Jeffery Johnson Selected as Kent's Business Leader of the Year

Jeffrey Johnson, outgoing President and CEO of Chester River Health System, was selected by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce as its Business Leader of the Year for 2009. Johnson was recognized for his leadership and community outreach after the hospital merged with the University of Maryland Medical System in 2008. Under his leadership the Health System expanded by opening a new lab and renovated Cardio-Pulmonary department in 2009. In accepting his award, Johnson said he had greatly enjoyed his time at the Chester River Health System and he attributed the award to all the wonderful employees that make our community hospital so special.

The presentation to Johnson was made at the Chamber's 40^th Annual Business Awards event on Friday, January 29 at Washington College's Gibson Center for the Arts and was one of five awards handed out to area business people and organizations.

Gratitude Yachting Center was named the Chamber's Outstanding Business of the Year. The company is the largest dealer of Island Packet yachts in the world and they have been Island Packet's Dealer of the Year for 22 out of 28 years, including 2009. In 2010 Gratitude Yachting Center celebrates its 30^th anniversary in business in Rock Hall. Cindy Genther, Executive Director of the Chamber, noted during the presentation of the award, "At a time when all businesses are struggling, this dealer of luxury yachts grew its business during 2009, expanded its product line, and also received Island Packet's prestigious Golden Wrench Award".

The New Business of the Year Award went to the Chestertown Spy online media source. The "Spy" was started up last year by Dave Wheelan and has since attracted thousands of visitors from all over the U.S. The site offers news and editorial content as well as advertising.

S.C.O.R.E. Chapter 670 received the Service Organization of the Year award for helping hundreds of new and existing businesses become successful. The local chapter supports businesses in Kent and Queen Anne's Counties and in 2009 expanded to cover southern Cecil County as well. Chairman Bart Stolp accepted the award on behalf of the more than 20 volunteers in the local SCORE Chapter.

Eastern Shore Tents and Events was recognized with the Chamber's Community Involvement Award for its donations of time, materials, and efforts to local fundraisers and non-profit organizations. The company also opened a retail store in Chestertown in 2009. Rebecca Blizzard accepted the award on behalf of owner Jonathan Mason who could not attend due to illness. 

About 100 business and community leaders attended the awards event which this year included two hours of networking sandwiched around a 45 minute awards presentation. Cindy Genther, Executive Director of the Chamber opened the Awards presentation telling guests that the Chamber has 307 members and added 53 new members during 2009; 24 of those were new businesses in Kent County.

Genther stated that the Chamber has three areas of focus to support its members: legislation, education and promotion. During 2009 the Chamber opposed SB813 which would have increased business payroll taxes by 2% and it supported four local businesses in their efforts to expand operations. The Chamber's 2010 legislative agenda will focus on improving the business climate and job growth in Kent County and supporting the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center in Queen Anne's County. Genther also talked about the Chamber's education efforts including support for Kent County Public School's STEM and scholarship programs, its work with Washington College's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team and career fair, and a partnership with SCORE to offer free monthly business workshops.  Genther reminded attendees that the Chamber promotes member businesses with networking opportunities, marketing and public relations advice and distribution of member marketing materials at the Visitors Center and county events.

Also recognized at the event were the Kent County Public School 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year Dr. Keith Wharton, outgoing Chamber President GeorgJean Zimmerman and outgoing Chamber Directors Dennis Walters and Stefanie Wallace.