Brian Baker, UMW Center for Economic Development
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and business leaders at its 29th Annual Awards & Gala on Friday, which was held at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. Brian Baker, executive director of UMW’s Center for Economic Development, received the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, honoring an individual who has provided a lifetime of service and commitment to the Fredericksburg region.
Baker has led Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center since 2002. During that time, he and his team have engaged 4,000 small business clients with a capital formation, or net capital accumulation, of $102.6 million. He’s been responsible for more than 1,000 training events and he has helped start over 550 small businesses, which have created or retained over 7,900 jobs.
Baker has also been active in the community serving on various boards and committees, including those of the Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation, Fredericksburg VA Main Street, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, he founded the Typhoon Elite Field Hockey Club in 2006. Read more.