Awards

Golden Ambassador Award

At the Annual Autumn Glory Kick Off Event, the Golden Ambassador is announced. The winner of this award has made major contributions to tourism in Garrett County. Only Chamber members may nominate fellow Chamber members for this prestigious title.

2024 Golden Ambassador Sponsor

2024 Golden Ambassador

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has named Brenda McDonnell and Martin Heise the 2024 Honorary Golden Ambassadors of the 57th Annual Autumn Glory Festival. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception on October 9, 2024. The Golden Ambassador sponsor is BILT Construction. Team One GMC is the title sponsor of the 57th Annual Autumn Glory Festival.

The Golden Ambassador is awarded by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to a person, or persons, who has contributed to, and supported tourism in Garrett County. The Golden Ambassador is selected by a committee of former Golden Ambassador winners from nominations by Chamber members.
Originally from the Bronx in New York City, Brenda McDonnell took a trip to Maryland in 1988 that led her to Garrett County. Brenda and her friend, Dominick, were inspired to start Dominick’s Pizzeria, offering fresh, homemade pizza, in McHenry later that same year. After Dominick’s closed in 1995, Brenda moved over to Wisp Resort to manage Pizzazz Pizzeria. Although Pizzazz was part of a larger corporation, it still had a family feel to it, because it was owned by the Heise family, original founders of Wisp Ski Resort and Will O’ the Wisp.

When the Heises’ sold Wisp several years later, Brenda decided it was time to re-create the neighborhood place she had grown up with which she had dreamed about since Dominick’s closed. Brenda’s Pizzeria opened at its current location at Traders Landing in June 2001. She took over the existing coffee house (Traders Coffee House) on the ground floor and started the pizzeria upstairs. Brenda’s Pizzeria has undergone several extensive renovations over the years, including a brand new building constructed in 2004. 2004 was also notable because it was the year Brenda married her husband Martin Heise, the longtime owner of the Four Seasons Dining Room at Will O’the Wisp.

The Four Seasons Dining Room opened in November 1961 and Martin Heise is the third generation of Heises to live and work there. Operated by the Wisp Resort founder, Helmuth “Ace” Heise and his wife Evelyn, along with their son Martin, the restaurant was popular for its gorgeous lake views and delicious cuisine. Martin’s training in hospitality started as a youngster washing dishes, bussing the dining room and raking the beach at Will O’the Wisp, before he attended the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and Hospitality. The restaurant continued as one of the area’s most popular dining and special event destinations for almost fifty years. Ace passed away in 2009 and with Evelyn in declining health, Martin decided to close the business in 2012. However, Brenda, with the help of her husband Martin, envisioned a new future for the Deep Creek staple and after months of extensive remodeling and staff training, it reopened in 2013 as Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub, a nod and tribute to her mother and father-in-law for their great contribution to Garrett County.

As if they weren’t busy enough, Brenda, again with the help of Martin, decided to open Firewater Kitchen & Bar in 2021, right next door to Ace’s Run. With lakefront views and outdoor dining options that even include dining on Deep Creek Lake, Firewater has become well known for their carefully crafted food paired with uniquely hand-crafted cocktails and draft beers. As most locals and visitors know, Martin can often be seen at Ace’s and Firewater tending to guests, assisting the kitchen and providing catering for special events.

Brenda served as President of the Deep Creek Business Association and, after a previous stint in the early 2000s, Brenda again currently serves on the Board of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs committee and has testified multiple times in front of the MD State Houe of Representatives and Senate for, and against, legislation that will affect small businesses and tourism in Garrett County. Brenda’s restaurants have been a sponsor of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual July 4th Fire on The Mountain Fireworks Display in McHenry each year. Martin has been involved with the Community Trust Foundation and served on the boards of the House of Hope, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival and the Garrett County Choral Society.

“I am very excited to see Brenda and Martin receive the 2024 Golden Ambassador Award and be recognized for their contributions to tourism,” said Andrew Fike, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

Past Recipients of the Golden Ambassador

Emerging Entrepreneur Award

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has announced the creation of the Emerging Entrepreneur Award and is now accepting nominations. The award is envisioned as a way to encourage new growth in the local economy and reward ambitious newcomers for taking risks. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on June 6, 2024.
An emerging entrepreneur is someone with the ability to identify new business opportunities and act on these opportunities to bring a business venture to life. Emerging entrepreneurs are inspired by all the exciting opportunities available to them and a willingness to take risks to build, launch, and grow their business. They must be able to adapt to changing circumstances in their business, overcome obstacles, and access opportunities to develop their business further. An emerging entrepreneur must also be able to pitch their ideas, sell their product or service to customers, and build a team of employees, mentors, or supporters to assist them along their journey.

The criteria for nomination include the following:

• Target range of nominees is 20-40 years old
• Business in operation for 2 or more consecutive years
• Nominee must be a member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

The Garrett County Diplomats Committee will choose 3 finalists from the pool of nominees and present them to the Board with a recommended winner. Then the Chamber Board of Directors will choose the winner. The winner of the award is announced during the Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

“The goal is not, in any way, to diminish the value of the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, but instead to complement it,” said Membership Development Manager Nick Sharps. “The Heise Award acts as a lifetime achievement award, celebrating some of the greatest success stories of our local economy. There are a lot of great new businesses that I expect to one day add to the Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award roster but in the meantime, I think it’s important to recognize the youthful energy out there. We want that kind of energy in Garrett County and, more specifically, in the Chamber.”

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Emerging Entrepreneur Award. You can download the nomination form by clicking here. Please submit nominations via mail to ATTN: Nick Sharps, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541 or by email at nick@garrettchamber.com. Nominations will not be accepted after Close of Business on March 8, 2024.

2024 Emerging Entrepreneur Winner

The winner of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s first ever Emerging Entrepreneur Award was announced during the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Membership Development Manager Nick Sharps made the presentation to this year’s winner, Ben Riegsecker of The Casselman Inn and Restaurant.
Ben hails from Indiana where, as a young adult, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit. He entered the arena of business ownership in the spring of 2008 when he started his own construction company, Midwest Structure, in Middlebury, Indiana. In 2009, he started a second company, Unlimited Construction, which specialized in rubber roofing. Over the next years, both ventures grew to be successful businesses. After selling both businesses in June, 2014, Ben and his wife Elissa moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where he worked as the Unit Leader in charge of operations at Hillcrest Nursing Home. Ben continued in this role for three years until they felt God was calling them to move to Garrett County.

Looking for opportunities for employment here in the county, they began conversation with the Ivan J. and Della Miller Family about the purchase of The Casselman Inn and Restaurant which was in decline. Since neither Ben nor Elissa had any experience in the hospitality or restaurant industry, they took the next weeks to think and pray for wisdom for this decision.

On August 1, 2017, they purchased The Casselman Inn and Restaurant from the Miller family. Of special interest in this venture is the fact that Ivan J and Della Miller, whose family operated the enterprise for over fifty years, were Elissa’s great aunt and great uncle. Also, of note is that Elissa’s great-grandfather was born in the old part of the Inn while his family lived there temporarily. Ben and Elisa embarked on a mission to restore and rejuvenate this iconic landmark, breathing new life into its timeworn walls while retaining its authentic charm. Under his stewardship, The Casselman Inn evolved into more than just a place to stay; it became a cherished destination where visitors could immerse themselves in the area's history, flavors, and hospitality. Through his dedication and vision, Riegsecker has not only revitalized the Casselman Inn but has also contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of Grantsville, Garrett County and its surrounding areas.

“Ben and his wife have enriched Grantsville and the surrounding communities in so many ways since their arrival in 2017,” said Devin Callis, owner of 3rd Street Diner and Oak-Mar Motel. “Their interest in the community and its residents is exemplified in their sincere care for their employees and service to their customers. Employees are encouraged to spread love and kindness to customers by greeting them with a smile and randomly providing free merchandise as they strive to be ambassadors of goodwill.”

In May of 2018, Ben and Elissa expanded their business with the opening of the Casselman Bakery, located at the intersection of 219 and Glendale Road. This business also grew to be a successful venture.

In July of 2020, during the peak of the Covid outbreak, Ben became aware of a business in Meyersdale, PA which was under duress. Purchasing Summit Country Market was another step of faith. Once again, after making adjustments in the operation, the business has experienced success.

In October of 2021, the old Grantsville Shopping Plaza came to Ben’s attention. Half of the Plaza had been vacant for years. The occupied part of the Plaza had a hardware store, a bank, a pharmacy, and a household retail store. Ben got a vision for what the Plaza could be and negotiated its purchase. With much work required to clear and repair the vacant areas, the Plaza once again presents an attractive array of businesses.

In January of 2022, Ben became aware that the owner of the hardware store was interested in closing the business due to his age and the challenges presented by the pandemic. Not wanting to see the community lose the hardware store which had served it well for many years, Ben investigated the possibility of purchasing the business. With the addition of a business partner, Larry Byler, they were able to secure the hardware store business and continue its service to the community as Chestnut Ridge Home and Hardware, saving 30 jobs in the process.

In May of 2022, Ben restored another important enterprise to the plaza and community with the opening of the Casselman Market, a full-service grocery store with a deli, butchery, and daily lunch specials. Once again, local residents do not have to travel beyond Grantsville to buy groceries.

In 2023, Ben purchased a stake in another Grantsville icon, High Country Creamery in an effort to revitalize the business and fulfill the vision of its founder Olen Beitzel. The newly minted Casselman Creamery will add vital food manufacturing jobs to Grantsville and support local farmers with their Cheese and Milk based goods.

The Casselman brand has become synonymous with quality, community, reliability, and charity. Ben has used his resources to fund local charity organizations, support individuals, save small town businesses and house/employ the homeless. His care of his staff goes above and beyond with supportive services that has earned him a well-deserved and fierce loyalty amongst his employees and peers. In December of 2023 Ben and his team held a community “Walk through Bethlehem,” Christmas pageant at the Grantsville Plaza, serving over 3,000 community members with free food, entertainment, and wholesome family fun.

“Ben is the embodiment of an ‘emerging entrepreneur’,” said Nick Sharps, Membership Development Manager for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s honestly perfect that he was selected as the award’s first recipient.”

Diplomat of the Year Award

The Diplomat of the Year is determined through a points system given for membership packet distribution, Business After Hours Attendance, Business Before Hours Attendance, Diplomat meeting attendance, Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Grand Opening & First Dollar of Profit Presentation Attendance and Recruiting New Members. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce began recognizing a Diplomat of the Year in 2015.

2024 Diplomat of the Year Winner

The winner of the 2023-2024 Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Diplomat of the Year award was announced at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting & Dinner, held on Thursday, June 6, 2024. This year the award was presented to Kristin Skeweris of Railey Realty.

As a Garrett County Diplomat, Kristin attended 3 Diplomat committee meetings, 8 Business After Hours, 2 Business Before Hours, attended 4 ribbon cutting ceremonies, attended the first ever Pre-Legislative Forum, participated in the first ever Community Dunk, helped in the distribution of both prospect and new member packets, referred 1 new member to the Chamber, achieving a total of 275 Diplomat points. This is Kristin’s first time being awarded the Diplomat of the Year. She is a 5-year veteran of the Garrett County Diplomats Committee.

“Since joining the Diplomats, Kristin has acted as a model ambassador to the wider business community,” said Nick Sharps, Chamber Membership Development Manager. “I knew it was only a matter of time before she was awarded Diplomat of the Year.”

The Diplomat of the Year is determined through a points system given for membership packet distribution, Business After Hours Attendance, Business Before Hours Attendance, Diplomat meeting attendance, Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Grand Opening & First Dollar of Profit Presentation Attendance and Recruiting New Members. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce began recognizing a Diplomat of the Year in 2015 and previous recipients of the award include Sarena Rodeheaver, Patty Manown Mash, Connor Norman and Jess Dijak.

Past Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 2011 and recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The recipient of this award is selected by the staff of the Chamber and recognized at the Annual Dinner.

2023 Volunteer of the Year Winner

The recipient of the 2022-2023 Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award was announced at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting & Dinner, held on Thursday, June 1, 2023. This year the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Laura Fike, Executive Director of Garrett Mentors, Inc. Laura Fike has been a member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for nine years. In that time Laura served on the Board’s Executive Committee as Secretary from 2016 to 2018 and participated on the Board’s Nominating Committee on numerous occasions. She also acted as the Chamber’s representative to the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce.

Laura helped launch the Chamber’s Workforce Development Taskforce, a program dedicated to analyzing and addressing local workforce needs including affordable housing and public transit. Laura served as Chair from the committee’s inception in 2018 until 2022. In this capacity, she spoke at New Student Welcome Receptions hosted by Garrett College and the Chamber and assisted with the Work Ethic Diploma program, a partnership between Garrett County Public Schools and the Chamber to address workforce challenges by creating a pipeline of prospective employees who possess quality attributes desired by employers. Laura regularly attended Chamber events during her tenure—from Business After Hours mixers to Annual Dinners and Award Ceremonies. She has been a welcoming presence to many members of the organization, new and old.

Past Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award