The Washington County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 25th Annual Business Awards event the evening of February 28, at The Maryland Theatre. Over 400 guests were in attendance. Community members and leaders of local businesses and nonprofits happily mingled before the winners were named.
The At Your Service award is given to a retail or service business doing work in Washington County for undertaking actions that generate customer loyalty and satisfaction. The 2024 award recipient was Chick-fil-A Hagerstown. Their vision to purposefully deliver care by touching hearts everyday inside the restaurant and beyond the business is carried out through their expansion with a new location on Sharpsburg Pike. Their new restaurant doubled their workforce by adding 100 new jobs.
The Large Business of the Year Award is given to a business with at least 50 employees, doing work in Washington County that has demonstrated any or all of the following: product or service quality, job creation, innovation, strong community involvement, high standard in business practice, and commitment to Washington County and the community.
The Arc of Washington County, Inc. received the 2024 Large Business of the Year Award. The Arc is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in every level of our society.
The Arc works closely with everyone who receives their services to create highly personalized programs that complement individual needs and preferences.
The Non-Profit of the Year Award recognizes and honors a 501(c)(3) organization with a Board of Directors that provides exemplary services and/or programs within Washington County. The recipient receives an unrestricted grant of $1,000, made possible by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland. The recipient of the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Award was Children in Need, Inc. Every economically disadvantaged child living in Washington County in need of support is eligible for services from Children in Need. The organization serves more than 3,000 children annually. Children in Need gives students the confidence they need to feel good about themselves by providing new or gently-used clothing and basic hygiene supplies.
The Small Business of the Year Award is given to a business with under 50 employees, doing work in Washington County that has demonstrated any or all of the following: product or service quality, job creation, innovation, strong community involvement, high standard in business practice, and commitment to Washington County and the community. University System of Maryland at Hagerstown received the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award. USMH offers upper-division-undergraduate and graduate academic programs of the universities within the University System of Maryland at its facility in downtown Hagerstown. USMH works collaboratively to develop innovative partnerships with local community colleges, businesses, and civic leaders to ensure a seamless and quality learning experience for students.
The Young Professional of the Year Award is given to a businessperson under the age of 40, who, during the last year, has demonstrated excellence in business, and remains active in Washington County, while demonstrating leadership skills. Dr. Michael Hann received the 2024 Young Professional of the Year Award. Dr. Hann’ s leadership at Brook Lane as their Chief Medical Officer has been instrumental in advancing their mission of hope, healing, and recovery in Washington County. Dr. Hann has overseen a diverse range of clinical programs, including inpatient psychiatric services, outpatient care, and specialty programs.
The Business Person of the Year Award is given to a business person who, during the last year, has demonstrated excellence in business, enhanced the image of the Washington County business community and/or has provided superior service to business and the community as a whole. Stephen Schutte received the 2024 Business Person of the Year Award. Schutte advocates for and helps facilitate success and new thought in Washington County. He is involved with numerous community organizations, including the Washington County Free Library, Western Maryland Regional Library, Hagerstown Youth Council, and Kiwanis. He is on the North High Booster Board, and also the Star Community Board. He also participates in various events around the community throughout the year. Schutte is the General Manager of Point Broadband.
