Prince William, Virginia – The Prince William Chamber of Commerce honored the nominees and recipients of its Business Awards last evening at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Winners of the 2013 Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, who each receive a $1,000 check to continue their work, were also announced. Nominees included businesses large and small from a variety of industries, showcasing the diverse organizations that blend to make Prince William a national leader for job creation and economic growth. Northern Virginia Community College was the Presenting Sponsor of the event. Alex Orfinger, Publisher of the Washington Business Journal, returned as master of ceremonies.
“We are proud to honor and celebrate our membership, those business and community leaders who truly represent the best of Prince William,” Chamber President and CEO Rob Clapper.
While the types and sizes of the nearly 70 nominated businesses varied greatly, community service was a common thread. Each of the nominees regularly stepped outside of their organization to make a difference in the community they serve.
“Let me encourage each and everyone of you to see what you have in the Prince William Chamber and support it with your time, talents and treasure,” said Patty Baisden, Vice President of QMT Windchimes and Gift & Garden, USA, the Speaker Sponsor for the event. “We are each an integral part of a vibrant community and each have a responsibility to contribute for the greater good.”
Orfinger discussed the “intersection of the not-for-profit community and business community,” and the importance of giving back. He said that in selecting a cause to support, businesses should look for the “triple yes.” It should be good for the company’s bottom line, good for the community and good for the staff. “It is important to not leave our heart at the door,” said Orfinger. “Care for the less fortunate in our community. Strive to be the model for an engaged corporate citizen.”
Cardinal Bank sponsored the Agnes L. Colgan Awards. Additional sponsors included Comcast, Washington Business Journal, Prince William Times, First Virginia Community Bank, Whitlock Wealth Management, City of Manassas, NOVEC and Dewberry. Kathy Strauss of ImageWerks captured the evening in photos. Pictures from the 2013 Business Awards will be available at facebook.com/pwchamber, and a full list of nominees and sponsors can be found in the events section of www.pwchamber.org. Following are descriptions of each recipient, as they were announced during the 2013 Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards:
[…] Read full release & list of award recipients
