Friday, April 8, 2011

How to Make Your Business Run Better and More Profitably

1. Take action. Taking action will probably move you forward on some significant goal.

2. Know your customers. Look back at the misses and successes of the last two
years and use that data to help you reassess your idea of your real customers/clients and prospects.

3. Speak your customers' language. Remember that you are not selling your products or services, you are meeting the needs or solving the problems of your prospects and clients/ customers; package and market your products/services in a way that addresses that need or problem.

4. Some revenue is better than none. Don't stall your success because you are afraid partnering will reveal your secrets to a potential competitor. Find a Business Buddy, create a business partnership..

5. Put it in writing. If you put the specifics of every agreement and arrangement in writing you will save yourself time, money, agony and broken relationships.

6. Make marketing a priority. You should develop a schedule of marketing actions, put them on your calendar and carry them out -- just as you would any product or service development and delivery for a customer/client.

7. Avoid spending time "getting ready" instead of "doing." If there is something you do not really want to do or are not comfortable with, there is the risk of avoiding it by getting trapped in the preparation phase.

Copyright 2011. Reprinted with permission from Barbara Wold's Retail & Consumer Tips, bwold@ix.netcom.com.

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What's Happening 4/8/11

Elkton Little League Opening Day Parade

Saturday, April 9, 2011
10 AM
Eder Park, Howard Street

Join Elkton Little League as they kick off the 2011 baseball/softball season with their Annual Opening Day Parade.

Vintage Baseball Weekend

Saturday, April 9, 2011 - Sunday, April 10, 2011
1 PM
Terrapin Station Winery, 80 Ricketts Mill Road

On Sunday, watch the Diamond State BBC of Delaware take on the Elkton Eclipse. Sunday come out and see a double header as the Dauntless BBC of Havre de Grace take on the Cecil Base Ball Club of Chesapeake City followed by the Athletic BBC vs. Cecil Base Ball Club of Chesapeake City. Ball games will be played at Terrapin Winery on the field near their tasting room building



Monthly Business Luncheon (Tuesday)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011
12 P.M.
Union Hospital 1st Floor Meeting Room, 106 Bow Street

Dr. Jorge Uribe, a local Gastroenterologist, will be our featured speaker. Dr. Uribe will be presenting a program on Digestive Health which will focus on
warning signs/signals that alert patients to seek a physician’s care.
$12.00 per person/$15.00 per non-member.
Please R.S.V.P. by April 8th if you are planning on attending.


Looking for Mentors for Middle Schoolers

Dates, Times, & Location Varies Based on the School Chosen

The AIM (Academic Intervention for Middlers) High Dropout Prevention Program is looking for business people to help guide a population of at-risk students in grades 6, 7, & 8 reach their goals and lead productive lives. The strategic goals for the program are to increase student understanding of the importance of completing high school with a Maryland diploma and decrease the dropout rate. A school counselor teaches the curriculum and the business volunteers will help with worksheets and when possible shares experiences related to the topic of the day. The mentor does not have to be at every session because we try to recruit 3 or 4 per grade almost ensuring that a business rep will be present at every session.

Mentors are asked to join the 6th grade program group and if possible continue with that group through 7th and 8th grade. Mentors are needed at each Middle School in the Cecil County Public School System.

The program is designed to have a business representative participate in a minimum of 3 of the 8 sessions. Ideally, there will be 3 to 5 mentors for each grade level to insure that there will be a business representative participating every week. The maximum commitment is participation in each of the 8 sessions to help foster a meaningful and supportive relationship with the group members. For more information please contact Kathy Kunda at kkunda@ccps.org.


Books Are Fun Book Fair

Thursday, April 14, 2011 9 AM - 4 PM
Friday, April 15, 2011 7 AM - 3 PM
Union Hospital Meeting Room 1,2, & 3,
106 Bow Street

Come enjoy the Books Are Fun book fair held at: Union Hospital ,Meeting Rooms 1-2-3 April 14th from 9am-4pm and April 15th from 7am-3pm GREAT EASTER GIFTS! Come visit the New Books Are Fun Book Fair in the convenience of your workplace. With over 250 great titles at unbelievable prices, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list! Product categories include: Children's Story Books, Cookbooks, General Interest Books, New York Times Best Sellers,Stationery & Scrapbooking, Music Collections, Gifts for all ages, Early Learning Products,and Children's Educational Products.First run, top quality products from the world's leading publishers:Time Life, Simon & Schuster, Dorling Kindersley, Harper-Collins, Penguin, Random House,Reader's Digest, Rodale, Disney, Publication's International, Thomas Nelson, Peachtree Publishing and many more!


British Invasion Car Show

Saturday, April 16, 2011
10AM-2PM
Historic Elk Landing, 590 Landing Lane

Observe the British invasion of 1813 in a different way with a fun invasion this coming April as The Landing welcomes the inaugural British Invasion Car Show, featuring all sorts of vehicles from across the pond. Check out all the models from the recent past. Admission is free.



YMCA's Healthy Kids Day

Saturday, Apr. 16, 2011
9 AM- 12 PM
25 YMCA Boulevard

Find out ways to improve your children's and your family's lifestyles and habits. Healthy Kids Day provides kids and families with information on how to be healthier in all aspects of their lives. For the YMCA, good health involves the spirit, mind and body. A “healthy kid” not only eats right, exercises and avoids unhealthy substances like tobacco and alcohol but also demonstrates values such as caring for others and taking responsibility for improving the environment. Join the YMCA of Cecil County and YMCA's across the country as they celebrate Healthy Kids Day with our community. FREE games & prizes for all! Everyone is welcome. 11AM-12PM Kid Power Health & Fitness Workshop with Mr. Josh Hayhurts of ATA Martial Arts. Attendees are educated on Fun Fitness Activities and Powerful Exercises, Health and Nutrition, The Mental Strategies to be Successful, Attendees are positively encourage to become fit and eat healthier in a cool and fun way.

Vintage Base Ball Double Header

Sunday, Apr. 17
1 PM
Terrapin Station WInery, 80 Ricketts Mill Road

Base Ball games will be played at Terrapin Winery on the field near their tasting room building. Watch the Flemington Neshanock take on the Elkton Eclipse followed by the Potomac Nine of Washington vs. Elkton Eclipse.


National Healthcare Decisions Day Open House

Monday, Apr. 18
11 AM - 2 PM
Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, 229 East Main Street

Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation will hold an open house from 11-2. at 229 E. Main Street in Elkton. Information on advance directives will be available. Professionals will be on hand to answer questions. Advance directives tell healthcare professionals who you designate to make medical decisions if you are unable, as well as the type of care you would like to have. 410-392-0254, 888-892-6685


Elkton Little League Golf Tournament

Friday, Apr. 22, 2011
11:30 a.m.
Club at Patriots Glen

Elkton Little League Golf Tournament registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The Shotgun Start will be at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $85 per golfer and $340 per team. Sponsorship is available for tee sponsor signs, flag sponsors, cart sponsors, and food & beverage. For more information contact Rob Alt at 302-420-3031 or altrj310@comcast.net


Paint, Clay and Dirt

On Going until Friday, Apr. 22, 2011
135 East Main Street

An open exhibition of works using traditional and innovative materials. Artists Tommy and Paula Torres will be featured in the front gallery. For more information contact 410-392-5740.

SAVE THE DATE!

Paint the Town Purple

Saturday, April 23rd - Friday, May 6, 2011
Elkton

Sat. April 23rd –
Cecil Village Shoppes on Bridge St. Elkton will hold a ‘Purple is for Hope’ theme Car Show. Purple Decorations, Live Music and a percentage of business sales will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Thurs. April 28th –
Elkton Car Show hosts the ‘Purple is for Hope’ theme by featuring purple cars, purple trophies and if you look up and down Main Street you’ll see the color purple prominently featured, from our light posts to the windows of local businesses. When you stop in at a local merchant be sure to spread some ‘Hope’ of your own by lightening your load of loose change and adding to the American Cancer Society – Donation Canisters.

First Friday, May 6th –
Let’s ALL Paint This Town Purple Day! Be a part of the ‘Purple Wave’
  • 1-8pm Chalk Walk – Relay For Life Teams, Cancer Survivors, Members of the Business Community, Members of the Community at large, Neighbors, Friends, Families… ANYONE who wants to take part in the ‘Paint the Town Purple Chalk Walk’ need only sign-up at the registration table located at the corner of North & Main Streets to receive their designated area of sidewalk and their Free chalk. Join us in making a statement for ‘Hope’ on the sidewalks in Elkton.
  • Live Music – What’s a party without a good back-beat? Enjoy live music from 1-8pm provided by these talented local musicians: Kona Shame, Box Turtle Bob and Kenny Jones & Friends.
  • Tree of Hope – A dedication ceremony will take place at 5:00pm at the corner of North & Main Streets when town officials will tie the first ribbons to our ‘Tree of Hope.’ The tree stands as a significant reminder to those lives lost to cancer. Anyone who wishes to remember a loved one can add their ribbon to the tree. (Ribbons will be provided.)
  • ‘Hope Theme Window Displays’ – Local merchants will take part in creating window displays to coincide with the ‘Hope’ theme. Cancer survivors will be voting on the most creative display
Businesses that will be participating in Paint the Town Purple:
  • Art Space on Main – Kids Happy Hour will include a ‘Purple means Hope’ themed project. The fee per child is $25, $5 of which will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Kids Happy Hour includes the fee for the art project, pizza & soda. Pre-registration is required by 3:00pm on Fri. May 6th. For more information contact Art Space on Main (410) 620-2464.
  • Brother’s Pizza – Grab a slice, or MORE while you’re downtown… Brother’s will be donating 15% of their sales during First Friday to the American Cancer Society.
  • Dvah's Fasion Boutique - Located in Cecil Village Shoppes on Bridge St. DVAH's will be donated 10% of their sales on purple wigs to the American Cancer Society.
  • Elkton Florist – Will provide purple long stem roses to the first 50 customers and will donate 20% of their sales during First Friday to The American Cancer Society. Send a bouquet to spread the theme of ‘Hope.’
  • Lyon’s Pharmacy – Enjoy a refreshing taste of ‘Hope’ at Lyon’s Pharmacy where they’ll be serving up PURPLE Milkshakes, YUM!!! – If you’re wearing Purple, you’ll receive a discount!
  • The Palette & The Page – The 14 artists who are currently a part of ‘The Palette & The Page’ will be showing in the ‘Gallery Room.’ With each artist, creating in their particular medium, works of art in the theme of ‘Purple Means Hope.’ Live Music and refreshments will also be on hand.
Help us raise Cancer Awareness and promote the June 4th ‘Relay For Life’ by including your business in the ‘Paint The Town Purple’ campaign during the month of May. From April 23rd through May 6th, assist the 2011 Relay for Life event of Elkton, MD paint the town purple to show your support in the fight against cancer. Paint the Town Purple is a community wide celebration which will involve downtown and the community turning shades of purple.


Downtown Elkton Classic Car Show

Thursday, April 28, 2011
5 PM
North & Main Streets

Join us for the first Downtown Elkton Car Show of 2011. We will be giving away door prizes and trophies. We will be having 50/50’s, live entertainment by Key Largo (rock, oldies, etc.) and food will be available to purchase. No cost to register. Cars can start parking after 3 PM. For more information contact the Elkton Chamber & Alliance at 410-398-5076.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011

What's Happening in Elkton 3-31-2011

Citizen of the Year

Honoring Charles McCoy

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Town of Elkton Community Social Hall
100 Railroad Avenue

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. ...Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres and Open Bar
6:30 p.m. ... Dinner ( Choice of Chicken Kiev or Crabcake)
Served with Salad, Sicilian Medley Vegtables and Twice Baked Potatoes
7:30 p.m. ... Presentation


First Friday

Friday, April 1, 2011
Downtown Elkton
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Palette & The Page
120 East Main Street

No Foolin' - It's First Friday at 'The Palette & The Page' .
This event is Free April Fools! The Palette & The Page have all manner of tricks up their sleeves for First Friday, April 1st but all of them of the FUN variety. We are very pleased to introduce local children's book author, Phillip Skeen, who will be signing his new book, 'Blue Cat's Sky-High Adventure' (the story details the adventure of a fancy footwear obsessed Blue Cat and his well-meaning friend Lame Bird.) Phillip will be reading his book aloud at 6:30pm for everyone to enjoy.

The Palette & The Page will also be encouraging our First Friday Visitors to accept the challenge of taking chalk to the sidewalk outside* the shop and creating a picture that answers the question: 'If you were to write a children's book, what might your main character look like?' *In the event of rain, we'll take the project inside with paper and felt pens, which will be provided.

The Palette & The Page is also excited to present Visiting Artist - Zing Nafzinger who's whimsical paintings integrate soft colors and subtle textures to depict the energy, light and movement of nature. Also featured will be Visiting Artist - Doortje Shover and her 'Fantasy in Crystal and Glass' creations, which combine unique and colorful beads from around the world, with light capturing crystals. Strung from a sturdy filament, these beautiful works of art cast delicate rainbows to any bright space.

Our favorite terrapin and One Man Band, 'Box Turtle Bob' will be on hand to provide his particular brand of Cajun style musical fun. He'll be playing for tips and have his cd's available for purchase. And in the spirit of 'April Fools' and 'Happy Tummy's', The Palette & The Page will feature gastronomic delights in the form of 'tomfoolery-food'... Can you be fooled? Please join us! Support and encourage your local artists and art venues. Shop Local, Be An Original, Buy Art!


Kids Happy Hour

Art Space on Main

138 West Main Street

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This weekly fun-filled event includes a creative clay project, pizza and soda.

ArtistiKris Studio

210 North Street

Visit a real working art studio and see artists create and develop their skills at ArtistiKris Studio at 210 North Street.

Don't forget to stop by and see our other Downtown Merchants: Elkton Florist, The Dance Station, Brother's Pizza, Edward's Fashions and Menswear, Tidewater Tattoo, The Howard House, Colonial Jewelers, Picture It Framed, Lyons Pharmacy, and Main Street Pub.


Grand Opening

Elkton Senior Apartments Temporary Leasing Office

Friday, April 1st
126 E. High Street

The office will be open Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Interested parties can stop by their office or call 410.620.1123 to set up an appointment for more information or to apply. Elkton Senior Apartments is an affordable rental community reserved for seniors 62 years of age and older. Residents will enjoy new, spacious apartments with open floor plans, energy efficient appliances, and ample closet space. The community offers a fitness center, computer room with iPads as well as personal computers, community room with a fireplace and warming kitchen for social functions, roof garden, laundry facilities, and patios and covered porches to relax outside. In addition to all of these amenities, residents will benefit from a full service social services program which includes, health and wellness screenings and seminars, fitness classes, computer classes, transportation and much more. Construction is well underway and they are now accepting applications.



Elkton Little League Opening Day Parade

Saturday, April 9, 2011
10 AM
Eder Park, Howard Street

Join Elkton Little League as they kick off the 2011 baseball/softball season with their Annual Opening Day Parade.

Monthly Business Luncheon (Tuesday)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011
12 P.M.
Union Hospital 1st Floor Meeting Room, 106 Bow Street

Dr. Jorge Uribe, a local Gastroenterologist, will be our featured speaker. Dr. Uribe will be presenting a program on Digestive Health which will focus on
warning signs/signals that alert patients to seek a physician’s care.
$12.00 per person/$15.00 per non-member.
Please R.S.V.P. by April 8th if you are planning on attending.



Books Are Fun Book Fair

Thursday, April 14, 2011 9 AM - 4 PM
Friday, April 15, 2011 7 AM - 3 PM
Union Hospital Meeting Room 1,2, & 3,
106 Bow Street

Come enjoy the Books Are Fun book fair held at: Union Hospital ,Meeting Rooms 1-2-3 April 14th from 9am-4pm and April 15th from 7am-3pm GREAT EASTER GIFTS! Come visit the New Books Are Fun Book Fair in the convenience of your workplace. With over 250 great titles at unbelievable prices, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list! Product categories include: Children's Story Books, Cookbooks, General Interest Books, New York Times Best Sellers,Stationery & Scrapbooking, Music Collections, Gifts for all ages, Early Learning Products,and Children's Educational Products.First run, top quality products from the world's leading publishers:Time Life, Simon & Schuster, Dorling Kindersley, Harper-Collins, Penguin, Random House,Reader's Digest, Rodale, Disney, Publication's International, Thomas Nelson, Peachtree Publishing and many more!


British Invasion Car Show

Apr. 16 - Apr. 16
10AM-2PM
Historic Elk Landing, 590 Landing Lane

Observe the British invasion of 1813 in a different way with a fun invasion this coming April as The Landing welcomes the inaugural British Invasion Car Show, featuring all sorts of vehicles from across the pond. Check out all the models from the recent past. Admission is free.



Elkton Little League Golf Tournament

Apr. 22 - Apr. 22
11:30 a.m.
Club at Patriots Glen

Elkton Little League Golf Tournament registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The Shotgun Start will be at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $85 per golfer and $340 per team. Sponsorship is available for tee sponsor signs, flag sponsors, cart sponsors, and food & beverage. For more information contact Rob Alt at 302-420-3031 or altrj310@comcast.net


Paint, Clay and Dirt

On Going until Friday, Apr. 22, 2011
135 East Main Street

An open exhibition of works using traditional and innovative materials. Artists Tommy and Paula Torres will be featured in the front gallery. For more information contact 410-392-5740.

SAVE THE DATE!

Paint the Town Purple

Monday, April 25th - Friday, May 6, 2011

Downtown Elkton

Help us raise Cancer Awareness and promote the June 4th ‘Relay For Life’ by including your business in the ‘Paint The Town Purple’ campaign during the month of May. From April 25th through May 6th, assist the 2011 Relay for Life event of Elkton, MD paint the town purple to show your support in the fight against cancer. Paint the Town Purple is a community wide celebration which will involve downtown and the community turning shades of purple. The Palette & The Page will have a gallery opening entitled "Purple Means Hope", Lyons Pharmacy will be celebrating with a purple milkshake. Participating Businesses will be giving special discounts on May 6th and live entertainment will be provided by Kona Shame from 1 - 3 PM. There will be purple window displays, purple balloons and ribbons, and landmarks turning purple to bring awareness in our fight against cancer. What can you turn purple?

Events kick-off on April 25th with downtown decorating day and end with a memory path being "painted" on the sidewalk of Main Street (Chalk Walk of Hope) on May 6th!


Downtown Elkton Classic Car Show

Thursday, April 28, 2011
5 PM
North & Main Streets

Join us for the first Downtown Elkton Car Show of 2011. We will be giving away door prizes and trophies. We will be having 50/50’s, live entertainment by Key Largo (rock, oldies, etc.) and food will be available to purchase. No cost to register. Cars can start parking after 3 PM. For more information contact the Elkton Chamber & Alliance at 410-398-5076.
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