“One can judge a company on the products or services they create, but one could also judge a company on the impact their people have on their community,” said Sam Shoge, Talbot County economic development coordinator, at the breakfast.

A company can be recognized as an industry leader, or it may deliver a vital service that is needed in the region, Shoge said. Other companies make a commitment to a location and its people by growing a business over time and investing in the region’s human capital. Still others gather talented minds together and build a company that supports an industry that is very near and dear to the region’s heart.

For these reasons, the Economic Development Commission broadened the awards category to nominate and vote for businesses and individuals they identified as having made an impact on the Talbot County community.

Shoge recognized Whalen as a pioneering manufacturer in the HVAC industry for a variety of multi‐story buildings. Whalen has been headquartered in Easton, Maryland, since 1979 and expanded from 40,000 square feet to 93,000 in 2005.

Whalen continued expanding when it purchased a building across the street from its headquarters in 2016 to house the aftermarket HVAC parts division. The company recently expanded another 53,000 square feet to manufacture packaged water‐source heat pumps.

“It’s a great feeling for everybody on the whole team,” said Craig Wanner, Whalen president and CEO, about winning the award. “We’ve all worked very hard to grow the business and take advantage of opportunities and be recognized. Everybody here has families in the community and we’re a family business, so it’s important to give back." Wanner said the company does everything it can to support charities and the community.

For more information, visit www.whalencompany.com.

Publication date: 5/25/2017