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.
An emerging entrepreneur is someone who identifies opportunities, takes calculated risks, and builds ventures that contribute to the local economy while adapting to challenges and growth. Nina Beitzel exemplifies these qualities through her success in real estate, business development, and community leadership.
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.”
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 2026 Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner is supported by the generosity of many Chamber members. The event’s Platinum sponsors are First United Bank & Trust; Deep Creek Marina; and Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine.
Gold sponsors include: First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union; The Garrett County Republican; Morin Aviation; NextEra Advisors; Silver Tree Marine; and Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales.
Silver Sponsors: Byco Enterprises, Inc.; Railey Realty and Railey Vacations.
Bronze Sponsors: CINTAS; Clear Mountain Bank; Deep Creek Spa & Billiards; Geppert, McMullen, Paye & Getty; The Rodeheaver Group, P.C.; Today Media Custom Communications; and USI Insurance Services.
Photo caption: Nick Sharps and Nina Beitzel | Dave Bruffy, Smoke N Mirrors Photography
