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Jan 8 • Coffee Connect, an OC Chamber Networking Event
Start your morning off right with coffee, conversation, and connections! You'll have the chance to meet and mingle with fellow OC Chamber members, exchange ideas, and grow your professional network in a casual, welcoming setting. Guest speaker is Shawna Kearsley, Business Development Partner at Pohanka of Salisbury.
8-9am • Starbucks, 12911 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City
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Jan. 8 • January Business After Hours
Join us for hors d’oeuvres & drink specials, raffles and a 50/50 drawing. We will announce Chamber Lights winners!
5-7pm • Ocean Downs Casino, Event Room
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Jan. 21 • Maximize Your Membership Workshop
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH & LAPTOP! Whether you're a prospective, new, or existing member, our Maximize Your Membership workshop offers a deep dive into your Member Information Center, Chamber Benefits, and all the support the Chamber provides to help your business grow!
12-1:30pm • OC Chamber of Commerce, 12320 Ocean Gateway, West OC |
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NEW DATE! Feb. 4 • Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Featuring Keynote Speaker Harry Swayne! Sponsorships & Tickets Available
Join community leaders, local citizens, elected officials, clergy, first responders, and the business community as we come together to start 2026 with unity, purpose, and hope. This year’s keynote speaker is Harry Swayne, three-time Super Bowl champion, former NFL standout, and longtime team chaplain. His powerful story of faith, leadership, and finding purpose on the biggest stage in sports is one you won’t forget.
VIP 7:15am; 8:15am General Admission & Breakfast; 8:45am Event Begins • Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Bayfront Ballroom, 4001 Coastal Hwy. |
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SCORE ASSOCIATION Offers Free Mentoring to Entrepreneurs
Primarily funded by the SBA, this organization is comprised of experienced business people who volunteer their knowledge to you at no charge. These volunteers are available to help any business owners grow. To meet with a volunteer mentor, visit SCORE.ORG. If you wish to volunteer as a mentor, visit SCORE.ORG/VOLUNTEER
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Jan. 12 • Join the Public Open Forum: Subject Matter Experts to Examine Impact of Proposed Offshore Windfarm
The purpose of the panel is to provide clarity and present data and expert perspectives involving the ramifications of
offshore wind to Worcester County and Sussex County residents and visitors, as well as all Marylanders. This event is
being hosted by Stop Offshore Wind, in coordination with the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County Government. All
members of the public, including but not limited to residents, business owners, fishermen, tourism professionals,
policymakers, and stakeholders, are invited to attend in person or to view the panel live online at
https://stopoffshorewind.com/.
5:30pm • Roland E. Powell Convention Center
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Official Update About the Route 50 Bridge Closure
The project officially begins in early January with single-lane daytime closures. The bridge will be fully closed to all
traffic beginning January 20 at 7:00 am. During the closure, the bridge will be completely impassable to vehicles,
pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, fishermen, and marine vessels. The planned reopening is February 3 at 12:00 am, but
single-lane daytime closures are expected through March 20.
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Newly Adopted Room Tax Rate of 6.0% Effective January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, the hotel rental tax rate imposed on all short-term rentals (4 months or less) within
Worcester County will increase from 5% to 6%. This tax is calculated on the amount paid for a room or building rental at any hotel, motel, apartment, cottage, or other similar place providing sleeping accommodations. This sales/use tax applies to all compensation received for use of the sleeping space.
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Feb. 1 Deadline • Please Take the Semi-Annual Eastern Shore Business Sentiment Survey
BEACON, along with the three Eastern Shore Regional Councils, and Economic Development departments of the 9 Eastern
Shore counties, are conducting a semi-annual survey on the sentiment of businesses on Maryland’s Eastern Shore as 2025
concludes. This survey gives a localized view of our business community and their concerns and expectations for the next year. The results of the survey are reported by BEACON and available to the public on the Delmarva index.
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Jan. 19-26 • Berlin Restaurant Week
Dine 3 times for a chance to win restaurant gift cards and $100! Pick up an entry card at Berlin Welcome Center or any of the participating restaurants, dine at 3 different participating restaurants & get your card stamped, then drop in the Entry Box located at the Berlin Welcome Center. Random drawing for the winner! |
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