Local companies honored by state chamber

 The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its Small Business Alliance have announced this year’s Superstars in Business award winners: Delaware Nature Society, Courageous Hearts, RiversEdge Advisors and Surf Bagel. The honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony set for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington. 

The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards program is named for one of Delaware’s most distinguished small business leaders, Marvin Gilman, who displayed the highest ethical standards, found innovative ways to improve the world around him and inspired others to follow in his footsteps.

Since 1998, the program has honored small businesses and nonprofit organizations for their outstanding achievements, and model approaches to business and management. The awards are presented to companies that have been in business for at least three years and are small businesses based on the number of full-time employees. Awards of Excellence are also granted to deserving companies. 

Delaware Nature Society (Nonprofit Category) – Since its founding in 1964, Delaware Nature Society has worked continuously to connect Delawareans and nearby residents to the natural world, to conserve the state’s lands and waters, and to improve the environment for all. A regional leader in environmental education, conservation and advocacy, Delaware Nature Society manages more than 2,000 acres of land across the First State. 

Courageous Hearts LLC (1-14 Employee Category) – With three locations in Lincoln, Bridgeville and Townsend, Courageous Hearts combines the healing power of horses with high-quality psychotherapy services and professional development opportunities for individuals, families, groups, businesses and corporations. Sessions include a mental health clinician and a skilled equine professional who lead participants through experiential learning.

RiversEdge Advisors (15-40 Employee Category) – RiversEdge Advisors is a registered investment advisor and business advisory firm with a commitment to the highest fiduciary standard. The firm offers tax planning, estate planning, business planning and corporate retirement services to high-net-worth individuals, business leaders and corporate retirement plan sponsors. 

Surf Bagel (41-150 Employee Category) – Surf Bagel is a quick-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, and specializes in freshly made New York-style bagels. Since the opening of the flagship location in Lewes 20 years ago, the restaurant has expanded to its current four locations and is an iconic brand in Southern Delaware.

Also, Awards of Excellence will be given to: Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (Nonprofit Category), Jack Lingo Asset Management (1-14 Employee Category), Tevebaugh Architecture (15-40 Employee Category) and Boulden Brothers (41-150 Employee Category).

The event’s keynote speaker will be Michael Meoli, president and owner/operator of The Meoli Companies. Meoli owns and operates 25 McDonald’s restaurants across the Delmarva Peninsula in Delaware and Maryland. His restaurants are consistently recognized for their outstanding achievements in customer satisfaction, superb operations, and employee and management development. He has received numerous recognitions within the McDonald’s system, including two regional Ronald Awards as well as McDonald’s Corporation’s most prestigious owner/operator award – the Golden Arch Award – which recognizes the outstanding achievements of the top 1% of owner/operators worldwide. 

For more information, go to dscc.com/superstarsinbusiness.