The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment during their annual awards banquet and gala on January 27, 2017.
Businesses of the Year
This award is presented to a company that balances business success with dedication to improving the community’s quality of life.
Coldwell Banker Elite received the Large Business of the Year award. Founder Kevin Breen started the real estate business in 1977, and began the first franchise in 1982. On January 1, 2017, the company acquired Coldwell Banker Carriage House.
Coldwell Banker Elite annually raises $20,000 annually for the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. The office sponsors the UMW Great Lives Series, Leadership Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Area SPCA, among others.
Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, received the Small Business of the Year award. The law office handled $200 million in commercial real estate sales and leases, and 300 client litigations in 2016. Members of their team serve on numerous boards, including the Central Virginia Housing Coalition, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, the Rotary Club of Stafford, and The Brisben Center.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Adrian Silversmith won the Entrepreneur of the Year award, which recognizes a person who successfully plans and executes a business to fill a regional economic niche. Adrian and his wife Casey have been selling their gourmet nut butters at farmer’s markets and special events throughout the region since 2014. In April 2016, Adrian opened an eatery at 920 Caroline St. in downtown Fredericksburg. The store features nut butters for sale, in addition to gourmet nut butter & jelly sandwiches, and French crepes. Sprelly won the “People’s Choice” award in the first Made in FredVA competition in 2013.
Community Impact Award
The Fredericksburg Regional SPCA won the Community Impact Award. “The SPCA has forged new partnerships with civic and business leaders, and continues to provide our community with outstanding care and compassion for the creatures who enter their doors,” said Chamber President Susan Spears. The non-profit, no-kill humane organization handled 1,341 adoptions in 2016. Under the leadership of Executive Director Caitlyn Day, the shelter reduced the average time a cat stayed at the facility from 206 days in 2015, to 35 days in 2016. For dogs, it was from an average of 88 days in 2015, to 14 days in 2016.
Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award
Jud Honaker won the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual who has provided a lifetime of service and commitment to the Fredericksburg region.
Honaker is the president of Silver Companies commercial development division. His philanthropic work includes service on the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors, and support of local organizations, including Rappahannock United Way, the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, and the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center.
An employee nominated Honaker for the award, recognizing him for, “how much he cares about others.”
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