Story Category: Economy & Business »

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce honored four of their members Wednesday at their annual Awards Luncheon at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. The luncheon was followed by the annual Business Showcase at which 60 members had display booths. The day also featured seminars and a closing reception.

The four award winners were:

·Lighthouse Award – Dugan, McKissick & Longmore, LLC

The Lighthouse Award recognizes a number of qualities in a Chamber member business. Dugan, McKissick & Longmore has been in business for almost 20 years. From its founding by Bryan Dugan and Bill McKissick, the law firm has grown to six attorneys and a support staff of 12 paralegals. The firm’s principals have served on a variety of task forces and as resources to help develop the solutions to a number of community challenges. The business has supported many charitable causes and organizations that have had a positive impact of the county’s residents and quality of life.

·Beacon Award --  Barefoot Graphics

In 2007 Harry J. Frauenfelder IV and his son Harry J. “Josh” Frauenfelder formed Pax Printing LLC and acquired the assets of Barefoot Graphics. In a relatively short time frame the new owners invested in upgrading and increasing their printing and bindery capabilities. In 2011 the company added their first full-time salesperson to bring that staff to five. They launched an interactive e-commerce website with features including a pricing calculator and obtained a Quality Level 3 status under the Simplified Purchase Agreement through the U.S. Government Printing Office. Many community non-profits have benefited from their support.

·Emerging Business Award – Dunkin Donuts/The Java group, LL:C

Maria Icaza and her husband Glenn Heisler moved to St. Mary’s County in 2000 from Panama. In 2006 they started researching types of businesses in which to become involved. After much hard work they opened their first location in California in 2008 and recently opened a second location in Charlotte Hall. Maria has become immersed in the community. They provide award cards for students in schools throughout the county to recognize good grades and student accomplishments. They hosted “Cops on the Roof Top” last September to raise money for Special Olympics. The list of non-profits receiving support continues to grow.

·Community Service Award – Guy Distributing Company, Inc.

Guy Distributing has been in business since 1935. It was started by Byron Guy whose family owned a grocery store in Clements. He purchased a small beer distributorship. After the death of his father and having been operated by his mother Agnes, Bryon’s brother, George Guy took over and is still the current owner. Since then George and then his children and grandchildren have worked to build the company and support the community. In developing information for the award, the Chamber found a statement from Guy than summed up his and the company’s philosophy: “We do what we can. Some companies single out a couple of organizations to support, and we understand that. We may not be able to make the big contributions, but we try to help as many as we can.” Their business also includes a recycling program in association with Anheuser Busch.