EASTON — Dozens of people gathered at the Easton Firehouse Monday to celebrate the accomplishments and retirement of Hugh Grunden.
Grunden, president and CEO of Easton Utilities, announced in February that he would be ending his over 40-year career in July.
The celebration included an open buffet, speeches from elected and appointed officials and a sentimental tribute to his career over the years.
During a slideshow video of his time at Easton Utilities, the crowd laughed and reminisced at photos of Grunden as a young engineer, then later dressed as Santa during holiday parties, participating in team-building activities, and posing with reindeer. The slide show ended with photos of his first ID card.
Grunden began his career at Easton Utilities in 1983 as a civil engineer, and about 10 years later, he became president and CEO of the company. Throughout his time, he assisted in making Easton Utilities a multi-service provider.
Among his many accomplishments, Grunden brought innovative technology to Easton through the addition of cable television in 1984 and internet service in 1998, building an award-winning Customer Service Center in 2000 for expanding business operations and constructing a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility in 2007.
Most recently, Grunden worked to help solve the rural broadband issues in Talbot County. Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is now well underway to completing the project.
Currently, more than 2,200 residents have access to broadband and over 1,200 have signed up for service through this expansion project.
Throughout the evening, elected and appointed officials presented Grunden with citations, certificates and other documents recognizing his work. Included in this were Easton Mayor Megan Cook and the Town Council.
Cook and the council presented Grunden with a proclamation for his 41 years of service and dedication.
“The commitment and excellence has propelled these utilities to the forefront of municipal utility companies, and is unmatched in the industry offering electric, natural gas, water and wastewater, internet, TV, phone and its professional services now,” Cook said. “Therefore, speaking on behalf of all our citizens, the mayor and council publicly goes on record as commending Hugh Grunden for his distinguished service and outstanding efforts.”
Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico), Del. Tom Hutchinson (R-Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico, Caroline) and representatives from Del. Christopher T. Adams’ (R-Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico, Caroline) office presented Grunden with citations and other certificates for his years of service and leadership.
Toward the end of the celebration, Grunden gave a retiree’s speech. In it, he thanked the many people who supported and guided him through his tenure as president and CEO.
“I’m a local kid that was able to come back to my hometown and was afforded a career that people can only dream about,” Grunden said. “... You know what I did and what you do every day, those of us who preceded us, did it as well; you build a legacy each and every day, brick by brick, all the work that we do for our customers, the projects we take on, and that’s the real legacy.”
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