The Legacy award is given when warranted to recognize individuals who have left a significant impact on Washington County through their career achievements and community service. Legacy Award recipients encompass leadership and an exceptional work ethic and have consistently performed above and beyond normal expectations throughout their career.

The Bowman Group, LLC offers a wide range of services from the trucking industry to real estate development. The Bowman Group portfolio includes D.M. Bowman, Inc., Bowman Development Corporation, Bowman Hospitality, Bowman Truck Leasing, Bowman Trailer Leasing, and Bowman Logistics. The success of these businesses has funded the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to supporting capital projects in Washington County, MD.

Mr. Bowman began hauling coal in 1959, with a B 61 Mack tractor and trailer. Bowman always had a desire to drive trucks/tractor trailers.

In 1966, Bowman received its first ICC authority and hauled bricks within a 165 mile radius. Throughout the remainder of the 1960's, operations grew and the company began transporting petroleum products, leased a 60' x 60' building in Hagerstown, obtained more ICC rights, and expanded to the mid-Atlantic states.

Trailer leasing then began for Bowman and by 1974, the company was incorporated. The second half of the 1970's marked Bowman's first one million dollars in sales and it's move to Williamsport, Maryland, where it remains today.

The 1980's brought more terminals in North Carolina and Frederick, Maryland. Don Bowman's interested in real estate was also piqued, and the first employee of Bowman Development was hired, along with the building of Bowman Business Park.

Bowman Logistics began operation in 2001, the same year that Holiday Inn Express on Railway Lane in Hagerstown opened. This hotel was followed by Homewood Suites by Hilton, Ramada Plaza (now Loft 620), Home2 Suites. Bowman Hospitality most recently announced the construction of Tru by Hilton.

In 2019, D.M. Bowman celebrated 60 years of business. The vision is to keep expanding the business here on the east coast, and eventually head further west.

Bowman finds it important to give back to the community. He has donated to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Breast Cancer Awareness, Doey's House (Hospice of Washington County), and the American Cancer Society through D.M. Bowman's Annual Jone Bowman Memorial Golf Tournament. Bowman has given back to the Humane Society of Washington County by opening his home to host the Annual LuHowl fundraising event, as well as his capital campaign pledge through the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation. The Foundation donated $6 million to the new Meritus School of Osetopathic Medicine (MSOM).

Bowman has had a resounding positive impact on Washington County throughout his life, and has provided many local individuals with job opportunities, as the eighth largest employer in the area.

Mr. Bowman resides in Williamsport, Maryland, with his wife, Mary. The pair have four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Bowman enjoys farming, antique car and truck collecting and restoration, walking, and golf.

The Legacy Award will be presented at the Business Awards event, taking place from 5-9 p.m., February 25, 2026, at The Maryland Theatre.

To purchase tickets to the event, and to see a full list of finalists for all eight Business Awards categories, visit The Chamber’s events calendar at Hagerstown.org.

About The Chamber

Growth. Community. Success. Established in 1919, the mission of the Chamber is to foster and maintain a thriving business climate in which its members and community can grow and prosper. Washington County Chamber of Commerce members include more than 675 organizations, representing over 40,000 local jobs in a wide variety of industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Service and Hospitality, Technology, Government, Nonprofit, and Education. Visit www.hagerstown.org or call (301) 739-2015.