Awards

Golden Ambassador Award

At the Annual Autumn Glory Kick Off Event, the Golden Ambassador is announced. The winner of this award has made major contributions to tourism in Garrett County. Only Chamber members may nominate fellow Chamber members for this prestigious title.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Golden Ambassador Award. If you are interested in nominating someone for this distinction, please complete the 2025 Golden Ambassador Nomination Form. Please submit your completed nomination form to Sarah Duck by email at sarah@garrettchamber.com, fax at 301.334.8073 or mail, or drop off, your completed nomination to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce located at 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, MD 21541 by 5 pm on Friday, September 5, 2025.

For the purposes of this award only, Chamber members shall mean owners, employees and volunteers of a Garrett County Chamber member organization. Only one nomination form is required per nominee; multiple nomination forms for an individual will only be used for additional information about the individual but do not count as multiple nominations. The winner of Golden Ambassador title will be announced at the 2025 Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception & Dinner held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The 2025 Golden Ambassador Sponsor is The Garrett County Republican.

2025 Golden Ambassador Sponsor

2025 Golden Ambassador

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has named Emily Newman-Edwards the 2025 Honorary Golden Ambassador of the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception on October 8, 2025. Team One GMC is the title sponsor of the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival.

The Golden Ambassador Award, sponsored this year by Morin Aviation and The Garrett County Republican, is presented annually by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to an individual (or individuals) who has significantly contributed to and supported tourism in Garrett County. The recipient is selected by a committee of former Golden Ambassadors from nominations by Chamber members.

Emily has dedicated much of her career to building Garrett County and the town of Grantsville into premier tourism destinations. She began at Savage River Lodge in 2010 as Marketing Manager and Operations Director, overseeing all marketing initiatives, coordinating private events, and managing the Lodge’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. In 2013, she was promoted to General Manager, running day-to-day operations of the Lodge’s 26 luxury accommodations and gourmet restaurant.

At the same time, Emily served as Director of Operations for Fronterra Resources, where she assisted with the development and opening of Grant’s Mercantile (2014) and the Cornucopia Café (2015), both in Grantsville. While with Fronterra, she even became ordained to perform weddings for couples traveling to Garrett County.

Emily also played a key role in securing Grantsville’s designation as an Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District in 2015—one of only 28 in Maryland and one of two located in Garrett County, alongside the town of Oakland. Spanning nearly 45 acres, the A&E designation fosters tourism and community growth by promoting and celebrating local artistry while offering tax-related incentives that attract artists, organizations, and creative enterprises to the area. Since its founding, Emily has served on the district’s advisory board and is now its President, most recently guiding the successful redesignation in spring 2025.

Her commitment extends far beyond her professional roles. She has volunteered with numerous organizations, including:

• • Greater Grantsville Business Association (President, 2010–2014; Secretary, 2015–present)
• • Grantsville Revitalization Organization (Board Member & Secretary since 2014)
• • Spruce Forest Artisan Village (Board Member & Vice President since 2023, Chair of the Christmas in the Village Committee)
• • Board member of the Garrett County Arts Council, Garrett County Public Schools Foundation, Inc.,
• • Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (now Stage West Arts Collective) and the Historic National Road Committee

Emily has also served on the Grantsville Town Council since 2017 and was elected Mayor of Grantsville in 2023—the first ever female mayor of the town. In April of 2025 Emily was inducted into the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame. Most recently, in June 2025, she became co-owner and founder of The Mountain Grape Tavern, Maple & Vine Market, and Casselman View Cottages, continuing to strengthen Grantsville’s role as a vibrant tourism destination.

"Emily Newman-Edwards embodies the spirit, dedication, and vision that make Garrett County a premier destination for visitors and residents alike. Her tireless commitment to our community, from supporting local businesses to fostering the arts, has made a lasting impact on Grantsville and the entire region,” said Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Nick Sharps. “This recognition as the 2025 Honorary Golden Ambassador is not only well-deserved but a testament to her unwavering passion and leadership."

Past Recipients of the Golden Ambassador

Emerging Entrepreneur Award

An emerging entrepreneur is someone with the ability to identify new business opportunities and act on these opportunities to bring a business venture to life. Emerging entrepreneurs are inspired by all the exciting opportunities available to them and a willingness to take risks to build, launch, and grow their business. They must be able to adapt to changing circumstances in their business, overcome obstacles, and access opportunities to develop their business further. An emerging entrepreneur must also be able to pitch their ideas, sell their product or service to customers, and build a team of employees, mentors, or supporters to assist them along their journey.

The criteria for nomination include the following:

• Target range of nominees is 20-40 years old
• Business in operation for 2 or more consecutive years
• Nominee must be a member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

The Garrett County Diplomats Committee will choose 3 finalists from the pool of nominees and present them to the Board with a recommended winner. Then the Chamber Board of Directors will choose the winner. The winner of the award is announced during the Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

2026 Emerging Entrepreneur Winner

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Nina Beitzel as the recipient of the 2026 Emerging Entrepreneur Award. The award was presented during the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Brodak’s Banquet Hall in Oakland.

As a Garrett County transplant, Beitzel has built an impressive career in a highly competitive industry. Now in her 12th year as a sales agent with Railey Realty, she has consistently ranked among the area’s top-producing agents, placing in the top 10 for several consecutive years. Competing alongside professionals with decades of experience, she carved out her own path by leveraging social media and innovative marketing strategies to grow her brand and client base.

Beyond her real estate career, Beitzel has demonstrated a keen ability to recognize and act on business opportunities that benefit the broader community. After identifying a need for affordable housing in Garrett County, she and her husband began acquiring rental properties to help meet that demand. What started with a single apartment building has grown into a portfolio of 35 rental units across Grantsville, McHenry, and Friendsville, all offered at stable and affordable price points. Her leadership in this space has also led to her participation as a keynote speaker at the Garrett County Affordable Housing Forum.

Beitzel’s entrepreneurial spirit extends into health and wellness as well. She founded Nina B Fitness, an online fitness platform designed to provide accessible, functional workouts for individuals of all backgrounds. In a move that reflects her commitment to community impact over profit, she has made the platform free to users, removing financial barriers for those seeking to improve their health and well-being.

Her dedication to service is evident throughout her involvement in the community. Beitzel previously served on the board of the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation and remains actively engaged in local initiatives, including the WGW Community Youth Cup, Northern Garrett Youth Basketball, and the Accident Elementary PTO, where she serves as Treasurer. She is also the current President of the Garrett County Board of REALTORS, where she has taken on a leadership role within one of the region’s most influential professional organizations.

Most recently, Beitzel reached another significant milestone in her career by becoming a partner at Railey Realty, where she is the sole female partner. This achievement reflects not only her professional success, but also her leadership, dedication, and influence within the organization and the broader business community.

While working within an established company, Beitzel has built her own business through determination, innovation, and a strong connection to the community she serves. Her accomplishments are a direct result of her willingness to take risks, adapt to new opportunities, and invest in the future of Garrett County.

“Nina Beitzel represents exactly what we had in mind when we created the Emerging Entrepreneur Award,” said Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “She has built a successful career through innovation, determination, and a willingness to take risks, all while giving back to her community in meaningful ways. Nina is a leader, and her impact on Garrett County continues to grow.”

Diplomat of the Year Award

The Diplomat of the Year is determined through a points system given for membership packet distribution, Business After Hours Attendance, Business Before Hours Attendance, Diplomat meeting attendance, Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Grand Opening & First Dollar of Profit Presentation Attendance and Recruiting New Members. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce began recognizing a Diplomat of the Year in 2015 and previous recipients of the award include Sarena Rodeheaver, Patty Manown Mash, Connor Norman, Jess Dijak, Kristin Skeweris, and Josh Slone.

2026 Diplomat of the Year Winner

The winner of the 2025-2026 Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Diplomat of the Year award was announced at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting & Dinner, held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Brodak’s Banquet Hall in Oakland. This year the award was presented to Stephanie Filsinger of The Rodeheaver Group, P.C.

As a Garrett County Diplomat, Stephanie attended 4 Diplomat committee meetings, 6 Business After Hours, 3 Business Before Hours, attended 15 ribbon cutting ceremonies, helped in the distribution of both prospect and new member packets, and referred 3 new members to the Chamber, achieving a total of 430 Diplomat points. This is Stephanie’s first year serving as a Garrett County Diplomat.

“Stephanie has made an incredible impact in her very first year as a Chamber Diplomat,” said Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to jump in and support Chamber events and member engagement efforts made her stand out among an outstanding group of volunteers. From ribbon cuttings to networking events and member outreach, Stephanie consistently demonstrated what it means to be a true ambassador for our business community.”

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to recognize exceptional individuals or groups who donate their time and talents to improve the community and advance the county as a premier destination to live, work, and visit.

2025 Volunteer of the Year Winner

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee as the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception on October 8, 2025. Team One GMC is the title sponsor of the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival.

Formed in December 2023, the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee (DCL100) was established to celebrate the lake’s 100th anniversary in 2025. Comprising representatives from over 10 local organizations as well as dedicated residents, the Committee has worked tirelessly to plan and execute a wide range of centennial projects and events. Their mission is not only to commemorate the first 100 years of Deep Creek Lake but also to protect and promote the lake for the next 100 years and beyond.

Throughout 2025, the Committee has led numerous initiatives, including educational programs for students, interpretive signage, a lecture series, lake clean-up events, parades, regattas, festivals, and the creation of a commemorative time capsule. These efforts have drawn visitors from across the region, boosted local tourism, and strengthened community pride. Their collaborative work with area businesses, nonprofits, and government partners showcases the best of volunteerism in Garrett County.

Members of the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee include:

• • Ruth Beitzel – Resident
• • Sandy Bello – Deep Creek Watershed Foundation
• • Lisa Bender – Educational Outreach Chair, Resident
• • Linda Carr – CLS Ventures, Inc.
• • Missy Gralish – Events Chair, Black Bear Broadcast & Media Consulting
• • Willis McGill – Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association
• • Bruce Michael – Garrett County Government
• • Sarah Milbourne – Maryland DNR
• • Roy Musselwhite – DCL State Park Manager
• • David Myerberg – Deep Creek Watershed Foundation
• • Karen Myers – Vice Committee Chair, DCL Property Owners’ Association, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales, Mountaineer Log Homes
• • Sarah Myers – Marketing & Publicity Chair, DeepCreekTimes.com, Lake-Front Magazine, Garrett County Government
• • Chris Nichols – Committee Chair, DCL Property Owners’ Association, Dimesycorp
• • Jeanne Nichols – History Contributor
• • Kevin Null – Garrett County Government
• • John Quilty – Research Committee Chair, Resident
• • Bob Raley – Thousand Acres Golf Club
• • Molly Ramsey – Garrett County Government
• • Amber Sanders – Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
• • Cristina Sanders – Deep Creek Lake Manager
• • Tanya Schwinabart – Resident
• • Cindy Stark – Thousand Acres Golf Club
• • Bob Sutton – DCL Property Owners’ Association
• • Siera Wigfield – Garrett County Government
• • Steve Wilson – Deep Creek Yacht Club
• • Brenda McDonnell – Brenda’s Pizzeria

“The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee embodies the very best of volunteerism,” said Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Nick Sharps. “Their creativity, dedication, and collaboration have made the centennial a once-in-a-lifetime celebration and have left a lasting legacy for Garrett County.”

Past Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award

2026 Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Terry Helbig as the recipient of the 2026 Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award, an honor recognizing exceptional dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Garrett County. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Brodak’s Banquet Hall in Oakland.

Now in its third year, the Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award is given to an individual, business, non-profit, or organization that has made a long-term and meaningful impact on heritage preservation through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Terry Helbig exemplifies these qualities through decades of service, volunteerism, and unwavering dedication to preserving Garrett County’s history.

A lifelong resident of Garrett County, Helbig has been a respected member of the business community for more than 50 years while also serving as a passionate steward of local heritage. His most notable involvement has been with the Oakland B&O Museum, housed in the historic 1884 railroad station. The original vision and leadership behind the acquisition and restoration of the station came from former Mayor Asa McCain, along with the Town of Oakland, and a committed group of partners who secured funding and brought the project to life.

Following the station’s restoration and opening to the public, Helbig became deeply involved alongside fellow committee members, helping to coordinate volunteers, organize programming, and enhance the visitor experience. As time has passed and many of the original committee members have stepped back, Helbig has remained a constant presence. Today, he serves as the driving force behind the museum’s day-to-day operations, welcoming visitors, maintaining the facility, and continuing to expand its offerings. Through his sustained leadership and hands-on commitment, the museum has grown into a cornerstone of heritage tourism in Garrett County, welcoming thousands of visitors each year and preserving the stories of the region’s transportation history and cultural identity.

Beyond his work with the museum, Helbig’s commitment to community runs deep. He has served for decades with the Oakland-Mountain Lake Park Lions Club, including as a past president and recipient of its highest honor, and has contributed to numerous initiatives that enhance quality of life across Southern Garrett County. His involvement in local organizations, including the Garrett County Historical Society, reflects a lifelong dedication to ensuring that the stories, landmarks, and traditions of the region are preserved for future generations.

Helbig’s impact also extends into recreational heritage. A passionate advocate for baseball, he has devoted years to supporting youth and community programs, including coaching Southern High School baseball and playing a key role in the growth of Pen-Mar Baseball. His leadership helped create opportunities for continued recreational play, strengthening a tradition that remains an important part of the county’s cultural fabric.

Those who know Helbig often point to his humility and tireless work ethic. His nomination highlighted not only his accomplishments, but also the lasting influence of his leadership and vision. The continued success and visibility of the Oakland B&O Museum stand as a testament to his dedication and the many years he has invested in its growth and operation.

The Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award honors the legacy of Peggy Jamison, a dedicated preservationist and advocate for the cultural and natural heritage of Garrett County. Helbig’s lifelong efforts to protect, promote, and celebrate the county’s history make him a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.

“Terry Helbig represents the very best of what this award was created to recognize,” said Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “His long-standing commitment to preserving our county’s history, combined with his willingness to show up day after day to keep that history alive for others, is truly remarkable. Terry’s impact is not just in what he has helped preserve, but in how he has made it accessible and meaningful for our community and visitors alike.”

The Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award recognizes a corporation, business, non-profit, or individual that has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to preserving Garrett County’s heritage. Examples of such commitment include restoring historic sites, developing heritage exhibits, leading educational initiatives, or creating projects that provide meaningful learning experiences for residents and visitors alike. Past recipients of the award include Peggy Jamison and Patty Manown Mash.