Excellence In Business
Reimagining The Possible: Prince George’s Chamber Honors Excellence In Business
By Raoul Dennis
Under the glittering lights of MGM National Harbor, more than 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and dignitaries gathered on October 3, 2025, to celebrate innovation, perseverance, and community spirit at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards Gala. Themed “Reimagine the Possible,” the annual event brought together some of the county’s most dynamic voices — from long-standing family businesses to national corporate partners — all united by a shared belief in the economic promise of Prince George’s County.
A Night of Recognition and Renewal
For the Chamber, this evening was more than a celebration of past success; it was a declaration of what’s next. Since its founding more than 95 years ago, the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce has served as the leading advocate for the county’s business community, representing over 500 member businesses and organizations that employ thousands of residents across every industry sector — from real estate and construction to healthcare, hospitality, and technology.
Each year, the Excellence in Business Awards spotlight outstanding achievement, innovation, and leadership among local businesses and entrepreneurs. Awardees are recognized for accomplishments in areas such as customer service, marketing, financial management, community impact, and overall business strategy. For many, earning the honor is not only a mark of distinction but a signal that Prince George’s County continues to redefine what business excellence looks like in Maryland.
“You’re thinking about the amazing things that they’ve done,” said Guy Lambert, FOX 5 TV and radio personality, who served as the gala’s host. “The theme for tonight is ‘Reimagine the Possible.’ When I think about that phrase, I think about how the impossible could not have happened had the possible not already been set in motion by the leadership we see right here at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce.”
Corporate Partnerships and County Pride
That leadership — under the guidance of Chamber President Alex Austin — continues to attract national partners who see Prince George’s County as the state’s rising economic powerhouse. Among the evening’s major sponsors was PepsiCo, whose presence underscored growing private-sector investment in the region.
“This is a very important occasion,” said Ryan Middleton, Senior Government Affairs Manager for PepsiCo. “Prince George’s County is the economic engine of the state of Maryland, and we’re proud to throw our weight behind the Chamber. We’ve had a strong history with Prince George’s, and I’m here to restart that partnership.”
Middleton added that PepsiCo’s Cheverly plant will play a more visible role in local philanthropic efforts, working with the Chamber on community projects and workforce initiatives. “We’re going to be super active,” he said. “Alex and I already have some big things in the mix.”
Legacy Businesses and Local Commitment
The awards night also offered space for stories of endurance — the kind that remind attendees of the deep roots local businesses have cultivated in Prince George’s soil. Anita Bolden, corporate secretary of RSC Electric and Mechanical Centers, Inc., reflected on her company’s 55-year journey in the county.
“My dad started the business doing residential heating and air conditioning,” Bolden shared. “We incorporated in 1989 when my two brothers and I joined. We’ve been here since then, serving the community.”
Her presence at the gala, she said, was about honoring the county that helped her family thrive. “I’ve been here since I was five, and seeing the county develop over the years — the opportunities now here for our youth and small businesses — has been incredible. I want to support that.”
Public Leadership Meets Private Ingenuity
For Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay (D-District 6), the night represented more than just awards — it was an intentional coming together of the region’s policymakers and business owners.
“Tonight is beautiful because we’re putting our business community together in the room with our new County Executive and our council leadership,” Blegay said. “We want our business community to know that we’re here to make success easier for them.”
That message of collaboration echoed through the evening, as local officials emphasized the Chamber’s role as a vital bridge between government and business — a place where policy meets entrepreneurship, and ideas transform into action.
Celebrating the Creative Economy
Not all honorees hailed from the boardroom. The Chamber’s inclusivity of Prince George’s thriving creative and entertainment sectors was exemplified by actor and producer Trey Chaney, best known for his work on The Wire and for his independent company, Chaney Vision Entertainment.
“I’m proud to be here as an actor and entrepreneur,” Chaney said. “Anything that represents business and the growth of our county — I’m here for it. I’m from Hyattsville, Maryland, so this is home. When the Chamber wins, the whole county wins.”
Reimagining the Possible in Challenging Times
As Maryland State Delegate Jamila Woods (D-District 26) observed, this year’s theme — Reimagine the Possible — resonated deeply in an era defined by both economic challenges and renewed hope.
“It is extremely important that we celebrate all of the businesses that are working to make our communities better,” Woods said. “In the midst of the social and political chaos we’ve been experiencing, it’s crucial for people to come together, encourage each other, and ensure that we not only survive but thrive.”
Her words drew knowing nods from attendees who have weathered the uncertainties of the past few years — from the pandemic’s disruptions to shifting economic trends — yet continue to innovate and expand.
A Chamber with Purpose and Vision
Since its inception, the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce has stood as the unified voice of the county’s business sector. With a membership base spanning more than 500 companies, the Chamber advocates for pro-business policies, hosts leadership development programs, and facilitates partnerships that fuel regional growth. Under President Austin’s direction, the organization has sharpened its focus on small-business development, workforce readiness, and supplier diversity — ensuring that Prince George’s enterprises not only compete but lead within the greater Washington metropolitan economy.
The Excellence in Business Awards Gala is the Chamber’s flagship celebration, an evening that raises visibility for entrepreneurs who exemplify the county’s motto of resilience and reinvention. From emerging startups to legacy firms, honorees represent the best of what Prince George’s County offers — ingenuity, inclusiveness, and a shared vision for prosperity.
A County on the Move
Beyond the awards themselves, the event reinforced the county’s growing reputation as a regional business hub. With proximity to Washington, D.C., major federal agencies, and higher-education institutions, Prince George’s County is now home to expanding sectors in biosciences, logistics, clean energy, and hospitality. MGM National Harbor, the evening’s venue, has itself become a symbol of that transformation — a destination that merges commerce, entertainment, and community pride.
As the night drew to a close, applause echoed across the ballroom for the honorees, sponsors, and supporters who continue to invest in the county’s future. Guy Lambert’s earlier words lingered: “It’s all about supporting folks who are doing amazing things and changing lives.”
In Prince George’s County, that spirit of possibility has become a way of life — one that the Chamber of Commerce celebrates, uplifts, and reimagines year after year.
