Disclosure: The Alexandria Brief is a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. It was nominated for a Best in Business award in July, applied, and is a finalist in the Rising Star Business of the Year category.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named 36 finalists Tuesday for its 2026 Best in Business Awards, across six categories from micro businesses to large employers and nonprofits.
Real estate agent Jen Walker, named Business Leader of the Year in July, will be honored at the awards, set for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Westin Alexandria Old Town. Registration opens at 6 p.m., the ceremony begins at 6:30 and a reception follows at 7:30. Tickets are $130 for chamber members and $160 for others, with five- and 10-packs available. The event is presented by Burke & Herbert Bank.
The two honors are decided differently. The chamber's executive committee selects the Business Leader of the Year.
For the six business categories, businesses are anonymously nominated and then invited to apply. Applications, submitted through an online portal, closed Aug. 7 and are judged by an anonymous selection committee of past winners.
The finalists
Micro Business of the Year: ALine Architecture, CatRad Creative, Harte Global Financial, Hypergoat Coffee Roasters & Cafe, Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar, and Soma Yoga Healing Center.
Small Business of the Year: AlphaGraphics of Alexandria, Buzz Bakeshop, Eliana Curated, Fusion Academy Alexandria, Old Town Books, and Sculp'd.
Medium Business of the Year: Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner; Full Strength Physical Therapy; Griswold Home Care; Josephine Old Town; R.C. Fields & Associates; and Revolve Solutions.
Large Business of the Year: Alexandria Hyundai, Alexandria Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, AlexRenew, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Transurban, and VEG ER for Pets Alexandria.
Rising Star Business of the Year: The Alexandria Brief, Athena Wellness and Physical Therapy, CMIT Solutions Alexandria, Continues Arcade, Dental Inc., and Livewell Animal Hospital of Alexandria.
Nonprofit & Association of the Year: Alexandria Classical Christian Academy, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, D.C. Divas Football, Junior League of Northern Virginia, Little Theatre of Alexandria, and Move2Learn.
The chamber bills the evening as its version of the Oscars, red carpet included. Attire is listed as "your version of business" or cocktail.
Registration and sponsorship information is at thechamberalx.com.
Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria resident and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
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