VEC is Named Small Business of the Year

Virginia Eye Consultants of Norfolk was named the Small Business of the Year by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce last week.

The practice, which started in 1963, specializes in eye surgery and has seen 20 percent growth in the past year.

With 90 employees, the business at 241 Corporate Blvd. is managed by Karen J. Spencer, chief executive officer; Dr. John D. Sheppard, president; and Dr. Stephen V. Scoper, vice president.

Virginia Eye Consultants was selected from five finalists from each of the Southside cities for the honor. The other businesses were Russell’s Heating & Cooling of Chesapeake; Stealth Shredding Inc., which recently moved from Portsmouth to Chesapeake; Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy in Suffolk; and B&T Kitchens of Virginia Beach, which also has a location in Norfolk.

“Each of the city award winners are exceptional companies with tremendous operations, customer service, employee involvement and the accomplishment of major goals and growth,” said Jim Carroll, vice president of small business for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads Inc.

“The judging committee felt that Virginia Eye Consultants’ operations, longevity and accomplishments were unmatched. This is an exceptional company with tremendous achievements and potential for even more in the future.”