Del. State Chamber Honors John Burris With Gilman Bowl Award

Milford native, businessman, former state lawmaker and former President of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce John Burris has received the Chamber’s Marvin S. Gilman Bowl.

Burris was recognized at the State Chamber’s Superstars in Business luncheon Wednesday. The Gilman Bowl recognizes achievements in small business leadership.

Burris was vice-president of Burris Logistics for 40 years and is now with MediGuide International and is president and CEO of The Burris Firm. He was elected to the State House in 1976, ran against then-Senator Joe Biden in 1984 and ran for Governor in 2000. Burris joined the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce as its president in 1990.

According to the Chamber, many programs that were created during Burris’ tenure still exist today: Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education, a tourism office in Bridgeville and creation of the Delaware Public Policy Institute.

“It’s people like Mike Uffner, Mark Stellini, Bill Topkis, and others who kept telling me that the State Chamber isn’t just a chamber to large businesses, it was small business who was the rock bed of the organization,” Burris said.

“Ten of the best years of my life were at the State Chamber. This tribute means a lot to me, and it’s full circle.”

For more about the Superstars in Business and Award of Excellence winners, including videos, visit  www.dscc.com/superstarsinbusiness.