Citizen Of The Year Named In Ocean City, Businesses Awarded

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced 2022's "Citizen of the Year." The Chamber also announced the winners of the Outstanding Business and Beautification awards. These will be presented on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Flanders Hotel.

This year, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to David Allegretto, the Chamber said.

Allegretto is a third generation Ocean City resident. His grandfather, Michael Allegretto, immigrated here from Italy.

Allegretto's parents were both born in Ocean City and stayed there their entire lives. He attended the Ocean City Public Schools participating in football and baseball and graduated in 1985.

He has worked for Fortress Financial since 2014, where he and his business partners Jeff Shirk, John Shirk and Jason Kiefer "help each of their clients manage their financial lives with care and compassion," the Chamber said.

"Dave's love for the community is obvious as he moved back to the area after college to start his practice and raise his family," the Chamber said. Allegretto and his wife, Kendra, have three kids: Jordan, Lainie and Andrew.

He was active in coaching his and other children in youth sports and was involved in the booster club for the field hockey team and swim team while they were in high school.

Allegretto also "served as the founding President of the Ocean City Education Foundation where he helped raise funds to support the Ocean City School System provided extra opportunities for all of kids in the district. They were able to raise funds to build the observatory that now sits at Carey Stadium at the high school," according to the Chamber.

He has been Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Immediate Past President. He also currently serves on his the mission team of his church and helps in their family life center.

Per the Chamber, the following businesses will also be awarded:

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 their 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 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, 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 info@oceancitychamber.com.