ABOUT
History
Tidewater Trader was created in 1981 by Carla F. Johnson, who began the business at home with a pair of scissors, rubber cement, typewriter, and the kitchen table, churning out the first edition as an eight-page tabloid. Carla singlehandedly reached out to advertisers, designed and laid out the paper, and distributed the end product herself. In 1984, Tidewater Trader purchased its first computer and hired its first employee. In 1988, Tidewater Trader moved into the old train station, continuing to flourish and develop in its service to the community.
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The train station building was originally a Historic Railway Station built in 1902–03 for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today it remains the only station in the state of Maryland. For more information on the history of the building visit the Maryland Historical Trust page for the Chestertown Railroad Station.
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In August of 2016, Tidewater Trader moved to a new location at 813 High Street in Chestertown, providing much needed room for its continued growth. With its dedication to personal customer service and community service, Tidewater Trader continues to be the "local people's paper" that is a go-to source for those living in and visiting the Kent, Queen Anne's, and Cecil County areas in Maryland, and in Lower New Castle County in Delaware.
Staff
Get to know the “Trader Birds”, the dedicated and hardworking staff
of Tidewater Trader.
Carla F. Johnson—Publisher and original creator of Tidewater Trader
Of Carla’s many hobbies, photography and cooking are utilized each week in the cover photos and recipes in the “Who’s Cookin’ with Carla” column. Never resting for a day, she is the heart and soul of Tidewater Trader.
Karen Trout Reed—Editor, Design/Production, Website
Karen has been with Tidewater Trader since 1992, serving as Editor and head of Design and Production. She is the “creative magician” of the paper—designing ads and everything else that goes in the paper each week, fashioning it into the finished publication that you see on stands and online each week. In addition, she creates and manages the website design and content and coordinates printing of the publication.
info@tidewatertrader.com 410-778-1262 ext. 2004
Tracy Abram—Office Manager
Tracy has been with Tidewater Trader since 2007. She manages internal staff relations to ensure the office operates efficiently and effectively, establishes sales objectives and goals, and holds regular meetings with the office staff. As Office Manager she is available to discuss any compliments or quandaries you may have. Tracy is available to assist everyone in the office with whatever may need to be done.
tracy@tidewatertrader.com 410-778-1262 ext. 2005
George Kennedy, Sr.—Account Executive
George has been with Tidewater Trader since 1994 and has a sound knowledge of sales and many years of experience. He has been instrumental in helping Tidewater Trader grow to where it is today. He develops and maintains existing client relationships and works to secure new business. He coordinates his sales efforts to ensure deadlines are met and contributes to the team effort by helping wherever needed. He also provides the office staff with lighthearted comedic relief!
george@tidewatertrader.com, 410-778-1262 ext. 2002 or 410-708-3061
Marcia Fellows - Design/Production, Distribution, Social Media
Marcia joined Tidewater Trader in 2017. She has an extensive background in graphic design and is helping Tidewater Trader grow into the future. She uses her creativity to design display advertisements for clients and does data entry for classified advertising. She is the Distribution Manager and Director of Social Media for Tidewater Trader. marcia@tidewatertrader.com 410-778-1262 ext. 2003
Frankie Mayo - Billing/Receptionist
Frankie joined Tidewater Trader in 2021. She handles classified sales, billing, and reception duties, greeting customers in person and on the phone, answering or referring inquiries. She maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping informaton confidential, while preparing reports and performing database backups. She also opens and maintains customer accounts by recording and updating account information. She contributes to the team effort by assisting where needed.
For classified ads email classifieds@tidewatertrader.com or call the office, 410-778-1262.
For billing requests or questions email billing@tidewatertrader.com or
call 410-778-1262 ext. 2001