West County Chamber Honors Businesses, Volunteers

The West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce commended several businesses, nonprofits and volunteers at its annual meeting Wednesday, and also saw an appearance by Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman.

More than 100 people gathered at the Four Points by Sheraton in Linthicum to honor some of the most cooperative organizations in west Anne Arundel County.

The chamber awarded Roundz Gourmet Market and Catering in Gambrills as the 2013 Business of the Year for its contributions to the homeless and service to the community since opening in 2011. 

Cheryl Hokanson, owner of Impressive Promotional Products in Crofton, was named 2013 Ambassador of the Year by the chamber.

Neuman, slotted as guest speaker for the event, opened with a sobering assessment of the local government, but said she looked forward to cultivating business opportunities for the county.

"We are 20 years behind in county government," Neuman said. "I know it sounds negative, but it's not negative—it's an opportunity."

She mentioned upgrades—including the first computer for an Anne Arundel county executive—as moves in the right direction.

Claire Louder, chamber president and CEO, presented four annual awards and another award in recognition of Michael Malone, an attorney who has been with the chamber since 2007.

The chamber honored Roundz Gourmet for its work with the Light House shelter and homeless prevention group in Annapolis, healthy meal planning and giveaways of ice and lemonade when power was lost in last year's derecho storm.

"I never expected to receive any acknowledgement for what Roundz does in the community. That's not why we do these things," said owner Zachary Pope, of Crofton, in a press release. "I live here and want to help this area thrive."

Amy Smith, of the HeimLantz accounting and consulting company, was named 2013 Volunteer of the Year. Smith, who is the co-chair of the Ambassador's Club for the chamber, also teaches accounting and finance classes at Anne Arundel Community College.

Queen Waddell accepted the chamber's 2013 Non-Profit of the Year award for USO of Metropolitan Washington, which provides support and coordinates family visits for military personnel traveling through BWI.