Better With Less Award

Recognizing the countless Maryland businesses innovatively operating at lower costs, Comptroller Peter Franchot created a new award program aimed at highlighting organizations doing better with less. The honor, called the Better With Less award, is given to one business or organization in each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. The Comptroller recently completed his tour of this year's winners.

"During my many visits to small businesses across the state, I've seen the genius of the private sector at work. We in government could learn a thing or two about how to operate more efficiently. This award program highlights Maryland's best and brightest companies," said Comptroller Franchot.

The Better With Less award recognizes organizations which achieved economic success while using less resources, used an innovative means to efficiently operate, identified a niche market in the current economic climate or provided new economic opportunities for local communities. More than 100 nominations were received in this year's campaign.

The 2011 winners include:

Tree House Toy Shop, Allegany County
Family-owned toy store in Cumberland

Chesapeake Light Craft, Anne Arundel County
Boat building kit makers in Annapolis

Rich Roofing, Baltimore City
Family-owned roofing company in Baltimore

Helion, Baltimore County
Providing IT solutions for auto dealerships. Located in Timonium.

Running Hare Vineyards, Calvert County
Wine producer in Prince Frederick

Tanglewood Conservatories, Caroline County
Manufacturer of glass conservatories in Denton

America's Remote Help Desk, Carroll County
Provides remote help desk and IT infrastructure services nationwide in Westminster

Union Hospital, Cecil County
Community hospital in Elkton

Beacon Printing, Charles County
Longtime printer in Waldorf

Cambridge International, Dorchester County
World's largest metal belt and wire cloth manufacturer, located in Cambridge

Stulz-ATS, Frederick County
Designs and manufactures high energy efficient temperature and humidity control equipment in Frederick

Lakeside Creamery, Garrett County
Ice cream producer and seller in Deep Creek Lake

Pairings Bistro, Harford County
Innovative restaurant using many local ingredients in Bel Air

E-Structors, Howard County
Electronics recycler in Elkridge

Benchworks, Kent County
Marketing and branding firm in Chestertown

LiveHealthier, Montgomery County
IT company providing innovative health management programs in Bethesda

Nationwide Electrical Services, Camp Springs, Prince George's County

Club One Fitness, Queen Anne's County
Health club in Chester

Handy's International, Somerset County
World-wide crab processing operation in Crisfield

Walden Sierra Corporation (Hope House), St. Mary's County
Community-based behavioral health non-profit in Lexington Park

Irish Traditions, Talbot County
Irish gifts and clothing in Easton

Beachley Furniture, Washington County
Upholstered furniture producer in Hagerstown

NavTrak, Inc., Wicomico County
GPS-based vehicle fleet tracking service provider in Salisbury

BJ's on the Water, Worcester County
Long-lasting restaurant in Ocean City