ROCKVILLE — Savage River Lodge won the 2009 Small Business of the Year award from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the first win for a Garrett County business.

The Maryland Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by small businesses in Maryland.

Savage River Lodge was named winner in the 11- to 50-employee category at the Maryland Chamber’s awards ceremony held in Baltimore on June 5.

“It is a great honor to receive this award for the Savage River Lodge, our employees and for Western Maryland,” said Mike Dreisbach, co-owner with wife Jan Russell. "Small businesses are an important part of the local community and economy and its wonderful to showcase small businesses in the state."

Other winners were Global Design Interactive, a marketing communications firm in Owings Mills for the one- to 10-employee category, and Savantage Solutions, a consulting firm in Rockville for the 51- to 200-employee category.

Savage River Lodge has been providing its visitors with outdoor activities, pampering, and fine wine and dining in the mountains of Garrett County since its founding in 1999. The lodge focuses on its environmental impact and holds environmental sustainability as a goal and worked cooperatively with the Department of Natural Resources to give the general public access to a formerly inaccessible piece of state forest.

The business has grown to become an annual $1.2 million enterprise, employing 20 to 30 people seasonally. The lodge partners with local farmers and producers to provide its guests with the best produce, meats and cheeses, while supporting the local economy. The lodge also is dedicated to giving back to the local community, raising $42,000 to build the first business funded Habitat for Humanity house in Garrett County. They also founded the "Bodhi Lodge Dog Relief Fund" and have raised more than $8,000 to help pets in need.

Along with glowing reviews from Southern Living Magazine, the Washington Post and USA Today, Savage River Lodge has received Wine Enthusiast’s Restaurant Award of Distinction, Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and since 2004, Condé Nast Johansens, the internationally acclaimed travel publisher, has recognized Savage River Lodge as one of 250 "Recommended" properties in North America.