ALEXANDRIA, VA-Monday evening (Dec. 16.) the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) recognized business owners and others in the neighborhood that “have gone above and beyond,” in serving Del Ray’s residents and visitors, according to a press release.
The DRBA Awards ceremony was held at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap.
Winners of this year’s Star Award include Larry and Christine Ponzi, the owners of St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub and Piece Out; ougoing Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson; and Tim and Elissa Laderach, Lisa Neurohr, and Leslie Staples.
Outstanding Small Buiness Owner
The Ponzis won the Star Award for Outstanding Small Business Owner. “When they bought St. Elmo’s in 2012, they understood the importance of this foundational spot and were dedicated to preserving the brand of this spot, while also recognizing the need for change for economic survival,” said Dr. Lauren Fisher, DRBA’s president. “They have gone on to open two other St. Elmo’s locations — and if that was not enough, they decided to open a new pizza place during the pandemic called Piece Out Del Ray, which was an instantaneous hit in our community.”
Outsanding City Government Service
Mayor Justin Wislon won the Star Award for Outstanding City Govenment Service. His time leading Alexandria ends Jan. 2. ” From his time as the president of the Del Ray Citizens’ Association to his final days as mayor, the Del Ray Business Association appreciates everything the mayor has done for Del Ray and our business community,” said board member Gayle Reuter.
Wilson’s award will be given to him during the organization’s meeting next month.
Outstanding Citizens
Tim and Elissa Laderach, Lisa Neurohr, and Leslie Staples recieved Star Awards as Outstanding Citizens. “None of our community events in Del Ray happen without an army of volunteers,” Reuter said. “Tim, Elissa, Lisa, and Leslie constantly show up for Del Ray. In everything they do, they put their heart and soul into the community.”
A Successful Year
The DRBA also took time to recognize a successful year as an organization. Their most recent event, the ninth annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl raised over $9K for Cook for Vets.
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