The Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDC) held their Annual Awards event on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Bel Air Armory in downtown Bel Air.
Newberry Café & Bakery, located at 140 North Bond Street, took home top honors as the 2024 Business of the Year. Owner Nichol Barbes was on hand to receive the coveted award, given by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners. Newberry Café & Bakery was selected based on their significant involvement in Town activities, the priority they place on giving back to the community, and their contributions to the overall economy and culture of Bel Air.
Newberry opened in 2017 in the space that had been occupied by the Bel Air Bakery for 60 years, operated by the Hamilton family until it closed in 2015. Barbes and her employees support multiple community organizations and local government entities, such as CASA of Harford County, SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center), the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, the Harford County Public Library and Harford County Public Schools through the culinary apprenticeship program at Harford Technical High School and the Future Link program for students with special needs.
Barbes said she feels blessed to “have the ability to give back to all of the organizations, especially the teenagers that get to learn and grow at my bakery, and (serve) all the different generations that have been coming there for 60 years, people’s parents and grandparents.”
The Economic and Community Development Commission presented the Archer-Bull Award, named after prominent 19th century Bel Air architect George Archer and master builder Jacob Bull. The award was presented to Harford Retirement Planners for the adaptive reuse of 510 S. Main Street. The structure, also known as the Bosley House, is a historic Colonial Revival Foursquare structure that served as a personal residence from 1925 until 1986.
The project received the award for overall design excellence, compatibility of the addition to the existing structure and economic impact to the community. The Clark Design Group architectural firm was honored for the design of the building, and general contractor Bay Country Associates was recognized for their outstanding construction work on this project.
Joe Conroy, owner of Harford Retirement Planners, moved his practice from Towson to his hometown of Bel Air about four years ago. He praised the Town government and members of the community for their support.
“It has been overwhelming, just how supportive everybody has been as I moved my practice from Towson back home,” he said.
Conroy noted that one of the main reasons for selecting the Bosley House as the home for his firm is because of its prime spot on the annual Fourth of July parade route along Main Street. He hosts a parade viewing party on the property each year, which draws about 200 people. Conroy said he takes a few minutes to stand on the front porch and look over the families celebrating.
“I get a chance, once a year, to appreciate what we’ve been able to build and it’s just a really, really special moment,” he said.
The Board of Town Commissioners presented its Citizen of the Year Award to Michael “Mike” Blum. This award is bestowed upon a citizen for their continuous commitment to bettering the Town of Bel Air and creating a positive impact for its residents. 
Mr. Blum has generously given of his time and talent through his service as the parade chair for the Bel Air Independence Day Committee since 1990 and through his leadership of the Bel Air Christmas Parade since the early 2000s. Mr. Blum’s steadfast dedication and organizational expertise have made both celebrations ones that all of Bel Air and Harford County treasure.
During his remarks, Blum praised the elected and appointed officials of the Town of Bel Air, as well as Harford County, for providing excellent service to the Town’s residents and creating opportunities to host multiple cultural and community events in the Harford County seat.
He said it is “such a pleasure and such a privilege” to work on the parades each year.
“They are so important to being a symbol of what the Town of Bel Air does to help its people and to give its people, its constituency, an upbeat, a unifying, a happy event, no matter what else is going on (in the world),” he said.
Blum added: “It is a privilege to be a volunteer and to run these events, and see what magnificent happiness we are able to bring to all the people.”
Mayor Paula Etting noted that, in addition to recognizing the three award winners Thursday evening, "we come together to celebrate all who have contributed to the Town’s economic vitality by opening businesses, purchasing homes, supporting our local establishments and volunteering in our community."
"We are deeply grateful, and on behalf of the Board (of Town Commissioners) and all the citizens of Bel Air, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to making Bel Air a vibrant and prosperous community," she continued.
For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at 410-838-0584.
Media and Public Relations Specialist David Anderson can be reached at 410-838-7181 or danderson@belairmd.org.