By Linda Zahn, CEO

The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce is excited about our Shop Local program! We’re kicking this initiative into gear with a mission statement that says it quite well – “to encourage local people to support local business and strengthen our community.” Pretty soon, you’ll see participating Chamber of Commerce members with ballot boxes on their counters and decals on their doors to identify them as participants in the program.

With over 30 years experience, Jerry Jones Jr. and Lita Bosch of Dove Remodeling work closely with their clients to get all jobs – whether big or small – finished within budget. Photo by Brian Lancione

By Rochelle Karina

In this economy, more people are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Whatever your motivation and whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or plan to pay someone else to do the work start to finish, getting solid advice on your project is an important first step.

The staff at Zachary’s Jewelers is sure to have just the right gift for that special someone. Photo by Brian Lancione

By Rochelle Karina

Back in 1979, Steve Samaras first got into the business of buying gold and silver. Over time, his experience in dealing with precious metals and gems led him to move to the jewelry industry. Samaras became a Gemologist in 1982 and spent most of 1985 – ’89 traveling to and from the Ivory Coast in West Africa.

“I established relationships with suppliers on the Ivory Coast, and with diamond cutters in Israel,” Samaras explains. “We have maintained those relationships over the years.”

In 1992, Samaras opened Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. In 2005, the company suffered a devastating fire on Black Friday. Samaras credits his community ties to the speedy reopening of Zachary’s. The store opened in its new location just one week later, thanks to the outpouring of help from over 75 community members.

When a business succeeds, expansion comes naturally and in late 2010, Zachary’s opened in Severna Park. “My dear friend Don Riddle had just made the decision to open a second location for Homestead Gardens,” Samaras shares. “We found an opportunity to open a second store.”

Zachary’s and Homestead share a common breezeway, a deliberate design that allows both companies to host community-oriented open houses and events. The Severna Park location hosts between six and eight events each year.

The Severna Park location also allowed Samaras to open a manufacturing facility where they can design, create and manufacture their own jewelry. “Our relationships have allowed us to work directly with the diamond mines and cutters, reducing the cost and allowing me to compete with online diamond sellers. We can provide high quality diamonds for prices that can’t be found elsewhere.”

When it comes to community involvement, Samaras laughs, “The list is an arm long!” Both the Annapolis and Severna Park locations participate in fundraisers for local organizations. Last year, the Severna Park store hosted a Mother’s Day event where local elementary children were asked to design a piece of jewelry for their mom. The winners had their designs created for them.

“The demographic in Severna Park is very similar to what we had in Annapolis,” Samaras explains. “We are bringing a branded name and the manufacturing aspect of jewelry, and diamonds at prices people can afford.”

Zachary’s is located at 522-A Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park, and can be reached via phone at 410-544-4005, or via the web at www.zacharysjewelers.com.

Photo by Brian Lancione

By Rochelle Karina

When it comes to liquor stores, Severna Park has a few to choose from. Among them is Harbour Spirits on Benfield Road. Current owner Catherine MacMurray purchased the existing store last August, but she’s no stranger to the business. Her husband Don has been running Port Tack Wine and Spirits for over 30 years.

Don runs Port Tack but helps support his wife’s new business endeavor. “We have a long history in this industry,” he explained. “The opportunity to open a second store came up, and we thought we’d like to take on the challenge.”

MacMurray points out that the store is currently undergoing some remodeling and asks customers to pardon the dust while the renovations progress. Plans are in place to upgrade the wine department, expand the spirits and beer selections, and create more display room on the floor. “We’re going to make some changes,” MacMurray explains.

The couple opted to open a second store in the Severna Park area because of the community. “It’s the same demographic,” MacMurray continues. “The people in this area are well educated, up and coming, interested in good schools and good living.”

Both MacMurrays are local products. Catherine attended the University of Maryland and grew up in Baltimore. Don’s family is Severna Park through and through; he attended Severna Park Elementary and graduated from Severna Park High.

MacMurray feels it’s important that customers can come intothe store not just to buy, but also to try and to learn. “There are people in the shop who can help with the selection of wine, beer, or liquor,” he explains. “Shop manager Kerry Drapalski is very knowledgeable on wines.” The shop hosts occasional wine or beer tastings on Friday and Saturday nights and they have just started offering spirits tastings as well.

As for MacMurray, his favorite wine suggestions would be a Fess Parker Syrah for red and a Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc for white lovers.

The company website, www.harbourspirits.com, is full of their latest specials and news. Their weekly features clearly list the latest beer and wine specials. Contact the shop at 410-544-6377, or stop into their Benfield Road location and see it for yourself. Just don’t mind the dust; the results are sure to be worth it!

By Rochelle Karina

In 1977, George Moran opened the doors to his business, Moran Insurance. Thirty five years later, that business is still going strong, led by the team of Marc Dorman and Matt Lehmann. The two purchased the business in 2010 and chose to keep the Moran name and location.