FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2017 Contact: Ibi Teleki Sofillas

301-466-3256 ibi@myrealtyteam.com

CLARKSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS AT FIRST

ANNUAL GALA

(Clarksburg, MD) – The Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce announces award recipients recognized at the organization’s first Annual Awards Dinner & Gala on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Businesses and individuals in Clarksburg were recognized for their significant role in driving the business community and economic growth in Clarksburg and surrounding areas. THE CLARKSBURG BUSINESS AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE: Outstanding Community Leader

[caption: from left Councilmember Craig Rice, Ann Myers, Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman, Maryland Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] Ann Myers The Myers Team at RE/MAX Realty Services Ms. Myers is active in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay for Life and organizes the Bark for Life dog walk fundraiser for ACS. Ann chairs the Community Outreach and Awards Committees of the CCC and her Team organizes an annual Donate, Recycle, Shred and Dumpster Day and

supports a wide variety of sports and civic organizations in Clarksburg. Outstanding Corporate Leader GrillMarx Steakhouse & Raw Bar GrillMarx Steakhouse & Raw Bar has sponsored a golf event to raise funds for the family of Mike Winffel, who was tragically murdered when assisting someone in need; supported CCC member meetings and sponsored local sports organizations. Outstanding Small Business Leader

[caption: From left Councilmember Craig Rice, Pat Darby, Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman, Maryland Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] Pat Darby Novel Places Based in the historic district of Clarksburg, Novel Books is a new and used bookstore, covering all categories, especially children’s books. This award goes to a small business with 1-29 employees that has shown excellence in business practices, employee relations, community involvement and economic

stimulation in the Clarksburg community and beyond.

Volunteer Champion Award [caption: From left Councilmember Craig Rice, Fred Levy, Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman, Maryland Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] Fred Levy MyRealtyTeam Real Estate LLC Fred Levy has helped move the Chamber towards its goals of bringing the businesses together for the betterment of the community. Fred Levy has made significant contributions to the Chamber in his work leading the membership committee, leading the new website development and acting as a representative of the Chamber at local events. Working hard to

grow awareness for the CCC, Fred help generate over 85 new members for the Chamber in 2016. Ibi Teleki Sofillas Chamber Champion Award

[caption: From left Councilmember Craig Rice, Ibi Teleki Sofillas, Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman, Maryland Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] Ibi Teleki Sofillas MyRealtyTeam Real Estate LLC This award recognizes an individual for demonstrating outstanding dedication, commitment, support and enthusiasm for the Clarksburg Chamber, and has served as a public ambassador for increasing membership in and support for the Chamber. Ibi Teleki Sofillas of MyRealtyTeam Real Estate LLC has embodied all of these attributes and more.

Her strategic vision coupled with day-to-day commitment to make Clarksburg a better place to live and work will be remembered long after she leaves this position. Councilmember Rice stated, “Ibi Teleki Sofillas is known as the mother of the Clarksburg Chamber.”

[caption: CCC Board announces a surprise resolution to rename the Chamber Champion Award to honor Ibi Teleki Soffilas; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] In a surprise announcement, the 2016 Board of Directors declared a resolution that the Chamber Champion Award will henceforth be named the Ibi Teleki Sofillas Chamber Champion Award, so that all who follow are reminded of the tenacity and commitment she has shown in revitalizing the Chamber and strengthening it for generations to come.

The evening’s festivities were presented by Montgomery County Councilmember and chair of the council’s education committee, Craig Rice, alongside Senator Brian Feldman and Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo. A silent auction generated over $1,400 to fund a newly formed education scholarship program benefiting Clarksburg High School students in offsetting post-graduation tuition fees.

[caption: From left Councilmember Craig Rice, Ibi Teleki Sofillas, Shaneea Peek, designer of the Clarksburg flag; photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] In addition, the designer of the Clarksburg Flag Shaneea Peek was given acclaim for her vision and creative expression. Ms. Peek was honored with her own framed flag and recognition by Councilmember Rice and Ms. Teleki Sofillas.

The new 2017 Board of Directors was announced; for president, Ibi Teleki Sofillas; for vice-president, Shawn Blackwell; for secretary, Greg Gosnell; for treasurer, Ellen Silverstein; and members at large, Stephanie Graves and Ann Myers. [caption: The Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce 2017 board of directors from left Stephanie Graves, Ellen Silverstein, Greg Gosnell, Ann Myers and Ibi Teleki Sofillas (missing Shawn Blackwell); photo credit: Lori Marshall Photography] The Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce recognizes and thanks corporate sponsors GrillMarx, Milton Ridge and Auxilium Technology, event sponsors

Winchester Homes and Clarksburg Village Center along with sponsors and partners without whom the 1st Annual Awards Dinner and Gala could not happen: AMR Commercial, Clarksburg Sports Association, Ellen S. Silverstein CPA, Hidden Ridge Farm Flowers and Herbs, Lori Marshall Photography, Send Out Cards, Total Dental Care. About the Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce The Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce is a local organization of businesses seeking to further collective business interests, while advancing our community. We are a member-led civic and economic advancement organization governed by an elected board of directors. Monthly meetings and after-hours social events provide business-to-business networking, visibility, and resources for Clarksburg business leaders. Through member-led committees, the Chamber aims to achieve its goals, including: to strengthen our community, making it attractive to business leaders, residents, visitors, and investors; to promote growth of member businesses; to serve as a unified voice for the employer community; and to create effective networks to further the Chamber’s and members’ goals. Clarksburg Chamber members share the ambition for sustained prosperity of the Clarksburg region, built on thriving employers.

www.clarksburgchamberofcommerce.com

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