The Kent County Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Community Excellence Awards during an evening celebration recognizing leadership, service, and economic impact across Kent County.
Held before a full room of business and community leaders at the Garfield Center for the Arts, the annual awards ceremony highlighted the collaboration and dedication that define the county. Nominations are submitted by members of the community and carefully reviewed and voted upon by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Recipients are selected based on leadership, innovation, community involvement, and overall positive impact on the local landscape.
“The Kent County Chamber of Commerce extends sincere congratulations to all recipients and nominees.” said Sarah King, Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. “Your work strengthens our local economy and enriches our community in meaningful ways.”
The 2026 award recipients are:
Business of the Year: Gillespie & Son
Todd Gillespie (left), President of Gillespie & Son, receives the 2026 Business of the Year Award from Sarah King (right), Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce
The Business of the Year award recognizes a local company that demonstrates exceptional success, innovation, and measurable impact on Kent County. Through job creation, economic development, and responsible business practices, this awardee sets a high standard for regional leadership.
The 2026 Business of the Year is Gillespie & Son.
Led by brothers Jim and Todd Gillespie, this fifth-generation enterprise is a cornerstone of regional industry and a vital employer across the Mid-Shore. Headquartered in Chestertown, their multi-divisional operation plays a critical role in the regional supply chain. From high-capacity Ready-Mixed Concrete plants and a comprehensive Masonry Supply division to the Gillespie Builder’s Store, they provide the infrastructure and logistical backbone that supports ongoing development throughout the county.
Beyond their industrial footprint, Gillespie & Son remains a significant engine of economic stability, providing high-skill, reliable employment opportunities that sustain our local workforce.
As noted in their nomination:
“In 2025, as it has for decades, Gillespie & Son supported a wide variety of community programs through donations, sponsorships, and volunteerism. Their steadfast presence as a reliable provider, prolific employer, and active supporter for more than a century deserves our recognition.”
Organization of the Year: The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County
The Organization of the Year award honors a nonprofit or community organization that significantly enhances quality of life for Kent County residents. This year, the Chamber is proud to accompany this recognition with a $1,000 donation to support the recipient’s continued work.
The 2026 Organization of the Year is The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County.
As the county’s only open-admission, no-kill facility, the shelter provides an essential public service. Since moving into its modern facility in 2023, the organization has expanded its operational capacity—serving not only as a safe haven for animals but also as a provider of affordable services for residents. Most recently, their trap-neuter-return initiatives have addressed a longstanding need for humane feral cat population management.
What makes their work particularly noteworthy is the community-backed support structure that sustains it. As a nonprofit reliant largely on donations, volunteers, and local partnerships, the shelter manages a complex, around-the-clock operation with disciplined fiscal oversight and an extensive volunteer network.
As one nomination stated:
“The Animal Care Shelter touches more lives—both people and animals—than almost any other local organization. As a non-profit that relies primarily on donations to fund their vital operations, they are most deserving of this award.”
Individual of the Year: Jim Rich
Jim Rich is recognized as the 2026 Individual of the Year
The Individual of the Year award recognizes someone whose leadership, volunteerism, and professional efforts have left a lasting imprint on Kent County.
The 2026 Individual of the Year is Jim Rich.
A cornerstone of the Rock Hall business community, Jim owns and co-manages a portfolio of successful enterprises, including Java Rock Coffeehouse and The Inn at Huntingfield Creek. His impact extends well beyond his own businesses. As a longtime board member of the Greater Rock Hall Business Association, he has played a central role in shaping the local economic landscape for over twenty years.
Jim also serves as director of Rock Hall’s signature tourism events, including Pirates and Wenches Weekend and FallFest—events that drive significant visitation and economic activity for the entire county.
As shared in his nomination:
“Jim stands out for his consistency over twenty years and his steadfast dedication to the community, as shown by the success of his businesses and the many programs he directs and supports.”
The Chamber extends its congratulations to all award recipients and nominees. This year’s honorees—Gillespie & Son, The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County, and Jim Rich—represent industrial legacy, compassionate service, and entrepreneurial leadership. Together, they demonstrate the diverse contributions that strengthen Kent County’s economy and community support and development.
For more information about the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and upcoming programs, visit www.kentchamber.org.
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 its member businesses and the community of Kent County through positive connections, business growth, community engagement, and collaborative advocacy.
