Louisa, Va. — The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce is honoring the 2021 Businessperson of the Year (BPOY) at the Annual Meeting Celebration on Thursday, June 24 at Callie Opie’s Orchard between 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  The Businessperson of the Year portion of the evening will highlight our four finalists and recognize the 2021 recipient. The evening will kick off with a cash bar and silent auction and lead into a buffet-style dinner.

The first Businessperson of the Year honoree, G. B. (Budgie) Duke, was recognized in 1985.  Chamber members were encouraged to nominate a chamber member “whose exemplary practices have earned our respect” and the winner was selected by the Board of Directors of the Chamber.  As the event has evolved, so has the process.  Nominations are received from both chamber members and the community at large to recognize individuals with business success, civic/community involvement, and a positive impact on the local economy through business growth, new job creation, or business expansion.  Nominations are reviewed for eligibility (must be a Chamber member in good standing with at least a year of membership and not serving on the Board of Directors) with up to four (4) finalists determined by the BPOY committee consisting of members of the business community.  The selection committee consisting of three prior BPOY recipients selects the 2021 Businessperson of the Year.

This year’s four finalists include:

• Dana Cahill, Cahill’s Cleaning Service
• Steve Harler, Reliable Payments & Mid-Atlantic Watersports
• John Pope, Cooling Pond Brewery
• Lelia & Michael Winget-Hernandez, Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel

The Annual Meeting portion of the evening will include the annual review, recognition of our retiring board members, and introductions of the new board members. Additional annual awards by the Chamber Board of Directors (Chamber Good Neighbor, Chamber Partner, and Chamber Volunteer of the Year) will be presented.

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce gives special thanks to committee members Greg Dorazio, Valerie Groome, Stephanie Koren, Ben Shealy and Valerie Washington.  Additional recognition for our silent auction contributors and key sponsors:  

• Gold: Blue Ridge Bank and Hantzmon Wiebel, LLP
• Silver Sponsors: Commonwealth Life & Legacy Counsel, Dominion Energy, Old Dominion Electric Coop, Rappahannock Electric Coop, SAMFM 105.5/Classic Hits 95.3, The Central Virginian
• Bronze Sponsor: Fahrenheit Advisors

Join the celebration on June 24 and salute the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and the resilient business community.  Dress is business casual with both indoor and outdoor activities.  Advance tickets are required and must be purchased no later than June 11. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased through LouisaChamber.org. For more information, contact Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director, at (540) 967-0944 or executivedirector@louisachamber.org.

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce promotes business, strengthens economic and community development, and serves as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the Louisa community and region. For more information about LCCC, please visit www.louisachamber.org. Follow LCCC on Facebook.