Four events took place over the past year as part of the fundraising effort: The Women's Symposium, Fashion Show, Wine & Nine, and Annual Silent Auction and Awards are all important initiatives that help to empower and inspire women in our community. The $9,000 check presented to Empowerhouse is a testament to the work that CNEW puts in and the impact that we have in our local communities. Empowerhouse provides confidential domestic violence assistance. The organization serves the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline. Services include a free and confidential 24-hour hotline, temporary and emergency shelter, information, referrals, and advocacy.

Kevin Dillard is the President, CEO, and Founding Partner of LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc.  In this role, Kevin oversees daily operations, sets yearly goals and objectives, and builds community relationships with individuals and businesses.

With over 300 first responders and community members attending the event, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears provided the keynote address. She told those gathered that when they see footage of people smashing windows or burning businesses in other areas--and get the feeling that the world has turned upside down--they may wonder: "Is this the country I'm fighting for, is it worth it? I'm going to tell you, it's worth it, America is worth fighting for," she said. "What you do, first responders is not in vain. We see it and we're glad you're there because when you are running toward the violence, toward the fire, and we're running the other way."

The business community comes together to honor and thank our region's outstanding first responders for their outstanding contributions to our safety and well-being. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Heroism (Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards; Meritorious Civilian Award); Investigative (Excellence in Criminal Investigation Award; Merit Award; The Business of First Responding Award); and the Citizen Valor Award.

Best Collaboration
Cort Smith of SmithWorx Office Furniture and David Fraser of Fraser Wood Elements met at a Chamber event early this year. As they began discussing their businesses with each other, they realized they had an overlap in their business models and similar mottos in Business; customer service and attention to detail. A few weeks after meeting, Smith presented Fraser and his team with a custom conference table project, and Fraser jumped at the opportunity to help Smith and the SmithWorx team.

The business community comes together to honor and thank our region's outstanding first responders for their outstanding contributions to our safety and well-being. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Heroism (Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards; Meritorious Civilian Award); Investigative (Excellence in Criminal Investigation Award; Merit Award; The Business of First Responding Award); and the Citizen Valor Award.