The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to Delaware County’s best businesses, nonprofits, and institutions at its annual EPIC luncheon Nov. 19, at Drexelbrook Catering in Drexel Hill.
Awards were given out in several categories at the well-attended luncheon.
Deanna Doane, chairman of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, kicked off the awards presentation.
“I do always look forward to this event because it is so inspiring to see the achievements of our honorees and reconnect with friends and colleagues,” she said.
Business of the Year
The first award of the afternoon went to Monroe Energy, which was named Business of the Year.
Monroe Energy owns and operates an oil refinery along the Delaware River in Southeastern Delaware County and a pipeline subsidiary company called MIPC, based in Aston.
The company processes up to 200,000 barrels a day, producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, propane, home heating oil and other products. It employs 500 workers and uses hundreds of union contractors.
Monroe Energy has also contributed millions of dollars and volunteer hours to local causes.
The company came to Delaware County 12 years ago, said Jeff Warmann. CEO of Monroe Energy.
He said Delaware County and the Chamber “bent over backwards” to welcome Monroe when it arrived to help them succeed.
“And they continue to do that day in and day out,” Warmann said.
Monroe has recently been named one of the four safest petrochemical refining facilities in the United States, he said, producing only half of the emissions that a Gulf Coast refinery the same size is emitting.
“So taking care of the air, taking care of the water, providing employment, excellent educational facilities. That’s what it’s all about. So we’re very, very proud to be part of Delco,” he said.
Citizen of the Year
Dionne Douglas, a member of the Chamber’s board of directors and senior engineering manager at Kimberly-Clark Chester Mill, was named Citizen of the Year.
Douglas is passionate about volunteering.
She co-chairs the Kimberly-Clark Chester Mill’s United Way campaign, helping to raise over $400,000 annually.
“You truly exemplify what it means to uplift and support those around you,” read a note from the Chamber’s DEI committee chair and Chamber Foundation board member Kristy Purnell. “Dionne, keep shining and inspiring us all. We’ll need more leaders like you to make our world a better place.”
Douglas serves as Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and has taken on a leadership role within the Career Awareness Committee to prepare and inspire a future workforce.
“My work in the community is a source of immense fulfillment for me,” Douglas said.
She said the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is gaining momentum for shaping minds and changing practices within the Chamber, as well as within the county, and the Career Awareness Committee she leads allows her to share her love of technology with students.
“So, a few years ago, I realized that my ideal role lies in the intersection of culture and community, and where I can give back while transforming society and norms through education and awareness,” she said.
Excellence in Business
Michael Brady of LPL Financial earned an Excellence in Business Award.
Brady runs his own financial planning and services practice in Broomall, managing about $190 million in assets.
He has helped underprivileged families get out of debt and helped small businesses create business plans and obtain financing for projects.
He is a managing partner of the Independent Advisor Group and is an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Program at Widener University. He has also served two terms as president of the Widener-PMC Alumni Association and was part of the University Trustees.
Brady has been a Chamber member since 2001, including as board chairman in 2008, and president 2009 to 2011. He now serves on the President’s Advisor Committee.
Bob Simpson of Brinker Simpson described Brady as the “ultimate volunteer” and a family man devoted to his wife and three daughters.
Brady was the first to step up and lead the Chamber’s membership drive.
“The success of the Chamber and the continuity of the Chamber has a lot to do with Mike,” Simpson said.
Brady expressed his gratitude to the “entire village of Chamber members” who helped shape his experience.
“And the guidance and support and advice that you’ve give me over those years has been absolutely invaluable. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he said.
He attributed his success to his practice of getting to know people in the county and building relationships with them.
“In my opinion, that’s what it’s all about.”
He described his family as his identity and that it was “an absolute blessing to be able to live this life alongside them.”
He ended by pointing out that there are really great organizations out there that need help and described the Chamber as “one of the greatest business organizations in our area.”
Economic Impact Award
Delaware County Community College received the Economic Impact Award.
The community college was established in 1967 serving Delaware and Chester counties, providing accessible, affordable education to students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations.
It has evolved from offering associate degrees and transfer programs to a wide array of academic, vocational, and career-focused courses.
It has expanded its facilities and programs and now has several campuses and branches, including Marple, Upper Darby, Sharon Hill, Pennocks Bridge, and Downingtown.
In 2026, a new $66.5 million location opens in Drexel Hill, featuring innovative learning spaces,, advanced technology labs, and versatile classrooms in fields like healthcare, information technology, culinary/hospitality, early childhood education and skilled trades.
The southeast campus will also feature a Center for Workforce Development and Community Success, and an early childhood learning center in partnership with the YMCA.
Jessica Schultz-Sibley, Comcast manager of Senior Government and Regulatory Affairs, introduced the college.
“DCCC’s economic impact on the region has been substantial thanks to its deep commitment to education and workforce development,” she said.
Delaware County Community College President Dr. Marta Year Cronin spoke on behalf of the college.
“This recognition highlights the mission we pursue each day, empowering our students, nurturing talent, and driving growth throughout Delaware County,” she said.
Education is a power catalyst for personal achievement and for economic transformation, she said.
“By preparing our students with the critical skills and practical knowledge they need to excel, we’re helping to build a workforce that is ready to support the diverse needs of our local businesses and industries,” she said.
Young Professional of the Year
Wally Rutecki, born and raised in Springfield, and now a resident of Aston, was named Young Professional of the Year.
Rutecki graduated from Springfield High School in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2014 from Susquehanna University, where he also played basketball.
He began a career in the mortgage industry in March 2018, helping home buyers understand their options to put them in the best position for future financial success.
Danielle Eichinger, assistant manager at Franklin Mint and chairman of the Chamber’s Young Professional Committee, introduced Rutecki.
Wally represents the very spirit of leadership and innovation highlighted in this award, she said. He has left a remarkable impact felt far and wide in a short time.
“He is a natural connector and mentor, always ready to support these young professionals with enthusiasm and guidance, whether it’s welcoming someone to a new network or sharing secrets to navigating the world of networking,” she said.
Rutecki said he looks forward to talking to high school kids each year to share his expertise with them and give them guidance.
He thanked the Chamber for the opportunity it’s given him to meet a lot more people.
“I’ve been able to make awesome connections and meet some great people, so I’m very, very thankful for that,” he said.
He also thanked his parents and his grandparents for their support.
Success in business, he said, is making sure you’re active and involved in the local community.
“And that’s a lesson that I learned from my Grandpop. Thank you so much.
I definitely wouldn’t be out here without you.”
Nonprofit of the Year
Teachers’ Teammates received the Nonprofit of the Year Award.
Teachers Teammates is a nonprofit that recognized the financial struggle teachers have when they have to dig deep into their own wallets to pay for classroom supplies.
Teachers Teammates distributes free school supplies to students and teachers in Delaware County who are in public, charter, and parochial schools where at least 65 percent of the students qualify for the National Student Lunch Program
Frances Sheehan, president of The Foundation for Delaware County, talked about Teachers’ Teammates’ creation four years ago in the depth of the pandemic.
Teachers were under tremendous stress as families faced economic hardship. A group of county residents, led by Raelyn Harman, founded Teachers’ Teammates to help, transforming how local educators access classroom resources.
To date, there has been $2.4 million in donated supplies distributed, saving teachers thousands of dollars.
The organization uses an innovative online store. Teachers order high-demand items, including notebooks, art supplies, and hygiene kits, equipping classrooms so they don’t have to dip into their own financial resources.
“Beyond its immediate impact on teachers and students, Teachers’ Teammates is also dedicated to sustainability by partnering with local businesses and national programs like Amazon Gives Local,” Sheehan said.
The organization repurposes surplus goods that might otherwise go to waste, infusing new life into classrooms across the community.
“All of this is made possible by a dynamic team of volunteers whose commitment underscores the organization’s success and rapid growth.”
Teachers’ Teammates founder Realyn Harman thanked the business community for keeping its warehouse stocked.
“This achievement is a direct result of the generosity from many sectors of the community, including many here today, It’s so nice to see so many friends in the room.”
She said teachers, on average, spend one paycheck per year of their own money to make up the gap between what families and schools can provide and what students need.
” We’ve seen when nonprofits and businesses come together, we can multiply our impact and more effectively address the challenges in our communities.”
Teachers’ Teammates has a goal of giving away 300 new two-year memberships to teachers by the end of this year.
“While our mission will not solve all the challenges we face as a community that needs an educated workforce, it is a powerful way to show our appreciation to the teachers for their work with our children and to let them know we have their back,” she said.
