Bel Air, Maryland -- The Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Economic & Community Development 
Commission (ECDC) held its Bel Air Annual Awards event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Bel 
Air Armory in downtown Bel Air. 

John’s Men’s Clothing, located at 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue, took home top honors as the 2025 
Business of the Year. Owners Beth Pocalyko and Maureen Bruneau were on hand to receive the 
coveted award, given by the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners based on the retail 
establishment’s significant involvement in Town activities and the priority they place on giving back to 
the community. Since opening in 2019, John’s Men’s Clothing has filled a unique niche with quality 
men’s apparel, personalized service, and a spirit of collaboration that strengthens the entire Town of 
Bel Air business community.

The Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC) presented the Archer-Bull 
Award, named after prominent 19th century Bel Air architect George Archer and master builder Jacob 
Bull. The award was presented to A. Bright Idea for their commercial building at 309 George Street. 
The project received the award for its overall design excellence in blending a new commercial building
into a residential neighborhood and the connection it created between other buildings occupied by A. 
Bright Idea in the surrounding area. The architectural firm of Polt Design Group was acknowledged for 
the architectural design of the building, and Constant Improvements, LLC was recognized for their 
outstanding construction work on the project. 

The Board of Town Commissioners presented its Citizen of the Year Award to Susan Niewenhous. 
This award is bestowed upon a citizen for their continuous commitment to bettering the Town of Bel 
Air and creating a positive impact for its residents. Ms. Niewenhous has generously given of her time 
and talent through her service to the Bel Air Appearance and Beautification Committee, the Bel Air 
Board of Ethics Committee, as a member of the Bel Air Sustainability Action Plan Committee Focus 
Group and as a volunteer at the Harford County Historical Society. Ms. Niewenhous has shown 
decades of dedication to improving the quality of life for Bel Air residents.

For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at 410-838-0584.