BluePrint Automation named Business of the Year

BluePrint Automation won the 2007 Business of the Year Award at the annual Chesterfield Economic Development event held last week at the Sheraton Hotel. President

Michael Ganacoplos accepted the award.

The 2007 Innovation Award was given to President Bryan Jones of Getloaded.com while President/CEO Tom Winfree accepted the 2007 Community Service Award for Village Bank.

Economic Development Director Will Davis previewed the department's new logo and announced that new print, radio and outdoor advertising will soon begin running to highlight Chesterfield as an ideal location for new businesses.

In other business, school and community news:

Chalkley Elementary School is one of just six National School Change Award winners being honored this year by the American Association of School Administrators and the Fordham University Graduate School of Education. The award recognizes schools that have risen from underperforming to exemplary, measuring schools against 16 stringent criteria. Improvements in academic achievement at Chalkley grew from 40-50 percent to 80-90 percent over the past six years in all grades and in all Standards of Learning areas. The award includes a $5,000 grant and the opportunity for Chalkley representatives to make a presentation about the school's success during the National Principals Leadership Institute in July in New York City.

Tracy Kemp Stallings, chief operating officer of CJW Medical Center, has been named chair of the Chesterfield Business Council.

Bill Girvin becomes the chair of the Business Council Forum. He serves as the executive director of BizWorks Enterprise Center.

The Chemistry Club at John Tyler Community College has received the Daniel Dalton Award for excellence in the areas of service to the college, commitment to community service and dedication to academics. The award was recently accepted by the club's sponsor, Dr. Kristine Smetana, associate professor of chemistry, and the club's president, Robin Turner.

Sandra Via, associate professor of English at John Tyler Community College, has been inducted into the Marshall Denison Society, which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the student activities program.

James E. Triesler, who is the Virginia Region I Teacher of the Year, threw out the first pitch at the May 22 Richmond Braves game against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees at the Diamond. He teaches social studies at Clover Hill High School and coaches a Chesterfield Little League team of 6-8 year olds, including his son.

Matthew Edinger of Perrymont Middle School will participate in the University of Bristol South Cadbury Environs Project as part of the 2007 Fund for Teachers Fellows Program this summer, documenting his experiences and incorporating them into his classroom teaching. The Fund for Teachers was founded in 1998 and is awarding $1.9 million in grants to more than 500 teachers across the U.S.

Tim Couillard, a physics teacher at James River High, has been presented the Computer Resource Team's first-ever Educator Award while attending the 12th Annual Technology Awards Gala presented by the Greater Richmond Technology Council and Capital One. Couillard was recognized for the partnerships he facilitated with local businesses and universities, helping to finance and provide mentors for after-school technology programs involving James River students.

The L.C. Bird High School Band is one of two high school marching bands in the county to receive Honor Band status this year. The band received a superior rating at both the State Marching Band Festival in October and the State Concert Band Festival in March.

Chesterfield resident James Black has been named chief financial officer of Citizens Community Bank. He previously served as chief financial officer with First Liberty National Bank in Washington, D.C.

University of Mary Washington student Ellen Brandau was recently inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, a national political science honorary. Brandau is the daughter of Richard Brandau of Midlothian and Martha Brandau of Richmond. She is a 2003 graduate of Midlothian High School.

University of Mary Washington student Jacqui Newman was elected to be the vice president of the Student Government Association for the 2007-08 academic year. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Ixa Newman of Moseley, and is a 2005 graduate of Clover Hill High School.