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.”


The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients’ schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Robert Arrington and Simone Williams are the owners behind AFC Urgent Care in Dale City. Arrington expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing its role in addressing the community’s medical needs. He stated, “This new clinic will fill a significant void for medical needs and attention. We look forward to providing urgent care to families who live and work nearby.”


The Leadership Prince William (LWP) Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Charles Gilliam as the organization’s Executive Director. Gilliam, who has been serving as the interim executive director since July 2022, brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry to his new role. Most recently, he owned Roux Pot, Inc. and the Old Town Manassas restaurant Okra’s Cajun Creole, which closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.

“The job announcement attracted more than 40 qualified applicants from across the nation,” stated Tiffany Izenour, LPW Board of Regents chair. “We are pleased that Charles has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to effectively lead the organization to the next level.”


Additionally, RGI disclosed the election of new officers for the upcoming year. Brian Roinestad, Director of Purchasing at Atlantic Builders, secured the position of Board Chair. Andy Withers, Senior Vice President, Central CRE Region Group Leader at Atlantic Union Bank, transitioned into the role of Vice Chair, having previously served as Treasurer. John Rogers, Local Sales Manager at Effectv, a Comcast Company, retained his role as Treasurer, while Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, remained as Board Secretary.

Expressing gratitude for these developments, Steve Cox, President and CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill, emphasized the organization’s strategic positioning to fulfill its mission of creating work opportunities, offering job search assistance, and providing employment skills training to individuals across the region.


On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.

This marked the third annual Intern Expo, themed “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”


The iconic Sheetz gas station at 4021 Prince William Parkway in Dale City may transform. Dating back a quarter-century, this Sheetz location is seeking approval from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a special use permit (SUP) to incorporate a drive-through facility. If granted, the existing structure will make way for a modernized Sheetz gas station featuring updated interior designs and the reintroduction of a drive-through option for the convenience store.

Encompassing the demolition and reconstruction of the current Sheetz, the proposed design spans 6,100 square feet of gross floor area and includes 12 gas pumps.


The soon-to-open The Rose gaming resort operators are about to ask the Dumfries Town Council for permission to install more gaming machines than planned, even if the greenspace they promised residents as part of the development won’t be built yet.

Churchill Downs, Inc., owners of the Rose, a 310-room hotel, video slot gaming parlor, restaurant, and entertainment destination, have submitted their original development package adjustments to Dumfries Town Council. The town council will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 17739 Main Street, to rule on the matter.


Ironclad Distillery Co., renowned for its bourbon whiskey production in Newport News, has made waves in the hospitality industry with its recent acquisition of the historic Kenmore Inn in Fredericksburg.

Under Kara King’s stewardship of Ironclad Distillery, the inn is set to undergo a transformation, including a name change to the Ironclad Inn and Bourbon Tasting Room.


Potomac Local broke the news that the store was closing on March 2, 2024, prompting discussion in our website comment section and social media about what should replace the big-box electronics store that opened 16 years ago.

Nearly 220 people responded. We received snarky responses, like “something we don’t already have three of in Woodbridge or Fredericksburg,” data center, to some civically-minded suggestions like a community center that would double as a mass inoculation facility.


In an exclusive interview with Will King, AI Strategist and founder of MF Growth, Potomac Local News uncovers the insights that will take center stage at Stafford County’s Beer & Business event on February 7. The event promises a unique exploration of AI’s integration into businesses, offering a blend of valuable information and networking opportunities.

King, drawing from his background in psychology and a Master’s Degree in human factors, shared perspectives on the transformative power of AI in the workplace, and he emphasized its role in marketing. King underscored the challenges faced by small business owners who may lack professional copywriting skills, stating, “If you’re a small business owner, the likelihood that you are a professional copywriter is just really low,” said King.


View More Stories