10 honored for community improvements

Recognizing investments made to improve appearances, functionality and spirit, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and organizations at its annual Community Improvement Awards.

The Aug. 12 ceremony at Hartley Hills Golf Club and Events Center in Hagerstown celebrated construction, renovation, vision, community pride and transformational impact.

Winners

• Exemplary: Downtown Deli and Catering Company, 718 E. Main St., was recognized for going above and beyond in completing a beautification project. Chamber officials noted the $167,000 revitalization investment across two historic downtown Richmond buildings. Original charm was restored through tuck pointing, new windows, fresh paint and modern signage.
• Community Impact: Noting its estimated $1.25 million investment, Uranus Fudge Factory was recognized for turning a once-overlooked structure into what chamber officials call a playful, highly visible and must-see roadside destination just off Interstate 70. The giant dinosaur and bold barn-style design at 6400 National Road E. also brings jobs, tourism and a unique personality to Richmond, the release said, and future plans are being made for more attractions.
• Community Spirit: Ed DeLaPaz accepted Richmond Urban Enterprise Association’s award for its efforts in sparking transformational change and uplifting the county’s spirit. Chamber leaders note UEA’s ongoing work in building community, creating opportunities and driving revitalization in underutilized urban spaces. The UEA Zone includes Richmond’s downtown, Depot District and Starr neighborhood. UEA’s commitment to equity, access and local pride has made a lasting mark on the community and continues to shape a stronger, more connected Richmond, the release said.

Additional nominees

• Anchor Transload: The $40 million transload and ingredient processing facility in Midwest Industrial Park off Interstate 70 is a distribution hub for top pet food brands.
• Blue Buffalo: The pet food manufacturer took on a major expansion and rebranding effort of its 7-year-old Richmond facility with an estimated investment of $230 million. It’s the second-largest expansion in General Mills history. Blue Buffalo grew its Midwest Industrial Park site by 170,000 square feet, including a brand-new warehouse, expanded processing areas, a larger mill tower and four new bulk silos. Interstate 70 motorists can see new signage that lights up the skyline.
• Burger King: Chamber leaders organized ribbon-cuttings for renovations of Richmond’s two BK eateries, in February at 1814 National Road W. and in June at 4360 E. Main St.
• Eight To The Bar: The renovated events venue at 931 E. Main St. in Richmond includes a ballroom for up to 400 guests and now includes Analog coffee bar that’s open to the public. It once was the headquarters for Gennett Records and a showroom for Starr Piano Co.
• Root 13 Beauty Suites: Services such as haircuts, waxing, henna brows, tooth gems and massage can be found at its new location, 340 N.W. Fifth St. in Richmond.
• 3Rivers Federal Credit Union: Renovations to the main Richmond branch at 34 S. Seventh St. were recognized.

Root 13 owner Debbie Dalbey appreciated acknowledgment of all the nominees’ hard work.

“Anyone who has undertaken a project with significant changes knows the sleepless nights, self doubt and concerns about making the right decisions,” she said in the release. “Knowing that others recognize the value in our efforts at our new location means the world to me.”