By Denise Dunbar | ddunbar@alextimes.com

Photographer Laura Hatcher, the 2021 Alexandria Small Business Development Center Veteran of the Year, has been selected as the runner-up for the Statewide Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year award. The State award recognizes veteran business owners who have made a significant difference in their communities by promoting a sense of duty, volunteerism and an appreciation of country, democracy and freedom.

Alexandria SBDC Executive Director Bill Reagan and Associate State Director of the Virginia SBDC Susan Lee Merrow presented a certificate to Hatcher on Nov. 4.

Hatcher, a Navy veteran, launched her SWaM-certified business in the City of Alexandria four years ago. She has photographed many local and regional events and specializes in professional headshots taken in her Lee Street studio in Old Town.

Her many volunteer activities include mentoring military veterans and spouses on transitioning from military to civilian life and employment and on starting small businesses. She has donated more than 100 professional headshots to veterans entering the civilian job market.