The Chamber Honors Local Excellence at 27th Annual Business Awards

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its 27th Annual Business Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across a spectrum of local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The event, held at The Maryland Theatre, drew over 460 attendees who gathered to honor recipients for their contributions to the community. The awards acknowledged exceptional service, innovation, community involvement, and dedication to Washington County.

The “At Your Service” award was presented to Rider Jet Center, a full-service Fixed Base Operator at Hagerstown Regional Airport. This award recognizes businesses and nonprofits for delivering exceptional customer or client service within Washington County. Rider Jet Center was lauded for its customer-first approach, comprehensive amenities, and integrated aircraft maintenance services, contributing to seamless aviation support with a focus on hospitality and operational excellence.

In the nonprofit sector, the Hagerstown Home Store received the Small Nonprofit of the Year Award. This accolade is given to 501(c)(3) organizations with 15 or fewer employees that provide exemplary services and programs within Washington County. The Hagerstown Home Store, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, was recognized for its vital role in assisting individuals and families with homeownership education, budgeting, and access to housing resources, particularly supporting low-to-moderate income households. The award includes a $500 grant made possible by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland.

The Large Nonprofit of the Year Award was bestowed upon Community Rescue Service, Inc. This award honors 501(c)(3) organizations with 16 or more employees that offer exemplary services. Community Rescue Service, Inc. was recognized for its commitment to providing essential emergency medical services to Washington County, emphasizing professionalism, reliability, and public safety through highly trained personnel and modern equipment. This award also includes a $500 grant from the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland.

For small businesses, the Small Business of the Year Award went to One Room Media. This award celebrates businesses with 15 or fewer employees demonstrating excellence in product or service quality, innovation, community involvement, and high business standards. One Room Media was acknowledged for its high-quality video and photo production, digital marketing, and advertising services, particularly for its community series highlighting local restaurants and events that support nonprofit initiatives.

Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc. was named the Medium Business of the Year. This award recognizes businesses with 16 to 50 employees that exhibit strong product or service quality, innovation, community engagement, and commitment to Washington County. Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc., established in 1968, was highlighted for its high-quality design, personalized service, and significant contributions to notable community projects, including architectural services donated for the new Boys and Girls Club and Doey’s House.

The Large Business of the Year Award was presented to Mountain View Animal Emergency. This award honors businesses with 51 or more employees for their quality, job creation, innovation, community involvement, and commitment to the region. Mountain View Animal Emergency was recognized for providing compassionate emergency veterinary care for dogs and cats in the tristate area since 2008, operating from a state-of-the-art facility and demonstrating exceptional client service and community support.

Young Professional of the Year was awarded to Ms. Brittany Wedd. This award recognizes individuals under 40 who have demonstrated excellence in business or nonprofit leadership and are actively involved in Washington County. Ms. Wedd, as Executive Director of Children In Need, Inc., was celebrated for her leadership in expanding programs and strengthening partnerships to support thousands of local families annually.

The Business Person of the Year Award recognized Mr. F. Christian Wright IV. This award honors professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, enhanced the image of the local business community, and provided superior service. Mr. Wright, President of Wright-Gardner Insurance, was acknowledged for his decades of leadership in the insurance industry, his commitment to community service, and his extensive involvement with numerous nonprofit and civic boards in Washington County.

The Legacy Award, presented to an individual who has built a significant legacy in Washington County through career achievements and community service, was bestowed upon Mr. Donald “Don” M. Bowman. Mr. Bowman, Chairman & President of The Bowman Group, LLC, was honored for establishing a diverse portfolio of businesses that have profoundly impacted the county, providing substantial employment opportunities and funding the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, which supports capital projects in Washington County.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce represents over 675 organizations, encompassing more than 40,000 local jobs across a variety of industries. The organization emphasizes growth, community, and success through participation, inclusion, and collaboration.

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

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