FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Linzy Browne
540-658-8681
Stafford, VA — The Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will host the 2026 Business Appreciation Reception on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the University of Mary Washington Stafford Campus – Gates Hudson Building. The annual event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners to celebrate the businesses that fuel Stafford County’s economic momentum.
“This reception is really about the people behind our business community, the ones who take the risk, put in the work, and choose to build something here in Stafford,” said Jack Rowley, Stafford EDA Chairman. “For more than 30 years, this event has been one of our favorite ways to say thank you and recognize the role these businesses play in shaping a strong, thriving community.”
During the evening, the EDA will present awards honoring exceptional businesses that demonstrate outstanding performance and community impact. These awards include Business of the Year, Innovation, and the Donald Newlin Community Stewardship Award, recognizing organizations that exemplify excellence, forward-thinking strategies, and meaningful engagement within Stafford County.
The program will also feature the Stafford County Legacy Business Recognition Program, which honors businesses that have been operating in Stafford County for 20+ years. This initiative is dedicated to honoring the businesses that help shape our community and drive our local economy. It reflects Stafford County’s ongoing commitment to supporting its business community by shining a spotlight on organizations that strengthen our economy and enrich the place we call home—including Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Military Spouse-Owned businesses. Whether a long-standing or an emerging new business, the Legacy Business Recognition Program serves as a meaningful way to recognize and thank businesses for being a vital part of Stafford.
Title Sponsor: STACK Infrastructure
Refreshments Sponsor: Hirschler
Entertainment Sponsor: Germanna Community College
Welcome Sponsors: Matern Staffing, Stafford Printing (In-Kind), & Elevated Designs & Events (In-Kind)
The Business Appreciation Reception offers attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders, celebrate local success stories, and reinforce partnerships that support Stafford County’s continued economic growth. Registration is now open and available at:
https://staffordeda.com/2026-stafford-business-appreciation-reception/
For additional details, please contact Linzy Browne at 540-658-8681.
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About Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism | Stafford EDA
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism is the sales and customer service arm for Stafford County, Virginia, committed to advancing expansion and investment for the community. As the official economic development organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage business growth through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. Stafford County is located halfway between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. In partnership with the Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and the EDA has helped finance and support business growth in Stafford since the EDA’s inception in 1970. In addition to business loan programs, in recent years, the EDA has helped develop a number of vacant and underused properties in Stafford. For more information on Stafford’s Economic Development & Tourism and the Stafford EDA, visit www.GoStaffordVA.com and www.StaffordEDA.com, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.