members were recognized for their achievements, leadership and community involvement at this week’s annual awards celebration.
On Wednesday, the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce held its annual Ocean City Chamber Awards Ceremony, which honors business leaders, nonprofits and volunteers who represent the area’s best.
Submissions for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Business Person of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and Volunteer of the Year were vetted by a selection committee made up of two current chamber board members, two past chamber presidents and two special events committee members.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Charles “Buddy” Jenkins of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks and Bay Shore Development Corporation.
A business owner and developer, Jenkins was recognized for his lifetime of consistent community leadership and philanthropic endeavors that have made a lasting impact.
Presenter Laura Deeley Bren of Deeley Insurance Group commended Jenkins’s “entrepreneurial spirit” and professional success.
“His contributions to the community are felt in so many areas,” she said. “They are felt in business, in tourism, in education, in health care, in his support for the addiction and mental health community and his generosity has supported so many people in our town.”
Jenkins told the audience he didn’t see his achievements as something to be recognized, but as something that was expected of him.
“When I was asked about being nominated by the chamber for the Lifetime Achievement Award, I started not to accept it because my lifetime is still ongoing, and I can tell you I want to continue to make things better,” he said. “I also do not view my achievements as being any more than what I was expected to do.”
Jenkins noted his family’s influence and encouragement to make the community a better place. At the urging of his mother, for example, Jenkins co-founded Worcester Preparatory School in 1970, and when he lost a daughter to addiction, Jenkins launched the Joan W. Jenkins Foundation – an addiction-focused organization that offers recovery services – in West Ocean City.
“Today, we have over 50,000 people on an annual basis on that four acres of land,” he said.
Jenkins also said he was grateful for the opportunity to develop and revitalize properties in Ocean City and Berlin into successful amusement parks, hotels and a slew of other businesses and to support entities that preserve the Eastern Shore’s natural assets.
“We want to make this place better for the future of young people coming here,” he said, “so tonight’s honor goes to my family, my friends, my employees – past and present – because they always thought how can I make it better.”
Jenkins was also joined with other honorees this week.
The recipient of this year’s Business Person of the Year award was Kimmerly Messick, above right, with award sponsor D3Corp President John Gehrig.
Kimmerly Messick of Furnish Inc. was recognized on Wednesday as the 2018 Business Person of the Year.
Messick detailed her journey from a child who grew up living in an attic to a successful business owner and acknowledged those who supported her throughout the years.
“In business, relationships are the things that are most important, and at a young age I was able to develop great relationships with people that helped me along the way …,” she said. “Without this very giving community none of this would be possible. There are so many deserving business leaders in this community, and I want to thank everyone for this award.”
The chamber also presented its 2018 Citizen of the Year award to Michelle Fager of Fager’s Island, who was recognized for her business successes and involvement in community projects such as Atlantic General Hospital’s Campaign for the Future.
Fager said that she was fortunate to have the time and resources to help the community and acknowledged all community members who served selflessly and without recognition.
“These countless people who give freely of their time and energy to improve the lives of others deserve just as much recognition as any of us here tonight,” she said. “When it comes down to it, it’s not how big the project is you work on, it’s the effect of a small good deed.”
Named Citizen of the Year was Michelle Fager, who is pictured above left delivering remarks.
The chamber this week also honored the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore as the 2018 Nonprofit of the Year award recipient. The nonprofit was recognized for its work in promoting education, financial stability and health through various programs.
Pam Gregory, interim president and CEO of the local United Way, assured the audience that the nonprofit will remain dedicated to its mission for years to come.
“Our United Way has served you and all of our neighbors for 74 years on the shore …,” she said. “Every day our community comes together to give back and raise each other up and it’s heartwarming to be a part of that process … We are very blessed to be a part of this community and are excited for another 74 years doing the same thing.”
The chamber on Wednesday also recognized Joe Wilson of Condominium Realty Ltd. as the 2018 Young Professional of the Year and Jamie and Ali Jacobs of OC Painting Experience by TC Studios as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year.
The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year. Pictured above are award sponsor Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore President Erica Joseph and Pam Gregory, interim President/CEO of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.
Wilson credited the community for his personal and professional growth.
The Young Professional of the Year award went to Joe Wilson, above left, who is pictured with Carozza, Mitrecic, Mathias and Meehan.
“When I was 22 years old, I went through a tough time, but the town and the members of the community really looked out for me,” he said. “A lot of people, many of whom are sitting in this room, went above and beyond to make sure that I had direction and was taken care of. Many took a chance on me early on in my career, and I had an early opportunity to work with them and for that I am forever grateful.”
Jamie and Ali Jacobs, winners of the Volunteer of the Year, are pictured with Carozza, Mitrecic, Mathias, Meehan and award sponsor PRMC President Steve Leonard. Photos by Dana Marie Photography
The Jacobs – who were recognized for their work with Little Pink Houses of Hope, the Worcester County Humane Society, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, PRMC, Surfers Healing and Youth for Christ and more – added they were also grateful for the community’s support.
“We are truly grateful for receiving this award and even more thankful for the opportunity to serve in such an outstanding community,” Ali Jacobs said.
