Chamber’s “Welcome Night” Highlights Businesses, Civic Groups

By MADDY VITALE For anyone who wondered what businesses and organizations make up Ocean City, all they had to do was attend the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce “Welcome Night” Wednesday to get a very good idea about all that the city has to offer. Representatives from retail, financial, civic and social organizations displayed tables filled with literature and gift bags. In addition to chatting with the businesspeople, there was a host of activities, door prizes, pizza and sweets. Every year the Chamber hosts the event to introduce new and current residents to the business community. And each year, the venue at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center fills up quickly with residents and visitors, city officials and others to enjoy the night. People had their share of tables to browse -- there were more than 60. Sisters Jackie McLeer, left, and Mary Crane stop by an investment table. Ocean City resident Mary Crane and her sister, Jackie McLeer, stopped by to check it out. “It’s nice to see the different businesses and what they have to offer,” Crane said as she stopped by a banking and insurance company table and picked up some leaflets. “It’s a nice night out.” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michele Gillian summed up what the event means each year. “Welcome Night showcases what Ocean City has to offer. It provides an opportunity for people to see what the island’s businesses have to offer,” Gillian noted. “It is a great community event that brings together different segments of the island: businesses, non-profits, neighbors and elected officials.” She added, “While many people may see island communities as summer retreats, Ocean City is truly a year-round community that has something for everyone. Welcome Night is always a fun night to reconnect with friends and meet new people.” People filled the civic center for Welcome Night. Beth Pasternak is a longtime local resident. She said Welcome Night really is an example of how Ocean City brings the community together. She signed up for a raffle at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary table and spoke to the members of the auxiliary for a while before turning to see what some of the other tables had to offer. “It’s an enjoyable evening in Ocean City,” Pasternak said. “It is all about community in Ocean City. Most of the people know each other. We are all neighbors.” Beth Pasternak, of Ocean City, views some information at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary table. Ocean City’s AARP Chapter had a steady stream of people stopping by to speak with members Kathi Dwyer, Marion Ingram and Suzanne Pelkaus. Dwyer handed one woman a paper and explained how to fill out, in between answering questions from other interested residents. Over at the Ocean City Police Department table, Community Policing Officers Michael Gray and Matt Schaffer were speaking with some kids and their parents. Anna Bogan, of Ocean City, brought her son, Cole McClenaghan, 11, and his friend, Jonathan Bellopede, 11, of Ocean City, to chat with the officers. Officer Gray handed the kids some police “badges” and other goodies. “This is a great event that the Chamber puts on,” Gray said. “Everyone in Ocean City can see what is available in their community.” Officer Michael Gray speaks with Anna Bogan, of Ocean City, and her son, Cole McClenaghan, 11, in the middle, and his friend, Jonathan Bellopede, 11, also of Ocean City. Sisters Candice Kolins and Kristen Vogelbacher, who own the sports active wear shop Cruise Control in Stainton’s, and their mother, Adele Carlin, who handles marketing for the company, spoke with people about the merchandise. “We are really enjoying it tonight. It is really great,” Kolins said. “This is such a great community to work in,” Carlin added. Among other dignitaries, Mayor Jay Gillian and City Councilman Michael DeVlieger attended Welcome Night, along with City Business Administrator George Savastano. Other city officials in attendance included Director of Community Services Michael Allegretto and Special Events Coordinator Michael Hartman. To contact the Chamber of Commerce, call (609) 399-1412 or email at [email protected] or visit www.oceancityvacation.com. Members of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce pause from a busy night for a photo. Chamber Executive Director Michele Gillian is third in on right. Sturdy Savings Bank representatives share a light moment. Ocean City Education Foundation members Heather James, left, and Jennifer Shirk hand out leaflets about their organization. AARP member Marion Ingram, seated, answers questions from visitors. American Legion Post 524 members talk to a resident. JASM Consulting owners Jim and Aimee Schultz. Friends of the Ocean City Pops are all smiles.