Past Winners

4th Annual SUMMIT Awards (2009)

At Your Service Award- Jean Peterson Design

Jean Peterson Design was nominated by Orases Consulting Corporation, who noticed the design firm’s exemplary work on the Tourism Council’s new web site. Since 1996, Jean Peterson Design has helped organizations communicate their messages in dynamic and innovative ways. Their work continues this year as they reach out to new and existing clients to promote Frederick businesses and attractions.

Entrepreneurial Award – Sylvana Institute for Medical Aesthetics

Sylvana opened in January 2006 with a staff of three sisters: Jeanne O’Connell, M.D., Kateri Delaney, R.N., B.S.N., and Meg Comer. Dr. O’Connell and her staff believe in offering quality services and investing in the newest, most innovative technologies and procedures. Their investment and philosophies paid off: Their staff and clientele have grown, and in late 2007 they doubled their space with an expansion to a nearby suite on Thomas Johnson Drive. Sylvana was nominated by Marketing @ Work.

Technology Award – Orases Consulting Corporation

Orases, an interactive technology and business consulting firm based in Frederick, offers a vast array of business and technology solutions to help clients increase revenue and maximize customer satisfaction. At the heart of Orases’ innovation is the Orases 24watch®, a website management system that helps small to mid-size businesses utilize internet technologies. Orases grew from a staff of 12 in 2007 to 17 full-time employees in 2008. Staff members are encouraged to stay ahead of the curve with educational reimbursements that includes seminars and college coursework.

Made in Frederick County Award – Canapés, Inc.

Canapés, one of the areas busiest catering companies, has two locations in Frederick County: A sales office at 300 W. Patrick St. in Frederick, and a kitchen facility at ThorpeWood in Thurmont. Since taking over the catering operations at ThorpeWood, their business has increased substantially. Canapés is well-known for events of all sizes, including private dinner parties and large-scale receptions. Customers also rave about specialty cakes, created by Canapés’ in-house baking department.

Workforce Development Award – DynPort Vaccine Company LLC, A CSC Company

DynPort Vaccine Company (DVC) views professional development as a corporate responsibility – a strategic investment in their employees’ and the company’s future. DVC offers a variety of educational support to employees, including a generous tuition reimbursement plan, opportunities to attend external training, and a comprehensive online training system. DVC employees also support other educational initiatives in Frederick, advising local programs and serving as adjunct faculty and guest lecturers at area universities. Last summer, DVC’s internship program hosted seven students, who attended workshops while working full-time as DVC employees. Since January 2007, DVC has been the recipient of a Partnership for Workforce Quality grant from the State of Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, which has been used to send 18 of DVC’s Frederick employees to various biotech job training events.

Partner in Business Award (nonprofits only) – St. John Regional Catholic School

St. John Regional Catholic School has developed a special partnership with the residents of Homewood at Crumland Farms. Throughout the school year, St. John students (grades 5 through 8) visit with residents at the facility and provide entertainment, crafts, and fellowship programs. The students also host Homewood residents for a reading day in the school library. Younger students (grades 1 and 2) also participate in the Sunshine Readers Program, visiting Homewood twice each month to read to residents. In addition to encouraging students to build reading skills and engage in service activities, St. John Regional Catholic School also improves the community by forming relationships that bridge generations.

3rd Annual SUMMIT Awards (2008)

At Your Service Award – Frederick Memorial Healthcare System

Frederick Memorial Healthcare System (FMH) met the needs of an underserved population by partnering with Frederick County Health Department to provide prenatal care to uninsured and underinsured women. FMH opened its Auxillary Prenatal Outpatient Center in December 2007, and 68 mothers have already received care within the first two months of operation.

Entrepreneurial Award – Regent Education

Regent Education, formerly Computing Options, strategically repositioned itself with a new name, new location, refined product line (financial aid management software) in September 2006 after receiving venture capital funding. The company’s entrepreneurial efforts have enabled the company to grow from 9 to 37 employees. Regent’s sales tripled from 2006 to 2007, and are on course to double again in 2008.

Made In Frederick County Award – Talon Construction, Inc.

Talon Construction, Inc. produces high quality home renovations and additions. The company consistently receives praise from customers for their professional communication, workmanship, and integrity. In 2007, Talon Construction earned a spot on Inc. magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses in the U.S. by demonstrating a three-year sales growth of 352.3 percent.

Workforce Development Award – BP Solar

Over the past two years, BP Solar has partnered with Frederick Community College Customized Training and Frederick County Workforce Services to develop training and retention programs for their workforce. BP Solar invested thousands of dollars to train 114 employees in areas such as PLC fundamentals, process mapping, mechanical and industrial training, and electrical diagrams and schematics.

Partner In Business Award (Non-Profits Only) – Frederick Arts Council

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Frederick Arts Council launched “The Keys to Frederick,” a public art project featuring 30 fiberglass keys displayed throughout downtown Frederick’s Arts and Entertainment District. Through sponsorships, exhibits, and events, the project engaged many groups throughout the community, including artists, schools, and businesses. Artist Markets, facility rentals, DanceFest, and other programs also help the Frederick Arts Council incubate and promote arts-related non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses in Frederick County.

For more information about the SUMMIT Awards, contact Jessica Hibbard at 301.662.0745