Chamber
STANDARD PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA
November 2013 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 31 • Number 11
Regional businesses find new opportunities at 2013 Business Expo
Focus
on...
Affordable Health Care Act
Fredericksburg-area businesses joined together to network and meet potential new customers at the first annual Chamber Business Expo. More than 130 businesses operated display booths at the Oct. 16 event held at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. For seven hours, business owners and managers introduced themselves
to potential clients, often offering samples of their goods and services. The exhibitors also got to better know their colleagues in the business community, laying the groundwork
for future partnerships and sales. “Relationships truly are the keys to business success,” Chamber President Susan Spears said. “The Chamber was proud to offer this
opportunity of business people from across the Fredericksburg Region to make the connections that will help them prosper both now and in the future.”
The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors that made possible the 2013 Business Expo:
AHCA........................... 10-11
Trailblazer
Title Sponsor The Fredericksburg Expo Center Platinum Sponsors Fantasy World Entertainment Pancho Villa Restaurant
Infinity Technologies.........4
Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic Fredericksburg Host Lions Club St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Non-Profit Corner................7
Seminar Corner Seminar Corner....................6
Financial Corner Need for Professional Liability Insurance A need-to-know checklist on long-term care Financial Corner....... page 8
Business Link...................... 19
Gold Sponsor NSWC Federal Credit Union Silver Sponsors Courtyard by Marriott Stafford-Quantico Minuteman Press Media Sponsors The Free Lance-Star Media Companies The Star Radio Group
Gen. Buchanan to speak at MAC Report to the Community Maj. Gen. Jeffery S. Buchanan, USA, will deliver the keynote address at the Military Affairs Council’s Report to the Community. Gen. Buchanan serves as Commander, Joint Forces Headquarters, National Capital Region. He will focus his remarks on leadership lessons he has learned throughout his career, including during multiple deployments to Iraq. Gen. Buchanan was commissioned a Lieutenant of Infantry in May 1982 after graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology. He also holds a Master of Arts in Leadership Development from the United States Military Academy. His duty assignments include command and staff positions within the 82nd Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 101st Airborne Division. He also served as a Company and
Battalion Tactical Officer at the U.S. Military Academy. From 1995-97 he served as the Director for Operations (J3) of Joint Task Force Full Accounting until returning to the 101st Airborne Division to serve as the Battalion Commander of 3-187th Infantry from 1999-2001. He also served as a Senior Light Infantry Task Force Trainer at the National Training Center from 2001-02. From 2003-04, Gen. Buchanan was assigned to the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning as the Director of Combat Developments, but served most of that year deployed to Iraq as the Director of Operations (C3), Coalition Military Assistance Training Team. From 2004-06, he commanded the 2nd Brigade, 75th Division (TSB) and deployed a second time to Iraq to serve as an advisor to the Iraqi Special Continued on page 3
The Military Affairs Council would like to thank the following sponsors for making possible the 2013 Report to the Community: Title Sponsor
Maj. Gen. Jeffery S. Buchanan, USA
MAC Report to the Community 5:30-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25 UMW Jepson Alumni Executive Center
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICERS Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare Mike Fidgeon, Vice Chair, Providence Service Corporation Mark Steele, Immediate Past Chair, The Title Professionals, LLC Andy Kerr, Treasurer, StellarOne Susan Spears, President, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
elected directors Mona Albertine, Jabberwocky Inc. Gene Bailey, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance Nick Cadwallender, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Cos. Greg Calvert, Kloke Transfer Maria Franklin, Union First Market Bank Adam Fried, Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Bill Hession, Lockheed Martin Kathy Hoffman, Mary Kay Cosmetics Richard Hurley, University of Mary Washington Regis Keddie II, Davenport & Co. Hart Rutherford, SimVentions Shawn Sloan, The Media Partners, LLC Woody Van Valkenburgh, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Eric Watkins, Infinity Technologies Joe Wilson, PermaTreat Pest Control
legal counsel Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson PC
chamber staff Michele Renee Dooling, Director of Finance & Human Resources, michele@ fredericksburgchamber.org Mary Garber, Director of Programs & Administration, mary@fredericksburgchamber.org. Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org
President’s Perspective
Chamber to honor members who offer leadership, give back to community
By Susan Spears As we enter an extended season of thanksgiving, we must salute those who offer their time, talents and treasure to help others. These men and women provide the leadership that keeps our economy humming and unselfishly support a wide array of charitable causes. Over the next three months, we will honor some of these folks – and their businesses – with a series of awards that highlight their community leadership. Please join us for the 12th annual Chamber Goodwill Awards, which honor businesses that have contributed significantly to the nonprofit community. We’re going to present three awards – one to a business with more than 75 employees, one to a business with between 16 and 75 employees, and one to a business with 15 or fewer employees. Although the nomination window for these honors has closed, we look forward to seeing you on Nov. 13 for the Goodwill Awards ceremony. On Nov. 25, our Military Affairs Council will present its second annual Military Friendly Business Award,
which honors a local company that supports and helps our military, our military families and veterans. Three years ago, the Chamber and our region lost a dear friend with the passing of Laurie Wideman. Laurie was an entrepreneur and community leader who worked tirelessly to help others. At the Dec. 10 CNEW Luncheon, we will present the fourth annual Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award to a female Chamber member who shows leadership and integrity. The Next Generation of Business Leaders will unveil its Top 10 of the Next Gen winners at a special December event. The honorees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the business environment and for innovative approaches to both business and civic participation. Finally, in January, we will hold our annul Chamber Awards when we present present our Business of the Year Awards, our Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award. I encourage all of you to think carefully about individuals and businesses worthy of these honors and then nominate them by calling the Chamber office or e-mailing whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org. We have much to be thankful for, including some of the finest leaders to be found in this nation. Please help us to honor them submitting your nominations today! Susan Spears is president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support, stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org
Amanda Montelongo, Member Services Assistant, amanda@fredericksburgchamber.org Susan Spears, President, susan@fredericksburgchamber.org Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services, whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org
contact information
Re R N ad en ew y ov ly fo at r T ed en an ts
Sheri Kroskie, Member Services Assistant, sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org Tricia Benson Matthews, Membership Account Executive, Tricia@fredericksburgchamber.org
Open your business
where the flowers bloom ...
Telephone 540-373-9400 Facsimile 540-373-9570 Internet
www.fredericksburgchamber.org
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mission The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate healthy economic growth.
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November, 2013 • ChamberLink
Chairman’s Report In season of gratitude, pause to thank a veteran We are approaching that time of year when we traditionally pause, reflect and give thanks for our good fortune. If you spend all of your time watching the news, you can easily forget how blessed we are as a community and a nation. Even in a shaky economy, we enjoy a level of prosperity that many in the world can only dream of. We have loud political agreements, yet we settle them legally and politically rather than with weapons. As we give thanks for such good fortune, we should never forget the men and women of our armed forces, who help make possible our freedom and prosperity. I find it appropriate that we celebrate Thanksgiving and Veterans Day in the same month. Kathryn Wall We owe a debt of gratitude that we can never truly repay to the thousands of men and women who have defended our nation in times of war and peace. We need to give an extra special thanks to those who served during World War II and the Korean War. The members of this Greatest Generation are now dying off at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. If you know a World War II veteran, I encourage you to take time and talk to them – if they are interested – about their experiences. This is precious history that we must preserve and learn from. Make an effort this month to speak to all of the veterans you know – whether they served in combat or not – and thank them for their service to America. As you’re going about your holiday shopping, take time when you see men and women in uniform to thank them for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe from harm. Give thanks this month for all of the material blessings we enjoy. And be sure to take a moment and to express gratitude to those who have and still are making all of this possible. Kathryn Wall is Executive Vice President for Human Resource and Organizational Development for Mary Washington Healthcare.
Report to the Community Continued from page 1 Police Commando Division. Upon his return, he served as the Director of Operations for U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas until November 2007. From 2007-09, he served as Deputy Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY, including a deployment to Iraq as the Multi-National Division-South. Following an assignment as the G-3/5/7 for the United States Army Reserve Command, he returned to Iraq as the Director of Strategic Effects (J9), U.S. Forces Iraq, from July 2010-December 2011. He most recently served as the Deputy Commanding General, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. In addition to meeting Gen. Buchanan, attendees at the Report to the Community will get an update on the MAC’s activities in 2013. Reser ve your place today by e-mailing stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org or by calling (540) 373-9400.
The Chamber’s monthly roundtables - Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford will take a break for the month of November. The roundtables will return to their regularly scheduled times in December.
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Ribbon Cutting EtherSpeak, Inc. 150 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 207 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 No charge to attend. Come out and celebrate EtherSpeak’s new location!
COMMERCIAL LENDER WANTED Commercial Lender – Fredericksburg, VA This position will promote and provide business financial products to local businesses and will build and maintain customer relationships that include loans, cash management services, and deposit products. The COMMERCIAL LENDER WILL: Q Market and prospect for high quality commercial loans. Q Analyze detailed loan applications including the collection of financial history, and identifying specific credit risk. Q Make loan decisions, recommendations, and verbal presentations to the bank’s board of directors. Q Monitor business lines of credit, borrowing bases, and collateral valuation. Q Manage portfolio risk according to the bank’s commercial credit risk rating standards and commercial enterprise risk analysis model. Q Monitor and collect delinquent and defaulted loans. Q Promote and cross-sell products and services to businesses and their related owners. JOB REQUIREMENTS Q Bachelor’s Degree in finance or business and/or five years of commercial lending experience. Q Strong knowledge of banking products and services. Q Positive professional relationship skills with business clients, management and coworkers. Q Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Send resume to rphelps@peoplescommunitybank.biz Equal Opportunity Employer
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Trailblazers
Are you ready for the end of Windows XP?
By now you may have heard some of the warnings about the impending end-of-life date for Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system. Despite its age, Windows XP still holds a remarkable 37 percent market share of desktop operating systems worldwide. As of April 8, 2014, these systems will no longer receive support and critical security updates from Microsoft, leaving them wide open to attacks. Microsoft routinely issues updates and patches to improve performance and fix security holes in the now 12-year-old version of Windows. Additionally, when Microsoft detects a critical bug that is heavily exploited by hackers, it will issue security updates as quickly as possible instead of waiting for its routine monthly patch schedule. According to security expert Jason Fossen, the average selling price on the black market today for a Windows XP exploit is said to be around $50,000 to $150,000. Commonly when hackers discover and publish a reliable XP vulnerability, Microsoft will push to patch it rapidly, because the price for the vulnerability could easily double on the black market if it isn’t patched quickly. A newly discovered vulnerability is commonly referred to as a “zero-day” threat, meaning that software developers have had zero days to address the flaw. More than likely, cybercriminals have already discovered several “zero-day” vulnerabilities that they are waiting to release until after the April 8 end-of-support date.
In addition to the end of support for Windows XP, 2014 will also mark the end of support for Microsoft Server 2003 and Office 2003/2007. As a direct result, many of the software developers who have created applications for XP will end support of those products as well. After April 8, they will have no reason to continue investing resources to support these legacy applications. This could cause serious implications for XP users, as several popular line-of-business software applications will be affected. As we approach the end of the year and begin planning for 2014, now is a good time to evaluate the computer infrastructure of your business. Take some time to assess all of the desktops, portable devices, and remote users to determine how many of them use XP. Also be sure to consider less obvious items like Security Systems, Security Cameras, Point of Sale Workstations, and others. If you determine they are running Windows XP, replacements will eventually be necessary. After this evaluation period, take time to develop an upgrade and migration plan in order to minimize disruptions and potential downtime. Infinity Technologies is a Microsoft certified IT consultant and service provider for Small and Mid-sized Businesses. For more information: www.it-va.com.
Time running out to get tickets to 2013 Chamber Goodwill Awards Less than two weeks remain until the Chamber and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries will host a celebration of area businesses that give back to the community. Join us Nov. 13 at RGI’s beautiful new Community Center for the 2013 Chamber Goodwill Awards. The honors will go to businesses that have contributed significantly to the non-profit community through financial gifts, in-kind donations of goods or services or sponsorship of employee volunteerism. RGI and the Chamber will present three awards: one to a business with more than 75 employees, one to a business with between 16 and 75 employees, and one to a business with 15 or fewer employees. Title Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors Atlantic Builders, Ltd. EXIT Realty Expertise Kloke Mayflower What 12th Annual Chamber Goodwill Awards When 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 Where Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Community Center 4701 Market St. Cost $15 for Chamber members; $25 for general public To Register Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org, e-mail stacey@ frederickbsurgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400.
Business After Hours Where Holiday Inn Express, 5422 Jefferson Davis Hwy. When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14 Cost No charge to attend Come out for an evening of networking at the newly opened Holiday Inn Express at Southpoint!
JIM BOWEN'S
Area professionals get skills updates at Workforce NOW series Workforce NOW helped local business leaders sharpen their skills at its Professional Development series held throughout October. Series topics ranged from decision making to business etiquette to dealing with difficult colleagues. The sessions took place at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg-area campus.
Participants earned CEU’s and received a Professional Development Certificate upon completion of the series. NSWC Federal Credit Union served as Title Sponsor. Germanna Center for Workforce and Community Education served as Venue and Facilitator Sponsor.
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November, 2013 • ChamberLink
Please extend a warm hand of welcome to the following companies who have submitted applications to join the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Be a good partner: remember these companies when you do business. 1st Class Real Estate Graham Green, lV 4820 SouthPoint Pkwy. Suite 103 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 735-0783 graham@firstclasshomes.net www.soldbygraham.com Real Estate – Brokers
Backer Blitz Print & Web Design David Repasky 706 Sophia St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 272-5370 david.repasky@backerblitz.com www.backerblitz.com Web Design & Hosting Services
B H Baird David Smith 405 Happy Creek Rd. Locust Grove, VA 22508 Phone: (540) 645-2993 davids@bhbaird.com www.bhbaird.com Insurance
Braehead Manor Karen Bane 123 Lee Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 361-2629 www.BraeheadManor.com Bed & Breakfast/Inns
Caring Transitions of Fredericksburg & the Rappahannock Region Pamela Pell 6300 Marye Rd. Woodford, VA 22580 Phone: (855) 592-5093 ppell@caringtransitions.net www.EstateMoveFredericksburg. com Senior Services County Waste Danny Shifflet 10 Leway Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 373-8560 Fax: (804) 843-9281 dshifflett@countyrecycling.net www.countyrecycling.net Trash Hauling – Commercial Dantra Healthcare, Inc. Rose Wallace 125 Olde Greenwich Dr. Suite 160 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 604-9703 Fax: (540) 371-4183 rosewallace@dantrahealthcare.com www.dantrahealthcare.com Healthcare
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EtherSpeak, Inc. Jessica Mason 150 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 207 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 369-6945 x412 Fax: (540) 369-6947 chamber@ietherspeak.com www.ietherspeak.com Telecommunications & Internet Farmers Insurance Linda Reed 11091 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 803 Reston, VA 20190 Phone: 703-220-1873 Linda@Novadistrictforus.com Insurance Fly Fitness Inspiration Studio, LLC Catesby Payne 501 William St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 847-5614 catesbypayne@yahoo.com www.flyfitnessinspiration.com Fitness Centers/Training Honor Revenue Solutions Chad Yancey 20 Niday Dr. Stafford, VA 22556 Phone: (571) 989-3039 info@honorrevenuesolutions.com www.honorrevenuesolutions.com Fundraising/Consultants Hyatt Place Jim Fournier 1242 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 654-3333 jim.fournier@hyatt.com www.hyattplace.com Hotels/Motels Inspire Dance Ashley Slemp 3508 Shannon Park Dr., Suite 106 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: 540-373-7700 info@inspiredance.com www.inspiredance.com Dance School J. Brian’s Tap Room Karen/Marie Hyland 200 Hanover St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: 540-373-0738 jack@jbrianstaproom.com www.jbrianstaproom.com Restaurants
For more information, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE
Sponsored by Birchwood Power Partners, L.P.
Ressos, Inc. Uzo Chukwu 2107 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Suite 5-B Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 659-9111 Fax: (540) 318-8976 Chukwuue@ressosinc.com www.ressosinc.com Engineering Services
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Roberts Home Medical Jolynn Hamelman 211 A Park Hill Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 373-7400 Fax: (804) 798-6263 jth@robertshomemedical.com www.RobertsHomemedical.com Health Aides & Personal Car e Products RockIT Repairs Jonathan Hawkins 1319 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 412-8824 rockitrepairs@gmail.com www.rockitrepairs.com Computers – Services/Systems Rodan + Fields Jenny Gautreaux 11906 Teeside Dr. Fredericksburg, Va 22407 Phone: 540-845-5622 learn2beFit@gmail.com http://Jennygautreaux.myrandf. com Health & Skin Care Products Stratford University Peter Bartell 14349 Gideon Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22192 Phone: (571) 409-2441 pbartell@stratford.edu www.stratford.edu Schools/Colleges The Law Office of Tonya N. Gibbs, PLC Tonya Gibbs 1107 Heatherstone Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: 540-548-8749 x 234 Fax: (800) 391-5701 info@tnglegal.com www.tnglegal.com Attorneys The Orion Sushi Bar & Ultra Lounge Ryan Bullock 318 William St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 656-2234 Fax: (540) 656-2243 info@theorionlounge.com www.theorionlounge.com Restaurants Zinga Frozen Yogurt Julie Kreider 10400 Courthouse Rd. Spotyslvania, VA 22553 Phone: (540) 645-0915 Fax: (540) 371-2329 zingajulie@gmail.com www.zingafroyo.com Ice Cream & Frozen Confections
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Chamber Calendar NOVEMBER 6 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., at Ristorante Renato NOVEMBER 6 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, noon, at The Title Professionals – Spotsylvania office NOVEMBER 13 CHAMBER GOODWILL AWARDS Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Community Center NOVEMBER 13 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., at EtherSpeak Inc. NOVEMBER 14 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Holiday Inn Express Southpoint NOVEMBER 15 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at UMW Center for Economic Development Office at Eagle Village NOVEMBER 19 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club NOVEMBER 20 RIBBON CUTTING Tuesday, 4 p.m., at Roberts Home Medical NOVEMBER 20 NEXT GENERATION HAPPY HOUR Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., at Fredericksburg Area Museum NOVEMBER 25 MAC REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Monday, 5:30 p.m., at UMW Jepson Alumni Executive Center DECEMBER 3 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Homewood Suites DECEMBER 3 WORKFORCE NOW - LEADERS IN EDUCATION Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Campus DECEMBER 4 SPOTSYLVANIA ROUNDTABLE Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites South, 4800 Market St. DECEMBER 5 PANCAKES & POLITICS Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Fredericksburg Hospitality House DECEMBER 5 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at Comfort Keepers Geriatrics Services Center DECEMBER 6 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at UMW Center for Economic Development Office at Eagle Village DECEMBER 10 CNEW LUNCHEON & Silent Auction Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill DECEMBER 11 STAFFORD ROUNDTABLE Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Wingate by Wyndham DECEMBER 12 TOP 10 OF THE NEXT GEN Wednesday, 6 p.m., at Stevenson Ridge
Seminar Corner First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Nov. 4, 6-8:30 p.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 fee includes business partner To Register: Call (540) 654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Nov. 1
Financial Literacy Series with Debrah Farnell Date(s): Nov. 13, 3-4 p.m. Location: University of Mary Washington, Woodward Campus Center Red Room Cost: Free To Register: E-mail acordray@ umw.edu or call (540) 654-1242
This seminar will provide the basics of selfevaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.
It’s never too late to be knowledgeable about personal Debrah Farnell finance. Diving into the world of personal finance may seem daunting at first. The breadth of information available can make it difficult to figure out where to begin. Debrah Farnell’s clear and approachable style will help attendees navigate financial topics that are relevant to everyone. This seminar is geared specifically toward those who are looking to take charge of their finances and work toward financial independence. Debrah Farnell, CFP® ChFC® is the founder of DKM Planners, Inc. Beginning her career as a FINRA registered Series 7, General Securities Representative, and Series 66, Uniform Combined State Law Representative, in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Louisiana, Florida., California and Georgia, she is also licensed to sell life and long-term care insurance in Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia. Determined to educate and help people become financially independent, she earned the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation and became a Certified Financial Planner™ professional (CFP®). She holds a bachelor of professional studies degree in leadership and management from the University of Mary Washington.
How to Get Started in Social Media Marketing Date(s): Nov. 7, 9-11 a.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $20 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540) 654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Nov. 4 This two-hour workshop is designed for small business owners who are not currently using social media to market their businesses. It will demonstrate step-bystep how to get started in social media and help business owners navigate the many options available to determine which are the most useful for their businesses. Topics covered will include: overview of the most popular social media marketing tools, benefits of social media, social media best practices, benefits of facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and YouTube; how to get started in facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and YouTube. Blueprint Business Plan Workshop – For-Profit Business Date(s): Nov. 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $75 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540) 654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com by Nov. 7. This one day five-hour workshop covers the development of the narrative and financial forecasting portions of the business plan. A workbook will be provided that will take the attendees through a stepby-step approach to creating a business plan. Topics covered include: research tools, writing methods, key documentation and requirements, financial statements, and methodologies needed for efficiently and accurately forecasting business financial results.
Sign up for these valuable SEMINARS
First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Nov. 18, 9-11:30 a.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 fee includes business partner To Register: Call (540)654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Nov. 15 This seminar will provide the basics of selfevaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses. First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Nov. 25, 6-8:30 p.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 fee includes business partner To Register: Call (540)654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Nov. 22 This seminar will provide the basics of selfevaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.
November, 2013 • ChamberLink
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Non-Profit Corner Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic celebrates 20 years of caring for the community By Karen Dulaney I remember my first evening at the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. It was January 1995, and I had recently been hired as the part-time volunteer coordinator – the second paid staff position of the new nonprofit organization that had opened a year earlier. The waiting room was crowded with people who had waited for hours outside the building (the old Amy Guest Wing of the old Mary Washington Hospital) in order to be seen for a nagging acute illness that may have gone untreated for weeks. The Free Clinic was a walk-in clinic back then, and people would line up at our door every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (sometimes bringing their lawn chairs) in order to secure one of the coveted 30 slots available. So much has changed in 20 years! Our clinic, named in honor of beloved Lloyd F. Moss, MD, was one of 29 Free Clinics in the commonwealth. During the first year of the Moss Free Clinic’s operation, 601 patients received service; 2,623 visits were achieved and 3,424 prescriptions were filled. The clinic was open only on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for patient care, projected expenses were $177,650 and there was one employee. The board of directors, a group of concerned citizens known as the Fredericksburg Area Regional Health Council, had worked to create a place where the people who need it most could go for health care. Many thought our clinic would be a temporary solution to the plight of the uninsured as there was a lot of talk about a controversial health care reform package introduced by the Clinton Administration. Twenty years later, we are in a beautiful, professional facility. The majority of our patients have multiple chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and depression that require specialty care and many medicines. In 2013, we will treat more than 1,800 patients, requiring almost 11,000 visits, and provide 60,000 prescriptions dispensed from our state-licensed pharmacy. We are open 56 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with the tradition of our Tuesday and Thursday evening clinics still firmly in place. Dental services, which have been offered at the Moss Free Clinic since 1999, are provided several evenings each week in our state-of-the-art facility. Fulltime mental health services were added in 2009. The combined clinics employ 29 medical, pharmaceutical and dental professionals, as well as support and administrative staff, and have a combined budget of $1.8 million. The Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic is a vital part of the fabric of our community’s healthcare system. Today, 53 Free Clinics operate in the Commonwealth, providing care to more than 75,000 people. For all the changes and growth two decades has brought, many things remain the same. Volunteers are still the cornerstone of our organization. Healthcare expenses continue to rise, especially pharmaceutical costs. Community donations sustain our operations, and the many beneficial and innovative programs we offer. And above all else, our patients receive the highest quality, compassionate care from a dedicated and amazing staff. And did I mention the controversial health care reform? Karen Dulaney is executive director of the Moss Free Clinic.
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Fredericksburg Host Lions Club – Celebrating 75 years of We Share The Fredericksburg Host Lions Club (FHLC) was chartered on Nov. 24, 1938, and has provided community service in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for 75 years. During these years, more than 500 Lions have lived the motto: “We Serve.” Lions Club International is the largest service organization in the world, with 1.35 million members in 206 countries. Lions have long been associated with blindness prevention and sight restoration. In 1925, the American author and activist, Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, personally challenged the International Lions, “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?” FHLC is no exception, as our main focus is on sight and hearing. To help others we help: • provide eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids for the needy • provide sight and hearing screening during health fairs and wellness clinics and annually screen Hugh Mercer kindergarten students • partner with Mary Washington Hospital, the Rappahannock Area Health District, and the Rappahannock Chapter of the American Diabetes Association for diabetes screening and education • sponsor the Leo Club at James Monroe High
School to foster student leadership and provide community service opportunities for youth • support other youth services including $1,000 scholarships for two James Monroe High School seniors, the children’s Christmas fund, and the Bland music contest. One hundred percent of the profits from public fund raisers are returned to community projects. Fundraisers include: • Christmas tree and White House ornament sales • annual reverse raffle and silent auction • July 4th Heritage Run • annual golf tournament In addition to these fundraisers, Fredericksburg Lions rely heavily on corporate sponsors. Recognition is given to sponsors during our events and in all FHLC publications. Dedicated members volunteer many hours toward service projects, and the Club is continually on the lookout for new projects that will meet community needs. It is truly the “fun” part of being a Lion! For our 75th anniversary celebration on Nov 23, a gala will take place at the Fredericksburg Country Club featuring music by the Fredericksburg Big Band. For those wishing to get more information about FHLC and/or membership, contact Ken Lapin at (540) 226-4551 or kenrill@earthlink.net.
Area residents go the distance for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® On Saturday, Nov. 23, St. J u d e C h i l d r e n ’s R e s e a r c h Hospital® is hosting the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk ™ in 75 communities nationwide, including Fredericksburg, to support children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases with pioneering research and exceptional care. The local St. Jude Give Thanks Walk. will take place at Pratt Park and feature family friendly activities, including face painting, music and more, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Registration is free, but participants are forming teams and raising money online at http://fundraising. stjude.org/Fredericksburg to earn incentives. These effor ts suppor t the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. Unlike any other hospital, St. Jude relies on funding from everyday people to help support its lifesaving mission of finding cures
to save children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Because of donations, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, because all a family should worry about is helping its child live. National Partner Teams of the walk include New York & Company, AutoTrader.com and Brooks Brothers. National Volunteer Teams include Delta Delta Delta, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta. Local sponsors are Atlantic Builders, WFLS Radio, and local volunteers from Fredericksburg Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter and Kohl’s will be out supporting the event. The St. Jude Give Thanks Walk. serves as the official kick-off event for the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign, which unites retail and corporate partners, as well
as celebrities, during the holidays. To receive more updated, be sure to “Like” the Mid-Atlantic St. Jude facebook page at www.facebook. com/stjudemidatlantic. Since opening more than 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org.
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Financial Corner What is Professional Liability Insurance and why do I need it? By Karen L. Smith Professional liability insurance, also commonly known as Errors and Omissions (E&O), is a form of liability insurance that helps protect professional advice-providing and service-providing individuals or companies from bearing the full cost of defending against a negligence claim made by a client. It is required by professionals who have expertise in a specific area because general liability insurance policies do not offer protection against claims arising out of business or professional practices such as negligence, malpractice or misrepresentation. Commercial general liability does not provide coverage for errors or contract performance disputes. The coverage focuses on alleged failure to perform on the part of, financial loss caused by, and error or omission in the service or product sold by the policyholder. An example of an item covered by professional liability insurance would be an accounting mistake that causes the customer a financial loss. It covers claims awarded in a lawsuit. Coverage includes neither criminal prosecution nor a wide range of potential liabilities under civil law that are not enumerated in the policy. These liabilities may be subject to other forms of insurance. Professional liability insurance is required by law in some areas for certain kinds of professional practice (especially medical and legal) and is also sometimes required under contract by other businesses that are the beneficiaries of the advice or service. Depending on the profession, professional liability insurance may have different names, such as medical malpractice insurance for the medical profession, and Errors and Omissions insurance for real estate agents, consultants, and lawyers. Other professions that commonly purchase professional liability insurance include accounting and financial services or construction and maintenance services (such as general contractors or tradesmen). Some Workforce NOW Leaders in Education seminar When 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3 Where Germanna Center for Workforce & Community Education
charities and other nonprofits are also professional-liability insured. If your industry has a professional s t a n d a r d o f c a r e, yo u n e e d professional liability coverage. Different coverage is available for different types of professional liability. Professional liability comes in numerous forms. There is EPLI – Employment Practices Liability Insurance, D and O – Directors and Officers, E and O – Errors and Omissions Insurance, and Group Personal Liability. The primary reason for professional liability coverage is that a typical general liability insurance policy will only respond to a bodily injury, property damage, personal injury or advertising injury claim. Other forms of insurance cover employers, public and product liability, but various professional services and products can give rise to legal claims without causing any of the specific types of harm covered by such policies. Common claims that professional liability insurance covers include negligence, misrepresentation, violation of good faith and fair dealing, and inaccurate advice. Network and Information Security Offense coverage covers claims for the transmission of a computer virus, claims for the failure to control access to the insured’s computer or network, and the failure to prevent unauthorized access to data containing confidential information of others. For example if a network designer inadvertently downloads a virus, that would be covered. A separate policy is necessary to cover professional liability. General liability and homeowner’s insurance do not cover professional liability claims. You may find Professional Liability coverage if you are a member of a professional trade organization, or contact your local insurance agent, who can advise you of the best deals available.
A need-to-know checklist on long-term care Provided By Robert T Billingsley Long-term care planning is a particularly relevant issue in this economic environment of market volatility and rising financial concerns. When people experience difficult times, we tend to take stock of our fundamental needs and re-focus our attention on the basics. You might consider long-term care planning for many reasons, but essentially it helps to protect you and your loved ones from the financial and emotional costs of a chronic illness or injury. This is important because Americans are living longer, which increases the likelihood of someday needing ongoing care. Once you have determined the necessity of protecting you and your family against these potential costs, the next step is to critically evaluate key components associated with long-term care planning. The following questions can help you get started. The Facts What are the chances that you will need some form of long-term care either in at an in-patient facility, parttime during the day, or even at home? Most people have a false perception of the facts around long-term care. According to the National Underwriter Company’s 2012 Field Guide: • seven in ten Americans age 65 or older will need some form of long-term care at least once in their lifetime • an additional 43 percent will spend some time in a long-term care facility, with 21 percent staying in that facility three years or longer The Representative Because funding long-term care can be a challenge, it’s important to work with a competent and trustworthy representative who understands your needs and can design a strategy to meet those needs. • Has the representative conducted a thorough analysis of your situation? Each person has a unique set of circumstances that determine the need for long-term care. A representative with long-term care experience can help you determine how much money you may need to
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fund long-term care. He or she will also help you create a strategy to protect your personal and retirement assets so that they won’t be depleted by possible extended-care costs. Has the representative earned any of the financial services industry designations? These designations demonstrate a financial representative’s commitment to professional development (e.g., CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC®) and to providing the highest level of planning expertise.
The Company The company supporting your financial representative and its reputation and financial ratings are also crucial. The following questions are helpful when considering working with a company: Is the company well-established, with a history of strength and stability? A long-term care event can happen at any time in your life. You want a company that is well-positioned to be there for you when you need it most. What is the company’s reputation among consumers? Have you, your friends or family members done business with this company? If so, have you been pleased with the company’s service? During times of stress and difficulty, you want a company that will be responsive to your needs. Long-ter m care planning is a personal and important decision. Evaluating your specific needs and circumstances, with the assistance of a trusted, knowledgeable financial representative and the backing of a solid company can help you determine your options and select a plan that makes sense for you. Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Robert T Billingsley, J.D., CLU, CLTC. Mr. Billingsley is a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual based in Fredericksburg and a licensed insurance agent. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. To contact Mr. Billingsley, please call (540) 3701886 or email at robert.billingsley@nm.com.
FredTech STEM Educator Exchange
For more information, please contact Karen L. Smith at American Insurances at (540) 479-6623. Cost $20 for Chamber members; $35 for general public To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
Area business leaders, educators and students swapped ideas for encouraging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education at the Oct. 23 STEM Educator Exchange, held at Germanna Community College. Lockheed Martin and Perigean Technologies served as Bronze Sponsors.
November, 2013 • ChamberLink
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2013 Business Expo
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
The Affordable Health Care Act: Implementation Update By Jessica Rogers
Health Insurance Exchanges by State
On Oct. 1, 2013, a Health Insurance Marketplace opened for every state, through which individuals can apply for health insurance, and more importantly, for subsidies to help pay for that insurance. Unfortunately, the Marketplace website operated by the federal government, which is overseeing the new Marketplaces in 36 states, has been plagued with technical problems. Nonetheless, the federal government has pledged to fix the website and forge ahead with implementation of the Affordable Care Act. For now, it seems that it’s here to stay; accordingly, here’s a brief overview of the provisions that affect both individuals and businesses. Employee Notice Employers should have sent out a required Notice of Coverage Options to all existing employees by Oct. 1 of this year; going forward, this notice must be given out to all new employees within two weeks of hire. The notice lets employees know about the new Marketplace in their state, and gives them the employer information they will need to fill out an application for insurance through the Marketplace. The Department of Labor has said that there is no penalty for failing to provide this notice, but it is technically required under the law. The DOL has a model notice available on its website: www. dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform/. Medicare Tax Beginning in 2013, all employers must withhold an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on any employee earnings in excess of $200,000.
Creating state-operated exchanges Establishing state-federal partnership exchanges Defaulting to federal exchange Medicaid expansion by State
Individual Penalties Unlike employer penalties, individual penalties have not been delayed. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, any individual who does not have minimum essential coverage will be assessed a monthly penalty, the amount of which is based on individual income. There are many exemptions, the most common being persons for whom coverage is still unaffordable. If problems with the federal Marketplace website persist, the IRS may grant a temporary reprieve for individuals who are unable to purchase insurance, but expect such a delay to be limited. Tax Credits and Subsidies Individuals are now able to apply for premium tax-credits and cost-sharing subsidies through the Marketplace to help pay for health insurance. These subsidies are available for individuals with incomes of 100-400 percent of the federal poverty level who are not eligible for minimum essential coverage through an employer or government program (i.e., Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, etc.). It’s important for employers to understand these subsidies, because they are the trigger for the employer penalties. If no employee ever applies for and receives such a subsidy, the employer will never be penalized, regardless of whether or not it offers health insurance. Medicaid Expansion Beginning in 2014, any individual with an income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible for Medicaid in states that choose to accept this expansion. The costs for this newly eligible group will be 100 percent federally funded through 2016; thereafter the federal share gradually decreases to 90 percent. Virginia has created a Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission to seek reforms to the existing Medicaid program and consider the Medicaid expansion. If the reforms are accepted, the group has the ability to accept the expansion.
Source for maps: Kaiser Family Foundation
Expanding Medicaid Still debating Medicaid expansion Not expanding Medicaid Why should businesses care about Medicaid? Any employee eligible for Medicaid, whether or not he enrolls, is not eligible for subsidies through the Marketplace. Because he cannot receive subsidies, he cannot trigger a penalty for his employer. An employee eligible for Medicaid may be exactly the type of employee for whom the employer has difficulty making his health care plan affordable (and thus,
would otherwise subject the employer to penalties). Employer Reporting Requirements On July 2, 2013, the Obama Administration announced a one-year delay in many of the Act’s employer reporting requirements. In September, the Treasury Department released Continued on page 11
November, 2013 • ChamberLink
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Affordable Health Care Act challenges area businesses By Dan Wildman The impending changes of employee health benefits will prove to be a big challenge to business with the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act (AHCA.) As a “medium-sized” business, we have had to navigate the maze of ambiguous changes to the AHCA and try to make sense of how it will affect the company and employees. As the implementation date approaches and the dust begins to settle, we can begin to see its impact. One of the most expensive directives of the AHCA stipulates that businesses with 50 or more employees must consider any employees who work more than 30 hours as “Full Time” and offer health care benefits to each of them. This alone will have a significant financial impact to our company and many others across the commonwealth. In addition to the “30 hour FT rule,” the AHCA has a hardship clause that states that no employee should have to pay more than 9.5 percent of his or her “W-2 salary.” In other words, an employee who works 30 hours a week at $11 per hour has a yearly salary of $22,880. That employee is capped at 9.5 percent, or $2174, for healthcare expenses. With the average single coverage of healthcare costs exceeding $6,000, the employer is mandated to pay for the balance.
Multiply that times several hundred employees, and that is a significant expense to the company’s bottom line. In addition to the costs of providing healthcare benefits, businesses will also be assessed a tax of $63 per person to help fund the health insurance “exchange” program in Virginia. And as is the case with most taxes, quarterly or yearly filings are required to track and report the payments to the government. Tracking and filing the AHCA tax reports will add another layer of administrative expenses throughout the year. Aside from the obvious financial impact of the AHCA, there are numerous hidden costs that we must absorb. The “administrative time” to monitor the program’s compliance will increase dramatically as we will have to educate all of the current employees about their healthcare options, provide written documentation (and proof of notification) about the AHCA to all employees, and ensure all compliance measures are in place. With the changes in benefits, we will be working to re-write our company’s employee handbook and Standard Operating Guidelines to reflect all of the changes and calculations mandated by the government regarding the AHCA. As we roll through this process, our frustrations have been aggravated by the perpetual “moving target” of the healthcare
laws. Employees often become frustrated because previously released information about the AHCA that has changed several times. Even today, we are required to notify employees about the HealthCare Exchange when in fact Virginia doesn’t even have an Exchange established yet. Only time will tell how extensively the AHCA will affect our business, but for now, we will hurry up and wait for all the changes to take effect. Dan Wildman is vice president of LifeCare Medical Transports.
Healthcare Navigators ready to assist those seeking insurance Are you a small-business owner trying to find health coverage for your employees? Are you a self-employed entrepreneur eager to locate medical insurance that better fits your budget? Are you uninsured? If you answered yes to one of these questions, Federal Healthcare Navigators can help you understand the workings of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. U.S. citizens are now signing up for health coverage on the exchanges created by the ACA, which took effect Oct. 1. The new law is complicated, and many people in the Fredericksburg Region may need help in getting the most from it. Mary Washington Healthcare has made room for a navigator to help guide its patients through the insurance options provided by the Affordable Care Act. Navigator Heather Trascapoulos is ready to
help uninsured patients at Stafford and Mary Washington Hospitals, as well as other Mary Washington Healthcare facilities. A navigator can assist anyone trying to understand their options and how to enroll in qualified healthcare plans. In addition to small business owners and self-employed individuals, workers who have employerprovided insurance might qualify for more comprehensive or more affordable coverage on the exchanges. “We’re here to educate,” Ms. Trascapoulos said. “Our goal is to provide as much information as possible so individuals can apply for coverage themselves. We’re facilitators who help people find policies that meet their needs.” To become a certified navigator, she received special training to educate and help anyone complete the enrollment process, including speakers of any language. Her
Continued from page 10 proposed regulations governing this reporting. Large employers will be required to report to the IRS, on an annual basis, detailed monthly information about their full-time work force, any health insurance offered to fulltime workers, and which workers accept such insurance. This information will be used to help the IRS assess employer penalties beginning Jan. 1, 2015. In order to ensure a smooth transition in 2015, the IRS is asking employers to begin reporting this information on a voluntary basis as soon as the regulations are finalized (likely in early 2014). It makes sense for employers to at least get a system in place to gather the necessary information in order to be prepared to make accurate, complete reports beginning in 2015. Employer Penalties Along with the employer reporting requirements, the large employer penalties have also been delayed until Jan.
Source: healthcare.gov position is funded for 12 months by the federal government. She is employed by Advanced Patient Advocacy, which is based in Richmond. Her office is in Patient Access, adjacent to Mary Washington Hospital’s atrium, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The public is encouraged to schedule an appointment by emailing VANavigator4@apallc.com, calling
1, 2015. Any employer with 50 or more full-time employees, or the equivalent, must offer adequate, affordable healthcare coverage to all full-time employees and their dependents by that date. Employers should understand that this means all eligible employees must be offered such coverage by that date; in other words, the first standard measurement period for any variable-hour employees must be completed before then, in order to determine which variable-hour employees are full-time. Remember, a variable-hour employee is one who works varying hours, so that the employer doesn’t know in advance whether he is full-time. Businesses may think they can avoid this complicated measuring process by simply limiting part-time employees’ hours. But imagine this scenario: A part-time employee, who has never worked 30 hours a week in his life, applies for subsidies through the new Marketplace. On his application, he tells the IRS that he works full-time; the IRS then looks to the
(540) 538-9873, or using the on-site sign-up sheet. Since Oct. 1, a limited number of requests for assistance have arrived, mostly via phone. But demand may increase as the Dec. 15 deadline approaches for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1. For more information, visit www.healthcare. gov or www.enrollapa.com.
employer to prove otherwise (or pay the penalty!). Thus, the wise employer will keep detailed records of the hours of all part-time employees. Future Developments The above is only a brief overview. There are many other provisions that will affect employers in the years to come, and new guidance is being released regularly. Some requirements come with steep penalties for non-compliance. The only way for businesses to protect themselves against unnecessary penalties is to keep up with this information, and get comfortable with the Affordable Care Act. Jessica Rogers is an associate attorney with Sands Anderson, PC. She concentrates her practice on representing public school boards, school management and faculty throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. She also addresses municipal law issues such as FOIA, procurement law and conflicts of interest for government clients.
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Business After Hours Oct. 9 at Wilderness Presidential Resorts
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November, 2013 • ChamberLink
Chamber to host “Pancakes and Politics” – Dec. 5 The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is offering its members and their guests a chance to get the straight story of what’s on tap for the General Assembly in 2014. The Chamber will host a “Pancakes and Politics” breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Dec. 5. The 2014 General Assembly session will open in just over two months. Taxation, healthcare and transportation are just a few of the issues likely to arise during the 60day legislative session. Brad Jones, chairman of the Chamber’s Legislative Committee, stressed the importance of business leaders developing close connections with General Assembly members. “State lawmakers set policies and rules that have an enormous impact on our ability to conduct business,” he said. “It is crucial that members of the business community offer input to shape policies that encourage solid economic growth. The ‘Pancakes and Politics’ event is an ideal forum for such conversation.” The list of General Assembly invitees includes: House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell; Dels. Mark Cole, Mark Dudenhefer, Peter Farrell, Bobby Orrock and Margaret
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New Member Orientation
Ransone; and Sens. Bryce Reeves, Richard Stuart, Ryan McDougle, Linda “Toddy” Puller, and Jill Holtzman Vogel. The lawmakers will answer questions prepared by the Chamber’s Legislative Committee, as well as take questions and feedback from the audience. Contact W hitney Watts at whitney@fredericksburgchamber. org for sponsorship information. What Pancakes and Politics When 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 Where Fredericksburg Hospitality House 2801 Plank Rd.
The newest members of the Chamber family gathered for an Oct. 3 orientation session at the Chamber office. Participants met with members of the Chamber staff and board of directors, as well as the Chamber Ambassadors to learn how to put their memberships to work for their businesses.
Save the Date! 2014 Chamber Awards & Gala When Friday, Jan. 31
Ticket price $20 for Chamber members $30 for general public To register Please go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards set for Dec. 13 Leigh Snyder with Virginia Partners Bank got a big surprise last year when told her peers had selected her for one of the Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards handed out by the Next Generation of Business Leaders. “I was very surprised, I guess, that I was singled out because there are so many up-and-coming leaders in our region,” she recalled. “I was surprised but also very appreciative.” Now Ms. Snyder and other members of the Next Generation are looking forward to the third annual Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards. The awards salute young professionals who excel in the business environment, demonstrate passion for the community and show an innovative approach to both business and civic participation. The Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards ceremony will take place at Stevenson Ridge, beginning at 6 p.m., Dec. 12. Following the awards ceremony, attendees will enjoy a holiday reception. “It’s great to be able to celebrate all of the events and successes that the group has had, both as individuals and a group,” Ms. Snyder said. “It’s a great opportunity to network and meet other leaders who are like-minded and in similar stages of their leadership journeys.” Sponsorships for this event are available. Contact Whitney Watts at (540) 373-9400 or whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org for more information. The Next Generation of Business Leaders is a Chamber affiliate that provides professional development and civic outreach opportunities for the Fredericksburg Region’s young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.
Where Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Come out for the hottest party of the New Year and the chance to honor the business leaders of the Fredericksburg Region. We’re going to hold a rumble in the jungle! Stay tuned for more details.
Aquia Realty, Inc. JO D. KNIGHT GRI, CRS, CRB, CREA., CSP Principal Broker
Residential, Land, Commercial, Industrial, Rentals & Property Management
Certified HUD Foreclosure Broker Call us for information & to place a bid on bank owned homes
AMAZING CUSTOM WILLIAMSBURG COLONIAL ON OVER 30 ACRES POTOMAC RIVERFRONT COMPOUND. Over 5,000 sq ft of gorgeous custom designed lvng area with full length slate floored loggia, 6 bdrms, 5+ baths, sunroom, screened porch, brick flred wine cellar w/ bar, gourmet kit w/ fp. Frml lvng & dining, fmly rm & mstr suite w/ fp. In-law/ au pair suite w/ sep entrance, upper lvl gathering rm & patio perfect for entertaining. Private pier offers wide breathtaking views up and down the Potomac. Garage space for 10 cars. 2nd 2 ac home site also aval. Call Jo or Rusty Knight for additional info.
SPECTULAR CUSTOM HOME On a breathtaking 10 ac. Lakefront property features a home of timeless architectural design with European Villa influences. Ongoing updates take incomparable design & detail to a new level. Please call Jo Knight to arrange for a showing.
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Incredible all brick custom built Rambler with walk- out basement on 4 acres in rural setting within walking distance to 2 miles of commuter rail, I-95, Hospital, Middle/Elementary schools & shopping. Updated & custom treatments throughout. One of a kind. Call Jo Knight to arrange for a showing. LOOKING FOR A RENTAL? NEED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT? • Proudly serving Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas for over 40 years. • Professional Property Management/Total Leasing and Fully Automated Accounting Statements
Visit us at www.AquiaRealty.net for more info on Available Lots & Rentals Located on U.S. Route 1 at the Stafford Courthouse Light • 2101 Jeff Davis Hwy joknight@aquiarealty.net • (540) 659-2192
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Business BRIEFS
Parrish Learning Zone, LLC celebrates successful school supplies drive
Evan Sullivan
Adam Nelson
Nelson, Sullivan join Cushman & Wakefield|Thalhimer Fredericksburg office Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce that two new associates have joined its Fredericksburg office. Adam Nelson has joined as a commercial sales and leasing associate. Evan Sullivan has joined as a commercial sales and leasing associate in the Retail Services Group, where he will focus on site selection and transaction management. Mr. Sullivan will work in both Richmond and Fredericksburg through mentoring relationships with both Jim Ashby and Jamie Scully. With active projects in both the Fredericksburg and Richmond markets, Mr. Sullivan is gaining a unique regional perspective of the retail landscape. He is a Fredericksburg native and a graduate of Fredericksburg Academy. He is a 2013 graduation of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Economics with a focus in Real Estate. Mr. Nelson is familiar with the commercial real estate industry of Fredericksburg and has worked professionally in the field for several years. He first interned with Thalhimer in the Fredericksburg office in 2009, where he established a great background in client relations. Since that time, he has gained more experience with tenant negotiations, and worked side-by-side with several prominent brokers in the area, including his father, Virgil Nelson, a senior vice president in Thalhimer’s Fredericksburg office. Adam earned an Associate’s degree from Germanna Community College in 2012, focusing on Arts and Sciences. ms 00588ace - Page 1 - Composite
Each month, members of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative voluntarily allow the cooperative to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar with the extra change donated to Operation Round UpŽ (ORU). The ORU governing board, Community Awareness of Rappahannock Electric Charity, Inc., (C.A.R.E. Charity, Inc.) recently reviewed applications from charitable groups and individuals requesting funds to support a community program or effort. The board selected six recipients: Headwaters/ Rappahannock County Public Education Foundation, 4-H Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Education Foundation, Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, and Clark County Little League. “The ORU governing board is so thankful for the generosity of the cooperative members who round up their electric bills,� said Jennifer Y. Scott, the ORU board chairperson. “Each member’s contribution of less than a dollar a month adds up and allows for significant funding of important community organizations that affect the lives of many of our neighbors.�
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nearly 700 homeless students during the previous school year. The number of homeless students has risen by 78 percent in the last six years. This has created a tremendous need for resources in the schools. The Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive collected enough school supplies to provide each of these families with back-to-school essentials. This would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers who devoted their time and energy to collect and sort through supplies. Generous donations of time, space, and resources were made by Walmart, Giant at Harrison Crossing, Century 21 AdVentureRedwood, B 101.5, ATHIOS Technologies, Parrish Learning Zone, and Spotsylvania County Schools.
REC selects community grant recipients
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Parrish Learning Zone, LLC – a family and teacher owned tutoring service that provides K-12 customized tutoring and SAT Prep – is pleased to announce that this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive held by Parrish Learning Zone, Spotsylvania County Schools, and Century 21 AdVenture-Redwood, was a huge success! Through the Aug. 17 event held at Walmart – and the ongoing collection of school supplies at Parrish Learning Zone, Century 21, Giant at Harrison Crossing, the Snow Library, and the Spotsylvania County Schools Treasure House – participants collected a whole truckload of school supplies for needy students in Spotsylvania County. The supplies are being distributed through the Spotsylvania County Treasure House, located behind Massaponax High School. Students in need of supplies can access these free supplies through their school social workers. In Spotsylvania County Public Schools, there were
Mark your calendars and join us for a celebration of the opening of The Title Professionals’ newest location! No fee to attend.
REC members who have voluntarily enrolled in ORU contribute approximately $6 to $12 of taxdeductible donations per year. “The success of the ORU program and its significant impact on projects that improve our local communities is a testament to the generosity of our cooperative members. They are greatly appreciated by REC and the communities it serves,� said Rhonda F. Curtis, REC’s manager of cooperative communications. REC members who are not already enrolled are encouraged to join the ORU program. Once enrolled, the extra change from their electric bill will be dedicated to charitable causes. Members can sign up by visiting REC’s website, www.myrec.coop, or calling (800) 5523904 for more information. REC provides electric service to more than157,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, the cooperative operates and maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
November, 2013 • ChamberLink
Business BRIEFS SRMC designated preferred provider for Anthem Blue CrossBlue Shield exchanges
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HCA Virginia Health System recently announced that Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and HCA Virginia Health System will be a preferred provider for Anthem insurance plans that are part of the new federal Health Insurance Marketplace (exchange) for Virginia. Created as part of the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace is where individuals and small groups may purchase federally qualified healthcare plans. Under the agreement, HCA Virginia will serve as the exclusive nonacademic hospital network for residents of Central Virginia who purchase an Anthem HealthKeepers insurance plan on the new Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM). Its facilities in Southwest and Northern Virginia will also be providers, but not on an exclusive basis, for those plans. “We are pleased to enter this partnership with HCA Virginia to provide our future members who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace with access to the best quality care available in the commonwealth,” said C. Burke King, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “We felt HCA Virginia was uniquely positioned in regards to location, cost and quality to be a strong partner as we enter a new phase in the Health Insurance Marketplace.” Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, Anthem will offer a variety of product options on the Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM) for both individuals and small employers. In Central Virginia, the Anthem-HCA Virginia partnership will result in lower premiums for people who purchase an Anthem HealthKeepers plan through the HIM. In both Central and Southwest Virginia, those same Anthem HealthKeepers members will have the lowest possible out-of-pocket costs when using an HCA Virginia facility. “This agreement will provide significant savings to Health Insurance Marketplace members who choose a HealthKeepers plan in one of our three markets,” said Margaret Lewis, senior executive of HCA Virginia and president of HCA’s Richmond-based Capital Division. “People are looking for more value for their healthcare dollar, and our long-term, positive relationship with Anthem has resulted in an agreement that will provide exactly that.” “Affordable access to care is paramount for a healthy community.” according to Terika Richardson, Interim CEO. “Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and HCA Virginia have enthusiastically entered into this partnership with Anthem to expand access to care across the Rappahannock region.” The agreement involves 13 HCA Virginia hospitals, 27 outpatient surgery, imaging, and treatment centers, and 260 employed physicians and physician extenders. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System hospital will also be a participant in Anthem’s Health Insurance Marketplace network in Central Virginia. The Anthem facility provider networks for products sold to individuals and small employers outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace remain unchanged. The Affordable Care Act mandates that all individuals have some sort of private, governmental, or employer-sponsored health insurance by Jan. 1, 2014. Enrollment in Virginia’s Health Insurance Exchange began Oct. 1. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive provider network, HCA Virginia Health System operates 13 hospitals and 27 outpatient centers and is affiliated with 3,000 physicians. It is one of Virginia’s largest employers, provides $365 million in uncompensated care and pays $72 million in state and local taxes each year. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com.
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Stafford Junction Receives grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation Stafford Junction recently received a $4,000 Youth Literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Organization to support its literacy programs. Specifically, the grant will allow Stafford Junction to start an incentive-based reading program in its computer lab, as well as purchasing books for children to keep. “We are thrilled for the children in our program and what this will mean for them. Some of them have never had a book of their very own” said Linda Hill, executive director of Stafford Junction. Brain Builders is an after-school program that pairs tutors with disadvantaged youth to ensure that they can reach their academic potential. “Youth literacy grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation are awarded at the beginning of the academic year to help make a distinct impact on the communities we serve by supporting programs that improve education and enhance literacy,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “At Dollar General, we are passionate about our mission of Serving
Others and it’s exciting to see the real difference literacy and learning makes in people’s lives.” Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $84.9 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 4.8 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information on the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and a complete list of grant recipients, please visit www.dgliteracy.org. Stafford Junction is a local faith-based non-profit that is dedicated to serving low-income children in Stafford County. It partners with local churches, businesses, individuals and service organizations to provide preschool programs, after-school activities, parenting and healthy-living education.
46,000-plus square feet of lease transactions for Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to report the following recent lease transactions in the Fredericksburg area: • Furniture Warehouse – 12,000 square feet of warehouse space at 6104 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Carmel, Inc. – 7,350 square feet of industrial space at 400 Nelms Cir. in Stafford County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Clem’s RV and Trailer Sales of Virginia – 6,090 square feet of commercial space at 1132 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Stafford County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Obsidian Solutions Group, LLC – 5,178 square feet of office space in Central Park Corporate Center at 1320 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, CCIM, Sharon E. Schmidt and Wilson H. Greenlaw, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations. • Xtensive Body & Paint – 4,400 square feet of industrial space at 5107 Park Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Mike Degen handled the lease negotiations. • Medical Services of America, Inc. – 2,500 square feet of flex space at 7950 Woodruff Ct. in Springfield. Jason Guillot handled negotiations. • Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Inc. – 1,872 square feet of office space in Hedges Run Office Park at 3460 Commission Ct. in Woodbridge. Paul Eakin handled negotiations. • The Tile Professionals, LLC – leased 1,686 square feet of office space in Breezewood Office Park at 1070810712 Ballantraye Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Jamie A. Scully handled negotiations on behalf of the landlord and Berkley M. Mitchell acted on behalf of the tenant. • Wisdom Works, LLC – 1,470 square feet of retail space in North Stafford Plaza at 263 Garrisonville Rd. in Stafford County for a math tutoring center. Berkley M. Mitchell handled the lease negotiations. • Apollo Tanning – renewal of 1,437 square feet of retail space in Lee’s Hill Retail Center at 10655 Spotsylvania Ave. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Beauty & Barber – renewal of 1,180 square feet of retail space in Lee’s Hill Retail Center at 10665 Spotsylvania Ave. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Stress Free Therapeutic Massage – renewal of 1,040 square feet of office space in Brafferton Square Business Park at 306 Garrisonville Rd., Suite 102 in Stafford County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations.
Contact Charlene Franks at charlene @journalpress .com to get your ad in ChamberLink
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Jennifer LaRock(center left), Howard Owen(center right) and Ted Hontz(far right) spoke about sustainable business practices at October’s Fredericksburg Roundtable. Joining them were Roundtable Chair Amy Peregoy(left) and Anita Churchill(center), with Peoples Community Bank, which sponsored the meeting.
Fredericksburg Roundtable Ted Hontz of Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc.; Jennifer LaRock of Stevenson Ridge, and Howard Owen of Stafford Printing led a discussion on “greening your business” at the Oct. 1 Fredericksburg Roundtable. People’s Community Bank sponsored the meeting. The Fredericksburg Roundtable will take a break during November. It will return at 8 a.m., Dec. 3 at Homewood Suites, 1040 Hospitality Ln. Fredericksburg Roundtable meetings usually take place the first Tuesday of each month. The cost is $10 for
✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ Mid-week ❁▲❁▲❄❁▲❄❆❇❈❊❋●✛→❚❘❃❖❂■❍✌✎✏ Former Olympic swimmer and REDCO504 President Jeff Rouse discussed his participation in the 1996 Olympics and business finances at the Oct. 2 Mid-week Motivation. The next Mid-week Motivation will take place at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6. The lunch meeting will take place at
Chamber members who pre-pay and $12 for those who pay at the door. The price includes breakfast. Non-member guests may attend one time for $15. Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Fredericksburg Roundtable, especially those businesses located in Fredericksburg or those that have business interests in that part of the region. Attending the Fredericksburg Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Fredericksburg business community.
Motivation
Ristorante Renato, 422 William St. The cost is $18 for Next Generation members, $24 for the general public. Please go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org to register. Mid-week Motivation is a monthly professional development luncheon featuring local business leaders who share business tips and their life
experiences with the Next Generation of Business Leaders. The Next Generation provides opportunities for the Fredericksburg Region’s young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 to engage with the community through professional development, civic outreach and social/business networking.
Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com
Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky spoke at the Oct. 9 Stafford Roundtable. Joining him was Roundtable Chair Kathy Hoffman.
Stafford Roundtable Scott Mayausky, Stafford County’s Commissioner of the Revenue, spoke about the Stafford Museum Foundation and county government at the Oct. 9 Stafford Roundtable. At Once Staffing sponsored the event. The Stafford Roundtable will take a break for the month of November but will return in December. The next Stafford Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Wingate by Wyndham – Stafford, 15 Salisbury Dr. The Stafford Roundtable usually takes place the second Wednesday of each month. The cost of attending is $10 for Chamber members who pre-pay, $12 for those who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Non-members may attend one time for a cost of $15. Please go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org to register. Contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information. Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Stafford Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses that are located in Stafford or those that have business interests in that part of the region. Attending the Stafford Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Stafford business community.
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November, 2013 • ChamberLink
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CNEW Luncheon Dr. Premal Sanghavi with Mary Washington Healthcare marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by leading a discussion on breast cancer prevention at the Oct. 15 CNEW Luncheon. Empower House sponsored the meeting. The next CNEW Luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 19 at the Fredericksburg Country Club. The cost is $20 for Chamber members, $30 for non-members. Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org to register and pay or call (540) 373-9400. All registrations and payments must be received by noon, Friday, Nov. 15. For more information, contact Sheri Kroskie at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
CNEW seeking nominations for annual Wideman Award At its Dec. 10 luncheon, CNEW will present the fourth annual Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award. This honor goes to a female Chamber member who shows leadership in business and integrity while working to improve the community’s quality of life. The award bears the name of the late Laurie Wideman, who was serving on the Chamber’s board of directors when she passed away in October 2010. Ms. Wideman was both an entrepreneur and was deeply involved in a number of community organizations and causes. The Wideman Award goes to one who demonstrates: • an independent, energetic spirit • readiness to act in business and community • passion for the quality of life in the Fredericksburg Region • leads with values of the highest level of integrity and honesty Anyone interested in nominating someone for the award should contact Sheri Kroskie at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
I-95 Express Lanes construction reaches mid-point Gov. Bob McDonnell recently announced that construction of the I-95 Express Lanes project is halfway complete and on-schedule to be completed by late 2014. The 95 Express Lanes will open to traffic in early 2015. Since breaking ground in August 2012, significant progress has been made on building new bridges, ramps, and lanes throughout the entire 29-mile Express Lanes corridor, which spans from I-395 near Edsall Road in Fairfax County to I-95 near Route 610/Garrisonville Road in Stafford County. “The I-95 Express Lanes are another example of how we’re using smart public-private partnerships to build critically needed transportation infrastructure in Virginia,” Gov. McDonnell said. “Our administration has been committed to utilizing every means available to get new roads and rail built all across the state, because a modern transportation system is crucial to economic growth and job creation. I look forward to the completion of this project, and the shorter commutes Virginians will enjoy as a result.” Crews also are scheduled to complete the majority of new paving that must occur throughout the future Express Lanes alignment by later this year – placing nearly a half-million tons of asphalt along I-95. The completion of paving will provide drivers with smoother and safer travel lanes, more than a year before the Express Lanes are slated to open. The paving also allows workers to shift traffic within the HOV lanes, which is necessary to complete the new Express Lanes. The Express Lanes construction remains in full swing throughout 2014, and drivers should expect continued traffic impacts including day and nighttime lane closures on I-95, weekend closures of the HOV lanes, limited shoulder access, and continued truck traffic entering and exiting the work zones. Motorists are urged to visit Vamegaprojects.com for the latest construction updates and traffic information.
Laurie Newman(left) and Shanna Capers(right) with Rappahannock Goodwill Industries spoke at the Oct. 2 Spotsylvania Roundtable. Joining them were Roxanne Milstead(center left) with meeting sponsor Chancellor’s Village Retirement Community and Roundtable Chair Dorrie Chason.
Spotsylvania Roundtable Laurie Newman and Shanna Capers with Rappahannock Goodwill Industries spoke about finding work for those with disabilities at the Oct. 2 Spotsylvania Roundtable. Chancellor’s Village Retirement Community sponsored the breakfast meeting. The Spotsylvania Roundtable will take a break in November. It will return at 8 a.m., Dec. 4 at Hampton Inn and Suites South, 4800 Market St. Spotsylvania Roundtable meetings usually occur the first Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. The cost of attending is $10 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $12 for members who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Non-member guests may attend one time for $15. Please e-mail amanda@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship opportunities. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org. Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Spotsylvania Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses located in Spotsylvania or that have business interests in that part of the region.
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
Ribbon
Cuttings
Stafford County Fair
Highlightz Event Center The team at Highlightz Event Center held an Oct. 8 ribbon cutting to celebrate its recent revamp. Located at 454 Cambridge St., Highlightz is rapidly becoming the Fredericksburg Region’s source for upscale entertaining and fine dining. Its facilities include a beautiful 2,500 square-foot ballroom and a state-of-theart kitchen.
Chamber members and elected officials – including Congressman Rob Wittman – came out for an Oct. 25 ribbon cutting to celebrate opening night of the Stafford County Fair, held at Mountain View High School.
Belk
Any Lab Test Now Chamber members came out for an Oct. 2 ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new location of Any Lab Test Now. Located at Eagle Village, 1135 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Any Lab Test Now is the first direct access lab testing services company, allowing individuals to take control of their health. It offers a wide array of medical lab tests ranging from pregnancy to allergy tests to blood work.
Chamber members and community leaders came out Oct. 16 to celebrate the grand re-opening of Belk at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. The ceremony included the presentation of a $5,000 check to Habitat for Humanity. For 125 years, Belk has provided the finest in clothing and home accessories to customers all over the southeastern United States. What began as a small bargain store in Monroe, NC in 1888 has grown into the nation’s largest privately held department store.
Planning! Need to give your business a marketing boost? Let the Chamber help you plan a ribbon cutting for your business. A benefit of Chamber Membership!
November, 2013 • ChamberLink
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Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM
Business Link
GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: Nov. 02 – 9 a.m. Topic: Helping the needy during the holiday season Guest(s): Lts. Jacob & Gretchen Granados of The Salvation Army Date/Time: Nov. 09 – 9 a.m. Topic: Business IT Guest(s): Eric Watkins, president of Infinity Technologies
Pam Hicks with Fidelity Bank Mortgage discussed the state of the home mortgage industry during the Oct. 5 edition of Business Link.
Dr. Michael Porrazzo with Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center gave an overview of the latest treatments in the battle against cancer during the Oct. 12 program.
Date/Time: Nov. 16 – 9 a.m. Topic: Helping the disabled in the Fredericksburg Region Guest(s): Debe Fults & Kim Lett of the disAbility Resource Center Date/Time: Nov. 23 – 9 a.m. Topic: Economic development in Stafford County Guest(s): Anthony Romanello & Tim Baroody of Stafford Economic Development Date/Time: Nov. 29 – 9 a.m. Topic: Swimming & water safety Guest(s): Aaron Rayford of Little Fish Swimming Tune in to Business Link – Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM
Capt. Peter Nette, USN, Commander, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, dropped by for the Oct. 26 program to give an update on work at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. Maj. Dan Pantaleo, USMC(Ret.), recounted what he saw on 9-11, and what he learned from it, during an appearance on the Oct. 19 edition of Business Link.
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ChamberLink • November, 2013
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