CELEBRATES BUSINESS AT 29TH ANNUAL CEREMONY
Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 29th Annual Harford Award on Wednesday, October 20th at Water’s Edge Events Center from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The prestigious award honors companies and organizations which exemplify a strong commitment to the Harford County business community. Recipients are chosen through a nomination/application process focused on business growth, increased employment, unique and creative business strategies, technology innovation, and charitable contributions.
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman offered opening remarks. “I am so proud of all the people who operate our local businesses, especially in these challenging times,” Glassman said. “This year’s winners are shining examples of what they can do and achieve.” Lee Tayson of Liberty Mutual Insurance and Harford County Chamber Board Chair also welcomed attendees by celebrating Harford County’s survival through the pandemic by stating, “Since March 2020, our Board of Directors and team have witnessed you, our business community, persevere with relentless determination…thank you for never giving up or giving in!”
The Harford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2021 Harford Award Recipients: Harford Mutual Insurance Group (Andy Klein Legacy Award), Elegant Restoration (Service), Harford Community Action Agency (Non-Profit), Heated 4 U (Retail), MSI Integrative Healthcare (R&D/Technology category), and Sizzling Bombay (Hospitality/Tourism).
The Andy Klein Legacy Award recognizes past Harford Award Recipients who have received the award 10 or more years ago, showing consistent and continual dedication to our county. Aside from Andy Klein being well-known in the community for serving as President of Klein’s family markets, Andy was well-respected for his philanthropic contributions; a giving man of his time, expertise, and resources. Andy Klein embodied the fabric of Harford County – faith, family, and community.
The 2021 Andy Klein legacy Harford Award Recipient is the Harford Mutual Insurance Group. Harford Mutual first received a Harford Award in 2010. Many things have changed since Harford Mutual was founded in 1842, but its commitment to ensuring opportunity through mutual success has remained steadfast. In 2020 alone, Harford Mutual affirmed its annual giving of almost $300,000 to its non-profit partners! Harford mutual then committed an additional $250,000 in targeted COVID-19 relief. They ended 2020 by giving over one million dollars in community support! Learn more about Harford Mutual on their website.
Also celebrating their 25th year in business, Elegant Restoration, Inc. is the 2021 Harford Award Recipient in the Service Category. They are an industry leader helping business and homeowners recover and restore their property when damaged by water, fire, or storm. Elegant Restoration has grown substantially over the past two and a half decades: expanding in employees, sales, and partnerships. Caring for their customers is Elegant Restoration’s number one priority. Learn more on Elegant Restoration’s website.
Harford Community Action Agency is the 2021 Harford Award Recipient in the Non-Profit Category. Harford Community Action Agency has received national praise for its working relationships with numerous agencies and community partners throughout the county. Given these relationships, Harford Community Action Agency was able to handle the increased need during the pandemic. With the pandemic, HCAA saw a 43% increase in their food pantry need which equates to about 9,000 households. They rose to the occasion, adding 2 new programs to their operations to fulfill this need. Learn more about Harford Community Action Agency on their website.
Family-owned and operated since 2012, Heated 4 U is the 2021 Harford Award recipient in the Retail Category. Heated 4 U was able to increase revenue and unique customers in 2020 while battling COVID-19 shutdowns. Opening a retail space in 2019 and creating new products are just two examples of Heated R U’s growth. Their commitment to Harford County is evident through their non-profit contributions and their dedication to promote, support, and utilize local businesses in everyday operations. Learn more about Heated 4 U on their website.
The 2021 Harford Award Recipient in the R&D/Technology Category is MSI Integrative Health. MSI Integrative Health offers comprehensive care and constantly seek out state-of-the-art innovations to help people heal more quickly and without the use of drugs or surgery. Recently, owners Dr. Rochelin Herold and Dr. Joyce Herold purchased Winter’s Run Professional Center, solidifying their commitment to serving Harford County. Watch MSI’s video here to learn more.
Sizzling Bombay, Harford County’s first Indian restaurant opening in 2007, is the 2021 Harford Award Recipient in the Tourism/Hospitality Category. Since opening, Sizzling Bombay has increased employment, adding full-time staff and delivery drivers. To increase sales and market share, Sizzling Bombay has partnered with online ordering and delivery platforms while investing in the community through contributions to local school and church initiatives and other non-profits. Sizzling Bombay is committed to preparing delicious, authentic food for customers, always using fresh ingredients. To learn more about Sizzling Bombay, view their video here.
Watch the 2021 Harford Award videos on the Harford County Chamber of Commerce’s Youtube Channel.
If you would like to nominate a business or apply for the 2022 Harford Award, the application will be open from March 1st to March 31st, 2022 on the Chamber’s website.
The Harford County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the Harford Award recipients, sponsors, and attendees as well as all the Harford County Chamber members for their contribution to local economy growth across all sectors. The 2021 Harford Award premier sponsors were Baltimore Gas and Electric, Harford Community College, the Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development, and Venture Access. The event was also sponsored by Visit Harford, Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Harford County Public Library, Elegant Restoration Inc., Thompson Toyota Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, United Way of Central Maryland, Campion Insurance, Tar Heel Construction Group LLC, Bel Air Downtown Alliance, Bravura Information Technology Systems Inc., The John Carroll School, Island Spice Grille and Lounge, Skylight Creative Ideas, Pro2 Marketing, MidAtlantic Photographic LLC, Water’s Edge Events Center, and Ko-Op Media.
