Biz Beat Roundup Sponsorship
- Rappahannock United Way (RUW) will cease operations June 30 after 85 years of service to the Fredericksburg area, the nonprofit announced Wednesday morning. The announcement to RUW’s partner organizations reads in part: “This decision was not made lightly. After extensive evaluation, thoughtful discussion, and careful consideration of our long-term sustainability, we concluded that the time has come to bring our operations to a close. While this marks the end of an era, we are incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built together—one rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving lives.” The organization said it would spend its final months winding down operations, honoring its commitments and ensuring a smooth transition. RUW, which is headquartered at 3310 Shannon Park Drive in Spotsylvania County, is one of nearly 1,800 locally run member organizations of United Way Worldwide and is an independent 501(c)(3) with its own local volunteer board. RUW’s longtime president, Janel Donohue, announced earlier this year that she would retire June 30. RUW said at the time it would launch a comprehensive search for Donohue’s successor.
- There were 103 homes sold last week in the Fredericksburg region, including four for more than $1 million, according to the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. Check back weekly for the new list.
- The large construction project atop a hill on the east side of U.S. 1 in Stafford County just north of Centreport Parkway is for the Stafford Technology Campus data center project.
- Collage Spa’s third and newest location is the focus of this week’s Biz Beat Clips video.
- Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center CEO Ryan DeWeese is the guest on this week’s edition of the Biz Beat Banter podcast (which is now published weekly).
- Kaeser Compressors held a
Kaeser Compressors holds a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday at its Spotsylvania County facility.
ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the expansion of its U.S. headquarters off Tidewater Trail in Spotsylvania. The compressed-air-system manufacturer plans to add 80,000 square feet of warehouse/fabrication space to the campus. The company already employs almost 300 people locally, and the new project will lead to more jobs in warehouse operations as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades. “With this small shovel we’re going to seed Kaeser’s future growth,” company President Frank Mueller said Tuesday. The company also recently expanded its office footprint at the Spotsylvania campus and added a large rooftop cafe for employees.
- Several new restaurants and other businesses have recently opened or are coming soon to the Publix-anchored Embrey Mill Town Center development off Courthouse Road in Stafford. The list of newcomers includes Cold Stone Creamery, El Jimador, Impact Dental, Ku-Tea Coffee & Tea Town, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, My Home Thai Bistro, Popeyes, Primrose Education, Shah’s Halal Food and Turning Point.
- Kalahari Resorts & Conventions recently opened a welcome center at 5510 Morris Road, a former bank branch near where the entertainment venue is being built in the Thornburg area of Spotsylvania. A May 7 formal ribbon-cutting is planned. The immersive space features large-scale visuals, interactive exhibits and staff who are available to discuss Kalahari’s planned local facility.
- A ribbon cutting is planned Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the opening of the new Advance Auto Parts location at 1360 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford.
- The 6,000-square-foot First Watch location at 10101 Patriot Highway in the Cosner’s Corner area of Spotsylvania will now open May 12. The popular brunch restaurant is also planning a location at 1160 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg’s Central Park shopping center.
- Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports the following recent leases in the Fredericksburg area:
- Kaeser Compressors Inc., 14,400 square feet of industrial space at McK Building C&D, 3004 Mine Road in Spotsylvania (renewal)
- The Fishel Company, 7,993 square feet of office space at 475 Aquia Towne Center Drive in Stafford
- Flowers Baking Company of Lynchburg LLC, 7,000 square feet of industrial space at Longwood Business Center, 239 Industrial Drive in Spotsylvania (renewal)
- Proud Moments MSO LLC, 6,639 square feet of medical office space at 1071 Care Way in Fredericksburg
- Will Power Enterprises Inc. LLC, 4,200 square feet of office space at Doc Stone Professional Building, 24 Onville Road in Stafford
- Benfield Electric Company of Virginia Inc., 3,000 square feet of industrial space at Longwood Business Center, 239 Industrial Drive in Spotsylvania (renewal)
- Charlene Taylor & Holly Gordon, 1,087 square feet of retail space at 305 Hanson Avenue in Fredericksburg
- The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce handed out business awards at its 34th Annual Awards Gala on Friday at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds. Here are the winners:
- Community Impact: King George County Schools and The Oberle Academy
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Brian Lam (of Collage Spa)
- Small Business of the Year: Jubilation by Silver Companies
- Large Business of the Year: Universal Dynamics (UnaDyn)
- Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award: Kevin Dillard (of LifeCare Medical Transports)
“Biz Beat Roundup” runs every Wednesday morning and includes a roundup of business news from around the Fredericksburg region. Send submissions to: [email protected]
