Vienna Business Association co-founders, Kathy Georgen and DH Scarborough, were honored with VBA’s “Tribute” award for their vision, dedication, and steadfastness to the business association’s core values. Photo courtesy of Vienna Business Association
The Vienna Business Association (VBA) honored its most outstanding 2016 volunteers at the business chamber’s first awards gala held on April 9 at DeSales Hall of Our Lady of Good Counsel. More than 75 bought tickets for the festive dinner and awards program. A swing band, King Teddy, played throughout the four-hour event, during which guests bid on silent auction merchandise and services. Door prizes went out to several attendees, as well. Jennifer Nycz-Conner, editor-at-large of the Washington Business Journal hosted, and VBA Chairman of the Board Mary Kay Claus introduced the awards winners. On hand was U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) to congratulate VBA with entry into the U.S. Congressional Record lauding the young business association’s accomplishments in its three-and-a-half year lifetime.
“You know that Congress is not unanimous on much but this went through with no opposition,” Connolly said.
Members of the 180-member association were invited to nominate their colleagues for the awards; the board of directors voted on the nominees and eight volunteers were recognized.
VBA’s first award of the evening, the "Honorary Community Involvement Award," was presented to John Lane, of W.T.G Properties. Lane’s business property adjoins the caboose on Church Street and the business owner donates the use of his property for town events, from Oktoberfest to ViVa! Vienna! and more.
Town of Vienna mayor Laurie DiRocco received the “Gratitude” award. Claus credited the town’s elected and appointed officials for their support of the partnership of community and businesses within the town. Claus called 2015 a “spectacular year for this award.”
The “Unsung Champion” award went to Town Councilwoman Carey Sienicki.
VBA identified Sienicki as a person “always available in the true meaning of growing and maintaining a community spirit and to do whatever might need bolstering at every and any event sponsored … without being asked knows exactly what needs doing-always with a smile.”
Viva Tysons publisher Johnny Hanna received the “Photo Historian Award” --- and not because it was his birthday. Hanna was described as someone who “selflessly takes photos or through many forms of promotional media usage chronicles all of the VBA’s memorable moments, triumphs in the business accomplishments and community presentations.”
Nathaniel Hoelk took the “Young Professionals' Mentor” award. Hoelk, owner of two Urban Mattress stores, created an arm of VBA dedicated to the younger generation of entrepreneurs. Hoelk spearheads VBA’s young professionals network, taking it upon himself to organize young professionals within the community of businesses and residents to exchange ideas building a business.
The “Hospitality Associate Extraordinaire” award went to good-neighbor-business-owner Victor Mendes of Vienna Vintner.
This award was given to the restaurateur or other food/beverage-related business that has stood behind the VBA all year and has been willing to extend their services and their venue on behalf of their commitment to the Vienna Business Association.
Kathy Georgen and DH Scarborough, co-founders of the Vienna Business Association, were honored with VBA’s “Tribute” award.
A special award and honor went to VBA Chairman Mary Kay Claus for her dedication and effort to bring the awards gala to fruition. After the original venue closed its business in January, Claus and her team secured an alternate venue and headed the direction the gala was to take.