Local residents honored during Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner

Five western Sussex residents were honored for their work and volunteerism last Wednesday at the Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner, which took place at the Laurel Fire Hall.

Judy Johnson, a Community Lender at Community Bank Delaware, received the chamber’s Community Service Award. Community Bank President Jack Riddle was unable to attend the banquet, but sent some comments to be read.

“Judy is a true asset to our bank and our community,” Riddle wrote of Johnson, who attended Seaford High School with him.

Shown (l to r) at the end of last week’s Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony are Chamber President Matt Parker, Judy Johnson (Community Service), Tom Darby (Legacy), Rob Herrera (Blazing New Trails), Sen. Dave Wilson. (Friend of Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce), Athena Sakellis (accepted Business Person of the Year Award for her husband George), and Terry Wilkinson of the Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson volunteers at the chamber as well as at Nanticoke Rotary and La Red. She encouraged people at the dinner to volunteer.

Developer Rob Herrera of the 9th Street Development Company and The Mill was presented with the chamber’s Blazing New Trails Award. Herrera’s company is in the process of developing the Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford.

“As a little girl you went to Seaford and ate at the Woolworths counter and bought your Christmas gifts in western Sussex,” said Terry Wilkinson of the Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s no secret that the shopping center fell on har times and it took relentless work. I show up and get to take the credit but there was was lots of work before,” Herrera said.

Herrera reported that the TidalHealth facility at the center will be done this year. BrightBloom and Community Bank have already opened.

At the end of the banquet, Rep. Danny Short and Sen. Dave Wilson presented tributes to the honorees, as did representatives from some of the western Sussex towns. “Rob took a leap of faith and came to Seaford. That project’s really going to have a life of its own,” said Short.

“We’re so appreciative of your vision of what this can be and what it is becoming,” Seaford Councilman Dan Henderson added. “The people who receive these awards are the epitome of humility and service.”

George Sakellis, owner of Laurel Pizzeria, Smash and Dash, and other businesses, was named the chamber’s Business Person of the Year Award. Sakellis was unable to attend the dinner, but his wife, Athena, accepted the award on his behalf.

“George loves the community. George loves Laurel,” she said. “Laurel has been a great home for our entire family.”

Tom Darby, who volunteers with the chamber, at the Broad Creek Bash, and with other organizations, received the chamber’s Legacy Award. Darby came to Seaford after growing up in Mississippi.

“I’ve had a great life. This is such an honor,” said Darby.

State Senator and business owner Dave Wilson was presented with the Friend of the Western Sussex Chamber of Commerce award.

Wilkinson called Wilson a “passionate public servant dedicated to the people of Delaware.”

“I’m truly honored and humbled to be honored,” Wilson said. “Together we can continue to make a positive difference to the lives of the people of western Sussex.”

Wilson credited Rep. Short for his success as a representative and senator. “When you’re surrounded by good people, a lot of credit has to go to the good people,” said Wilson. “If you see a turtle on a fence, someone helped him get there.”

The meal was served by the Laurel Fire Ladies Auxiliary. The chamber’s next Business and Economic Development Breakfast will take place on Jan. 13 with a presentation by Riddle and the Nanticoke Rotary.