Regional ReportsEast

Virginia Contractor Named Local Small Business Of Year

Mayor William Ward (left) of Chesapeake, Va., presents the Small Business of the Year Award to Buddy Smith of Russell’s Heating & Cooling.

NORFOLK, Va. - Russell's Heating & Cooling, Chesapeake, Va., was named the Small Business of the Year for the city of Chesapeake by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Buddy Smith, president of Russell's, received the award at the Small Business of the Year Awards luncheon, held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Smith was presented with the award by William Ward, mayor of Chesapeake. During his acceptance speech, Smith thanked his parents, Russell and Audrey Smith, the founders of Russell's Heating and Cooling, for entrusting their company to his guidance and leadership since they retired in 2000.

Smith remarked, "The heart of our company is our people. We have so many superstars within our organization, and it allows us to do so many amazing things. They are the reason for any success that we have had and will have in the future."

Russell's Heating and Cooling, a family owned and operated business, was founded in 1977. Russell's employs 36 people and expects annual revenues of over $4 million in 2004.

Publication date: 07/12/2004

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