We invite you to join us for our upcoming Trash Pick-Up along the Eastern Blvd. Corridor in Essex on Monday, April 21. This event is taking place in partnership with Maryland Waterways Foundation This spring trash pick-up date will not only provide better conditions for our volunteers, but it also coincides with global Earth Day celebrations! We look forward to working together with residents, business owners, students, and friends to make our spring cleanup a success. QUESTIONS? Please contact Chrissy at chrissy.erb@essexcdc.org or 443-579-7974

Join Essex Business & Commercial Property Owners, Operators, and Community and Non-profit Leaders for our 2025 Coffee & Conversation. This is a FREE NETWORKING EVENT focusing on building connections between Commercial Property Owners, Business Owners and Operators, & Community Leaders with an interest in Essex. PLEASE NOTE: We have CHANGED OUR DAY OF THE WEEK! Going forward, Coffee and Conversation will take place on the 3rd THURSDAY of the month. Join us on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Moxil & Sparta Luxe, located at 620 Franklin Ave, Essex MD, 21221 Attendees will enjoy cocktails and treats as we get to know each other and share information about initiatives & projects currently taking place in Essex. RSVP by Wednesday, June 18, at 5:00 PM. Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up! Contact Nayeli at nayeli.rojas@essexcdc.org or 443-579-7974. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

Join us and Essex Business & Commercial Property Owners, Operators, and Community and Non-profit Leaders for our 2025 Coffee & Conversation. This is a FREE NETWORKING EVENT focusing on building connections between Essex-based business/groups. PLEASE NOTE: We have CHANGED OUR DAY OF THE WEEK! Going forward, THIS Coffee and Conversation will take place on the 2nd THURSDAY of the month. Join us on:Thursday, July 10, 20259:00 AM to 10:30 AM atEssex Elementary School100 Mace Ave, Essex, MD 21221 Attendees will enjoy coffee and treats as we get to know each other and share information about initiatives & projects currently taking place in Essex. RSVP by Wednesday, July 9 at 5:00 PM. Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up! Contact Abigail at admin@essexcdc.org or 443-579-7974. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!!!

 Summer Second Fridays in Essex are HERE—and you don’t want to miss the KICKOFF!   Friday, July 11 | 6–9 PM 25 Eastern Blvd. (in front of A Sweeet Village Suites) We’re bringing the energy, flavor, and FUN to Eastern Blvd. with a night that shows off the very BEST of Essex!  Here’s what’s poppin’: 6PM – Sip and savor at a COFFEE TASTING with the amazing Coffee Balam inside the Essex CDC office 7PM – Hit the dance floor (or parking lot!) for SALSA LESSONS led by the Symmetry Arts Dance Team with vibes by DJ Rome  All Night – Make your mark! Add your creativity to the Empact Art COMMUNITY MURAL—to be installed later this summer at 142 Eastern Blvd!  Explore a pop-up street market with local artisans, crafters, community orgs, and local businesses Play board & lawn games, rock temporary tattoos, and discover local gems Grab a plate! Chow down on crabs, oysters, delicious

Join Essex CDC and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce for a special evening of networking at Weavers Marine Service Inc, hosted by owner Sam Weaver! Come connect with local business owners, community leaders, and neighbors in a relaxed waterfront setting. 📅 Date: Thursday, August 21 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: 730 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221 💌 RSVP by emailing Chrissy at chrissy.erb@essexcdc.org Let’s mix business with a little fun—hope to see you there! 🌅⚓ EssexNetworking #SupportLocal #CommunityConnections

Feathers, Food, & Festive Windows!  Join us for a fun and festive afternoon in Essex as we welcome the season of giving!  What’s happening: DIY Birdfeeders – Create your own birdfeeder using pine cones, peanut butter, and bird seed — perfect for helping our feathered friends stay cozy this season! Holiday Window Decorating Contest Info – Learn about our contest and help spread the word to local artists who’d love to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit throughout Essex! Canned Food Donations – Help make a difference this Thanksgiving by bringing canned goods to support local families in need. Bring the whole family for a day of creativity, community, and giving back. Let’s make Essex shine this holiday season — inside and out!

oin Essex Community Development Corporation and the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce for our January Coffee & Conversation networking event at Baltimore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! This casual morning gathering is open to commercial property owners, business owners and operators, and community leaders with an interest in Essex. Come enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and meaningful conversation while connecting with others who care about strengthening our local business community. 📅 Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026🕘 Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM📍 Location: Baltimore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu501 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD 21221 💌 RSVP by Wednesday, January 14📞 Text or call: 443-579-7974📧 Email: alison.maxwell@essexcdc.org🌐 Or register online: chesapeakechamber.org/event-6505232 Be sure to check the Essex CDC Facebook page for updates or changes. Food • Drinks • Conversation • CommunityWe hope you can join us!

Grab your girlfriends and celebrate your special holiday with Essex CDC’s 3rd Annual Galentine’s Ladies Lunch & Cake Decorating Class: a fun-filled afternoon for a great cause!  GENERAL INFORMATION: Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 PM Buon Appetito Restaurant at 405 Mace Ave, Essex, MD 21221 $75 per person Fundraiser benefiting the Essex Community Development Corporation (Essex CDC) YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: Seated Italian Lunch at Buon Appetito including House Salad, Meatballs Marinara, Farfalle à la Vodka (Vegetarian), Soft Drinks, Coffee & Tea Cash bar available Cake Decorating Class with "Pinkee" of Pinkee’s Sweet Treats This year we’re switching it up! Instead of past designs, we’ll be making CONVERSATION HEART CAKES  complete with a heart-shaped cake and colorful icing.  Come with a fun or feisty saying to write on your conversation heart cake! We’ll be giving out prizes for the most creative sayings, so bring your A-game. This is the perfect way to spend quality time with your girlfriends,

✨ Essex Facade Improvement Grant Program Information Session: Monday, February 9 at 5:30 PM ✨Own or operate a business or commercial property in Essex? Want to improve your storefront, signage, or building exterior? Essex CDC is launching the 2026 Essex Facade Improvement Grant Program on Monday, February 9, and we’re hosting an information session to walk you through it.💰 Grant funds can be used for eligible exterior improvements that enhance the look, safety, and appeal of Essex businesses and commercial properties.📅 In-Person Grant Information Session:🗓 Monday, February 9⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM📍 Essex CDC Office25 Eastern Blvd., Suite 98 For more information, contact beautification@essexcdc.org.