Local Chamber of Commerce Names Business Awards Finalists and Legacy Award Honoree

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has revealed the finalists for its 27th Annual Washington County Business Awards, an event that serves as a significant gathering for the region’s business and nonprofit sectors. The chamber also announced that Donald “Don” M. Bowman will receive the Legacy Award, recognizing his substantial contributions to Washington County. The award ceremony, where winners in eight categories will be celebrated alongside Mr. Bowman, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre.

The finalists have been selected across eight distinct award categories, highlighting a diverse range of businesses and individuals making an impact in Washington County. In the “At Your Service Award” category, businesses recognized for their exceptional service include The Arc of Washington County, Community Rescue Service, Inc., Girls, Inc. of Washington County, Hagerstown Children’s School, and Rest Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery. For “Small Business of the Year,” the contenders are Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation, Hagerstown Home Store, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Hagerstown Health: Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, One Room Media, and Pathfinder Farm Distillery.

The “Small Non-Profit of the Year” nominees are Rider Jet Center, Inc., while “Large Non-Profit of the Year” will be chosen from The Arc of Washington County, Community Rescue Service, Inc., and Girls, Inc. of Washington County. Medium-sized businesses vying for “Medium Business of the Year” are Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc., ConservIt, Inc., and Fives Landis Corp. The “Large Business of the Year” category includes Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, Hub City Brewery, and Mountain View Animal Emergency.

Recognizing emerging talent, the “Young Professional of the Year” finalists are Dr. Jacob Ashby, Allison Lanham, and Brittany Wedd. The prestigious “Business Person of the Year” award will be presented to either Aaron House, Addie Nardi, or F. Christian Wright IV.

Donald “Don” M. Bowman has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Legacy Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have profoundly shaped Washington County through their professional accomplishments and civic engagement. Mr. Bowman’s extensive career began in 1959 with a single truck, and has since evolved into The Bowman Group, LLC, a conglomerate encompassing trucking, real estate development, and hospitality. His ventures include D.M. Bowman, Inc., Bowman Development Corporation, Bowman Hospitality, Bowman Truck Leasing, Bowman Trailer Leasing, and Bowman Logistics. The success of these enterprises has supported the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, which has funded significant capital projects in Washington County, including a substantial donation to the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Bowman Group has grown to become the eighth-largest employer in the area, providing numerous local employment opportunities. Mr. Bowman’s philanthropic efforts extend to supporting organizations such as the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, Doey’s House (Hospice of Washington County), and the American Cancer Society through the Annual Jone Bowman Memorial Golf Tournament. He has also actively supported the Humane Society of Washington County. Mr. Bowman resides in Williamsport, Maryland, with his wife, Mary, and they have four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce, established in 1919, represents over 675 organizations and supports more than 40,000 local jobs across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, service and hospitality, technology, government, nonprofit, and education. The Chamber’s mission is to cultivate a robust business environment that promotes growth and prosperity for its members and the community. Further details on the event and a complete list of award finalists are available on the Chamber’s website at Hagerstown.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce

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