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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

GREATER ROCKVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 

11TH ANNUAL ROCK STAR AWARD WINNERS

2026 celebration will recognize outstanding businesses, nonprofit leaders and community champions

ROCKVILLE, MD — The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is proud to announce the winners of its 11th Annual Rock Star Awards, recognizing the businesses and individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment are making a meaningful impact throughout the Greater Rockville community.

This year’s celebration will recognize honorees in six categories: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Life Science Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Emerging Leader of the Year. GRCC will also introduce its new Longevity Ready initiative during the evening.

2026 ROCK STAR AWARD WINNERS

Small Business of the Year — Campos Financial Group

This award recognizes a company that has been in business for at least five years with annual revenue under $5 million. The recipient demonstrates innovation, flexibility, a strong business and marketing strategy, and a proven commitment to the Greater Rockville community.

Large Business of the Year — Liberty Construction

This award recognizes a company with more than 50 employees and annual revenue exceeding $5 million that demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees, customers and community. The recipient invests its time, energy and resources in strengthening Greater Rockville.

Life Science Business of the Year — TrilliumBiO

This award recognizes a life science company demonstrating innovation, impact and investment in Rockville’s growing life science ecosystem. The recipient helps create opportunities for local businesses while supporting career fairs, workforce development and other initiatives that strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.

Nonprofit of the Year — Sunflower Bakery

This award recognizes outstanding leadership and practices among Greater Rockville’s diverse nonprofit organizations. The recipient demonstrates measurable community impact and serves as an example of excellence for the nonprofit sector.

Entrepreneur of the Year — John Flood, Flood Law

This award recognizes an entrepreneur who demonstrates innovation, resilience, year-over-year growth and the ability to identify and address opportunities in the marketplace. The recipient also demonstrates a strong commitment to the Greater Rockville business community.

Emerging Leader of the Year — Jeffrey Varrasso

This award recognizes an emerging leader who is active in the Chamber’s Emerging Leader community and has stepped into a leadership role within their organization and the broader community. The recipient demonstrates initiative, tenacity and an exemplary commitment to Greater Rockville.

Longevity Ready Business of the Year — Lori McConnaughey, First National Bank

This award encourages businesses to assess and strengthen their practices across customer experience, workforce development, community leadership, innovation and future readiness. 

“Every year, our Rock Star Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that make Greater Rockville such a dynamic place to live, work and do business,” said Marji Graf, President & CEO of the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s winners represent innovation, leadership, resilience and a genuine commitment to our community. I am incredibly proud to recognize their accomplishments and congratulate each of them on this well-deserved honor.”

The 2026 Rock Star Award winners will be honored at an elegant black-tie, red-carpet dinner on November 19, 2026, at Manor Country Club in Rockville. The evening will bring together business and community leaders for a memorable night of recognition, networking and celebration.

Join us as we celebrate our 2026 Rock Stars! Reserve your seats here.

The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce thanks the generous sponsors whose support helps make this annual celebration possible: DARCARS Automotive Group, Westat, Montgomery College and Intelligent Office.

ABOUT THE GREATER ROCKVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the business community in Greater Rockville.

Our Vision: We empower, amplify and elevate businesses in the Greater Rockville community.

Our Mission: To foster an environment for businesses to succeed through our leadership, advocacy and community partnerships.

For more information, visit www.rockvillechamber.org and follow the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT

Marji Graf

President & CEO

Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce

301-424-9300

marji@rockvillechamber.org