Local business leaders, Shelia Newman, president of New Editions Consulting, Jeff and Jane Bulman of the Original Pancake House, Andrew Painter of Walsh Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, and Brian Creswick, founding partner of Chartis Consulting, along with The Arc of Northern Virginia and the Falls Church News-Press were recognized on Saturday, April 2 by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards gala, The Art of Business.

Newman received the Chamber’s highest honor, the Pillar of the Community Award in honor of her personal and professional dedication to creating social change, improving the quality of life for those with disabilities and her focus on creating an inclusive workplace focused on life balance. The Arc of Northern Virginia was presented the Carroll V. Shreve Award for Meritorious Human Service for its efforts to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Bulmans, although unable to attend the fete, were acknowledged as recipients of the James S. Elkin Award for Humanitarianism for their support of the nonprofit community through their monthly Dine-Out Days and their annual Christmas breakfast for homeless families. Painter and Creswick both received the Commander Hap Day Chamber Appreciation Award; Painter for his creation of the Chamber’s soon to be released Resource Guide for Displaced Businesses, and Creswick for his stewardship of the Chamber’s young professionals group, ’47, Inc.

Nick Benton and the News-Press were also recognized by the Chamber and Falls Church City acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the newspaper of record for the City of Falls Church which received support early on from the Chamber and which continues to provide advertising opportunities to local businesses. Photos of the event are on the facing page and more are available online at BrendasPhotos.com.