Dec 6, 2018
Well, it snowed most of the day yesterday, but with limited accumulations. Also noticed the lake is starting to freeze in places. Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy and a chance of snow showers. High near 31 and a low around 20. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch and nighttime accumulation of around an inch possible.
I almost forgot to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah. Lucky for me these two fur balls from HART for Animals reminded me as they send their own well wishes. Note their collars!
Don’t forget today’s Women’s Networking Lunch at Ace’s Run starting at Noon. There are two local featured speakers (Leigh Clarke and Elizabeth Williams) as well as good food and relationship building.
Microsoft on Monday announced its intent to expand the Airband Initiative and bring broadband to three million unserved people in rural communities by mid-2022. Declaration Networks Group (including their brand Neubeam, which serves Garrett County) is a Microsoft partner in this endeavor. This is good news for all in need of rural broadband and the county as a whole.
There’s an Input Session for the new Friendsville Library today from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm to allow patrons to share their opinions and provide input on the proposed new library’s design and style. Share your input and shape your library!
There are still holiday events going on this evening (and into the weekend) at the Oakland Community Center: The LED Community Christmas Tree and the Joy of Christ. Check them out if you need to get a “dose” of Christmas spirit.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce just announced its 2019 Legislative Agenda. The issues included in the Chamber’s agenda are those items that the Garrett County Chamber believes could have the biggest impact through legislative action. Their top legislative priorities are as follows:
- Oppose Increasing the Minimum Wage
- Amend Maryland Healthcare Access Act of 2018 to Allow Maryland Small Businesses to Participate in Association Health Plans
- Support Additional $2 Million Annual Allocation for State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund
- Support Improvements to and Oppose Expansion of Mandated Paid Leave
- Support Reduced Fees & Recommended Methods for Shoreline Erosion Prevention
Local Crisis Manager for Maryland State Police Special Ops, Erica Carlson, had her photo (taken during a training) published on the cover of Police magazine.
Dec 5, 2018
Yesterday brought us some snow, but with limited accumulations. Today’s weather will be snow with a high near 27 and a low around 20. Light west wind increasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible and nighttime accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
The Garrett County Commissioners held their latest public meeting on December 3rd at the Courthouse in Oakland. The commissioners made the county’s 2019 legislative requests to Senator Edwards and Delegate Beitzel. Here’s a link to the summary of the meeting, including details on the legislative requests.
Lots of activities for children and adults at the various branches of the Ruth Enlow Library today and this evening. Check them all out on their website.
This one makes me happy to report: After years of stream restoration efforts, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently discovered native brook trout returning to once uninhabitable streams in the Casselman River watershed. The 66-square mile watershed now has reproducing stock due to some special efforts by area experts and citizens.
If you and the family were dreaming of a… LED Christmas, there is a LED Christmas Tree “playing” to the music on 87.9 radio this evening at the Downtown Community Center (Old Armory) from 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm. Just pull up and tune your car to 89.7. Really. It’s magic I think and it will continue for additional days.
I just heard that the Dairy Queen in Oakland will be closing for a few days for renovations. It looks like they will be closing this Sunday at 6:00 pm and reopening on the 14th of December. Better get your Blizzard “fix” before they start their renovations!
There’s a Women’s Networking Lunch at Ace’s Run on Thursday at Noon. Bring lots of business cards and meet other area business and non-profit executives.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced yesterday that the second segment of the muzzleoader deer hunting season opens December 15th and runs through December 29th. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
Read this short, touching story by Bridget Nolan Manley:
Every year growing up it was the same thing. Dad left super early in the morning. When we got up mom would tell us to go pick food out of the cupboard. We would pick the stuff we hated. Mom would tell us to try again.
We would load up and head to Oakland. We would be listening to my dad on the radio the whole way in. We would get there and start loading food into trucks. We would hand out candy canes to kids. We would sneak into Proudfoots for hot chocolate. My dad passed out hand warmers and Santa hats like they were candy.
It was a real coincidence that my dad would disappear during the food drive and Santa would show up. One year we got wise to who that strangely familiar Santa really was. To this day, though, he denies it and we are all made to promise we believe.
One year my dad asked if I wanted to be “Vanna White” – aka read the list of donations on the radio.
Modestly I said “GIVE ME THAT MIC AND LET’S DO THIS.” Later when I was at college and heard Sheila (my sister) got to be Vanna I was hot with jealous rage.
We grew up, and we could make it home some years. Other years we couldn’t. On the years we weren’t there my dad would send pictures of friends who stopped by, we would get texts saying “I just saw your dad in the street!”
Every year. For forty years.
The money and the food helped people who couldn’t afford a Christmas meal. But it also helped parents feed their kids after they lost a job in January. It helped someone pay a light bill in February. It helped another family not get evicted in March. It helped a traveler reach family in Chicago after getting stranded. It helped a family buy school supplies in September.
It helped, and helps, the people in Garrett County who need emergency assistance all year long.
Every year.
For forty years.
It’s just one morning when the people of Garrett County go through their cupboards or make a run to the grocery store or drive by and slow down with a five dollar bill.
For us it’s always been a family affair. For my dad and Sister Mary Ann and Sister Joanna, the family was Garrett County.
The Fortieth Annual House Of Hope Food Drive is this Saturday in downtown Oakland from 9 AM-12 PM.
You are guaranteed to see every single Nolan in attendance.
Come make a donation. I’ll give you a candy cane.
Dec 4, 2018
Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, scattered snow and flurries until about noon. A high near 29 and low around 22. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
As I write these Daily Notes Monday evening I am in a thoughtful state of mind, as it is my 63rd birthday today. I am reflective, thankful and even a little anxious over what the future holds, or specifically, how long my future will be. I went to a memorial service for a friend, Millie Shilke, this weekend who lived to the ripe old age of 95 and it reminded me of how fortunate I am to be alive and well in this great country of ours and in this beautiful county we live in. Life is good here in the mountains!
I know a number of our readers work, live or visit Allegany County and/or have an interest in economic development in Western Maryland, so this one’s for you: Allegany County is holding a Economic Development Visioning Session this evening from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. There will be an open house, workshop, panel discussion and presentation. The folks in Allegany and Garrett are really trying to find that “magic sauce” to drive organic economic development in the region.
Here’s a link to Generation West Virginia for events for millennials all around West Virginia in December. I am guessing you will flip (and also have a smile on your face) when you see the very short video embedded in the site. Click the link to see why!
Cindy’s Fund Cancer Support Group twice monthly meeting tonight from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Garrett Regional Medical center. This group is informal and open to all that are touched by cancer.
Don’t forget that tonight is the second evening of the Joy of Christ performance at the Oakland Community Center (and the site of the LED Community Christmas Tree light display). Not only is the event free but there is free food and gifts as well. This event is produced by a number of area churches.
It’s never too snowy or cold to ride in Garrett County — we have some of the best roads and trails! Photo by Pat O’Hammy at the Meadow Mountian Overlook.
What’s new around town? Unfortunately, a local retail store is closing its doors.
Notice: The Maryland State Board of Public Works meeting scheduled for this Wednesday, December 5th has been cancelled due to the closure of state government offices to honor former president George Bush (41). The agenda that had been planned for the meeting this week will be moved to the next meeting on December 19th. RIP president Bush.
Dec 3, 2018
Sunday was sunny and warm, with the temperature nearly reaching 60 degrees. Today’s weather will be a chance of rain and snow showers before 3pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36 and a low of 25. West wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible overnight.
The Ruth Enlow Library has some nice programming scheduled for today in Grantsville (Story Tails at 4:30 pm) and Oakland (Needlework at 6:00 pm) and also a number of Open Houses coming up at the various branches, with the first one this Wednesday at the Friendsville branch.
Our congratulations go out to Jodi Taylor Refosco, co-owner of Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales in McHenry. Jodi has been named the new president of the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), a national organization of vacation rental professionals and suppliers. Way to go Jodi!
The first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) is off to a good start for tourism in the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County in general. According to the Chamber of Commerce, Garrett County experienced an 8.0% increase in county accommodations sales, a 6.3% increase in Admissions & Amusement collections, a 128% increase in Visitor Guide requests and a 17.13% increase in visitors to the Chamber’s website. I’m not surprised based on all the area has to offer, which is communicated very effectively by our Chamber.
Various local congregations are presenting the 20th annual Joy of Christ celebration which is set to kick off this evening at 6:00 pm and run through December 7th. Each night will feature Christmas music, free dinner, a warm festive atmosphere, crafts for the kids (and kids at heart), and a focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. This event is completely free to all, is casual and open to anyone wanting to join throughout the night. Nothing is sold and gifts will be given away. It is at the Oakland Community Center (old armory).
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2019 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Forests are Too!” Read more.
Unfortunately, the first death in the State attributed to cold weather this winter has been recorded. The death occurred in Garrett County and was an adult male in the 65+ age range. There were 61 cold-related deaths in Maryland during the 2017-2018 winter weather season. From November through March, the Department of Health monitors temperature conditions and incidences of cold-related illnesses and deaths. Weekly reports can be found online at https://goo.gl/UHaaX8. The site also includes the state’s Extreme Cold Emergency Plan and fact sheets about cold weather health issues, carbon monoxide, driving tips for extreme cold weather, and warning signs of a heart attack.
Dec 3, 2018
Greetings….as another year winds down, once again tax planning for the year presents a number of challenges for both the year we are finishing and year ahead. This is primarily due to the tax law changes brought about through the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018. Major changes include the nearly doubling of the standard deduction, elimination of personal exemptions, and so much more. This year marks one of the first times in decades with massive tax law changes, creating tremendous uncertainty and potential tax surprises at year-end. Please plan properly and consult with us on your particular situation.
- Tax Rates – Planning for your marginal tax rate continues to be the most solid tax planning strategy. For singles, the cut-off from the new 12% bracket to the 22% bracket is $38,700 of taxable income (income after deductions). For married filers, the cut-off is $77,400. For income over $500,000 for singles and $600,000 for marrieds, the highest rate bracket is now 37% (formerly 39.6%). Taxpayers whose income exceeds $200K single and $250K married are still liable for an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wages as well as a 3.8% Net Investment Tax on investment earnings and gains, as these taxes remained in place under the new law.
- Itemized Deductions – If you have historically itemized your deductions, you may find that the strategy will change in 2018. This is largely due to the major standard deduction increase from $6,350 to $12,000 for single filers and $12,700 to $24,000 for married-joint filers, all brought about by the new law.
Medical Expenses – Medical expenses (including: long-term care costs) remain deductible subject to the 7.5% of AGI limitation.
Taxes – State and local income taxes, sales taxes and real estate taxes are now capped at an annual maximum of a $10,000 deduction regardless of the amount incurred.
Mortgage Interest – Mortgage interest on a mortgage secured by the principal and/or second residence remain deductible on indebtedness of up to $750,000. ($1,000,000 for homes that were mortgaged prior to 12/16/17 or under binding contract before 12/16/17 and closed by April 1, 2018).
Investment Interest – Investment interest expense (margin interest) remains deductible as an itemized deduction.
Home Equity Interest – Home equity interest is no longer deductible unless it can be proven that the debt incurred was used to buy, build or substantially improve your home. If you used the home equity line to pay off credit card bills or to buy a vehicle or such, the interest is no longer deductible.
Charitable Donations – Charitable donations remain deductible. In order to benefit from the charitable donation deduction, you may want to consider strategies such as moving two years of charitable giving in to one year, donating appreciated stocks, maximizing non-cash contributions, utilization of qualified RMD donations from your IRA, etc. Keep in mind that donations of real property can provide a deduction of the fair market value of the property based upon appraisal.
- Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions – as a part of the tax law changes, it is important to note that certain items that have historically been deductible are no longer deductible: employee business expenses, employee home-office expenses, per-diem expense for employee truck-drivers, tax prep fees, IRA custodial fees, investment-related expenses, safe-deposit box rentals, etc. Note that in a business scenario (Schedule C, E or F) some of these items may still be deductible (e.g., tax preparation costs on a rental property, business, farm etc.)
- Moving Expenses – moving expenses are no longer deductible with some exceptions for military personnel.
- IRS Identity Theft – Identity theft, fraud and scams continue to be at an all-time high. Should you receive a notice from the IRS or a call or email from someone representing they are from the IRS, please DO NOT provide any information to them until you have confirmed they are legitimate (call us). Keep in mind that the IRS does NOT initiate contact via email or telephone.
- Expanded Child Tax Credit – The child tax credit has been doubled to $2,000 per child and the income limits are drastically higher for the credit phase out at $200K for singles and $400K for marrieds. This applies to children under age 17.
- Alimony – for divorces that finalize after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer a tax deduction to the payor and is no longer taxable to the payee.
- Estate Tax and Gift Tax – The federal gift and estate tax exemption is currently set at $11.18 million per person and is projected to increase to $11.4 million in 2019. The annual gift tax exclusion is $15,000 per year per donee. Gifts in excess of this amount require an annual gift tax filing with the IRS due April 15.
- Required Minimum Distributions on IRAs – Don’t forget that if you are age 70.5 or older, you must take a required minimum withdrawal annually on your IRA or you could be subject to a 50% IRS penalty for not taking the distribution.
- Qualified Charitable Gifting from IRA – IRA owners over age 70.5 may also make tax-free qualified distributions to a charity directly from their IRA – this is especially a key planning point under the new tax law as itemized deductions will be harder to achieve and can be a great planning opportunity.
- Capital Gains and Qualified Dividends – There remains a huge opportunity for the federal 0% capital gain – this is open to you if you are in the 10% or 12% tax bracket. The 15% rate on both long-term capital gains and qualified dividends remains in effect, if you are in the 22% bracket or above. There is still a higher 20% capital gain rate for taxpayers in the highest tax brackets.
- Health Savings Accounts (H.S.A.) – Consider setting up a health savings account if you have a high deductible health insurance policy ($1,350 or more for singles and $2,700 for families). This can provide beneficial deductions for your out of pocket medical expenses and can be especially beneficial in light of the new standard deduction. The 2018 contribution limits are $3,450 for singles and $6,900 for a family. Contributions must be made by April 15, 2019. Catch-up contributions of up to $1,000 per year are allowed for folks age 55 or older.
- Conversions to Roth IRAs – Once again for 2018, traditional IRAs can be converted to Roth IRAs without earnings restrictions. This can be a very solid strategy if you have excess room in the 12% tax bracket to absorb the conversion.
SELECTED BUSINESS ITEMS FOR 2018
- Asset Purchases – Bonus Depreciation – Businesses can deduct 100% of the cost of assets with useful lives of 20 years or less that are put in to service during 2018. This includes: machinery, equipment, land improvements and some farm structures. Leasehold improvements to commercial building interiors can be eligible as well. Please note that for state tax – Maryland remains decoupled from this law and depreciates assets differently.
- Section 179 Expensing Deduction – For 2018, you may be able to expense up to $1,000,000 of qualifying property placed in service – new or used. The amount phases out as you exceed $2,500,000 in total assets placed in service during the year. Buyers of certain SUVs weighing between 6,000-14,000 lbs can deduct up to $25,000 through this election. Important note: to qualify for a 2018 Section 179 election, the asset must be placed in service (meaning you must physically have it and utilize it for business) by December 31.
- C Corp Tax Rates – the top C Corporation tax rate is now a flat 21%.
- Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction – Under the new law, businesses may be entitled to a deduction of up to 20% of their qualified business income from a qualified trade or business. The QBI is very complex and tax planning strategies can directly affect the amount of the deduction, so planning and analysis is of the utmost importance.
- Consider Hiring Family – If you decide to hire family members, pay a reasonable salary for the work actually performed. You may be able to provide tax-deductible fringe benefits as well as save on payroll taxes. This strategy can be beneficial to shift income to lower tax brackets.
- Retirement Plans – Consider setting up a retirement plan for your business – Simple IRA, SEPs, 401(k)s – there are many options and these plans can be key in saving significant tax liability. In certain cases, up to $55,000 of income can be sheltered from taxation through these plans.
- Credit Cards – Keep in mind that business expenditures incurred on a major credit card (not a store card) are deductible in the year in which they are incurred.
PLANNING IDEAS: You may be able to reduce your taxes by controlling the payment of deductible expenses and the timing of the collection of income. Several strategies to consider may include:
• Pay all state and local income taxes (4th Qtr Estimated Pymts) and full-year real estate taxes prior to the end of the year (by 12/31/18). Postmark validation required.
- Maximize your contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs – this one is so important and can be so beneficial from a deduction standpoint.
- Education – It may be beneficial to pay 2019 tuition in 2018 to take advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $2,500 per student to cover the cost of tuition, fees and course materials paid during the taxable year. Form 1098-T is required from the college for the tax filing – typically the student has access to this through the college website.
- Charitable Donations. Make year-end donations to qualified charitable organizations. Use your credit card if you wish, or mail your check as late as December 31, 2018. Consider cleaning out and donating clothing and household goods to charity by year-end and keep a list of items and values.
- Medical Expenses – Try to bunch medical expenses. For example, trying to pay medical bills in one year bunched together instead of two years can give you a better chance of exceeding the thresholds.
- Section 529 – College Savings Plan Contributions must be made by 12/31.
- Please contact us to see if you have a capital-loss carry-forward from 2017 and make your broker aware of it before year-end for utilization of losses against capital gain income. This can be a key planning strategy.
- Keep good mileage logs. The 2018 standard mileage rate for business is 54.5 cents per mile. Please provide us with copies of your mileage logs for our records as the IRS is requesting these on a frequent basis.
- Complete a new Form W-4 for your employer to adjust tax withholding.
FINANCIAL HOUSEKEEPING TIP – While thinking about your tax and financial planning, think about your loved ones and compile a list of all investment, bank accounts, credit cards, safe deposit boxes, etc., and make a record of where each account is held and who to contact when you are gone. Taking these few steps now could pay dividends for those that you leave behind and make things so much easier during a stressful time.
IMPORTANT FIGURES FOR 2018/2019
SOCIAL SECURITY LIMIT FOR WAGE EARNERS FOR 2019: $132,900
RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS*: YEAR 2018
YEAR 2019 $6,000 $13,000 $19,000
IRA(REG/ROTH) SIMPLE IRA 401K/403B/SEP
*NOTE: IF YOU ARE OVER AGE 50, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO CONTRIBUTE ADDITIONAL CATCH- UP AMOUNTS DEPENDENT ON THE TYPE OF PLAN– PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS.This newsletter is issued annually to provide you with information and planning ideas to minimize your tax liability. Do not apply this general information to your specific situation without additional details. Be aware that the tax laws contact varying effective dates and numerous limitations and exceptions that cannot easily be summarized. For details and guidance on your specific situation, please contact us.
We are often asked about record-keeping requirements for tax returns and such. Generally, the statute of limitations for the IRS or state agencies to assess taxes on a taxpayer expires 3 years from the due date of the return or the date on which it was filed, whichever is later. The statute of limitations gets extended for an even longer period of time when there is a substantial omission (more than 25%) of gross income. In these circumstances, the time limit for the IRS to assess additional taxes is six years. Keep in mind that documentation for investment basis, house sale, etc., for tax purposes can require extensive history of receipts and such, so there is no concrete rule of thumb for records retention.
Tax organizers will be mailed out after January 1. Our staff of Erin Dibacco, Mindy Gangler, Cinda Savage, Kasondra Margroff, Lori Frantz, Meghan Foley, Patti Getchell and Jacob Cannon, along with Brian and Shane, are looking forward to seeing you again this year. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Yours very truly,
All of us at Boal and Associates CPAs
Dec 1, 2018
An educational session for local wedding professionals, sponsored by TheDeepCreekWedding.com and the Garrett County Wedding Professionals, was held by The Knot at the White Barn at Lucas Farm on November 13, 2018. Miss Kimberley Feyes, a NVA/DC Metro Marketing Specialist with The Knot Wedding Network shared data from the thousands of surveys The Knot has collected from recently wedded couples.
The Knot requests responses to a survey with each of their wedding couples a few weeks after the couple is married Feyes explained in her presentation. This is a very thorough survey and is lot of data we can collect on the latest trends from food, entertainment, styles, colors and more.
The Knot is a trusted authority on all things weddings and is the nation’s largest source for wedding news and inspiration.
“We were so happy to have The Knot come to our little corner of Maryland and bring access to a large amount of information. The presentation covered over 15 of the top trends for the next wedding season and I know each local vendor here can definitely use this information in their own businesses,” sponsor and Garrett County Wedding Professionals lead Jessica Fike said.
The event was also sponsored by Deep Creek Cakes, Goehringer’s Catering, Archie’s Barbeque and Everline DJ Services.
“The local collective wedding industry is a driver of economic development and we are working hard to make the Deep Creek Lake area a top wedding destination,” Fike explained.
It is estimated that the Garrett County wedding industry has an economic impact of over $6 million dollars and brings 20,000 visitors to Garrett County annually.
Dec 1, 2018
Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) recently unveiled a million-dollar fundraising campaign to purchase a new CT Scanner that will enhance patient care through state-of-the-art technology.
CT Scanners rely upon computed tomography to provide detailed images of internal organs. They provide rapid, five to 20-minute exams that are painless and combine the power of an x-ray with computer technology to produce 360-degree, cross sectional views of the human body.
“A new CT scanner will aid our medical staff in accelerating clinical decisions, while further improving patient quality of care,” said Stanley Lambert, MD, GRMC’s Medical Director of Radiology. “Using the latest technology in simultaneous imaging of blood, bone and soft tissue will advance our capabilities in diagnosing trauma and pain, as well as early detections of cancer and stroke.”
While GRMC’s current scanner is adequate, the time it takes to produce a scan is much longer than that found in newer models. Upgrading to the latest technology would enable GRMC’s radiology team to provide medical staff with the images they need quickly and efficiently.
“This will enable us to continue to expand clinical capabilities for cardiology and vascular disease, improve emergency medicine through process optimization and advance oncology with greater access to precise imaging,” Dr. Lambert added.
GRMC’s Foundation launched a quiet phase campaign in June and to date have received pledges putting them within 65 percent of their campaign goal. The approximate cost of a new CT Scanner is $1 million.
The CT Scanner fundraising campaign is led by the GRMC Foundation Board Members, who include Gina Artice, Shirley Bailey, Steve Bortz, Mark Boucot, Sue Campbell, J. Davisson, Linda Fike, J. Gallagher, William Grant, Sandy Hill, Wayne Johnson, Tracy Lipscomb, Dana McCauley, Elaine McDonald, Karen Myers, Keith Sanders, Jeanine Sisler and Steve Stuck. Ms. Sandy Hill serves as chair of the current campaign.
Direct donations for the CT Campaign can be made online by visiting www.grmc-wvumedicine.org. In recognition of the holidays, patrons also have the option to donate to the Tree of Lights in memory of a loved one with proceeds going to the CT Scanner campaign. To learn more about the Foundation and individualized donation plans, please contact Steve Bortz of the GRMC Foundation at 301-533-4304 or e-mail SBortz@gcmh.com.
Dec 1, 2018
Garrett County Internet Service Provider NeuBeam, a service of Declaration Networks Group, is donating $10 to Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org) for every Internet installation completed through the end of 2018.
“Declaration Networks is proud to give back locally, helping residents ‘connect to what matters’,” said Barry Toser, EVP of Sales & Marketing. He continued, “For the past several holiday seasons, we have offered a ‘Give the Gift of the Internet’ promotion and now we have made it even more enticing!”
Garrett County residents can take advantage of this opportunity through a large direct mail campaign which is currently active or by contacting their local sales office. Additionally, more details on NeuBeam’s award-winning service and packages may be found at neubeam.com.
Dec 1, 2018
Garrett County resident, Phil Malone, was honored for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the youth of Garrett County. One of the new group study rooms in the STEM facility was dedicated in honor of Malone.
Not only has Malone been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to youth, he continues to share his vast amount of knowledge demonstrating the power of robotics today.
Pictured at the dedication ceremony from left to right are: Cherie Krug, GC Foundation’s executive director; Dr. Richard Midcap, GC’s president; Phil Malone, founder of GEARS robotics center in Accident; Bill Morehouse; Lisa Malone.
Dec 1, 2018
Jodi Taylor Refosco was named President of the VRMA board at their 2018 International Conference in Las Vegas.
“I am honored to serve as President of this incredible organization that has been instrumental in the growth of our industry,” said Jodi Taylor Refosco. “I have great respect for those who have held this seat before me and look forward to upholding their legacy.”
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, a leading vacation rental and sales firm located in McHenry, Maryland, is pleased to announce that one of its owners, Jodi Taylor Refosco, is the new President for the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA).
VRMA is an organization of vacation rental professionals and suppliers. It provides members with education and networking opportunities to strengthen their businesses. At the organization’s 2018 International Conference in Las Vegas, the President’s gavel was officially passed to Refosco.
She has been involved in VRMA for more than twenty years with leadership roles that include serving as Secretary and Vice President of the board. Additionally, Jodi has been part of the conference planning and education committees.
Jodi started her Deep Creek Lake vacation rental firm, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, in 2008 with her husband, Joe, and her brother, Chad Taylor. They currently manage over 400 vacation rental homes along with 150 non-renting homes. For over a decade, their employees have provided exceptional service to guests and owners. A growing real estate division caters to Deep Creek Lake area buyers and sellers as well.
“I am honored to serve as President of this incredible organization that has been instrumental in the growth of our industry,” said Jodi Taylor Refosco. “I have great respect for those who have held this seat before me and look forward to upholding their legacy.”
Taylor-Made employees regularly attend regional and national VRMA conferences in order to connect with their peers and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. By taking advantage of these opportunities, both the company and the staff are elevated in their ability to assist travelers and homeowners. It keeps them on top of the latest trends, products and processes.
Dec 1, 2018
The Maryland Department of Planning is conducting a second round of community outreach for the new state development plan, A Better Maryland. Planning developed topics and strategies using input provided by participants in the first round of outreach for A Better Maryland. Additional stakeholders, including the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association, the Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties, and Maryland state agencies, assisted in this effort. You can view first round input on Planning’s website at the What We’ve Heard page.
As part of the second round, Planning has posted a new online survey to gather additional input as we formulate A Better Maryland. The survey allows you to prioritize strategies, which are organized under the following 14 topics:
Sustaining the Environment into the Future
Preserving Land
Adapting and Becoming Resilient to Climate Change
Tackling the Economic Development Needs of the Next Century
Improving Economic Growth and Development in Existing Communities
Meeting Renewable Energy Goals
Addressing Maryland’s Transportation, Infrastructure, and Technology Challenges and Opportunities
Creating Workforce/Affordable Housing
Building Capacity in Communities
Protecting Historic and Cultural Resources
Creating Quality Places
Coordinating State Agencies in Planning Processes
Respecting Regional Distinctions
Improving the Delivery of Programs and Services to Local Jurisdictions
Please consider attending our December 15th public meeting in Columbia. Please share this with your associates, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Post to your social media (e.g. Facebook, Next Door). Together we will develop the new state development plan, A Better Maryland.
Dec 1, 2018
The first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) is off to a good start for tourism in the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County, Maryland with an 8.0% increase in county accommodations sales, a 6.3% increase in Admissions & Amusement collections, a 128% increase in Visitor Guide requests and a 17.13% increase in visitors to the Chamber’s website, visitdeepcreek.com. While the Chamber attributes much of the continued growth in tourism to aggressive marketing efforts and new ad strategies, the newly implemented post-Labor Day start for Maryland Public Schools is also being credited with the increases.
With Maryland students returning to school after Labor Day rather than in mid-to-late August, Garrett County saw a 24.2% increase in county accommodations collections in August 2018 over August 2017.
“Anecdotally, we knew that Garrett County was seeing a positive economic impact from the later school start and now we have the empirical data,” said Nicole Christian, Chamber president & CEO. “Garrett County is capitalizing on our continued aggressive marketing strategies coupled with pro-growth policies like the post Labor Day school, as evidenced by the tourism increases for the first quarter of FY19. These stats validate that our efforts are effective and yielding strong results for our community.”
According to the Maryland Office of Tourism, Garrett County’s recent increases even outpaced Maryland’s tourism growth. For Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018), Maryland grew sales tax revenues specific to tourism 2.3%, while Garrett County grew tourism sales tax revenues 4.8% during the same time period. While Garrett County grew recreation and amusement places sales tax collections 7.6%, Maryland saw a decrease of 1.7%. Maryland grew lodging sales tax collections 2.2% and restaurant sales tax collections 2.5% while Garrett County grew them 4.6% and 5.5%, respectively.
“According to the Maryland Office of Tourism, visitors to Maryland spent nearly $17.7 billion generating $2.4 billion in state and local taxes,” said Christian. “Here in Garrett County, tourism is a key industry and critical component of economic development that creates jobs, supports businesses, and generates local taxes that fund schools, roads, infrastructure, etc. Without the revenue generated from tourism, each household would need to pay an additional $1,100 in taxes annually.
I’ve heard Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill say that Economic Development is a team sport; the Chamber’s aggressive marketing strategies, as the Destination Marketing Organization for the County, are ensuring that Garrett County Tourism is excelling at doing its part to grow this key industry in Maryland.”
Garrett County experienced similar tourism increases in fiscal year 2018 with a 7.0% increase in county accommodations sales, a 9.3% increase in heads on beds, a 29.5% in Visitor Guide requests and a 6.9% increase in visitors to the Chamber’s website, visitdeepcreek.com.
The western-most county in Maryland, Garrett County is home to Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort, the state’s only ski resort, and Adventure Sports Center International, one of only two recirculating whitewater courses in the western hemisphere. Garrett County is less than a three-hour drive from the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, two hours from Pittsburgh, PA, Winchester, VA and Hagerstown, MD and a 45-minute drive from Morgantown, WV and Cumberland, MD.