Community Partnerships Win Big at the Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Awards

Last night’s Prince William Chamber of Commerce Awards ceremony was a celebration of community, with a sold-out attendance at the Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club in Gainesville. 

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Ann B. Wheeler presented the 2023 Prince William County Business Partnership Award to the Villagio Hospitality Group President and CEO Marcus Silva for their team's commitment to placemaking, historic preservation, economic development, and community engagement, which has had a transformative effect on Prince William County. 

“Farm Brew LIVE is a unique regional landmark destination,” she said during the ceremony. “The property boasts stunning visuals, with elegant yet approachable cuisine and a varied and superb selection of beers. Beyond all that, the live music attracts residents, visitors, families and friends to gather and create lasting memories. We recognize that it's Marcus' vision and unwavering commitment to the customer experience that has made this possible.” 

Prince William County Department of Economic Development (PWCDED) took home the Innovative Partnership of the Year for the collaboration between PWCDED’s ELEVATE workforce program career fairs with Amazon Military and Marine Corps Base Quantico in 2022. More than 350 job seekers attended the two large events in August and November 2022, organized to help solve specific talent attraction challenges in Prince William County by leveraging the established veteran workforce network.

"Our workforce strategic partnerships have proven that when we share challenges, resources, responsibilities and rewards—we are stronger together," said Christina Winn, executive director PWCDED. "When we work together, we serve the community's interests better and create innovative opportunities.” 

PWCDED, SkillSource, Amazon, Quantico, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and many other local organizations worked to attract transitioning military and spouses as candidates to fill open positions at Amazon, more than 25 county and regional businesses, as well as federal agencies.  

Mark your calendars: Join us at Brentsville Hall on August 10 for the second annual PWCDED Amazon Military Career Fair.  

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the award-winning ELEVATE program runs through October 2024 and offers jobseekers free training and certifications from a network of education partners. In addition to job fairs, the program offers job portal for employers as well as low-cost solutions to train current employees to meet competitive market standards.  

Other county-based business winners include:

• Live Church
  
• Todos Neighborhood Market
• Omniride

For a full list of award winners, visit the Prince William Chamber of Commerce website.