Harwood Honored W. G. Otis Mead Award In Rockbridge County   Lexington, VA (February 25, 2026) — The G. Otis Mead III Business Individual of the Year Award was formally dedicated and presented at last week’s 89th Annual Chamber Dinner Dance & Auction in honor of the late G. Otis Mead III — a respected businessman, civic leader, and community builder who helped shape the economic and cultural landscape of Lexington and Rockbridge County for more than half a century. Originally established by the Chamber in 1985, the award’s first recipient was Otis Mead himself, recognizing his extraordinary leadership and commitment to strengthening local business and community life. In 2026, the award was officially renamed to carry forward his legacy and celebrate individuals who embody his spirit of civic dedication, entrepreneurial leadership, and unwavering community pride. It is especially fitting that the inaugural recipient of the renamed award is someone who knew Otis personally — his longtime friend and regular lunch companion, Doug Harwood. For 34 years, Harwood has served as Editor and Chief of The Rockbridge Advocate in Lexington, Virginia, building a fiercely independent publication that has become woven into the fabric of Rockbridge County. Each month, he unites a network of writers and contributors to produce the paper — a true grassroots effort reflecting the voice and character of the community. Behind the scenes, his dedication has been relentless. Over three decades, he has attended thousands of municipal meetings, covered hundreds of court cases, and spent countless hours researching deeds, wills, tax records, and archives — all driven by a deep curiosity about people and how communities function. As Harwood once said, “I’m curious about things, and I’m fascinated with human behavior, and being a journalist is a fine way to get paid for being curious… I get to learn about all sorts of things that I would never learn about and then write — it’s fun.â€� That curiosity has earned statewide recognition. In 1997, Harwood received first place for editorial writing and second place for investigative reporting from the Virginia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, the only time he has ever entered such a contest. In 2013, he was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame, the first small-town reporter ever to be inducted. His contributions extend beyond print. For more than 50 years, he has hosted The Anti-Headache Machine on 91.5 WLUR-FM, sharing music each Saturday from his own collection — another reflection of his authenticity and independence. Most telling is his philosophy: “I never wanted any power or influence… I’ve just run a community paper. But if a paper runs stories that’ll stick to your ribs, it holds up in a mirror. Real communities need real mirrors.â€� That belief mirrors the values Otis Mead championed — that strong communities are built by people who show up, stay curious, work hard, and care deeply. The G. Otis Mead III Business Individual of the Year Award will continue to honor local leaders who embody that same civic spirit and commitment to Lexington and Rockbridge County. With great pride, the Mead family and the Chamber presented the inaugural award to Doug Harwood at the 89th Annual Chamber Dinner Dance & Auction in recognition of his tireless dedication to revealing the news — and even the shenanigans — of this community, and for 34 years of steadfast leadership at The Rockbridge Advocate.

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