The Kent County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Excellence Awards held on January 17, 2024 at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club in Chestertown. These awards honor outstanding contributions to our community, through commitment, innovation, and leadership in three distinct categories. Eastern Shore Urgent Care was named the 2024 Business of the Year, Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s was awarded the 2024 Organization of the Year, and Deeann Jones was recognized as the 2024 Individual of the Year.
"The recipients of this year's awards have showcased unwavering dedication, commitment, and service, leaving a positive impact on Kent County by actively contributing to our community's prosperity and economic advancement,” remarked Sarah King, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “We express our gratitude for their tireless efforts and extend our sincere thanks for their valuable contributions."
Lauren Bruneio (right), owner of Eastern Shore Urgent Care, accepts the Business of the Year award from Sarah King (left), Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Steve Atkinson, ShoreToBeFun Photography
Business of the Year: Eastern Shore Urgent Care
This category recognizes a local business that has demonstrated exceptional success, innovation, and positive impact on the Kent County community. Whether through job creation, economic development, or a commitment to corporate social responsibility, the Business of the Year sets a standard for excellence and serves as an inspiration to others in the local business landscape. The 2024 Business of the Year, Eastern Shore Urgent Care was formed in 2021 to help address the healthcare needs of the residents of Queen Anne’s and Kent counties and their visitors. By offering high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services, Eastern Shore Urgent Care effectively bridges a crucial gap in our community on the eastern shore. As an independently owned urgent care facility, they take pride in their commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services. In the endorsement provided by a local medical professional, it was emphasized that "quality healthcare is essential for sustaining a thriving community, and Eastern Shore Urgent Care has effectively addressed a significant void in our community's health services."
Emily Murphy, Executive Director of Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s (right) accepts the Organization of the Year award from Sarah King (left), Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Steve Atkinson, ShoreToBeFun Photography
Organization of the Year: Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s
The Organization of the Year award celebrates the achievements of a non-profit or community organization that has significantly enhanced the quality of life for Kent County residents. This could include exemplary efforts in community service, education, cultural enrichment, or any other area that contributes to the overall well-being and vitality of the community. Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, which is one of the very first affiliates of Horizons National, has provided a 6-week, tuition-free academic and enrichment program specifically for under-resourced students in grades PreK - 8th grade every summer since 1995. Their mission is to stop the summer slide that perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Horizons enriches the lives of students who are subject to inequities built into our education system, like the uneven distribution of resources, by providing academic and enrichment experiences that will bridge opportunity gaps, prevent summer learning loss, instill confidence, and empower them for future successes. In their nomination, it was noted that “in 2023 alone, Horizons provided 6 weeks of happiness to 211 students in Kent and Queen Anne's counties who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a summer program.”
Deeann Jones (right) receives the Individual of the Year award from the Kent County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, Sarah King (left). Photo courtesy of Steve Atkinson, ShoreToBeFun Photography
Individual of the Year: Deeann Jones
This category pays tribute to an outstanding individual whose personal and professional efforts have made a lasting and positive impact on the Kent County community. Whether through leadership, volunteerism, or philanthropy, the Individual of the Year award recognizes someone whose commitment to the community goes above and beyond, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Deeann Jones, the Program Director at Kent County Community Food Pantry, has witnessed a remarkable 30% increase in pantry attendance in 2023. Alongside her dedicated volunteer team, she creates a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring clients shop with dignity for essential items like meat, produce, and household staples. Simultaneously serving as the Executive Director for Character Counts Kent County, Deeann actively recruits and supports coaches, facilitating weekly character lessons in Kent County classrooms. She meticulously organizes and communicates lesson plans to coaches, providing valuable insights for effective teaching. As a committed Character Counts Coach, Deeann extends her impact across all four elementary schools in Kent County. Additionally, she orchestrates and participates in Character Counts assemblies at the middle and high schools. Beyond her educational roles, Deeann serves as a Deacon at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, supporting community outreach initiatives. Volunteering as a Youth Leader at PCC, Deeann collaborates with Youth Pastor Caitlin Gartland in attending weekly youth group meetings. Her dedication extends to YMCA Summer Camp, where she imparts weekly Character Counts lessons. Moreover, as a volunteer for the Kent County Public School Summer Program, Deeann continues to teach character lessons, contributing significantly to the community's enrichment. In the nomination submitted by a local business leader, it was highlighted that “Deeann has been an active member of the community for many years. She is one of those unsung heroes who quietly gets things done. Kent County is better because she is in it!”
The Kent County Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt congratulations to Eastern Shore Urgent Care, Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, and Deeann Jones for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Kent County community and beyond.
About the Kent County Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen, support and promote the economic vitality of our member businesses and the community of Kent County through positive connections, business growth, community engagement, and collaborative advocacy.
