Recognizing The Companies, Services, Programs And People That Bring Success And Vibrancy To Coastal Virginia’s Business Community
What makes a company successful? Its people? Its profits? It’s impact? We consider it a combination of these factors, and we’re fortunate to have many successful businesses here in Coastal Virginia that put our region on the map economically, make our communities more dynamic and set the precedent of what the future of business will look like for our region. To recognize the companies bringing success and vibrancy to Coastal Virginia, we’re pleased to introduce our inaugural Best Of Business (BOB) Awards.
With these awards, we highlight the services that companies use and trust to perform their day-to-day operations, the businesses that are excelling in their industries, the venues and events that make meetings and networking effective, the top professional development programs for taking careers to the next level and the individuals exuding professionalism, innovation and influence throughout their companies and communities.
How were the BOB Awards chosen?
Through a nomination process from April 11–May 5, individuals within Coastal Virginia’s business community were invited to nominate a business/businesses in any of the 77 subcategories featured in the contest. The businesses with the most nominations moved on to the voting round, held May 6–May 31, where individuals could vote as often as once per day in any subcategory. The businesses with the most votes are featured by ranking (gold, silver bronze).
In subcategories where a winner isn’t listed beyond gold, the subsequent rankings were a result of a tie beyond two entries.
*Indicates Gold winner in multiple subcategories
Business to Business
Best Luxury Auto Dealership
Gold
Charles Barker Lexus Virginia Beach
Charles Barker Lexus Virginia Beach proudly provides an expansive selection of luxury Lexus vehicles and a makes the car buying process easy with a dedication to excellent customer service. From car loans and financing to maintenance and accessories, Charles Barker covers all of your luxury auto needs.
3909 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, 757-486-3500
CharlesBarkerLexusVirginiaBeach.com
Silver
Checkered Flag BMW
BMW.CheckeredFlag.com
Bronze
Trimax Auto Group
TrimaxAuto.com
Best Executive Car Service
Gold
Superior Executive Transportation
Whether you need to get to the airport, corporate meetings or dinners, Superior Executive Transportation is first in class for luxury transportation with a personal touch. Superior Executive Transportation offers ground transportation with Cadillac vehicles and a 12-passenger executive Turtle Top Van Terra for a stylish and efficient way to work while you’re on the move.
405 Cedar Lane
Virginia Beach, 757-567-0353
GetSetGo.US/Content
Silver
Orange Peel Transportation
OrangePeelTransportation.com
Bronze
Fay’s Transportation & Concierge
FaysLimo.com
Best Wealth Management/Financial Planning Company
Gold
TowneBank*
With a focus on the community, TowneBank is known for its exceptional range of services for businesses including wealth management, financial planning and commercial lending. The hometown bank is a valuable guide for its members to make the best financial decisions for successful business.
TowneBank has locations in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
TowneBank.com
Silver
First Command Financial
FirstCommand.com
Bronze
Virginia Financial Planning
VaFinancialPlanning.com
Best Independent Insurance Agency
Gold
Prosper Insurance
Prosper Insurance’s partners treat each of its clients in a personal manner with a focus on individual needs for coverage. The company values giving back to those they serve and also to the world; for each policy Prosper Insurance writes, the company plants a tree for a healthier planet.
361 Southport Cir., #201
Virginia Beach, 757-248-5973
Prosper.Insurance.com
Silver
Bruce Laderberg Insurance
LaderbergInsurance.com
Bronze
Mayo Insurance
MayoInsuranceAgency.com
Best Health Insurance Provider for Businesses
Gold
Optima Health
Dedicated to providing quality health insurance services for over 30 years to the community, Optima Health has tailored plans at affordable rates for businesses small to large. With its experienced staff and excellent medical resources, they address each concern while helping you find the right coverage.
4417 Corporation Lane
Virginia Beach, 757-552-7100
OptimaHealth.com
Silver
Blue Cross Blue Shield
BCBS.com
Bronze
Aetna
Aetna.com
Bronze
Beskin-Divers Insurance Group
BeskinDivers.com
Best Health Insurance Agency Brokerage
Gold
Beskin-Divers Insurance Group
Beskin-Divers Insurance Group is dedicated to maintaining lasting relationships with its clients by giving dependable brokerage services and expertise when it comes to insurance. With over 25 years of experience, the locally based insurance group will help guide you in making the best health insurance decisions while delivering exemplary client care.
1200 N. Battlefield Blvd., #102
Chesapeake, 757-347-8885
300 Southport Cir.
Virginia Beach, 757-497-1041
BeskinDivers.com
Silver
Blade Benefit Consulting
BladeBC.com
Best Architectural Firm
Gold
HBA Architecture Interior Design
HBA Architecture Interior Design’s work can be seen all over Coastal Virginia through its building designs of schools, recreational centers, judicial centers and corporations. Taking an approach that makes the greatest use of resources for sustainability, their architecture and designs create durable structures that further develop company branding and community image.
1 Columbus St., #1000
Virginia Beach, 757-490-9048
HBAOnline.com
Silver
For The People Projects
Facebook.com/ForThePeopleProjects
Bronze
Virtexco
Virtexco.com
Best General Contractor
Gold
J.W. Clark Enterprises
Since 1999, J.W. Clark Enterprises has excelled as a contractor in commercial renovation, masonry restoration, painting, demolition, roofing and more. Both highly skilled and seasoned in their line of work, J.W. Clark Enterprises assembles its team to complete building-design projects under tight schedules with cost-effective results.
2503 58th St., Suite B
Hampton, 757-825-1530
JWClarkEnterprises.com
Silver
Abbott General Construction
AGCVA.com
Bronze
Garnett Construction
GarnettConstructionLLC.com
Best Commercial Real Estate Agent
Gold
Ashley Bussey
S.L. Nusbaum’s Ashley Bussey provides her skills in commercial real estate with experience leasing Virtual Office Space and Executive Suites as well as providing client representation, contract negotiation and market research. Bussey helps find the right fit for businesses when they’re looking for their new property.
S.L. Nusbaum
1700 Wells Fargo Center
440 Monticello Ave.,
Norfolk, 757-627-8611
SLNusbaum.com
ABussey@SLNusbaum.com
Office: 757-640-2217
Silver
J.C. Wynkoop, S.L. Nusbaum
SLNusbaum.com/JCWynkoop
JWynkoop@SLNusbaum.com
Bronze
Robbie Garnett, Abbitt Realty
AbbittRealty.com
Best Telecommunications Provider
Gold
Verizon
Verizon Fios strengthens companies in Coastal Virginia with fast Internet, clear phone connections and responsive service at competitive pricing. Perfect for businesses of all sizes and different industries, their technology solutions help companies connect to get business done.
Verizon has locations throughout Coastal Virginia.
Verizon.com/Business
Silver
Lumos Networks
LumosNetworks.com
Bronze
Cox Business Systems
Cox.com/Business
Best IT Company
Gold
Electronic Systems, Inc.*
Servicing Coastal Virginia businesses, Electronic Systems, Inc. helps with information technology solutions, supplies businesses with document technology with copiers and other software and provides professional services including consulting and IT staffing. The company is proud to provide solutions and help with your business’ needs.
4417 Expressway Dr.
Virginia Beach, 800-653-6306
ESI.net
Silver
360IT Partners
360ITPartners.com
Bronze
Macro IT LLC
MacroITLLC.com
Best Web Development
Gold
Marathon Consulting
Marathon Consulting ensures its clients are running strong by bringing them IT services, consulting, website design and development on their projects for their success. Strengthening businesses through information technology, Marathon has put together a team of insightful experts so that your organization can thrive in the digital age.
4525 Columbus St., #200
Virginia Beach, 757-427-6999
MarathonUS.com
Silver
Foster Web Marketing
FosterWebMarketing.com
Bronze
SparkDawn Media
SparkDawn.com
Best Commercial Photographer
Gold
Hampton Roads Photography
With a list of clients ranging from real estate and advertising to telecommunications to television personalities, Hampton Roads Photography enhances your business and professional presence through its images. Their impressive portfolio includes commercial photography for properties, events, advertising, products and headshots.
5773 Arrowhead Dr., #301
Virginia Beach, 757-499-8708
HamptonRoadsPhotography.com
Silver
Ramone Photography
Ramone.com
Bronze
Dragon Photography Studio
DragonPhotoStudio.com
Best Commercial Videographer
Gold
View It Do It
Using patented technology to share and record events through cameras controlled by computers or mobile devices, View It Do It is an innovative way for businesses to share ideas and spread information about their products and events. Even if you can’t be there in person, View It Do It makes your meetings and celebrations interactive so you can effectively communicate and share the experience.
Norfolk, 757-741-8434
ViewItDoIt.com
Silver
Elite One Cinema
EliteOneCinema.com
Bronze
IAMBMW Photography
IAMBMWPhotography.com
Best Staffing Company
Gold
Electronic Systems, Inc.*
4417 Expressway Dr.
Virginia Beach, 800-653-6306
ESI.net
Silver
Reliance Staffing
RelianceStaffing.com
Bronze
Tidewater Staffing
TidewaterStaffing.com
Best Business Broker
Gold
FranNet of Southeastern Virginia
With all of the franchise owning opportunities in Coastal Virginia, FranNet Business Consultant Marc Steiner simplifies the process to fit entrepreneurs with the ideal franchise. Understanding his clients’ needs, Steiner makes the experience personal so they can succeed with their career and business.
757-483-9375
FranNet.com/MSteiner
Silver
Divaris
Divaris.com
Bronze
Hampton Roads Business Brokers
HamptonRoadsBusinessBrokers.com
Best Business Accounting Firm
Gold
Wall Einhorn Chernitzer, P.C.
Wall Einhorn Chernitzer, P.C. (WEC) is a trusted name for accounting and business advisory services, as they assist companies with assurance, tax liabilities and auditing. While WEC is locally based, the firm has access to national and international markets for client resources and services.
150 West Main St., #1200
Norfolk, 757-625-4700
WEC-CPA.com
Silver
Colonial CPA Group
ColonialCPA.com
Bronze
Dixon Hughes Goodman
DHGLLP.com
Best Ad and Marketing Agency
Gold
Omnia Unlimited
Delivering brand messages through social, digital and experiential marketing, Omnia Unlimited has been implementing campaign strategies to create interest in companies for over 10 years. Their marketing is based individually on their clients to understand their target audience and help provide them the best service possible.
900 Commonwealth Pl., #200
Virginia Beach, 757-740-0006
OmniaUnlimited.com
Silver
Marker 3
Marker3.com
Bronze
Rubin Communications Group
RubinCommunications.com
Best Commercial Lender
Gold
Tie
Navy Federal Credit Union
There are plenty of questions and concerns involved when it comes to commercial lending, and Navy Federal Credit Union is there to help your business when it comes to understanding loans and establishing a plan. Navy Federal takes the time to analyze your company’s credit so that you can make the right move for success.
Navy Federal Credit Union has locations throughout Coastal Virginia.
NavyFederal.org
TowneBank*
TowneBank has locations in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
TowneBank.com
Silver
Langley Federal Credit Union
LangleyFCU.org
Bronze
Tie
BB&T
BBT.com
Xenith
XenithBank.com
Best HR Firm
Gold
Woodard Associates LLC
Woodard Associates are multifaceted when it comes to human resources for businesses, offering expertise with consulting, employee relationship management, environmental health and safety and talent acquisition. They also specialize in customizing company handbooks, new hires and on-boarding, training and more, making the human resources firm an asset for business.
Virginia Beach, 757-769-6138
Woodard-Associates.com
Silver
Principle Strategies
PrincipleStrategies.com
Best Bank for Business
Gold
TowneBank*
TowneBank has locations in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
TowneBank.com
Silver
FultonBank
FultonBank.com
Bronze
Navy Federal Credit Union
NavyFederal.org
Best Commercial Builder
Gold
Armada Hoffler
Chances are you’ve seen one of Armada Hoffler’s prestigious properties in Coastal Virginia, as they’ve collected a portfolio of retail, office and multi-family buildings. Armada Hoffler has become a leader in commercial building development and general construction as well owning and managing properties.
222 Central Park Ave., #2100
Virginia Beach, 757-366-4000
ArmadaHoffler.com
Silver
S.B. Ballard
SBBallard.com
Bronze
W.M. Jordan Company
WMJordan.com
Best Engineering Firm
Gold
Clark Nexsen
Clark Nexsen develops creative and efficient ideas for its clients and then implements them through their engineering projects. The company’s innovations not only benefit its partners but also make a greater impact on the community by creating engineering solutions to areas such as transportation, energy use and reduced building costs.
4525 Main St., #1400
Virginia Beach, 757-455-5800
ClarkNexsen.com
Silver
Tie
Kimley-Horn
Kimley-Horn.com
MSA, P.C.
MSAOnline.com
Bronze
HDR, Inc.
HDRInc.com
Best Law Firm Overall
Gold
Wolcott | Rivers | Gates Attorneys At Law*
Wolcott Rivers Gates finds legal solutions and provides assistance to businesses in a diversity of legal practice areas specific to different industries. With a large staff and expert attorneys at law with over 120 years of experience in Coastal Virginia, Wolcott Rivers Gates is pleased to bring award-winning services to its clients.
200 Bendix Rd., #300
Virginia Beach, 757-497-6633
WolcottRiversGates.com
Silver
Brian A. Thomasson, P.L.C.
StepUpToBat.com
Bronze
Pender & Coward, P.C.
PenderCoward.com
Best Corporate Law Firm
Gold
Wolcott | Rivers | Gates Attorneys At Law*
200 Bendix Rd., #300
Virginia Beach, 757-497-6633
WolcottRiversGates.com
Silver
Pender & Coward, P.C.
PenderCoward.com
Best Real Estate Law Firm
Gold
Wolcott | Rivers | Gates Attorneys At Law*
200 Bendix Rd., #300
Virginia Beach, 757-497-6633
WolcottRiversGates.com
Silver
Pender & Coward, P.C.
PenderCoward.com
Bronze
Temple Law Group, P.C.
TempleLawGrp.com
Best Tax Law Firm
Gold
Wolcott | Rivers | Gates Attorneys At Law*
200 Bendix Rd., #300
Virginia Beach, 757-497-6633
WolcottRiversGates.com
Silver
Kaufman & Canoles P.C.
KaufmanAndCanoles.com
Best Employment Law Firm
Gold
Wolcott | Rivers | Gates Attorneys At Law*
WolcottRiversGates.com
Silver
Pender & Coward, P.C.
PenderCoward.com
Bronze
Kaufman & Canoles P.C.
KaufmanAndCanoles.com
Best Intellectual Property Law Firm
Gold
Pender & Coward, P.C.
Pender & Coward, P.C.’s team of attorneys is experienced in protection and litigation with intellectual property, protecting you or your company’s ideas, and in certain cases, saving millions of dollars for businesses. The firm defends rights in-state and in federal courts as well as claims by others.
222 Central Park, #400
Virginia Beach, 757-490-3000
PenderCoward.com
Best Title Company
Gold
First Settlement Title & Escrow Company (*Found Consumer First Title & Escrow, LLC in Williamsburg)
First Title & Escrow, LLC prides itself on its customer service and ability to meet its customers’ title needs in a timely manner with its group of underwriters, processors, closers and title examiners. Building its company around customer loyalty, First Title & Escrow, LLC is trusted for their products and services for title insurance and escrow and closing services.
428 McLaws Cir., Suite 202A
Williamsburg, 757-645-4137
ConsmrFirst.com/Home.html
Silver
Prestige Title Agency
757-518-0800
Bronze
Seashore Title & Settlements
SeashoreTitle.com
Best Commercial Insurance Firm (Benefits/Liability)
Gold
USI
USI’s focus on employee benefits and liability helps companies acquire talent in a cost-effective manner to maximize their potential. With services such as underwriting and insurance analytics, human resources, healthcare cost management and consulting, USI is the complete package for commercial insurance.
101 W Main St.,
Norfolk, 757-625-1800
USI.com
Silver
Travelers Insurance
Travelers.com
Bronze
Blade Benefit Consulting
BladeBC.com
Best Life Insurance Provider
Gold
Mayo Insurance Agency
Making sure you have the right life insurance coverage is as important to the agents at Mayo Insurance Agency as it is to you. Based on your household or business situation, agents review your needs to determine the right plan and build your policy.
1917 Laskin Rd., Suite 101
Virginia Beach, 757-496-5685
4324 New Town Ave., Suite B2
Williamsburg, 757-476-5816
MayoInsuranceAgency.com
Silver
Transamerica
Transamerica.com
Bronze
Prudential
Prudential.com
Best Place To Buy Office Supplies
Gold
Electronic Systems, Inc.*
4417 Expressway Dr.
Virginia Beach, 800-653-6306
ESI.net
Silver
Office Depot
OfficeDepot.com
Bronze
The Supply Room
TheSupplyRoom.com
Best Office Designer
Gold
West Elm Workspace
Designing offices to be both stylish and concise to function and workflow, West Elm Workspace provides a fresh take on the modern workspace. In addition to partnering with Inscape for office furniture, West Elm Workspace customizes areas to benefit the wellness of the employees with an attractive work environment while valuing the most practical uses of space in an office setting.
7420 Central Business Park Dr., #4
Norfolk
WestElmWorkspace.com
Silver
JJS Interior Design
JJSStudio.com
Best Corporate Moving Company
Gold
Two Men and a Truck Virginia Beach
Moving an entire business can be tricky, but Two Men and a Truck makes the process smooth. Their comprehensive business moving services range from internal office transfers to the relocation of hundreds of employees and office furniture across town. Their business is moving your business.
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Silver
Accurate Installations & Moving Services
AIMSVa.com
Bronze
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
CollegeHunksHaulingJunk.com
Best Payroll Services
Gold
Payday Payroll
Family-owned Payday Payroll provides payroll services solutions for its customers all over the country, making payroll simple for companies in the most cost and time effective manner. Payday’s customer service is responsive, friendly and hands-on while working on your schedule.
6465 College Park Square, Suite #200
Virginia Beach, 757-523-0605
PaydayPayroll.com
Silver
ADP
ADP.com
Bronze
Paylocity
Paylocity.com
Best Locally-Owned Office Furniture Store
Gold
Office Furniture Outlet
Office Furniture Outlet is a one-stop destination for all your office furniture needs, with an inventory of new and used furniture and sales and rentals with discounted deals. The outlet also provides consultation for furniture solutions, delivery and installation at your request.
5595 Raby Rd., Building 3
Norfolk, 757-855-2800
OFOVA.com
Silver
Mark’s Discount Furniture
Marks.WPEngine.com
Best Office Cleaning Service
Gold
Diversified Building Services
Locally serving different industries, Diversified Building Services ensures top quality cleanliness for businesses and guarantees the highest standards for facilities. Diversified Building Services provides commercial and industrial cleaning, floor maintenance and light maintenance, hospitality services and much more.
1501 Technology Dr., Suite #104
Chesapeake, 757-233-4143
DBSVA.com
Silver
OnPoint Building Services
OnPointServiceCo.com
Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service
Gold
Earthscapes
Earthscapes Lawn & Land Service provides commercial and residential landscaping and lawn maintenance so your property looks its finest for a lasting impression. Whether you need flowerbeds or shrubs installed or seasonal grounds maintenance, Earthscapes is pleased to meet its clients landscaping needs.
738 Alder Cir.
Virginia Beach, 757-449-1386
EarthscapesVB.com
Silver
Magnolia Landscapes LLC
MagLandscape.com
Bronze
K&D Round’s Landscape Services
KDRoundsLandscape.com
Best Mortgage Lender
Gold
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Starting a mortgage is a big move in life, and Atlantic Bay Mortgage’s mortgage bankers have helped make the process easy so that your home buying experience is memorable. The award-winning mortgage group has been lending its services for more than 20 years, helping 100,000 families with their homes.
Atlantic Bay Mortgage has locations in Chesapeake, Gloucester, Virginia Beach and Yorktown.
AtlanticBay.com
Silver
TowneBank
TowneBank.com
Bronze
OVM Financial Inc.
OVMFinancial.com
Excellence in Business
Best Local Company with a National Presence
Gold
Two Men and a Truck Virginia Beach
The Two Men and a Truck brand is known domestically and internationally, having more than 350 locations nationwide, as well as locations in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Virginia Beach, the brand is known for making moving experiences hassle- and stress-free, whether relocating your business or your home.
543 Central Dr., #220
Virginia Beach, 757-335-6514
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Silver
Electronic Systems, Inc.
ESI.net
Bronze
Hatch
StartWithHatch.com
Best Business Incubator/Startup Program
Gold
1701 Virginia Beach Coworking
As Virginia Beach’s first coworking space, 1701 serves the business needs of individual freelancers, startups, artists and remote employees, helping them to grow their companies by offering an abundance of resources and a built-in professional network. Located in the ViBe District, the dynamic space features two conference rooms, each equipped with a 55-inch TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV and videoconferencing capabilities; a 1,500-square-foot multipurpose space for events; great coffee and the fastest Internet in Virginia Beach.
1701 Baltic Ave., Virginia Beach
1701VB.com
Silver
Hatch
StartWithHatch.com
Best Coastal Virginia-Made Product
Gold
Crafting Happily Ever After
When there’s something meaningful to be said, say it with a sign. This Virginia Beach-based business offers hand painted wooden signs in custom designs and finishes. Owner Emmy Sharrow uses vinyl stencils to paint on designs, and she also makes vinyl decals and wreaths, as well as small furniture refinishing and refurbishing.
Bonney Road
Virginia Beach, 757-309-5265
Facebook.com/CraftingHappilyEverAfter
Silver
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Bronze
Tie
Blue Crab Bay Co.
BlueCrabBay.com
Reaver Beach Brewing
ReaverBeach.com
Best Coastal Virginia-Made Food/Beverage
Gold
Melo Lion Meadery
What started from a beekeeping business, Zeb’s Bees, has transformed into Yorktown’s beloved meadery, Melo Lion. Owner Zeb Johnston makes mead (also known as honey wine) in various seasonal flavors, all produced from natural and responsibly-sourced honey.
Yorktown, 757-713-4885
MeloLion.com
Silver
Young Veterans Brewing Company
YVBC.com
Bronze
Reaver Beach Brewing
ReaverBeach.com
Best New Local Project/Development
Gold
Waterside
The long-awaited, much-anticipated Waterside District opened this spring, bringing with it a grand selection of eats, drinks and experiences in Downtown Norfolk. Whether enjoying a live concert, watching an outdoor family movie, joining in for Bar Trivia at Blue Moon Taphouse or meeting colleagues after work, Waterside is the ultimate gathering spot and the best local development to happen this year.
333 Waterside Dr.
Norfolk, 757-426-7433
WatersideDistrict.com
Silver
ViBe Creative District
ViBeCreativeDistrict.org
Bronze
Town Center of Virginia Beach
VaBeachTownCenter.com
Best New Business
Gold
In Her Nature Boutique
This unique pop-up clothing line is an online and traveling boutique, featuring relaxed and stylish clothing for women. Inspired by God’s creation, the boutique’s goal is to encourage customers to stay true to themselves, while wearing clothes and accessories that were handpicked just for them. Find In Her Nature Boutique at fairs and festivals, or ladies can host their own trunk show at their office or home party.
818-397-6554
InHerNature.Wixsite.com/InHerNature
Silver
The Bee & The Biscuit
BeeBiscuit.com
Bronze
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Best Small Business
Gold
Brian A. Thomasson, P.L.C.
Brian A. Thomasson is a licensed Virginia attorney, with practice areas including domestic relations law, personal injury, wills and estates, trust matters, criminal and traffic defense and representation of children as a guardian ad litem. In his spare time, he’s a martial artist, having won multiple competitions. He is also a published author, having written for The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
1108 Madison Plaza, Suite 203
Chesapeake, 757-454-2110
StepUpToBat.com
Silver
Two Men and a Truck Virginia Beach
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Bronze
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Meetings & Gatherings
Best Place for Business Meetings/Conferences
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
Whether holding a meeting, conference or corporate event or hoping to close a business deal, Chesapeake Conference Center is the venue businesses trust for their gathering needs. With versatile floor plans, the Center can accommodate meetings and events of all sizes. Their award-winning in-house banquet facilities and experienced staff helps to ensure that gatherings are attentively planned to run smoothly. Plus, their award-winning culinary team creates customized menus that leave memorable impressions on guests, making the Chesapeake Conference Center top notch for corporate event catering as well.
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Hilton Norfolk The Main
TheMainNorfolk.com
Bronze
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Best Coffee Meeting Location
Gold
The Daily Grind
Located in the heart of Virginia Beach Town Center, The Daily Grind is a cozy and modern café with an ideal atmosphere for one-on-one or small group meetings. Sip from their selection of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, breves, French press or organic pour over, or try one of their hot, iced or chai teas. They also serve a fresh offering of soups and salads, sandwiches and wraps, pastries and desserts or breakfast all day, as well as cocktails.
168 Central Park Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-228-3907
DailyGrindVB.com
Silver
Bad Ass Coffee
BadAssCoffee.com
Bronze
Starving Artist Café
StarvingArtistNorfolk.com
Best Lunch Meeting Location
Gold
Sweetwater Cuisine
When needing to add a graceful touch of Southern charm to lunch gatherings, Sweetwater Cuisine is the way to go. Peruse their flavorful selection of lunch packages, which include one seasonal salad or soup of the day, a variety of sandwiches and a variety of cookies and squares. Gluten-free options are available, too. Sweetwater also offers hot lunch buffets. Start with one of their tender meats (grilled pork tenderloin or honey pecan fried chicken are for sure favorites), and then load up on salad, seasonable vegetables and their signature whipped potatoes, plus an assortment of Southern dessert bites. From grits to glam, Sweetwater Cuisine has got you covered.
4216 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 140
Virginia Beach, 757-403-7073
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Silver
Hair of the Dog Eatery
HairOfTheDogVa.com
Bronze
Gordon Biersch at Town Center
GordonBiersch.com
Best Delivered Lunch
Gold
Gourmet Gang
For those days when you simply can’t leave the office, Gourmet Gang comes to the rescue with a tasty offering of bistro favorites. Choose from sandwiches and wraps filled with deli meat, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetarian or vegan, or go for one of their fresh and flavorful salads like California Cobb, Chinese salad or Baja salad. Pair with side items, chips, cookies or dessert bars, or choose a boxed lunch for a complete meal. Gourmet Gang also offers catering for large lunches at the office.
Gourmet Gang has several locations in Virginia Beach, as well as Downtown Norfolk and Chesapeake.
GourmetGang.com
Silver
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Bronze
TASTE
Taste.Online
Best Restaurant for Business Dinners
Gold
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Whether embarking on a celebratory evening for the team or aiming to impress a client, Ruth’s Chris guarantees to make your supper sizzle. Known for their perfected broiling method that ensures each cut of USDA Prime beef arrives cooked to perfection and sizzling on a 500-degree plate, the restaurant offers sumptuous cuts of filet, cowboy ribeye, New York strip, T-bone, porterhouse and porterhouse, among others. Their seafood selections are just as impressive, and their sides can make a meal on their own.
205 Central Park Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-213-0747
RuthsChris.com/Restaurant-Locations/Virginia-Beach
Silver
Tie
One Fish Two Fish
OneFish-TwoFish.com
Gordon Biersch at Town Center
GordonBiersch.com
Bronze
Ashley’s Bistro & Lounge
HIVaBeachNorfolk.com
Best After-Work Happy Hour
Gold
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Located right on the Oceanfront and home of the Original Waterman’s Orange Crush, it’s easy to see why Waterman’s was voted best after-work happy hour. In addition to their staple beverage made with fresh squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec and a splash of Sprite, Waterman’s has an array of crushes in other flavors, plus margaritas, rum drinks, mules, a great wine selection and beers too.
415 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-428-3644
Watermans.com
Silver
Yard House
YardHouse.com
Bronze
Topgolf
Topgolf.com/US/Virginia-Beach
Best Place to Close a Deal
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Town Center City Club
TownCenterCityClub.com
Bronze
Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club
CavalierGYC.com
Best Local Teambuilding Experience
Gold
Topgolf*
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never picked up a golf club in your life, you’re guaranteed to have a great experience at Topgolf. This premier golf entertainment complex combines the competition of sport with your favorite local hangout. A 240-yard outfield features color-coded, dartboard-like targets in the ground, which golfers will aim for bull’s eyes from individual bays above. The final location of the microchipped ball determines a player’s score. Combine this with a full menu of food and drinks, and you’ve got a perfect opportunity for a memorable teambuilding experience or business outing.
5444 Greenwich Rd.
Virginia Beach, 757-544-9217
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Silver
Escape Room
EscapeRoomVirginiaBeach.com
EscapeRoomVirginiaPeninsula.com
Bronze
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
VirginiaBeachAdventurePark.com
Best Golf Course for Business Outings
Gold
Topgolf*
5444 Greenwich Rd.
Virginia Beach, 757-544-9217
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Silver
The Signature at West Neck
SignatureAtWestNeck.com
Bronze
Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club
CavalierGYC.com
Best Sporting Event to Take Clients To
Gold
Norfolk Tides
Root, root, root for the home team alongside your clients and colleagues for a night in Norfolk’s Harbor Park that’s sure to be a hit. Take advantage of group ticket prices, or plan to impress by booking a Tides luxury suite, ideal for hosting an exciting night of corporate entertainment.
150 Park Ave.
Norfolk, 757-622-2222
MiLB.com
Silver
ODU Football Games
ODUSports.com
Bronze
LPGA Kingsmill Championship
Kingsmill.com/Golf/LPGA-Kingsmill-Championship
Best Hotel for Business Travel
Gold
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Designed for corporate travelers and discerning guests, The Main’s Executive Level accommodations exude modern sophistication and style overlooking the Elizabeth River. Hotel guests can stay connected with hi-speed Wi-Fi, relax in front of a 42-inch plasma TV and enjoy the luxurious touches of Starbucks coffee, premium bath products and a 10-inch LCD TV in the room’s spa-like bathroom. There’s also exclusive access to the private Concierge Lounge.
100 E. Main St.
Norfolk, 757-763-6200
TheMainNorfolk.com
Silver
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
WestinVirginiaBeach.com
Bronze
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Hilton.com
Best Corporate Event Center
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Topgolf*
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Bronze
Hilton Norfolk The Main
TheMainNorfolk.com
Best Event Planner
Gold
VIBEvents Group
This award-winning event planning agency in Chesapeake brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and event industry. Their team of event professionals specialize in developing event concepts and providing solutions for creating memorable experiences for corporate and special events.
1244 Executive Blvd., Suite A-101
Chesapeake, 757-810-8371
PlanMyVibe.com
Silver
Chesapeake Conference Center
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Bronze
Antonia Christianson Events
AntoniaChristiansonEvents.com
Best Corporate Event Caterer
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Baker’s Crust Hilltop
BakersCrust.com/Catering/Catering-Information
Bronze
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Best Small Venue for Meetings and Events
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Bronze
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach – Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center
HIVaBeachNorfolk.com
Best Networking Event
Gold
BizConnect Hampton Roads
As the area’s best networking group for building quality relationships, obtaining referrals and growing your business, BizConnect Hampton Roads offers many free networking opportunities for everyone, as well as BizConnect “members only” events.
318 W 21st St.
Norfolk, 757-927-5200
BizConnectHR.com
Silver
The Future Billionaire’s Club - Virginia Beach Chapter
FutureBillionaires.Club
Bronze
Central Business District Association (CBDA) Luncheons
CBDA.net
Best Young Professionals Network
Gold
CBDX
A division of the Central Business District Association (CBDA) of Virginia Beach, CBDX is a group of business professionals ages 40 and under who are charged with furthering the mission of the CBDA and are committed to encouraging involvement of the next generation of business leaders in support of local businesses and organizations, as well as creating future development initiatives targeting young professionals.
One Columbus Center, Suite 611
Virginia Beach, 757-490-7810
TheCBDX.com
Silver
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Young Professionals
YoungProfessionals.ABC.org
Professional Development
Best MBA Program
Gold
Old Dominion University
Online or on-campus, part-time or full-time, ODU’s 40-credit hour modular program offers unique opportunities to give graduates an edge and accelerate their career in an ever-changing and increasingly global business environment on students’ own terms. Choose from more than 40 graduate certificate specializations and over 50 graduate degree options for the field of study that will take your career to the next level.
1026 Constant Hall
Norfolk, 757-683-3585
ODU.edu/Business/Departments/MBA
Silver
Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Mason.WM.edu/Programs/Index.php
Best Business School
Gold
Strome College of Business at ODU
At ODU’s Strome College of Business, their mission is to develop global and ethically savvy students for careers in business and government. They do this by granting students exposure to real-world situations, providing them opportunities to learn from local business leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom, and offering several centers and institutes to enhance and support the academic programs.
2004 Constant Hall
Norfolk, 757-683-3520
ODU.edu/Business
Silver
Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Mason.WM.edu/Programs/Index.php
Bronze
Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business at CNU
CNU.edu/Academics/Departments/Business
Best Executive Training
Gold
Launchout Coaching & Consulting
Life coaching is a powerful process that focuses on helping people break through real and perceived barriers, challenges their assumptions and disrupts their ordinary way of doing life while helping them to achieve their goals. Along with benefiting their clients’ personal lives, Launchout strives to help clients better their professional lives, as well, whether it’s tackling daily stressors that overwhelm, gaining clarity and focus or moving in a new direction after leaving a job or military career.
757-761-0900
Launchout.coach
Silver
Sandler Training
FTT.Sandler.com
Best Professional Development Workshop
Gold
Megan Hogan with 1701
As the content marketer at 1701 (Virginia Beach’s first coworking space), Megan Hogan is a valuable member of 1701’s community who helps other members build their businesses through marketing and content. She offers workshops geared to entrepreneur military spouses and sessions on topics like how to get more customers without being pushy or salesy.
1701 Baltic Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-296-2596
1701VB.com \ MeganHogan.com
Silver
Marcia Brodie with BizConnect Hampton Roads
BizConnectHR.com
Bronze
Academy for Nonprofit Excellence at TCC
Academy.TCC.edu
People In Business
Outstanding Emerging Professional
Gold
Reesy Floyd-Thompson*
A self-proclaimed digital Wonder Woman, Reesy Floyd-Thompson teaches non-marketers and do-gooders how to use digital marketing to create good in their lives and businesses through her consulting company, Create Good Marketing. She’s also the media and communications coordinator for Chesapeake Conference Center. Having been in marketing and public relations for over 13 years, Floyd-Thompson’s skills range from web design, branding, copywriting and blogging to podcast hosting, design, social media strategies, consulting, SEO and beyond.
7712 Granby St., #9397
Norfolk, CreateGoodMarketing.com
Silver
Robert Hill, Atlantic Bay Mortgage
AtlanticBay.com/RobertHill
Bronze
Veronica Thompson, VIBEvents
PlanMyVibe.com
Top Seasoned Pro
Gold
Nicole Johnson
As the immediate past president of International Live Events Association (ILEA) Hampton Roads Chapter, Nicole Johnson now combines her corporate administration experience with her passion for food to thrive in her career as catering sales manager for Montero’s Restaurant. & Bar | Catering in Elizabeth City. She creates custom menus, gathers details, schedules logistics, markets the business and as detects possible issues well in advance to ensure smooth events and happy clients.
757-478-9496
ILEAHamptonRoads.com | MonterosRestaurant.com
Silver
Betsi Radd, Book My Reunion
BookMyReunion.com
Bronze
Claus Ihlemann, Decorum Furniture
DecorumFurniture.com
Top CEO
Gold
Brian Holland, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
As CEO of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, Brian Holland leads with humility and compassion for others. Having grown the company from four employees in 1997 to nearly 1,000 associates today, his philosophy is to have fun, work hard, do good and put people in homes. This concept has become the culture and legacy of Atlantic Bay, from employee appreciation to customer care to serving the community.
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group has locations in Chesapeake, Gloucester, Virginia Beach and Yorktown.
AtlanticBay.com
Silver
Gene Gerloff, Gerloff Painting
GerloffPainting.com
Bronze
Charles Barker, Charles Barker Automotive
CharlesBarker.com
Best Local Entrepreneur
Gold
Veronica Thompson
Veronica Thompson is the founder, president and CEO of VIBEvents Group, an award-winning event planning agency headquartered in Chesapeake. She leads a team of event professionals that specialize in developing event concepts and providing solutions for creating memorable experiences for corporate and special events.
1244 Executive Blvd., Suite A-101
Chesapeake, 757-810-8371
PlanMyVibe.com
Silver
Kathleen White, Two Men and a Truck, Virginia Beach
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Bronze
Zeb Johnston, Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Innovator of the Year
Gold
Vanessa Lane, View It
As part of the husband-and-wife team of local livestreaming business, View It Do It, Vanessa Lane uses her artistic marketing skills to promote the concept of sharing some of life’s most important moments with the world. Whether planning a wedding, fundraising event for a nonprofit or other function, the company ensures that people can participate in the event from anywhere in the world by directly controlling the camera.
Norfolk, 757-741-8483
ViewItDoIt.com
Silver
Joash Schulman, Town Center Office Suites
VBTCOS.com
Bronze
Amanda Carter, Entercom
Entercom.com
Business Person of the Year
Gold
Laura Henderson, BizConnect Hampton Roads
As the founder and CEO of BizConnect Hampton Roads, Laura Henderson’s passion is helping local small business owners grow their business and increase their profits and presence in the community. Bringing experience from over 15 years at Pilot Media/The Virginian-Pilot, along with her marketing business, Win Local Stuff, Henderson specializes creating unique ideas, being an ambassador for your business, connecting people and delivering potential new customers, coordinating network events, project management, social media, successful leadership, marketing and promotions, graphic design and event planning.
318 W 21st St.
Norfolk, 747-927-5200
BizConnectHR.com
Silver
Jodi Moore Newland, Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Bronze
Brian Holland, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
AtlanticBay.com
Young Business Person of the Year
Gold
Zack Miller, Hatch
Zack Miller is the founder of Hatch, known as a gym for entrepreneurs that helps businesses develop, grow and thrive through networking events, collaboration with other entrepreneurs and their 1000 Four media education platform geared to increasing sales, growing a team and raising capital. When he’s not at Hatch, Miller is co-host of “Hampton Roads Business Weekly,” a 30-minute show that serves as a resource and voice for entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses in Coastal Virginia.
259 Granby St., #250
Norfolk, 757-295-8635
StartWithHatch.com
Silver
Justin Beale, Hilton Norfolk The Main
TheMainNorfolk.com
Bronze
Jaketa Clark Thompson, Omnia Unlimited
OmniaUnlimited.com
Best Social Media Personality
Gold
Reesy Floyd-Thompson*
7712 Granby St., #9397
Norfolk, CreateGoodMarketing.com
Silver
Jess Horton, The Fit Petite
TheFitPetite.com
Bronze
Christina Boyce, Blissfully Boyce
BlissfullyBoyce.com
Best Salesperson
Gold
Sylvia Edwards, Chesapeake Conference Center
As sales and event manager at Chesapeake Conference Center, Sylvia Edwards, brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to add to the Center’s friendly staff, unforgettable events and impeccable service, working behind the scenes and directly with clients every step of the way to create well-planned, memorable events.
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConference.com
Silver
Betsi Radd, Book My Reunion
BookMyReunion.com
Bronze
Connie Sexton, Electronic Systems Incorporated
ESI.net
Best Local Leader Making a Difference
Gold
Jodi Moore Newland, Sweetwater Cuisine | Daniel’s Grace
Feeding people is at the heart of what Jodi Moore Newland does. Whether it’s feeding them delicious, home-cooked cuisine at her Southern eatery and catering service, Sweetwater Cuisine, or feeding the needs of families stricken with cancer through her nonprofit, Daniel’s Grace, she has a mission to leave people and families feeling full and thriving.
4216 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 140
Virginia Beach, 757-403-7073
SweetwaterCuisine.com
757-663-6977, DanielsGrace.org
Silver
Lou Haddad, Armada Hoffler | Louis & Mary Haddad Foundation
ArmadaHoffler.com | LouAndMaryHaddadFdn.org
Bronze
Nicole Carry, Emerge America
EmergeAmerica.org
