Henrico Honors Business and Community Leaders at Inaugural 2025 Excellence in Action Awards

Henrico, VA

Henrico Economic Development Authority (Henrico EDA) hosted its inaugural Excellence in Action Awards yesterday, celebrating the exceptional leadership, contributions, and impact of Henrico’s dynamic business community.

Launched this year, the awards program was created by Henrico EDA to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and businesses that drive innovation, fuel economic growth, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire excellence across Henrico. The public was invited to submit nominations, ensuring the awards reflect Henrico’s vibrant and diverse business landscape.

At a special gathering of local officials and partners—including a panel discussion featuring Henrico County Manager John A. Vithoulkas; American Paper Converting Founder & CEO, Lydia Work; and Metropolitan Business League President & CEO, Floyd E. Miller, II—the first class of Excellence in Action Awards winners was inducted across five categories.

The 2025 Excellence in Action Award recipients are:

• Small Business Excellence Awards
  Brook’s Stitch and Fold; Leo Lantz Construction – Recognizing locally-owned and operated small businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in innovation, customer service, and community impact.
• Community Advancement Award
  Fitness DAWGS – Celebrating businesses or organizations that actively contribute to workforce development, environmental sustainability, economic mobility, or community empowerment.
• Economic Impact Award
  Alfa Laval, Inc. – Celebrating a business that has significantly contributed to economic growth, job creation, and the overall prosperity of Henrico’s economy and beyond.
• People’s Choice Award
  Parlour Salon – Recognizing an individual or business that has captured the hearts and support of the community, evidenced by an overwhelming number of public award nominations.
• Emerging Leader Award
  A-Z Dental Arts Studio – Highlighting a rising business professional or entrepreneur making a significant impact early in their career.
• Visionary Business Leader of the Year
  Todd Mawyer, President/CEO, TK Promotions – Honoring an individual whose bold leadership and forward-thinking strategies are shaping the future of their industry and community.

“It’s an honor to support these extraordinary individuals and organizations in Henrico whose work embodies a spirit of excellence,” said Edward S. Whitlock, III, Chair, Henrico EDA Board of Directors. “The remarkable energy and dedication they display are further testament to why Henrico remains the Home of the Extra Mile.”

The 2025 Excellence in Action Awards recognized a wide range of achievements—from fun, engaging youth fitness and wellness programs to tech-powered laundry service innovations—and underscored Henrico EDA’s ongoing commitment to growing Henrico’s economy for all. The leadership, innovation, and collaboration demonstrated by this year’s honorees helped foster an environment that enabled Henrico to secure over $8 billion in project investments and over 1,400 new jobs in FY2025—a significant win for the entire Henrico community and greater Richmond region.

For more information about Henrico EDA, visit www.henrico.com.

About the Henrico EDA

As enduring economic stewards for more than 50 years, the Henrico EDA is your single point of contact for business development and site selection services in Henrico. Our team of experts goes the extra mile in every initiative and interaction to ensure both companies and residents can enjoy the vibrant community that they deserve. The Henrico community is strategically located in the heart of the Eastern Seaboard, adjacent to Virginia’s capital city of Richmond. Learn more about our extensive inventory of commercial and industrial properties ideal for the advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and corporate services sectors when you visit Henrico.com, and sign up for our Property Now and Henrico Now newsletters.