OBGC’s Scott is chamber’s Businessperson of the Year

by Judith Hruz

Editor

Choosing Brad Scott, executive director of the Olney Boys and Girls Club (OBGC), as the Olney Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year was a piece of cake.

“This award was an easy choice for the awards committee,” said Fred Silver, president of the chamber. “His innovative and forward thinking has greatly benefited our community by making OBGC more than just a sports facility — now an entertainment center, adding fun and excitement to our community.”

Scott, who took over the executive director role in July 2021 after at least six years of managing sports programs for the organization, is helping the organization build on its five-decade-old reputation of offering quality sports programs for young athletes.

Soon, more and more people will be able to take part in OBGC programs and activities as the organization challenges itself to branch out and grow its brand.

“It is not just a youth sports organization anymore,” Scott said.

He emphasized, however, that youth sports will always be the organization’s priority.

“It’s what we’re about at the end of the day,” he said.

For years, OBGC has offered the popular Field of Screams Halloween “haunted house” on its park, Freeman Fields, at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road.

This year for the first time, OBGC offered Winter City Lights, welcoming visitors to walk through one and a half miles of winter- and holiday-decorated attractions.

An ice-skating rink could be part of the winter festivities next year.

The organization is also considering an event of some type to celebrate Independence Day.

This past summer, the park was the home field for the new Cropdusters, a new addition to the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.

OBGC also received $1.5 million in state money to build a multi-sport performance center on the campus. MedStar Montgomery Medical Center will partner with OBGC on that project.

Chamber honors other businesspeople

Scott’s award as Businessperson of the Year was one of several handed out at the Olney Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party in December.

Other awards went to:

Richard “Benny” Bienvenue Award: Sen. Craig Zucker (D-Dist. 14) — In recognition of his guidance, leadership and commitment to the Olney Chamber of Commerce and community.

The special award, named in honor of the founder of Our House who retired after 26 years of service, was first given to the award’s namesake and then to Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger who retired after 15 years of service.

Zucker is the third person to receive the award.

He said he is honored to receive an award named for “a Montgomery County icon who has done so much for our community.”

“Anything with the name ‘Benny’ on it, I am very, very touched,” Zucker said. “It is very meaningful.”

Business(es) of the Year: Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company and Waredaca Brewing Company — For bringing a thriving new industry to the region, drawing visitors from around the DMV, who patronize other local businesses. Both have hosted chamber functions, donated to chamber events and held fundraisers for local organizations.

Chamber Heritage Award: Robyn and John Quinter, Quinter Design — For decades of service and contributions to the Olney Chamber of Commerce.

The President’s Award: Marc Rosendorf — For outstanding service on the chamber’s Board of Directors, especially for his efforts on behalf of the Noah Leotta Olney Police Satellite Station.

Community Service Award: Olney Lions Club — For 50 years of service to the Olney community and support of chamber events

Special Recognition: Paul Barker, president of Our Lady of Good Counsel — On his retirement in recognition of his service to the school and the Olney community.

Chamber Champion Award: Dr. Bobby Mozafari, Integrated Sports, Spine & Rehab — For always being willing to support the chamber in any way, including recruiting new members, promoting the chamber through social media, and hosting and sponsoring chamber events.

Rising Star Award: Nick Comeau, Caliber Home Loans Inc. — For being a new member who has already made a significant impact on the chamber by recruiting new members, attending nearly all chamber functions, and sponsoring National Night Out and a networking mixer.

Chamber Entertainer of the Year: Brad Bawek — For always being willing to break out in song, whether by providing entertainment at the holiday party, being the first to take the karaoke microphone or performing the National Anthem at the Cropdusters baseball game.