Congratulations to the 2010 SUMMIT Award Winners!

The 5th Annual SUMMIT Awards were presented at our Annual Meeting on March 11, 2010 at Ceresville Mansion.

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At Your Service Award – Smart Dog University

Awarded to a Frederick County retail or service business for making its store, office location, or web site a destination for an increasing number of customers; undertaking actions that generate customer loyalty and satisfaction; and bringing positive recognition to Frederick County.

Smart Dog University was founded by Laurie Luck, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Laurie’s approach to providing stellar service includes unparalleled online resources, community education and involvement, and extraordinary scheduling flexibility. Smart Dog University provides “good manners” coaching at local veterinary hospitals, customized in-home training, and a unique group class called “Canine Building Blocks.” Over 1800 Twitter users benefit from free tips on this popular social networking site, and many more have access to a wealth of information via Smart Dog University’s web site, blog, email newsletter, and Facebook page. Laurie has presented at regional and national conferences, bringing recognition to her company and to the Frederick business community.

Entrepreneurial Award – Wood Street, Inc.

Awarded to a Frederick County business with fewer than 50 employees that has increased employment and/or production and/or introduced an innovative product or service.

Wood Street, Inc., a Maryland Based HUBZone Certified multimedia design and development firm, has been an active and productive member of the Frederick business community since its inception in 2002. Wood Street doubled in size and revenue for the first four years in business, and currently employs a staff of six people. Future plans include further expansion into adjunct markets.

Innovation Award – BridgePath Scientific

Awarded to a Frederick County business whose innovation has produced a measurable increase in sales, product quality, and profitability.

BridgePath Scientific was nominated by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Akonni Biosystems, and Tyler Donegan. BridgePath, a business incubator graduate, has increased revenue by 250% in just three years, and have grown from one to 9 employees. The company services over 130 organizations nationwide, including a number of Frederick County businesses in the government, academic, and commercial industries. BridgePath’s unique approach to laboratory and scientific equipment rentals and service includes an in-house commercial laboratory and scientific expertise.

Made in Frederick County Award – Café 611

Awarded to a business that makes or assembles a product in Frederick County. Judging criteria shall include demonstrated product quality, increased production, and sales growth.

Café 611, a downtown Frederick restaurant with seating for more than 250 people, features a savory New Orleans style menu that includes co-owner Karen Jones’ unforgettable barbeque ribs. The company places an emphasis on service, outreach, and community involvement, and brought positive recognition to Frederick as a winner of the 2009 Maryland State Restaurant of the Year Award.

Workforce Development Award – Frederick Air

Awarded to a private sector employer that has consistently made workforce development a priority by offering its Frederick County employees training and education opportunities, or by investing money or other resources in local programs that positively affect local workforce development.

Frederick Air was nominated by Frederick Community College, for ensuring the stability and development of the trades workforce in Frederick County through various educational partnerships. Frederick Air makes employee development a priority by offering training and continuing education through FCC’s Advanced Workforce Training Center. Employees take courses in HVAC and plumbing, and multiple Frederick Air employees have served as HVAC instructors at FCC. Frederick Air was one of the first local companies to collaborate on the Construction Management and Building Trades & Technologies Institute (CMBTTI), and established an endowment with the FCC Foundation to provide scholarships for students in the CMBTTI program.

Partner in Business Award (nonprofits only) – Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI)

Awarded to a nonprofit organization that strives to make Frederick County a better place by developing effective partnerships within the business community.

Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. is a service-based, nonprofit 501(c) company whose programs and services support small business startup companies in Frederick County. Through strategic partnerships with area businesses and community organizations, including Hood College, Frederick Community College, SCORE-Frederick, and major economic development agencies, FITCI’s client companies have been able to accelerate growth in revenue and employees during the economic downturn.

Our Annual SUMMIT Awards

There’s nothing we like better than to celebrate the success of a Chamber member business! In fact, we’re so thrilled about the great things happening in the Frederick business and nonprofit communities that we created an annual awards program to give extra recognition to our members. The SUMMIT Awards are presented at the Annual Meeting in March.

To be eligible, nominees must be Chamber members in good standing for at least two years, and must submit a nomination package by the deadline.

Businesses and nonprofits may be nominated by others, or may nominate themselves. Organizations of any size who have made great strides within the past year may receive awards in a variety of categories:

• At Your Service Award – Awarded to a Frederick County retail or service business for making its store, office location, or web site a destination for an increasing number of customers; undertaking actions that generate customer loyalty and satisfaction; and bringing positive recognition to Frederick County
• Entrepreneurial Award – Awarded to a Frederick County business with fewer than 50 employees that has increased employment and/or production and/or introduced an innovative product or service
• Innovation Award – Awarded to a Frederick County business whose innovation has produced a measurable increase in sales, product quality, and profitability
• Made in Frederick County Award – Awarded to a business that makes or assembles a product in Frederick County. Judging criteria shall include demonstrated product quality, increased production, and sales growth
• Workforce Development Award – Awarded to a private sector employer that has consistently made workforce development a priority by offering its Frederick County employees training and education opportunities, or by investing money or other resources in local programs that positively affect local workforce developmen
• Partner in Business Award (nonprofits only) – Awarded to a nonprofit organization that strives to make Frederick County a better place by developing effective partnerships within the business community

For more information about the SUMMIT Awards, contact Jessica Hibbard at 301.662.0745