Hanover Business Recognition Programs

Heart of Hanover Business Industry Awards

(Public Nomination & Public Voting)

Winners will be selected through public nomination and voting in the following categories:

• Destination Business of the Year
• Health & Wellness Business of the Year
• Manufacturer Business of the Year
• Nonprofit Organization of the Year
• Retail Business of the Year
• Restaurant of the Year
• Service Business of the Year
  

Committee-Selected Business Awards

(Committee Review & Selection)

• Legacy Business of the Year (50+ years in Hanover County)
• Marc S. Weiss Business of the Year
• Design or Building Improvement of the Year

Business Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for nomination, a business must:

• Have a physical location in Hanover County
• Be registered with Hanover County Commissioner of the Revenue
• Be current on all Hanover County and Town of Ashland taxes for the previous year
• Be locally owned or a local franchisee that meets all eligibility requirements
• Be in good standing and in compliance with Hanover County and the Town of Ashland. (We sometimes are dealing with issue other tan taxes.)

Nomination Process

• Nominations are open to the public and may also be submitted by the business itself.
• Nominations must be submitted using the official online or paper nomination form.
• Each nomination requires basic business information and category selection.
• Individuals may nominate in each category once per day.
• Businesses and individuals are encouraged to share nomination links with customers, family, and friends.

Top 10 selection:

• The Top 10 nominees in each category, based on vote totals, will be reviewed and verified to ensure eligibility.
• Verified nominees will advance to public voting.

Public Voting Process

• Public voting will open for the Top 10 finalists in each category.
• Voting will be open for two weeks.
• Individuals may vote in each category once per day.
• Businesses and individuals are encouraged to share voting links with customers, family, and friends.
• The business receiving the highest number of votes in each category will be named the category winner.
• The Top 3 Finalists in each category will be invited to attend the awards luncheon.

Important Dates

Nomination Period:

• Opens: Monday, April 13, 2026
• Closes: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Public Voting Period:

• Opens: Monday, May 4, 2026
• Closes: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Awards Announcement

• Tuesday, June 2, 2026
• Business Appreciation Awards Luncheon by invitation only
• Hosted at the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Contest Award Category Definitions

• 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 Business of the Year
  This award recognizes a 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.

Committee-Selected Award Definitions

• Legacy Business(es) of the Year
  Recognizes a business/businesses that has operated continuously in Hanover County for 50 years or more. View a list of previous winners.
• Marc S. Weiss Business of the Year
  Honors a Hanover-based business or organization demonstrating long-term commitment to innovation, growth, leadership, and service within the business community. View a list of previous winners.
• Design or Building Improvement of the Year
  Recognizes a business that has completed significant physical improvements to its building within the past two years. View a list of previous winners.

Questions

Contact Ann Glave
Email:  agglave@hanovervirginia.com
Phone:  804-365-6459