Happenings

Thurmont Business Expo Viva Las Vegas Style!

As many of you know the Expo is coming up on March 19, 2010.  Below is a copy of the application. You are encouraged to return it as soon as possible so you can be assured a place at the expo. The Expo gets upwards of 1500 people walking by the exhibits at the expo so you will get plenty of exposure during the three hour event.  You can also visit www.thurmontfirst.com to download an application, read the ad and view photos from previous Business Expos. Applications are also be available at the town office.

Business Expo 2010

Exhibitor Registration

Friday March 19, 2010

6 - 9 p.m.

Catoctin High School

Company Name:

Contact name:

Address of Business:

Phone:

Day:

Evening:

Cell:

Email address:

Website address:

Exhibitor (non-restaurant)

Application and complete payment submitted by March 12, 2010:

One space:                                                      r$35

Two spaces:                                                   r $50

Application and full payment submitted after March 12, 2010:

One space:                                                      r $50

Two spaces:                                                   r $65

Electric Fee

(If you require electricity please check box below and include additional fee)

r $10

Restaurant Exhibitor (this fee takes into consideration the cost that restaurants incur in obtaining any necessary food permits through the Frederick County Health Department):

Application and complete payment submitted by March 12, 2010:

Two spaces; including electricity                r $35

Three spaces; including electricity              r $50

Application and full payment submitted after March 12, 2010:

Two spaces; including electricity                r $50

Three spaces; including electricity              r $65

Please make checks payable to Thurmont First, Inc.

Return application and full payment to:

2010 Business Expo

Attention Diana Stull, chairperson

12 Stull Drive

Thurmont, MD 21788

Save money, secure location, and have your information printed in the 2010 Business Expo map and literature by submitting application prior to March 12, 2010.  Applications received after March 12, 2010 will pay additional fees and will not be included in the event map and literature. 

Terms and Conditions:

• 1. Exhibitor (non-restaurant) includes all businesses. Organizations, non-profits, ,
• 2. Restaurant exhibitors must obtain a Frederick County food permit.
• 3. Space assignments will be reserved on a first-come; first-serve basis.
• 4. The theme for 2010 Business Expo will be Viva Las Vegas. Exhibitors are encouraged to incorporate this theme into their displays!
• 5. Exhibitors should plan to demonstrate services, provide information, handout business cards and literature; promote products and services, give away samples/coupons, and maybe offer a door prize!
• 6. Only non-profits will be permitted to sell products.
• 7. Set up will begin promptly on March 19, 2010 at 3 p.m.
• 8. NO REFUNDS AFTER APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED FOR ANY REASON.
• 9. Deposits will not be accepted to hold a space. Full payment is required with all applications.
• 10. Space will be assigned in order of receipt of applications. No guarantees that exhibitors will receive requested location.
• 11. A no-show will result in loss of all fees.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

At Harriet Chapel

All-You-Can Eat Pancakes

with Sausage and All the Fixings

February 16th 5PM - 7:30PM

$5/ADULT - $3/CHILD

CHILDREN UNDER 6 FREE

Harriet Chapel, Catoctin Episcopal Parish

12625 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont

Services Every Sunday at 8AM & 10:30AM

301-271-4554 www.harrietchapel.com

George Arrives on Parris Island

Anytime Fitness owner and columnist for the Thurmont Times, George Puvel has arrived on Parris Island. George will be interacting with recruits, training and 2009  CHS recruit Sean Chilson. Tim Eakin represented the Thurmont Times in 2009. George will be reporting in February’s edition of his experiecne while visint the educators workshop. 2009 CHS graduate Thomas Raj gratuated two weeks ago and we will also feature his interview when reporting on Parris Island.

Semper Fi George!

Safe and Sane next meeting Feb 10, 2010

To all CHS Senior Parents-

The Safe and Sane Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the CHS Media Center at 7:00 p.m. Next Safe and Sane Meeting is being held February 10, 2010 at 7 p.m.  Please come out and support your senior!

Letter from the Publisher

Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing

 Mason- Dixon Discovery Center Closing   Editorial by V. Grinder

Three years ago The Mason Dixon Discovery Welcome Center made its debut in Northern Frederick County, a $5.3 million dollar debut. Many independent businesses witnessed the transformation of the Emmitsburg Welcome Center come to life, and looked forward to more visitors channeling from the new center into their nearby establishments. But just three years later, the center is closed. On December 1, 2009, the State cut the funding for the Mason Dixon Discovery Center in addition to four other centers located throughout Maryland. The recent cut saves the state $100,000 per year in their budget according to DBED in December. This closing is beyond budget cuts. Two weeks prior to their closing the State of Maryland praised the tourism industry for the great strides achieved during a time of economic demise; in addition to one of the top providers of employment. One full time and two part-time positions were eliminated at the Mason and Dixon Center. This center also had the opportunity of several volunteers who took pride in one of America’s most popular routes where history was born, the road to Gettysburg. The state perhaps saved their budget; but what about the Northern Frederick County businesses which depended on this center to send visitors their way, especially during the winter months? The center permitted local businesses to display their literature and welcome center staff would direct these visitors to local establishments. While the state cuts the center, hospitality and retail can expect to see a decrease in traffic as well in Frederick County. Gettysburg ranks the third most visited venue nationally for visitors according to a recent Michigan State statistic. State cuts budget + sales decrease in the local tourism industry + unemployment tax increase on businesses as of January 2010 equals the perfect ingredients for yet more loss of jobs in the area. The following is a quote from the FNP from Marci Ross, “The Mason-Dixon history is about freedom, conflict and resolution, faith and humility. When people think of the Mason-Dixon, they usually think North and South and Maryland, hence, the need to capitalize on that history,” “It’s a welcome center for the 21st century, designed and built to fit in with the scenery.” Ms. Ross is the assistant director for product development with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. Needless to say, Frederick County will not be capitalizing on any of that statement. Sidling Hill Exhibit Center west of Hancock closed in July, leaving the restrooms open which recently closed January 5, 2010. SHA “spokesperson” was quoted in the Herald Mail as saying, “The restroom closure at Sideling Hill will save the state about $114,000 in water, electricity and other costs, Buck said. “For the purpose of a bathroom, you only have to go five minutes on either side (of Sideling Hill),” Buck said. “Will the amenities be the same? Probably not. But a bathroom is a bathroom.” With that said then why are the bathrooms still open at the Mason Dixon Center? After all a bathroom is a bathroom. So cut the jobs and possible revenue for local businesses, yet pay to keep the bathrooms open? If you are going to close it, then close the entire facility. Funnel the restroom “business” into local business, like Buck said, “you only have to go five minutes on either side.” Seems consistency is not in their game plan. It was also noted in the Herald Mail in December 2009; Mr. Buck said signs would be made for posting to inform motorists the center is closed. Wonder how much they will cost? Tom Riford, president and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in an e-mail that the restroom closing at Sideling Hill would hurt tourism in Washington County because people will drive straight through without stopping. Frederick County will experience that same decline.

No plans have been made for the reopening of the Mason-Dixon Discovery Center. Spring perhaps? I left several messages and emails for the Office of Maryland Tourism, and DBED for more specific future plans of this center and to date have received no response. The state s decision to ax tourism centers throughout the region necessary? Perhaps, but when one calls the state and you are told, “Oh yes, you need to speak with [the assistant to the assistant] of that department” I think that speaks volumes of budget cuts. We all know how the trickledown effect works and have been the victims; wonder if we could reverse that and trickle up cutting those jobs?