Henrico EDA honors 12 businesses
The Henrico Economic Development Authority honored 12 businesses during its second annual Excellence in Action Awards, held May 21 at The Westin Richmond. The event is designed to celebrate local businesses and leaders who are helping to lead innovation, economic growth, and community impact throughout the county.
Following a competitive public nomination process, the 2026 Excellence in Action Award winners were inducted across five categories:
• Small Business Resilience: Bellrae Marketing – For demonstrating grit, adaptability, and determination to endure and thrive.
• Economic Impact Award: Hospital to Home – For significantly contributing to economic prosperity in Henrico and the broader region.
• Emerging Leader Award: Corey Divine (The Candidate Source) and Nekia Wiliams (CDIC Driving School) – For rising business professionals or entrepreneurs making a significant impact early in their career.
• The “Extra Mile” Award: Cobb Technologies – For going above and beyond to foster a vibrant, healthy, growing community and contribute to workforce development, environmental sustainability, economic mobility, or community empowerment.
• Resilient Business Leader of the Year: Jyot Singh, RTS Labs – For steady vision, decisive action, and adaptability guiding their organization through challenge and change.
The EDA also issued special recognition to Henrico’s legacy companies, honoring those who have reached the milestone of operating in the county for 50 years:
• Martin, Dolan & Holton, Ltd.;
• OrthoVirginia Henrico Parham;
• Ruffin & Payne, Inc.;
• Transit Lumber Company, Inc.;
• Veolia Water Technologies Treatment Solutions;
• Virginia Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.C.
In addition to the awards presentation, the event featured a local economic update from Henrico EDA Executive Director Cari Tretina, as well as a “Resilience in Action” panel discussion moderated by Nancy Thomas (InUnison). The panel featured insight from Ester Codina (Alfa Laval), Dennis Hatchett (Feed More), and Mike Lindsey (Lindsey Food Group).
