Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of June 5, 2026
Memo reveals details connected with Diamond District legal dispute
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
A newly disclosed internal memo from Thalhimer Realty Partners has shed additional light on a confrontation that took place during opening night at Richmond’s CarMax Park.
The incident involved Thalhimer’s Jason Guillot and Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, who filed a defamation lawsuit against the developers last week.
The document provides an alternative account of an altercation between Guillot and DiBella that began after an unaccompanied dog burst into a suite of the baseball stadium and bit a Thalhimer executive.
DiBella, the dog’s owner, allegedly “chortled” in response to the incident, according to the memo. The incident later led to a heated verbal exchange between Guilliot and DiBella over a piece of property connected to the Diamond District development.
The exchange reportedly escalated in front of attendees and raised concerns among project partners and investors.
Richmond’s corporate footprint shrinks as Fortune 500 count falls
Reported by BizSense’s Michael Schwartz
Richmond’s presence on the annual Fortune 500 list shrunk this year as one of the region’s companies lost its spot among the nation’s largest companies.
The Richmond region is down from seven to six companies on the list, which ranks the country’s richest publicly traded businesses by annual revenue, after Henrico-based gas station and convenience store giant ARKO falling to No. 557.
ARKO’s annual revenue in 2025 was $6.54 billion, down from $7.57 billion the prior year.
The other six Richmond-area Fortune 500 companies remain unchanged: Performance Food Group (No. 80), CarMax (No. 162), Altria Group (No. 221), Markel Group (No. 270), Dominion Energy (No. 272) and Accendra Health (No. 407).
Lady Chiller launches Richmond ice sculpture business
Reported by BizSense’s Jackie DiBartolomeo
Richmond-based Lady Chiller, a company known for producing premium cocktail ice for bars, restaurants, and special events, is expanding its business with the launch of a custom ice sculpture service.
Founded by entrepreneur Caitlin Pierce, the company has built a reputation for creating crystal-clear ice cubes designed to elevate cocktails and beverage presentations. The new venture allows Lady Chiller to apply those same skills to a larger and more artistic market.
The sculpture service will offer custom-designed ice creations for weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and promotional events
Pierce said the move represents the company to showcase creativity while serving a growing demand for unique event experiences.
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