Business

Shining Sol Candle Shop to close Old Town Manassas storefront after nearly a decade

By Uriah Kiser

The owner of Shining Sol Candle Company says he plans to close the company’s Old Town Manassas storefront later this month, ending a nearly 10-year run on Center Street while keeping the business alive online and at its Myrtle Beach location.

Founder Pete Evick, a Manassas native and longtime guitarist for Bret Michaels, announced the decision during a nearly 40-minute livestream in which he described mounting personal debt, burnout, and the ongoing financial strain of operating a staffed brick-and-mortar store.

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Buc-ee’s asks Stafford planners to delay review of proposed travel center

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“Buc-ees has asked the Stafford Planning Commission to defer holding a second public hearing on its proposed project at the intersection of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive in the Garrisonville district,” FXBG Advance reported. “The Planning Commission in October voted to defer making a recommendation on the project to its January 14 meeting, but the company has indicated that it needs more time,” county planning staff said in a January 5 email to community members.

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Sheetz mourns the passing of former CEO and chairman Stephen G. Sheetz at 77

By Potomac Local News
Steve (left) standing beside his brother Bob (middle) and nephew Stan Sheetz (right)

Stephen G. Sheetz, former president, CEO, and chairman of Sheetz, Inc., has died at age 77. The company announced his passing on Thursday, remembering him as a visionary leader who helped shape the Altoona-based convenience store chain into a regional powerhouse.

Sheetz began working at the family business at just 12 years old, eventually helping grow the company from four stores to over 100 by the early 1980s. He served as president and CEO from 1984 to 1995, overseeing a period of rapid expansion and innovation, including the launch of Sheetz’s Made-to-Order food program and entry into the fuel business.

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Fredericksburg Regional Chamber announces 2026 new Board of Directors Chair, Vice Chair and board members

By Potomac Local News
Stafford Economic Development: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Ginni Matern, Owner and President of Matern Staffing in Spotsylvania, as the 2026 Chair of the Board. Matern brings extensive leadership and business experience to the role and has been a longtime advocate for regional economic growth and workforce development.

The Chamber also announced its 2026 Vice Chair, Treasurer, and several new board members who represent a cross-section of industries across the region.

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Prince William County approves $4M land sale to expand flex/tech space in Innovation Park

By Potomac Local News
Prince William Science Accelerator located in Innovation Park, Prince William County welcomes its fifth tenant - Celetrix LLC.

“Prince William County is an amazing place to work and live, but it faces a significant shortage of flex/tech buildings, limiting its ability to attract and retain growing companies, which fuel job creation, diversify the tax base, and bolster the regional economy,” St. John Properties said. “We look forward to bringing our decades of experience and locally based/vertically integrated approach to make this project a success for all stakeholders.”

“This transaction is about more than just parcels of land,” Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism stated. “It reflects our intentional approach to creating opportunities for companies to expand locally, invest with confidence, and remain in Prince William County as they grow.”

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Fresh Starts for Small Business in Fredericksburg, Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

Local economic leaders in Fredericksburg and Prince William County are launching new initiatives to strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs, reflecting a broader shift toward locally driven networking, education, and collaboration.

In Fredericksburg, the city’s Economic Development Authority announced today the launch of two new quarterly programs — FXBG Local Loop and The Business Pour — designed to support business growth and deepen connections within the local business community.

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Stafford rolls out tourism, economic summits to support growing business community

By Potomac Local News

With tourism emerging as one of Stafford County’s fastest-growing economic sectors, local officials are bringing businesses together this winter to talk about how to turn more visitors into customers.

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Fredericksburg Gets a Kick Out of Boot Barn Opening

By Mike Salmon
Angie Ritterpusch was up by the register with her blow torch, branding boots and belts. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

It’s all about the country look at Fredericksburg’s newest boutique, Boot Barn, which opened recently in Central Park.

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Nominations Open for Prince William Business Celebration and Awards

By Uriah Kiser

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Residents and business leaders are being asked to help shine a spotlight on those making a difference in the community.

The 2025 Make Your Mark Business Awards are now open for nominations under the playful theme, “Nominate a Frightfully Good Business Owner.” Nominations close on October 10, with winners to be recognized during a live ceremony on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

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Prince William Supervisors Approve New Wawa on Route 28 Despite Traffic Concerns

By Uriah Kiser
A Wawa gas station

Prince William County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a rezoning and special use permit allowing a new Wawa gas station and convenience store along Route 28 in the Yorkshire community.

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