The 72nd Annual Dinner and Membership Meeting

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 72nd year on Wednesday, June 25 in front of a sold-out crowd of businesses and community members.  The venue for this year’s meeting was the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club.

During the evening’s opening welcome, Executive Director, Robert Sabbatini thanked the Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.  “The Board of Directors leadership and guidance has been invaluable to the ESVA Chamber of Commerce” remarked Sabbatini. Chair Jennifer Annis took the lead of swearing in new Board members- Patty Kellam and Will Russell.  Sandra Johnson presented outgoing Board members- Jim Schaeffer, Debbie Cooley, and J.T. Holland for their unwavering support during their tenure.  Chair of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Annis, stated “how fortunate the ESVA Chamber of Commerce was to have such a dedicated group of individuals on the Board.”  The crowd acknowledged with long applause.

Rhonda Marsh, was presented the 2025 Chairman’s Award by Jennifer Annis.  Annis stated, “Rhonda Marsh has been instrumental at many of the Chamber’s most successful events. From being part of the original team behind Shore Surf & Turf to her current leadership role on the Chamber Fest committee, her fingerprints are on so many of the things that make our Chamber events special.  And when it comes to securing sponsorships, there’s no one better. Her love for the Chamber and our community shines through, and people respond to that. Did you know she’s been part of a team that has raised over $450,000 in sponsorships for Chamber Fest and its predecessor, Shore Surf & Turf? She doesn’t just ask for support, she builds relationships, earns trust, and delivers results.  Her love for the Shore, the people, and this Chamber is undeniable.”

Robert Sabbatini, Executive Director of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Commission, received the coveted Distinguished Service award for his tireless service to the ESVA Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  Annis commented that Sabbatini is “without question, one of the Chamber’s most passionate advocates.  Under his leadership, membership has grown to nearly 550 members since 2021.  Chamber events and fundraising efforts have become more ambitious, more successful, and more meaningful with each passing year.  Ever resourceful, you might find him not only leading but also painting doors, climbing ladders to clean out gutters, mending pipes at events or pitching a sponsorship to local business mid-shopping.  Tireless, creative, and hands-on, he does whatever it takes, and always with a smile.  This man gives his time, his talent, and his heart to this community every single day.”

John Coker was presented the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award by Ace Seybolt.  Seybolt stated, that John’s “service began when he was elected to the Northampton County Board of Supervisors since 2017.  John’s approach to all of his appointments is straightforward, direct, and business like.  He is a passionate advocate for the Shore and its growth.  John has also helped establish an excellent working relationship with the Accomack County Board of Supervisors and the relationship between the ESVA Tourism Commission and ESVA Chamber of Commerce.”

Kelly Flores with Mama Judith’s Food Truck received the 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  “Before Kelly became a business owner, she was working three jobs just to make ends meet.  Starting Mama Judith’s Food Truck changed her life.  Through years of hard work, grit, and faith, Kelly was able to help lift her family out of poverty and did it at the age of 22” stated Robert Sabbatini upon presenting the award to Kelly.  Kelly named her business after her grandmother.  A promise made to her grandmother before her passing.  Today Mama Judith’s serves a wide variety of food for our community, and always from the heart.  Sabbatini stated that “Kelly is not just a young entrepreneur.  She is a proud Latina, first generation businesswoman, and a daughter of immigrants, driven by love, resilience, and the legacy of strong women before her.”

Connie Smith, Pete Smith, Pete Smith, Jr., and Karen Edwards of Corner Bakery in Onancock, VA were presented with the 2025 Small Business Person of the Year Award.  The award was presented by Jennifer Annis.  Annis stated “Other bakeries do not hold a candle to the Corner Bakery and is touted as the Premier Bakery on the Shore.  Corner Bakery is nothing short of extraordinary.  Donuts are not their only sweet treat.  They can fix one of the best cakes around, cookies or cupcakes for any special occasion along with incredible sweet potato biscuits.  Corner Bakery has also supported many businesses and civic organizations fundraising efforts such as the Kiwanis Club, Parksley’s Boats & Bucks, Nandua Booster Club, the Elks, Central Accomack Little League, and they have participated in the Lights on the Lawn at Kerr Place.”

Frank ‘Jay’ Abella was presented with the 2025 ESVA Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award.  Ace Seybolt presented the award to Abella.  Seybolt stated that “While a newcomer to the Shore Abella had certainly made his mark on the Shore.  He has dedicated himself to supporting various causes such as Cape Charles Main Street, the ESVA Tourism Commission, and the ESVA Chamber of Commerce.  Abella always brings a big picture economic update.  We look forward to Jay serving on even more volunteer positions on the Shore.”

Eastern Shore Rural Health was presented with the ESVA Non-Profit of the Year Award.  Robert Sabbatini presented the award on behalf of George N. McMath.  CEO Jeannette Edwards accepted the award on behalf of the Eastern Shore Rural Health System.  Sabbatini remarked that “All this began in 1976 with two doctors, two nurses, two staff members and a director.  Today there are 370 staff members, which includes 32 medical providers, 20 dental providers, six who work in behavioral health and four pharmacists.  In the summer of 2025, five additional medical and dental providers will be added to the lists.  The question recently was asked, What would we do without Rural Health? On Virginia’s Eastern Shore there are only a handful of private primary care physicians.  There also are only three private dentists in the two-county area.  The answer to the question is alarming and the question itself emphasizes the importance of Eastern Shore Rural Health to the community we all love.”

Thank you to everyone who celebrated this time-honored tradition of food and fellowship at the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce's 72nd Annual Dinner and Membership meeting!