Alexandria Chamber Honors E. Hunt Burke, 'Best in Business' Winners

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- E. Hunt Burke, chairman and CEO of Burke & Herbert Bank, was honored Wednesday as the 2016 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year at a sold-out Business Awards Celebration, held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria.

"The Alexandria Chamber is deeply proud to honor Mr. Burke and have him join an exceptional list of business leaders as a recipient of our Business Leader of the Year Award. We appreciate his dedication of time and resources given back to the community that have been proven immeasurable. His considerable contributions make him a superb candidate for this year’s award," stated Joe Haggerty, president and CEO of the Chamber.

"I'm honored to be selected for such a distinguished award, particularly given that my father was the first recipient in 1994," commented Burke. "As a life-long Alexandrian, I am committed to the vibrancy of our city and its future. Alexandria is fortunate to have a rich business community and many accomplished business leaders. I am humbled to be counted among them."

As well as paying tribute to Burke, the Chamber honored businesses selected as Best in Business in their nominated categories:

• Association/Nonprofit Business of the Year : The Campagna Center
• Rising Star Business of the Year: Access National Bank
• Small Business of the Year: Alexandria Cupcake
• Medium Business of the Year: Halt, Buzas & Powell, LTD
• Large Business of the Year: Carr Workplaces
• Overall Business of the Year: Cotton & Company, LLP
• The Chamber also presented the “Spirit of the Chamber” Award to Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker

E. Hunt Burke is a member of the fifth generation of his family to operate Virginia's oldest bank. He has worked at the bank in a variety of roles since the age of 13 and as a full-time team member for 37 years. Burke & Herbert Bank was named the Large Business of the Year in 2014 by the Alexandria Chamber and since has been designated as the official bank of Visit Alexandria.

Burke is active in several community organizations including INOVA Alexandria Hospital Foundation Board and The Campagna Center. His past service has included Director on the Board for Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Elder Crafters of Alexandria, the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross, Alexandria Business Cares Foundation, Friends of Carlyle House and Alexandria Neighborhood Kids at Risk.

Burke & Herbert Bank, established in 1852, is the oldest bank in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the oldest continuously operating bank in the Washington, D.C. area. The Bank offers a full range of personal and business banking products and services designed to meet customers' banking, borrowing, and investing needs. Burke & Herbert Bank is headquartered in Alexandria and operates 25 branches in Northern Virginia.

After the awards presentation, more than 200 guests were treated to tastings from Chef Cathal Armstrong and Chef Christophe Poteaux. Armstrong was honored in 2012 as the Chamber's Business Leader of the Year. Dessert was provided by Alexandria Cupcake, which introduced their new cupcake, the Chamber Angel, in honor of Chamber staff.

The event Wednesday included remarks by Congressman Don Beyer and Mayor Allison Silberberg.

According to Joe Haggerty, president and CEO, "The Chamber's Business Awards is the flagship awards program in the community that recognizes excellence in business. Conducted annually, tonight's 'sold out' event is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Chamber's calendar. We are proud to salute those who contribute to a vibrant and thriving Alexandria business community."

PHOTOS courtesy of Alexandria Chamber of Commerce