The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 30th Annual Awards & Gala on Friday honoring local businesses for their achievements, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Jaime Garza was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Garza has combined his video and storytelling talents to help business owners, nonprofit executives, and brides and grooms tell their stories through video. During the pandemic, he teamed up with other small businesses to highlight the resilience of our community.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery received the Small Business of the Year award. The company closed to the public for months when COVID-19 hit, switching from one type of distilled product to another, making hand sanitizer and disinfectant. The first batches were donated to local frontline workers and to those at risk in the community.
Atlantic Builders received the “Large Company of the Year” award. The Chamber notes that executives Adam Fried, Tom Schoedel and Gene Brown lead with core values that extend to employees as they provide exceptional service to their customers. Atlantic Builders has been in the region for 33 years and they pride themselves on a management philosophy: “If the company does well, we all do well”.
Michelle Caldwell Thompson won the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, presented to an individual who has provided years of service and dedication to the Fredericksburg area. It is named for the former president of Mary Washington College whose vision, integrity, and commitment to serve others have made her a pillar for the ward.
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