Food Bank of Delaware, Synergy Consultants, First Ascent Design and GGA Construction are among the organizations recognized for leadership, growth and community impact.
WILMINGTON, Del. — Four Delaware organizations have been named the 2026 winners of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards.
The Food Bank of Delaware, Synergy Consultants & Psychotherapy Practice, First Ascent Design and GGA Construction will be honored Oct. 29 during an awards ceremony at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
The annual program, presented by the State Chamber and its Small Business Alliance, recognizes small businesses and nonprofit organizations for strong business practices, leadership and contributions to their communities.
The awards honor the legacy of Marvin S. Gilman, a Delaware small-business leader remembered for his ethics, community involvement and commitment to encouraging other entrepreneurs.
Since the program began in 1998, it has recognized organizations that have operated for at least three years and meet employee-based standards for small businesses. Awards of Excellence are also presented to organizations demonstrating notable performance and leadership.
Food Bank of Delaware
The Food Bank of Delaware was selected as the winner in the nonprofit category.
The statewide organization provides food assistance while also working to address the causes of hunger and poverty. It distributes millions of pounds of food annually through more than 600 community partners.
The organization also provides workforce training and other programs intended to help Delaware residents achieve greater financial and personal stability.
Synergy Consultants & Psychotherapy Practice
Synergy Consultants & Psychotherapy Practice was selected in the category for businesses with one to 10 employees.
The outpatient mental health practice serves individuals, couples and families. It offers evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and major life transitions.
The practice also trains future clinicians and participates in community wellness programs, outreach efforts and partnerships.
First Ascent Design
First Ascent Design was selected in the category for businesses with 11 to 40 employees.
The Wilmington-based digital marketing agency provides branding, website development, digital advertising, search engine optimization and content marketing services.
During its 11 years in business, First Ascent has worked with nearly 300 businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Delaware and other states.
GGA Construction
GGA Construction was selected in the category for businesses with 41 to 150 employees.
The Delaware-based company has offices in Middletown and Rehoboth Beach and specializes in commercial construction projects throughout the region.
Its portfolio includes health care facilities, schools, multifamily housing, hotels, restaurants, senior living communities, recreational facilities and other commercial developments.
Awards of Excellence announced
Four additional organizations will receive Awards of Excellence.
Sunday Breakfast Mission was selected in the nonprofit category. Integrity Nursing LLC was recognized in the category for businesses with one to 10 employees.
Delmarva Central Railroad was selected in the category for businesses with 11 to 40 employees, and AKA Advisory was recognized in the category for businesses with 41 to 150 employees.
Schell Brothers CEO to deliver keynote
Chris Schell, founder and CEO of Schell Brothers, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Oct. 29 ceremony.
Schell Brothers has grown from its Delaware roots into one of the nation’s largest privately owned homebuilders, with operations in Delaware, Virginia, Tennessee and Idaho.
Schell earned a mechanical engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He began his career in finance, developing automated futures trading software, before entering the homebuilding industry.
He founded Schell Brothers with a company culture centered on employee and customer happiness.
Schell has served on the University of Delaware Board of Trustees and the Economic Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He currently serves on the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.
The Superstars in Business awards ceremony will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
Additional information is available through the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
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