Oct 12

Oct 12 Glory And Honor Among Prince George’s County Businesses

Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Honors Six Business Leaders At The 2023 Excellence In Business Awards Gala

By Chloe Redmond // PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The year's most enchanting gala painted the night sky with a touch of magic, transforming the ordinary into a tapestry of luxury. The ballroom, adorned with glistening gowns and matching tuxedos, radiated elegance and sophistication. The event of the season had arrived – the annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala hosted by the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce on October 6 at Gaylord National Hotel.

**Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Alex Austin (left) shares a moment with Maryland Governor Wes Moore (center) at the chamber’s annual awards gala.**

President & CEO Alexander K. Austin declared with unwavering pride, "The Prince George's Chamber of Commerce is committed to honoring businesses and community leaders. This moment is a thank you for staying committed to not only doing business in Prince George's County but also putting people first and putting the Chamber first."

In a display of regal eloquence, Maryland Governor Wes Moore quickly captured the audience's attention. Moore's keynote address painted a vivid canvas of economic possibilities for the upcoming years. The new governor stated, "We're going to open up economic opportunities for all, not just some. We're going to make it easier to create generational ideas."

Governor Moore also mentioned the recent surge in job opportunities that was steadily decreasing the unemployment rate. The chamber was honored to have Governor Moore as a keynote speaker. Moore engaged the audience by speaking to business leaders during the networking session and taking pictures with the chamber's esteemed guests.

More than 600 attendees, a captivating assembly of visionaries, business owners, corporate giants, benevolent nonprofits, influential local and state county agencies, and distinguished elected officials, were transported to a world where achievement and ambition danced in harmonious rhythm.

With a glass windowed ballroom by the water, the sky made a picturesque evening. It was a night where stars of the business world were poised to shine brighter than the constellations above. Six distinguished business executives and organizations were eagerly awaiting the moment they would be recognized as Excellence in Business Award winners, marking their crowning achievement.

Dr. Charlene Dukes, former president of Prince George's Community College, stepped into the spotlight to receive the inaugural David C. Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award. Dukes, a well-known community leader in the county, deserved the recognition. Throughout the evening, the chamber also honored six more civic leaders and organizations.

The Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, possesses almost 100 years of service. The chamber continues to support over six hundred businesses throughout Prince George's County, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Its mission is to help county residents build wealth through businesses and stimulate economic growth.

It is one of the largest chambers in Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan region and has earned a well-deserved reputation as the "Voice of Wealth Creation" through its pursuit of a healthy economic climate for business and an improved quality of life for residents.

As the night drew to a close, the Excellence in Business Awards Gala marked another significant chapter in the history of achievement. Dreams soared, prosperity flourished, and a spirit of togetherness and commitment to excellence shone brightly, creating a story that will echo through generations.