When employees share a ride, employers share the benefits.
Commuting options like carpooling and transit can:
Improve employee recruitment and retention
Increase productivity and punctuality
Reduce absenteeism
Support your sustainability goals
Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services can work with your business or organization to offer employees helpful commuting options, connect them with ridesharing and emergency ride home programs, and make them aware of pre-tax commuter benefits like SmartBenefits. Contact us at transit@loudoun.gov to get started.
Learn more at www.loudoun.gov/commute Let’s ge t you
Welcome to Connections.
On behalf of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Connections, Loudoun’s premier publication showcasing the people, partnerships, and innovative initiatives that drive success throughout our region.
For nearly six decades, the Loudoun Chamber has served as a vital force for prosperity — bringing together business, government, education, and community leaders to build a thriving and resilient economy. Since our founding in 1968, we have worked to cultivate an environment where businesses can grow and where Loudoun County continues to stand out as an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
Our greatest strength is our membership: a dynamic network of more than 1,000 businesses, corporations, associations, and nonprofits employing nearly 150,000 of our neighbors across our community. We are committed to championing their success by providing valuable resources, high-impact networking, and strategic advocacy to meet the demands of today’s business landscape.
Every day, we engage in meaningful conversations on issues critical to economic development, smart growth, and workforce preparedness. Together with our regional partners, we are helping to shape a future where opportunity, innovation, and prosperity define Loudoun County.
I hope you enjoy Connections and the many outstanding business and community leaders profiled within.
Tony
President & CEO Loudoun Chamber of Commerce
We absolutely love being members of the Loudoun Chamber. We have been members for almost a decade, and we value the Chamber staff and fellow members more than we could ever put into words! Our business is built on the relationships we have made at the Loudoun Chamber!”
ALLISON SHANNON, 37MMG
Andrea Winey, Editor Brittney Hamilton, Director of Advertising
Jennifer Lee, Writer Jill Gartz, Writer Justin Griffin, Writer Kate McDermott, Features Writer Samantha Bangh, Designer
Howard,
For the rest of 2025, our branches have chosen a charity to support through the #GiveWithBoC campaign. Show your support and consider giving at your local branch or online!
STAFF
TONY HOWARD President & CEO
THEO STAMATIS Government Relations Manager
LINDA COFFEY Director of Finance & Administration
SARAH SPENCER Communications Manager
ANDREA WINEY Vice President of Communications & Events
FAITH SHOUP Program Coordinator, Young Entrepreneurs Academy
MONICA DELUNA Events Coordinator
YASMEEN SHIELDS Membership Director
PAIGE ROMANOW Director of Events
DIPTI RACH Executive Administrator
LAURA NELSON Member Relations Coordinator
Pond Roofing & Exteriors:
BUILDING TRUST, QUALITY, AND INNOVATION FOR OVER 60 YEARS
What does a cherry-flavored soda have to do with putting a roof on your home?
A lot – if you’re talking about the history of Pond Roofing & Exteriors, one of Loudoun County’s most respected and innovative home improvement companies.
The story began in 1964, when World War II veteran Bob Pond traded soft drinks for shingles.
As the former president of the Arlington-based company behind Cherry Smash soda – a once- beloved national brand –Bob turned his entrepreneurial energy toward home exteriors. His new recipe for success was built on craftsmanship, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
Today, as the company celebrates 62 years in business, Pond Roofing & Exteriors employs a team of about 50 skilled professionals who proudly serve homeowners across Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. The company specializes in roofing, siding, windows, and doors, combining time-honored craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials and technology to provide a seamless, stressfree experience.
“At Pond, we’re not just replacing roofs – we’re protecting what matters most to our customers,” said Patrick and Cindy. “For more than six decades, we’ve built our business on trust, communication, and a commitment to excellence. That’s why generations of homeowners continue to choose us.”
Over the decades, Pond Roofing grew steadily, earning a reputation for reliability and professionalism. In 2000, Bob’s daughter, Betsy Pond, took over the business, continuing her father’s legacy. A decade later, she partnered with Patrick Readyhough, who merged his own roofing company with Pond Roofing through a handshake agreement – an act that reflected their shared values of trust and commitment. Two years later, Patrick took ownership, ushering in a new era of modernization and expansion alongside his wife and co-owner, Cindy Readyhough.
For the Readyhoughs, being involved in a business that is hands-on and service-driven is in their DNA. “Helping people improve and protect their homes is part of who we are,” they said. “We’re proud to continue the Pond family legacy while always striving to innovate and exceed expectations.”
With over 60 years of history and a forward-thinking approach, Pond Roofing & Exteriors continues to raise the standard for home improvement – one roof, window, and door at a time.
Pond Roofing & Exteriors
2985 Prosperity Avenue Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 573-8000 pondroofing.com
The Loudoun Chamber is the only 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce in the D.C. region, offering you exclusive access to the largest network of business and community leaders in Loudoun County. Loudoun Chamber members earn valuable opportunities to build their brand, grow their business, and make an impact on our community.
1,000+
As stress levels and emotional fatigue surge across nearly every sector of the modern workforce, leadership strategist and emotional intelligence expert Jennifer Stanford urges leaders to rethink how they approach pressure before it derails their health, clarity, and performance. Her new book, De-Stressed: Proven Strategies for Leaders to Lower Stress and Boost Performance, serves as a direct response to an epidemic of overwhelmed leaders –individuals expected to do more, decide faster, and stay steady through unprecedented uncertainty.
chronic workplace stress now drives turnover, disengagement, and performance declines at record levels. Leaders are being asked to hit ambitious goals with fewer resources, leaving many mentally taxed, emotionally fatigued, and physically depleted. Stanford argues that burnout is not a badge of honor, nor an inevitable cost of ambition. Instead, she believes that sustainable performance comes from shifting how leaders manage their internal resources, not from pushing harder.
De-Stressed is her call to action – a sciencebased roadmap designed to help leaders reclaim clarity and resilience in an environment built on constant demand. The book blends neuroscience, emotional intelligence research, and practical leadership strategy to help readers recognize how stress operates in the body and mind. Far from avoidance, Stanford teaches awareness, intentional energy management, and adaptive habits that support longterm performance.
Emergent Performance Solutions 571-218-5362 jenstanford.com emergentps.com This
use it as a catalyst rather than a barrier. She also emphasizes the importance of trust and psychological safety – conditions she has spent decades helping organizations build. When teams feel safe and supported, energy flows more efficiently, creativity increases, and collaboration deepens.
Her message resonates widely with executives, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, educators, and frontline managers – anyone responsible for guiding others while staying emotionally steady themselves. Stanford understands this pressure intimately; as a nationally recognized leadership strategist, trust coach, culture advisor, and speaker, her career has been dedicated to helping people thrive where they live, work, and lead. Her approachable, evidence-driven style has made her a sought-after voice for organizations wrestling with stress, burnout, and performance challenges.
For Stanford, this crisis isn’t theoretical. With more than 30 years of experience advising executives, teams, and organizations, she has watched stress quietly erode decision-making, innovation, and trust. Through her firm, Emergent Performance Solutions, she has helped thousands of professionals confront the real threat: not workload, but unmanaged energy. Her signature Energy is Currency™ framework is built on the idea that time isn’t the limiting factor – energy is. When it drains, so does a leader’s ability to think clearly, collaborate effectively, or remain emotionally grounded.
The research backs her up. Studies from Harvard Business Review and the American Psychological Association show that
Many high-achieving leaders, she notes, are silently struggling. They mistake endurance for strength and ignore stress signals until they hit a breaking point. Stanford challenges that mindset by offering step-by-step exercises to help readers assess their energy, restore it, and ultimately
Ultimately, De-Stressed serves as both a guidebook and an invitation: to lead differently, to center energy instead of exhaustion, and to recognize that stress may be common but doesn’t have to be permanent. As Stanford writes, transformation begins with a single decision – to manage energy intentionally and reclaim clarity, calm, and control in a world that rarely slows down.
When I’m in the room with the (Chamber’s) Business Women of Loudoun County, I feel like it’s a place where I can be supported and also share my gifts.”
Tracy Hamlin, CEO/Founder of the
Jazz Festival and international recording artist
Sweet
ENTERTAINMENT
Loudoun’s Music & Arts Take Center Stage
Loudoun County’s performing arts organizations got some good news in 2025 with the announcement of plans to develop two new arts centers in the county.
The new facilities will complement the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center in Purcellville, a 260-seat theater with stadium-style seating and state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities. The intimate space works well for live music, theater, dance and comedy shows.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors also approved plans for a new Eastern Loudoun County Community Arts Center for performing and visual arts. It will feature a multi-purpose
performance hall and a smaller black-box theater.
These developments are good news for many of Loudoun County’s musicians and thespians, many of whom have struggled to find appropriate venues in the area for their performances.
Tracy Hamlin, CEO and founder of the Sweet Jazz Festival, has held her two-day event at the Dulles Marriott for the last couple of years. Although she appreciates the venue’s hospitality, she said festival attendance continues to grow every year and may soon be too large for the hotel’s conference space.
“We were bursting at the seams,” Hamlin said of the 2025 festival which attracted music enthusiasts
from 12 states and London. Given that kind of interest, she believes Loudoun County needs—and can support—a dedicated performing arts venue.
So does Jerri Wiseman, executive producer at StageCoach Theatre Company in Ashburn. Her organization also struggles with finding
The Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center’s lobby gallery features themed art exhibits that change monthly, featuring local artists in all mediums.
performance space that meets the demand for their productions. “We have a black box theater that seats 50 people,” she said. “When we have a cast of 20, by the time their family members buy tickets, we basically sell out our space. And there is no space for us to go rent on a temporary basis.”
Loudoun County will spend an estimated $181.3 million to build an updated community arts center.
-loudounnow.com
New performance venues will support existing entertainment options but also create opportunities for newcomers to the stage. “People in Loudoun County support the arts,” Wiseman said, citing the popularity of Tarara Winery’s Summer Concert Series and performances by the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra and numerous ballet schools.
“We have so many wonderful professionals who are right here in Loudoun County,” she said. “People can enjoy quality entertainment without dealing with the traffic and parking issues that come with going into D.C.”
And the desire for local live entertainment continues to grow. That’s why Hamlin often has people ask her, “What can we do to recreate something like D.C.’s Blues Alley (jazz club) here?”
Music clubs are just one of the untapped entertainment options that Wiseman thinks Loudoun should pursue, noting that events like comedy nights could also be a great way to support small businesses.
As Loudoun County’s entertainers continue to advocate for additional offerings and venues, they also have to focus on strengthening their own businesses.
Wiseman remembers what it was like when StageCoach Theatre Company was just starting out 15 years ago. “We had to make a choice where are we were going to spend our money,” Wiseman said.
But she said their investment in a Chamber membership has paid off richly. “Our company gets so much business out of the Chamber,” she said. “It has truly been instrumental for us.”
Like so many others, Hamlin said her Chamber membership has benefited her business, too, but it has also lifted her up personally. “When I’m in the room with the (Chamber’s) Business Women of Loudoun County, I feel like it’s a place where I can be supported and also share my gifts.”
Our data centers support Virginia businesses and communities with reliable, scalable, and secure infrastructure, fostering economic growth and innovation. Learn More
Loudoun County is home to more than
1,900 information and communications technology (ICT) companies.
- Loudoun Economic Development
TECHNOLOGY
Opportunities Abound in Loudoun, the “Silicon Valley of the East”
Greg Armfield is living the entrepreneurial dream. What started as a side job has grown into his full-time business.
In 2019, he created a company to help busi nesses improve their communications and engagement with their customers through text, email and ringless voicemail. “I saw a need for my solution in the market so I started TextP2P,” he said. His business is now helping ma jor public service agencies as well as consumer businesses and nonprofits share important messages with clients, vol unteers and the public at large.
His tech business relies on the cloud computing power of major web service providers, making his location in “data center alley,” as Loudoun County has become known, all the more important.
But Armfield said that just as important to being near the tech infrastructure his business needs is making connec tions with other business owners who can spread the word about his services.
“I joined the Loudoun Chamber as soon as I started my business,” he said. Today, he is involved in numerous Chamber initiatives, from LeadShare to Loudoun on Tap to the monthly breakfasts. “I take advantage of all the networking opportunities the Chamber offers, not just to promote my business but because I’ve gotten so much out of the connections I’ve made. Whether I need a plumber or my family or friends need a plumber, I know who to recommend.”
For Strongbridge LLC, a provider of artificial intelli gence, machine learning and data strategy for some of the nation’s largest federal agencies, Loudoun County not only provides proximity to many of their government
clients, but also connection “to one of the greatest workforces in the world,” said Grafton deButts, the company’s director of strategic growth. “It’s a great place to grow a
deButts said the majority of their 110 employees are located in Northern Virginia, although the company does offer remote employment. But regardless of where they work, Strongbridge employees provide critical data and information to decision makers in both the public and private sectors.
Whether employing machine learning to help the Department of Homeland Security’s contracting officers make data-driven decisions with greater confidence or enabling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to access crash data faster to develop preventive measures and policymaking, deButts said Strongbridge employees take pride in knowing the impact of their work on the lives of all Americans.
When we come together we speak in one voice and invest in our community together we build up entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
Strongbridge was recognized as one of the Washington Post’s Top Places to Work in 2025 in the small business category. And its headquarters in Sterling put the company quite literally in the backyard of the data centers they rely on for the AI they employ to serve their clients
With its roots firmly planted in Loudoun County for more than 10 years, one of the ways Strongbridge demonstrates its commitment to the community is through its membership in the Loudoun Chamber.
“At the end of the day, we understand that our work improves the lives of literally every citizen every day,” he said.
Grafton deButts, Strongbridge LLC
“The Chamber is a place where you can be part of an organization that represents all businesses,” deButts said. “When we come together we speak in one voice and invest in our community together, we build up entrepreneurs and small businesses. All ships rise on a high tide and the trickle-down effect is what makes Loudoun County a great place to live and work.”
15,000 JOBS–
Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley” is the world’s largest concentration of data centers, encompassing 49 million square feet. The data center industry is responsible for and is rapidly growing.
-Loudoun
COURTESY PHOTO FROM TEXTP2P
Founded in 2009 by Wanda Medina who recognized the challenges that many small businesses faced in a competitive market, Medina set
MEYEHAUSE
“Welcome to my house” is a phrase Buscema uses when clients are gushing over their Eyetopia, Inc. - The Eyewear Vault eyeglass
Now MEYEHAUSE represents highly exclusive opportunities available only to established clients by private invite only. This brand will house the exclusive, First Look eyewear debut events, personal brand, identity, leadership and goal achievement services paired with 23 years of eyewear excellence. MEYEHAUSE will host First Look private invite only shows four times a year to debut eyewear from around the globe that has yet to be or has just been unveiled at an international show.
The MEYEHAUSE difference lies in the details: curated frames with purpose, deeply personal service, and a space that feels like home. They want every customer to find frames that reflect who they are – not just how they look.
In addition to Buscema’s MEYEHAUSE brand, she is a goal achievement coach under the business name In Full Focus, which helps men and women in all stages of life create meaningful transformation in their lives by helping them recognize their unique purpose and achieve balanced life goals in the boardroom, classroom, neighborhood and at home.
223 Loudoun St SE Historic Downtown meyehause.com 703-443-6410
SPORTS & RECREATION
Leisure Activities Pump Up the Loudoun Economy
The people of Loudoun County take their fun seriously, which is why major sports organizations are investing heavily in the area.
Loudoun United FC has called Segra Field home since 2019. The club attracted an average of 2,600 fans to the venue in Leesburg’s Phillip A. Bolen Park during the 2025 regular season, many of whom come from Northern Virginia. But the team’s loyal fan base has been known to attract followers from D.C. and Pennsylvania as well. And then there are the fans of their opponents who also travel to Loudoun County to cheer on their teams.
When taken together, soccer fans are pouring a lot of money into the local economy.
“We want to create a venue that can host major events so people don’t have to leave Loudoun County,” Sharman said. “We want to build a stadium that Loudoun County is proud of.”
Loudoun United relies on its membership in the Loudoun Chamber to raise the team’s profile in the business community. “The Chamber has helped us connect with advertisers and encourage more people to attend our games,” Sharman said.
A soccer club can become a center pillar of a community because it brings people together and that is what the Chamber also offers.”
Karl Sharman, president, Loudoun County United FC
But Karl Sharman, president of Loudoun United FC, believes his organization is just scratching the surface of its potential. He and the team’s owners are hoping to make improvements to Segra Field that will make it a year-round multi-use stadium that can support larger soccer crowds as well as other events including concerts and community celebrations such as high school graduations.
Building community connections is a goal both Loudoun United and the Chamber share. “A soccer club can become a center pillar of a community because it brings people together and that is what the Chamber also offers,” he said.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is also making plans that will boost the number of sports fans who visit the county. Its new Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus will feature 20 outdoor and 10 indoor tennis courts, a stadium court, eight outdoor pickleball and youth courts as well as clay and padel courts. There will also be 35,000 square feet for program activities and community initiatives.
In fiscal year 2025 (July 2024June 2025), sports tourism was responsible for 24,800 hotel room nights and an estimated $17.5 million in economic impact.
- visitloudoun.org
Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro is CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, the association’s nonprofit organization that promotes the physical, social and emotional health benefits of tennis. She also heads up Village Pickle, an eight-court indoor pickleball facility in Leesburg.
Demand for tennis and pickleball courts continues to outpace supply in the area, but that’s only one of the reasons USTA chose to locate their new campus in Leesburg.
DID YOU KNOW?
Loudoun
USTA’s decision to locate its new $42 million campus in Loudoun County was also boosted by the area’s proven track record for attracting numerous sporting events every year, including the International and Fall Horse Trials at Morven Park in Leesburg as well as Loudoun United’s home games.
County has 23 sports and recreation venues.
Fitzpatrick-Navarro said the residents of Loudoun County want to support their physical, social and emotional wellness. And tennis is a great way to do that.
-visitloudoun.org/ sports/sports-facilities
“There have been many longitudinal studies that show tennis is the healthiest sport in the world,” she said, noting that it can add an average of 10 years to a person’s life.
“We like the idea of being close to so many other recreation amenities,” Fitzpatrick-Navarro said.
There’s no doubt that the addition of another major sports and recreation venue is sure to continue to boost visitor spending in Loudoun County, which was nearly $5 billion in 2024.
“Our new USTA Mid-Atlantic campus is a huge opportunity for us and the community as well,” Fitzpatrick-Navarro said.
COURTESY PHOTO FROM VILLAGE PICKLE
StoneSprings Hospital Celebrates A Decade of Care: 10 Years Strong, Together
As StoneSprings Hospital Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the hospital reflects on a decade marked by extraordinary growth and a deep commitment to serving Loudoun County. When the hospital opened in December 2015, it became the newest hospital built in the area in more than 100 years, strategically placed in a rapidly expanding area that lacked convenient access to full-service medical care.
Today, StoneSprings Hospital Center is a 124-bed hospital consistently recognized for its excellence, highquality care, and commitment to personalized, boutique-style service — earning high patient satisfaction.
Advanced Surgical Excellence
While the hospital offers comprehensive surgical services, it has become particularly well known for its general surgery and orthopedic procedures. Equipped with advanced technologies, including roboticassisted surgical platforms, StoneSprings attracts surgeons and patients across the region seeking minimally invasive, precise, and efficient care.
The freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center located on campus further enhances convenience for outpatient procedures, streamlining same-day surgical care.
Women’s and Children’s Services
StoneSprings remains especially proud of its women’s and children’s services, including private birthing suites with hydrotherapy tubs, in-house OB providers 24/7, the addition of a Level II NICU with neonatology and pediatric providers from Children’s National Hospital, and the region’s most respected midwifery programs.
Behavioral Health Program
The Behavioral Health Unit, established in 2021, was created to meet the rising mental health needs of our community. Since its opening, it has quickly become one of StoneSprings Hospital’s most utilized services — offering 17 inpatient beds, comprehensive therapy programs, psychiatric evaluations, and an outpatient Partial Hospitalization Program. The inpatient and outpatient programs provide compassionate, high-quality care in a safe and supportive environment, helping patients on their journey to healing and recovery.
Emergency & Diagnostic Services
The hospital’s 24-hour Emergency Department features private rooms and specialized bays for trauma, pediatrics, OB/GYN emergencies, and behavioral health. As a Certified Primary Stroke Center, StoneSprings provides rapid, lifesaving stroke intervention supported by advanced imaging.
A Strong Community Partner
Beyond clinical care, StoneSprings is known for its community involvement, playing an active role as a dedicated partner in the region. The hospital regularly supports local organizations, hosts health education events, and encourages employee volunteerism.
As we look toward the next decade, we do so with gratitude for our community, pride in our achievements, and a forward-focused vision.
Tammy Razmic, CEO of StoneSprings Hospital Center, reflected: “This milestone is more than an anniversary—it’s a celebration ofthe trust our communityhas placed in us. Overthe past decade, we’ve grown strongertogether, expanding services and advancing care while neverlosing sight of providing exceptional, personalized healthcare close to home. I am so proud of ourteam and grateful to the patients and families who make StoneSprings part oftheirlives.”
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Caring for the Community
Loudoun County is continually recognized as one of the healthiest counties in Virginia. With an abundance of health care providers in both traditional and alternative medicine, a major hospital and trauma center, and numerous nonprofits dedicated to advancing the physical and mental health of all residents, Loudoun County enjoys a health ecosystem that serves the entire community.
skilled healthcare workers, insurance reimbursement challenges and the threat of cyber-attacks on private health information.
LMG relies on its membership in the Loudoun Chamber to make connections with other local businesses that might help them lower their costs and improve efficiencies on everything from office supplies to technology.
Had it not been for the Loudoun Chamber, I would not have been able to build such a great patient base and great business.”
Dr. Misty Paul, D.C. Owner and founder of Basic First Chiropractic
Loudoun Medical Group (LMG) is one of the largest health care providers in the county, offering 35 different medical and surgical specialties that now serve nearly 450,000 patients. “We’ve been in Loudoun County for 25 years and that’s not an accident,” said Ande Burke, MPA, LMG’s director of marketing. “We are very focused on providing patient-centered care to the community.’
When physicians and their practices join Loudoun Medical Group, they have more time to focus on patient care because their business operations, such as credentialing, billing and accounts receivable, are handled by LMG’s team of health administration professionals.
“We are always looking at ways to improve our systems so we can create faster personalized care that is less expensive,” Burke said. And they must do so amid a national shortage of
“The Chamber has been a wonderful partner for us,” Burke said. “In addition to building relationships with vendors, it also gives us the opportunity to understand what the community might need or want.”
Dr. Misty Paul, D.C., owner and founder of Basics First Chiropractic credits the Chamber with helping her establish her business in Leesburg 17 years ago. “Had it not been for the Loudoun Chamber, I would not have been able to build such a great patient base and great business,” she said.
As a newcomer to the community, she relied on the Chamber to help her make business and personal connections. “Chamber members helped me get the word out in the community about my new business, but I also found fast friends in other business owners.”
Thanks to those connections, Paul has patients that range from newborns with delivery-related chiropractic issues
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 20,500 people (4.7%) in Loudoun County are uninsured.
to centenarians. “I also see a lot of sports-related injuries and work with young athletes to prevent growth plate injuries so they can keep playing through their growth spurts.”
She has invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that make it easier to treat patients of all ages. Her practice offers SoftWave® Therapy, a non-invasive and drugfree treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing of inflammation, chronic pain and joint issues.
For those Loudoun County residents who cannot easily access healthcare, the Loudoun Free Clinic in Leesburg serves patients who are employed but do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. These patients are often the “working poor,” uninsured adults who are employed in minimum wage positions, sometimes working more than one job to pay for necessities for themselves and their families.
By offering access to primary healthcare, diagnostic testing, prescription medication and referrals for specialists, Loudoun Free Clinic and its fiscal sponsors (which include LMG) enable these residents to regain or maintain their health so they can continue to contribute to the community as they work, support their families, get their children to school and create a better life for themselves and those around them.
According to the 2025 Inova 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment:
The top five health issues in Loudoun County are:
1. Chronic conditions
2. Economic stability
3. Education and health literacy
4. Healthcare access
5. Mental health and substance use
The top five responses to “What would most improve health in our community?” were:
1. Safe and affordable housing
2. Mental health and substance use services
3. Access to healthcare and public health services
4. Access to healthy food
5. Jobs and a healthier economy
VALOR AWARDS
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Loudoun Chamber
MONTHLY EVENTS
Business @ Breakfast Roundtable networking event on 2nd Thursday of each month
QUARTERLY EVENTS
Loudoun On Tap
Quarterly evening networking event
SIGNATURE EVENTS
58th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards
January 2026
The Loudoun Chamber celebrates its 58th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards with a luncheon, where we honor top community
leaders and celebrate the success of the Board of Directors, and welcome in the new Chair of the Board. The Annual Community Leadership Awards honor businesses and community leaders who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to support the strength and vitality of the Loudoun community.
41st Annual Loudoun Valor Awards – Spring 2026
For over 40 years, the Loudoun Chamber honors our community’s reallife heroes, including several truly heroic citizens, for their courageous, often lifesaving actions, at the Annual Loudoun Valor Awards. Loudoun’s top business and community leaders will join us for this proud
Chamber tradition, demonstrating their respect and appreciation for these dedicated public servants and their selfless acts of heroism and service.
44th Annual Chamber Golf Classic – Summer 2026
The 44th Annual Chamber Golf Classic has been Loudoun County’s premier business golf tournament for four decades. The Chamber Classic offers our sponsors tremendous marketing exposure, and an incomparable day of golf.
Annual State of the Loudoun Real Estate Market – Fall 2026
Hear from the region’s foremost business, economic, and real estate leaders
BUSINESS WOMEN OF LOUDOUN
Chamber events
to examine the trends reshaping our economy—and to identify solutions to chart a new path forward.
Annual DEIA Summit – Fall 2026
At this annual event, keynote speakers and interactive panels will focus on helping your business or nonprofit gain competitive advantages by leveraging diversity and accessibility tools.
32nd Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards – Fall 2026
The Loudoun Small Business Awards have been the most prestigious honors celebrating the best small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations in our community. Winners are announced in front of a live audience of Loudoun’s top business and community leaders.
The
Loudoun Chamber is a HUGE advocate for Loudoun’s business and non-profit community. If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in the community in a place that is continually making a positive impact, the Loudoun Chamber is the place for you!”
-Matt Leslie, STACK Infrastructure
Annual Chamber Golf Classic
LOUDOUN ON TAP
I live, work and play in Loudoun and it was important for me and my organization to be a part of the Loudoun Chamber. What I didn’t realize was all the personal and professional connections I would make. The Chamber has helped me grow professionally and I have an incredible network of amazing community, business, and nonprofit leaders as a result!”
-Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park
SOLUTIONS THAT DELIVER.
Segra has a long-standing reputation for “putting customers at the heart of everything”. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the company employs local technicians and managers while continually investing in network upgrades. Its operations span Frederick, Maryland, as well as Winchester, Leesburg, Purcellville, Sterling, Ashburn, and Middleburg, Virginia.
As one of the largest independent fiber networks in the nation, Segra delivers stateof-the-art communication solutions and remains focused on “building the infrastructure of tomorrow” to help customers “meet the business challenges of today.”
Segra describes itself as offering the regional feel of a local company with the capabilities of a national provider. It delivers the same range of services as the industry giants – just with a more personal touch.
And customers seem to agree: “Working with a vendor who knows their stuff and actually shows up with solutions when customers need help is a big deal. We chose Segra because they took the time to get to know us, and we trust them.”
- Craig Barnes, CIO Dick Smith Automotive Group
Segra’s customer service model stands out. Its fully U.S.-based Network Operations Center operates 24/7 and is staffed by local technicians and engineers who live and work in their communities. When you call in, you’re immediately connected to live support – no phone trees, no outsourcing –just real experts ready to help, any time of day. Local Account Managers and Sales Engineers are also available to assist with billing, troubleshooting, new service orders, and IT consulting.
“Segra’s customer service focus is the best of any provider I’ve worked with. When implementing new services, we get put in touch directly with the engineering team that built the service…we don’t have to work our way up the support team chain.”
- Matt Baldwin, IT Director Members Credit Union
Segra distinguishes itself from the competition, stating, “We pride ourselves on having the same products, services, and abilities as the industry giants, just with a more personal touch.” Segra aims to address customers’ challenges and build lasting business relationships.
ANTONIO SALIMBENE Marketing Vice President
LIFE SCIENCES
Advancing Knowledge and Better Living
Virginia was ranked third among the 50 states as having the highest projected demand for STEM jobs by 2030.
–wallethub.com/edu/ most-innovative-states
The life sciences sector is one of Virginia’s fastest growing industries and evidence of that is clear in Loudoun County.
A growing number of businesses are locating or expanding their medical and diagnostic research and development efforts in the area. One of those is Capra Biosciences, Inc., a Sterling-based start-up that creates bio-based chemicals that transform byproducts and waste into reusable products for consumers. Last year the company expanded its headquarters and R&D facilities, adding new jobs in the process.
Another major player in the Loudoun life sciences ecosystem is the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), located on the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn. A cross-disciplinary community of scientists work in numerous buildings located throughout the campus to build tools and technologies that advance discovery in research labs around the world.
But a HHMI spokesperson said that Janelia is more than just labs and offices, it’s “an economic anchor, education champion and community partner that invests in
Loudoun County’s future through support for local schools, student opportunities and volunteer engagement.”
One of the ways it makes the connections to do that is through the Loudoun Chamber. “HHMI is proud to be a part of Loudoun County and looks forward to celebrating the 20 years of being an active member of the community through our Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn.
Encouraging and inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators is the mission of the Northern Virginia Science Center. Construction is underway on a new 70,000-square-foot building in Sterling’s Kincora community that will offer interactive galleries and spaces where visitors can explore and create, as well as a theater and a living lab.
“Northern Virginia is the largest metro area without a stand-alone children’s museum or science center,” said Nene Spivy, CEO of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. The organization has operated the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall since 2015, which has attracted tens of thousands of students and families.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), located on the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn is more than just labs and office. It’s an economic anchor, education champion and community partner that invests in Loudoun County’s future.”
–HHMI spokesperson
Despite the Lab’s impressive attendance figures and its ongoing outreach to more than 20,000 students through community groups and regional school systems, including Loudoun County Public Schools, “A lot of kids still do not have access to what we offer, especially children in Title I schools,” Spivy said.
She hopes the new Science Center will help fill that gap, especially given the area’s growing popularity as a hot spot for life sciences businesses. “We want to give all students this kind of experience so we can inspire the next generation of learners, especially in STEM skills and literacy,” Spivy said.
The Foundation relies on its membership in the Loudoun Chamber to help expand its outreach to some of the area’s life sciences businesses (and others) who provide both financial support and volunteer hours for the Lab today.
“The Chamber enables us to make the kinds of connections we need to create partnerships with industry, academia and other nonprofits,” Spivy said. “The work we do is so embedded in community and we meet our community at the Chamber.”
She hopes that in addition to students and families the museum’s many public and private supporters will be among the first to visit when it opens its doors in 2027. “The museum will be for curious minds of all ages,” Spivy said.
Nearly 80 percent of high school biology teachers report using HHMI educational materials in their classrooms. –wallethub.com/edu/most-innovative-states
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Let Home Renovations with MW Burke bring your home renovation goals to life with expertise in kitchen and bath remodeling, interior design, additions, basement transformations, and full home renovations.
The small team at MW Burke blends comfort with sophistication to create spaces that feel deeply personal. Every room is designed to tell a story that reflects the way you live.
Home Renovations with MW Burke wants you to live in a space that is not only beautiful, but emotionally connected to your family and the way you move through the world. The MW Burke team brings high end craftsmanship together with an experience that feels organized, approachable, and genuinely supportive.
“Loudoun homeowners choose us because we guide them from the first conversation to the final walk through. We educate, we communicate, and we make sure every decision aligns with both the design and the build. Our small and involved team stays with each client from start to finish, which keeps projects smooth and intentional,” Casey Seabolt, Chief Operating Officer said.
MW Burke is rooted in Loudoun and committed to serving this community with care. The team shows up with honesty, clarity, and respect for the families who trust them with their homes. Their work centers on timeless design, thoughtful construction, and a process that feels transparent and stress reducing.
Home Renovations with MW Burke, a woman owned business, is led by Lisa Burke, CEO, who guides the company’s vision and design direction. Matthew Burke serves as Chief Project Officer and leads all field operations to ensure every detail is executed with intention and precision. Casey Seabolt, COO, oversees operations and client experience with a focus on communication and clarity. Jackie Riegle, our design partner with Jaclyn Riegle Interiors, brings creative direction, detailed selections, and a strong design point of view to each project.
Revitalize your living space with transformative home remodeling
“
When you work with us, you work directly with the people who lead the company and take responsibility for your experience.”
LISA BURKE
Together the team builds with intention and supports clients long after the project is complete. MW Burke believes in creating permanent relationships with the families they serve, staying connected as trusted partners long after the final walkthrough. Their approach brings a sense of comfort during the renovation process and reassurance that the team will continue to stand behind the work for years to come.
MW Burke provides yearly support to Better A Life, a Loudoun nonprofit that helps families in crisis regain stability and move toward long term independence. This mission stays close to the team’s hearts because it directly impacts their neighbors. Matthew is a member of the
Rotary Club of Broadlands Dulles South and participates in its ongoing service efforts. MW Burke is also active in the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and intentionally partners with Loudoun based vendors, suppliers, and trades to support the local economy.
The MW Burke team received the Best of Loudoun award for 2025 in the home remodeling category. It was a meaningful milestone because it came directly from this community. MW Burke was also a finalist in the Loudoun Chamber Small Business Awards in the Consumer Services category. The team is proud of their recognition from the Professional Remodeling Association for design excellence and client problem solving.
“Above everything else, the greatest achievement is the trust Loudoun families place in us. Most of our projects come from referrals, which speaks louder than any accolade,” Matthew Burke, Chief Project Officer said.
MW Burke continues to grow with a clear focus on quality, communication, and long term relationships. Their goal is simple. Create homes that feel inspiring, functional, and deeply loved for years to come.
Home Renovations with MW Burke Leesburg, VA 20176
571-252-9023 ı mwburke.com
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The Power of Personal Connections
Having lived in Loudoun County most of her life, Rochelle Dallons might be a bit biased, but she believes there’s no better place to do business, especially for small business owners like herself.
Dallons is the CEO of Yield Bookkeeping Services in Brambleton and provides many other small businesses with professional financial services such as accounts payables and receivables, financial statements, inventory management, and cash flow and budgeting, to name just a few.
Given the number of small businesses in Loudoun County, she said her phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the day she opened 13 years ago. “There is a ton of opportunity here,” she said. “I couldn’t think of going anywhere else.”
Many of the small businesses she serves are members of the Loudoun Chamber like she is.
“During my first few years in business, I relied heavily on networking through the Chamber,” she said. “I met so many people that I still work with today and they still refer me business as well. My membership in the Chamber is what really sling-shotted my business forward.”
Loudoun County’s thriving business environment also benefits Katie Schneider, president and owner of TMMG Promos in Ashburn. Her business provides branding and promotional products to a wide variety of businesses, ranging from sports teams to nonprofits and hospitality providers. “I get to play in so many different sandboxes,” she said.
TMMG Promos offers a full complement of corporate branding merchandise, ranging from unique apparel and signage to pop-up banners and even corn hole boards. And being locally owned and operated, Schneider provides all of her clients with personalized service from beginning to end.
“We help our clients with everything,” she said, beginning with free consultations and ending with personal delivery. The same is true of their event production services, which help businesses plan, organize and execute memorable special events.
“We offer logistics and operational support from soup to nuts,” she added.
Given Loudoun County’s proximity to Washington D.C., Schneider understands that some local businesses are feeling the effects of federal reductions in force and the government shutdown more than others. But she said that means this is exactly the
The Chamber has absolutely opened doors for me. It has provided me with the opportunity to meet people I would not have met otherwise.”
Katie Schneider, TMMG Promos
time to put a foot on the gas and not hit the brakes.
“When budgets start to get cut and people start to watch their dollars, marketing always seems to be the first to go,” Schneider said. “But it’s counter intuitive to do so. That’s the
85% of business professionals prefer in-person meeting to build strong, more meaningful business relationships.
46% of freelancers find jobs through friends, family members and colleagues. –financesonline.com
time when you really need to be reaching out to your customers.”
Helping businesses stay connected in good times as well as challenging times is what the Chamber does so well. “The Chamber has absolutely opened doors for me,” Schneider added. “It has provided me with the opportunity to meet people through some of their different kinds of events and learning opportunities who I would not have met otherwise.”
Despite all of the advances in technology and AI in particular, professional services providers offer something the digital world does not: the ability for their clients to sit down with a real human who can empathize with their challenges.
So in some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Business-to-business service providers will continue to rely on personal connections and insights to help each other succeed. And that’s an added benefit to doing business Loudoun, because as Schneider said so succinctly, “Businesses in Loudoun County support each other.”
85% of jobs are filled through networking. –financesonline.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF YIELD BOOKKEEPING. PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JUDY BULMAN, LESLIE MUSICK, ROCHELLE DALLONS, AND TONIA EVANS
Linking Organizational Culture & Leadership Empower Your Rising Stars. Transform Your Company Culture.
The Loudoun Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Program equips emerging leaders with the mindset, skills, and self-awareness to strengthen your organization from within.
Developed in partnership with BetterCulture and their acclaimed “20 Tenets of Culture” program, this series gives participants the tools to lead with purpose, accountability, and impact—driving engagement, retention, and business growth. Sponsorships are available!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Emerging Leaders Program combines:
• BetterCulture’s “20 Tenets of Culture” video series
• Eight in-person classes featuring interactive discussions and leadership coaching
• Sessions will be held every other Thursday, from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
(Participants are expected to attend all sessions.)
WHY INVEST IN YOUR EMERGING LEADERS?
Organizations with strong cultures:
• Achieve higher employee engagement and retention
• Deliver better customer satisfaction
• Drive faster, more sustainable revenue growth
• This program helps your team to empower future leaders to take ownership of company culture and performance.
Cost: $899
(Program value: $1,299—offered at a significant savings thanks to our partnership with BetterCulture.)
Completion:
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and recognition on the Chamber’s website and social media channels.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Participants must:
• Be employed by a Loudoun Chamber member organization
• Commit to full participation
• Demonstrate a passion for leadership, community, and continuous improvement
Ready to Invest in Your Future Leaders?
Give your top performers the tools to lead boldly and shape the culture of tomorrow.
Questions? Contact Loudoun Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard, thoward@loudounchamber.org LoudounChamber.org/Emerging-Leaders
Smart Money Moves:
WALL STREET FUSION
GROUP OFFERS A RETIREMENT BLUEPRINT FOR EVERYONE
The retirement professionals at Wall Street Fusion Group don’t just crunch numbers – they map out possibilities. Founded on the idea that everyone, regardless of age, deserves the chance to build a meaningful retirement, the firm creates retirement strategies that fit their clients’ needs.
At the heart of the firm is owner and managing partner Henry E. Wilkins, a veteran of Wall Street who turned his expertise toward helping individuals, families and businesses.
“Our goal is to help our clients retire early and tax free,” Wilkins said. “One of the ways we do that is through Roth conversions. With the 401(k)s, taxes are taken out when you draw from the account. We know, however, taxes are going to increase over time. With a Roth conversion, you keep more of your money when you need it most.”
The firm uses a three-step process with clients: Discover what their ideal retirement looks like, evaluate where they are now, plan a custom strategy to achieve their goals.
Whether you’re 30 and starting out, 50 and eyeing your next move, or 65 about to cross the finish line, Wall Street Fusion Group has expertise to help.
For those nearing the end of their working years, Wilkins points to an often-overlooked tool: cash value life insurance. “It has the same function as whole life insurance in that you can take out the cash value if you need it,” he
“
Our goal is to help our clients retire early and tax free.”
HENRY E. WILKINS MANAGING PARTNER
said. “But it has a higher payout value of between 8 and 13 percent, whereas whole life tops out at 5 percent.” That kind of flexibility—accessible cash, tax-efficient structure – is part of the preservation piece of the firm’s service: life insurance, asset protection, taxefficient strategies all under one roof.
It’s not only about the later years. For younger families navigating the early stages of wealth-building, Wilkins points to term life insurance as a sound decision:
“The value of a term policy in safeguarding a mortgage is outstanding for our younger clients who have just bought a home,” he said.
The firm meets clients where they are: life needs analysis, college-fund strategies,
growth and income phases, then preservation and legacy planning.
Another dimension of their business: estate and business-owner services. Wall Street Fusion Group offers wills and trusts to clients – for example, wills for $500 and trusts for $1,700. “It’s an incredible value for our clients,” Wilkins said. “They save a lot of money and the lawyers we work with have them complete in 10 days. That’s a fast turnaround time.” These services complement the broader retirement strategy by addressing legacy and protection beyond retirement itself.
For entrepreneurs who worry about losing a key player or principal, the firm brings in what’s known as a “key person” insurance plan – ensuring that if the business loses a critical contributor, there’s financial recourse to recover revenues and protect the company.
Whether you’re just entering the workforce, moving toward retirement, or planning your legacy, Wall Street Fusion Group builds a strategy tailored to your goals. Their independence – avoiding product-push and focusing instead on fit and flexibility – underscores their promise: to help you feel confident in your financial future.
15 King Street North, Suite 315, Leesburg, Virginia 202-631-2685 wallstreetfusiongroup.com
We are very loyal to our community and the Chamber has been loyal to us.”
Providers of consumer services often build relationships with their clients that may extend for decades. So the ripple effect of federal government layoffs and shutdowns on these businesses can hurt both professionally and personally, as they watch people they have come to know and care about suffer from economic uncertainty.
Just ask Julie Hoffmann, co-owner with her twin sister, Lori DuVal, of J&L Interiors, a full-scale interior design firm in Leesburg. “A lot of our clients are small business owners and government contractors,” she said. “We have one client who had to lay off 1,000 employees and another who had to reinvest personal money into their business.”
It should come as no surprise then that J&L Interiors has seen some of their clients putting projects on hold. But the pair remain confident that the value of the services they provide will outlive any temporary blips in the economy.
Having been in business for three decades, J&L Interiors has clients throughout the Metro DC region as well as in luxury secondary home designations such as Lake Anna and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As such, they are well aware that “People want us, they don’t need us,” DuVal said. “We are a choice people are making and we take that very seriously.”
Marija Ristic, owner and CEO of Mobile Steam Car Detailing, knows that, too.
She opened her business in 2016 and has built a loyal customer base that loves being able to have their cars meticu-
lously detailed inside and out—all without having to leave their own driveways.
Like J&L Interiors, her business is also feeling the effects of turmoil in Washington. “We are seeing people cut down on unnecessary spending,” she said. But having opened her business pre-COVID and survived, she is hopeful that this, too, shall pass. “We want our clients to know that we understand.”
Although an enviable 70 percent of Ristic’s clients are repeat customers, she never stops trying to build her customer base. That’s why she is a loyal member of the Loudoun Chamber. “I really like the Chamber breakfasts,” she said. “I’ve never missed one.” She also participates in the LeadShare program so she can continually make connections that will help her grow her business.
Those kind of connections can be especially important for consumer services businesses, where client referrals often
outweigh other forms of advertising. “The Chamber really works to help us build each other’s businesses,” DuVal said. “They create collaborative experiences to build partnerships. We appreciate that because we are very loyal to our community and the Chamber has been loyal to us.”
While they wait for market conditions to shake out, savvy consumer service businesses are making the most of every minute they’re given. DuVal and Hoffman are using this time to find new ways to increase their firm’s resiliency. “We want to maintain what we’ve built but also look for new ways to differentiate ourselves,” said DuVal.
That includes looking at AI to engage in e-design that would allow them to broaden their services by creating and sharing design images from anywhere, while still providing the same quality their clients have come to expect.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOBILE STEAM CLEAN
JULIE HOFFMANN & LORI DUVAL, J&L INTERIORS
LUTKINS REAL ESTATE GROUP
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
For many Northern Virginians, the home you’ve loved for decades has become more space than you need — and the idea of moving can feel overwhelming. That’s where Nick and Donna Lutkins, founders of The Lutkins Group come in.
As 35-year residents of Northern Virginia and real estate professionals who specialize in downsizing solutions, Nick and Donna have helped countless clients, like you, navigate one of life’s biggest transitions with confidence and peace of mind. They understand that this stage of life isn’t just about selling a house – it’s about envisioning what comes next.
Whether you’re preparing your longtime home for market, searching for a lowmaintenance lifestyle, or exploring a move to an active adult community, The Lutkins Group offers turnkey, startto-finish support. Their trusted network of professional organizers, contractors, stagers, and estate sale specialists makes every step seamless – from decluttering and updating to selling and settling into your next home.
Known for their patience, guidance, and deep local expertise, Nick and Donna serve as your advocates and “quarterbacks,” coordinating the entire process so you can focus on your future, not your to-do list. They’re also the trusted real estate partners of many local estate/ probate attorneys and financial professionals who count on The Lutkins Group to deliver exceptional care for their clients navigating major life transitions.
Whether your next chapter means staying close to home or heading somewhere new, trust The Lutkins Group to help you make the move – with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
DOWNSIZING MADE SIMPLE. MOVING FORWARD MADE EASIER.
“Working with Donna and Nick Lutkins was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their professionalism, local expertise, and genuine care made what could have been an emotional and overwhelming process feel simple and manageable.
In our case, we were helping a parent transition out of the family home – a place filled with decades of memories. Nick and Donna approached every step with patience, understanding, and clear guidance. From organizing and preparing the house for market to coordinating trusted contractors and staging professionals, they handled all the details so we could focus on what mattered most.
Their deep knowledge of the Northern Virginia market and their specialty in helping people downsize or manage estate sales truly set them apart. They don’t just sell houses — they help
families move forward into their next chapter with confidence and peace of mind.
Communication was exceptional throughout the process, and their thoughtful advice helped us achieve a smooth sale and an excellent result.
We can’t recommend The Lutkins Group highly enough to anyone navigating a life transition – whether you’re downsizing, moving to a 55+ community, or settling an estate. They are true partners who lead with compassion, clarity, and experience.”
– S. Murphy
WORKING FOR YOU, 365 DAYS A YEAR
While you’re working hard to keep your business strong, the Loudoun Chamber is working hard to ensure Loudoun County maintains a robust business climate that allows every business to thrive.
As the only 5-Star Accredited Chamber in the Washington, D.C. region, the Loudoun Chamber has proven we know how to help local businesses flourish in ways that go beyond traditional networking. For example:
1) A POWERFUL ADVOCATE FOR BUSINESS.
You don’t have time to follow every public policy issue that impacts your business, so we do that for you. From healthcare to housing, education to transportation, the Loudoun Chamber leverages our relationships with local, state, and Federal officials to ensure your voice is heard when decisions that will impact your bottom line are made.
2) IT’S ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY.
Not only is the Loudoun Chamber the largest in Northern Virginia, but we also have more nonprofits than any other chamber. Our Nonprofit Initiative strengthens our Loudoun nonprofits by providing them with the education, networking, and exposure they need.
3) PUTTING OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS.
The Loudoun Chamber more than talks a good game about supporting our community. Since 2015, the Loudoun Chamber has raised and invested more than $404,000 to over 92 local nonprofits that serve the Loudoun workforce and their families.
4) CELEBRATING BUSINESS AS HEROES.
The Loudoun Chamber is proud to celebrate the role our businesses play in making Loudoun prosperous, healthy and welcoming. We do that through our annual Community Leadership Awards, and by telling our members’ stories throughout the year.
5) NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy invests in Loudoun’s future prosperity. This innovative program teaches middle and high school students how to create and launch their own small businesses or nonprofits.
6) HELPING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK.
Retaining young talent can be a challenge. The Loudoun Chamber can help address that challenge while giving your younger workers opportunities to make connections, learn about issues, and strengthen their roots in Loudoun and advance their careers.
7) THE LOUDOUN CHAMBER IS 5 STARS.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Loudoun Chamber 5-Star Accreditation, the top recognition a Chamber can earn for operational excellence and service to our members. This distinction places us in the top 1% of all Chambers nationwide.
RETAIL
Creating Touch Points with Consumers
“People are still actively engaged with the brick-and-mortar experience in retail. They enjoy being able to walk in and assess an item.”
-Blair Ellis, Manager Fortessa Store
Experienced retailers know that consumer trends can be as fickle as a four-year-old at the dinner table.
But today, retailers in Loudoun County are facing the additional challenge of coping with the impacts of federal government layoffs, tariffs and the extended federal government shutdown.
“It’s been a challenging year for the industry,” said Blair Ellis, manager of the Fortessa Store in Ashburn.
In addition to selling dinnerware, flatware, drinkware and kitchen essentials to the public, Fortessa also sells to restaurants and wholesalers, many of whom are trying to stay afloat amid the ripple effects of regional and national events. “Everyone has seen price increases,” she said.
A recent study on the state of the county’s retail sector that was conducted for the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development revealed that consumers are becoming
Loudoun County’s retail clusters include:
Arcola/Route 50
Ashburn
Broadlands/ Brambleton
Downtown Leesburg
Dulles/Kincora
East Loudoun Leesburg Metro Middleburg
Purcellville
West Route 7
“more deliberate about how and where they spend their time. Vibrant, dynamic destinations that offer unique experiences have become key to attracting foot traffic and maintaining relevance.”
Ellis said that although her business offers online ordering, many of her customers still want to see and touch what it is they are buying. “People are still actively engaged with the brick-and-mortar experience in retail,” she said. “They enjoy being able to walk in and assess an item.”
For Fortessa, encouraging that in-store experience begins by building connections with the community. And one of the ways Ellis does that is by being a member of the Loudoun Chamber. “Word of mouth is our biggest form of advertising,” she said. “So we try to tap into the Chamber in every way possible.”
One of the first things Tyra Flynn did when she opened Global Local in Leesburg was join the Loudoun Chamber.
“The Chamber has been a champion for my business,” she said. “It has provided me with a network of connections and support.”
Her boutique in Leesburg and her online store sell gifts, apparel, jewelry and accessories from local artists as well as from global Fair-Trade cooperatives. But she also offers candle-making and vintage china workshops that build brand awareness for her business by inviting customers to connect at her shop to engage in creative pursuits. Those are just the kind
An estimated
17,000 people in Loudoun County work in retail trade positions.
of unique experiences the aforementioned Loudoun Economic Development retail study recommend.
In addition to participating in Chamber events, Flynn has also gotten involved in efforts that encourage people to shop in downtown Leesburg. “We have had great support from the community,” she said.
Building connections across the county is not only vital to the success of Flynn’s business, but central to her boutique’s motto: “Where global finds meet local love.”
–Loudoun Economic Development
–Loudoun Economic Development
COURTESY PHOTOS FROM THE GLOBAL LOCAL
HUNT COUNTRY WILDLIFE CONTROL:
Loudoun’s go-to team for critter invasions
When you hear scratching or thumping in your attic or find other evidence of critters in your home, it’s best to call an animal control expert.
Contacting a licensed animal control specialist is the only approach that provides a long-term solution. That’s where Loudoun County’s Hunt Country Wildlife Control, led by longtime resident Peter Dalton, steps in with humane, compliant solutions.
ball with male raccoon urine and place it in the attic,” he says. “Her instincts take over. Within hours, she’ll carry every baby out to safety.”
Unlike traditional pest control companies that focus on insects, rodents, or spraying chemicals, wildlife control requires a deeper understanding of animal behavior, breeding cycles, state laws, and species-specific eviction techniques.
“ You’re not just removing an animal, you’re restoring someone’s peace of mind.”
Raccoons, for example, can be stubborn, fiercely protective parents, and clever. “It’s never as simple as putting out a cage,” Dalton explains. “You have to understand why the animal is there and what will motivate it to leave.”
PETER DALTON OWNER
If the attic intruder is a female raccoon caring for a litter, trapping or forcibly removing her might worsen the problem. Separated from her kits, she’ll do whatever it takes to get back inside, often causing more destruction. Because Virginia law prohibits relocation, the key is to encourage the mother to relocate her young on her own. One highly effective technique, Dalton says, involves instinct. A male raccoon will often kill babies to force the mother back into heat – so introducing the scent of a male nearby triggers her natural drive to move the kits. “We’ll soak a tennis
These nuanced strategies highlight why a professional wildlife control company is essential. Beyond evicting the animal, Hunt Country Wildlife Control identifies entry points, seals vulnerable areas, and helps homeowners prevent future intrusions – steps traditional pest control services just aren’t equipped for.
Dalton, who has called Loudoun County home since 1999, built his business with a focus on service, stewardship, and respect for local wildlife. Over the years, Hunt Country Wildlife Control has become a trusted name throughout the county – not just for solving stressful wildlife encounters, but for engaging with community groups, supporting local events, and treating every call as a chance to help a neighbor.
“You’re not just removing an animal,” Dalton says. “You’re restoring someone’s peace of mind.” And for Loudoun County homeowners, that reassurance makes Hunt Country Wildlife Control a valued part of the community.
Purcellville, Virginia 703-581-9146
huntcountrywildlifecontrol.com
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Making Connections to Serve Those in Need
I think it’s beautiful the way the Chamber and local businesses have embraced our nonprofit community.”
-Stephanie Nerantzis, director of giving for the Claude Moore Foundation
Loudoun County continues to be ranked as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation , but portions of our population are not immune to the issues of food insecurity, unemployment and/or homelessness.
With a median housing cost of $810,000 , many households require two incomes to make their monthly mortgage payments. If one of those incomes is lost, the repercussions can be devastating.
Carol Smith is the executive director and a job counselor at Crossroads
Jobs in Leesburg. The organization offers free, individualized job placement and career development services. Although the bulk of their work is with Loudoun area residents who are unemployed or underemployed due to issues such as transportation or language barriers, she said her organization is now seeing the impact of the reductions in force and the recent government shutdown.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is what is happening in the federal government,” Smith said. “There is a lot more competition to get a job and it seems like there are more part-time positions when most of our applicants would prefer a full-time job.”
Since opening in 2012, Smith said Crossroads Jobs has helped more than 1,000 people land jobs in Loudoun County. And the demand for their services is growing rapidly. “Prior to COVID, we were interviewing and assisting anywhere from 120 to 130 people annually,” she said. “In 2024, we interviewed 208.” And she anticipates they will top that number in 2025.
Raising awareness of their work in the community continues to be a priority for the organization. “People don’t know that there are needs in Loudoun County because they often don’t see it,” she said.
Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce breakfasts and other networking events help Crossroads Jobs build bridges to potential employers and donors. “The Chamber tries really hard to draw attention to nonprofits and
our financial needs,” Smith added.
Since its founding in 1987, the Claude Moore Foundation has invested $40 million in Loudoun County to support the work of more than 500 nonprofits that are addressing critical needs in healthcare, mental health, education and workforce development, to name but a few.
Given the foundation’s long history in the county, it has a deep knowledge of the hard work their grantees are doing to serve under-resourced segments of the community.
“These nonprofits are doing the heavy lifting,” said Stephanie Nerantzis, Claude Moore Foundation’s director of giving. And because these organizations are located in the back yard of the federal government, she expects their loads to get heavier—at least in the short term.
“A lot of them are under pressure because of cuts to federal funding,” she said. “For some, their needs are greater than ever.”
One of the ways the Claude Moore Foundation supports these groups is to use its membership in the Loudoun Chamber to share their stories—and their needs—with a wide cross-section of area businesses.
“The Chamber is an avenue for us to get to know the community and facilitate relationships,” Nerantzis said. “I think it’s beautiful the way the Chamber and local businesses have embraced our nonprofit community.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CROSSROADS JOBS
PHOTO ABOVE: (left to right) Seungsoo “RJ” Jun of Leesburg United Methodist Church, Yanci Portillo, former job counselor at Crossroads Jobs, Carol Smith, Executive Director of CJ, and Lisa Martin, Job Counselor and Volunteer Coordinator at CJ. RIGHT PHOTO: Tabar Wright, superstar applicant.
The Loudoun Chamber of Commerce has nearly 140 nonprofit and charitable organization members.
– Loudoun Chamber of Commerce
TOURISM & AGRICULTURE
A Growing Business
Who doesn’t like flowers? Just ask any Loudoun County Chamber member who wins one of the beautiful floral bouquets that are given away as door prizes at the monthly breakfast meetings. Those works of fresh floral art are provided by Legacy Farms at Temple Hall Regional Park in Leesburg. Established in 2012, the nonprofit offers apprenticeships designed to teach job skills, social awareness and self-advocacy to neurodiverse young adults ages 16 and older.
Thanks to major support from local organizations such as the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and the Loudoun Impact Fund, Legacy Farms worked with 47 apprentices in 2025 who were mentored by seven staff members.
Loudoun County is home to more than 50 wineries in Loudoun, 30-plus breweries and several distilleries, cideries and meaderies.
-Source: Loudoun County Economic Development
Apprentices can gain experience in everything from planting and harvesting to bouquet making, as well as other skills such as videography and photography of the farms’ products.
They can also sharpen their entrepreneurial skills through the program’s bouquet subscription program that invites customers to select blooms
from particular growing seasons and arrange for pick up at locations throughout Loudoun County. The organization is also a regular participant in the annual Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival.
Sapna Hencinski, Legacy Farms’ director of development, said her organization is grateful for the support it receives from the Loudoun Chamber. “The Chamber has brought us a lot of great connections and great exposure,” she said, noting that they now even have some Chamber members serving on their board of directors.
Feeding consumers’ desire for farmfresh products and experiences inspires Bluemont Vineyard in Bluemont to continually seek new and creative ways to reach Loudoun County’s growing and diverse population.
What began 32 years ago as Great Country Farms has evolved into a
destination for family friendly agritourism events as well as a winery, brewery and cidery that sells its products on site as well as through an online store.
Hailey Zurschmeide is Bluemont Vineyard’s chief business development and vision officer. She said despite its diverse offerings, the family farm’s evolution still has deep roots in the land. “Our ‘u-pick’ events are our driving force,” she said, noting that in addition to its popular pumpkin and strawberry events, in 2026 they will have a u-pick tulip festival to harvest some of the 200,000 bulbs they planted this year.
“We have to constantly find ways to be flexible and creative,” she said, especially when faced with Mother Nature’s uncertainty. In addition to its harvesting events, the venue has also become a popular destination for private parties such as bridal and baby showers as well as corporate events.
To help them achieve their marketing goals, Bluemont Vineyard has relied on support from the Loudoun Chamber. “The Chamber has been an essential part of our strategy. They have helped us stay informed and advocate for us at the county level on zoning and other issues,” Zurschmeide said. “They have been so supportive of our business.”
The Chamber has been an essential part of our strategy. They have helped us stay informed and advocate for us at the county level on zoning and other issues.”
- Hailey Zurschmeide, Bluemont Vineyard
Loudoun County has 1,332 active farms, representing 110,133 acres of farmland. The market value of agricultural products sold represents $50.2 million of the local economy.
-Source: Loudoun County Economic Development
Elevate Loudoun: Partnerships and Pathways
Sponsor a table and hear inspiring stories of how local partnerships help LCPS students gain real-world skills and brighter futures.
Fostering the Next Generation of Community Leaders
Loudoun County Public Schools employ
13,000 faculty and staff, making it the largest employer in the county. –2025-2026-LCPSFact-Sheet
PHOTOS BY DOUG GHELSON AND KAREN MONROE.
COURTESY OF THE HILL SCHOOL
They are hiding in plain sight: future entrepreneurs, physicians, musicians, scientists and so much more. They are the students of Loudoun County.
During the 2025-2026 school year, Loudoun County Public Schools had more than 80,000 enrolled students across its 100 schools. With an average graduation rate of 97 percent, the school system is recognized nationally for its outstanding academic record.
While educators, parents and families serve as the primary contributors to student success, the Loudoun County business community is also a key player in efforts to ensure that every child has a chance to excel.
For more than 30 years, the nonprofit Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) has marshalled the support of community members and business partners to fund innovative programs that foster academic success and help fill gaps not covered by local tax revenue.
“We serve as a connector between generous businesses or individuals who want to invest in our public schools,” said Danielle Nadler, executive director of the Loudoun Education Foundation.
In fiscal year 2025, LEF raised more than $3.7 million to support its major initiatives, including its “Fueled” program which provided more than 47,000 meals to address food insecurity among LCPS students. The organization also provided LCPS educators with $260,000 to support innovation in the classroom, unique learning concepts and programs, as well as educator mentoring and professional development.
Much of LEF’s success is due to its close connections to LCPS—both figuratively and literally. “Part of the reason for the large impact we’ve been able to make is because we are located in LCPS’s administration building. That really helps us collaborate with school personnel on student needs and opportunities for investment and education,” Nadler said.
It also helps that Loudoun County is home to some of the nation’s largest businesses who support LES. “We are in an area where there are companies with large footprints and we are thankful that they want to give back and raise up the community,” she added.
Like LCPS, Loudoun County’s 64 private schools are grateful for the support they receive from generous donors who are often alumni, family of alumni and friends of the school.
The Hill School in Middleburg will celebrate its centennial in 2026. It recently concluded a special capital campaign that raised $17.3 million to back several of the school’s key objectives, including its annual fund to support academics and its endowment that ensures the school’s long-term stability.
With a student body that now includes the great-grandchild of one of the school’s earliest students, The Hill School enjoys the loyal support of many alumni who relish their deep connections to the institution.
“We consider ourselves to be the hub and spoke for so many families in the area,” said Will Nisbet, the school’s director of institutional development. “People appreciate the sense of community we offer, not only for the children, siblings and families of those who attend The Hill School, but also because of our connections to Middleburg.”
He said annual events such as community parades and festivals, as well as the popular Middleburg Spring Races, are eagerly awaited by the school’s students, families and staff. These events are also a reminder to the greater community that The Hill School continues to be an important part of Middleburg’s past and present—as well as its future.
We are in an area where there are companies with large footprints and we are thankful that they want to give back and raise up the community.”
- Danielle Nadler, Loudoun Education Foundation
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION PROJECTS- SIMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPLORE THE AMAZON THINK BIG SPACE, A PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY THE LOUDOUN EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
Raising the institution’s profile in the community is just one of the reasons The Hill School is a member of the Loudoun Chamber. “It’s a way for us to increase our brand exposure and increase awareness in the community of our value in the education space,” Nisbet said. “And it gives us the opportunity to network and build new partnerships as well.”
During FY25, the Loudoun Education Foundation invested $491,000 in programs to support student health and wellbeing. –2025-2026-LCPS-Fact-Sheet
LEFT PHOTO: THINK BIG SPACE 11 – PROPEL, AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, IS ONE OF MORE THAN TWO DOZEN PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY THE LOUDOUN EDUCATION FOUNDATION. RIGHT
PHOTO: THINK BIG SPACE 12 – STUDENTS AT POWTOWMACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TAKE PART IN A STEM FIELD DAY, HOSTED BY AMAZON AND THE LOUDOUN EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
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STEIGERWALD GORDON & KOCH WEALTH ADVISORS:
Building Financial Confidence at Every Stage
At Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors, financial planning isn’t reserved for the wealthy few – it’s a lifelong partnership designed for everyone. From young professionals launching careers and families to business owners managing growth or couples preparing for retirement, the Leesburgbased firm has built a 30-year reputation on serving a wide range of clients.
As an independent, fee-only wealth management firm, SGK Wealth Advisors stand apart by eliminating commissions and hidden fees. Every service – from investment guidance to estate and tax planning – is covered under one comprehensive fee, ensuring clients never feel nickel-anddimed. The firm is SEC registered and a fiduciary – their consultative approach allows them to recommend the right solutions to meet clients long and short term goals.
“It’s all included in our fee structure,” said John Steigerwald, partner and co-founder of SGK Wealth Advisors. “When you go to an accountant or a lawyer, you’re paying for a professional service, that’s the way we operate, so there’s no commissions to influence our decision making.”
Their financial planning model blends time-tested fundamentals with modern analytical tools. Retirement planning includes goal setting, social security and pension analysis, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies designed to stretch retirement savings further.
Darren Koch, a financial planner and partner at SGK, feels it’s important to tailor a plan unique to each client. The firm’s independence puts it in position to find the right strategies for each client’s short and long-term goals.
“It’s like building a family road map for them,” Koch said. “You find where they are now and where they want to be in the future, whether it’s helping to send their children to college or planning for their own retirement.”
For business owners, SGK helps evaluate retirement plans, optimize cash flow, and navigate stock options or succession planning. Important pieces of that puzzle are the investments, as Jeff Gordon, a partner and co-founder of SGK, explained.
“We are always looking for 50 cent dollars out there,” Gordon said. “We have a value-type approach but it doesn’t mean that we exclude any particular segment or industry from our research universe. We evaluate investments as part of a longterm strategy rather than trying to time the market during instability.”
Risk management services – including insurance reviews and long-term care analysis – provide added peace of mind. Tax planning is another cornerstone. SGK’s team works with tax professionals to reduce potential burdens. Estate and charitable planning rounds out the picture, coordinating with attorneys to ensure wills, trusts, and gifting strategies align with each client’s legacy.
SGK Wealth Advisors believes that open, honest communication builds trust. Clients
are treated as partners – welcomed into a relationship where reliability and transparency are paramount.
SGK’s commitment extends into the international and local communities through volunteer work, educational outreach, and charitable partnerships with groups like Hope Chest, Loudoun Hunger, Loudoun Soccer, Boy and Girls Scouts, the United Way among many others.
Whether guiding a 20-something saving for the future or a couple fine-tuning retirement income, Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors remains steadfast in its mission: helping people live better, worry less, and build lasting financial security.
A copy of SGK’s disclosure brochure discussing their services is available at www. sgkwealthadvisors.com.
703-777-8826
893-A Harrison St. SE, Leesburg sgkwealthadvisors.com
From Left, Darren Koch, a financial planner and partner at SGK Wealth Advisors, John Steigerwald, partner and co-founder of SGK Wealth Advisors and Jeff Gordon, a partner and co-founder of SGK.
Loudoun’s digital infrastructure depends on systems that are reliable, resilient, and responsibly designed.
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From advanced monitoring and compliance strategies to renewable diesel supply and engineered fuel-quality technologies, ESI is committed to fueling a future that benefits both customers and the community.
