A Community Comes Together to Honor Local Excellence

Fresh off a Parisian adventure, Kaleigh Fincham returns to the Top of Virginia region with renewed energy and a mission: to orchestrate one of the Chamber's most meaningful events of the year. As Director of Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, Kaleigh joins host Janet Michael on "The Valley Business Today" to unveil the details of the 2026 Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health.

More Than Just an Awards Ceremony

The Greater Good Awards stand apart from typical business recognition events. Rather than simply celebrating success, this gathering honors the individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and dedication actively strengthen the region's quality of life. "This event is a little different," Kaleigh explains. "It really shows the community at its finest and celebrates the outstanding individuals and businesses whose vision, leadership and hard work strengthened the quality of life in our region."

Scheduled for March 12th at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, the semi-formal evening event runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. However, prospective attendees need to act quickly—tickets sell out rapidly, and Kaleigh warns that availability may be extremely limited by the time listeners tune in.

The Theme: Gathering Gratitude

This year's theme, "Gathering Gratitude," reflects the heart of what makes this event special. Kaleigh crafted the concept around the idea of pausing amid busy schedules, growing businesses, and packed calendars to recognize those making genuine differences in the community.

"It's about taking that pause in the middle of busy schedules, growing businesses, and full calendars," Kaleigh shares. "Overall, just basically coming together as a community to recognize the people and organizations who are making a real difference here in the top of Virginia region."

The theme resonates particularly well with presenting sponsor Valley Health, whose daily work embodies the spirit of community service. Kaleigh draws parallels between the healthcare provider's mission and the awards' purpose: "I think about the hands of doctors and nurses in our communities, the way they show up every single day for our families, our neighbors, and our businesses. It's a powerful example of how people come together in service of something bigger than themselves."

Valley Health: A Partner in Community Excellence

Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health, joins the conversation to discuss why his organization continues to serve as the presenting sponsor year after year. His perspective reveals the deeper connection between healthcare and community prosperity.

"Healthcare is an essential part of every community," Chris emphasizes. "It's an essential part of what determines the success and the livability and the trajectory of growth, the prosperity in every community." As the region's largest employer, Valley Health views its role as extending beyond patient care to include being a positive role model for other organizations.

Moreover, Chris highlights Valley Health's extensive community involvement, which often happens behind the scenes. "We have some relationship and some involvement with just about every nonprofit organization in the community," he notes. The organization's mission of serving the community by improving health requires partnerships, collaboration, and avoiding redundancy—values that align perfectly with the Greater Good Awards' celebration of community impact.

Eight Categories of Excellence

The 2026 Greater Good Awards recognize achievement across eight distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of community contribution:

Small Business of the Year nominees include Capon Valley Bank and Summit Events, representing entrepreneurial spirit and local economic vitality.

Large Business of the Year features First Bank, Shenandoah University, and Timber Ridge School - organizations whose scale allows them to make substantial community investments through volunteering, product donations, and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit of the Year acknowledges Access Independence, Winchester CCAP, and NW Works for their dedication to serving community needs. With nine to ten initial nominations, this category demonstrates the region's robust nonprofit sector.

Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates Kelly Botta with Smartypants Medicine and Will Sparrow with Blue Bay Tech/Shallow Creek Electrical for their innovative business ventures.

Citizen of the Year honors Kimberly Wilt with United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Tamara Green from Frederick County Department of Social Services, and Tracy Fitzsimmons of Shenandoah University for their individual community contributions.

Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising stars Emily Windle from Winchester City Council Ward Two, Lauren Clouse from Winchester Rescue Mission, and Mario Wisdom with Crystal Clear Business Solutions—individuals just beginning their careers but already making significant impacts.

Career Pathways Impact Award, recently renamed from the CTE Award, broadens its scope to include educators, CTE instructors, workforce development professionals, training providers, and community partners. This year's nominees are Devon Smith with Frederick County Public Schools, Michael Diaz with Virginia Works, and Sarah Weinstein with Winchester Public Schools.

Finally, the Lifetime Community Impact Award remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike other categories, this recipient's identity stays secret until the evening of the event, creating an element of surprise and anticipation. "You've had to put your time in," Kaleigh notes. "Absolute dedication at its finest."

The Selection Process: Rigorous and Fair

The path to nomination involves more than popularity. Kaleigh receives nominations from various sources—Chamber members, community members, and even self-nominations from businesses and individuals. However, getting nominated represents just the first step.

A committee composed of past Chairs of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Board reviews all submissions against specific criteria. These include community involvement, ethics and character, leadership, creativity, growth, and for businesses, economic impact. Additionally, nominees must maintain good standing as Chamber members for at least three years.

"We want the meat, not just, 'Oh, this person or this business is great to work for, work with,'" Kaleigh emphasizes. "We want the details." She encourages nominators to provide facts, numbers, and supporting documentation to help the committee make informed decisions.

The rigorous process ensures the awards maintain their significance. "They're trying to bring the significance of the award ceremony back," Kaleigh explains, noting that without clear criteria, recognition risks becoming merely a popularity contest.

Community Participation Opportunities

While sponsorship opportunities have closed, community members can still contribute to the event's success through silent auction donations. Kaleigh welcomes creative contributions beyond standard gift cards—themed baskets, experience packages, travel opportunities, or unique local offerings that will capture bidders' attention.

Janet herself offers to create an auction package featuring a guest appearance on "The Valley Today," complete with an orange microphone. Interested donors can contact Kaleigh at kfincham@regionalchamber.biz or call the office at 540-662-4118 extension 16. The deadline for auction item donations is Monday, March 9th, and Kaleigh offers to pick up items directly from businesses.

A Partnership That Extends Beyond One Night

The conversation reveals that Valley Health's relationship with the Chamber extends far beyond the Greater Good Awards. Kaleigh notes their involvement in Business at the Bloom, the Community Leadership Program, and the recently added Arising Leadership Program for high school juniors and seniors.

"We greatly appreciate our partnership with Valley Health because it's not just this event that I've worked with individuals from Valley Health," Kaleigh shares. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates how meaningful partnerships strengthen the entire community ecosystem.

Chris acknowledges the value of these diverse connections: "The number of nonprofits demonstrates, in my mind, and I'm sure to your listeners, just how many people are out there that really have care and passion to serve their community and whatever their particular area of interest is."

Additional Sponsors Make It Possible

While Valley Health serves as presenting sponsor, the event requires support from multiple community partners. Kaleigh gives special recognition to First Citizens Bank, YHB, Zwiesel Fortessa Tableware Solutions, City National Bank, and CNB ...