Excellence in Business
Best Local Company with a National Presence
Gold
Two Men and a Truck Virginia Beach
The Two Men and a Truck brand is known domestically and internationally, having more than 350 locations nationwide, as well as locations in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Virginia Beach, the brand is known for making moving experiences hassle- and stress-free, whether relocating your business or your home.
543 Central Dr., #220
Virginia Beach, 757-335-6514
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Silver
Electronic Systems, Inc.
ESI.net
Bronze
Hatch
StartWithHatch.com
Best Business Incubator/Startup Program
Gold
1701 Virginia Beach Coworking
As Virginia Beach’s first coworking space, 1701 serves the business needs of individual freelancers, startups, artists and remote employees, helping them to grow their companies by offering an abundance of resources and a built-in professional network. Located in the ViBe District, the dynamic space features two conference rooms, each equipped with a 55-inch TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV and videoconferencing capabilities; a 1,500-square-foot multipurpose space for events; great coffee and the fastest Internet in Virginia Beach.
1701 Baltic Ave., Virginia Beach
1701VB.com
Silver
Hatch
StartWithHatch.com
Best Coastal Virginia-Made Product
Gold
Crafting Happily Ever After
When there’s something meaningful to be said, say it with a sign. This Virginia Beach-based business offers hand painted wooden signs in custom designs and finishes. Owner Emmy Sharrow uses vinyl stencils to paint on designs, and she also makes vinyl decals and wreaths, as well as small furniture refinishing and refurbishing.
Bonney Road
Virginia Beach, 757-309-5265
Facebook.com/CraftingHappilyEverAfter
Silver
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Bronze
Tie
Blue Crab Bay Co.
BlueCrabBay.com
Reaver Beach Brewing
ReaverBeach.com
Best Coastal Virginia-Made Food/Beverage
Gold
Melo Lion Meadery
What started from a beekeeping business, Zeb’s Bees, has transformed into Yorktown’s beloved meadery, Melo Lion. Owner Zeb Johnston makes mead (also known as honey wine) in various seasonal flavors, all produced from natural and responsibly-sourced honey.
Yorktown, 757-713-4885
MeloLion.com
Silver
Young Veterans Brewing Company
YVBC.com
Bronze
Reaver Beach Brewing
ReaverBeach.com
Best New Local Project/Development
Gold
Waterside
The long-awaited, much-anticipated Waterside District opened this spring, bringing with it a grand selection of eats, drinks and experiences in Downtown Norfolk. Whether enjoying a live concert, watching an outdoor family movie, joining in for Bar Trivia at Blue Moon Taphouse or meeting colleagues after work, Waterside is the ultimate gathering spot and the best local development to happen this year.
333 Waterside Dr.
Norfolk, 757-426-7433
WatersideDistrict.com
Silver
ViBe Creative District
ViBeCreativeDistrict.org
Bronze
Town Center of Virginia Beach
VaBeachTownCenter.com
Best New Business
Gold
In Her Nature Boutique
This unique pop-up clothing line is an online and traveling boutique, featuring relaxed and stylish clothing for women. Inspired by God’s creation, the boutique’s goal is to encourage customers to stay true to themselves, while wearing clothes and accessories that were handpicked just for them. Find In Her Nature Boutique at fairs and festivals, or ladies can host their own trunk show at their office or home party.
818-397-6554
InHerNature.Wixsite.com/InHerNature
Silver
The Bee & The Biscuit
BeeBiscuit.com
Bronze
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Best Small Business
Gold
Brian A. Thomasson, P.L.C.
Brian A. Thomasson is a licensed Virginia attorney, with practice areas including domestic relations law, personal injury, wills and estates, trust matters, criminal and traffic defense and representation of children as a guardian ad litem. In his spare time, he’s a martial artist, having won multiple competitions. He is also a published author, having written for The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
1108 Madison Plaza, Suite 203
Chesapeake, 757-454-2110
StepUpToBat.com
Silver
Two Men and a Truck Virginia Beach
TwoMenAndATruck.com/Movers/Va/Virginia-Beach
Bronze
Melo Lion Meadery
MeloLion.com
Meetings & Gatherings
Best Place for Business Meetings/Conferences
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
Whether holding a meeting, conference or corporate event or hoping to close a business deal, Chesapeake Conference Center is the venue businesses trust for their gathering needs. With versatile floor plans, the Center can accommodate meetings and events of all sizes. Their award-winning in-house banquet facilities and experienced staff helps to ensure that gatherings are attentively planned to run smoothly. Plus, their award-winning culinary team creates customized menus that leave memorable impressions on guests, making the Chesapeake Conference Center top notch for corporate event catering as well.
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Hilton Norfolk The Main
TheMainNorfolk.com
Bronze
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Best Coffee Meeting Location
Gold
The Daily Grind
Located in the heart of Virginia Beach Town Center, The Daily Grind is a cozy and modern café with an ideal atmosphere for one-on-one or small group meetings. Sip from their selection of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, breves, French press or organic pour over, or try one of their hot, iced or chai teas. They also serve a fresh offering of soups and salads, sandwiches and wraps, pastries and desserts or breakfast all day, as well as cocktails.
168 Central Park Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-228-3907
DailyGrindVB.com
Silver
Bad Ass Coffee
BadAssCoffee.com
Bronze
Starving Artist Café
StarvingArtistNorfolk.com
Best Lunch Meeting Location
Gold
Sweetwater Cuisine
When needing to add a graceful touch of Southern charm to lunch gatherings, Sweetwater Cuisine is the way to go. Peruse their flavorful selection of lunch packages, which include one seasonal salad or soup of the day, a variety of sandwiches and a variety of cookies and squares. Gluten-free options are available, too. Sweetwater also offers hot lunch buffets. Start with one of their tender meats (grilled pork tenderloin or honey pecan fried chicken are for sure favorites), and then load up on salad, seasonable vegetables and their signature whipped potatoes, plus an assortment of Southern dessert bites. From grits to glam, Sweetwater Cuisine has got you covered.
4216 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 140
Virginia Beach, 757-403-7073
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Silver
Hair of the Dog Eatery
HairOfTheDogVa.com
Bronze
Gordon Biersch at Town Center
GordonBiersch.com
Best Delivered Lunch
Gold
Gourmet Gang
For those days when you simply can’t leave the office, Gourmet Gang comes to the rescue with a tasty offering of bistro favorites. Choose from sandwiches and wraps filled with deli meat, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetarian or vegan, or go for one of their fresh and flavorful salads like California Cobb, Chinese salad or Baja salad. Pair with side items, chips, cookies or dessert bars, or choose a boxed lunch for a complete meal. Gourmet Gang also offers catering for large lunches at the office.
Gourmet Gang has several locations in Virginia Beach, as well as Downtown Norfolk and Chesapeake.
GourmetGang.com
Silver
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Bronze
TASTE
Taste.Online
Best Restaurant for Business Dinners
Gold
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Whether embarking on a celebratory evening for the team or aiming to impress a client, Ruth’s Chris guarantees to make your supper sizzle. Known for their perfected broiling method that ensures each cut of USDA Prime beef arrives cooked to perfection and sizzling on a 500-degree plate, the restaurant offers sumptuous cuts of filet, cowboy ribeye, New York strip, T-bone, porterhouse and porterhouse, among others. Their seafood selections are just as impressive, and their sides can make a meal on their own.
205 Central Park Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-213-0747
RuthsChris.com/Restaurant-Locations/Virginia-Beach
Silver
Tie
One Fish Two Fish
OneFish-TwoFish.com
Gordon Biersch at Town Center
GordonBiersch.com
Bronze
Ashley’s Bistro & Lounge
HIVaBeachNorfolk.com
Best After-Work Happy Hour
Gold
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Located right on the Oceanfront and home of the Original Waterman’s Orange Crush, it’s easy to see why Waterman’s was voted best after-work happy hour. In addition to their staple beverage made with fresh squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec and a splash of Sprite, Waterman’s has an array of crushes in other flavors, plus margaritas, rum drinks, mules, a great wine selection and beers too.
415 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, 757-428-3644
Watermans.com
Silver
Yard House
YardHouse.com
Bronze
Topgolf
Topgolf.com/US/Virginia-Beach
Best Place to Close a Deal
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Town Center City Club
TownCenterCityClub.com
Bronze
Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club
CavalierGYC.com
Best Local Teambuilding Experience
Gold
Topgolf*
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never picked up a golf club in your life, you’re guaranteed to have a great experience at Topgolf. This premier golf entertainment complex combines the competition of sport with your favorite local hangout. A 240-yard outfield features color-coded, dartboard-like targets in the ground, which golfers will aim for bull’s eyes from individual bays above. The final location of the microchipped ball determines a player’s score. Combine this with a full menu of food and drinks, and you’ve got a perfect opportunity for a memorable teambuilding experience or business outing.
5444 Greenwich Rd.
Virginia Beach, 757-544-9217
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Silver
Escape Room
EscapeRoomVirginiaBeach.com
EscapeRoomVirginiaPeninsula.com
Bronze
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
VirginiaBeachAdventurePark.com
Best Golf Course for Business Outings
Gold
Topgolf*
5444 Greenwich Rd.
Virginia Beach, 757-544-9217
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Silver
The Signature at West Neck
SignatureAtWestNeck.com
Bronze
Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club
CavalierGYC.com
Best Sporting Event to Take Clients To
Gold
Norfolk Tides
Root, root, root for the home team alongside your clients and colleagues for a night in Norfolk’s Harbor Park that’s sure to be a hit. Take advantage of group ticket prices, or plan to impress by booking a Tides luxury suite, ideal for hosting an exciting night of corporate entertainment.
150 Park Ave.
Norfolk, 757-622-2222
MiLB.com
Silver
ODU Football Games
ODUSports.com
Bronze
LPGA Kingsmill Championship
Kingsmill.com/Golf/LPGA-Kingsmill-Championship
Best Hotel for Business Travel
Gold
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Designed for corporate travelers and discerning guests, The Main’s Executive Level accommodations exude modern sophistication and style overlooking the Elizabeth River. Hotel guests can stay connected with hi-speed Wi-Fi, relax in front of a 42-inch plasma TV and enjoy the luxurious touches of Starbucks coffee, premium bath products and a 10-inch LCD TV in the room’s spa-like bathroom. There’s also exclusive access to the private Concierge Lounge.
100 E. Main St.
Norfolk, 757-763-6200
TheMainNorfolk.com
Silver
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
WestinVirginiaBeach.com
Bronze
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Hilton.com
Best Corporate Event Center
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Topgolf*
Topgolf.com/US/VirginiaBeach
Bronze
Hilton Norfolk The Main
TheMainNorfolk.com
Best Event Planner
Gold
VIBEvents Group
This award-winning event planning agency in Chesapeake brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and event industry. Their team of event professionals specialize in developing event concepts and providing solutions for creating memorable experiences for corporate and special events.
1244 Executive Blvd., Suite A-101
Chesapeake, 757-810-8371
PlanMyVibe.com
Silver
Chesapeake Conference Center
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Bronze
Antonia Christianson Events
AntoniaChristiansonEvents.com
Best Corporate Event Caterer
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Baker’s Crust Hilltop
BakersCrust.com/Catering/Catering-Information
Bronze
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Best Small Venue for Meetings and Events
Gold
Chesapeake Conference Center*
700 Conference Center Dr.
Chesapeake, 757-382-2500
ChesapeakeConferenceCenter.com
Silver
Sweetwater Cuisine
SweetwaterCuisine.com
Bronze
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach – Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center
HIVaBeachNorfolk.com
Best Networking Event
Gold
BizConnect Hampton Roads
As the area’s best networking group for building quality relationships, obtaining referrals and growing your business, BizConnect Hampton Roads offers many free networking opportunities for everyone, as well as BizConnect “members only” events.
318 W 21st St.
Norfolk, 757-927-5200
BizConnectHR.com
Silver
The Future Billionaire’s Club – Virginia Beach Chapter
FutureBillionaires.Club
Bronze
Central Business District Association (CBDA) Luncheons
CBDA.net
Best Young Professionals Network
Gold
CBDX
A division of the Central Business District Association (CBDA) of Virginia Beach, CBDX is a group of business professionals ages 40 and under who are charged with furthering the mission of the CBDA and are committed to encouraging involvement of the next generation of business leaders in support of local businesses and organizations, as well as creating future development initiatives targeting young professionals.
One Columbus Center, Suite 611
Virginia Beach, 757-490-7810
TheCBDX.com
Silver
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Young Professionals
YoungProfessionals.ABC.org