The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Excellence with the 2026 Premier Business Awards
Williamsburg, VA- The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) officially closed out its fiscal year by hosting the 2026 Premier Business Awards and Luncheon on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Colonial Heritage Club. The newly rebranded awards are a continuation and celebration of the GWCC’s enduring mission to advocate, collaborate, and create an environment in which local businesses can grow and succeed.
The annual event allows the GWCC to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the trailblazers, anchors, and innovators who drive the economic vitality and unique character of the Greater Williamsburg region.
Award Categories:
Small Business of the Year: Recognizing staying power and growth for businesses operating 3+ years.
Early-Stage Business of the Year: Celebrating innovation and resilience in businesses operating less than 3 years.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Honoring the founders and owners who embody the spirit of grit and creativity.
Non-Profit of the Year: Recognizing the 501(c)(3) organizations that serve as the backbone of our community.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Celebrating high-impact professionals under the age of 40.
The Roll of the Drum: The GWCC’s highest honor, established in 1967 to recognize exceptional service to the community and the GWCC.
The winners of our Premier Business awards were, from left, Sid Hall President and Founder of Historic Hospitality Group, Lyle Schiavone owner of The Rochambeau Roadside Inn, Pam McGregor Executive Director of the Arc Greater Williamsburg, Logan Hall Executive Director of the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation, and Aaron Williams owner of Williams Landscapes and Designs.
Small Business of the Year Winner: Williams Landscapes and Designs
Owner Aaron Williams and his team have dedicated nearly 25 years of service to creating and maintaining award-winning outdoor spaces. Williams Landscape & Design sets itself apart through a fully integrated approach, combining innovative design, flawless installation, and long-term maintenance under one unified team.
Over the last 24 months, the company has achieved steady and sustainable growth, expanding its team to 73 skilled employees. This success is rooted in the same long-term resilience that has allowed the company to navigate an ever-shifting economy and maintain full employment without a single layoff during the pandemic.
A GWCC member since 2002, Aaron’s dedication goes far deeper than business; he has participated in the United Way Day of Caring for over 19 consecutive years (serving on the committee for 16), is a dedicated member of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club, and has provided over 15 years of vital child advocacy leadership as the board president for Colonial CASA.
The other finalists for this award were Dino Wash, Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness, and Andre’ Julius.
Early Stage Business of the Year Winner: The Rochambeau Roadside Inn
Williamsburg native and owner Lyle Schiavone took a neglected 1950s motel and completely redeveloped it into a stunning 22-room boutique hotel that perfectly blends vintage roadside charm with thoughtful, modern hospitality.
Rochambeau has quickly become the ultimate independent "base camp" for visitors looking to explore the character of Greater Williamsburg without a cookie-cutter corporate experience. In just one year of operation, Lyle and his team of five employees have maintained an extraordinary guest experience, resulting in review scores averaging over 4.9 stars.
The inn has also achieved an incredibly high 80% direct-booking mix, while their organic storytelling and gorgeous design have earned features in Virginia Living and Travel + Leisure. By intentionally partnering with local makers, wineries, and roasters, Rochambeau actively drives economic activity right back into our neighborhood.
The other finalists of this award were Point 5 - Williamsburg, Remix Market - Williamsburg, and The Hive Chiropractic.
Emerging Leader of the Year Winner: Logan Hall, Executive Director of the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation
The William & Mary Real Estate Foundation plays a vital role in the region, supporting the long-term growth of William & Mary through thoughtful real estate development, investment, and asset stewardship.
As a rising leader, Logan has driven incredible impact, including the expansion of the Foundation's real estate portfolio while successfully managing the largest capital project in the organization's history: the addition and renovation of Gates Hall. Logan is a dedicated champion for the local economy, regularly attending and sponsoring key GWCC initiatives including LEAD and Legislative Forums.
Beyond his professional dedication, Williamsburg is home for Logan's family, and he is proud to be raising his daughter in the vibrant community he helps build every day.
The other deserving finalists for this award were, WJCC School Board Vice Chair Randy Riffle, Associate Managing Director of Towne Insurance Georgia Schelberger, and Courtney Owens, owner of State Farm Insurance - Courtney Owens Agency.
Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: Sid Hall President and Founder of Historic Hospitality Group
Historic Hospitality Group encompasses Cochon on 2nd, Ember, Moody's Kitchen, The Jewish Mother's Deli, Riverwalk Restaurant, Water Street Grille, and Waypoint Seafood and Grill. Through these venues, Sid and his team are dedicated to creating spaces that bring people together through genuine hospitality and memorable experiences.
Over the last 24 months, Sid has driven transformational expansion, growing his portfolio from two operating restaurants to seven distinct concepts across Williamsburg and Yorktown. Under his leadership, the company has increased revenue by more than 250% and expanded its staff to over 250 team members. He managed this rapid growth by restructuring leadership, tightening systems, and ensuring that high hospitality standards and internal team growth remained at the core of the business.
Beyond hospitality, Sid proudly partners with and sponsors numerous regional organizations, including local high schools, William & Mary, Hampton University, Lackey Clinic, and the Hospice House of Williamsburg.
The other finalists for this award were CEO of iShine For You Auto Detailing Kenya Williams, owner of NES Cornhole Lounge Catina Downey, and owner of Ray Ray’s Plants Rachael Neighbors.
Non-Profit of the Year Winner: The Arc of Greater Williamsburg
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Arc of Greater Williamsburg's core mission is to improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through support services, meaningful activities, advocacy, and opportunities for community inclusion.
Operating under the poignant guiding philosophy that "The Arc is there when the school bus stops coming," the organization fills a critical gap in services for adults after they age out of the public school system at age 21.
Through life-changing programs such as Arc of Abilities, Wheels4Work, evening social activities, fitness initiatives, and community partnerships, The Arc works every day to foster dignity and build a more inclusive community for the more than 250 families it serves as the only organization dedicated to this population in the region.
City of Williamsburg Mayor Douglas is joined by his wife and daughters after being named the 2026 Roll of the Drum recipient.
The 2026 Roll of the Drum Recipient: Mayor of the City of Williamsburg Douglas Pons
While Doug currently serves as Mayor of the City of Williamsburg, this honor celebrates his lifelong dedication to the Historic Triangle.
As a lifelong resident, owner of The Flats of Williamsburg, and a dedicated member of the Williamsburg Hotel Motel Association, Mayor Pons deeply understands the daily triumphs and challenges of local business owners. Before his tenure on City Council began in 2010, Doug gave his time to numerous municipal bodies, including the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board, and the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA).
During his mayoral tenure, his leadership has successfully championed projects that preserve regional history while building its future, including spearheading the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail, overseeing the modernization of the municipal fi re and police stations, and convening the crucial Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
Regionally, Mayor Pons has also been a vital driver behind the new Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, proving an unwavering commitment to both community wellness and regional tourism.
These extraordinary finalists and winners are a powerful reflection of the strength, resilience, and creativity defining the Greater Williamsburg business community.
We at the GWCC extend our congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists, and we look forward to partnering with them as they continue to pave the way for a prosperous future for our business community.