CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Washington County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of local businesses, nonprofits and professionals during its 27th Annual Business Awards on Feb. 25 at The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown. More than 460 guests attended the event, which recognized organizations and individuals shaping the county’s business and community landscape.
Rider Jet Center received the At Your Service Award for delivering exceptional customer care as a full-service Fixed Base Operator at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Founded in 2003 by private pilot David Rider, the company—now operated by his son, Ben Rider—offers aviation support, maintenance and hospitality services through South Mountain Aviation.
The Small Nonprofit of the Year Award went to Hagerstown Home Store, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency that provides homebuyer education, budget coaching and fair housing resources. The organization received a $500 unrestricted grant from the Community Foundation of Washington County.
Receiving the Large Nonprofit of the Year Award, Community Rescue Service, Inc. was honored for providing dependable emergency medical services through expert staff, modern equipment, and a strong commitment to public safety.
One Room Media earned the Small Business of the Year Award for its high-quality photo, video and digital marketing services. The company’s community video series has helped promote local restaurants and raise funds for area nonprofits.
Bushey Feight Morin Architects, Inc. was named Medium Business of the Year, recognizing its legacy of innovative design and civic-minded contributions, including work on the HCC Bowman Family Workforce Training Center and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Taking home the Large Business of the Year Award, Mountain View Animal Emergency was honored for its compassionate pet care and community support. The hospital operates a 16,000-square-foot facility offering specialized emergency and surgical services for the tri-state area.
Brittany Wedd, executive director of Children In Need, Inc., earned the Young Professional of the Year Award for expanding programs and partnerships that serve thousands of local children and families in need.
F. Christian Wright IV, president of Wright-Gardner Insurance, received the Business Person of the Year Award for his leadership in risk management and long-standing civic service through local nonprofits and foundations.
The Chamber also presented the Legacy Award to Donald “Don” M. Bowman, chairman and president of Bowman Group, LLC. Through enterprises spanning trucking, logistics, real estate and hospitality, Bowman built one of the region’s largest employers and helped fund the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, which supports capital projects across Washington County.
The Chamber, representing more than 675 member organizations and 40,000 local jobs, promotes growth, collaboration and community success throughout the region. More information is available at www.hagerstown.org.
