Fredericksburg Regional Chamber Honors Business Leaders at 33rd Annual Awards Gala
April 22nd, 2024

FREDERICKSBURG – The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was pleased to award local businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the 33rd Annual Awards Gala held Friday, April 12th at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. With nearly 450 people in attendance including small and large businesses, nonprofits and representatives from state and local governments, the night was a massive success.

Community Impact AwardFredericksburg Nationals

Beyond their on-field accomplishments, the Fredericksburg Nationals have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service.  Through youth outreach programs, charitable initiatives, and partnerships with local nonprofits like the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, Sunshine Ballpark Foundation, the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and the Rappahannock Rotary Club, the team has become an indispensable part of the fabric of our community, inspiring civic pride and bringing people together through the universal language of America’s pastime.

The Community Impact Award was accepted by Robbie Perry, General Manager of the Fredericksburg Nationals.

Entrepreneur of the YearLatasha Brooks

A “serial entrepreneur,” Ms. Brooks has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering small and minority-owned businesses to achieve their growth goals. As the successful founder and CEO of several thriving enterprises, she has leveraged her 15+ years of expertise to deliver innovative solutions and measurable results for her clients. Her passion for entrepreneurship and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of business leaders is truly inspiring. She has impacted unmet business needs in our region and beyond through the establishment of her Minority Business Government Contraction Summit. This entrepreneurial mentorship program reaches hundreds of business owners.

Small Businesses of the Year AwardStevenson Ridge

As a premier event venue and hospitality destination, Stevenson Ridge has carved out a unique niche in the local market by blending historic charm with modern sophistication. Through their meticulous restoration and preservation of the property’s 19th-century structures, the business has not only honored the past but also created an unparalleled event experience that has captivated guests from near and far. A family owned and run business, the managing partner has spent the last 15 years devoted to excellence both within the walls of the business and externally as she represents the business in the community, serving in leadership capacities for nonprofits and civic organizations. The Small Business of the Year Award was accepted by Jennifer Mackowski, Managing Partner of Stevenson Ridge

Large Businesses of the Year Award – Bloomia

Bloomia has redefined their industry, setting new standards of quality and sustainability through innovative practices and dedication to customer satisfaction. Through vertical integration, this company controls every aspect of their supply chain. This not only ensures strict quality control but also allows them to offer top quality, long lasting products while reducing waste and streamlining processes. What truly sets Bloomia apart is their relentless pursuit of innovation. They specialize in offering unique and exotic tulip varieties that may not be readily available through conventional florists, constantly pushing the boundaries of horticulture to bring customers a diverse array of blooms that capture the imagination. Additionally their CEO has been an active participant in regional initiatives such as the Chamber’s Leadership Trip to Lexington KY in 2023 and he is in the current class of Leadership Fredericksburg. The Large Business of the Year Award was accepted by Werner Jansen, CEO of Bloomia.

Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award – Stephen Kingsley

Mr. Kingsley came to the region more than 20 years ago and immediately began to give back in meaningful ways. He has served our community in numerous capacities, to include serving on Boards and Committees and volunteering for the Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Rotary Club (where he is a past president), Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg (where he is a past president), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Rappahannock United Way, and of course, the Chamber. Mr. Kingsley also provided a life-saving bone marrow donation to a young stranger in need in 2009. From offering financial advice to local businesses, to supporting nonprofits serving children, pets, people in need, and the environment, Stephen Kingsley, Market President for Truist Bank, has gone above and beyond for the betterment of our community and its citizens.

To view photos of our winners and to learn more click HERE

The Chamber thanks the sponsors of the 33rd Annual Awards Gala

Title Sponsor– Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

Mary Washington Healthcare

Shore United Bank

The UPS Store

Matern Staffing

Atlantic Builders

Tru by Hilton

Germanna Community College

Go Stafford Virginia

Cardinal Management Group, Inc

Obsidian Solution Group

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Truist

Una-Dyn

Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, Inc

CIP Finishers

Fredericksburg Nationals

Topside Federal Credit Union

Burke & Herbert Bank

Michelle Caldwell Thompson

Union Home Mortgage-The Reid Team

Stocks General Contractors

Found and Sons Funeral Chapels and Cremation Services

Central Park Insurance

Riphean

Glam Room

 

In-Kind Sponsors

Larry Stone Photography

Icing Baking Co.

Bloomia

Luminuss

Ignite Cinemas

City Vino

Vintage is for Lovers

Fredericksburg Convention Center

A & B Creative Events

Fraser Wood Elements

UpChurch Entertainment

Peak Roofing

Summit Funding

USA Allstars