A Week In Business

The Meridian Grand Opening Announced

OCEAN CITY – Dan Clayland, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Ocean City 104th Street office, has announced the grand opening of The Meridian, a luxury three- and four-bedroom condominium building located on 60th Street in Ocean City.

All units feature spectacular east or southeast facing ocean views and many units also offer stunning views of the bay and the sunset. The Meridian has the look, feel and amenities of a top end luxurious condominium residence, boasting a fully equipped fitness center with a two-story atrium and an outdoor pool with a spacious deck for sunbathing and an adjacent social room with kitchen and showers. Outside each building elevator you will find a private walkway to the beach, beautiful landscaping and abundant parking. There are trash chutes for each building, private storage rooms adjacent to and owner’s closets inside every unit.

It’s proximity to the Route 90 bridge allows for easy access coming in and out of Ocean City, and the attractions within walking distance across Coastal Highway consist of the Ocean City Tennis Center and several popular restaurants, including Fager’s Island and Seacrets.

The Meridian is comprised of two buildings – the East Building and the West Building – and offer varying floor plans to suit the needs of all individuals. The interior finishes include glass railings surrounding over-sized private balconies up to 14-feet deep, high-end fixtures and appliances, quality 18-inch porcelain tile floors, granite countertops and Brookhaven cabinets.

The Meridian sales center on 60th Street is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven furnished model units are available for buyer’s inspection with the building ready for immediate occupancy. For more information visit www.themeridianoceanfront.com, call 410-726-5108 or email [email protected].

New Mall Tenant Announced

WEST OCEAN CITY – "Sleepy’s is now open at White Marlin Mall," said Matt Mittenthal, property manager at Greenberg Gibbons Commercial, the mall’s leasing and property management firm. "They are known as ‘the Mattress Professionals’ and we welcome Sleepy’s to the family of stores at White Marlin Mall."

The new Sleepy’s occupies a 5,300-square-foot store next to Marshalls and Staples.

"The right mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep," said Joe Hager, the district manager for Sleepy’s who is in charge of opening the newest store at the White Marlin Mall in West Ocean City. "What we offer, is a great night’s sleep."

The new Sleepy’s store once housed Rockaway Bedding, a 200-store chain that Sleepy’s recently purchased. Sleepy’s now has over 600 stores that makes it the largest mattress chain in the U.S.

The advantage to the consumer of Sleepy’s having 600 stores is "buying power," according to Hager.

"We need the buying power that goes along with 600 stores to keep the cost to the consumer at the lowest possible level," Hager said. "The cost of steel is going up and bedding foam is partially petroleum based. When you buy for 600 stores, you can achieve a lower price and this is passed along to Sleepy’s customers."

According to Hager, there is a computerized BodyDiagnostics system that helps customers and guides Sleepy’s sales associates to choose the "perfect mattress."

"Our new Kingsdown BodyDiagnostics Computer System uses 18 statistical measurements and over 1,000 calculations to analyze your optimum surface pressure and postural alignment," Hager said. "This determines which mattress is the perfect mattress for your body and takes all the guesswork out of buying a mattress. Our BodyDiagnostics Computer System allows you to find the perfect mattress for your body and gives you a hard copy print out for your records."

Sleepy’s also has locations Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach, Salisbury, Georgetown, Seaford, Bear and three stores in Dover.

Ocean City Promoted To Group Tour Market

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City’s Tourism Department continues to actively promote the town to the group tour market.

The department, represented by Tour and Travel Coordinator Norma Dobrowolski, has recently participated in several group leader and motorcoach operator trade shows including "Going on Faith" in Louisville, Ky., Group Leaders of America in Utica, N.Y., Maryland Motorcoach Association in Towson, and the New York Travel Expo in Corning, N.Y.

Dobrowolski is currently attending the Virginia Motorcoach Association’s meeting in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and next month will attend the National Tour Association in Kansas City.

"Group tour and motorcoach business is an important component in our destination marketing efforts," said Ocean City Tourism Director Mike Noah.

According to studies by researchers at George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $13,000 in a local destination’s economy with dollars spent on lodging, meals, admissions, shopping, fees and local taxes.

Project Grand Opening

BERLIN – Award-winning Equity Homes has announced the opening of Vincent Overlook, its newest community in Sussex County, Del., with a grand opening weekend, Oct. 13-14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The public is invited to help celebrate Vincent Overlook’s spectacular model home and clubhouse and view period architectural styling reminiscent of old town Lewes with a variety of homes that include real first floor living, courtyard outdoor spaces and relaxing front porches as well as pools, tennis courts, fitness center, bike trails, freshwater ponds and more.

The grand opening will feature giveaways and a live radio broadcasts.

For directions, contact Equity Homes at 703-344-0118

Top Shamrock Producer

BERLIN – The Shamrock Realty Group has named Karen Kriege as top sales producer for the month of August.

Kriege joined Shamrock Realty Group in July and has been the top performer during her first and second months with the company.

Allamong Claims Honor

BETHANY BEACH – Rick Allamong, branch vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s (CBRB) Bethany Beach offices, has been named the 2007 Realtor® of the Year by the Delaware Association of Realtors®.

This year has been a memorable one for Allamong as he was appointed to the Delaware Real Estate Commission in May and elected Realtor of the Year by the Sussex County Association of Realtors® in June.

"By continuing to recognize Rick, the Delaware real estate community reiterates what his CBRB colleagues have long known – that he is an exceptional real estate professional," said Dennis Roarty, regional vice president.

Sarah Sinnickson, president of CBRB’s Greater Baltimore Metro area, echoes Roarty’s comments.

"Rick is the consummate professional – an inspiration for the industry, for his office, and for our company. We are privileged and proud to have Rick represent our company," Sinnickson said.

Allamong has managed CBRB’s Bethany Beach offices since 2001. In addition to being an active member in local, state and national associations, he holds the designations of ABR, CRS and GRI from the National Association of Realtors® and is also a member of the Delaware Real Estate Commission and the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce. He is an active real estate instructor and drafts articles on industry topics for community newspapers.

Allamong is an active volunteer in his community supporting the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society Relay for Life as well as participating in the CBRB Cares Foundation.

"I believe that professionalism and maintaining professional integrity are paramount in operating a successful brokerage operation," said Allamong, who will represent Delaware at the National Association of Realtors® annual conference in Las Vegas in November.