The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Member Celebration and Award Ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 28^th at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery. Attendees enjoyed wine and food pairings provided by Salted Vines and Plate catering, as well as musical entertainment and socializing. Sponsored by Comcast Spotlight and Coastal Point, the evening featured the annual Member awards for Ambassador of the Year, New Member of the Year, Member of the Year, Best in Business, the Inspiring Business Award, and the Community Spirit Award, as well as recognition of the outgoing board; along with the celebration of accomplishments, anniversaries, and accolades of its 700 members.

Outgoing board member Richard Mais of McCabe’s Gourmet Market was recognized with a framed painting by local artist Laura Hickman. It is the same painting that hangs in the Chamber Conference room. After a unanimous vote by the Chamber Board of Directors, Mais was also awarded the 2018 Lighthouse Award for his deep commitment to the Chamber and the entire community. Viewed as a type of “lifetime achievement,” the Lighthouse Award is the most prestigious award that the Chamber presents, recognizing a long-time chamber member that contributes outstanding leadership and devotion to both the chamber and local community. Dale Bellinger, owner of Bellinger’s Jewelers, generously donates the award each year.

Ambassador of the Year was awarded posthumously to long-time Chamber member and Ambassador Nancy Hoeflich. Nancy passed away earlier this year after a courageous battle with cancer. Her daughter, Christine Hoeflich-Olley, was present to accept the award in memory of her mother. Always a friendly face and an active volunteer, Nancy will be missed by the Quiet Resorts Community.

Seaside Seven was awarded the New Member of the Year award for their immediate participation and support of the Chamber as exhibited at the Fire & Ice Festival and engagement at networking and various community events.

The Member of the Year award went to Lori Smyth of Tidepool Toys and Games. Lori played a major role in the execution of the 2017 Weekend Wonderland events in Bethany Beach, and was supportive in implementing the Find Freezy initiative in Fenwick Island.

Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery was awarded the Best in Business Award. Salted Vines has become a pillar in the community, providing innovative programming through partnerships with other local businesses. They go above and beyond to make visiting their winery a unique experience.

The Inspiring Business Award was awarded to Caleb Miller of the Bank of Ocean City. Caleb is very active in the Fenwick business community, continually coming up with creative ways for local businesses to partner and grow. He was a major catalyst in initiating Find Freezy in Fenwick Island and garnering community support and interest.

Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church was awarded the Community Spirit Award for their exemplary outreach and support of the area’s many J-1 international students, and overall support of the community. The Church’s mission is to have no person in-need within twelve-mile radius, which has a positive effect on the Quiet Resorts Area as a whole.

The Chamber is grateful for the active, friendly business community that makes up its membership and looks forward to seeing what the rest of 2018 brings.