WILLIAMSBURG – The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce honored standout businesses and community leaders Thursday during its 2026 Premier Business Awards, recognizing achievements in entrepreneurship, nonprofit service and civic leadership.
The awards were presented during a luncheon Thursday at the Colonial Heritage Club in Williamsburg. Nominees and winners in each category were chosen through a chamber-led process that included applications outlining growth, innovation and community impact, followed by interviews with a selection committee. Six awards were presented across the afternoon.
The Small Business of the Year award recognizes established businesses that demonstrate staying power and growth, with selections based on innovation, resilience and community involvement.
Williams Landscape & Design Inc. was named the 2026 winner. Aaron Williams has owned and operated the business for 25 years.
“We are just honored beyond belief to be chosen by our community, by the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, to be the small business of the year,” Williams said.
Other nominees included Dino Wash, a power washing and exterior cleaning company; Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness; and Andre’ Julius, a fashion designer.
The Early-Stage Business of the Year award recognizes businesses that have been operating in the community for less than three years. Like the Small Business of the Year category, it honors growth, innovation, resilience and community involvement.
The Rochambeau Roadside Inn was named this year’s winner. Williamsburg native and owner Lyle Schiavone redeveloped the 1950s motel into a boutique hotel that began taking bookings in December 2024. Since then, it has maintained strong guest reviews and an 80% direct booking rate.
“Rochambeau only works because Williamsburg showed up for us,” Schiavone said. “This recognition belongs as much to the guests and local partners who took a chance on a 22-room motel as it does to our team.”
Other nominees included Point 5 Williamsburg, a non-alcoholic bottle shop; Remix Market Williamsburg, a furniture and home décor resale store in Toano; and The Hive Chiropractic.
Sid Hall of Historic Hospitality Group won the Entrepreneur of the Year award, which honors founders and owners who embody grit and creativity. Historic Hospitality Group has grown from two locations in 2024 to seven concepts across Williamsburg and Yorktown in the past two years.
Other finalists included Kenya Williams, CEO of iShine For You Auto Detailing; Catina Downey, owner of NES Cornhole Lounge; and Rachel Neighbors, owner of Ray Ray’s Plants.
The Non-Profit of the Year is a new awards category recognizing nonprofit organizations that demonstrate financial stewardship, innovative programming and collaboration with the business community.
John McGlennon, chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors, presented the award and said The Arc of Greater Williamsburg was too important to put up against other nominees. The organization, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year, works to improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
“We share this honor with our dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and the incredible individuals we serve, who inspire us every day,” said Pamela McGregor, the executive director of the Arc of Greater Williamsburg.
The Emerging Leader of the Year award recognizes a professional under 40 who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the greater Williamsburg area. Last year’s winner, Eliza Hernandez Campana, presented the award and said the nominees represent the bright future of the region.
Logan Hall of the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation took home this year’s award. Under his leadership, the foundation’s real estate portfolio has grown more than 40% in two years.
“I feel fortunate to do work I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to continue helping the Greater Williamsburg community grow in a way that’s thoughtful, responsible, and true to what makes it special,” Hall said. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it’s from the community that’s become home for our family.”
Other nominees in this category include Courtney Owens of Courtney Owens State Farm, Randy Riffle of Williamsburg-James City County School Board and Georgia Schelberger of Towne Insurance.
The Roll of the Drum, the chamber’s top honor, recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the community and the chamber.
This year’s recipient is Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons. A lifelong Williamsburg resident, Pons owns The Flats of Williamsburg and is a member of the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association. Before joining City Council in 2010, he served on the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board and the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority.
As mayor, Pons has been involved in projects such as the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail, modernization of the city’s fire and police stations, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center.
Pons said his relationship with the chamber has been special for decades. He recalled that his father, then chamber president, presented the same award to Jim Anthony in 1992, an experience that first showed him the significance of the honor.
“I never thought that I would be in the same or considered in the same categories as those that have received [this award] before me,” said Pons. “I have it on my display case today, and I’m over the moon excited to have received it.”
