Uppy’s Convenience Stores win chamber’s Impact Award

Chester-based Uppy's Convenience Stores Inc. won the Greater Richmond Chamber's Impact Award during a gala last night.

The chain of convenience stores was picked from a field of six finalists.

"Uppy's ultimately demonstrated, across the board, their commitment to growing their company and building their community in the process, and we are pleased to recognize them for those efforts," said Slaughter Fitz-Hugh, chair of the award committee and president of CapTech Ventures.

The award was given out during the chamber's annual dinner at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Founded in 1995 by Steven and Linda Uphoff, Uppy's operates 43 stores in Virginia and employs more than 550 people.

The Uphoffs also own Southside Oil LLC, a wholesale gasoline-distribution company that bought 172 Exxon retail gasoline stations, mainly in Maryland, this week.

The Uphoffs began a partnership with Ukrop's Super Markets Inc. in June 2008 to offer discounted gas through the fuelperks! loyalty program.

The Impact Award goes to a for-profit company that has expanded its sales and number of employees, demonstrates innovation, offers a quality work environment and contributes to the community. The selection process includes a site visit to each finalist.

"Each year we receive a large and yet very diverse group of qualified nominees who apply for this accolade, and this year was no exception," Fitz-Hugh said.

The other finalists were:

• Central Virginia Health Network, a Richmond-based network of nonprofit hospitals;

• Creative, a workplace interiors and technology firm in Ashland;

• Madison+Main Advertising & New Media, a Richmond-based advertising agency specializing creative marketing;

• PartnerMD, a members-only health-care provider in Henrico County; and

• The Pediatric Connection, a home health-care company specializing in care of children and infants with complex medical needs, based in Richmond.

Previous winners include American Family Fitness, SnagAJob.com and CapTech Ventures.

Contact Emily C. Dooley at (804) 649-6016 or .