The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held it’s 47th Annual Dinner on Saturday, March 14.
The dinner was held at The Omni Homestead Resort with a record number of 580 guests registered.
The following awards were presented:
Kara Harris-McKnight, Covington Middle School, received School Service Personnel of the Year.
Rising Stars: Kolby Hiner (Mountain View Elementary), Caroline Doyle (Boys Home), Tony Gonzalez (MGCC).
Educators of the Year: Allison Fox Shinaberry (Callaghan Elementary), Jody Eggleston (Boys Home), Walt Johnson (MGCC Welding).
Milestone anniversaries went to The Alleghany Foundation (30), Smurfit Westrock LMCP (40), MGCC (45), and the Historic Masonic Theatre (120).
Business and community awards:
Website of the Year: SJ Neathawk Lumber
Dogwood Award for Beautification: Five Sides, Clifton Forge
Ruth Middleton Volunteer of the Year: Afton Griffin, Olde Towne Covington
Young Professional of the Year: Seth Bradley, AHPS
Distinguished Leader of the Year: Ingrid Barber, AHCS
Tourism Champion of the Year: Matt Fisher, Alleghany Outdoors
Entrepreneur of the Year: Julie Carroll, Friendly Fork
Emerging Business of the Year: Lee Archer, Simply Flawless
Nonprofit of the Year: One Fight
Small Business of the Year: Cucci’s Pizzeria
Business of the Year: LewisGale Alleghany Hospital
New Chamber board members: Steve Bennett, Autumn Morgan, Callie Newcomer, Bobby Wagner
After passing of the gavel, 2026 Board President, Chris Doyle gave closing remarks.
Following the awards there was live music featuring Chad Nickell & the Loose Change Band.
