by John Reid and Liletta Harlem

Yesterday at the Salisbury Center in Manassas, the City of Manassas, in partnership with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce honored the business leaders with the Business Appreciation Breakfast.

Featuring everyone from startups to franchises, it was a celebration of the city’s continued growth. It was s time of networking and collaboration at the former Red Bank Theatre, now host to the largest entertainment center in Manassas. As the gathering commenced, Prince William Chamber President and CEO Bob Sweeney spoke of the impact that Manassas’ economic development has had on the rest of Northern Virginia.

“Manassas is the economic heartbeat of the region,” he said to the crowd in attendance. He and Director of Economic Development Patrick J. Small highlighted the accomplishments of each business over the past year.

The showcase of the event was when Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger took the podium and spoke of the expansion projects that are in the works. She spoke of how organizations such as A. Duie Pyle and others are coming to Manassas, and the purchase of the Olde Towne Inn, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for May 13. In addition, she thanked the businesses and relayed the importance of having a strong relationship with the city.

“When you succeed, we succeed,” she said to the attendees.

Afterwards, she hosted a panel discussion with NBC4’s Northern Virginia reporter Drew Wilder, Vice President of Community Relations Emma Asante, media professional Katie Conway, and Noticiero Telemundo 44 reporter Rosbelis Quinonez. They talked about how businesses and media can partner with one another to meet the needs of the community. Among the topics were what makes a good story, to how businesses can better serve the Latino community.

“Have someone who can speak to the community,” said Quinonez. “Partner with schools and nonprofits on knowing what the community cares about.”

She spoke of how there is hesitation within the community to reach out due to immigration concerns, but by having someone who can relate, it develops a trust. Also, businesses should understand that the Latino community is not a homogenous one.

“The message to the Salvadoran community cannot be the same for the Colombian community,” she said.

Mayor Davis-Younger spoke with PW Perspective’s Liletta Harlem after the panel. “I have such an appreciation for all of our small businesses,” she said. “I could not for what we’re able to do in the City of Manassas.”

For more information on the Manassas Economic Development 2022 Annual Report, click here.