CHESTERTOWN — Individuals, businesses and organizations are recognized for contributions of leadership, service and economic impact with Community Excellence Awards presented by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce.
Nominations for the annual awards are submitted by community members and voted upon by the chamber of commerce’s board of directors using criteria that include leadership, innovation, community involvement and overall positive impact.
This year’s honorees were celebrated at an event held at the Garfield Center for the Arts.
According to a news release, the Business of the Year Award recognizes a local company that demonstrates success, innovation and measurable impact on Kent County through job creation, economic development and responsible business practices.
This year’s recipient is Gillespie & Son, a fifth-generation enterprise headquartered in Chestertown that is led by brothers Jim and Todd Gillespie.
Gillespie & Son’s high-capacity ready-mixed concrete plants and comprehensive masonry supply division to the Gillespie Builder’s Store provide infrastructure that supports ongoing development throughout Kent County.
“Gillespie & Son is an engine of economic stability, providing high-skill, reliable employment opportunities that sustain the local workforce,” according to a news release.
The Organization of the Year is a nonprofit or community entity that significantly enhances the quality of life for county residents. This year’s award winner, the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County, also received $1,000 to support its work.
The ACSKC is the county’s only open-admission, no-kill facility. It is a nonprofit backed by donations, volunteer work and local partnerships.
Since moving into its new facility on Worton Road outside of Chestertown in 2023, the organization has expanded its operational capacity to include more space for animals and more affordable services. The shelter’s “trap-neuter-return” initiatives humanely manage the local feral cat population.
Jim Rich is the Individual of the Year, applauded for his leadership, volunteerism and professional efforts that have left a lasting imprint on the county.
He owns and co-manages Rock Hall enterprises that include Java Rock Coffeehouse and The Inn at Huntingfield Creek.
For more than 20 years, Rich has been a board member of the Greater Rock Hall Business Association.
He also serves as director of Rock Hall tourism events including Pirates and Wenches Weekend and FallFest.
For more information about the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and upcoming programs, visit www.kentchamber.org.
