BEST BUSINESSMAN, RICKY FITZHUGH & BEST SMALL BUSINESS — Dorchester/Talbot Counties
Submitted photo
There’s a unique entrepreneurial spirit that drives Chesapeake Bay watermen like Hoopers Island Oyster Co. founder Ricky Fitzhugh. Ricky manages the Dorchester County-based business that’s revolutionized the oyster industry for 12-plus years.  
Combining years of experience on the water with passion and newfound optimism,

BEST OBGYN — Worcester County
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
Melissa Braniff, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, joined Atlantic General Health System in January 2020 to provide women’s healthcare for the Berlin/Ocean City community. Melissa was a registered nurse for six years, gaining experience in home health and emergency nursing, before earning her Master of Science in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Wilmington University.

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM — Worcester County
Photo by Grant L. Gursky
At Selzer & Associates, every member of its team is dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals. Comprising three financial advisors and one client associate with more than 80 years of combined experience, they provide a personalized approach to investment management by getting to know their clients and their families.

BEST CLEANING COMPANY — Dorchester/Talbot Counties
Photo by Jill Jasuta
When the COVID-19 pandemic crippled the economy and closed local businesses indefinitely, most residents were forced to navigate an ocean of uncertainties, unsure what awaited them in the future, but yearned to make a positive contribution any way they could.
On the Delmarva Peninsula’s Mid-Shore region,