The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The award, given in honor of Helmuth & Evelyn Heise, is presented to a local entrepreneur(s) for their contributions to the economic growth of Garrett County. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on June 4, 2026.
Eligible nominees are business owners, including partners/families that originated, developed, and/or significantly expanded their business. Criteria for this award include: having a willingness to take risks with the possibility of losing all, being involved in the community, having high ethical standards, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and having demonstrated leadership (through one or more of the following):
- By overcoming a formidable problem that threatened the business’s existence
- By showing business acumen through embarking on a creative, insightful, or overlooked opportunity that makes important contributions to Garrett County’s business environment
- Through substantive community impact
Past honorees include Jonathan “Smiley” Kessler; Bill Sisler; Olen Beitzel; Johnny Marple; Jim Flanigan, Sr.; Will and Sharon Roszell; Barry Rush; Rob Michael; Dave & Mimi Demaree; Brenda McDonnell; Bill Meagher; Michael Deligatti, Sr.; Jan Russell; Frank Vitéz; Judy Devlin; Skip and Linda Carr; Brian Branthoover; Rob Heilig; Nancy Railey; Tom and Sara Jane Kuhn; Hugh Umbel; Steve Green; and Jodi & Joe Refosco and Chad Taylor; Bill Weissgerber; Tim Bender; Karen Myers; and Kate Collins.
To obtain a Nomination Form, please get in touch with Nick Sharps at 301.387.8745 or by email at nick@garrettchamber.com or download the form at visitdeepcreek.com/awards. Additional information on the award, including past winners, is listed on the website.
All nominations must be returned to the Chamber by the close of Business on Friday, March 6, 2026. The winner will not be announced until the Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on June 4, 2026.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region, with 500 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support, and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests, and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
For more information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, please log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com or call 301-387-4386.
