Keynote speaker for the seventh annual Leading Edge Awards June 20 was James Dinegar, president and CEO for the Greater Washington Board of Trade. The annual event brings together government leaders, corporate executives, business owners and technology experts who celebrate those individuals and businesses within Southern Maryland that spur economic growth within the region.

This year's CEO of the Year, presented by the Corporate Center at the College of Southern Maryland during the seventh annual Leading Edge Awards, is R. Gore Bolton of Bolton & Associates, LLC, Southern Maryland's largest civil engineering, land planning and surveying firm. Bolton was honored for his ability to transition from an innovator to a self-starter to a manager and, eventually, to a great motivator and leader.

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development honored Mike Ralph and Scott Haddock of GlassLock as Calvert County Technology Company of the Year and recognized at the seventh annual Leading Edge Awards June 20. GlassLock specializes in customized window film and glazing options for blast, security and environmental protection. Haddock started the company in 1994 with a patented Fragment Retention Window Film (FRF) used for controlling glass failure caused by bomb blasts, windstorms, earthquakes, spontaneous glass failure and forced entry. Serving a diverse client base from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to National Gallery of Art to Apple Computers, Inc, GlassLock is recognized for providing customers all the glory and panoramic view a window offers while maintaining safety and environmental protection.

The Charles County Technology Council's seventh annual Leading Edge Award for Technology Company of the Year was presented to MorganFranklin on June 20. From left are Carlos Montague, chair of the Charles County Tech Council; last year's recipient Civista Medical Center represented by CEO Christine Stefanides; Robert Morgan; and Alan Kutz, vice president of the College of Southern Maryland's Corporate and Community Training Institute. Since inception seven years ago, MorganFranklin Corporation combines business and technology expertise to deliver a unique blend of professional services and IT solutions for business and government leaders navigating high-stakes financial, operational and IT challenges. With high-profile clients ranging from fortune 500 companies to the White House, MorganFranklin is listed on Washington Technology's Fast 50 and SmartCEO's Future 50. The company's recent efforts to develop one of the most advanced mobile emergency communication solutions in the country exemplifies its broad experience helping business and government leaders navigate high-stakes challenges.

Research and Engineering Development, Inc. (RED-INC) co-founder Karen Garner was presented the Patuxent Partnership Member Firm of the Year at the seventh annual Leading Edge Awards June 20. Founded in 1998 by Garner and Art Weaver, RED-INC provides research, development, testing and evaluation of military weapons systems, specifically cockpits and crew stations, as well as all the aircraft systems that support crew-systems interfaces. This woman and veteran–owned small business aligns human capabilities to optimize the total performance of technical systems. From psychological applications to industrial engineering, every aspect of human interaction needs to be considered for Naval war fighters because performance drives the mission. Starting from just a two-person team in 1998 and growing to a 56-employee organization today, RED-INC has a well-established reputation in the defense industry for leading edge innovative solutions, successful system and process engineering development, and business integrity.

Recipient of the College of Southern Maryland Partnership in Education Award during the seventh annual Leading Edge Awards June 20 was Community Bank of Tri-County, accepted by Michael Middleton, president and CEO. Founded in October 1950 with a mission to provide home financing for the community in Southern Maryland, Community Bank of Tri-County has become an integral part of the economic stability and progress of citizens and businesses throughout the area. This community bank is a philanthropic leader for many activities and groups. For CSM, the bank helped establish the Louis P. Jenkins Sr. Endowment Fund and is a generous sponsor of the St. Charles Children's Learning Center, the Center for Business and Industry, the Leading Edge Awards and activities that support college athletic programs. Community Bank of Tri-County will also be honored as a true believer in education and training, providing management and supervisory training to many of its employees through the Corporate Center at CSM. Through this training and with the encouragement of the bank's officers, its employees are known for the highest levels of customer service.

The Small Business Development Center awarded the 2007 Leading Edge Award of Small Business of the Year to Hilltop Graphics during ceremonies June 20. "We'll do whatever it takes, together" are the words engraved on a locket Tom Davis, left, gave his wife, Carol Davis, right, almost 14 years ago. Their dreams became reality last year when they moved their company, Hilltop Graphics, from their home to a storefront in downtown Leonardtown. Hilltop Graphics is more than a printing company, providing design work and creativity that transforms customers' promotional needs into works of art and delivering visual masterpieces. As their business continues to grow and expand, this couple also maintains a customer service outlook that is based in a strong attachment to the community.

Marge Ridgell, program coordinator and counselor with the Small Business Development Center at the College of Southern Maryland, was honored during the seventh Leading Edge Awards for her commitment and efforts in helping to produce this annual event. The annual event brings together government leaders, corporate executives, business owners and technology experts who celebrate those individuals and businesses that spur economic growth within the region.