News
Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Committee-Selected Award Recipients
June 3, 2026
Hanover County proudly recognizes the businesses, organizations, and community leaders whose innovation, service, and dedication continue to strengthen our local economy and enrich the quality of life for residents across our community. The 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Committee-selected recipients represent businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, long-term investment, and meaningful community impact.
This year’s honorees reflect the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and community pride that make Hanover County a remarkable place to live, work, and do business.
Marc S. Weiss Award Recipient:
Founded in 1947 by Cecile Hopkins, Green Top Sporting Goods has evolved from a local sporting goods store into one of Virginia’s premier outdoor retail destinations. Nearly eight decades later, the company continues to exemplify innovation, growth, and community leadership while making an undeniable impact on Hanover County’s economy and identity.
Today, Green Top employs more than 150 people and welcomes more than 600,000 visitors annually, contributing significantly to local job creation, tourism, and economic development.
What distinguishes Green Top is its commitment to creating experiences beyond traditional retail. Through educational workshops, outdoor safety training, youth programs, and hands-on demonstrations, the company has become a destination for education and outdoor engagement. Its annual Green Top Outdoor Expo has grown into one of the region’s largest outdoor events, drawing between 25,000 and 30,000 attendees and more than 225 vendors while generating substantial tourism and economic activity for businesses throughout the community.
Green Top’s commitment to community partnerships further reflects the spirit of the Marc S. Weiss Award. Through support of organizations focused on conservation, youth development, public safety, and outdoor education, the company continues to strengthen connections throughout Hanover County and beyond.
Through sustained growth, workforce investment, innovation, and community leadership, Green Top Sporting Goods exemplifies the vision, leadership, and lasting impact recognized by the Marc S. Weiss Award.
Legacy Business Recognition Recipients
For 50 years, Steele Insurance Agency has served families throughout the region with trusted guidance and an unwavering commitment to service. Founded by Ronald W. Steele and proudly family-owned across three generations, the agency continues its legacy under the leadership of Rhonda Steele.
Steele Insurance has built its reputation not only through professional service but also through a deep commitment to community involvement, charitable outreach, and family values. Five decades of service reflect a business that has remained committed to protecting what matters most while continuously giving back to the community it serves.
Dominion Lock & Security, Inc.
Founded in 1975, Dominion Lock & Security, Inc. celebrates more than 50 years of serving Mechanicsville and the greater Richmond region with trusted locksmith and security solutions.
What began as a family-owned locksmith business has grown into a full-service security company while maintaining the personalized customer service and community-focused values that have defined its success. For over five decades, Dominion Lock & Security has helped businesses and families protect their homes, workplaces, and communities while remaining a trusted local partner.
Building Design and Improvement Award Recipient:
Now in its second year, the Building Design and Improvement Award recognizes projects that demonstrate excellence in aesthetics, sustainability, and community impact.
This year’s recipient, Thompson Street Tavern, stood out unanimously among the selection committee comprised of representatives from Hanover County Economic Development, the Hanover Education Foundation, Hanover Chamber of Commerce, Hanover County Economic Development Authority, and the Town of Ashland Economic Development Authority.
Beyond introducing new restaurant space to the Town of Ashland, the project reflects a thoughtful investment in rehabilitation and design. Significant effort was made to create an aesthetically pleasing structure that complements both the architectural character of Ashland and the broader design standards embraced throughout Hanover County.
Thompson Street Tavern demonstrates how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities while preserving local character and creating new opportunities for growth and gathering.
VA250 Historic Business Recognition Recipient:
As communities across Virginia commemorate America’s 250th anniversary through the Virginia American Revolution 250 celebration, Hanover County is proud to recognize a historic business whose legacy reflects generations of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community service.
First licensed in 1733, Hanover Tavern is widely recognized as one of—and likely the oldest—continuously operating business institutions in Hanover County. Originally established as a colonial tavern and stagecoach stop along the historic King’s Highway, the Tavern served travelers, court visitors, and community leaders during the earliest days of our nation.
For nearly three centuries, Hanover Tavern has remained a center of hospitality, commerce, and community life, evolving over time as a tavern, inn, post office, restaurant, and cultural landmark.
As Hanover County commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, recognizing Hanover Tavern serves as a powerful connection between our past and our future. This award celebrates not only its preservation of history, but also its enduring contribution to Hanover County’s culture, economy, and community identity.
Honoring Businesses that Shape Hanover’s Future
The Heart of Hanover Business Awards celebrate more than business success—they recognize organizations whose leadership, service, and investment create stronger communities and greater opportunities for future generations.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 committee-selected recipients for their continued commitment to excellence and for helping shape the future of Hanover County.
To view photographs from this event, click here.
For more information about these committee-selected awards and the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Contest, click here.