The Prince William County Chamber of Commerce held its 38th Annual Valor Awards hosted by Julianna Valencia from WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., celebrating the bravery and dedication of police, fire, and rescue workers.Â
More than 240 first responders from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park were recognized for their life-saving actions and courageous service. Their respective chiefs nominated them, and a committee of peers and business community members selected them.
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Prince William Chamber of Commerce press release: Six local high school students were awarded scholarships at the annual Education and Workforce Breakfast, held on April 24th by The Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
The 2024 winners are graduating high school students who were selected by a panel of business leaders and were all awarded $2,500 scholarships, for use at their U.S. college or university of choice.
All of this year’s scholarship winners demonstrated exceptional dedication to academics and community involvement, meeting the criteria outlined by the scholarship committee.
The Prince William County students awarded scholarships at the breakfast are Camilia Giudici, Bryce Poole, Alexa McMillan, Helen Jacob, Sean Villacorte, Jacob Skufca.
This year’s program welcomed a panel discussion from the superintendents from Prince William County Schools, Dr. LaTanya McDade, City of Manassas Park County Schools, Dr. Melissa Saunders, and Executive Director of Student Achievement, Craig Gfeller. The panelists discussed local educational topics including how businesses can get involved and support schools in our community.
Education and Workforce Breakfast is a special event that focuses on education and workforce development in our community.
Prince William Chamber of Commerce press release: The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is proud to be hosting the 38th annual Valor Awards on May 21st at the Hylton Preforming Arts Center. These awards highlight the dedication of these brave individuals and the work they do for the community. Award-winning NBC4 anchor Juliana Valencia emcees the Valor Awards for the third year.
The Valor Awards is a special event that honors first responders that serve the local community and go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others. “BFPE International is proud to support the 2024 Prince William Valor Awards,” said Michelle Thompson, Director of Marketing at BFPE International. “We are in awe of each Valor Award recipient; their dedication and selfless act of heroism is inspiring.”
Award recipients have been nominated by their respective chiefs and selected by a committee of colleagues and members of the business community. This year’s awards will recognize members of the first responder community in the City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and in Prince William County.
This event is free, and it is open to all in the community. Attendees can expect to hear the inspiring stories of award recipients as they are recognized for their heroic actions. For more information about the event, visit the Chamber’s website at: https://bit.ly/4avWxRh or on their Facebook page at: https://bit.ly/43RlVik.
Company and county government leaders gathered today for a groundbreaking ceremony at 13710 Dabney Road in Woodbridge for Belmont Logistics, a planned Class A industrial complex with three buildings totaling 416,000 square feet on 37 acres. The construction represents a $110 million capital investment in e-commerce logistics infrastructure and is the only new industrial space delivering in 2024 along Northern Virginia’s I-95 corridor, a press release states.
The development will reshape an area next to Belmont Bay, an enclave at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan rivers, and a wildlife refuge. The industrial land includes several auto shops, an ironworks, and a towing firm.
Developer IDI is the same firm behind nearby Rivergate, the housing development on the Occoquan River, just off Route 1.
“I’m very proud to say that we have been a leader in the economic revitalization of North Woodbridge over those 20 years, said IDI Managing Director Enrique Cecchi.
The flexible warehouse facilities will be contained within three tilt-up concrete buildings to be built in two phases over five years. The first phase, a 110,000-square-foot warehouse on nine acres, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the remainder of the project to be completed in 2028.
The re-development of the current site will expand setbacks from Dawson Beach Road, creating a landscape buffer. The location will offer 540 parking spaces and approximately 40 trailer parking spaces, with Phase 2 including an additional 55,000 square feet of outdoor storage space.
“I started on the [Prince William Board of County Supervisors] in 2019; we had a lot of hope for what this district could be. When I was running for office in 2019, I talked about revitalizing Route 1,” said Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin. “I’ll be honest in saying I didn’t realize how easy it would be. Honestly, a lot of you all were invested into starting your project on this corridor, and I really appreciate it.”
Belmont Logistics is the latest Woodbridge project by The IDI Group Companies, the firm behind the successful development of multifamily residential communities Rivergate North and Viridium, as well as the future Riverside Crossing town center, all in North Woodbridge.
“This type of development is vital to support economic growth in the region,” said IDI Managing Director Enrico Cecchi. “We anticipate that its scope and connectivity to the region will make it an ideal choice for companies needing a pivotal location for e-commerce, with its easy access to transportation and other services they
require,” he added.
“I will just reiterate that, and I look around and I see room for lots of data centers. And I want to thank you for not building a data center here,” Prince William Chamber of Commerce Director Robert Sweeney said to Cecchi. “I talked to the county demographer two weeks ago, and he said that this county is going to grow by 200,000 people over the next 15 years, and 90% of them are going to be here in eastern Prince William County. So I think now is the time to build.”
Prince William County Economic Development Director Christina Winn says it’s a greater challenge to redevelop an existing industrial property over an open space.
“It’s more risky. It costs more versus going to a greenfield site because you definitely have a lot more that you’ve got to deal with because there’s already things in place, meaning and infrastructure,” said Winn.
Alan Gloss documented this event for Potomac Local.
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Sentara Health: Carol Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACS, physician and director of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center, was honored with the 2024 Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on February 23 during the chamber’s annual awards banquet.
The award, named in memory of longtime state Senator Charles J. Colgan, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions throughout their lives in service to the business community in Prince William County.
With more than 50 years of service in Prince William County, Dr. Shapiro was an original member of the medical staff at Potomac Hospital – now known as Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC). She went on to become the first elected female president of the hospital’s medical staff as well as president at Prince William Hospital.
Dr. Shapiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon who established her practice in Woodbridge and Manassas in 1972 following her training at Georgetown University. Recognizing the opportunity to build a practice in a community that had previously lacked necessary medical services, Dr. Shapiro played an integral role in the development of the healthcare community in Prince William County.
As director of the outpatient Wound Healing Center at SNVMC, she championed the introduction of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) services in eastern Prince William County five years ago.
Dr. Shapiro was integral in establishing the gang tattoo removal clinic in Prince William County, generously donating her time and expertise. Her commitment to her profession has included leadership roles with the Prince William Medical Society, the Medical Society of Virginia – where she served as the first woman president – and the American Medical Association, serving as chair of the Virginia delegation from 2007 to 2016.
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A quintet of Manassas-based companies emerged triumphant at the prestigious Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held at the Foxchase Manor events center on February 23.
Against a backdrop of fierce competition from local enterprises, four standout champions were crowned in their respective categories. ARTfactory clinched the esteemed Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education, while ECU Communications LLC secured the title of Government Contracting Company of the Year. Manassas Ballet Theatre gracefully waltzed away with the Community Outreach Award (11+ employees), and MP Copiers, Inc. proudly claimed the Veteran-Owned Company of the Year honor.
The pinnacle recognition, the City of Manassas Business of the Year, was bestowed upon Micron Technology, Inc., a global titan in the semiconductor industry. With a workforce exceeding 1,300 in Manassas, Micron’s memory products top Virginia’s export charts and rank second globally. Their dedication to community engagement and education underscores their indispensable role in the region’s economic and social landscape.
Micron’s influence extends far beyond corporate success. Their role in securing $250,000 in initial GO Virginia funding for a state-of-the-art engineering technology “Fabrication Laboratory” in Northern Virginia demonstrates their commitment to fostering high-paying engineering jobs in the Greater Manassas region. This initiative, built upon established internship programs and educational partnerships with local institutions, reflects Micron’s dedication to driving innovation and growth, marking it as the largest capital investment in Virginia’s history with a recent $3 billion investment in R&D.
“Micron Technology epitomizes excellence both locally and globally, and its profound contributions to our community are immeasurable,” remarked Manassas City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. “Beyond its substantial employment opportunities, Micron’s commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and cultural enhancement enriches the fabric of Manassas.”
In addition to Micron’s triumph, other noteworthy awardees included Dr. Carol Shapiro, MD MBA, recipient of the Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award, and The ARC of Greater Prince William, honored with the Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award in Health & Human Services. The Explore Program, a collaboration between Todos Neighborhood Market and Prince William County Public Schools Special Education Department, was recognized as the Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year.
The complete list of winners is as follows:
- City of Manassas Business of the Year: Micron Technology, Inc.
- Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education: ARTfactory
- Government Contracting Company of the Year: ECU Communications LLC
- Community Outreach Award (11+ employees): Manassas Ballet Theatre
- Veteran-Owned Company of the Year: MP Copiers, Inc.
- Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award: Dr. Carol Shapiro, MD MBA
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award – Health & Human Services: The ARC of
Greater Prince William - Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year: Explore Program: Todos Neighborhood
- Community Outreach Award (1-10 Employees): Hire Ground
- Business Excellence (1-10 Employees): ALD & Associates LLC
- Business Excellence (11+ Employees): Villagio Hospitality Group
- Emerging Business of the Year: Because of Why
- People’s Choice Award: Nova Specialty Contracting
The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients’ schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Robert Arrington and Simone Williams are the owners behind AFC Urgent Care in Dale City. Arrington expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing its role in addressing the community’s medical needs. He stated, “This new clinic will fill a significant void for medical needs and attention. We look forward to providing urgent care to families who live and work nearby.”
AFC Dale City offers various services, including COVID-19 testing with rapid and antigen tests, allergy treatment, flu shots, and occupational health exams, catering to both individuals and employers.
AFC Urgent Care Dale City is locally owned and operated, delivering physician-staffed urgent care, occupational medicine, and other non-emergency healthcare services. Equipped with advanced technology such as digital x-rays and electronic medical records, the clinic prioritizes a high-tech, high-touch approach to healthcare delivery.
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The Leadership Prince William (LWP) Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Charles Gilliam as the organization’s Executive Director. Gilliam, who has been serving as the interim executive director since July 2022, brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry to his new role. Most recently, he owned Roux Pot, Inc. and the Old Town Manassas restaurant Okra’s Cajun Creole, which closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.
“The job announcement attracted more than 40 qualified applicants from across the nation,” stated Tiffany Izenour, LPW Board of Regents chair. “We are pleased that Charles has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to effectively lead the organization to the next level.”
“Charles brings a wealth of passion, experience, and knowledge to the role of Executive Director, and I am excited to continue to work with him as we improve our leadership programs and expand our reach throughout Prince William County,” she added. “His experience as a small business owner will be invaluable to us.”
Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Science in business and hospitality management from Berea College in Kentucky. He is also an LPW alumnus and a certified Emergenetics associate. Gilliam and his family reside in Prince William County.
In addition to Gilliam’s appointment, the organization welcomed Kris Johnson to the team. Johnson, who spent 16 years as the Membership & Sales Director with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, recently moved back to Manassas from Culpeper, where she served as the General Manager of the Country Club of Culpeper.
Regarding Johnson’s expertise, she stated, “While my title was Membership & Sales Director at the Prince William Chamber, I was also responsible for the planning and execution of many of their major events.”
Furthermore, Johnson’s experience as a general manager will contribute significantly to her new position. “Being a manager of a facility of that kind is challenging and totally different than my career with the Chamber,” Johnson explained. “However, my exposure to Emergenetics taught me so much about how to communicate effectively with my staff and colleagues.”
Emergenetics is a psychometric assessment tool and concept that combines neuroscience and behavioral psychology to understand individual differences in thinking and behavior. It is a key component of the LPW’s program.
Johnson’s primary focus will be overseeing LPW’s major fundraiser, the Evening of Excellence – Mardi Gras Casino event, scheduled for Friday, March 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The event will feature casino games, music, food, and an award ceremony where LPW will present the Kathy Ellington Alumni Leadership Award and the LPW Vision Award.
Johnson emphasized the importance of executing valuable, fun events to increase LPW’s visibility and brand awareness in the area.
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The Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are held annually to celebrate the exceptional businesses in our local community. The chamber has held the ceremony since the Prince William Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2010 from the Region’s Chamber in Woodbridge and the Greater Manassas-Prince William County Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber will honor businesses in the following categories:
- Excellence in Small Business (1-10 Employees)
- Business Excellence (11+ Employees)
- Emerging Business of the Year
- Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year
- Community Outreach Award (1-10 Employees)
- Community Outreach Award (11+ Employees)
- Government Contracting Company of the Year
- Veteran-Owned Company of the Year
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, Arts & Education
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, Health & Human Services
The annual Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award will be given by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The awards ceremony will be held at Foxchase Manor; 8310 Chatsworth Drive, near Manassas, February 23, 2023, 5 to – 10 p.m. All awardees must be Chamber members except the Agnes L. Colgan awards, which are open to the public. Nominations must be made by chamber members.
The chamber holds this event to honor the businesses in the community, said spokeswoman Caitlin Stephens. “As the largest Chamber in the area, one of our goals is to recognize the businesses that keep our area growing,” added Stephens.
The sell-out event is open to the public. Registration and nominations are open on the chamber’s website.
Last year’s (2023) winners include:
- Excellence in Small Business (1-10 Employees)- Freedom Property Management and Sales
- Business Excellence (11+ Employees)- OmniRide
- Emerging Business of the Year- K&L Auto and Diesel Repairs LLC
- Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year – Prince William
- County Economic Development, Amazon and Marine Corps Base Quantico
- Community Outreach Award (1-10 Employees)- Alive Church
- Community Outreach Award (11+ Employees)- Todos Supermarket
- Government Contracting Company of the Year- EIDOS Technologies LLC
- Veteran Owned Company of the Year- Hire Ground Works
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, Arts & Education- Keep Prince William Beautiful
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, Health & Human Services- Didlake, Inc.
- * *Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award- Dr. Randall Edwards
People’s Choice Award: ALD & Associates LLC
![Lieutenant Shawn M. Peak with elected officials from Prince William County. L-R: Supervisor Yesli Vega, School Board member Erica Tredinnick, Supervisor Tom Gordy [Photo: Alan Gloss]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/0524-prince-william-valor-awards-1-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
