Jan. 16 • Oaked at the Globe
4pm Welcome | 4:30pm Ribbon Cutting
12 Broad St., Berlin

Maryland Comptroller Reminds Employers to Notify Workers of Earned Income Tax Credit by Dec. 31
The tax alert reminds employers of their responsibility to notify employees about potential eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. The alert provides essential information about the EITC, including income thresholds, eligibility criteria and steps for claiming the credit. This requirement applies to federal and Maryland EITC programs and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.

Maryland’s Impending FAMLI Program: What Employers Need to Know Now
The Maryland Department of Labor released proposed regulations to implement the state’s paid family and medical leave insurance (FAMLI) law. The FAMLI law will provide benefits to workers in the state who take leave from employment for certain medical and family care reasons starting July 1, 2026. Proposed employer responsibilities may include creating and maintaining an online account with the FAMLI Division for reporting contributions; responsibility for 100 percent of contributions but can withhold up to 50 percent from employees’ wages (small employers with fewer than 15 employees have reduced contribution obligations); and notifying employees about FAMLI leave and benefits at hire, annually, and when an employee’s leave may qualify for FAMLI.

Important dates: Employers will start payroll deductions for the FAMLI program on July 1, 2025, remitting the first payment to the state on Oct. 1 of next year. Benefits will be available to employees beginning July 1, 2026.

Jan. 16 • Life Crisis Center Lunch & Learn: Human Trafficking and How to Prevent It
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH and learn about human trafficking, what it looks like on the Eastern Shore, services for survivors, and how to get involved.
12-1pm • OC Chamber Conference Room, 12320 Ocean Gateway

MD Capital Enterprises (MCE) & Women’s Business Center Educational Workshops

SCORE Small Business Webinars

Eastern Region MD SBDC FREE Webinars

Jan. 15 Deadline • The Art League of Ocean City Seeks Sponsorships for 2025 Film Festival
Maximize your brand’s impact by reaching a vibrant and loyal audience attending the celebrated 4-day Ocean City Film Festival! The program will have a 45,000-print run and be featured in 4 regional newspapers. We are seeking locations for "Film Viewings," morning "Coffee Chats" and nighttime “After Parties" that would be printed in the program.

Restaurants: Join The Shuck & Stout Campaign in February 2025 and Receive Free Promotion!
Maryland's Best, a Maryland Dept of Agriculture program, is gearing up for year two of promoting local farm beers and Maryland oysters. A portion of the marketing budget is being allocated for this program and will direct consumers to a dedicated landing page listing where to visit in February to try beer and oyster pairings. Opportunities for media will also be available!

Let Us Know If You Have Housing Available for Seasonal Workers – We’ll Add Your Property to Our List
We’re already getting inquiries! Please contact Kathy in our Visitor Center: call 410-213-0144 x 100 or email kathy@oceancity.org.

Through Dec. 31 • 32nd Annual Winterfest of Lights
5:30-9:30pm Everyday • Northside Park, 125th St. Bayside, Ocean City

Through Dec. 31 • Take the Chamber Lights Challenge!
Download the Experience Ocean City app, go to “Challenges” and choose Chamber Lights. Check in at 5 or more locations participating in our Chamber Lights decorating contest for a chance to win prizes!

Through Jan • Maryland Health Connection Offers FREE Health Insurance Enrollment Events
Free enrollment events offered November through mid-January at various locations on the lower Eastern Shore.