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JUNE 16, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Marketing plan to be assessed Research firm will gauge effectiveness of campaign
Air show soars to success Dazzling demos awe crowd, good weather boost as well By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (June 16, 2023) Jets, planes, helicopters and parachuters flew through clear skies above a full audience last weekend at the 16th annual Ocean City Air Show. “The crowds were unbelievable on both the beach and Boardwalk. The weather cooperated on both days, which helped a lot,” said Chris Dirato, director of public relations for the airshow. The premium seating sections at
HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Air Force’s F-16 Thunderbirds headlined the air show this weekend, performing aerial tricks just feet part. Pictured are two formations the team flew on Friday for practice.
the Quality Inn Boardwalk Hotel on 16th Street and in front of it on the beach sold out both Saturday and Sunday, Dirato said. Dirato estimated that tens of thousands of people were in town, which is similar to years past.
Fan favorites seemed to be the Thunderbirds, the F-18 and the F-35, he said. “I think folks also enjoyed seeing the A-10s,” Dirato said. On Friday, Jenifer Rayne, principal See CLEAR Page 4
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (June 16, 2023) The effectiveness of the millions of dollars Ocean City has pumped into rebranding and promoting the resort will soon be revealed in a tangible report. At a Tourism Commission meeting this week, representatives of marketing firm BVK gave an update on its recent efforts, which included months of market research leading up to the development and reveal of a new brand, tagline and complete marketing strategy unlike anything the resort has ever had. Now, with the new Catch a Ride campaign — a quirky effort to target key audiences in Ocean City’s primary tourist markets — in full swing, the marketing team is ready to see how well it worked. Stephanie Barkow, BVK’s senior vice-president of brand strategy research, told Tourism Commission members at a meeting June 12 that they are working with research firm SMARInsights to provide data on the effectiveness of BVK’s recent destination marketing efforts. Barkow said the firm has a proven track record, three decades of experience and access to a large database of comparable results to determine exactly how the town’s advertising has fared. See SURVEYS Page 3
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Ocean City Today
JUNE 16, 2023
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Surveys will identify visitor awareness of ad campaign Continued from Page 1 Through online surveys, the researchers will identify visitors who were both aware and unaware of the advertising and compare their travel behaviors. “It will determine the level of travel that would not have existed if it wasn’t for the advertising,” Barkow explained. The results will also show the return on investment, through destination spending and taxes generated as compared to media spending, for the firm’s summer and fall campaigns. The “Enjoy” campaign used social media influencers, targeted advertisements, marketing videos and other means to showcase everything Ocean City has to offer in the summer and off-season in a new and fresh way. Once all of the feedback is developed, the information will be presented to the full council. “I’ve had several council members ask how are we measuring success,” City Manager Terry McGean said. Representatives from BVK also gave the tourism commissioners an update on the Catch a Ride campaign, which launched Memorial Day weekend with pop-up events in Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia. The epicenter of the events, a vintage 1968 Volkswagen van decked out with Ocean City’s new winky smiley face logo and signature colors, attracted droves of people to sign up to win summer trips, road trip kits and other swag. The van will serve as a concierge carting around six grand prize winners during all-expensepaid trips to the resort. And according to the BVK team, the van and
everything offered at the events were a huge hit for attendees. “We literally put what a trip to Ocean City would like in the hands of everybody that interacted with us that day,” BVK Account Supervisor Kristin Wood said. And while the team is still collecting data, the initial results show that the campaign generated 4,000 contest entries, 265 million public relations impressions, 13.9 million media impressions and more than 7,000 smile swag shares on social media. Wood said about 80 percent of the work on the campaign is done, with roughly 20 percent to go. “And we couldn’t be happier than we are with where we are today,” she said. Members of the Tourism Commission also inquired Monday about what will happen to the antique van, which was on display at the official brand unveiling during the kick-off of Springfest in the inlet parking lot. McGean said he would prefer the city stay out of the business of owning a vehicle with such a high liability factor. But Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, said he sees ownership of the van as a potential advertising opportunity. “Do I see it sitting at Springfest, Sunfest, Winterfest? Do I see it sitting at C3 [Oceans Calling Festival], [or] next week at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association?,” Perlozzo said. “When you look at it that way, am I going to be driving up and down the road all the time? No.” Staff members said the van is leased for now, but will be up for sale after the summer.
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Ocean City Today
JUNE 16, 2023
Discounts for money-making events to end By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (June 16, 2023) The fear of “phony” nonprofit agencies swindling city staff could hit legitimate charitable organizations in the pocketbook in the latest change to the resort’s new, working special event fee policy. At a Tourism Commission meeting Monday, City Manager Terry McGean and Special Events Director Frank Miller unveiled a plan to ensure all new hosts are charged fairly to hold money-making events on city property. “When a new nonprofit comes in, we will treat them as a for-profit entity and charge full price,” McGean said of the change, which was added in response to a concern from Councilman John Gehrig. As part of a plan to overhaul the re-
sort’s special event fee structure to cover associated costs more fairly and adequately, staff initially proposed offering discounts on application and space use fees to all nonprofit registered event hosts. Gehrig, however, pointed out that an organization could essentially become a nonprofit to save on costs. McGean said Monday that the concern was “legitimate” and city staff responded with the solution to take the discount away from any new event that charges money for attendance. Miller explained that nonprofit organizations that do not charge for entry or collect any other money, such as Jesus at the Beach, would still receive a discount. He added that existing, recurring nonprofit events are grandfathered in for the reduced costs.
“We are going to look at the new rather than the existing,” Miller said. “The new events, in season, asking to be paid by the people participating.” He pointed out that recurring nonprofit agencies that propose new events that generate revenue will not receive the discount either. The potential discounts within the new policy also vary for in- and outof-season events, and for different tiers, which are based on size and attendance levels. “This is the bottom line of how we’re going to do nonprofits going forward,” Miller said of the changes. “And this is what we’re going to put in front of council.” The overall policy, which has been adjusted a few times since staff members introduced it to the Tourism Commission in March, will cost most
organizers more money to hold events in the city. It came about after Mayor Rick Meehan suggested staff look into the special event fees after learning how much other resort areas charge for similar events. The fee structure had not been touched for years, and had many flat charges that did not account for how much labor and other costs go into hosting events. The policy includes higher application fees and a four-tier system that separates events by size and attendance, with the larger tiers requiring more discussion and attention. Commission members balked at the first proposal, which had some events paying more than 100 percent in costs. It has since been refined to become more fair, and will move next, with the nonprofit change, to City Council members for review.
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Continued from Page 1 of Pocomoke High School, got to ride in Thunderbird #7 with the pilot Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling as part of the Thunderbird’s Hometown Hero program. The fighter jet ride recognized Rayne’s acceptance of the Maryland State Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award at the association’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Racial Social Justice Summit. She earned the award through her support of the Speak Up Club at PHS. Dirato said planning for next year started as soon as this past weekend’s show ended, but added that it’s too early to begin naming performers Fortunately for the air show, the smoke from Canadian wildfires that cast a haze over the region starting
Tuesday cleared up by practice day on Friday morning. Dirato said the smoke earlier in the week had no effect on air show turnout. But a few hotels did report cancellations because of air quality concerns, said Susan Jones, director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association. Although occupancy numbers for this month won’t be known until mid-July, some OCHMRS member hotels reported Friday that they only had a few vacancies for the weekend, and very little walk-in availability. “From a weather standpoint, the weekend was spectacular and, hopefully, now that we’ve had a little good weather, the momentum to book rooms will pick up,” Jones said. “We
did have some hotels that sold out over the weekend and restaurants that were pretty full.” Jones said visitors are still a little dubious to make advance bookings as they wait for consistently hot weather to be a sure thing. Until some schools finish trickling out of session and the daily heat brings motivation to cool off at the beach, the visitor turnout is likely to vary. Relative to the past few years, when covid made car travel more attractive than cruises or flights, reported booking for June has been slow, Jones said. “Cruises are discounting deeply to lure passengers back,” Jones said. That being said, Jones noted that July and August reservations are picking up.
JUNE 16, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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349 WALNUT HILL DRIVE • BERLIN • $724,900 Stunning newly constructed 4BR/3.5 BA home by RBR Homes has just been completed in "America's Coolest Town". The minute you walk in you will fall in love with the custom finishes and abundance of light and outdoor space this home offers. The gourmet kitchen will delight the chef in your family with its center island and upgraded cabinetry. The family room and dining room flow off the kitchen. You will love entertaining family and friends over dinner. On the first floor there is also a wonderful bedroom with private bath. On the second floor you will find a luxurious primary bedroom and bath, and two additional bedrooms and another full bath. The outdoor space has a great patio, and the backyard is perfect for pets and little ones to play. There is a two-car detached garage and above the garage is additional space that could easily be finished off for a home office. This home is located only a short distance to restaurants and shops in downtown Berlin. You will enjoy the small town feel and way of living. The home is situated on a quiet circular street and has small town charm and curb appeal. The home is minutes from Ocean City and Assateague Island. The association fee is only $250 per year. Professional photos to follow house will be completed and ready for showings soon! THE ESTATES OF INLET ISLE
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34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This loHighly desirable 2BR/2BA 1st floor end unit waterfront condo hits the market! Waterfront 6BR/3BA custom estate w/marina, bay, canal views, From the minute you walk in you will fall in love with the open floor plan and all cation is directly across from Yellowfins Restausunrises, and sunsets. There is a deep-water slip that can accom- the upgrades. Kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with quartz counstainless steel appliances, 42-inch self-closing kitchen cabinets, under- rant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt modate a 42’ boat providing easy access to the ocean at the inlet. tertops, counter lighting and breakfast bar. Kitchen flows into the dining area and the Built by JN Custom Homes, known for fine craftsmanship and at- inviting family room have custom finishes and trim throughout. Glass slider off 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the family room to balcony where you can enjoy entertaining while watching the boats beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has tention to detail. Close to world class marinas, fishing, multiple go by. Primary bedroom is spacious and overlooks the water, and the primary bath golf courses, Assateague Island, the Ocean City Boardwalk, and has a large shower. 2nd bedroom is large & full 2nd bath as well. Other upgrades water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, many restaurants. Come take a look at this dream home that has include bamboo plank flooring, new carpet in the bedrooms, central air, new 50- shopping center, office complex, medical center, hot water heater, full size front loader washer & dryer, upgraded 2 panel stunning, unmatched architectural style and a wonderful water- gallon doors, recessed lighting, upgraded lighting fixtures and new flooring on the back front location. Contracts are being accepted now, in time for you balcony. The condo complex has assigned parking and visitor spaces available. professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now to personalize this home and select your finishes. Come take a Boat slips available for rent for $150.00 a year. Condo association is well run and Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. professionally managed. Condo is located off 94th St close to restaurants, shopping look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO2010644 MLS DESU184528 and a short walk to the beach. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!
12980 INLET ISLE LN OCEAN CITY • $2,999,900
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GEORGETOWN RD BERLIN • $150,000 Build your dream house! If you are looking for some acreage look no further, this property is 3.016 acres. This property is just off Route 113 and close to Berlin, America's coolest small town. The property is conveniently located near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA to worry about let's start the process and get exactly what you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248
718 MOORING RD UNIT B101 OCEAN CITY $425,000
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11604 COASTAL HWY UNIT 1506 • OCEAN CITY $749,900 2BR/2BA Fountainhead Towers condo is now available for sale! This unit is absolutely stunning and its direct oceanfront. Breathtaking sunrises with sound of the waves crashing onto the sand. Stunning decor. Kitchen is sure to delight like the chef in your family and has a breakfast bar. Dining room off the kitchen.Large living area is off the dining area and has four glass sliders leading to a large ocean front deck with completely unobstructed views of the beach and ocean. The balcony is one of the largest balconies boasting 30‘x 9 feet. There’s also a Bayside balcony which is approximately 14’ x 7‘to watch the sunsets night after night. This is one of the few buildings that comes complete with 2 balconies. The primary bedroom overlooks the ocean with glass sliders for endless views of the ocean. Unwind, relax, and get away to decompress, mesmerized by the ocean views. Primary bath is off the BR and has a shower, closet, and double vanity. 2nd spacious BR which has two queen-sized beds with another full bath that has been upgraded. There is a washer and dryer in the unit. The flooring has been upgraded in the unit to Italian porcelain. There is also Travertine marble in the bathroom and carpet in the two bedrooms. In the family room, and the primary bedroom there is a remote control for the drapes. Family room has surround sound and a large Sony TV for entertaining guests and family.
LAND
1303 MCHENRY CT BERLIN • $145,000 Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches. Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management. MLS MDWO2008616
Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie-in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDW02014122
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36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,615,000 Prime Location!!! If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential w/prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These two parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are w/in the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City and Fenwick Island. Offered at $2,615,000. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MLS DESU185186
Waterfront home site hits the market! 5+ acres on a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island’s 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches.You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. The possibilities are endless... Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO2011146
LAND
0 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $490,000 7.29 acres hits the market! Minutes from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants. This piece has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028756
2 144TH ST • UNIT 202 OCEAN CITY • $459,900
Ocean block beauty 2BR/2BA steps from the beach and priced to sell! Rarely is there a condo for sale in this building. There are two large balconies, one has breathtaking ocean views and the other is very spacious as well in front of the unit door. As you walk through the front door you will feel the warmth of this open layout. The kitchen has been upgraded, it's sure to delight the chef in your family. The dining area flows off the kitchen into the family room. There is plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The master bedroom is spacious and has its own private bath. The other bedroom is large as well. Both bathrooms have been upgraded and the condo is freshly painted in nice beach colors. The unit is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. The building is well maintained with low condo fees and is only steps from the ocean. This fantastic condo is close to restaurants and shopping. Come take a look today!
COMMERCIAL
TAXID 533-17.00-156.07 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE Commercial land 3.94-acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville. This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLSDESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754
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13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE $370,000 Are you looking for that commercial piece with high visibility? Look no further this commercial tract is 14.33 acres on the corner of Route 113 and Route 610 across from Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. The possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2023 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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JUNE 16, 2023
Ocean City Today
Tourism Commission reviews room tax policy By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (June 16, 2023) Members of Ocean City’s Tourism Commission continued discussions this week about a working policy designed to improve the allocation of room tax dollars back to advertising. And while most of the commission members signed off on the draft, Councilman John Gehrig, who sits on the commission and served as the loudest voice against some of the existing expenses charged to advertising, was still not completely satisfied. City Manager Terry McGean presented the working document, which he drafted recently to address concerns from council members brought up during budget discussions. As written, the city’s room tax ordinance dedicates about 42 percent of the city’s gross room tax revenue to cover expenses to promote destination marketing without deductions for salaries, office equipment, and the like. The approved expenses include advertising; marketing; promotions; sponsorships; research including consultant fees, subscription and trade dues; conference fees; and marketing and promotion of special events. McGean has said that the language, like any law, is “open to interpretations,” which has created some confu-
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission discuss details of a newly proposed policy for distributing room tax dollars to advertising at a meeting June 12.
sion, friction and debate. The “spirited discussions,” as he described them at Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting, led to the creation of the new policy. McGean said during the meeting that the two main areas of concern, according to Gehrig’s comments, were the accounting of legal expenses for advertising-related matters, and how to determine and divide profits made during events that use advertising funds. Currently, the city attorney, who
works on a contract, charges tourism as a whole for work done for the department. The money is then split, with 80 percent coming from the advertising fund and 20 percent from the general fund. McGean said he and Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo, as well as Budget Director Jennie Knapp, believed the breakdown was “excessive.” “It remains, at least in my mind, that if the city attorney is reviewing [marketing firm] BVK’s contract, those fees
should come from the advertising fund,” McGean said. Gehrig, however, disagrees. He believes that when the attorney does research for contracts that it should not fall under advertising, as the original ordinance was drafted to refer specifically to market research, not other types, when it comes to paying for legal fees. “In the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor expense,” Gehrig said. “The problem is, is when you let the camel’s See GEHRIG Page 8
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PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
MSFA convention back in Ocean City starting this week
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Annual gathering chocked full with variety of events By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (June 16, 2023) A fire of epic proportions is never ideal but if one were to break out, Ocean City would be well-prepared next week when thousands of firemen will be in town for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association annual convention. The yearly gathering, which runs from Sunday, June 18, to Thursday, June 22, will feature myriad events, including a flea market, family night at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, exhibits at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the Miss Fire Prevention contest, a new culinary competition and the annual parade downtown on Wednesday. It’s the second straight year back after a two-year hiatus because of the covid-19 pandemic. “Year after year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of firefighters from all corners of Maryland, gathering at our convention center for this remarkable event,” Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Ryan Whittington said in a text message. “During their stay, we are committed to ensuring their well-being by providing on-site medical coverage each day.” Whittington said that OCVFD is “particularly excited” to participate in the parade and cooking competition. “We couldn’t resist the chance to show off our firefighters’ culinary talents,” he said. “Believe me when I say, our firefighters can cook!” “Through these engaging activities and shared experiences, we foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen the bonds within the firefighting community. We are honored to be part of this cherished tradition, and we extend our warmest welcome to the Maryland State Fireman’s Association. “Together, we will make this year’s event an unforgettable celebration of bravery, camaraderie, and delicious food!” Registration for the convention begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday and the association will hold its executive committee meeting two hours later at 9 a.m., the same time that the flea market opens in the convention center’s performing arts center lobby. Opening ceremonies and the first session will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday in the ballroom. The annual parade, scheduled for Wednesday, will line up at 1 p.m. in the inlet parking lot. The parade route will be between 16th and 30th Street on Baltimore Avenue. For more information, visit convention.msfa.org.
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