details Coming Soon!!
Sponsorships available NOW!
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SO, YOU'VE LASSOED YOUR WHY ....…
NOW WHAT? Action Steps to Get it Done in the Midst of COVID
March 17, 2022 10:00 am - 12:00 NOON
Guest Speaker: Jessica Koch, Jessica Koch Consulting
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SPRING WITH GREATER EASE: FLEXIBLE BODY AND BUSINESS DURING COVID
March 18, 2022
9:30 – 10:30 am
Guest Speaker: Shira Oz-Sinai
Acupressurist and Meditation Expert
How flexible are you? Dealing with COVID19 has pushed us to stretch, leap, and extend our bodies and businesses beyond all previous limits. Join Shira Oz-Sinai, for self-care techniques that alleviate joint pain, reduce tension, soothe achy muscles, and increase flexibility and creativity just in time for spring.
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BUSINESS PLAN & MARKETING 101
March 24, 2022 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Guest Speakers:
Tim Sherman:
Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center
Sophia Smecker:
Independent Marketing Consultant
Learn the basic elements of a business plan and how to structure writing an effective plan to maximize your loan potential!
Whether you have an existing plan already and need to make adjustments or are looking to start fresh, we can offer tips for organizing your business model for the changing world in the midst of a pandemic.
- In what way is marketing different from sales?
- How can you get the most bang for your marketing dollar?
- What forms of marketing should you consider?
- How much of your budget should be allocated for marketing?
These and many more questions will be discussed for your marketing plan.
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April
April 8, 2022 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Guest Speaker: Shira Oz-Sinai
Acupressurist and Meditation Expert
Tired eyes and tired vision?
Join Shira Oz-Sinai, for key self-care tools that decrease eye strain, strengthen eyesight, and increase the ability to envision your future and your business’s future with more hope, inspiration, dexterity, and imagination
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UNIQUE, POWERFUL & OUT OF THE BOX WAYS TO PROMOTE
YOUR ONLINE EVENT DURING COVID
April 14, 2022 10:00 am - 12:00
Guest Speaker:
Jessica Koch, Jessica Koch Consulting
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News From Around the Shore & more ! |
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The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration will be held on Friday, February 25th from 6-10 pm at the Clarion Fountainebleau Crystal Ballroom. Cocktail hour will begin promptly at 6pm, followed by plated dinner and the awards presentation at 7pm.
They invite you to join them as they honor six local recipients for the following awards:
Lifetime Achievement
Ruth Waters, Harrison Group
Citizen of the Year
Jonathan Bauer, Atlantic General Hospital
Business Person of the Year
Walter "Buck" Mann, Mann Properties
Young Professional of the Year
Allyson Knight, Commander Hotel
First Responder of the Year
Chief Buzzuro, Ocean City Police Chief
Non Profit of the Year
Hudson Behavioral Health
Dress to impress and have fun! Full Circle Duo will be playing live music throughout cocktail hour and dinner, and Kyle Hughes and Dana Marie Photography will be joining us to capture and photograph the fun memories! Live music will also be at Horizons Night Club directly after the awards ceremony. Special pricing for this evening have been offered by the Clarion, call them directly for reservations.
When registering for this event, please note in the comments section your preference of either surf and turf OR a vegetarian option for dinner. If no comment is made, surf and turf will be assumed.
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WHEN
Friday, January 28, 2022 -- 5:00-9:30 pm
Saturday, January 29, 2022 -- 3:00-9:00 pm
WHERE
Downtown Cambridge, Maryland
WHAT
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See dazzling ice sculptures showcasing Eastern Shore culture, wildlife & more!
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Entertain your family with kid-friendly ice thrones and games
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Chill out on Cannery Way while feasting on local oysters and craft beer
- Check out an amazing Ice Bar with artisan ice cocktails to warm you from the inside out!
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Watch top ice carvers demonstrate the artistry of their craft
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Warm your hands or make a s'more in one of a dozen fire pits
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Oyster Shucking and Slurping Relay Competition - click here for more details.
Free Admission
Follow us on Facebook for updated information
If you would like to volunteer to help out at the event please click here to sign-up or
give us a call at the Chamber 410-228-3575
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Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County will be holding their 11th Chefs for Habitat gourmet gala on February 19, 2022 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Voted Coastal Style Magazines “Best of” charity event in 2020, this nonprofit gala raises funds to build homes for low-income families in Wicomico County and advocate for safe and affordable homeownership.
Salisbury Mayor Jake Day will be emceeing the event, which showcases local chefs preparing signature menu items for guests to enjoy. A Celebrity Sous Chef competition, and live and silent auctions will take place. Auction items include the chance for guests to bid on exclusive dinners prepared by the gala chefs. The band Such Fools will round out the entertainment.
Major Sponsors of the event are Becker Morgan Group; CFS, Inc.; Donald Bailey; First Shore Federal Savings & Loan; Goosehead Insurance; Hebron Savings Bank; Long and Foster, Inc; M&T Bank; Mountaire Farms; Outten Brothers Home Furnishings; Perdue Farms; Precision Exteriors; Salisbury Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 817; Scott Malone Photography; Spicer Bros. Construction, Inc.; Vision Realty Group; WBOC.
Tickets for Chefs for Habitat are $75 and sponsorships are available, but selling out fast. For additional information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.chefsforhabitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County
Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has built and sold 71 homes locally, with the 72nd under construction. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, low-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments come back to the affiliate to help build more homes for more families.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, please call Molly Hilligoss, Executive Director at 410-546-1551 or visit www.wicomicohabitat.org.
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Baltimore
City Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Chairwoman & Executive Director
A message from Chairwoman
Kimberly Castle Royster
(pictured left)
My time as a member of Baltimore City's Chamber of Commerce has been a rewarding experience. We strive to lend a helping hand to local businesses by providing them with the resources necessary to excel within their industry. During these unprecedented times, it is important that everyone in our community comes together to support one another.
As the Chairwoman of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to be apart of an organization full of Baltimore's top business owners and professionals. I will make it my mission to positively impact the lives of those within our organization.
We add value to the businesses that join us by providing them with opportunities through networking events, social gatherings, business workshops, and much more.
All it takes is one special person to spark change within an entire city. We are sure that person could be you! If you are a positive person who cares about strengthening Baltimore, you should join the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce.
Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, 2022-2023
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A message from Executive Director
Lenora Henry (pictured Right)
I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director for the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce. As a lifelong resident of Baltimore City, I am very passionate about supporting local businesses and helping people achieve their goals.
My parents raised me to embrace every challenge and understand that hard work pays off. I never imagined that my dream would come true to serve as the “connector” for our local city businesses. I am delighted that I have an opportunity to make an impact in the city that I love!!
I am looking forward to collaborating with Kimberly Royster - our new Board Chair! - as well as the rest of our Board of Directors and all of our current and prospective members. I am excited to meet all of you as well and I will be reaching out to speak with everyone in the upcoming year.
Thank you!
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Tech Tips ...... ID3AS by D3 Corp |
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Be sure to make Is it possible to predict 2022 social media trends? Social media marketing evolves quickly, but when it comes to our favorite social media platforms, there are some common themes and trends to look out for.
We have our eye on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Trends include the increasing importance of video content, the implementation of QR codes, and amplified e-commerce strategies. Video works well on all major platforms, and QR codes easily allow customers to connect digitally. E-commerce is also here to stay! All major platforms are improving their online shopping experience in order to keep up.
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D3 Take
Spending your valuable marketing time and budget on video content is a solid way to ensure a great return on investment. All major platforms are prioritizing video content creators in their algorithms, and users are attracted to this content style. Consider upping your video presence, then double your investment by repurposing your video content on other relevant platforms, such as Pinterest and TikTok.
QR codes are a versatile technology that brands and marketers are finding new applications for. Consider if you have print materials that would benefit from a QR code to help your customers connect with you digitally. You could also direct them to a specific page with relevant content, such as recipes for your product or hours for your store.
E-Commerce strategies are central to all businesses ready to grow. We recommend interacting with your interface as an online customer and putting yourself in their shoes. Is the experience clear and painless? Is the checkout easy to find? Can your target audience easily find what they are looking for?
Not sure where to start? D3 is here to help market your brand efficiently and effectively, so you can stand out online where it matters most!
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MCE Women's Business Center
314 Civic Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: 410.546.1900
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