Alleghany Highlands Chamber Celebrates Businesses, Leaders at 47th Annual Dinner By Ashley Prior Staff Writer   Hot Springs, Va (March. 14, 2026) – The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held its 47th Annual Dinner Meeting at The Omni Homestead Resort, drawing approximately 580 business leaders, community members, and elected officials for an evening recognizing accomplishments across the Alleghany Highlands. Jon Fitzgerald welcomed attendees and recognized sponsors who helped make the evening possible. Several sponsors included Five Sides, Jackson River Community Credit Unions, Smurfit WestRock, and Garten Trucking. The program reflected on the past year of ribbon cuttings, community events, and economic development efforts throughout the region. Several new awards were introduced this year to highlight the many ways individual and organizations contribute to the Alleghany Highlands. Among the awards presented during the evening were the Rising Star Award, Young Professional of the Year, Distinguished Leader of the Year, Tourism Champion of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Emerging Business of the Year. Award presenters included: Greg Madsen and Michael Foster for the Your Professional of the Year Award, Stephanie Clark and Erin Via for the Distinguished Leader of the Year Award, Teresa Hammond and Bobbie Wagner for the Tourism Champion of the Year Award, Ken McFayden and Tammy Scruggs-Duncan for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Afton Griffin and Rusty Hammond for the Emerging Business of the Year Award. Additional presenters included Autumn Morgan and Callie Newcomer for the Website of the Year Award, Chuck Unroe and Stephen Bennett for the Dogwood Award for Beautification, Allen Dressler and Gina Tingler for the Ruth Middleton Volunteer of the Year Award, Mary Donnan and Nicole Tucker for the Non-profit for the Year Award, and Jonathan Arritt and Ingrid Barber for the Small Business of the Year Award. The Chamber also recognized milestone anniversaries for several organizations to the region. The Alleghany Foundation was recognized for 30 years of service to the Alleghany Highlands through investments in education, healthcare, tourism, and economic development. Smurfit WestRock’s Low Moor Converting Plant celebrated 40 years as part of the region’s manufacturing community, while the Mountain Gateway Community College Educational Foundation marked 45 years supporting education across the Alleghany Highlands. The Historic Masonic Theatre was also honored for its 120-year legacy as a cultural landmark in Clifton Forge and a gathering place for arts, entertainment, and community events. The final awards of the evening recognized outstanding organizations in the region, including Non-Profit of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Business of the Year. During the ceremony, the Chamber also held its traditional passing of the gavel as Jon Fitzgerald concluded his term and welcomed Chris Doyle as the 2026 Chamber President. The evening concluded with remarks thanking sponsors, community partners, local businesses, and the many volunteers who help support economic development and tourism efforts throughout the Alleghany Highlands. All photos will soon be made available on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page.

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