The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to announce that the Awards for Excellence Celebration will be held on Thursday, June 24 from 5–7:30 pm.

This year’s event, brought to you H. Scott Connell, will be held at The Pizzadili Winery at 1683 Peach Bottom Road in Felton. This event, a highlight of the CDCC year, will provide an opportunity to present annual awards and graduate the Leadership Central Delaware (LCD) Class of 2021. The CDCC is always happy for an opportunity to recognize and reward the excellence that marks Central Delaware’s business community!

This promises to be an exciting evening of celebration as we applaud the creativity, innovation, and brilliance of our CDCC membership. The culmination of the awards ceremony will be our announcement of the CDCC Small Business of the Year, Large Employer of the Year, and Young Professional of the Year for 2021.

Each year, nominations are gathered from the members of the CDCC for these prestigious awards: Large Employer of the Year (for companies of more than 50 employees), Small Business of the Year (for companies of up to 50 employees), and Young Professional of the Year (for individuals between 21 and 35 years of age). The nominations are reviewed by a committee comprised of previous award winners who select three nominees in each category. This is followed by a vote of the Chamber members that determines the winner. The Awards for Excellence Celebration is the CDCC’s opportunity to lift up all the nominees and announce the winners!

As the evening comes to a close, the members of the LCD class of 2021 will be presented with hard-earned diplomas and pins during their graduation ceremony.

Soon to be entering its 21st year, Leadership Central Delaware, the Diamond Program of the Chamber, is a 10-month leadership development program that connects emerging leaders through diverse networks, while enhancing leadership skills and community knowledge, resulting in increased value, individually and professionally. One day per month, students focus on the various economic drivers of Kent County and spend a day engaging with the leaders of various industries, enjoying presentations and tours, and participating in hands-on learning experiences. Please consider joining us as we congratulate this year’s graduates and welcome them into our vibrant alumni association of over 450 members.

At this celebratory event, members and guests will have an opportunity to network over delicious refreshments, gain qualified leads, celebrate with this year’s nominees and graduates, and toast the abundant excellence that is easily seen in Central Delaware’s business community. Tickets for this event are $40 each or $220 for a table of 6 and will include an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres and delectable desserts. Wine for the evening will be provided by our wine sponsor, Faw Casson. A full cash bar will also be available. Stay tuned for more details as they unfold. To register for this event and purchase tickets, please call the CDCC Office at 302-734-7513 or visit our website and register through the Calendar of Events.

It is imperative that the members of the Central Delaware business community support each other’s successes. It has been said many times by many people that “when one wins, we all win!” There is so much good happening in Kent County that it is hard to choose a “best.” But by recognizing a “best,” we all are motivated to improve, to excel, to grow — and ultimately to contribute to the greater good of Central Delaware. We look forward to sharing this wonderful evening of celebration with you in June!

Upcoming events

•Wednesday, June 9: Coffee Coaching Come Back Series in the CDCC Board Room and on Zoom, 8 -9 a.m.

•Thursday, June 10: Member Orientation in the CDCC Board Room and on Zoom, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

•Wednesday, June 30: Sunset Business Mixer, 5 – 7 p.m. Location TBA.