Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 31st Annual Ceremony
Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 31st annual Harford Award on Tuesday, October 24th at Water’s Edge Events Center. 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.
Brianne Baccaro Norris, Weyric, Chronin, Sorra and Harford County Chamber Board Chair welcomed attendees and recognized dignitaries in attendance. County Executive Bob Cassilly; Dr. Theresa Felder, Harford Community College; Elizabeth Wise, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health; and Dytonia Reed, BGE; all shared remarks and their congratulations to the recipients.
The Harford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2023 Harford Award Recipients: Chesapeake Environmental Management (Andy Klein Legacy Award), Elite Power Washing (Service), Humanim (Non-Profit), Independent Brewing Company (Retail), Hill Tech Solutions (R & D/Technology), and Crabby Axe Throwing (Hospitality/Tourism).
The Andy Klein Legacy Award recognizes those individuals and businesses 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 2023 Andy Klein legacy Harford Award Recipient is Chesapeake Environmental Management, celebrating 30 years in Harford County. Chesapeake Environmental Management is dedicated to building diversity and inclusion, educating the next generation, and giving back to our community, pledging to share 1 million dollars with local nonprofits by 2025.
Elite Power Washing is the 2023 Harford Award Recipient in the Service category. Elite Power Washing’s focus on customer service has driven their exceptional growth over the past 6 years. Dedicated to honesty and integrity, Elite Power Washing implements new technology to provide the best possible customer experience.
Humanim is the 2023 Harford Award Recipient in the Non-Profit category. Humanim has a rich history of making a difference in Harford County. Since 1997, Humanim has been supporting disadvantaged families and individuals through workforce training, education, and health services. Humanim recently opened the Infinity Center, a center for children on the autism spectrum to help them reach key developmental milestones.
Opening its doors in 2015, Independent Brewing Company is the 2023 Harford Award recipient in the Retail category. Independent Brewing Company has since hired more than 20 employees, reached 12% year over year sales growth, and an expanded geographic reach. Despite such rapid and impressive growth, Independent Brewing Company has retained its original mission: make great beer, sell great beer, and have great service.
The 2023 Harford Award Recipient in the R&D/Technology category is Hill Tech Solutions. Hill Tech Solutions provides cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services to help each customer achieve their goals. They are also dedicated to workforce development, partnering with Harford Community College to create an IT and cybersecurity internship program.
Crabby Axe Throwing opened its doors just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic, but their incredible growth post-pandemic has awarded them the 2023 Harford Award in the Tourism/Hospitality category. Crabby Axe welcomes over 10,000 customers per year at their brick and mortar location, and their 2 mobile units are regulars at several community events. This year, Crabby Axe hosted its first World Axe Throwing League tournament, hosting throwers from across the country.
Watch the 2023 Harford Award videos highlighting the awardees on the Harford County Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube Channel and view the event photos here. Thank you to RL Productions for producing the videos and to MidAtlantic Photographic for photographing the event.
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 2023 Harford Award premier sponsors were Harford County Office of Economic Development, Baltimore Gas and Electric, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake
Health, and Harford Community College. The event was also sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group, Visit Harford, Harford County Public Library, Jarrettsville Federal Savings & Loan, Hill Tech Solutions, Harford Bank, Crabby Axe Throwing, MedStar Health, Bravura Information Technology Systems, Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics, Freedom Federal Credit Union, APG Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, The Kelly Group, Beacon Staffing Alternatives, Harford Family House, Vagabond Sandwich Company,
Elegant Restoration, MacGregor’s Restaurant, The Arc Northern Chesapeake, United Way of Central Maryland, Architectural Design Works, Bel Air Downtown Alliance, The John Carroll School, Accent Printers, MidAtlantic Photographic, Water’s Edge Event Center, Campion Insurance, and RL Productions.
