SALISBURY – Maryland Capital Enterprise (MCE) officials have announced the three finalists for the 2017 MCE Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the MCE Banquet on Nov. 2, at Salisbury University. The finalists and bios follow:

Kelly Jackson Emily’s Produce

2214 Church Creek Road

Cambridge, MD 21613

www.emilysproduce.com

Emily’s Produce (named for owners Paul and Kelly Jackson’s daughter 18 years ago) was just some fresh produce on display under a tent, with folks paying by the honor system. Customers soon let them know how much they loved their homegrown local foods — and how they were hungry for more. Three years later a real building was constructed to house Emily’s Produce and they’ve been growing by leaps and bounds ever since.

Today, Emily’s Produce offers customers the best and freshest homegrown fruits and vegetables on the Shore. They have fresh local meats including their own Angus Beef, raised in a pasture with fresh green grass to graze and without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Their fresh-cut flowers and hanging baskets are second to none. They are not just a farm market now — Emily’s is an authentic Eastern Shore experience.

Jaime Windon

Lyon Distilling Company

605 S. Talbot ST #6, St. Michaels, MD 21661

www.lyondistilling.com

Lyon Distilling Company is a micro distillery located in St. Michaels, steps from the Chesapeake Bay. Founded in 2012 by Jaime Windon and Ben Lyon, the distillery launched in December 2013 with a signature line of rums paying tribute to the rich, spirited traditions of the Eastern Shore. Lyon spirits start with intentionally-sourced raw ingredients, and are truly hand-crafted – mashed, fermented, and double-distilled in small pot stills resulting in a superior and unique final product.

The goal is to create distinctly American spirits – working to define the category of New American Rum, and perfecting Maryland Rye Whiskey & American Malt Whiskey, while experimenting with obscure grains and varied finishes. Every spirit passes through the hands, and discerning palates, of co-founders Lyon & Windon.

Kim Scott

The Great Gourmet

5115 Clark Canning House Road Federalsburg MD 21632

www.thegreatgourmet.com

The Great Gourmet has risen to a level within the food industry that is beating out some of the largest players in the food distribution market. The Minority Small Business Champion of the Year, Scott, who also exports to Germany through her website, has been added to the regular lineup on QVC.

Frequently speaking at networking events, Kim shares her experience of trial and error and credits the assistance received through the SBA as the turning point for her business, providing funds for equipment and operations, which has allowed for her explosive growth and worldwide business contacts. Her personal crusade of helping end hunger and child abuse is what fuels her ambition.

The Great Gourmet is divided into four segments: E-Commerce/Television, Exporting, Full-Line Distribution, and Fulfillment. Their highly trained staff is always at your service to answer questions you may have from time to time. Kim Scott says they have some of the kindest people working with her and she says, it is an honor to work with them.

This is the sixth year of the prestigious award named after Palmer Gillis, founder of local, general contracting firm, Gillis Gilkerson, which has been responsible for developing properties on the Lower Shore for over 30 years.

Gillis is a model entrepreneur with his notable business success and involvement in community organizations such as the Greater Salisbury Committee, Salisbury University Foundation, Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development and Salisbury Downtown Association. The award has been growing in popularity each year with an increasing number of applicants.

The winner will be revealed at the MCE Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur of the Year Award Banquet. The banquet will be held on Nov. 2, at Salisbury University. The winner will be awarded a plaque and a cash prize. The other two finalists will also receive a cash prize.

Tickets are still available for this event. Contact Lisa Twilley at ltwilley@marylandcapital.org or call 410-546-1900.