The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that David Allegretto has been named the chamber’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.
An awards ceremony will take place during the Chamber dinner on Wednesday 16 November at the Flanders Hotel.
Allegretto is a third generation resident 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 there all their lives. Allegretto attended public schools in Ocean City, 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 press release.
Allegretto and his wife, Kendra, have three children, Jordan, Lainie and Andrew.
He was an active coach for his children and others in youth sports. He was also involved in the field hockey team and swim team recall club while his children were in high school.
Allegretto served as founding president of the Ocean City Education Foundation, where he helped raise funds to support the Ocean City school system and provided additional opportunities for students in the district.
The Foundation was able to raise funds to build the observatory which now sits at the high school’s Carey Stadium.
Additionally, Allegretto has served as Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and is currently Past President.
He is currently part of his church’s mission team and helps in their family life center.
The following companies will also receive awards at the dinner:
The Business Renovation/Improvement Award, an award given to a company that has taken an existing building and carried out physical and internal renovations to significantly improve its condition, will be presented at 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 receive 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 given to Collective Vibes.
This year’s Outstanding Civic, Community and Nonprofit Organization award will go to the Ocean City Historical Museum.
Bowfish Kids and Island Beach Gear will receive the Outstanding Use of Technology award.
The Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented to Greg Donahue.
Special recognition awards will be presented to Diamond Barre Fitness for its 5th anniversary, Reich Asset Management for its 10th anniversary, The Sneaker Shop for its 20th anniversary, Henry’s Landmark Jewelers for its 50th anniversary, Monihan Realty for its 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 book winners of the 2022 program, call the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce office at (609) 399-1412 or email info@oceancitychamber .com.
