Del. Chris Jones (R-76th), who represents much of Suffolk in the Virginia General Assembly and is a small business owner in the Bennett’s Creek portion of the city, has been named Regional Statesman of the Year by LEAD Hampton Roads.

Jones was notified of the award after speaking to the Portsmouth and Suffolk divisions of the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Jones said he was caught off guard, but it is an honor to receive the award.

“I’m certainly humbled by the selection and the honor to be recognized by such a distinguished group,” Jones said.

LEAD Hampton Roads is a leadership network aligned with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and engaged in guiding the community in government, business, education and other areas.

LEAD’s mission is to build and enhance regional leadership through various means, such as education and networking, to improve the quality of life in Hampton Roads.

The organization offers leadership training programs each year that involve, among other things, contact with legislators in Richmond.

Jones will be receive the award at a ceremony June 30 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel.

Jones also was honored by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce when it named his business, Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy, Suffolk’s Small Business of the Year April 14.

The Chamber will announce the Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year during a special event May 19.