STAFFORD, VA- The Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) held their annual Business Appreciation Reception on May 25, 2022, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center. This year’s theme ‘Honoring Local Business Heroes’ exemplified the Stafford community’s strength during the global pandemic and our business resilience to economic crisis.
Three Stafford businesses were honored during the reception; Business of the Year- Davis Defense Group Inc., Innovation Award- Precision Digital Forensics Inc., and G Cubed Inc. as the newly renamed and dedicated Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award, Mr. Newlin has served on the EDA since its inception and has dedicated his work and life to business and community support in Stafford County. –
“The Stafford EDA hosts this business appreciation event each year, however due to the pandemic, we unable to gather in 2020 and 2021. This week, we reunited entrepreneurs, businesses, and leaders in the sincerest celebration of Stafford’s empowering and growing business community.” stated, Joel Griffin, Chairman of the Stafford County Economic Development Authority.
The reception included an economic overview of Stafford County’s efforts to maintain, diversify, and grow the business portfolio of Stafford. Highlights included business expansion, attraction, and retention efforts over the last few years.
“The business climate in Stafford grew during the pandemic, adding small and large businesses to the county, helping create over 1,400 new jobs for the community, and tax revenue to support our citizen’s needs” stated, John Holden, Stafford County Economic Development & Tourism Director.
The Stafford EDA presented distinct awards honoring select businesses who were nominated for their outstanding efforts from fellow leaders, businesses, and the community. Award categories included:
The Innovation Award:
Recognizes big thinkers, action takers and creative problem solvers. This award is intended to honor true innovation from startups to established entities or individuals. This award was granted to Precision Digital Forensics Inc.
Honors a local Stafford business who exemplifies the quality and standards of business in Stafford. This awardee is recognized as a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Stafford and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. This award was granted to Davis Defense Group, Inc.The Business of the Year Award:
The Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award:
This award was renamed and dedicated in name of longstanding EDA member Donald
- Newlin. Donald Newlin was one of the first EDA members established in 1970 and has served over 40 years to the Stafford County EDA. The Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship award distinguishes a business, organization or person who demonstrates selfless community care by carrying out and participating in community service projects. This award was presented to G Cubed Inc.
The Business Appreciation Reception was sponsored by Transurban- Title Sponsor, Peterson Companies- Refreshments Sponsor, Germanna Community College- Entertainment Sponsor, and CIP Finishes, Milde Companies and Stafford Printing as Table Sponsors.
“We’re proud to sponsor the Stafford County Economic Development Authority’s Business Appreciation Reception. At Transurban we know that the regional economy depends on a reliable transportation network, that’s why we’ve partnered with the Commonwealth to invest more than $4 billion into the Express Lanes network,” Said Brent McKenzie, Transurban Senior Government Relations and Community Affairs Manager, “But, we also know physical infrastructure alone is not enough. We are committed to the long-term success of the region and that means investing side-by-side with groups like the Stafford County EDA and community groups to support an enhanced economy, better public health, and improved public safety.”