Established more than 40 years ago by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Businessperson of the Year award honors local individuals whose exceptional business leadership leaves a lasting impact throughout the region. Recipients are nominated by Chamber members, board members and the broader community for their embodiment of the spirit of entrepreneurship.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Chamber held its 41st annual Businessperson of the Year Meeting at the Spring Creek Gold Club celebration room, bringing together local business leaders, community members and partners to recognize business excellence across the region.

Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director of the Chamber and the Louisa Forward Foundation, opened the evening with welcoming remarks.

“Tonight is one of my most favorite events,” Clark said. “It’s an opportunity to come together, celebrate business excellence, recognize some people who are making a difference in our community, and reflect on the partnerships that help Louisa County continue to grow and thrive.”

The 2026 Businessperson of the Year award was presented to Laurie Nichols, owner of Bethel Builders, Bethel Brews & Bites and Bethel Farms. Across her three businesses, Nichols has built a diversified enterprise spanning workforce development, hospitality and agriculture that collectively employs 25 community members.

Bethel Builders focuses on custom residential construction projects across Central Virginia, while Bethel Brews & Bites serves as a community gathering space offering food and beverages. Bethel Farms contributes to local agriculture efforts, reflecting Nichols’ broader commitment to sustainability and local production. Across all ventures, Nichols has emphasized workforce development and community engagement.

“One very important aspect is the fact that my businesses are grounded in my faith through all of the ups and downs,” Nichols said. “I feel that God has guided these businesses and has underpinned me in order to be able to do the things that I do inside and outside of the businesses.”

Nichols highlighted her long-term vision of expanding her businesses while maintaining their core values.

“I want to see Bethel Builders continue to expand, continue to grow, continue to flourish,” she said. “It’s not always about more houses, but about continuing the mission.”

She credited much of her success to her employees, emphasizing the collaborative nature of her work.

“People ask me, how is it that you run three businesses? And the answer is — I don’t, not by myself,” Nichols said. “My team is really who runs my businesses. They’re really the face of my businesses. They’re involved in the community, they’re committed to the community, they volunteer in the community, and they are really the ones who should be receiving this award.”

Finalists for the 2026 award included Angela and William “Dino” Goodman, founders of Goodman Excavating, and Scott Randlett, owner of Valet Trash and Hauling.

The Goodmans have operated Goodman Excavating for 26 years, growing the civil contracting company into a full-service site development contractor with 25 employees, many of whom are lifetime Louisa residents. Randlett’s Valet Trash and Hauling provides waste management services to residential, commercial and construction clients throughout the Louisa and Lake Anna region.

The ceremony also marked the transition of the Board of Directors’ administration. Outgoing 2026 Board Chair and general manager of Shenandoah Crossing Resort, Melanie Baker, reflected her enthusiasm for the past and upcoming year.

“It’s truly been an honor to serve alongside a dedicated group of very passionate business leaders, new business leaders, community partners, volunteers, and everybody who truly cares about the future of Louisa County,” she said. “The success of this chamber has never been about one event. It’s always been about more than that, and it’s built on the willingness of people to work together, invest in each other, and build on something bigger than just ourselves.”

Additional awards given by the Chamber recognized organizations and individuals for their contributions to the community.

Ed Schmitz, partner with Hantzmon Wiebel, presented the Good Neighbor of the Year award to The Point Church, noting the organization’s extensive community outreach.

“Over the past year, their impact has been both visible and deeply meaningful, from supporting renovations with volunteer labor, to serving lunch for the entire Louisa County Public School Division, to investing in future entrepreneurs, inspiring approximately 50 new businesses,” Schmitz said.

Julie Manzari with Dominion Energy presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Kaitlyn King, recognizing her consistent involvement in Chamber events and initiatives throughout the year.

“Our honoree has been one of the most engaged and dependable volunteers, consistently investing time and energy into programs and events that strengthen our community,” Manzari said.

Casey Hollins with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative presented the Partner of the Year award to Piedmont Virginia Community College for its role in supporting workforce development, education and regional economic growth.

“A strategic partner helps us do more and do better through advocacy, logistical support, marketing, administrative collaboration, and programming that advances our mission,” she explained. “Their team has consistently stepped forward to help create opportunities that strengthen individuals and the broader regional economy.”

Clark emphasized the importance of local businesses to Louisa County’s continued growth, and expressed her excitement for the upcoming year.

“Every day, I get to witness the strength and the generosity and creativity of this incredible community,” Clark said. “I do not take that for granted. I have the opportunity to see what business people go through and the passion that they have not only for running a business, but for serving this community, and the persistent love for this community and for the love of the people that work for them.”