WASHINGTON COUNTY -- For his volunteerism, Merle Elliott of Hagerstown has received a statewide economic development award.
The Maryland Economic Development Association gave Elliott its 2008 volunteer of the year award Monday in Cambridge, Md.
"In the last 28 years, Mr. Elliott, in various unpaid volunteer positions, has made a positive impact on the economic growth of Washington County and the State of Maryland," the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission's nomination says. "Mr. Elliott's foresight, hard work, and tireless devotion to business and economic development, higher education, and community betterment have tremendously (helped) make Hagerstown and Washington County the success it is today."
Elliott has been part of the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF), a nonprofit organization that helps finance development projects, since it began in 1960. He was president from 1974 to 2001.
"Under his leadership, CHIEF has been instrumental in bringing thousands of jobs to the area, creating industry diversification and additional business opportunities for our community," the nomination says.