The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Hoedown in GTown was a complete success, according to Executive Director Makalia Records.
The event, which was held to honor outstanding businesses in the county, was held on March 25 at Machicomoco State Park in a tent set up alongside the grounds of Timberneck Farm.
The following awards were presented: Small Business of the Year—first place, Doodles Donuts & Café; second place, The Silver Box, third place, Village Landscape. Non-Profit of the Year—first place, the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society; second place, Heartfelt Community; third place, Helping the Homeless Ministry.
New Business of the Year—first place, Doodles Donuts & Café; second place, Village Landscape; third place, The LC Salon. LOVE Gloucester Award—first place, Doodles Donuts & Café; second place, Village Landscape; third place, Scoot’s BBQ. Professional of the Year—first place, Michelle Green of Blown Away Salon; second place, Dr. Amy Perkins of Gloucester Veterinarian Hospital; third place, Martha Soles of The Silver Box.
The public was invited, and Western casual attire was worn by business owners, Chamber members and fellow community leaders. The “Hoedown in GTown” theme music was performed by Joe Gandarillas. The event was catered by Scoot’s BBQ. Local businesses had an opportunity to network and learn more about business owners.
Tables were reserved and sponsored by: Chesapeake Bank, Southern Trade Realty (Shannon French and Ashley Stevens), Edward Jones (Nathan Hansen and Matt Williams), Village Landscaping/Village Dog Spa, Blown Away Salon (Michelle Green), Sentara Medical, Hair on Main (Deanna Miner), Doodles Donuts and Café, and the Gloucester Brewing Company.
The chamber raised money for a “Barrel of Fun” raffle. Rodney Hockaday of Next Home was selected the lucky winner of a wheelbarrow of mixed beverages.
“We could not have had a successful event without our Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors—Cori Williams, Tina Lester, Carter Hartley, Sherry Spring, Sarah Burney, Sydney Early, Hilton Snowdon, Deanna Murphy and Bonnie Stainback,” Records said.
Chesapeake Bank was a sponsor of the Mason Jars and of the evening. The Closing Shop was a sponsor for the event as well. Aaron Candella with Freedom Rentals provided the large 120’x40’ tent. Jeff Green with Sign Media provided the marketing backdrops for all the photos that were taken that evening. Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism provided the table, chairs and assistance for making the event possible. Tours of the historic Timberneck House made the event special. Sugar Mama Baking provided western-themed cookies. The Pour Cowgirl Mobile Saloon added another asset to the dinner, a horse trailer turned into a bartender service. They served the guests “Cactus Jack Juice,” a specialty event cocktail, as well as beer and wine.
The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that seeks to “Represent, Educate, and Promote” small and local businesses, nonprofits, and professionals within Gloucester and surrounding areas. The GCCC hosts a variety of networking events and educational programs to improve the overall success of its members, and ultimately to bolster business relationships in the local economy.