The Virginia Peninsula Chamber's First Citizen Award is presented to an individual who is widely recognized as an influential leader and role model in the Peninsula business community. The awardee must be a person of strong character and integrity who has leveraged his/her time, talents and resources toward the betterment of the Virginia Peninsula community.
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber recognized William B. Downey and William R. Ermatinger as their 2022 First Citizens at the Inaugural First Citizen Gala; which was held at the Holiday Inn Newport News – Hampton on Saturday, March 11, 2023.