Chamber Names David Allegretto Citizen of the Year

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that David Allegretto has been named as the Chamber’s 2022 Citizen of the Year. An awards ceremony will be held at the Chamber’s dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Flanders Hotel. Allegretto is a third generation local of Ocean City. His grandfather, Michael Allegretto, immigrated here from Italy. His parents were both born in Ocean City and would raise their family here and stay their entire lives. Allegretto attended the Ocean City public schools, participating in football and baseball. He graduated in 1985. In 2014, he joined Fortress Financial. Allegretto and his business partners, Jeff Shirk, John Shirk and Jason Kiefer, help each of their clients manage their financial lives with care and compassion, according to a Chamber news release. Allegretto and his wife, Kendra, have three children, Jordan, Lainie and Andrew. He was an active coach to his children and others in youth sports. He was also involved in the booster club for the field hockey team and swim team while his children were in high school. Allegretto served as the founding president of the Ocean City Education Foundation where he helped raise funds to support the Ocean City school system and provided extra opportunities for the students in the district. The Foundation was able to raise funds to build the observatory that now sits at Carey Stadium at the high school. In addition, Allegretto has been treasurer, vice president and president of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as immediate past president. He currently serves on the mission team of his church and helps in their family life center. 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, will be presented to Asbury Kitchen, Stainton’s Gallery By The Sea, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern, and Long & Foster – The Grisbaum Group. Scarborough Inn will be awarded the Outstanding Landscaping/Signage Award for its new landscaping and signage. Collective Vibes and Agave Mexican Kitchen will receive the Business New Construction Award. The Outstanding New Business Award will be presented to Collective Vibes. This year’s Outstanding Civic, Community, Non-Profit Organization Award will be presented to the Ocean City Historical Museum. Bowfish Kids and Island Beach Gear will receive the Outstanding Use of Technology Award. The Outstanding Service to the Community Award will be presented to Greg Donahue. Special recognition awards will be presented to Diamond Barre Fitness for their 5th Anniversary, Reich Asset Management for their 10th Anniversary, The Sneaker Shop for their 20th Anniversary, Ocean City Financial Group for the 25th anniversary, Henry’s Landmark Jewelers for their 50th Anniversary, Monihan Realty for their 75th Anniversary, and Sturdy Savings Bank for their 100th Anniversary. Additionally, Wards, Voltaco’s, and The Islander will be honored for all their years of service to Ocean City. For dinner reservations, $60 per person, or to congratulate the winners in the 2022 Program Book, call the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce office at (609) 399-1412 or email [email protected].