Who we are

Our mission is Laurel

The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation provides leadership, expertise, and funding to foster and sustain economic development for the Laurel community and its citizens.

From a group of local citizens attempting to halt the deterioration of Laurel’s commercial district in 1992, the LRC has evolved into an effective grass-roots organization striving to work cooperatively with government leaders, local groups, and private investors to make Laurel a better place in which to invest, live, work and visit.

Along with the town, the LRC was a key player in the successful designation of 72 acres of Laurel’s core downtown area, including the waterfront, as a state Downtown Development District. The organization will lead a revitalization effort in Laurel’s Old Town Neighborhood with a successful Strong Neighborhoods Fund application of $500,000.

The organization is not a government body and pays all property and related local government fees. It currently has no debt.

Its success stories include the projects documented on this website. The LRC continues to pursue the strategic acquisition, cleanup and rehabilitation of sites and buildings to improve Laurel’s climate for economic investment.

Telling Laurel’s story at a Downtown Delaware Conference in Wilmington

Mission statement

The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation provides leadership, investment, and partnership to drive economic development, revitalize downtown, and strengthen neighborhoods to foster a thriving Laurel community.

Vision

A vibrant, unified Laurel with a dynamic and thriving downtown, strong neighborhoods, and a resilient local economy, where community pride, opportunity, and quality of life are evident in every block.

Values

Economic Development– The economic well-being of the Laurel community strengthens and unifies the whole community and is directly related to job creation and retention, tax base creation, economic stability and self-sufficiency, and quality of life.

Commercial and Neighborhood Renewal– The restoration and revitalization of commercial and residential properties, new construction, infrastructure improvement and attractive public area are critical to economic prosperity, quality of life, and civic pride.

Partnerships– Partnerships are the pathway to the future and as collaborators, connectors and conveners, we actively seek and commit to partnerships.

Broad Creek and Natural Areas– We have a unique opportunity to not only preserve and protect a critical natural resource, but also help others see and experience a unique asset.

Stewardship– Long lasting progress is achieved by bringing the community together to shape Laurel’s growth in a way that fosters shared pride, and ensures all residents feel connected to and invested in the community’s future.

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For more information

All reports

All reports referenced throughout this website.

Brief LRC history

LRC projects

Read about our success stories.

Reimagine Laurel

This joint website with the town is the go-to place for news on Laurel’s Downtown Development District, comprehensive plan, nature/heritage tourism initiative, and other strategic efforts.

LRC directors and staff

Barry Morrison

President of LRC Board

Dr. Barry Morrison has served on the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (LRC) Board since 2011 and was elected President of the Board in 2015. A lifelong advocate for community growth and revitalization, Dr. Morrison has played an active role in helping guide the continued development and success of the greater Laurel area.

Professionally, Dr. Morrison is a retired chiropractor and former owner of Morrison Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Salisbury, Maryland. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, he dedicated more than three decades to helping patients improve their health and quality of life through holistic care. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Chiropractors Association and the American Chiropractic Association, and holds diplomate certifications in pain management and holistic health disciplines.

Beyond his professional career, Dr. Morrison has remained deeply committed to community service and charitable initiatives throughout Delmarva. He is the founder of the annual Johnny Janosik Charity Golf Tournament, established in 2006, which has helped raise and donate over $1 million combined to organizations including Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, and the Johnny Janosik Scholarship Foundation.

As LRC Board President, Dr. Morrison is passionate about preserving Laurel’s heritage while supporting thoughtful economic growth, downtown revitalization, and projects that strengthen the community for future generations.

Don Phillips

Board Vice-President

A Laurel native and founding member of the LRC, Mr. Phillips was president of his 3-generation family firm, Phillips Mens’ Shop, from 1972-2008.

He served 25 years as Community Health Board Chairman in the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital system. He has just finished a 10-year stint as a Laurel Town Councilperson.

He served as the LRC’s chairman during its first 15 years. He was appointed in 2016 as the State of Delaware’s representative to the Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Council

Edward L. Fowler

Board member

Laurel native and retired local businessman Ned Fowler is an original founding executive board member of the LRC. He remembers well the challenges the organization has faced over the last 20-some years and is proud of its long list of accomplishments.

A proponent of heritage tourism and economic redevelopment, he has served as president of both the Laurel and Bethel Historical Societies as well as the Delaware Association of Historical Societies, chairman of the Old Christ Church League, and board member of Preservation Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, and the Biggs Museum of American Art.

William McGowan, Ed. D

Board member

Bill is a community development specialist with the Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware and an independent consultant. He recently served as the USDA Rural Development State Director, for Delaware and Maryland.

Other experience includes 24 years University of Delaware Cooperative Extension agent and fourteen years private sector management. He is on the board of the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center.

Matt Parker

Board member

Born and raised in Laurel, Matt enlisted in the Marines after high school graduation. He also earned a BS from University of Delaware and a MBA from Wilmington University. He then went on to work for 12 years in the animal healthcare industry in operations.

Matt returned to the town he loved accept the COO position at The Insurance Market running the business. He earned his securities license and began offering financial services for The Insurance Market. In September 2016 he opened his own practice with Lincoln Financial Advisors in Laurel.

Melinda Tingle

Board member

Melinda, a board member since 2005, is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor. She also is a member of Laurel Chamber of Commerce and serves as president of President of Good Samaritan Aid Organization.

She is a member of Seaford Chamber of Commerce; board member of Nanticoke Health Services Foundation; and board member of Kent Sussex Counseling Services.

Artez West

Board Member

A lifelong resident of Laurel and graduate of Laurel Senior High School. Artez studied Music Education at Delaware State University after graduating high school. In 2006 Artez received his license as a Life and Health Insurance agent and sold insurance with United Insurance.

In 2010 he opened his transportation firm and is the Principal of Monarch Transportation Services and Monarch Limousine Service both based in Laurel. Artez is also a funeral home associate and monument sales person with Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg and St. Michaels, Maryland.

Bob Wheatley

Board member

Bob Wheatley was born and raised in Caroline County, Maryland and relocated to Sussex County, Delaware at the age of 21. In 1993 Bob acquired The Whayland Company, a commercial contracting firm in Salisbury, Maryland. He relocated the firm to Delmar and Laurel, Delaware in 2000 and continued to operate it successfully until he sold the business in 2013.

In 1994, Bob was appointed to the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission and was first elected Chairman in 2005, and still serves there. He was asked in 1998 to join the board of directors of Bank of Delmarva.

Bob’s community activities include board service on the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers, Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, and The Ark Education Resource Center. He is a member of the Seaford and Laurel Lions Clubs and attends church at Centenary United Methodist Church where he plays trombone in the Centenary brass ensemble.

Amanda M Lee

Secretary

Amanda M Lee was born and raised in Laurel, the daughter of Randy and Ann Lee. She is a Registered Branch Associate at the Edward Jones office in Laurel, where she will celebrate her seventeenth year in August 2025. In addition to volunteering on the board of the LRC, Amanda has volunteered for many years with the Good Samaritan Aid Organization and Special Olympics of Delaware. Amanda is the proud mom of Taylor Lowe, a 2025 graduate and Valedictorian of Delmarva Christian School, and Lukas Whaley. Lukas will be entering the fifth grade at Epworth Christian School. Amanda enjoys reading and spending time with family by the pool and at the beach in her spare time. Most of the time, you can catch her at the ball field watching her kids.

Lorissa McAllister

Executive Director

Lorissa McAllister serves as Executive Director of the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, leading the organization’s efforts to advance economic development, community revitalization, housing, and waterfront redevelopment in Laurel.

Lorissa brings extensive experience in economic development, Main Street management, grant administration, and community engagement. Her background also includes owning and operating a small business, giving her firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and business owners. Prior to joining the LRC, she served as Director of Economic Development for the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland, where she led downtown revitalization, business development, infrastructure, placemaking, and community partnership initiatives.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution and an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership. Lorissa is passionate about collaborative, community-driven development and creating opportunities that strengthen Laurel’s neighborhoods, businesses, and quality of life.

Our mission is Laurel

Mission statement

Vision

Values

Download brochure

For more information

LRC directors and staff

Barry Morrison

Don Phillips

Edward L. Fowler

William McGowan, Ed. D

Matt Parker

Melinda Tingle

Artez West

Bob Wheatley

Amanda M Lee

Lorissa McAllister

Where to find us

How to get here

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