The highest achievement bestowed on organizations and individuals by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their outstanding contributions through service, advocacy, and leadership
The Kent County Chamber of Commerce was honored to present organizations and two individuals with Community Excellence Awards at its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 9 at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club. The awardees were American Rock Hall Service Center, Cross Street Realtors, For All Seasons, and Kent Attainable Housing. The Persons of the Year award was presented to couple Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson.
“Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are the face of Kent County and engines of economic growth,” said Barbara Foster, President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. “Our 2021 awardees exemplify the power of community service in enhancing the quality of life in Kent County. We thank them and congratulate them for their work.”
To read a full summary of the award winners’ nominations, click here
American Rock Hall Service Center, a division of Annapolis-based American Bus & Sprinter, was recognized for its immediate contribution to Rock Hall and Kent County. Although the company specializes in selling and servicing commercial buses, when American opened its Rock Hall service center in the Spring of 2021, it pivoted to servicing passenger cars and light-duty trucks after hearing feedback from residents who expressed the need for automotive servicing. This decision led to American Rock Hall Service Center being a valuable employment center in Rock Hall. Steve Leonard, president and CEO of American Bus & Sprinter, was credited with also creating a culture that provided mentorship, in addition to on-the-job training, for many of American’s younger staff—some of whom are new to the workforce.
Cross Street Realtors was recognized with a Community Excellence Award for facilitating real estate transactions throughout 2021 that welcomed new residents to Kent County. The owners, agents, and staff of Cross Street were credited with single-handedly driving a portion of Kent County’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic as the brokerage of home sales led to the introduction of new home buyers to local contractors, service providers, schools, and community organizations. Cross Street was also recognized for its steadfast support of the community by making donations or serving on the boards of beloved community institutions including Sultana Education Foundation, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and the Animal Care Shelter of Kent County.
For All Seasons, the only nonprofit behavioral health and rape crisis center serving the five counties of Maryland’s Mid Shore, was recognized for not only remaining completely open during the entirety of the COVID pandemic, but also for increasing services and staffing in Kent County. For All Season’s services were offered in person and via telehealth and were offered to everyone on the Mid Shore without regard to one’s ability to pay. For All Season was highly engaged in the schools as well— both in person and virtual. Behavioral and mental health services were offered to Kent County students during the school day, eliminating the need for after-school appointments.
Kent Attainable Housing was recognized with a Community Excellence Award for tackling Kent County’s housing insecurity problem head-on. Kent Attainable Housing creates homeownership opportunities for local families in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. KAH has embarked on a multi-year program to build affordable homes for families in need to create foundations for healthier, happier, and more productive families. Kent Attainable Housing completed its first home in 2021 and is wrapping up construction of its second home on a property purchased in Worton.
The Persons of the Year Award was presented to couple Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, a husband/wife, author/illustrator duo who live and produce children’s books in Chestertown’s Arts and Entertainment District. In October 2021, Robbi and Matthew launched the Busload of Books Tour—a national social justice project that aims to donate 25,000 free books to underserved students and teachers at Title 1 elementary schools in all 50 states. In the wake of the Busload of Books Tour launch, Robbi and Matthew are emerging as education and literacy advocates. The national profile of the Busload of Books Tour project resulted in stories in the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly, both referenced Chestertown. Robbi and Matthew were also recognized for bringing their design and communications consulting experience to designing logos for such Chestertown organizations and institutions as The Arts and Entertainment District, Main Street Chestertown, The Black Union of Kent County, Chestertown Unites, KidSpot, The Rose O’Neill Literary House at Washington College, and Evergrain Bakery. Robbi and Matthew have emerged as well-known figures within Chestertown and the wider Eastern Shore community—unofficial ambassadors for creativity, family, and adventure.
The Kent County Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations and gratitude to this year’s Community Excellence Award winners.
To read a full summary of the award winners’ nominations, click here
Photos courtesy Steve Atkinson, ShoreToBeFun Photography
About the Kent County Chamber of Commerce
With more than 300 member businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, the Chamber is Kent County’s premier business-to-business facilitator. Through our many unique programs, events, and advocacy, we provide a platform for leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to engage with each other to grow their respective organizations for the ultimate benefit of Kent County and its residents.
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