Sundown Bar and Grill is Williamsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

WILLIAMSBURG — Just over a year after buying Sundown Bar and Grill, Tonya Grimm earned a Business of the Year award from the Williamsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

John Driscoll, of Ace Hardware, was named Citizen of the Year.

The Chamber also recognized several businesses for their longevity during the Mardi Gras awards night at Stone Creek Golf Course Jan. 30.

The Business of the Year award recognizes a Chamber member that displays qualities of leadership, cooperation and teamwork, said Chamber Board Member Mark Gross in announcing the award.

The business supports growth, spirit and overall improvement of Williamsburg, Conroy and Parnell,“ Gross said. The business is seen as friendly and committed to helping people.

The Citizen of the Year displays leadership, initiative, creativity and dedication toward the overall betterment of the community, Gross said. The individual embodies values such as honesty, kindness, and respect, setting a good example through their actions.

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Other people recognized during the evening included John Jones for his 50 years with a Farmers Trust and Savings Bank. His son, Grayson, the current president of Farmers Trust, said John began his banking career with Farmers in 1976 as a teller. He took the helm in the 1980s.

“There was a farm crisis,” said Grayson. Interest rates were as high as 20% for a time. “This is what John took over.”

Failure wasn’t an option, said Grayson. His father had no mentor, he said. “He had to learn it all on his own.”

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John built a strong team and put customers first, Grayson said. “Dad, your commitment … is nothing short of extraordinary. We’re all incredibly proud of you.”

The Chamber also noted that Snap To It Rentals is celebrating 10 years in business and Hills Bank celebrates one year in Williamsburg, its 19th location.

Ace Hardware achieved Pinnacle status within the company for the first time, said Chamber Director Erin Eichhorn.

Bayer Crop Science is in its 89th year, having opened in Williamsburg in 1937 as Holden's Foundation Seeds. It was acquired by Monsanto in 1997 and by Bayer in 2018.

“Nineteen thirty-seven was a long time ago,” said Brett Wilson, Bayer’s Williamsburg site lead. “And here at Bayer today we still try to honor that legacy.”

Eichhorn unveiled a new T-shirt design that the Chamber will be selling. It will be launching its own website, moving its information off the City’s website.

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The Chamber has also produced cards with QR codes for distribution to the public. “That QR code will get you to all of our members,” said Eichhorn.

The Chamber will be putting more welcome bags together for people who are new to the community. The Chamber made 30 bags last summer, said Eichhorn, and they’ve all been given out.

The Chamber has 128 member, said Eichhorn, and they will be the Chamber’s focus in the next year. The Chamber plans to start an ambassador program so Chamber members are can help with outreach and ribbon cuttings.

The Chamber will continue its business spotlights and its events, such as Night on the Square. Eichhorn said the Williamsburg library counted more than 1,000 visitors to the Night on the Square in 2025. Thirty-five businesses participated.

In 2026, the Chamber plans to tie in a vendor show and the House Walk with Night on the Square, Eichhorn said.