Each year the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce awards a woman in the community with the Laurie A. Wideman award at the annual CNEW Silent Auction and Award event. Laurie Wideman was a true small business champion. She owned Cardinal Travel Agency from 1996-2007 before joining Travel Leaders of Fredericksburg. Laurie’s dedication to the Chamber and the community was unmatched. At the time of her sudden passing in 2010, Laurie served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the Leadership Advisory Committee, and chaired the Stafford Roundtable. She was deeply involved in numerous committees, including Tourism, Transportation, and CNEW. Laurie’s tireless work and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on our region.
To honor Laurie’s legacy, this award was created to reflect her values, passion, and high standards. The recipient must be a female Chamber member who demonstrates an independent spirit, passion for improving our community, and leads with integrity and honesty. Former honorees carefully review nominations to select the winner.
The 2024 Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award recipient Anne Overington.
Anne has been a driving force behind CNEW, serving as committee chair and dedicating countless hours to ensure its success. Her impact extends beyond CNEW:
- Anne chairs a Chamber Lead Share group, fostering business growth.
- Anne served on the Executive Leadership Team for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
- Anne is a passionate advocate for seniors, hosting seminars, teaching classes, and speaking nationally as a Senior Real Estate Advisor.
Anne’s volunteerism spans causes such as Blue Christmas, Feed the Gap, and the American Heart Association. She leads with integrity, earning numerous accolades, including the Good Neighbor Award and national recognition for her extraordinary customer service. But above all, Anne’s heart and dedication set her apart.
Congratulations, Anne Overington! You are a shining example of leadership, service, and inspiration. Thank you for your contributions to CNEW, the Chamber, and the Fredericksburg community.
Past recipients of the Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award:
- 2010: Janel Donohue
- 2011: Lisa Williams
- 2016: Stephanie Lyles
- 2017: Martha Hutzel
- 2018: Michelle Caldwell Thompson
- 2019: Stacy Horne
- 2020: Rebecca Church
- 2021: Tammy Reid
- 2022: Ginni Matern
