WILDWOOD – The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce held its 79th annual meeting and installation dinner Wednesday, Oct. 18, presenting awards to members including Tracey Boyle-DuFault, executive director of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce.
Boyle-DuFault was presented the first Robert C. Patterson Jr. Spirit of Leadership Award. The award was named for the chamber’s first executive director, who took the position in 1967 and made his mark on the county and the state. Patterson was described as being passionate about tourism and would reach out to the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce whenever there was an important issue to address.
“It didn’t matter the issue, he worked for all chamber members,” said Chamber President Emeritus Vicki Clark.
The award recognizes an individual or business whose efforts inspire and promote growth in Cape May County through forward-looking leadership, commitment to job creation and fostering relationships through mentoring.
Boyle-DuFault said she worked under Patterson and learned lifelong lessons from him, including, “Don’t be the smartest person in the room,” and “Walk well with others by leaving your ego at home.” Boyle-Dufault said she wished to leave those last words with all those in attendance.
Karen Dickinson, advertising manager for the Cape May County Herald, was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by Chamber Chairperson Amy Mahon. The award, according to the chamber’s guidelines, is presented to “an individual whose selfless dedication and commitment have significantly enriched the community through their outstanding volunteer efforts.”
Dickinson was described as a “current member ambassador and a champion of the chamber.” It was noted that she volunteers for many events and activities. She has been with the Herald for more than 30 years.
Mudhen Hospitality LLC, the Hen Houses, was named Business of the Year. The Hen Houses are a new addition to the lodging market, centrally located in Wildwood. They consist of six small houses, individually named, and MudHen Manor. The Hen Houses are affiliated with the MudHen Brewery and Restaurant and other local businesses, including Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza and Dogtooth Bar & Grill.
The Environmental Leadership Award went to Chet Kennedy of The Boarding House Hotel in Cape May. The owner was named for the use of water-saving and energy-saving fixtures and the elimination of plastic materials where possible.
The Young Professional Award was presented to Alicia Pearson, of the Kindle Insurance Agency in Court House, highlighting her excellence as an up-and-coming professional in the insurance industry.
The Military Veteran Leadership in Business Award went to Jake Cuomo of Revolution Rail, a recreational, peddled rail car experience out of Cape May. Cuomo has embedded himself in the community, joining such groups as the Coast Guard Community Foundation.
The Non-Profit of the Year was the No Limits Academy located in Rio Grande. The academy, operated by Josh Mercado, uses boxing to teach children “the skills for personal, professional and spiritual development.”
The Cape May County Betterment Award went to Atlantic Cape Community College – Cape May County Campus. Those accepting the award included Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba and Wildwood Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons, who is the campus director.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Joseph and Patricia Anne Salvatore for their work and development of the Historic Cold Spring Village. Joseph Salvatore is also the driving force behind the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum.
The Annual Dinner Rockstar Award was presented to Christa Linnington of J. Byrne Insurance Agency.
The 2023-2024 Cape May County Chamber officers and executive committee were named at the installation dinner. They include: Chairperson – Amy Mahon, of Reich Asset Management; 1st Vice Chairperson – Denise Wieand, Allegra Marketing; 2nd Vice Chairperson – Eli Massood, Roszkowski Massood; Immediate Past President – Doug Burke, Burke Motor Group; Secretary – Stephanie Thomas, Sunshine Dentistry; Treasurer – Michael McMahon, McMahon Insurance Agency; Director at Large – Scott Turner, Oceanview Campground; Director at Large – Elizabeth Hulitt, Sturdy Savings Bank; Director at Large – Sydney Patrick, TD Bank; and Chamber Solicitor – Louis DeLollis.
The 2023-2024 directors include: Chrissy Casiello, Studio Four Thirty Six LLC; Mary Ann Ginn, Crest Savings Bank; Marcia McCulley, AtlantiCare; Peter Morano, South Jersey Industries; Steve Hunter, Tesla Payments; Marifrances O’Neill, OceanFirst Bank; Katie Faldetta, Cape Assist; Marianne Adams, Avalon Flooring; Debbie Guiquindo, TRIO North Wildwood; Ken Jenkins, Fractured Prune of New Jersey; Eliza Lotoza, Cape May MAC; Alicia Pearson, Kindle Insurance Agency; Tracey Martin, Cape Resorts; Julie Miner, 1st Bank of Sea Isle City; Chris Mooney, Surety Title Company; Joe Cleary – Morey’s Piers; Tom Piratzky, Cape Regional Health System; Ron Sulpizi, Sturdy Savings Bank; Jim Ridgway, J. Byrne Insurance; Kenna Wuerker, Hawk Haven Winery; Sage Del Valle, F&S Digital; Diane Wieland, Cape May County Department of Tourism, Public Information, Culture & Heritage; Jen Shivers, Delaware River and Bay Authority; Krista Fitzsimons, Atlantic Cape Community College; and Greg Sykora, ERCO Ceilings & Floors.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
