Taste of the Eastern Shore Legislative Event 2024

Taste of the Eastern Shore HOSTED BY THE TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN S H O R E I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H T H E M I D - S H O R E R E G I O N A L CO U N C I L AND UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! WHALE SPONSORS

BLUE SPONSORS

REGULAR SPONSORS

In-Kind Donors and Featured Vendors

Menu S TA R T E R S

L O C A L LY P R O D U C E D C H E E S E V E G E TA B L E C R U D I T É

MAINS EASTERN SHORE FRIED CHICKEN SOFT CRAB SANDWICH HAM R A W B A R - C L A M S A N D L O C A L LY G R O W N O Y S T E R S L O C A L LY G R O W N P U L L E D P O R K COLLARD GREENS MACARONI & CHEESE B L U E C AT F I S H B I T E S

DESSERTS SMITH ISLAND CAKE L O C A L LY P R O D U C E D I C E C R E A M

THE BAR LOCAL BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES AND WINERIES ...

C A F F E I N AT E D A N D D E C A F F E I N AT E D C O F F E E

Please return your name badge to the registration desk at the end of the evening to receive a sweet treat!

WHALE SPONSORS C H O P TA N K E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E

Incorporated in 1938 Choptank Electric, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, is a not-for-profit, member-owned, electric distribution Co-op serving approximately 54,000 residential, commercial, and industrial members in all nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Choptank Electric Cooperative exists to provide reliable and cost effective electricity that improves the quality of life for its member-owners. We are committed to service excellence guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles: •

Voluntary and Open Membership

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Democratic Member Control

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Member’s Economic Participation

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Autonomy and Independence

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Education, Training, Information

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Cooperation Among Cooperatives

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Concern for Community

FA R M C R E D I T

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services for today and tomorrow Farm Credit is a nationwide network of 58 customer-owned financial institutions. Across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, we provide loans and related financial services to U.S. farmers and ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives and other agribusinesses, rural homebuyers and rural infrastructure providers.

M A RY L A N D B R O A D B A N D C O O P E R AT I V E ( M d B C )

The Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC) is a member owned not-for-profit with the mission of expanding world class broadband services to the rural parts of Maryland in partnership with our Internet Service Provider membership.

Created through legislative intent of the Maryland General Assembly in 1996, MdBC has fiber and electronic assets deployed in all of Maryland’s rural counties able to be accessed by our membership.

MID-SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL

The Mid-Shore Regional Council (MSRC) operates as a cooperative regional planning and development agency within Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties to foster physical, economic, and social development. The Council initiates, coordinates, plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources.

The MSRC is a federally designated Economic Development District (an economically distressed area) that enables federal funding to the region through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

MSRC funds have been used to support several regional projects: •

Broadband Infrastructure

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Small Business Development

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Ag/Resource-based Industries

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Technology Parks

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Public Transportation

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GeoDASH Initiative

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GIS (Geographic Information Systems) support to local governments

‘ TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE

One of the five regional councils in Maryland, the TCCLES was formed to facilitate regional planning and development in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The Council membership is made up of municipal, county and state elected officials as well as the county administrators from the three counties. Like the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, the TCCLES is a federally designated Economic Development District that enables federal funding to the region through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. In addition to its economic development function, the TCCLES also runs and manages the regional transit system (Shore Transit) and the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA) from its 23 acre, 90,000 sq. ft. facility in Salisbury.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

UMES offers an impressive array of accredited degree programs that blend a time-honored curriculum with instruction in such contemporary fields as allied health, aviation science, construction management, criminal justice, engineering, hospitality and tourism management.

A short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, UMES is known for its multi-cultural student body drawn from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. As a land-grant institution founded in 1886, the university’s focus is teaching, research and outreach -- emphasizing stewardship of the environment, land and sea.

Among graduate degree programs are doctorates offered in educational leadership, food science and technology, marine-estuarine environmental science, organizational leadership, pharmacy, physical therapy and toxicology.

UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Thoughtful growth preserves the rural character of our communities for longterm success. As the regional planning and development agency for Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties since 2003, USRC, along with our local, state and federal agencies nurtures the physical, economic and social development of our region.

Our commitment to economic longevity—fuels our participation in plans and projects impacting our communities. Whether the topic is business recruitment or broadband development, the Council supports initiatives aligning with our regional narrative.

Mission/Vision The Upper Shore Regional Council fosters planning and development for Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. USRC affords federal, state, county and local governments a regional forum to identify issues and opportunities. We plan and implement programs to improve the quality of life in the Upper Shore Region of Maryland.

BLUE SPONSORS THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is a dynamic regional organization providing person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect with their communities. We advocate for equity and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live self-determined lives and foster opportunities towards self-sufficiency.

BECKER MORGAN GROUP

Becker Morgan Group is a full service design firm specializing in architecture, engineering, surveying, land planning, and interior design. The firm brings a holistic approach to each project that encompasses the entire design process, from concept to occupancy, while incorporating budget and schedule conscious solutions every step of the way. In order to further enhance client services, Becker Morgan Group is organized into specialized market sector studios with an expertise in education, public safety, healthcare, library, and community facilities.

BUSINESS ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH NETWORK (BEACON)

The Business Economic and Community Outreach Network, of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, offers business, economic, workforce, and community development consulting and assistance services to a variety of organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit community-based organizations.

C H E S A P E A K E U T I L I T I E S C O R P O R AT I O N

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has operated on the Delmarva Peninsula for over 160 years and is proud to have served Maryland’s Eastern Shore since the mid-twentieth century. Our companies that are located here include Chesapeake Utilities, Eastern Shore Natural Gas, Sandpiper Energy and Sharp Energy. We provide customers of all sizes and locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland clean, affordable energy for their homes and businesses. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where our customers and employees live and our businesses operate.

DORCHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In business since 1921, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is the community’s oldest, largest and most effective business advocate. Our members represent all sectors of activity in the heart of Chesapeake Country.

From the land, water, warehouse, or factory floor; from the retail store or restaurant; from the gallery, museum or local not for profit members have united under the umbrella of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce with a common mission – “To Advance Dorchester County through educating, promoting and nurturing a strong, resilient business community”.

E A S T E R N S H O R E R E G I O N A L G I S C O O P E R AT I V E ( E S R G C )

The Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) provides access to geographic information system (GIS) technology, data, technical support, and training to the local governments of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The ESRGC is an outreach entity of Salisbury University, and is a joint effort between the Mid-Shore Regional Council, the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and Salisbury University.

E A S T O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N

The Easton Economic Development Corporation (EastonEDC) supports economic and community development in the town of Easton, MD through our partnerships with the town and other community organizations. EastonEDC staff manage the Main Street program, the A&E district and the Easton Visitor Center. For more Info please visit: DiscoverEaston.com.

M A RY L A N D E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N ( M E D C O )

MEDCO’s legislative purposes are to relieve unemployment in the State; encourage an increase of business activity and commerce and a balanced economy; help retain and attract business activity and commerce; promote economic development; and promote the health, safety, right of gainful employment, and welfare of residents of Maryland.

O C E A N C I T Y, M A R Y L A N D

In Ocean City, Maryland having fun is kind of our thing. So naturally, smiling is our way of life. Surrounded by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and Maryland Bays, our coastal community keeps visitors beaming from sunrise to sunset. With excellent accommodations and unique dining and nightlife, Ocean City’s 10 miles of beach offers fun around every corner. Whether you are fishing, golfing, boating or biking the historic Boardwalk, our family-friendly destination offers everyone something to smile about.

SMITH ISLAND UNITED

Smith Island is an island 12 miles offshore, in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Smith Island United is dedicated to the preservation of Smith Island, its people, culture and natural beauty. Smith Island United is led by an executive committee which is comprised of an equal number of elected members from each of the island’s three communities: Ewell, Rhodes Point and Tylerton. Our island community has existed for over 400 years. Smith Island United accepts it as our responsibility to ensure that this island, its people, and its culture are around 400 years from now.

REGULAR SPONSORS B E A C H T O B AY H E R I TA G E A R E A

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area, one of 13 state certified heritage areas, serves to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of Maryland’s lower eastern shore. The BBHA is a respected resource and community catalyst. We nurture and develop programs, partnerships and organizations dedicated to strengthening the lower shore’s heritage, environment and culture.

BENEDICTINE PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Founded in 1959, Benedictine Programs & Services is one of the few comprehensive integrated nonprofit service providers in Maryland supporting both children and adults, aged 5-70+, living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s works to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence. The year-round educational program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely campus.

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers residential, day, employment and vocational services for transitional youth and adults in the community. Those we support come from throughout Maryland, as well as a few from adjoining states.

Benedictine has 22 group homes. The Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults and high school students to enter the workforce and collaborates with surrounding county public schools to provide services to their special education students through the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Program. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

BOB BREEDING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, LLC

Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC, established in 1969, is a true family-owned and operated business, headquartered in Denton, Maryland and proudly serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware. Their motto, “Born to Build” refers to their three generations of steadfast commitment to their clients. With more than 50 years of experience in agricultural, commercial, and industrial construction, they pride themselves on their ability to deliver high quality buildings for their clients with a focus on customer service.

CAROLINE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

Caroline County Economic Development & Tourism is dedicated to strengthening Caroline County’s rural economy and community through business and tourist attraction, retention of businesses and residents, advocacy and innovation in agriculture and industry, capacity building and community development. We are also committed to pursuing economic growth in a strategic manner that preserves our rural character.

D E L M A R VA C H I C K E N A S S O C I AT I O N

Delmarva Chicken Association is the 1,600-member trade association working for the common good of the meat chicken industry in Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Our mission: To be the Delmarva chicken industry’s voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education and member relations.

Our vision: To be the most-respected chicken organization in the United States.

EASTON UTILITIES

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit company responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of electric, water, wastewater, and natural gas for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is committed to keeping our community connected providing broadband, cable television and digital voice services in Easton and throughout Talbot County.

F I A S T R O C O N S U LT I N G , I N C .

Fiastro Consulting is an Maryland-based government relations firm with a wide offering of services and a broad client base. Founded by John C. Fiastro, Jr., the firm is built on strong relationships within state government, the greater Maryland business community, and partner firms.

Fiastro Consulting is a tireless client advocate, a passionate voice for large and small Maryland businesses, and community servant. Fiastro Consulting represents numerous Maryland-based institutions and will gladly meet to discuss your government relations or procurement needs.

FIRSTPIC, INC.

FirstPic, Inc., a certified small business entity, offers a broad range of project management consulting services throughout the country. For over 20 years, in collaboration with the federal government, state agencies, schools, non-profit and community-based organizations, staff of FirstPic, Inc. has worked nationwide to produce solutions that guarantee an optimal outcome for our clients. We offer a range of products and services including strategic planning, program design and management, conference planning and management, training and technical assistance, product development, data management, proposal writing, graphic design, survey design and data collection and website development.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST (LGIT)

For more than 30 years, Maryland’s local governments have covered their primary and excess liability, auto, environmental, property and equipment breakdown insurance needs through the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT). Owned and managed by its members, LGIT was founded in 1987 by act of the Maryland General Assembly through the joint efforts of the Maryland Municipal League (MML) and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). LGIT’s purpose is to meet Maryland’s local governments risk management needs - not to make a profit by selling insurance. Because of LGIT, local governments know they now have insurance coverage available to them at stable rates and predictable costs - regardless of private insurance industry cycles. In addition to the publications produced by LGIT, they also provide a wide variety of Risk Management services including: Training, Grants, the LGIT Online Campus and the HR Compliance Portal.

M A R Y L A N D A G R I C U LT U R E & R E S O U R C E - B A S E D I N D U S T R Y D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N ( M A R B I D C O )

MARBIDCO’s mission is to help Maryland’s farm, forestry, and seafood businesses prosper through financial and other services that help retain existing resource-based industry production and commerce, promote rural entrepreneurship, and nurture emerging or expanding agricultural enterprises. We are the “go to” place in Maryland to obtain rural business development assistance, including gap finance loans working with banks and other lenders, and the Next Generation Program beginning farmer ag-land purchases.

M C A L L I S T E R , D E TA R , S H O WA LT E R & WA L K E R L L C

With a combination of sophisticated, nationwide experience and deep roots in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area, the attorneys at McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC (MDSW) are committed to providing efficient and personal legal services for complex business, finance, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, real estate and zoning matters.

MDSW represents a diverse group of clients, from Fortune 500 companies and institutional lenders to small businesses and individuals. Our commitment extends beyond offering high-level counsel; it involves building relationships based on confidence, trust, and a sense of partnership.

N I C H O LY N N A D V I S O R S

Nicholynn Advisors is dedicated to ensuring the financial success of small businesses and nonprofits. The firm offers a full range of services, including accounting, tax, QuickBooks, payroll, and financial consulting. The owners, Adam and Jaime, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every client engagement, going beyond compliance to provide holistic financial solutions. Jaime’s distinction as a Top 100 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor underscores the firm’s commitment to excellence. Particularly noteworthy is Jaime’s receipt of the Small Business award from WE Lead for her unwavering dedication to supporting small business clients during the recent pandemic. Beyond their professional endeavors, Adam and Jaime are involved in various non-profit organizations, actively contributing to the betterment of the communities they live in. Nicholynn Advisors is proud to serve as the trusted business partner for small businesses and nonprofits, ensuring comprehensive care and strategic management of their financial operations.

T H E PA R E N T S ’ P L AC E O F M A RY L A N D

The Parents’ Place of MD is Maryland’s special education and health information center for the state that has been serving families for over 30 years. Our mission is to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education and health outcomes for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs with a commitment to diversity and equity. PPMD believes that families are the experts on their child and it is our job, at PPMD, to teach them the knowledge and skills to accomplish this for themselves.

PROJECT OPPORTUNITY

Project Opportunity is a free entrepreneurship training program which has been designed solely for veterans who want to start their own business or expand a current small business. The prerequisite for veterans who wish to be considered to participate is they must have a solid idea of what business venture they want to start because the course is designed to develop and complete a comprehensive business plan instead of just exploring the possibility of entrepreneurship.

The program is a 10 week (30 hour) intensive course designed to prepare participants to research and complete a business plan.

RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL (RMC)

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.

Our goals are to: • Encourage healthy, connected communities throughout Rural Maryland through convening of stakeholders, education, public relations, and advocacy • Support the development and growth of vibrant economies in Rural Maryland • Foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural resources • Maximize RMC outreach, resources and mission through financial and organizational development As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. Policy-makers and managers from stakeholder agencies and organizations at all levels of government and the private sector are valued participants. Where practical, the decision-making undertaken by the RMC is made by reaching consensus.

RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies, and healthy, connected communities.

T I D A L H E A LT H

TidalHealth is a robust health system on the Delmarva Peninsula, backed by a legacy of firsts and a long history of proven accomplishments. With quality as our constant, special as our signature, and community at our core, we operate with the belief that each and every person can make a difference.

TidalHealth includes hospitals TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke; health campuses such as McCready, Ocean Pines and Millsboro Pavilions, 300 physicians and doctor’s offices in 30 locations, joined to improve the health of the communities we serve.

TOWN OF BERLIN,MARYLAND

Travel back into the past with a stroll down Main Street in Berlin, Maryland. The path you walk is the same as that taken by the Assateague and Pocomoke Indians well before the colonial period. Later, the path became the Philadelphia Post Road, the main route connecting the centers of commerce to the north and west.

Today the town is a wonderful example of what can be done when citizens work together for the success of their community. The renovation of the town center and the historic preservation of the commercial and residential districts are a result of the cooperative efforts of local citizens, businesses and the Town government. Berlin’s beautiful tree-lined streets, Victorian town center, museum and historic homes captivate those who visit.

UHY LLP

Our Salisbury office, with strong ties to the Delmarva Peninsula, plays a vital role in helping businesses increase productivity and efficiency so that they can obtain the most from their valued resources. Our accountants, auditors, business consultants and tax specialists provide financial accounting, attestation, tax advisory, retirement & estate planning, business consulting, SEC public company financial reporting, business valuation and fraud investigative services to businesses, organizations, institutions, and individuals.

W I C O M I C O C O U N T Y, M A R Y L A N D T O U R I S M

Positioned on Maryland’s Eastern Shore between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Wicomico County is a place to escape without giving up a thing. Located in the crossroads, we are the soul of Delmarva - one part college town, one part small-town charm. Wicomico County is home to Maryland’s second largest airport, the soon to be upgraded Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, the Delmarva Shorebirds’ base Arthur W. Perdue Stadium and the Maryland Folk Festival. www.WicomicoTourism.org

I N - K I N D D O N O R S & F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S BURLEY OAK BREWING CO.

WORCESTER COUNTY

Burley Oak Brewing Co has been hard at work for 8 years and counting, building this brewery keeping in mind sustainable practices and using local materials and craftsmen. We love our town of Berlin, Maryland and hope you join us in our taproom for a couple of pints and growlers. Our goal is to produce distinctive beers whose quality is unsurpassed using new and traditional brewing methods.

C H E S A P E A K E B A Y F A R M S

WORCESTER COUNTY

Chesapeake Bay Farms was established in 1946 in Worcester County, Maryland and continues to thrive. With the surge of corporate mega-dairies and the rising cost of shipping most small dairy farms were driven out. We realized to make ourselves sustainable we would need to turn 100% of our milk into something on site.

Chesapeake Bay Farms is proud to be Worcester County’s last remaining dairy farm.

With 2 retail locations in the county, you too can be part of the legacy. Our products include small batch artisanal ice cream, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, grass fed meats and more available for retail or wholesale.

C H E S A P E A K E G O L D F A R M S

CECIL COUNTY

Chesapeake Gold Farms is a 6th generation dairy, hay and grain farm located in the northern part of Cecil County, halfway between Fair Hill and Rising Sun. In 2018 the farm diversified into cheese made from our home grown herd and we now have 15 flavors of cheddar and Colby. The Miller family maintains a 200 cow herd of Holstein and Guernsey cows with a few Jerseys thrown in for just for a little extra excitement. All of the replacement dairy heifers are born and raised by us and we grow about 85% of the feed our animals eat. Whatever milk that goes into the tank is what goes into the cheese vat, meaning 100% of the butterfat and protein is used and no oils or preservatives are added and none of the natural goodness of the whole milk is removed. From “cow to cracker”, we know every step that has gone into making our local cheeses.

CAROLINE CULINARY ARTS |

CAROLINE COUNTY

SHORE GOURMET

Caroline Culinary Arts is the hub of culinary education and food-centered economic development on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We’re building a workforce and supporting small businesses and family farms!

Job training, cooking classes, life skills development, and support for local farmers...

We’re cooking up something amazing! Learn more about The Caroline Culinary Arts Center. The Caroline Schoolhouse is home to several culinary-centered programs in Historic Denton, Maryland including:

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Chesapeake Culinary Center

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Shore Gourmet Market

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The Community Kitchen

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Farm to Table Program

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Hospitality and Restaurant Training

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Chesapeake Culinary Center Catering

L A N G E N F E L D E R P O R K

KENT COUNTY

Langenfelder Pork comes to you from Grand View Farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We are a family farm dedicated to responsible animal care and the quality production of grains to feed our pigs. Our family is proud to offer wholesome and delicious pork directly to you at local produce venues and as featured cuisine at restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic area.

L A Y T O N ’ S C H A N C E

DORCHESTER COUNTY

V I N E YA R D & W I N E R Y

Situated on part of the 1,800 acres that makes up the family farm, the Winery features a Tasting Room that is open daily, as well as weekend tours of the 15-acre Vineyard, walking trails, a play area and picnic space.

Over the years, the farm has been honored in many ways. It is in the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame and is recognized as a Certified Agricultural Conservation Steward by the Dorchester County Soil Conservation District.

L Y O N R U M // W I N D O N D I S T I L L I N G

TA L B O T C O U N T Y

LYON RUM is the flagship spirit of Windon Distilling Company, located in Saint Michaels, Maryland, steps from the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 2012, the distillery launched on 12/7/13 with a signature line of rums paying tribute to the rich, spirited traditions of the Eastern Shore. LYON RUM starts with intentionally-sourced raw ingredients: 100% Louisiana cane sugar & molasses, and is truly hand-crafted – mashed, fermented, and double-distilled in small pot stills – every step of the way, resulting in a wonderfully unique final product.

The goal is to create a distinct & expressive American spirit – working to define the category of New American Rum, while experimenting with inspired infusions & finishes. Every spirit passes through the hands, and discerning palates, of the LYON RUM team.

S H O R E T R A N S I T

WICOMICO COUNTY

Shore Transit, a division of the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, is the public transit agency for the lower eastern shore counties of Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester. Shore Transit offers public transportation via fixed route and origin-to-destination services. The mission of Shore Transit is to provide safe, reliable, friendly, and efficient community transportation services to residents and businesses on clean, well-maintained vehicles, operated by trained, licensed professionals, with a focus on excellent customer service.

S M I T H I S L A N D B E A N S

SOMERSET COUNTY

Smith Island Beans sources its beans from importers that engage in ethical business practices including not only paying a fair price to the farmers who harvest the fruit, but also encouraging and supporting ecological farming practices to preserve and stimulate the environment where the coffee shrubs are grown.

TA L B O T WAT E R M E N A S S O C I AT I O N

TA L B O T C O U N T Y

Our organizational goal is to advocate for the public fishery and watermen to bring about environmental and economic change. We do this by staying well-informed of the ever-changing legislative proposals and testify at those legislative hearings; attend meetings with DNR and other advisory boards concerning management of natural resources; promote the watermen heritage; donate to community needs; and stop any harm to the Chesapeake Bay. We do this for the great Chesapeake Bay, everyone living in the watershed, and seafood lovers worldwide.

DIRECTORY C A R O L I N E C O U N T Y

W W W.C A RO L I N E M D.O RG

J. Travis Breeding, President, Board of County Commissioners 410-479-0660 info@carolinemd.org Robert (Bob) Zimberoff, Director, Economic Development & Tourism 410-479-4188 info@carolinemd.org C E C I L C O U N T Y

W W W. C C G O V. O R G

Danielle Hornberger, County Executive 410-996-8324 dhornberger@ccgov.org Jackie Gregory, President, County Council 410-996-5201 jgregory@ccgov.org William Sorenson, Director, Economic Development 410-996-8465 wsorenson@cecilcountymd.gov Sandy Turner, Manager, Tourism 410-996-6299 sturner@ccgov.org DORCHESTER COUNTY

W W W. D O RC H E S T E RCO U N T Y M D.CO M

George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President, County Council 443-521-3690 lpfeffer@docogonet.com Susan Banks, Director, Economic Development 410-228-0155 sbanks@choosedorchester.org Holly Gilpin, Director, Tourism 410-228-1000 holly@visitdorchester.org

K E N T C O U N T Y

W W W. K E N T C O U N T Y. C O M

Ronald H. Fithian, President, County Commissioners 410-778-4600 rfithian@kentgov.org Jamie Williams, Director, Economic & Tourism Development 410-810-2168 jlwilliams@kentgov.org Q U E E N A N N E ’ S C O U N T Y

W W W.QAC .O RG

James J. Moran, President, County Commissioners 410-758-4098 jmoran@qac.org Heather Tinelli, Director, Economic & Tourism Development 410-604-2100 htinelli@qac.org S O M E R S E T C O U N T Y

W W W. S O M E R S E T M D.U S

Charles Laird, President, Board of County Commissioners 410-651-0320 commissioners@somersetmd.us Danny Thompson, Executive Director, Economic Development Commission 410-651-0500 dthompson@somersetmd.us Clint Sterling, Director, Tourism 410-651-2968 csterling@somersetmd.us T A L B O T C O U N T Y

W W W.TA L B O T C O U N T Y M D . G O V

Chuck Callahan, President, County Council 410-770-8001 ccallahan@talbotcountymd.gov Cassandra Vanhooser, Director, Economic Development and Tourism 410-770-8000 cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov W I C O M I C O C O U N T Y

W W W.W I C O M I C O C O U N T Y. O R G

Julie M. Giordano, County Executive 410-548-4801 jgiordano@wicomicocounty.org John T. Cannon, President, County Council 410-548-4696 jcannon@wicomicocounty.org Dave Ryan, Executive Director, Salisbury - Wicomico Economic Development 410-749-1251 dryan@swed.org Steve Miller, Director, Recreation, Parks and Tourism 410-548-4900 smiller@wicomicocounty.org W O R C E S T E R C O U N T Y

W W W.CO.WO RC E S T E R . M D.U S

Anthony W. “Chip” Bertino, Jr., President, Board of County Commissioners 410-632-1194 cbertino@co.worcester.md.us Melanie Pursel, Director, Tourism and Economic Development 410-632-3112 mpursel@marylandscoast.org

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BERLIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-641-4775 www.berlinchamber.org chamberinfo@berlinchamber.org Ryan Nellans, Executive Director CAROLINE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-479-4638 www.carolinechamber.org Tracey Snyder, Executive Director

info@carolinechamber.org

CRISFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-968-2500 www.crisfieldchamber.org Hitesh Patel, President

office@crisfieldchamberofcommerce.com

DORCHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-228-3575 www.dorchesterchamber.org Bill Christopher, President

bill@dorchesterchamber.org

G R E AT E R O C E A N C I T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

410-213-0552 www.oceancity.org amy@oceancity.org Amy Thompson, Executive Director G R E AT E R S A L I S B U RY C O M M I T T E E

410-742-5161 www.greatersalisbury.org mdunn@GreaterSalisbury.org Mike Dunn, President/CEO POCOMOKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-957-1919 www.pocomoke.com pocomokechamber@gmail.com Lisa Taylor, Executive Director QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-643-8530 www.qacchamber.com linda@qacchamber.com Linda Friday, President SALISBURY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-749-0144 www.salisburyarea.com bchambers@salisburyarea.com Bill Chambers, President & CEO

SNOW HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

443-420-7441 www.snowhillchamber.com Mandy Gladden, Executive Director

info@snowhillchamber.com

TA L B O T C O U N T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

410-822-4653 www.talbotchamber.org akreiner@talbotchamber.org Amy Kreiner, President & CEO WORCESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

410-641-5306 www.worcestercountychamber.org Kerrie Bunting, President/CEO

kerrie@worcestercountychamber.org

REGIONAL COUNCILS UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL

www.usrcmd.org 410-810-2126 Susan O’Neill, Executive Director soneill@kentgov.org Janice Palmer, Executive Assistant jpalmer@kentgov.org MID-SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL

www.midshore.org 410-770-4798 Scott Warner, Executive Director swarner@midshore.org Terry Deighan, Executive Assistant terry@midshore.org TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

www.lowershore.org 410-341-8989 Greg Padgham, Executive Director gpadgham@tcclesmd.org Monique Snyder, Regional Communications Developer msnyder@tcclesmd.org

ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DATA TO HELP YOU PL AN YOUR NEXT MOVE

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The Delmarva Index is made possible by the Mid-Shore Regional Council & the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in partnership with the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative, with support through the Rural Maryland Council’s Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF).

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