One
keeps runners' feet comfortable. Another makes sure Web sites
look spiffy. And a third has grown into the fourth-largest
banking institution in Virginia.
These and other
Arlington-based companies were honored May 16 at the 11th
annual Arlington's Best Business (ABBIES) awards. The ceremony
was held at the Sheraton National Hotel.
The awards are
sponsored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the
Arlington Economic Development Commission. They are designed
not simply to honor companies that have achieved financial
success, but those that have given back to the community and
used creativity to find that success.
“These are
businesses that have contributed so much to Arlington,” said
Richard Litman, chairman of the Economic Development
Commission.
Among the firms honored was Virginia
Commerce Bank, which opened its doors in 1988 with a single
Arlington branch, and has grown to 19 retail branches and two
mortgage loan offices across the metropolitan
area.
“We're certainly very proud to have been founded
in Arlington,” said Peter Converse, the bank's president and
chief executive officer. “We haven't forgotten our
roots.”
Honored as the home-based business of the year
was Content That Counts, which helps small businesses and
associations with cost-effective updates to their Web
sites.
Arlene Weinstock, who runs the company, said she
was “absolutely delighted” that the award came from the
Chamber of Commerce, which has helped support her company from
the beginning.
“My business success has come almost
completely due to my relationship with the Chamber,” she said.
“If you're not a Chamber member, you are missing
out.”
The Shooshan Co., a local developer and property
management firm, also was honored at the ABBIES. The company's
chairman, John Shooshan, said all the award winners shared
some common bonds.
“Each one of these businesses grew
from humble beginnings,” Shooshan said.
He noted that
his firm's success probably wouldn't have occurred at the same
trajectory, had it not been for the support it received in
Arlington.
“We have so many
close friends in the county that we collaborate with,”
Shooshan said.
The award for non-profit organization of
the year went to Doorways for Women and Families (formerly The
Arlington Community Temporary Shelter).
Doorways' CEO
Linda Dunphy said that, in these times where all non-profits
face challenges, having a strong management plan is vital to
thriving.
“Starting three years ago, we worked really
hard to improve our internal operations,” Dunphy said. “We
went to task, and we're about 90 percent done.”
Also
receiving awards during the ABBIES event:
* Pacers, a
family-owned running store located in the heart of
Clarendon.
* Body Dynamics, which provides physical
therapy, fitness and wellness services.
* Advanced
Systems Development, which for nearly 25 years has provided
information-technology support to the federal government and
private industry.
* Capitol Travel Medicine, a
woman-owned business that provides immunizations specifically
for overseas travel, as well as on-site flu
clinics.
Also honored at the ceremony was Pam
Gottfried, who recently stepped down as an executive with
Dominion Virginia Power.
Gottfried has been active in a
number of community organizations, including the Arlington
Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Arlington.
