Peninsula Regional Medical Center employees recently presented United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore with 2016 annual campaign contributions totaling $134,934. “PRMC employees continue to be a vital resource to our local United Way and our vulnerable neighbors on the Shore. As the second largest campaign among 250 organizations on the Shore, the hundreds of caring PRMC employees who support United Way demonstrate that ‘Great Things Happen When We Live United.’” said
Kathleen Mommé, executive director of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. Pictured, from left, are Tim Feist, Steve Leonard, Cindy Lunsford, Mommé, Connie Strott, Peggy Naleppa, Nancy Flurer and Dennis Killian. Submitted photo
Housing Market Update
BERLIN – The Lower Eastern Shore kicked off the fourth quarter of 2015 with increased home settlements, according to the latest figures from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).
CAR’s local housing statistics for October 2015 showed an overall 9.7 percent increase in settlements of single family homes and condominiums compared to the same time last year in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
A Coastal Association of Realtors graphic includes key statistics for the month of October. Submitted Image
Single family homes in Wicomico and Worcester Counties saw the highest jump in settlements, increasing by 16.9 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Condominiums in Worcester County also saw a significant increase of 15.7 percent compared to the same time last year.
Overall contracts, or pending sales, were also up by 30.1 percent. Single family homes in Worcester County saw the most impressive hike in contracts with a 53.3 percent increase compared to the same time last year.
Local inventory is decreasing slightly, as the three counties collectively saw a 5.4 percent dip in listings. This tight supply of homes is likely directly correlated to spikes in listing prices and sales prices, which increased overall by 24.3 percent and 23.7 percent, respectively, compared to last month. Days on market increased by 12 percent.
“Overall, the local market is doing well,” said CAR President Linda Moran. “The mild weather we are experiencing on the Shore makes for ideal conditions to show homes, which translates into more sales for our members.”
CAR’s monthly local housing statistics are pulled from the association’s Multiple Listing Service, which represents the activity of over 1,000 local REALTORS® in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
Banks Adds Board Members
G. Hale Harrison
BERLIN — Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. and Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, has announced that G. Hale Harrison, and James Ryan Bergey, III have joined the Board of Directors of the holding company and the bank.
Harrison, an Ocean City native, is Vice President of Operations and Real Estate for Harrison Group Resort Hotels in Ocean City. He serves as a Director and is past President of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association. He has also served as a member of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board, the Town of Ocean City’s Tourism Advisory Board, the Town of Ocean City’s Tourism Commission, and the Ocean City Development Corporation Board of Directors. Harrison has an extensive background in the hospitality industry and knowledge of commercial real estate operations and finance.
Ryan Bergey
Bergey, a Berlin native, is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of Bergey and Company, P.A., with offices in Berlin and Rehoboth Beach, Del. He holds Bachelors’ degrees in both accounting and finance and has practiced public accountancy in the Berlin and Ocean City area since 2006. Bergey is a member of the Finance Committee of Atlantic General Hospital. He is a past Treasurer and Director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. Bergey has extensive experience in accounting and finance and is an owner of locally based diverse businesses.
“With their excellent record of professional accomplishments and community involvement, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Bergey will bring tremendous value to Taylor Bank, our stockholders, and the communities we serve. We welcome them to our company,” said Thompson.
Jeweler Recognized
SALISBURY — Kuhn’s Jewelers has been recognized as one of the top 10 longest running independent fine jewelry firms in America in the November issue of leading industry publication JCK Magazine. Founded in 1853, the current ownership has operated the business generationally since 1923.
Currently, third generation jeweler Susan Purnell leads the firm.
“I believe, if we really love our customers, they will love us back … and they’ll keep coming back,” Purnell said. “People want to be recognized and appreciated, and if you’re the place that does that, I think you’ll continue to grow your business. We never sacrifice quality for the sake of price. When I buy jewelry, I always ask, ‘Will this last as long as the memories my customer is making in giving it?”
Purnell’s son, Ben Bowne, is currently apprenticing her in the business to continue the family legacy.