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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — ServiceSource and The Jimmy Pizzano Memorial Fund have been jointly named recipients of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce's Commitment to Disability Award, the chamber announced Tuesday.
The award recognizes businesses that go beyond standard practice to meet the accessibility needs of the community. The chamber cited the B.E.S.T. Gift Shop in Old Town, a Pizzano Memorial Fund initiative run in collaboration with ServiceSource that promotes and supports artisans with disabilities across the United States.
The shop, located at 919 King Street and named Building Employment Solutions Together, directs proceeds from each purchase toward the financial independence of the artists whose work it sells. The chamber described it as more than a retail space, calling its one-of-a-kind and personalized pieces a reflection of the skill and resilience of differently abled creators.
The recognition continues a tradition that has honored local businesses each year, including NextStep Pilates in 2025 and Our Stomping Ground in 2024.
The City of Alexandria will also present two awards. Louis Tremante will receive the Gerry Bertier Scholarship, and Danielle Johnson will be honored with the John Duty Collins III Advocate for Persons with Disability Award.
The awards will be presented at the Disability Awareness Awards, hosted jointly by the chamber and the City of Alexandria's Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The event also features a speaker or panel of inclusivity experts, with past presentations covering tourism, sports, hiring and accessibility. It runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, at the American Physical Therapy Association, 3030 Potomac Ave. The association is presenting the awards.
The event is free, but registration is required and available online.
