The trophy case at Chesapeake Plastics Manufacturing in Lusby is bulging with prizes these days. In fact, their attention to total quality management and continual improvement has enabled them to garner some much-deserved and very prestigious attention over the past year. In June 2004, they accepted Southern Maryland’s Leading Edge Award for Small Business of the Year; in September, The Daily Record deemed them an “Innovator of the Year” finalist. Most recently, Smart CEO awarded them with a “Future 50” award in recognition of their growth and ability to keep the business climate vibrant and exciting.

Co-owners Mark McGrath and Steven Moore are pleased with all the attention they are receiving. “It’s really hard for start-up companies like ours to get the type of recognition they deserve,” said McGrath. “There are many companies here in Calvert County that are doing excellent work, stimulating the economy and providing good jobs,” he said. Moore countered by saying he is happy that Chesapeake Plastics is on the radar screen of so many award committees. “It is really nice to get this kind of recognition from a variety of organizations – it lets us know that we are on the right track.”

The accolades are especially impressive considering the meteoric rise the company has had over the past year. After their employer closed a similar plastics manufacturing plant in Prince Frederick in 2003, McGrath and Moore decided that, rather than look for new jobs outside Calvert County, they would purchase their former employer’s equipment, re-hire many of their newly unemployed colleagues and start their own business. Now, just 14 months later, the company is going strong, employing nearly ten people, operating a modern injection molding plant and specializing in maritime and construction trades, Department of Defense contracting support and the after-market auto industry.

McGrath and Moore credit a good deal of their success to the early-on assistance they received from the Calvert County Department of Economic Development. “The decision to locate in Calvert County became the option of choice after a meeting with the Calvert County Department of Economic Development proved to us that this is one of the most supportive counties in Maryland for new businesses,” said Moore, who focused on the development of the company’s original business plan.

“The influence of the Department of Economic Development, with the added support of the Board of Calvert County Commissioners, was the deciding factor in bringing Chesapeake Plastics Manufacturing to its current location in Lusby,” McGrath added. “Calvert provides outstanding support and incentives to businesses. In return we continue to do everything we can to support the community and employ local residents. I grew up in Calvert and it feels great to both live and work here,” McGrath said.

So what prize does the pair have their sights set on next? “We’d love to receive the Small Business Administration’s ‘Business of the Year’ award,” said McGrath. “That would be a nice addition to our collection.”

For more information on Chesapeake Plastics Manufacturing, please call 410.326.3004, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit their Web site at www.chesapeakeplastics.com . For more information about the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; send an e-mail to [email protected] , or visit our Web site www.ecalvert.com .