A Week In Business

A Week In Business
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Local CEO Honored

BALTIMORE – Ernst & Young LLP announced that George C. Tunis, CEO and Chairman of Hardwire, LLC, has received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award in the Integrated Solutions category in Maryland.

The award recognizes standout entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. An independent panel of judges selected Tunis as this year’s recipient and the award was presented at a special gala on June 28 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Hardwire, LLC, based in Pocomoke City, is a leading designer and producer of composite-based armor systems for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, the U.S. State Department and for critical domestic infrastructure protection. When asked about his entrepreneurial spirit and what motivates him, Tunis said, "There is a time to work, a time to have fun, and a time to serve. At Hardwire, we are lucky to do all three at once. We make the best infrastructure, vehicle, and body armor in the world because we care about the people who use it."

According to a study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the state of Maryland ranks as the nation’s top all-around performer in innovation and entrepreneurship.

“It is a special honor to be recognized in the state of Maryland. Worcester County and the City of Pocomoke represent the most business-friendly environment I have experienced during my career,” Tunis said.

Now in its 26th year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program aims to recognize the contributions of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievements. Past recipients honored include entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com, Michael Dell of Dell Inc., Fred Smith of FedEx, Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google, Richard Schulze of Best Buy, Andrew Mason of Groupon, and many more.

As a Maryland award winner, Tunis is now eligible for consideration for the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award to be announced in Palm Springs, Calif. in November.

New Addition Announced

OCEAN CITY — Prudential Penfed Realty’s Ocean City 75th Street office has announced that Mechelle Nichols has joined the professional sales team.

Nichols is a long-time Worcester County resident and local business owner as well. She brings with her, not only her local expertise with respect to knowledge of the Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Bishopville and West Ocean City areas, but also her 20-plus years of business and sales experience.

Firm’s Work Recognized

SALISBURY — Becker Morgan Group has announced the new James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury and Pocomoke High School in Pocomoke were selected by the National School Board Association (NSBA) to be featured in the 2012 Exhibition of School Architecture.

The exhibition was held during NSBA’s 72nd Annual Conference in Boston, Mass. Projects were selected based on architectural solutions that are uniquely adapted to fulfill the desired educational program, while creating organized instructional areas, flexibility, community spaces, and technologically advanced systems.

The new James M. Bennett High School is the result of a collaborative design process, providing a technology rich, environmentally friendly school. The site planning required the phased construction of the new building adjacent to the occupied existing high school which was demolished following completion of the new facility. Sustainable design elements begin with the buildings orientation and include a geo-thermal HVAC system, daylight harvesting utilizing high performance glazing with automatic window blinds, and light control monitors.

The new additions at Pocomoke High School encompass and surround the existing school, adding new cafeteria, kitchen, gymnasium and music rooms to the southwest, a new administration and media center addition to the front of the building on the southeast and new science classroom wing to the northeast. A new circulation pattern was developed to tie the formerly disparate parts into a congruent whole. The design process worked to incorporate local vernacular to create a "Pocomoke Centric" feel and extensive use of natural light was a central theme.

Top Producers Named

BERLIN — Re/Max Premier Properties Broker Dr. Carl E. Ortman has named its top producers for the month of June as well as three new agents joining the company.

The top listing agent for the month is Pam Price of Salisbury office and the top volume producer is Holly Campbell, also from the Salisbury office.

Three new licensed agents joined the company including Charlene Reaser and Dana Wells in the Salisbury office and Jim Adcock in the Ocean Pines office.

Creative Firms Announce
Finalists In ‘Suite Dream’

SALISBURY – a.s.a.p.r. Creative Suite, a consortium of regional creative firms, has announced the five finalists for “A Suite Dream” – a grant program for integrated marketing and communication valued at $25,000.

“There was a great pool of applicants and reaching a decision took quite some time,” said Robbie Tarpley Raffish, president of a.s.a.p.r. integrated marketing which is a member of the a.s.a.p.r. Creative Suite. “Our committee was very inspired by all of the applications and these five finalists represent a cross section of the good works that happen across our region every day.”

The “Final Five” include Kids of Honor, Lower Shore Enterprises, Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service, Wicomico County Public Library and Worcester County Developmental Center, Inc. Beginning on July 5, each group will have the opportunity to demonstrate community support through Facebook-based voting. Once that is complete (July 20) a Blue Ribbon panel headed by BEACON (Business Economic and Community Outreach Network) at Salisbury University will review the finalists’ applications, Facebook voting results and complete a site visit.

The winner will be revealed on/about Aug. 1 and will work with the a.s.a.p.r. Creative Suite members on the development of a full marketing plan as well as public relations, advertising, web and video tools and materials.

Members of the a.s.a.p.r. Creative Suite working on “A Suite Dream” include a.s.a.p.r. integrated marketing, Rus Design, Spotlight Web, Sure PR, SugarFly Studios, Studio C and Two Rider Design.