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Getem Services Named 2022 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year
On May 5th, the Hampton Roads Chamber announced Getem Services as the 2022 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year. Charlie Church, president of Getem Services accepted the 2022 Regional Award. “With the pandemic and everyone being at home, it made a big difference with us. When you’re at home and you see bugs in your home, you don’t like that. We appreciate this and thank the chamber. It is truly an honor.” Charlie was accompanied to the event by his daughter and team member, Carley Church.
The finalists representing each of the five Southside cities and Peninsula were recognized at the 2022 Small Business of the Year Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to the 2022 City Winners and 2022 Hampton Roads Regional Winner.
2022 Portsmouth Small Business of the Year
The Portsmouth Small Business of the Year is RocketBike. “It’s been a crazy couple of years, especially getting into e-commerce. I couldn’t have hoped for a better team and community.” RocketBike founder and CEO, Max Greenhood, shared how Hampton Roads has supported his company. This agency represents both the technology and business side of e-commerce. RocketBike helps e-commerce brands grow their business by aiding in many different ways, such as providing creative insight, e-commerce advertising, as well as website design and development.
2022 Suffolk Small Business of the Year
The Suffolk Small Business of the Year is Embroidery Etc. From embroidering and screen printing clothes, and hats, and now to masks, Embroidery Etc. does it all. Jennifer Groves expressed that if you can think of it, she has probably worked on it, but had not worked with masks until this pandemic. Along with helping the community by making masks, Embroidery Etc. has grown throughout the pandemic by expanding to online sales and providing multiple methods of product pick-up.
2022 Virginia Beach Small Business of the Year
The Virginia Beach Small Business of the Year is Security Technology Group. “It is a testament to our team and our customers that we are here today. Thank you. This lets us continue to make an impact in this area.” With years of experience, Security Technology Company prioritizes family, community, and protection over making a dollar. This next-generation technology solution company utilizes ever-changing technology to protect Hampton Roads.
2022 Chesapeake Small Business of the Year
The Chesapeake Small Business of the Year is Freedom Street Partners. “When you build the community, the community will help you grow. When you give, the community helps you grow.” Scott Danner expressed how vital building community is to Hampton Roads. This financial advisory company focuses on putting life first and evaluating how wealth fits info life. With the tagline “living life with freedom”, Freedom Street Partners strives to bring financial freedom to Hampton Roads.
2022 Norfolk Small Business of the Year and 2022 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year.
The Norfolk City and Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year is Getem Services. “I thank you and I thank my team. If you gotem we getem.” Charlie Church, president of Getem Services, expressed gratitude to the community and his team. Since 1922, Getem Services has aided the community in removing unwanted pests from their homes and businesses. The company prides itself on keeping promises and treating customers like they want to be treated. As a family business with both third and fourth-generation staff on the team, Getem Services is a dedicated and proud member of the Hampton Roads business community.
2022 Top to Watch
The Hampton Roads Chamber recognized three young companies as Top to Watch for 2022. Congratulations to Ocean Sands Reality, ROX, and S2K Hospitality.
2022 Nonprofit of the Year
Judeo-Christian Outreach Center of Virginia Beach is awarded 2022 Nonprofit of the Year. Its mission is to empower homeless families, individuals, and veterans to recover from crisis situations and return to being self-supporting, productive, and independent members of the community.
2022 Entrepreneur of the Year
Carl Spraberry, President of Advanced Integrated Technology (AIT) is named 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year. Advanced Integrated Technologies, and the staffing business he started in 2012, Surge Force, have grown to over 200 employees working throughout Hampton Roads and other areas.
2022 Leadership Award
Bob Pizzini, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of iFLY Virginia Beach Indoor Skydiving, and leadership coach at Elevate Your Leadership, is presented with the 2022 Leadership Award. After five years of development, Bob opened iFLY in 2015. Also, as a 26-year Navy Special Operations veteran, Bob uses his experiences and abilities as a leadership coach to teach others how to develop long-lasting leadership skills.
Recognition of Jim Carroll
“Two out of three new jobs are created by small businesses.” Jim Carroll, VP of Small Business & SBDC Director for the Hampton Roads Chamber, was recognized for his hard work and dedication to Hampton Roads. First coming to Hampton Roads in 1974 as a member of the Navy, Jim expressed his passion for small businesses and Hampton Roads. Jim is set to retire after 25 years at the chamber and announced Jolie Spiers, as his successor.
Thank you to Trent Dudley, of Southern Bank and Trust, for announcing the presenting sponsor comments. Thank you to Chris Rice, 2020 Suffolk Small Business of the Year, for presenting the awards.
Thank You to our Small Business of the Year Sponsors:
Southern Bank and Trust, Presenting Sponsor; Hampton Road Workforce Council, Workforce Development Sponsor; Neptune Video Creation, Video Sponsor; Inside Business, Media Sponsor; Elite AV, AV Sponsor; Chesapeake Conference Center, Host Sponsor; Crown Trophy, Award Sponsor; SpeedPro Imaging, Banner Sponsor; Herradura Tequila, Bar Sponsor; Norfolk Economic Development & McCormick Law & Consulting, Program Sponsors; Jo-Kell, Russell’s Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric, & ADP, Bronze Sponsors.