A Week In Business

A Week In Business
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Certification Awarded

SALISBURY – Merrill Lynch has announced that Michael P. Truitt of Merrill Lynch’s Salisbury office has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) and is allowed to use the CFP® certification mark as educational credential. The CFP designation is awarded to individuals who meet rigorous education, examination, experience, ethics and other requirements set by the CFP Board.

“The CFP designation continues to be one of the most distinguished certifications a financial advisor can earn and is a reflection of Mike’s deep knowledge of the industry, as well as his dedication to working effectively with clients to help them reach their financial goals,” said Ryan Kirby, Resident Director. “This recognition is well deserved and is a testament to Michael’s commitment to bringing personalized wealth management solutions to his clients.”

Insurance Firm Recognized

WILLARDS — Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley has retained its status as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group.

Each year since 1993, IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year. 

 “It’s an honor to be recognized by our trade associations as best in class,” said Laura Deeley Bren, Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley president. “We are continually looking at our operation and identifying ways in which we can more efficiently serve our clients.”

Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley was founded in 1929 and can offer insurance products from a number of different companies including Allstate, Travelers, Hartford and Harleysville.

Top Sales Associate

BERLIN — Carl Ortman, broker for Re/Max Premier Properties, announced that Jerry Richards of Ocean Pines was the top sales associate for the month of August, 2011 with $1.42 million in homes old.

Richards is currently an associate broker with Re/Max Premier Properties at its Ocean Pines office.

Top Producer Named

WILLARDS — Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley has congratulated Rick Martelo as top producer for the month of August.


Martelo has been with agency since 1979, specializing in commercial insurance with an emphasis on condominiums and contractors.  He has acquired three designations:  Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC); Associate in Risk Management (ARM); and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

Sales Team Addition

Bethany Beach, Del. – ResortQuest Real Estate has announced that Kim West has joined its successful sales team as a sales associate at the Marketplace at Sea Colony location in Bethany Beach, Del.

Licensed since 2000, West brings 10 years of residential real estate experience to the company. Prior to entering real estate, she was a model with the Ford Modeling Agency and still works today on QVC selling skincare products.

“We are very happy to add Kim to our sales team,” said Ann K. Baker, broker of the firm. “West has built a reputation of honesty, diligence and enthusiasm.  Her enjoyment of working with people is evident in her caring attitude and her genuine concern for each and every client.”

Job Fair Planned

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the One-Stop Job Market, is preparing to present the 6th Annual Fall Job Fair on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 at the Centre at Salisbury from 3:30-7 p.m.

The event is open to any business seeking employees in the Lower Shore area. Booths are only $100 for a 10-foot space. Tens of thousands of people visit the mall each day so this is an ideal opportunity to meet with many excellent potential employees.

Job seekers can expect an anticipated attendance of 40 employers from around Delmarva. Again this year, the Resume Doctor will be on hand to offer advice and suggestions to applicants and evaluate their resumes.

For more information or to register your company, contact Shannon at the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at 410-749-0144 or [email protected].

State Appointment Made

ANNAPOLIS – Governor Martin O’Malley appointed this week Maryland transportation veteran Harold M. Bartlett as executive secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

The executive secretary manages the MDTA’s daily operations and works with eight Board members to establish policy and direction for the agency that owns and operates Maryland’s eight toll facilities.

Bartlett has served previously as Maryland’s Deputy Transportation Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary of the MDTA. He entered state service following a 23-year career with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Annual Awards Presented

BERLIN — The Coastal Delmarva Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors® presented its Affiliate of the Year Award to Gwen Cordner of Acquest Title at its annual awards event held at Crab Alley last month.  Mary Burgess of Shamrock Realty Group, Inc. was named Realtor® of the Year.