CITY BUSINESSES SHINE & TAKE HOME TOP CHAMBER AWARDS

2025 Manassas Business of the Year: Fillagreen

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Business Awards Dinner at Foxchase Manor in Manassas to honor the best of the local business community. Awards recognize excellence in business, innovative practices, and outstanding contributions to the community and businesses/organizations that stand out among their peers.

The City of Manassas presented its “Business of the Year Award” to Fillagreen. Eight additional City of Manassas-based companies are taking home the highest honors in various categories.

Fillagreen is a low-waste refillery founded by John and Beverly Hicks that has quickly established itself as a leader in sustainability and innovation. The business began at the Manassas Farmers Market where it garnered a loyal following due to its unique approach to sustainability. Within a year of establishing a storefront in Historic Downtown, Fillagreen expanded to Fredericksburg, solidifying Manassas as the headquarters of a successful and growing venture.

The couple’s journey exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Manassas, a City that has been known for nurturing successful businesses. Fillagreen’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement underscores its growth, highlighting the impact of cooperation and local support. By participating in events like One Million Cups and First Fridays, John and Beverly have fostered mentorship and joint programming with organizations like Dabble Reuse Center, Studio Luxe Boutique, and Boxes with Basics. This engagement not only strengthens Fillagreen’s role in the City, but also inspires others to launch their dream business in Manassas, making it a catalyst for positive change.

PRESS RELEASE

City of Manassas Companies Received Top Honors from the Chamber

CHAMBER CORPORATE LEGACY AWARD: 

Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian

Vanderpool, Frostick, and Nishanian, P.C. (VF&N) provides value-driven legal solutions for businesses, local governments, and individuals. With over 35 years of experience in the Manassas community, the firm is renowned for high-quality service and extensive industry knowledge. VF&N attorneys are committed to genuine client care, acting as trusted allies through honest communication and a focus on client objectives.

Their dedication to quality includes meticulous preparation and execution. VF&N actively engages in community service, supporting civic leadership, education, arts, and access to justice. The firm’s leadership is highly engaged in the Prince William Chamber and participates in associations like the Prince William County Bar Association and Virginia Women’s Attorney Association.

Honored with awards such as “Leaders in the Law” and “Legal Elite,” VF&N blends legal expertise with a pragmatic business approach, ensuring clients receive practical, insightful advice tailored to their needs.

EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: 

American Drengr Krav Maga

IT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

STEM Solutions, LLC

STEM Solutions, founded by Brad Wilson, uses innovative AI technology to support veterans transitioning to civilian careers. The company expertly connects security-cleared veterans with high-demand roles in sectors like defense, cybersecurity, and software development by aligning their skills with job opportunities and ensuring a cultural fit for long-term success. Wilson’s vision for STEM Solutions was inspired by his HR experience, where he recognized the challenges veterans face in job placement.

Wilson’s ties to Manassas run deep. He helped his Osbourn High School football team bring home a state championship in 2006, and is now an active member of the OHS alumni board. Committed to fostering local talent, Wilson is partnering with MCPS Career & Technical Education (CTE) to hire more graduates as his company expands, ensuring that his success also creates opportunities for the next generation in Manassas.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Lockheed Martin

In 2018, Lockheed Martin marked its 50th anniversary in Manassas. Its site, originally home to IBM, employs over 1,000 people dedicated to developing cutting-edge sonar and undersea technologies for the U.S. Navy and its allies, significantly boosting the local economy. Lockheed’s technological contributions include a $108 million award contract granted in the summer of 2024 for the AN/SQQ-89A(V) 15 system, enhancing undersea warfare capabilities on various naval ships. Seventy percent of the work is performed in Manassas and expected to wrap up in spring of this year.

Lockheed Martin is also a strong proponent of STEM education in the community. They partnered with Northern Virginia Community College to create an “Emerging Technologies” degree and launched a STEM Scholarship program, offering $10,000 annually to 200 students from underserved communities, renewable up to $40,000.

MID-SIZED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Whitlock Wealth

Whitlock Wealth, led by Bennett and Gayle Whitlock, exemplifies resilience and dedication as they’ve contributed 30 years of service to the Manassas community. With a team of 15, the firm has become a trusted national financial partner while maintaining strong local ties. Their commitment is evident in their co-purchase and revitalization of the Hynson Building in Historic Downtown Manassas, housing their offices and CenterFuse, a co-working space fostering local entrepreneurship. CenterFuse is also home to one of the largest and most diverse One Million Cups chapters, drawing 70+ entrepreneurs weekly.

Beyond business, Bennett Whitlock serves on boards like Leadership Prince William and the Manassas Ballet Company, while Gayle Whitlock contributes to the Hylton Performing Arts Center and Potomac Health Foundation. Their support for local charities and non-profits underscores their commitment to the community, strengthening ties and inspiring others to engage and make a difference.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Loveless Porter Architects

Loveless Porter Architects, led by Sean Porter, has built a name in Manassas and across the Mid-Atlantic for delivering high-quality architectural and engineering services. The firm excels in diverse projects, including medical facilities, schools, and commercial spaces. Clients commend their ability to complete projects on time and within budget while managing complex regulations. Porter and his six-member team prioritize ethical practices and sustainable design, establishing themselves as community leaders rather than just an architectural firm.

Sean Porter has been instrumental in Manassas serving on multiple past and present City boards, including the Architecture Review Board, Historic Manassas Inc., Leadership Prince William, CASA Child Services, and others. His strategic use of Façade and Landscape Improvement Grants has led to significant investment, enhancing the city’s aesthetic and economic growth. The restoration of The Meredith House, a historic Tudor mansion transformed into a high-end social club, demonstrates their commitment to blending history with modern hospitality, fostering community and philanthropy.

Additional Winners & Community Partners

CHARLES J. COLGAN VISIONARY AWARD:

Steve Danziger, BAE Systems

Steve Danziger, the Manassas site executive for BAE Systems, was honored with the Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for his exceptional contributions to the community. Since joining BAE in 2004, he has focused on enhancing employee morale and ensuring a safe workplace. Danziger has also played a vital role in community relations and served as the Director of Quality for Space Systems since 2010. A graduate of Queens College and Penn State University, he has held various leadership positions on boards and councils, significantly impacting the local environment, health, and education systems through his volunteer efforts.

AGNES L. COLGAN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FOR ARTS & EDUCATION:

Hylton Performing Arts Center

The Hylton Performing Arts Center, a key partner to the City of Manassas, is a premier venue dedicated to showcasing the best arts programs the region has to offer. Opened in 2010, it features a 1,200-seat main theater, a 250-seat studio theater, and various rehearsal spaces, providing a platform for a variety of performances, including music, dance, and theater. The center regularly hosts the Manassas Ballet Company, the largest professional ballet company in Northern Virginia. The Hylton also serves as a community hub, offering educational programs and outreach initiatives that engage residents of all ages, and is a vital contributor to the arts and culture in Manassas and the greater region.