Business

Nominations open for Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards & Gala

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards & Gala: A Night at the Monte Carlo, scheduled for April 12 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. The event aims to recognize local businesses for excellence in categories including Small Business and Large Business of the Year, as well as Entrepreneur of the Year.

“The Gala is a night of tremendous celebration for our area’s business community,” remarked Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Chamber. “As the engine that makes our region run, it is important to spotlight the businesses and community leaders and thank them for all they do.”

Chamber members are encouraged to nominate their own companies or other member businesses that they believe meet the criteria for the award. Nomination forms can be found on the Chamber website.

In 2023, The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded local businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the 32nd Annual Awards & Gala.

Stacy Horne of Horne Real Estate Investments and Eric Fletcher of Mary Washington Healthcare were recipients of the Joseph L. Argenzio Award. Stacy Horne, the former chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, and Eric Fletcher, the former vice chair, were recognized for their exceptional service to the Chamber during the challenges of the pandemic.

Priscilla Priebe of Tulip Salon and Spa received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. At the same time, Amy Cherry Taylor of Amy Cherry Taylor and Associates was honored with the Small Business of the Year Award. Bob and Lisa Pleban of RPI Group, Inc. were recipients of the Medium Business of the Year Award, and Rappahannock Goodwill received the Large Business of the Year award.

Dr. Marceline Catlett was honored with the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award for her lengthy service and commitment to the Fredericksburg region.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is the diverse business hub for the fastest-growing region in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its members include small and large businesses, nonprofits, governments, and educational institutions. The Chamber focuses on building relationships and creating competitive advantages for a healthy business environment through leadership, access, innovation, advocacy, and connections.

Meanwhile, Stafford County is accepting nominations for its upcoming Business Appreciation Reception, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts at 95 Riverside Parkway in Stafford County.

Nominees are sought for several prestigious awards, including the Business of the Year Award, the Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award, and the Innovation Award. Nominations will remain open until noon on Thursday, February 29.

The Business of the Year Award aims to recognize a local Stafford business that embodies excellence in business practices and standards within the county. Nominees for this award should demonstrate contributions to Stafford’s economic growth and overall quality of life and exhibit outstanding customer service and community involvement.

The Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award seeks to honor a business, organization, or individual committed to community service and philanthropy. Criteria for this award include volunteering time, resources, and monetary contributions to community service projects, regardless of whether they are industry-related.

Finally, the Innovation Award celebrates innovation in business, from startups to established entities or individuals. Nominees for this award should demonstrate innovative thinking and problem-solving, focusing on new products, programs, or community impact solutions.

Nominations can be submitted for any of the awards above, and the deadline for submissions is fast approaching. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves or others who exemplify excellence in business, community stewardship, or innovation within Stafford County.

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