The Heart of Hanover Business Awards
In its inaugural year, the Hanover County Department of Economic Development seeks nominations and voting for The Heart of Hanover Business Awards. The winners will be celebrated at a public event in June 2025.
To nominate and vote, visit the awards links here.
We welcome nominations of businesses in Hanover County that you feel would fit one or more of the following categories:
Business Awards Categories
- Destination Business of the Year
This award recognizes a Hanover business that provides an entertainment, recreational, cultural, or historical experiences for the tourists and residents. Some examples include farms focusing on agritourism, historic sites, breweries, wineries, B & Bs, farmers markets, hotels, resorts, and amusement parks and theaters. - Health & Wellness Business of the Year
This award recognizes a Hanover County business that provides services and/or products in the health and wellness industry. Some examples include hair and nail salons, spas, beauty clinics, massages, gyms, wellness centers, doctors, dentists, etc. - Manufacturer of the Coolest Thing Made in Hanover County
Nominate your favorite Hanover-based manufacturer of goods and products. - Nonprofit Organization of the Year
This award recognizes any nonprofit organization with a 501c tax id residing in Hanover County that delivers programs and/or services to Hanover residents. - Retail Business of the Year
This award recognizes a retailer in Hanover County that is locally owned. Some examples include bakeries and coffee shops, clothing boutiques, hardware, thrift, gifts, décor, jewelry, and pet supplies. - Restaurant of the Year
This award recognizes a restaurant where a meal is served on or from the premises located in Hanover County or mobile truck with a Hanover business registration. - Service Business of the Year
This award recognizes a Hanover business that has a Hanover location that serves the residents of Hanover County. Examples include accounting, banking, financial planning, engineering, law, technology, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, contractors, handyman, cleaning, pet grooming and boarding, roofing, etc.
Selection Process
- Nominations for all awards will be open from 6 am April 14, 2025 until midnight on May 1, 2025. Nominations can be self-nominated or from the public. You can vote once a day.
- Nominations will be verified to ensure the businesses meet the criteria and award guidelines.
- The more nominations received; the more chances a business will make it to the Top 10.
- Once approved to move forward, the nominations will be listed under their category for a public vote.
- The public voting will open on 6 am on May 5, 2025, and close on midnight May 16, 2025. The business with the most votes in their category will win their category.
- Nominations and public voting require a paper or online form to be completed. Paper ballots for nominations will be available on April 14th. Paper ballots for the public voting will be available on May 5th. Paper ballots will be at the Hanover County Economic Development office located at 8200 Center Path Lane, Suite #E, Mechanicsville, during office hours of Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Business Eligibility Criteria
- Any business with a physical location in Hanover County is eligible.
- The Hanover Business must be current on all Hanover taxes.
- The Hanover Business must be registered with Hanover County.
- Local franchisee owners are eligible if they meet the above criteria.
Prize Opportunity for Nominators
Participants in the nomination round who nominate a business in each of the seven (7) categories will be entered to win a prize valued at $158. One winner will be randomly selected with 14 days from the beginning date of the voting round on May 5th. See awards program link for prize description.
Awards Announcement
The Heart of Hanover Business Award winners will be announced at a luncheon event on June 11, 2025. Winners will receive a plaque, the recognition they deserve, and an opportunity for some great public relations exposure. The Hanover County Department of Economic Development will publish a Press Release after the awards ceremony, and an ad will appear in The Richmond Times Dispatch the following day on June 12, 2025.
Questions
Contact Ann Glave, Existing Business & Project Manager at Hanover County Economic Development
Email: agglave@hanovervirginia.com
Phone: 804-365-6459
For Businesses Only
- Program Guidelines and Sample Social Media Posts: Click here for PDF file.
- The Heart of Hanover Logo: Image file
- Nomination Social Media Image (for use during April 14 – May 1, 2025): Image File
- Voting Social Media Image (for use during May 5 – May 16, 2025): Image File
Are you a Legacy Company in Hanover County?
Yes, my business has operated in Hanover County for 50 years or more. Please add my information.
Hanover has a large number of local companies and agriculture-based businesses that form the foundation of our economy. Upon completing 50 years of operation in Hanover County, companies are recognized as Legacy Companies during our Annual Business Appreciation Event. Since the inception of celebrating Legacy Businesses beginning in 2018, Hanover County has recognized 63 companies and agriculture-based operations.