Non-Profit:
Blue Ridge CASA for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They do this by recruiting, training, and supervising community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates—ensuring each child has a committed voice looking out for their best interests. Their vision is that every abused or neglected child will have a trained advocate by their side. They have been honored to serve children and families in Shenandoah County and are committed to making a lasting impact in the community for years to come. They have provided advocacy for 24 children in the local foster care system and welcomed 25 new volunteer advocates to support this important work. With more than 30 years of service across our region and 138 children supported just last year, we remain committed to standing alongside the most vulnerable children in our community. Together, we can help them feel safe, supported, and heard.
Family Promise of Shenandoah County
Just Because distributed about $25k in items in treat bags to the 900 teachers and all support staff of the 10 Shenandoah County Public Schools this year. They hosted catered lunches on work days at each school plus a breakfast for the bus drivers. They were able to provide cash donations to music teachers, art teachers and the Culinary Arts Program at Triplett Tech. New this year, Just Because was able to purchase a remote controller for the EMT program for their mannequin at Triplett Tech and purchase 40 keyboards for music departments. Teachers are always in need of supplies and they were able to distribute items to Family and Consumer Sciences, Art and Special Education teachers. Just Because had about 200 volunteers contribute time over this past year and they hosted a Silent Auction for the third year.
HOME-BASED:
A Safe Haven for Seniors have been blessed with being able to help many seniors and their families this year. They help seniors who are not in safe homes or situations find safer spaces and proper care - either through placement in assisted living facilities or with in-home care. Additionally, they were able to add in Senior Helper Services to their company this year offering relocation assistance to seniors to downsize or help with home repairs for seniors who prefer to remain at home. They host Caregiver Support Groups and provide dementia training as well. They have worked with 100 plus families for placement as well as 125 caregivers with training and support groups.
BoBirdie successfully introduced a second print issue for the off-season, created to engage both golfers and non-golfers and celebrate life beyond the course. They continued to grow their readership and social media community while providing a platform for local nonprofits, including First Tee and the Denton Family Foundation. Throughout the year, they shared stories highlighting local businesses and artists, as well as covering local high school golf tournaments and the inspiring surge in women’s golf. To cap off the year, they partnered with the Shenandoah County Tourism Department to create a fun, community-focused video showcasing the unique attractions and experiences our county has to offer.
Mary Kay Consultant Carrie Coffey is very active in the community and Chamber. Carrie started the Chamber's Mount Jackson Lead Share and is active as an Ambassador and with the Home-Based Business Council and event sponsorships. She shares her love of our community by visiting nursing homes to pamper residents (and employees), and teach Girl Scouts about the importance of good skin care. She is a board member of the Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter, and volunteers at The Food Pantry.
Her MK team hit the goal this year of earning the use of their 14th car, and the prestigious $300,000 Unit Club. Carrie attributes these wins due to the relationship building and collaborating with other Chamber members.
TOURISM:
Edinburg Mill Museum located in the Historic Edinburg Mill serves as a Virginia Certified Visitor Center for Shenandoah County. Built in 1848, the Edinburg Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. It was one of the few mills to escape "The Burning" of the Valley during the Civil War. The Museum offers a view of a typical small town along the Valley Pike, the history of the area's transportation, and features a number of local trades, such as blacksmiths and crafts such as basketmaking within 3 floors of a very interesting historic building. The Museum is open 363 days a year. Since opening in June 2012 they have had visitors from all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and 59 Countries; bringing around 10,000 visitors a year to the County. The Museum has a friendly staff always ready to welcome visitors and they offer unique items that can be found in Shenandoah County.
Seven Bends State Park is nestled between the bends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and the ridges of the Massanutten Mountain Range. Seven Bends State Park enriches the quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley by offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, leisure, and education. As of November, the park has welcomed an estimated 83,000 visitors in 2025 who explored the region’s natural beauty through hiking, biking, river activities, and family gatherings. Their environmental education team has organized and led 163 programs and events this year, including school field trips, homeschool sessions, ranger-led hikes, music performances, guided river kayaking, and community outreach. Most of these offerings were free or low-cost in an effort to maximize accessibility and impact. The park fosters community connection through a thoughtfully designed natural play space, a literacy trail, volunteer workdays, and the support of the Friends of Seven Bends State Park—whose purpose is to strengthen ties between the park and the community.
Wolf Gap Vineyard has had a landmark year in 2025, strengthening their role as a premier destination and a proud contributor to Shenandoah County’s tourism economy. This year they welcomed nearly 25,000 visitors and hosted 100 live music events, partnered with other local business to bring curated pairing events, and large group tours. Their wine club community grew by 83% this year, reflecting strong guest loyalty and repeat visitation. They expanded their winemaking with the release of new wines, including Shenandoah Cup Gold medal winner, On Cloud Vine, and Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medalist, Clare Sparkling Rose.
Wolf Gap partnered with dozens of local businesses and donated to countless community organizations, reinforcing their belief that tourism thrives through collaboration. They served as a host site for 2 Shenandoah Valley Music Guild Luncheons and Mount Jackson Rotary Club’s Pints for Polio. Their digital reach also expanded, with 20% more website visitors this year, over 2 million views on social media content and 3 billboards on Interstate 81. With increased visitation, a growing event calendar, and a continued commitment to high-quality wines, 2025 stands as Wolf Gap Vineyard’s most successful year to date—a year that reflects our dedication to hospitality, community partnerships, and elevating the Shenandoah Valley as a premier travel destination.
Young Professional:
Mindi Burch was born and raised here in Shenandoah County and continues to dedicate her life to the community. She works full time in Augusta County Fire and Rescue and owns Corner Market Farm to Table with her husband, Ben. In her free time, she is a volunteer with Mt. Jackson Rescue and Fire where she is Secretary, serves on the Board of Directors, and Jr. Member Advisor. She is passionate about farm safety and building relationships in the community to encourage growth and development.
Whitney Minnick is a professional fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, where she has successfully driven grassroots and peer-to-peer fundraising efforts across the Shenandoah Valley (including Shenandoah, Rockingham and Augusta County) since 2017. Through the recruitment and coaching of volunteers, she’s enabled more than $3.3 million dollars raised in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Under her staff leadership, Relay For Life of Shenandoah County has consistently exceeded all participant engagement and fundraising metrics. The Relay For Life 2025 event raised more than $131,000 and had the most fundraising teams and participants of all events during her tenure with the ACS. Whitney can often be found attending volunteer Relay For Life fundraisers to show support and frequently lending a helping hand when needed outside of her job role. Outside of her paid non-profit work, Whitney serves as the Secretary for the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and also serves as the Autumnfest Committee Volunteer Coordinator. In addition, she serves as a Night to Shine Committee Member, a Woodstock Enhancement Volunteer and assists with Wreaths Across America in Shenandoah County.
Johanna Pearson was born and raised in Strasburg, Johanna Pearson has built her businesses, Cherry on Top Boutique and Ruby Mae’s Formalwear, with a deep commitment to the people and places that shaped her. What began as a mobile boutique traveling to fairs, festivals, and town events has grown into two Strasburg storefronts that partner with neighboring businesses to strengthen downtown through Shop Hops and community events. Johanna uses her platforms to uplift young women, provide accessible fashion and formalwear, and support local families through ongoing donation efforts. Her mission is simple: invest in the town she loves and help others feel seen, confident, and supported.
Small Business of the Year:
AD Engineering LLC is incredibly grateful to be located in Shenandoah County. This past year, their HVAC manufacturing company has achieved fourfold revenue growth and aims to double that revenue next year. They have also tripled their staff. Thanks to their incredible employees, ADE has achieved national company status and is now beginning to expand internationally. They are known for exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing.
The Buttercup
Corner Market Farm to Table, owned by Ben and Mindi Burch, was created to connect local farms to their communities. The owners are dedicated to carrying exclusively local products, specializing in products from the Shenandoah Valley. Currently, over 40 small businesses offer products in store, some of which do not offer products at any other locations. Ben and Mindi have worked to not only connect the best products available to Corner Market customers, but to give small farmers the chance to grow their businesses and achieve their goals.
Happenings
Melted Dreams
Large Business of the Year:
Holtzman Oil & Propane
Shentel
Wholesome Companies
