The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the recipient of the Chamber’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Award. The Business and Beautification awards and the Citizen of the Year award will be presented at the Chamber’s dinner Wednesday, November 15th at 6PM at the Flanders Hotel.
This year, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to Chief Jay Prettyman. The Chamber is recognizing Chief Prettyman for his extensive service to the citizens and children of Ocean City. He is involved in many volunteer and philanthropic organizations, as well as social and religious organizations.
Chief Prettyman accepted a full-time position as a Police Officer in September 1995. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and while employed full-time, he earned his Masters of Science degree in Public Safety/ Environmental Protection from Saint Joseph’s University. He is also a Certified Public Manager and attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session #237, in 2009.
He is the current president of the Cape May County Association of Chiefs of Police and a Past President of the New Jersey Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. Chief Prettyman obtained certification as a New Jersey State Certified Advanced Law Enforcement Executive, a New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Accreditation Team Leader and Assessor, and is a New Jersey Police Training Commission certified instructor with specialized certifications in firearms, sub-gun, and physical fitness.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple PBA Distinguished Service Awards, several Life Saving Awards, Outstanding Police Work Award, and a Certificate of Merit.
Chief Prettyman resides in Ocean City with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children, Phoebe and Chloe.
The following businesses will also be receiving awards at the dinner:
The Business Renovation/Improvement Award, an award that is granted to a business that has taken an existing building and made physical and internal renovations to significantly improve its condition. This award will be presented to the Shoppes at the Asbury, Emily’s Ocean Room Café, the Forum Motel and the Pavilion Motel and Reich Asset Management.
The Landmark Church, Agape Gourmet, Dry Island, and the Ocean City Financial Group will be awarded the Outstanding Landscaping/Signage Award for their new landscaping and signage.
White Lotus and Pete’s Mercantile will receive the Business New Construction Award.
The Outstanding New Business Award will be presented Ashore Fit, Buddy Loves BBQ, Lisa’s Sweet Treats, and Old School Burgers.
This year’s Outstanding Service to the Community, Non Profit Award will be presented to the Friends of the Ocean City Pops.
The Scarborough Inn, Totally Tubular Watersports and Aqua Park will receive the Outstanding Use of Technology Award.
The Outstanding Service to the Community Award will be presented to Pastor Jay Riemer.
Special recognition awards will be presented Cape May County for their 330th year anniversary, the Ocean City Beach Patrol for their 125th anniversary, Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge for their 125th anniversary, Shoemaker Lumber for their 120th anniversary, the Ocean City Fishing Club for their 110th anniversary, the Flanders Hotel for their 100th anniversary, George’s Ice Cream for their 70th anniversary, the Ocean City Historic Museum for their 60thanniversary, the Exchange Club for their 50th anniversary, the Original Fudge Kitchen for their 50th anniversary, Kessel’s Korner for their 50th anniversary, Osborne Inn for their 50th anniversary, Halliday and Leonard for their 45th anniversary, the Surf Mall for their 40th anniversary, Ocean City parasail for their 30th anniversary, Ocean City Mansion for their 20thanniversary, Atlantis Inn for their 20th anniversary, Halliday Architect for their 10th anniversary, We Make it Personal for their 10th anniversary and JASM Consulting for their 10th anniversary.
For dinner reservations, $60 per person or to congratulate the winners in the 2023 Program Book, please call the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce office at (609) 399-1412 or email info@oceancitychamber.com.
