❤️ Celebrating the Heart of Hanover ❤️

From hometown favorites to rising stars, Hanover’s business community took center stage as the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards celebrated this year’s contest winners and runner-ups. Chosen through thousands of community nominations and votes, these businesses represent the innovation, service, and community spirit that make Hanover such a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. Discover who took home top honors and celebrate the businesses that earned their place among Hanover’s best. 

Behind every thriving community are businesses that invest, innovate, and inspire. The 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Committee-Selected recipients represent the companies and leaders making a lasting impact across Hanover through growth, community involvement, and decades of dedication. Meet the businesses helping shape Hanover’s future and discover what makes this year’s honorees stand out. 

📽️ Video Feature:

P.D. Brooks Traffic Control

We’re excited to share a new business success story video featuring P.D. Brooks Traffic Control, a leading provider of road safety and work zone management solutions proudly headquartered in Hanover County. From traffic control to business growth, this video is paving the way!

Workshops & Seminars

Hanover Chamber & Chamber RVA:  Discover EXPO

Get ready for a day packed with vibrant vendors, valuable resources, and inspiring speakers relevant to individuals and businesses!  Free to attend.  

June 17, 2026; 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Learn more & register

SCORE Workshop

Navigating Conflict & Difficulty

This free in-person session is a practical, skills‑based session designed to help supervisors and teams address conflict early and productively.

June 23, 2026; 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Learn more & register

Hospitality & Tourism Workshops

Homegrown hospitality comes from the businesses and people who know their neighbors and their community.  As tourism revs up in Hanover, we’re excited to offer these complimentary workshops to help your hospitality business lead with heart, serve with flair and create with joy.  Workshops are led by Ryan Allen with Little Birdie Consulting.

PLEASE NOTE:  Workshop registration is limited to businesses located in Hanover County and the Town of Ashland that operate within the tourism and hospitality sector. One registrant per eligible business. Eligible businesses include restaurants, retail shops, lodging providers, attractions, and other visitor-serving businesses. Due to limited seating and focus on Hanover/Ashland hospitality businesses, at this time we cannot accept registrations from businesses not located within the two jurisdictions or that fall outside of the hospitality sector.  If you are unsure your business falls within these parameters please reach out to the Economic Development office and we will be glad to assist. 

You're Too Close to Your Own Experience

This free in-person session discusses how to walk back into your own space and view it as a first-time guest, what you'll find when you do and why it is such a crucial audit to perform.  Enjoy coffee & breakfast treats!

June 16, 2026; 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Ash & Olive

Food provided by Ash & Olive

Learn more & register

The Board Room:  Crafting the Intentional Experience

In this fun and interactive session, you'll make a charcuterie board for another attendee by learning more about them. The takeaway is how to compose environments and make intentioanal decisions affecting guests needs.

June 30, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Vines at Oakdale RVA 

Food provided by Kroger

Learn more & register

Help shape the future of Hanover County!

Hanover County is developing a Small Area Plan for State Route 30 between U.S. Route 1 and the North Anna River (Caroline County line). This plan will guide how development and redevelopment occur in the area — helping to shape its look, feel and future. 

Take the survey here.

Featured Site

The Shops at Rutland Grove

The Shops at Rutland Grove presents a rare opportunity to lease prime retail or office space in one of Hanover County’s most dynamic growth corridors. This award-winning new construction project is strategically located with direct access to Route 301, Ashcake Road, and I-95, offering visibility to over 16,000 vehicles per day and seamless connectivity to the greater Richmond region. There is currently 3,815 sq. ft. of retail/office space still available across three suites. 

Featured Employer

Cascades

Cascades, an industry leader in containerboard, offers sustainable, innovative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions.  Join a state-of-the-art plant in Ashland, VA. Various positions available including electrical engineer, mechanics, operators and technicians. Develop your skills and make progress within the company. Discover a respectful work environment where people feel valued.  New opportunities are waiting for you!