The Jefferson Awards for Public Service presented an award to a real estate development firm and Sussex County restaurateur Matt Haley. The Delaware awards are being given in partnership with the News Journal.
The two business- related awards are as follows:
Outstanding Service by a Major Company: The Buccini/Pollin Group
The Buccini/Pollin Group is a privately-held, full service real estate acquisition, development and management company.
Formed in 1993, Buccini/Pollin develops and acquires hotel, office, residential, retail, and parking properties in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States. The company supports a lengthy list of non-profit organizations through event sponsorships, contributions and mentoring.
Outstanding Service by an Entrepreneur:
Matt Haley
For most of his life, Matt Haley had struggled to find a way to adequately express himself, the award release stated.
He turned to drugs and trouble as an outlet for his emotions and creative energy.
Matt was eventually busted and sentenced to 13 years but was released in fours years due to a loophole in the law. Through his vocational rehabilitation, Matt learned to cook. He went on own a half a dozen restaurants in Sussex County, as well as catering and restaurant management operations. Haley is active in the community and is working on a number of philanthropic projects.
