Washington DC --The annual Chamber’s Choice Awards gala this weekend solidified the DC Chamber of Commerce’s reputation for putting on DC’s premiere business event. An unqualified success, this year’s celebration spotlighted some of the Washington business community’s best and brightest, chosen for their exceptional leadership, extraordinary standards of professional excellence, and commitment to the community.

A surprising twist came to the evening, as NBC anchor Jim Vance, having served as event emcee for eight years, was himself honored with a Lifetime Legacy Award—completely unbeknownst to him. “I promise you I knew nothing about this—I was not expecting this at all!” exclaimed Mr. Vance, after watching a tribute video featuring longtime colleagues Bob Ryan, Arch Campbell, Bruce Johnson, and of course Doreen Gentzler, among others. “You didn’t have to give me this award,” continued Vance, “but I’m glad you did!”

Capping off the evening was a performance by seven-time Grammy nominated performers En Vogue, who sang several of their hit singles, including Hold On and My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get it). Another highlight was the surprise appearance of singer Eric Benét.

“Every year we try to outdo ourselves, to put on an event that’s even bigger and better than the year before. This year, we truly hit the mark,” said DC Chamber President and CEO Barbara B. Lang. “It’s our way of showing our gratitude to our honorees and all our members for everything they do for the business community, and the city as a whole.”

More than 1,300 of the Washington region’s most prominent leaders and decision-makers were in attendance in the Marriott Wardman Park’s Grand Ballroom, including Mayor Vincent Gray, and several city councilmembers. Addressing the crowd, the Mayor expressed his gratitude to the Chamber and President Barbara Lang “for being the leading champion of business in Washington, DC.”

Check out the DC Chamber’s tribute video to Jim Vance, produced by Foundation Digital Media: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GcAfqt3L4M.

Photos of the event, including the surprise presentation of the Lifetime Legacy Award to Jim Vance, are available for press use at: https://picasaweb.google.com/ImaginephotographyDC/DCChamberOfCommerce?authuser=0&feat=directlink. (Credit as “Photos by Imagine Photography.”)

A list of Chamber’s Choice Award honorees and short bios follow.

The Business of the Year award is presented to the company that has demonstrated quality results and proven financial success, fiscal responsibility, visible community involvement, and a professional and productive working environment for all employees.

The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States employs over 500 people in the District, and serves over 44,000 members at two medical centers. Last year, Kaiser awarded over $2.9 million in grants and donations to organizations in DC, and provided over 100 low-income adults and children with health care coverage. This year, Kaiser opened the Capitol Hill Medical Center, marking the beginning of a multi-year expansion project. With a strong financial portfolio and an impressive track record of philanthropic efforts, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. sets the standard for both business success and a strong commitment to giving back to the District community.

The Business Leader of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated the exceptional qualities that are needed in managing a successful business or organization. The recipient also possesses a proven record of business accomplishments, and demonstrates community engagement as a priority.

Mark D. Ein is the Founder & CEO of Venturehouse Group, LLC, a technology holding company that creates, invests in and builds technology and telecommunications companies. He is Co-Chairman and Principal Shareholder of Kastle Systems, one of the nation’s premiere security firms. A native of the Washington area, Mr. Ein is also known for bringing DC its first World Team Tennis franchise, the Washington Kastles. Mr. Ein’s latest project, a joint venture with developer PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, erected a new permanent home for the Kastles and began a development project set to transform the Southwest Waterfront.

Individuals, companies or projects making a significant impact on the economic vitality of the District are selected for the Economic Impact Award, demonstrating significant job growth, revitalization of a blighted area of the city, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building or development, employment of DC residents, significant tax revenue for the city or diversification of the District's economic base.

Eagle Bank operates 13 offices in the region, with five in the District. With $2.2 billion in assets, Eagle has a large portfolio of commercial, construction and real estate loans in the DC area, made to a diversified pool of borrowers across numerous businesses. The Bank’s total commitment of loans originated in DC increased by over 70% between 2009 and 2010, to nearly $450 million dollars. Ranked 62^nd among the nation’s best-performing community banks, and 9^th in terms of loan growth, Eagle Bank has been a strong pillar of the city and an invaluable supporter of DC’s economic revitalization.

The Chamber’s Choice Award honors a local business or entrepreneur with high visibility in the District and a history of achievements both professional and philanthropic. Award winners are selected by the Chamber leadership.

“B” Smith is the owner of three B. Smith’s Restaurants, two located in New York and one located in the historic Beaux-Arts Union Station in Washington, DC. Smith made history as the first African American woman to sell a home goods collection at nationwide retailer, Bed Bath and Beyond, and is currently spokesperson for Colgate Palmolive Oxy products. Smith’s commitment to the community is shown through her selfless work with the U.S. military and organizations such as the American Diabetes Association. She has also created a series of weekly talent competitions, B. Discovered and B. Talented, for up-and-coming artists, musicians and poets in DC and New York.

This award is conferred by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DC Chamber of Commerce, who for 2011 is Gina Adams of FedEx Corporation. Chair’s Awards are generally given to individuals or businesses with exceptional professional achievements and community contributions that the Chair has personally witnessed.

Chris Smith is the chairman and chief executive officer of William C. Smith + Co., a multidisciplinary real estate firm that has provided integrated real estate and property management services to the Washington metropolitan area and beyond for four decades. The group has developed over 6,000 units ($450 million) of multi-family housing in the DC area, and the company’s current development pipeline includes a class A office building and new residential project in the Capitol Riverfront district, a large-scale mixed use development in Northwest (the city’s first New Communities project), and a HOPE VI project in Southeast comprised of a health clinic and for-sale and rental housing. One of the firm’s distinguishing features is its commitment to the District of Columbia, its communities, and its families. The company dedicates considerable resources – money, people and time – to create aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sound, and economically sustainable communities.