The Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce honored Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) as its Large Business of the Year during the chamber’s Annual Stargazer Gala Jan. 22. This annual event recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations, and this year’s gala marked the chamber’s 85th year of service.
The Large Business of the Year award recognizes a business that demonstrates excellence in both commerce and community, including positive contributions to the local economy and a strong record of community support.
Brianna Murden, member services team lead at REC’s Blue Ridge office, accepted the award on behalf of the cooperative alongside several REC team members.
“We’re honored to receive this award,” Murden said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to serving our members and community every day. We’re grateful for the support of this community.”
In the award citation read during the program, the chamber highlighted REC’s involvement across the region it serves — including Front Royal and Warren County — and noted the cooperative’s community support includes both financial contributions and volunteerism.
REC programs such as The Power of Change, which provides funding opportunities for nonprofits serving the region, and education and workforce efforts including Girl Power Camp, which introduces teen girls to careers in the energy industry, were also noted by the chamber, as was REC’s annual scholarship program, which will award $20,000 in scholarships in 2026 for students pursuing college or career and technical educational paths.
REC also supports regional food banks, including more than $19,000 donated in 2025 to help address food insecurity across the cooperative’s service territory. The Stargazer Gala also recognized recipients in several other categories, including Small Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Education Contributor of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and the Community Sparkplug Award.
The chamber’s recognition adds to a growing list of honors reflecting REC’s focus on service and community partnership.
“We’re grateful for this recognition from the Front Royal–Warren County Chamber, but the real reward is the work itself — showing up for our members and investing in the communities we serve,” said Casey Hollins, REC’s managing director of communications and public relations. “The efforts highlighted in this recognition reflect what matters most to us: service, partnership and making a meaningful difference close to home.”
