Chamber honors local businesses and volunteer during 98th annual banquet and awards

~ PVN staff report

STONEYMAN VALLEY RANCH, May 2 — More than a hundred attendees came out to the scenic Stoneyman Valley Ranch on Thursday night for the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce’s 98th annual banquet and awards. Sombreros, miniature classical guitars and balloon cacti set the tone for the night’s theme of “Let’s Taco-Bout Your Business”.

A total of 15 prize packages provided by more than 50 local businesses were given away as part of the night’s silent auction with gifts valued at a total of more than $10,000. The individual packages — ranging from $200 to $1,000 each in value — included such items as a full vacation package to see Kennedy Space Center, multiple coupons for local eateries and lodging, a home improvement package, and special activities for a “Girls Night Out” and “Guys Night Out.”

The event marked the 98th annual banquet and awards ceremony for an organization that dates back to May 17, 1926, when the Luray Chamber of Commerce was formed out of the Luray Board of Trade.

“President J.R. Mims hosted the first meeting in the inn, and the first order of business was to produce a float to represent the new organization in Winchester’s Apple Blossom Festival. The main concerns of the year were to make improvements in the telephone service, roads, bridges near Luray, publicity for the area, a post office for Luray, education and condition of the schools, new business for the area, and to install lights for the town that would be on all night.” (Taken from the night’s program.)

The big event of the night is to honor local businesses and a volunteer nominated for the Chamber’s annual awards. Below is each award winner and the presentation given for each award.

Eco-Friendly/Agricultural Business of the Year

Daughter of the Stars Farmers Market (Representative – Courtney Nelson)

~ Presented by Miranda Cave, Treasurer of the Chamber’s Board of Directors

We’re honored to present this year’s Eco-Friendly/Agricultural Business of the Year Award to an organization that brings local growers and makers together in one spot.

Our winner this year champions locally grown produce and community connections in Page County. This organization promotes health and wellness in all domains through providing a sustainable platform to support local producers, shop owners, and creators in the way they see best fit and engage the community in these educational efforts.

As they gear up for their third season, this organization has reached a new milestone by extending their operations to every weekend, offering the community and visitors an ongoing opportunity to engage with and support local farmers, growers, artists, and more. Alongside expanding their schedule, they have also broadened their markets to include both Shenandoah and Luray. This expansion not only provides local growers and makers with access to new buyers and supporters, but also ensures that the community has consistent access to affordable, locally sourced produce, meats, dairy items, and more.

The dedication to promoting health and wellness through providing a sustainable platform to support local producers that Courtney Nelson and Daughter of the Stars Farmers continues to show is why we’re excited to present them with the Eco-Friendly/Agricultural Business of the Year.

Hospitality Business of the Year

Town of Shenandoah Museum & Welcome Center (Representative – Lora Jenkins)

~ Presented by Travis Clark, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors

As we celebrate another year in Luray-Page County, we’re honored to give the Hospitality Business of the Year to an organization that honors the history of our County.

This museum stands as a beacon of historical preservation and community engagement, offering visitors a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Page County’s past. Housed within the historic Shenandoah Train Station and under the direction of Lora Jenkins, this establishment serves as more than just a museum — it’s a bridge connecting generations and preserving cherished memories.

At the heart of the Museum & Welcome Center lies its dedication to showcasing the multifaceted history of Page County, with a particular emphasis on the storied legacy of the N&W Railroad. From military memorabilia to baseball history, visitors are treated to a diverse array of exhibits that capture the essence of the region’s heritage.

What truly sets this establishment apart is its ability to cater to both young and old alike. For younger generations, it provides an immersive learning experience, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation for the history that shaped their community. Meanwhile, for older visitors, it serves as a nostalgic journey down memory lane, evoking fond recollections of days gone by.

For its unwavering dedication to preserving history, fostering connections of all ages, and enriching the cultural fabric, we’re excited to award the Hospitality Business of the Year Award to the Town of Shenandoah Museum & Welcome Center.

Service Business of the Year

The Rec / Living Legacy Luray (Representatives – Audre King and Taylor Alger)

~ Presented by Amy Judd, Vice Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors

This year, we’re excited to award the Service Business of the Year Award to an organization that has given the youth in our community a safe place to spend time, learn, and grow.

This organization stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the children of Page County and their families. They serve a vital role in our community by providing a diverse range of activities that cater to the needs of our children.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this year’s recipients is their commitment to offering opportunities for learning, development, and, most importantly, fun. Through a variety of programs and activities, this organization ensures that every child who enters their doors has the chance to explore their passions, discover new talents, and unleash their full potential.

In addition to all of the opportunities they offer the youth of the community, this organization also has brought a piece of history to life. Housed in the historic Andrew Jackson School, our winner has worked to open their doors to the community to honor the history of those who came before them, while renovating and revitalizing.

This year, we’re honored to recognize The Rec/Living Legacy as our Service Business of the Year Award winner for their unwavering dedication to our community, both past and present.

Mary Lee Bryant Volunteer of the Year

Donna Whitley-Smith

~ Presented by Mary Beth Bryant McGurin and Margaret Williams, Patron members of the Chamber and the daughters of Mary Lee Bryant

For this year’s Mary Lee Bryant Volunteer of the Year Award, we’re excited to recognize a member of the community that exemplifies the meaning of volunteerism.

Our winner this year has spent her life working with the kids in our community, first as an educator, administrator, and leader in Page County Public Schools, and then as a part of various community organizations.

This year’s volunteer has worked with the following organizations throughout the years, helping countless children and families in Page County — Page Alliance for Community Action (PACA), Healthy Families of Page County, Page County Technical Center Foundation Board, Rotary Club of Luray, Page Public Library Board, Page Memorial Hospital Foundation, Laurel Ridge Community College Foundation, and the local RAM Clinic that has taken place for the past two years.

In addition to these organizations that our winner volunteers with, she also volunteers to help those who can’t speak for themselves — the animals. Our winner volunteers with Cat’s Cradle and Page Paws, helping countless cats and dogs, not just in Page County, but throughout our section of the Shenandoah Valley.

The dedication this volunteer shows to the families, children, and animals of Page County, and her enthusiasm for lending a helping hand wherever she can is why we’re extremely honored to present this year’s Mary Lee Bryant Volunteer of the Year Award to Donna Whitley Smith.

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To learn more about upcoming events sponsored

by the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce,

visit their website at https://www.visitluraypage.com/

or visit their Facebook page

at https://www.facebook.com/luraypagecountychamber/

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