FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Julie Rosenthal, for DC Chamber of Commerce
202-486-3059 / [email protected]
Norma Kelly, for DC Chamber of Commerce
818-395-1342 / [email protected]
DC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2021 CHAMBER’S CHOICE AWARDS—TO BE HONORED AT “STRONGER TOGETHER—OUR BUSINESSES ARE ROOTED IN COMMUNITY” GALA
Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala
Friday, November 19, 2021
at the Omni Shoreham Hotel
WASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 22, 2021) – The DC Chamber of Commerce today announced its 2021 Chamber’s Choice Award recipients. The Chamber will honor the awardees during its annual 2021 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala, “Stronger Together–Our Businesses are Rooted in Community,” on Friday, November 19, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
“The Chamber is excited to welcome more than 700 Chamber and community members to reconnect in person at our annual Gala,” said Angela Franco, President and CEO, DC Chamber of Commerce. “This year the Gala represents a time to celebrate the work that we have done as a business community and the resilience demonstrated during the pandemic. We will recognize the 2021 honorees that have shown innovation in uplifting economic and employment opportunities, advancement in creating health equity, information and access to marginalized groups, and collaboration among businesses.”
The Chamber’s Choice Awards are presented annually to individuals and businesses that have demonstrated extraordinary standards of professional excellence, vision and dedication in the District of Columbia business community. NBC4 News Anchor Shawn Yancy will serve as this year’s MC. The categories and 2021 awardees are:
Business of the Year, Gelberg Signs
Gelberg Signs is receiving the Business of the Year award for its ongoing commitment to the community for more than 80 years. Gelberg Signs work can be seen throughout the city and in many of the District’s major landmarks (i.e., Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Waterfront with Hoffman Development, the Nationals Ballpark with Clark/Hunt/Smoot). During the pandemic, the company supported essential businesses in the District by providing free signage to indicate that they were “Open for Business.”
Business Leader of the Year, Rudy Seikaly, CEO of MCN Build
Rudy Seikaly is receiving the Business Leader of the Year award for his leadership as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of MCN Build, Inc., Rudy established the MCN Build Foundation, which leverages their construction expertise to support educational opportunities in underprivileged areas, both locally and globally.
Economic Impact Award, The Shop Salon
The Shop Salon is receiving the Economic Impact Award for making a significant impact on the economic vitality of the District of Columbia, as well as their leadership in diversity and inclusion. The Shop Salon introduced a non-binary haircut option and provided a price based on hair length versus gender. The company also uplifts the creative arts community by collaborating with the District to provide space to showcase artwork from new/up-and-coming DC artists.
Community Impact Award, Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID)
Golden Triangle BID is receiving the Community Impact Award for demonstrating a strong record of community involvement by enhancing the Washington, DC’s central business district through long-term programming and beautification initiatives. Their Grow Golden Program connects retail businesses, including restaurants and start-up incubators, to landlords with an empty retail front due to the pandemic.
Humanitarian Award, Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt
Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt is receiving the Humanitarian Award for her tireless work in mobilizing organizations and communities to implement innovative solutions that promote health and wellness and achieve health equity. Dr. Nesbitt currently serves as the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health. The Humanitarian Award recognizes her work during the pandemic ensuring that the District residents have free access to COVID vaccinations and free testing.
Lifetime Legacy Award, Children’s National Hospital
Children’s National Hospital is receiving the Lifetime Legacy Award for exhibiting outstanding crisis leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing research and public health expertise with providers worldwide and being a voice to many via the media. In addition to vaccinating thousands of children and teachers, Children’s National Hospital was a pioneer in testing children with the nation’s first drive-through testing site on the Trinity University Campus.
“On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to congratulate our awardees for their leadership and embodiment of the idea that ‘Our Businesses are Rooted in Community,’” said Franco. “I’d also like to thank our event sponsors Verizon and JMA Solutions for their support in making this event possible.”
For more information about the 2021 Chamber’s Choice Awards & Gala, please visit: https://dcchamber.org/events/2021-gala/
About the DC Chamber of Commerce
The DC Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber in the Washington, DC region. As an advocate for the DC business community for 81 years, the DC Chamber of Commerce is the voice for businesses in the District of Columbia, proudly serving a diverse membership of more than 1,400 members. For more information, visit https://www.dcchamber.org, or follow the Chamber at https://twitter.com/dcchamber and on https://www.facebook.com/DCCofCommerce.
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