Chamber honors local business leaders at annual gala

Jan. 28--The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at its annual awards banquet and gala held Friday at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.

The winners are:

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Businets received the Small Business of the Year Award. Since the company began in 1995, it has navigated the fast-changing landscape of IT management, proving to be a local leader in business technology needs. In addition to IT, the company supports businesses via phone, cabling and video surveillance capabilities. Long employee tenure is credited to the company's leadership style and has resulted in strong customer continuity.

Chancellor's Village Retirement Community received the Large Business of the Year award. It has been in business in the region since the early 1990s. Originally part of the Mary Washington Healthcare suite of offerings, this retirement community is an area leader for others in the aging industry. Owned today by Senior Lifestyle, it operates independent and assisted living facilities on a 15-acre campus in Spotsylvania County.

Mike Adams won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which recognizes a person who successfully planned and executed a business strategy to meet a need in the regional economy. As the owner of JON Properties, he has contributed to the revitalization of downtown through multiple commercial and residential projects. Of note is the renovation of the National Bank of Fredericksburg building as a home for Foode, and his George Street Brownstones.

Bill McAvinney won the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, which salutes a person who has provided a lifetime of service and commitment to the region. It's named for the former Mary Washington College president whose vision, integrity and dedication to serving others made him a pillar of the community.

McAvinney's work in the insurance and financial services industry has spanned more than three decades. He has also followed his passion of mentoring other men, particularly through his work with the Christian Business Men's Connection. For more than 15 years, he has spearheaded one of the region's largest events--the Fredericksburg Prayer Breakfast (formerly the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast)--which brings together 400 community members who pray for the community. Over the past year, he has served as the national president for CBMC, where he travels around the country in pursuit of its mission.

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