Milton Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting and mixer

The Milton Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual meeting and mixer at Dogfish Head Brewery’s newly renovated Tasting Room in Milton, with many residents and chamber members in attendance.

Sam Weiland, chamber treasurer and Dogfish Head senior manager of financial planning analysis, gave a presentation summarizing the chamber’s accomplishments in 2022 and goals for 2023. Weiland said, “We are excited to have Karen Falk on board as executive director. As we move into the new year, we will focus on chamber membership services, and will be implementing more networking and business development opportunities. Our mission is to drive economic growth while supporting our local businesses and creating a vibrant community. With our new executive director on board, we have the resources we need to accomplish these goals.”

The chamber recently received a $45,000 community investment fund grant to be used for a new office. “This is a great opportunity, and we will focus on establishing our new office location in downtown Milton,” said Weiland.

“Strategic branding and marketing are also key factors for our success,” said Randy Brown, chamber vice president and Mutual Benefit Group senior marketing executive. “The chamber is using creative resources to promote the greater Milton area as a great place to shop, dine and stay.”

Longtime member, volunteer and past board President Michael Clark and his wife Kathy Clark of Magnolia Street Antiques were honored for serving the Milton Chamber for nearly 20 years in different capacities. Anne Brown, chamber president, said, “Their commitment to the Milton community and dedication to serving others is extraordinary. The chamber board recognizes that commitment like this does not come without sacrifice, and so we want them to know just how much their commitment has meant to the chamber and to the Milton community.”

The Clarks also received a volunteer award from Milton Mayor John Collier, who recognized them for their many years of service and expressed his appreciation for all they have contributed to the greater Milton area.

The chamber board also recognized Debbie Balick, owner of the Holistic Coach in downtown Milton. Balick was recognized for her creativity and efforts to launch a new chamber Welcome Home initiative that has become a key benefit to the Milton chamber membership. New residents receive welcome bags that include information on the Town of Milton, local businesses and the area in general. Balick offered to champion this idea and through her hard work and dedication, the initiative is helping new Milton residents learn quickly about the local business community.

Nita Soni, a chamber member from Nitan Soni Group of Northrop Realty, was honored for creating and organizing the annual Wicked Weekend in Milton, now heading into its third year, held the last Saturday in October. What started as a local trick-or-treat community celebration quickly escalated into a regional Halloween celebration bringing the community together with multiple nonprofit organizations, the Town of Milton, and its police and fire departments.

Karen Falk, executive director, said, “We have big plans for 2023! Not only do we represent historic Milton, but we also represent all communities throughout the Milton and Harbeson ZIP codes. This includes residents, businesses and visitors, so stay connected with our chamber regarding events, business networking, co-op marketing opportunities locally and throughout the mid-Atlantic, and our official announcement with details regarding our new biannual chamber directory and visitors guide.”

2023 events include the Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 27; Bring Mayberry Back to Milton Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 4; and Bargains on the Broadkill and Great Duck Race, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26. In the planning stages are the Wicked Weekend, Saturday, Oct. 28, with details to follow; and the Milton Holly Festival slated for Saturday, Dec. 9.

For more information, contact the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 302-684-1101 or go to HistoricMilton.com.