Salisbury, MD — Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) held its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Banquet on November 7, 2024, honoring the exceptional achievements of local entrepreneurs who are contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region. Hosted at Salisbury University’s Patricia R. Guerrieri Academics Commons Building Assembly Hall, this year’s event drew business leaders, community members, and local officials, all gathered to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The evening featured an awards ceremony recognizing three outstanding business leaders for their contributions to workforce development, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The program was emceed by Nick Rudolph, MCE’s Baltimore Regional Director, who guided the audience through a night of community celebration.
The 2024 honorees:
• Shaina Daly and Heather Hall, Co-owners of The Ugly Pie, were awarded the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award in recognition of their commitment to quality, innovation, and the expansion of their successful bakery business. Presented by Maurice Ames, MCE Executive Director.
• Jeremy Brink, Owner of Ocean 13 Seafood and Steakhouse, received the Workforce Development Award for his dedication to creating meaningful employment opportunities and fostering workforce growth in the hospitality industry. Presented by Julianna Allen, Business Services Manager of the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance, on behalf of our award sponsor, Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development.
• Sara Aquino Noyes, President of Atlantic Portable X-Ray, was honored with the Innovator Award for her groundbreaking work in the healthcare sector, delivering vital diagnostic services to patients with accessibility needs. Presented and sponsored by Jenni Pastusak, D3 Corporation’s Director of Public Relations and sponsor of the award.
MCE Executive Director Maurice Ames expressed his admiration for the winners, noting, “The entrepreneurs we honor tonight exemplify resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to their communities. Maryland Capital Enterprises is proud to support their journeys and to be a part of this thriving network of small business leaders who are shaping the future of Maryland’s economy.” Special guest Maryland Senator Mary Beth Carozza gave the keynote address, showing her support for the honorees and the important role MCE plays in fostering economic development across the region.
The evening was further distinguished by Congressional Citations presented to the award recipients in recognition of their contributions to the community and the local economy. Delegate Christopher T. Adams, chair of the Eastern Shore Delegation, provided a citation from his office, alongside citations from Maryland Senators Mary Beth Carozza and Johnny Mautz, and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Benjamin Cardin. These commendations underscored the impact and importance of the work being done by this year’s honorees.
The event also included presentations by winners of the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business Ratcliffe Foundation and Shore Hatchery Entrepreneurship competition, introduced by Bryan Bourdeau, Assistant Director of the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at Salisbury University. Maryland Capital Enterprises congratulates the 2024 award winners and thanks all supporters and sponsors who made this event a success. Their commitment fuels MCE’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and create opportunities that drive positive economic change in Maryland.
For more information about MCE and the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, visit
www.marylandcapital.org.
About Maryland Capital Enterprises
Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, training, and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Maryland. MCE’s mission is to empower individuals, particularly those from underserved communities, to achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship. From offering loans and business consulting to hosting events like the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, MCE is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive business environment across the state.
