Hardwire Receives 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Economic Development
Hardwire Receives 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Economic Development
Pocomoke City, Maryland — Tuesday, November 14, 2023
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) proudly announced that Hardwire, a distinguished manufacturing organization based on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, was selected to receive the Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award at the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards.
The 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards, hosted by the Rural Maryland Council, serve to recognize individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to communities throughout rural Maryland. The awards ceremony took place on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland.
Hardwire, a HUBZone Small Business located in Worcester County, has been a pivotal force on the Lower Eastern Shore for several years. Specializing in protective armor systems for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, Hardwire has not only created family-supporting jobs but has also significantly impacted economic development through innovative and creative solutions.
The company's commitment to a life-saving mission, demonstrated by the development of protective armor systems, has garnered the attention and admiration of the Rural Maryland Council. Hardwire's approach, marked by technological advancements, collaboration, and community support, aligns seamlessly with the criteria set for the Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award.
The Rural Maryland Council's decision to award Hardwire underscores the company's steadfast commitment to a life-saving mission. CEO George Tunis expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are honored to receive the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Award for Outstanding Rural Economic Development. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of the entire Hardwire team. At Hardwire, we believe in the transformative power of technology, collaboration, and community support. This award is a reflection of our commitment to not only creating jobs and driving economic development but also making a meaningful impact on the well-being of our community."
Honorable Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland State Senate, Commissioner Caryn Abbott of Worcester County, Ms. Nancy Schwendeman, Worcester County Workforce Development Specialist, and Ms. Melanie Pursel, Director of Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development, are among the notable supporters of Hardwire's nomination.
Hardwire's contributions extend beyond economic development to encompass community well-being. The company actively engages with local businesses, supports education initiatives, and has played a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by producing over 3 million face shields and providing jobs to over 100 Marylanders. Hardwire also donated 1,700+ Emergency Response Shields® to Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset County schools to offer active shooter protection amongst their halls.
The Outstanding Rural Economic Development Award recognizes programs, projects, or organizations that successfully attract, retain, or create jobs in rural areas. Hardwire's achievements in this regard, coupled with their commitment to community well-being, made them a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
To learn more about the 2023 Maryland Rural Impact Awards and the Rural Maryland Council, please visit https://rural.maryland.gov/.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Hardwire, LLC
410-957-3669
About the Rural Maryland Council:
The Rural Maryland Council serves as the State’s federally designated state rural development council and advocate for the interests of rural Maryland. The Council brings together citizens, community-based organizations, government officials, and representatives from the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of rural Maryland communities.
About Hardwire, LLC:
Hardwire is a leading developer and supplier of advanced armor systems for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and public facility applications. The company has armored police vehicles for large cities and municipalities, covered miles of the nation’s critical bridges with armor, outfitted countless police officers with life-saving protection, and supplies the U.S. military with hard and soft body armor. Hardwire is located in Pocomoke City, Maryland.