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JANUARY 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 1
Chamber to celebrate business leaders at 2014 Annual Awards and Gala
Focus
on...
2014 General Assembly Session Made in FredVA . ........ 10-11
Trailblazer
Quarles Energy Services..............................4
Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Non-Profit Corner................7 Partners in Aging Fredericksburg Area Museum
Seminar Corner Seminar Corner....................6
Financial Corner Financial Corner....... page 7 Business Briefs................. pages 14-15 Roundtables........page 16-17
Business Link...................... 19
The Fredericksburg Region is blessed with a wide array of active, forward-thinking business leaders who work to keep the local economy humming. The Chamber will fete those who succeed in commerce and who lend a hand to others at the 2014 Annual Awards and Gala. Order your tickets now for this evening of dining, dancing and applauding those who do so much for our community. The festivities – including a Silent Auction showcasing a variety of local goods and services – will take place starting at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. BB&T is serving as the gala’s Title Sponsor. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Business of the Year Awards and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. These awards honor businesses and business owners that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the Fredericksburg Region. The Chamber will present a Business of the Year Award to a
Left: Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for some run after the award ceremony at the 2014 gala! Above: The Title Professionals, LLC took home the 2013 Small Business of the Year Award. Join us on Jan. 31 to find out the winners of the 2014 awards! The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses whose generosity will make possible the 2013 Gala: Title Sponsor BB&T
Hospitality Sponsor Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Bronze Sponsor Hyatt Place Linen Sponsor Wells Fargo
Continued on page 3
Area lawmakers talk Medicaid, budgets, transportation at “Pancakes and Politics” Members of the Fredericksburg Region’s legislative delegation are predicting a packed schedule when the General Assembly convenes later this month. Creating a balanced two-year budget, meeting the commonwealth’s healthcare needs and continuing to provide transportation improvements are likely to garner the lion’s share of attention during the 60-day legislative session. House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell, Sens. Bryce Reeves and Richard Stuart, Del. Mark Cole and Del.-elect Buddy Fowler shared their thoughts on these and other issues during a panel discussion at the Chamber’s “Pancakes and Politics” event. Dr. Stephen Farnsworth with the University of Mary Washington moderated the panel discussion. Continued on page 12
Members of the Fredericksburg Region’s legislative delegation (l-r) – Del. Mark Cole, Del.-elect Buddy Fowler, Sens. Bryce Reeves and Richard Stuart, and House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell – discussed a variety of issues at the “Pancakes and Politics” event. The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors for making possible “Pancakes & Politics”: Title Sponsor
Gold Sponsors Dominion Virginia Power Keolis Rail Services Virginia Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Bronze Sponsor Mid-Atlantic Foam
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICERS Mike Fidgeon, Chair, Providence Service Corporation Greg Calvert, Vice Chair, Kloke Mayflower Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Immediate Past Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare 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. Dr. J.R. Flatter, Flatter & Associates Maria Franklin, Union First Market Bank Adam Fried, Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Bill Hession, Lockheed Martin Ron Holmes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Kathy Hoffman, Mary Kay Cosmetics Richard Hurley, University of Mary Washington Regis Keddie II, Davenport & Co. Hart Rutherford, SimVentions Dr. David Sam, Germanna Community College 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 Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support, stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org Sheri Kroskie, Member Services Assistant, sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org Tricia Benson Matthews, Membership Account Executive, Tricia@fredericksburgchamber.org Susan Spears, President, susan@fredericksburgchamber.org Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services, whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org
President’s Perspective
Chamber starting 2014 on high note by honoring area business leaders
By Susan Spears The communities that make up the Fredericksburg Region are blessed with a strong team of business leaders. Day after day, with little fanfare, these men and women make our economy work. They provide jobs to our skilled workforce, who in turn provide the goods and services consumers need and want. In addition, our region’s business leaders aid a wide variety of civic and charitable causes. They donate money and materials to the needy. They give of their own time to area non-profits. They grant their employees time to volunteer as well. And so it is with great pleasure that the Chamber starts the New Year by recognizing those who have done so much for our community. I hope you will make plans to join us on Jan. 31 when we honor our most dedicated business leaders at the 2014 Chamber Awards and Gala. We will present two Business of the Year awards – one to a company with 25 or fewer employees and one to an enterprise with more than 25 employees. This award goes to a company for achieving business and financial success and for involvement in Chamber and
community activities. We will also recognize an individual who possesses the entrepreneurial spark so vital to a robust economy. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award goes to an innovative business owner or individual that recognizes and meets a market need. Finally, the Chamber will salute an individual who has shown a longstanding commitment to the wellbeing of the Fredericksburg Region. The Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award goes to a person who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service to the community. There is still time to nominate individuals and businesses for these awards. Please contact Whitney Watts at whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org to submit your nomination today. Honoring these fine men and women is one of the highlights of the year for me. I’m already getting excited just thinking about it. Oh, and don’t forget, the Jan. 31 event is also a gala! We’re going to have a sumptuous dinner provided by the Fredericksburg Expo Center. There will also be a Silent Auction with a wide array of unique locally produced items. And most importantly, we’ll all get to hit the dance floor! Make your reservation today and then join us for this evening of reflection and fun. Susan Spears is president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber board of directors welcomes new members
George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org
contact information Telephone 540-373-9400 Facsimile 540-373-9570 Internet
www.fredericksburgchamber.org
ChamberLink is published monthly—12 times per year—by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Layout, design and production, including advertisements, by The Journal Press, Inc., P.O. Box 409, King George, VA 22485; (540) 775-2024. Postmaster, send 3579 to FRCC, P.O. Box 7476, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
mission The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate healthy economic growth.
vision Be the leader for the business community assuring that the Fredericksburg Region is a major economic center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Flatter
Holmes
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following area business leaders to its board of directors:
Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington; a Master’s of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School; and a Ph.D. in Public Administration – with a concentration in Public Sector Leadership Development – from The George Washington University. He is a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program and he is in his second year of service as a Leadership Fredericksburg program mentor.
Dr. J.R. Flatter Dr. Flatter is president and CEO of Flatter & Associates, a role he has held since the company’s founding in 2002. He provides executive leadership to a wide array of the firm’s clients. Prior to founding Flatter & Associates, he served for more than 22 years as a United States Marine – rising from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant before receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant – and eventually retiring as a Major. Dr. Flatter earned a Bachelor of
Ronald H. Holmes Mr. Holmes is vice president and a senior financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, a position he has held since 2008.
Sams
Fidgeon He previously worked in the same capacity with Legg Mason Wood Walker/Citi-Smith Barney and Wheat First Securities/First Union Continued on page 3
JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
Chairman’s Report Make the most of opportunities offered by New Year By Mike Fidgeon A New Year brings with it a chance for a fresh start. We’ve heard that cliché for most of our lives and the fact that this idea has become conventional wisdom doesn’t make it any less true. The arrival of 2014 brings with it the chance not just to survive but to excel. All of us so easily get caught up in the dayto-day grind of work and other commitments that we find ourselves almost automatically piloting ourselves along the same daily paths and routines. I challenge you to establish new habits and more effective routines for your life and business in the New Year ahead. Perhaps this is the year that you will reorganize the operating systems for your business. Maybe you will finally take that leap and branch out to start a new enterprise Mike Fidgeon altogether. Pick at least one way to improve yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Once you’ve settled on your goals, make time to sit down and plot the steps you will take to achieve them. Set concrete actions steps and discipline your mind and body to new behavioral routines that are reinforced by positive, desired rewards. If need be, find a partner or mentor who will check in with you regularly to ensure that you are meeting the obligations you have set for yourself. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Plan for failures and setbacks as they come with the territory of change…but don’t settle for defeat or, even worse, the status quo. There are multiple books written on this topic. Charles Duhigg, an investigative reporter, has written an entertaining book entitled, “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.” If reading is not your thing, try it on anyway. Maybe it will be just the right change to jump start a New Year of rewarding positive habits! Mike Fidgeon is Chief Operating Officer of Providence Human Services, a division of Providence Service Corporation.
Business 101 Series returns for 2014 The Chamber and University of Mary Washington are pleased to announce a new year of the Business 101 seminar series. On the third Friday of each month, faculty from UMW’s College of Business will facilitate a session on a specific business topic. The series will provide specific takeaways for each attendee that can easily be implemented in today’s fast-paced business environment. The first Business 101 seminar will take place at 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17 at the Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240. The price for attending a single session is $15. The 2013 Business 101 Series package, which includes 12 sessions, is $150. Call (540) 373-9400 to register. Seating is limited to 25 participants per session.
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Make your plans to attend the Chamber Gala Continued from page 1 company with 25 or fewer employees and to a company with more than 25 employees. The Business of the Year Award recognizes a company for achieving business and financial success, and for being involved in Chamber and community activities. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award goes to an innovative business owner or individual that recognizes and meets a market need. The Chamber also will present the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service to the community. To nominate an individual or business for an award, contact the Chamber office at (540)373-9400 or send submissions to whitney@ fredericksburgchamber.org. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. Tickets are now on sale! Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 to reserve your spot. Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in marketing your company to
Chamber members enjoyed a good time and good company at the 2013 gala. What 2014 Chamber Awards & Gala When 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 Where Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Chamber gala attendees, please contact Whitney Watts at whitney@
Cost Tickets $75 apiece To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
fredericksburgchamber.org.
New Chamber Board Members welcomed Continued from page 2 Securities. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of William and Mary, and a Master of Business Administration – Finance from George Mason University. Active in the community, Mr. Holmes is the past chairman of the board for Fredericksburg Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He has served as the campaign chair for the Rappahannock United Way twice and also chairman of the board for the Rappahannock United Way and for the Spotsylvania Educational Foundation. Currently, he serves as secretary of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education and is a trustee with the Cal Ripken Sr., Foundation National Board of Trustees. At the Chamber, he has been a member of the Chamber Enterprises Board of Directors for many years and currently serves as vice-chairman. Dr. David Sam Dr. Sam is president of Germanna
Community College. Born in western Pennsylvania and raised in Michigan, he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State. In his life he has been a retail store owner/manager, a published poet, a college English teacher, and a college administrator. He served as a student affairs administrator at Marygrove College in Detroit and Oakland Community College in Michigan, as an academic administrator at Oakland and Jackson Community College in Michigan, and as chief academic officer and Vice President at Pensacola Junior College in Florida, before becoming the fifth President of Germanna Community College in March 2007. The Chamber is also pleased to welcome a new board chairman for 2014. Michael C. Fidgeon Mr. Fidgeon serves as Chief Operating Officer of Providence Human Ser vices a division of Providence Service Corporation. A
resident of Spotsylvania County, he was a Fellow in the 2009 Leadership Fredericksburg program. He was elected 2009 Class President and previously served as the Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni Association President. Mr. Fidgeon launched and has co-facilitated the Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni Builder Series with Chamber President Susan Garnett Spears. He is an active member of the Military Affairs Council. As president of Providence Service Corporation’s Eastern Region, he oversaw $120 million in annual revenues generated by the provision of community-based mental health services across 16 states and the District of Columbia. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Fidgeon oversees operations across 28 states, the District of Columbia, British Columbia and Canada that generate $400 million in annual revenue. A committed leader in his church in Louisa County, he enjoys coaching youth sports and taking an active part in the interests of his wife and children.
Looking for past issues of ChamberLink? Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Trailblazers Quarles Energy Services: Leading the way in community and customer service Every business today faces the challenge of continually finding ways to re-invent itself to adapt to the rapidly changing world in which we all live. The Quarles organization has evolved over three generations from a small town family business to a Mid-Atlantic regional petroleum distributor. The Quarles family is committed to the long-term growth and further evolution into the next generations of family ownership and management. Our growth in the market place is based on providing our customers with the right product at the right price with exceptional customer service. Quarles continues to improve its product and service offering to be the provider of choice in the markets
it serves. Quarles offers a selection of fuel and fuel product options to consumers and businesses in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Quarles offers delivered fuels such as propane and heating oil to residential and commercial customers, as well as fleet cards, lubricants, and dealer services. The unifying factor among our business segments is our commitment to provide each product and service at an excellent value and exceed customer expectations. To expand its offerings for fleet card customers, Quarles is introducing a new fleet card with features and benefits specifically catered to the needs of diesel fleets, but with advantages for fleets of all sizes. The new Quarles DieselPlus Q-card of-
Ribbon Cuttings Supporting business peers is one of the key opportunities of Chamber membership. Join us this month as we help member businesses celebrate their successes with ribbon cuttings. Where
Liberty Tax Sevices
fers all the benefits of Quarles fuel locations with access to retail diesel truck stops at cash price or better. As our customers desire to interact with Quarles over the Internet, the company has rolled out new websites for easier navigation and customer assistance. Customers can access the new portals by visiting quarlesfleetfueling.com, or thinkheat.com for residential delivered fuels. The new sites include a live chat feature for quick answers to questions during business hours, and easy-to-find information and account management. Quarles associates are the key
to providing exceptional customer service. The company continues to invest in improved training programs and development opportunities for its customer service representatives, drivers and technicians. Quarles’ goal is provide exceptional customer service at each point of contact; answer your call promptly, handle inquires at the first point of contact and provide timely scheduling of service request. Corporate citizenship continues to be a core value at Quarles. Its United Way campaign includes a 100 percent company match of all employee contributions. Its total
contribution was $31,216. Quarles also supports a wide variety of other organizations and was recently recognized with the Chamber Goodwill Award for its support of community projects, including The United Way Campaign, Food Drive, Angel Tree Program and the Day of Caring. Business partnerships are integral to long-term success, and that’s why Quarles has continued its relationship with the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber provides business networking opportunities that not only help our business, but also promote the economic growth of our region.
338 Amaret St.
When 4 p.m., Jan. 15 Cost No fee to attend. Where
The Dr. Yum Project 8402 Broadmore Lane When 4 p.m., Jan. 22 Cost No charge to attend. We look forward to seeing you at both of these celebrations.
Shaw’s Carpets ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ FINANCING AVAILABLE
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JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
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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. American Office Abigail Lenon 400 Preston Ave. Suite 100 Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: (434) 327-1180 alenon@americanoffice.com www.americanoffice.com Office Furniture Benefits by Choice Stuart Jackson 401 Westwood Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 373-2121 Fax: (540) 373-7496 sjackson@benefitsbychoice.com www.benefitsbychoice.com Insurance Children’s Hospital of Richmond @ VCU-Fredericksburg Multispecialty Center Sherry Black 10530 Spotsylvania Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 891-4485 sblack@chva.org www.chrichmond.org Physicians & Surgeons Hospitals & Hospital Services Coach Keny Nancy Keny 1100 Hampton St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: 614-975-6575 nancy@coachkeny.com Leadership/Executive Coaching Business Consultants Management/ Development Organizing Services
Creative Design Interiors, Inc. Kimberly Metzger 1911 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: 540-899-0900 Fax: (540) 899-0933 kmetzger@cdg-interiors.com w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / CreativeInteriorsInc Interior Decorators & Designers Cabinetry Carpet/Flooring Kitchen & Bath Design/Sales Remodeling Contractors-Residential/ Commercial Dickey’s Barbecue Eric Wilborne 10008 Southpoint Pkwy. Suite 100 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 710-0700 tkejenterprises@gmail.com www.dickeys.com Restaurants Law Firm of Evan H. Farr Jeannie Farr 501 Westwood Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22404 Phone: (540) 479-1435 Fax: (703) 940-9161 jeannie@farrlawfirm.com http://virginiaelderlaw.com Legal Services/Attorneys
Workplace Disputes? ■ ■
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Lethia Minor Farmers Insurance Lethia Minor 4107 Plank Rd. Suite B Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 786-1050 Fax: (540) 786-1092 lminor@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/lminor Insurance Patriot 3, Inc Lori Fox 10941 Houser Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 891-7353 Fax: (540) 891-5654 info@patriot3.com www.partriot3.com Government Contractor Rambletype, LLC Chris Muldrow Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 440-1218 admin@rambletype.com www.rambletype.com Web Design & Hosting Services
Summit Electrical Services Co. William Klotz 1127-B Summit St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 371-5001 Fax: (540) 371-5454 contact@summitelectricalsvcs.com www.summitelectricalsvcs.com Electrical Contractor
Virginia Economic Development Partnership Matt McLaren 901 East Byrd St. Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: (804) 545-5736 mmclaren@yesvirginia.org Government Agency
Business After Hours Join us for an evening of networking hosted by EtherSpeak, Inc. What Business After Hours When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16 Where EtherSpeak, Inc. 150 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 207 Cost No charge to attend Come make the connections that will help your business thrive in 2014!
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Chamber Calendar JANUARY 7 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg JANUARY 8 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, noon, at the Chamber office JANUARY 9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at The Rappaport Companies JANUARY 15 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., Liberty Tax Services, 338 Amaret St. JANUARY 16 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Etherspeak JANUARY 17 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8:30 a.m., at the Chamber office JANUARY 21 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club JANUARY 22 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., at the Dr. Yum Project
Seminar Corner FRSHRM Officer Installation Date(s): Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m. Location: Fredericksburg Country Club, 11031 Tidewater Tr. Cost: Free To Register: Go to http:// frshrm.shrm.org/ Fredericksburg Regional Society for Human Resource Management will hold its 2014 installation of officers at the Fredericksburg Country Club on Jan. 9. All FRSHRM members and professionals who may be interested in joining are cordially invited to attend at 5:30 for light refreshment and networking. For additional information please see our web site: http://frshrm.shrm.org/ First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Jan. 13, 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 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: Jan. 10 This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea,
JANUARY 31 CHAMBER AWARDS & GALA Friday, 6 p.m., at the Fredericksburg Expo Center FEBRUARY 4 SPOTSYLVANIA ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at WyteStone Suites of Fredericksburg FEBRUARY 6 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Home Instead Senior Care
First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Jan. 22, 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: Jan. 17 This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, 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. Chamber Small Business Builder Date(s): Jan. 23, noon-1 p.m. Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people. To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org This one-hour brown-bag session offers a chance to get practical business tips and to network with other small business owners and managers. Linda Clevenger, founder and president of Organization Direct, will discuss time management and how to find more time in each day. Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): Jan. 28, noon-1 p.m. Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people. To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org This one-hour brown-bag session focuses on the unique needs of non-profit organizations in the Fredericksburg Region. Come meet with other non-profit leaders to share business tips and best practices.
Aquia Realty, Inc.
JANUARY 23 SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office JANUARY 28 NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office
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.
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.
IDEALLY LOCATED BRICK FRONT RAMBLER With floor plan, 3 BRs, 2 BAs, 2 car gar and more, this home has plenty room to grow! A new 50 gallon hot water heater, vaulted ceilings, in great rm & master BR w/sitting room & full BA. Open & wonderful kitchen w/tons of counter & cabinet space, Unfin bsmnt to make your very own! Spacious screened porch and deck. Immaculately maintained. Call for details
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.
LOCATED NEAR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG Beautiful colonial with fully finished basement with full bath. Master suite with double sinks, separate shower, and a double jacuzzi soaking tub. 4 Large bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths 2 car detached garage - club house with swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, tots lot & more! Short sale priced at $325,900.
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
JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
Non-Profit Corner Partners in Aging - Preparing
Fredericksburg Region for “Silver Tsunami” By 2030, the population in Virginia over the age of 65 will have doubled to more than 1.8 million citizens. The aging of our community will infiltrate all aspects of society. As community citizens concerned about aging issues, we have an opportunity to influence the way our community ages. Partners in Aging is an organization focused on aging issues. Partners in Aging, Inc., is a 501(c) (3) organization, comprised of a collaboration of more than 50 area profit and non-profit organizations. The mission of Partners in Aging is to improve access and resources for older adults and their families in the Fredericksburg Region. This organization is managed completely through volunteers that are passionate about aging and our community. The organization celebrated its five-year anniversary this past September. Partners in Aging has dedicated its time and resources through a series of continuous events as well as a long term goals. • The Art of Aging – The Art of Aging is a free lifestyle expo designed to help those 50 and older explore their community and find out where to get help when needed and, more importantly, learn what programs and services are available to help enjoy life. This past June, more than 500 individuals attended this event at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. • Monthly Seminars – These one-hour seminars are presented by members of our partner agencies on a variety of topics related to positive aging. All seminars are free to the public. Our seminars are held both during daytime and evening hours at Mary Washington Healthcare and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
• Operation Medicine Cabinet – Partners in Aging, in concert with local healthcare facilities, law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency, offers locations in the Fredericksburg area where individuals can drive through and drop off old medications. At our past event, we had seven sites throughout the community and collected more than 1,000 pounds of medications to be safely discarded. • Caregiver of the Year Award and Wayland Marks Award – These awards exemplify the efforts of our caregivers and advocates for the community’s aging population. Family caregivers are treated to a luncheon at which the Caregiver of the Year is named. The Wayland Marks Award is given to an advocate in the spirit of its namesake, who tirelessly provided medical care and advocates for older adults. This year, the award was presented to Valerie Hopson Bell, owner of Eldercare Connections. • Age Wave Planning – Age Wave planning is a process to help our community ready itself for what some call the Silver Tsunami. We believe that our community can establish itself as a desired place to age in place by creating universal access, activities, and access to good healthcare. Our goal is to focus on the promise of aging, not the problems of aging. In order to be successful, all segments of our community must become involved. We follow the five-point star model of bringing together representatives from Government, Non-Profits, Philanthropic Community/Foundations, Business and the Academic community through workgroups. Partners in Aging is open to community members interested in aging issues. We encourage you to join Partners in Aging in shaping our community. Visit us at www.partnersinaging.org.
Fredericksburg Area Museum celebrates 25 years with retrospective exhibit The Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibition, The Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center at 25 Years, This exhibition uses photographs to chronicle the earliest days of the FAMCC, as well as the opening of the Catherine W. Jones McKann Center in 2008. “This exhibition is a celebration of the Museum, its endeavors, and
the people that have been part of its foundation and remarkable growth for over 25 years. We invite all of the Fredericksburg community to visit and to see how far we’ve come,” said President Emeritus and Interim Director of the FAMCC, Edwin Watson. T h e Fr e d e r i ck s b u r g A r e a Museum & Cultural Center at 25 Years will be hosted in the Mansard Gallery of the Catherine W. Jones McKann Center. It will run through
the spring of 2014. For additional information about The Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center at 25 Years, please either contact the Museum at (540) 371-3037, or visit us at www. famcc.org. The mission of the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center is to collect, interpret and present the history and culture of the Fr e d e r i ck s b u r g Re g i o n a n d community.
New Member Orientation
Financial Corner Make financial resolutions you can keep in 2014 Provided by Lee Murray About 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions, according to a survey from the University of Scranton. But the same survey shows that only 8 percent of us actually keep our resolutions. Perhaps this low success rate isn’t such a tragedy when our resolutions involve things like losing a little weight or learning a foreign language. But when we make financial resolutions – resolutions that, if achieved, could significantly help us in our pursuit of our important long-term goals – it’s clearly worthwhile to make every effort to follow through. So, what sorts of financial resolutions might you consider? Here are a few possibilities: • Boost your contributions to your retirement plans. Each year, try to put in a little more to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plans. These tax-advantaged accounts are good options for your retirement savings strategy. • Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts, but make it a goal to finish 2014 with a smaller debt load than you had going into the New Year. The lower your monthly debt payments, the more money you’ll have to invest for retirement, college for your children (or grandchildren) and other important objectives. • Build your emergency fund. Work on building an “emergency fund” containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a liquid account that offers a high degree of preservation of principal. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for emergencies, such as a new furnace, a major car repair, and so on. You might not be able to finish creating your emergency fund in one year, but contribute as much as you can afford. • Plan for your protection needs. If you don’t already have the proper amounts of life and disability insurance in place, put it on your “To Do” list for 2014. Also, if you haven’t taken steps to protect yourself from the considerable costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, consult with your financial professional, who can suggest the appropriate protection or investment vehicles. You may never need such care, but that’s a chance you may not want to take – and the longer you wait, the more expensive your protection options may become. • Don’t overreact to market volatility. Too many people head to the investment “sidelines” during market downturns. But if you’re not invested, then you miss any potential market gains – and the biggest gains are often realized at the early stages of the rally. • Focus on the long term. You can probably check your investment balance online, which means you can do it every day, or even several times a day – but should you? If you’re following a strategy that’s appropriate for your needs, goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you’re already doing what you should be doing in the long run. So there’s no need to stress yourself over the short-term movements that show up in your investment statements. Do whatever you can to turn these New Year’s resolutions into realities. Your efforts could pay off well beyond 2014. This article was written by Edward Jones. Lee Murray is a certified Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. His office is located at 1011 Charles St., Fredericksburg. He can be reached at (540) 373-1805.
Have you recently joined the Chamber? Are you wondering how to best take advantage of your new membership?
Join us for the first Business After Hours of 2014!
Then come to New Member Orientation on Jan. 8! It’s the perfect way to start making the connections that can take your business to the next level.
When: 5:30 p.m.,
You’ll hear from the Chamber staff, Ambassadors and members of the board of directors. When: noon, Wednesday, Jan. 8 Where: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend
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Thursday, Jan. 9 Where: The Rappaport Cos. Central Park Cost: No charge to attend. Start the New Year on a solid footing by networking with your Chamber peers.
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Germanna Community College forging new paths for preparing regional workforce To continue leading the charge as one of the nation’s top states for business, Virginia’s citizens must obtain and strengthen the skills required to drive innovation and job creation across the commonwealth’s communities. Virginia’s community colleges play an important role in equipping individuals with job skills, and Germanna Community College is leading by example. GCC’s Workforce and Community Education department plays an active role in the community, partnering with FredXchange, Deedod, WishStars and other local entrepreneurs as well as with influential entrepreneurs from across the state and nation. “We have the facilities and support, and we work closely with the business community, so it’s a good fit,” said Martha O’Keefe, Germanna’s Dean of Workforce and Professional Development. Germanna’s Center for Workforce provides training and professional development for the region’s
business community, including continuing education programs that benefit small businesses, as well as two-year college degrees that help train the regional workforce. SkillUpVA – Lean Startup Workshop Series & MOOC SkillUpVA is a program launched by GCC’s Center for Workforce and Community Education to provide individuals with the skills required to obtain, improve and sustain career opportunities in an economic environment marked by rapid technological change and increased global competition. The first series offered in the SkillUpVA program incorporates nine engaging workshops focused on helping entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses advance by mastering the techniques of the lean startup method principles. The series will be the basis for a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) that will present these principles at no charge via
Internet video to anyone who needs to learn them anywhere and at any time. Why is the lean startup method important? The economy is changing. The way that people do business is changing. The mechanisms of the past are no longer driving results for individuals or businesses. The lean startup principles reduce the risk and uncertainty of bringing a product or service to market before a lot of time and money have been invested. The goal is to help entrepreneurs and startups decrease risks and accelerate business results by working smarter, not harder. Each workshop will be instructed by an experienced entrepreneur or executive and will help individuals build a strong understanding of how to apply the lean startup method in order to achieve results. The Lean Startup Workshop series is geared towards individuals of any age or background who are seeking a strong entrepreneurial skill set for use in starting a business, managing a
business or developing a business concept. Startup Weekend encourages entrepreneurship Parallel to SkillUpVA is the Germanna Center for Workforce’s hosting of Startup Weekend Fredericksburg for the second time. After a successful debut in June, the second event is set for Jan. 17-19 at the GCC’s Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania. Part of a global movement to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, teams and communities, Startup Weekend Fredericksburg is a 54-hour event designed to support creative, focused and collaborative innovation. It helps participants form a team to work on a concept and refine it before pitching it to investors. More than 1,000 Startup Weekend events have taken place in 478 cities around the world and from these events more than 8,000 startups have been created.
Business Tip
How to get your fitness regimen back on track after the holidays By Jennifer Scherer Korzen
compensate for it accordingly.
Holiday parties, gourmet meals, and savory celebratory dinners can easily get a tad more decadent than you expected. Let’s face it: Everyone blows his or her calorie budget every now and then. Here are some tips to get back on track:
Resume sensible eating You may be tempted to compensate for the extra calories by skipping meals the next day. But skipping breakfast or lunch will only leave you hungry and at risk for pigging out later. Instead, try cutting back throughout the day with a series of small meals packed with fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Wait until you’re hungry. Then have a light breakfast such as a bowl of low-fat yogurt and berries. Mid-morning snack: A piece of fruit and an ounce of lowfat cheese Lunch: A big salad with lean protein such as fish or chicken, or a whole-wheat pita pocket with lettuce and tuna or turkey Afternoon snack: A cup of vegetable soup and an orange Dinner: A piece of fish and plenty of vegetables
Relax (for a moment) The good news is, one meal is not going to ruin you if you eat sensibly and exercise regularly the rest of the time and get back to your routine, experts say. You need to eat 3,500 calories to gain one pound of body fat, so it’s unlikely that a single overindulgence will show up on the scale. No one is perfect in their eating habits. What we have to learn is that we are giving ourselves permission to do this, and as soon as it’s over, we should go back to the eating plan we normally follow. This does not give us permission to continue to overeat and binge. The problem is that overeating is not a one-time affair for most Americans. In fact most people overeat somewhere between 500 and 1,500 calories every single day. If they don’t think about their daily intake they will quickly become overweight. Don’t beat yourself up Many dieters simply give up after a splurge. You may feel defeated and say, ‘Oh I blew my diet, and I’ll just eat the whole Christmas season and the heck with it.” Tell yourself instead, “Ok, you overate for one day; let’s get back on track again.” You need to consciously plan out your portion sizes for the next day. Think of your diet over the course of several days It is not uncommon to eat more sensibly during the week and take in more calories on the weekend. So if you eat more calories than you should at a party on a weeknight, consider that one of your “weekend” days and
Skip the scale After a feast, your weight is bound to be inflated. That’s not because of an increase in body fat, but because of water retention brought on by the excess salt you likely ate. Weighing yourself will only make you feel defeated. Instead stick with weighing yourself one time per week to prevent emotional roller coasters. Stick to your normal exercise routine Compensating for the extra calories by over-exercising will likely leave you burned out. If you overload and do more than your regular routine, you could strain a muscle or even hurt a joint. Muscle soreness may set in and then you are less likely to exercise. Instead continue the normal routine you were doing rather than upping the ante. Track what you eat Setting a caloric goal for the day and recording what you eat keeps you conscious of what you’re eating. There are many calorie-counting web sites and mobile applications to choose from. Our favorite is MyFitnessPal. The only way to win the game is to keep track of your total calories for the week. If you don’t stay on top of things, you’ll
slowly and subtly lose the battle. You have to be conscious every time your hand goes from a plate to your mouth. The MyFitnessPal app makes it easy to track foods on the go and will help you become more aware of your eating habits. It gives you the control to manage your weight whether you want to lose, gain or maintain your current weight. Jennifer Scherer Korzen, ACE-CPT, ISSA-SSF, is president and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness, Inc., located at 2541 Cowan Blvd. For more info, go to www.FburgFitness.com.
JANUARY, 2014 • CHaMBErLInK
Next Generation salutes area’s young leaders with Top 10 of Next Gen Awards The Chamber’s Next Generation of Business Leaders honored a group of young professionals who are blazing new trails in business and community involvement in the Fredericksburg Region. The organization presented its “Top 10 of the Next Gen” awards during a Dec. 12 celebration at Stevenson Ridge. The Next Generation of Business Leaders provides opportunities for young professionals in the Fredericksburg Region to engage and get involved in the community through professional development, civic outreach and social/business networking activities. Its members strive to serve as the catalyst that allows young professionals to make measurable and significant impacts in both their personal and professional lives as well as in our community.
The Next Generation of Business Leaders honored the “Top 10 of the Next Gen” during an awards ceremony at its holiday celebration, held Dec. 12 at Stevenson Ridge.
The winners are: • Matt Armstrong – Deedod, Inc. • J e s s i c a B e r i n g e r – Community Volunteer • Shanna Boutchyard – Rappahannock Goodwill Industries • Mark Eid – Virginia Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center • Quincey Garcia – Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center • Chris Hornung – The Silver Companies • Ben Keddie – Coldwell Banker Elite • DD Lecky – Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer • Scarlett Pons – Ponshop • Barry Waldman – Jarrell, Hicks & Waldman, PC
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Focus On… 2014 General Assembly session House of Delegates ready to help Virginia remain best state for business By Speaker William J. Howell
Workforce training, education, mental health among priorities for 2014 session By Del. David J. Toscano Each General Assembly session takes on its own sp eci a l ch a r a cter a n d tone. 2013 was the year of transportation, as Democrats helped to ensure passage of a bipartisan bill to inject significant monies into road construction and maintenance, rail, and mass transit. While it is always difficult Del. Toscano to predict precisely which issues will become “The Issue” of the session, significant discussion will occur in the following areas: Budget - This is Gov. McDonnell’s last two-year budget, and his proposal will reflect his priorities. As we consider this budget, Democrats will likely push for additional monies for K-12, higher education and mental health. Jobs and Economic Opportunity – The economy is not improving as fast as we would like, and House Democrats will continue to push for job initiatives, including the expansion of workforce training to give our citizens greater economic opportunity. Educational Reform – We will see efforts to reform the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, and House Democrats will attempt to provide local school divisions more flexibility to innovate and pay teachers what they deserve. We must find ways to challenge our students by fostering creative thinking and problem solving, thereby creating a workforce so our companies can remain competitive in the global economy. All of this, however, will take financial resources, and will require legislators to set priorities in their budget negotiations. Mental Health System Reform – The recent tragic events involving Sen. Creigh Deeds and his family have cast a harsh spotlight on the gaps in our mental health services system. We made progress following the 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy but more resources will be needed to improve the system.
Medicaid Enhancement – House Democrats support enhancement of Medicaid. This means reforming the system to protect taxpayer dollars while expanding service to those who need it. Many businesses, hospitals and physicians support enhancement as well. There are several reasons to support enhanced Medicaid. First, it means jobs and economic activity; $9.9 billion would be injected into Virginia’s economy by enhancing Medicaid, and an estimated 40,000 jobs would be created. It will keep our tax dollars here in Virginia rather than send them to states that voted to expand Medicaid. Virginia is one of the most restrictive Medicaid states, both in terms of eligibility and reimbursement rates for care providers, such as doctors and hospitals. Second, it protects local hospitals that provide critical services not to just indigent clients but entire communities. Many of us worry that without Medicaid enhancement, some of our smaller community hospitals may risk having to close. Third, it would give up to 400,000 Virginians access to quality care that they do not presently have. It would keep them from having to use emergency rooms, thereby lessening costs for all Virginia taxpayers. Ethics Reform – Following the scandals involving both Gov. McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli, efforts will be brought forth to reform Virginia’s reporting requirements for our top elected officials. Gov.-elect McAuliffe has already stated he will institute a self-imposed ban of any gifts over $100 for himself and members of his family, and the legislature will consider a number of proposals, including the creation of an Ethics Commission. Democrats in the Virginia House will continue to advocate for investments in our educational and transportation infrastructure, protecting those most in need in budget deliberations, and enhancing the economic opportunity of our citizens by expanding business opportunity throughout the commonwealth. Del. David J. Toscano is the House Democratic Leader and represents the 57th District in Virginia’s House of Delegates, which is comprised of the City of Charlottesville and portions of Albemarle County.
During the 2014 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislators will be tasked with addressing a number of issues important to the commonwealth’s business community. Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates are prepared to address these issues head on and work to ensure that Virginia remains the nation’s best state for business. In the 2014 session, the General Assembly will craft a responsible two-year state budget, begin to develop a statewide strategy for workforce development, invest in and reform our K-12 and higher education systems, and make important reforms to our transportation system following the passage of last year’s landmark funding plan. Crafting a state budget will be the most important task of this year’s General Speaker Howell Assembly. While Washington has been dealing with deficits and government shutdowns, Virginia has produced four straight budget surpluses totaling more than $2 billion. We did this by crafting responsible budgets that invest in core government services while cutting nearly $7 billion in spending. We must continue to apply a cautious and responsible approach to budgeting. We can do this while still investing in key areas like education, economic development, public safety and mental health. Beyond the budget, the most pressing issue legislators must address is the Commonwealth’s long-term economic competitiveness. Virginia has weathered the economic downturn better than most states and our unemployment rate remains well below the national average. In order to remain competitive throughout the next century, we must train our workforce, provide our children with a world-class education and continue to improve our infrastructure. In order to attract companies and create jobs, Virginia must have the world’s most highly skilled workforce. Building this workforce requires a statewide strategy for workforce training and development. Working with our community colleges, career and technical centers, state agencies and business partners, Virginia must provide workers with the resources, skills and expertise needed to be successful. This will attract capital and new businesses to the Commonwealth. Reforming and coordinating Virginia’s many workforce training programs is not a quick task. The Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission, the General Assembly’s independent oversight and research agency, is reviewing key aspects of Virginia’s workforce training system. We have started to reach out to key organizations and leaders to find ways to improve this system. We expect to begin this work during the 2014 legislative session and will continue in the years ahead. Providing a highly skilled workforce begins with our K-12 education system. Virginia is fortunate to have great teachers and educators who are committed to our children. Education Week ranks Virginia’s K-12 system as fourth best in the nation. But we live in a global, 21st Century economy. We must continue to innovate and improve. Last year, the General Assembly passed innovative and forwardthinking reforms that make our schools better. We raised teacher pay, created a system to reward teachers with bonuses, and passed the A-F school accountability system. Building on that groundwork, our focus in 2014 will be on the students. We want to provide every child with a personalized path to success. We will work to reform the SOLs, emphasize the use of technology to measure students individually and empower teachers with the resources and flexibility they need to teach our children. Educating our children and training our workforce are important steps. Continued on page 11
JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
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New governor, legislators must embrace “Virginia way” of bipartisanship By Sen. Thomas K. Norment
State budget, mental health services, Medicaid to dominate legislative session By Sen. Richard Saslaw It’s that time of the year for the General Assembly to begin its 2014 session. Starting on Jan. 8, the legislature will launch its 60-day session. Terry McAuliffe will be sworn in on Jan. 11 as the 72nd Governor of the commonwealth, Ralph Northam as Lt. Governor and Mark Herring as Attorney General. Little has changed in the composition of the House of Delegates – except for the retirements of some key leaders resulting in the appointment of seven new committee chairs. Sen. Saslaw As a result of the November statewide election, there are two open senate seats. Those seats were held by the Democrats and created the 20-20 split in the Senate with Lt. Gov. Bolling casting the tie-breaking votes. Needless to say there have been some very interesting legislative outcomes along party lines. Assuming the Democrats prevail in retaining the senate seats in the 6th and 33rd Districts, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam will be the pivotal vote in Senate ties. As of this writing, we anticipate Gov. McDonnell calling for the special election(s) prior to the start of the Session. This year the biennial budget will be the dominant issue in front of the General Assembly. Come January and February, it will be up to the House and Senate to produce a fiscally responsible plan. Most of us realize there is no good outcome in the legislative gridlock on the other side of the Potomac. I am confident we can come up with a bipartisan budget that will also be a positive magnet for economic development and jobs – the top priorities of Gov.-Elect McAuliffe. As always there will be General Fund priorities competing for appropriate funding. The tragedy experienced by one of our Senate colleagues brought to light the challenges in the commonwealth’s mental health services. Shortly after the Virginia Tech tragedy the state code
was rewritten, but there are still large gaps in what appears to be a somewhat dysfunctional system. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce agrees that there is no good reason to leave $2.3 billion of Virginia taxpayers’ money on the table in a futile rejection of Medicaid expansion. This has been a divisive issue that I hope we can resolve. Make no mistake about it, those funds will be sent to another state that is implementing the ACA. It is shortsighted to undermine affordable and accessible health care. Additionally, Medicaid expansion means 30,000 new jobs for the Commonwealth. Funding for public education remains a top priority. With increased enrollment it’s incredible that many of our state-supported colleges and universities are being funded at the same level as 2005. We must make sure our kids get a world-class education and can compete in the global economy without insurmountable debt when they enter the workforce. Along with the biennial budget we will take up a couple thousand bills on a whole host of subjects. Right up there will be many attempts to reform ethics and campaign finance. The push for reform legislation comes as a result of the outgoing governor’s problems. I do believe reform will happen, but I also believe you cannot legislate a moral compass. Expect some very long debates on this issue. Another matter likely to burn to the forefront of debate will involve voting and voter’s rights. I suspect we will also see more discussion on redistricting methodology. Without a doubt, there will be many more issues that rise to the top during the General Assembly. Our new governor will have his work cut out for him, and I look forward to helping him succeed in his quest to boost the economy, create new jobs and build the most opportunities for Virginians throughout the commonwealth. It’s time to bridge the rural and urban divide. Success is possible with a united effort. Happy New Year. May 2014 bring good health, cheer and prosperity to Virginians. Richard L. Saslaw leads the Democratic Senate Caucus and represents the 35th Senate District, which includes Falls Church City, portions of Alexandria City and portions of Fairfax County.
“Bipartisan” has become a popular word in political discourse over the last several years. Bandied about regularly in campaign advertisements and on television news panel shows, the concept of partisans who disagree on key issues working together to accomplish shared goals is very much in vogue these days. By virtue of the recent elections, Virginia can no longer afford to restrict “bipartisan” to claims made in campaign ads. The simultaneous elections of a Democratic governor and a House of Delegates with a veto-proof Republican majority have made bipartisanship a necessity in Richmond. It is, however, important to be realistic in our expectations for successful collaborations. The continuing challenges with the implementation of the federal government’s Sen. Saslaw Affordable Care Act law, more popularly known as Obamacare, may provide an important lesson on the possibilities and limitations of bipartisanship. During the 2013 campaign, Gov.-elect McAuliffe pledged to have Virginia join the minority of states that have accepted the dramatic expansion of Medicaid that is a key feature of the ACA. But the Constitution of Virginia does not give a governor unilateral authority to implement policies that have budgetary implications. Budgets must be approved by the General Assembly in order to be enacted. That reality is not a minor hurdle to expanding Medicaid. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of this debate. Those who support the ACA’s Medicaid expansion plan cite the massive influx of federal dollars that come with accepting the expansion. Those opposed can easily cite multiple examples of the federal government failing to indefinitely keep its funding promises to the states, an argument strengthened by the doubling of the federal debt during the Obama Administration’s five-year tenure. It was this argument that the United States Supreme Court found persuasive when they handed down their 7-to-2 majority decision that the federal government cannot force the states to accept the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid. Simply put, a majority of legislators do not want Virginia taxpayers to be Continued on page 13
Howell Continued from page 10 But they’re meaningless unless we have an economy that can move. And in order for our people, products and goods to move, Virginia must have a strong and reliable transportation network. Last year’s landmark transportation reform bill – when fully implemented – will generate $6 billion in new revenue for roads, bridges, highways and transit over the next five years. But good business leaders know that money alone doesn’t solve problems. Earlier this year, I outlined more than a half-dozen proposals to reform how we spend our transportation dollars. These proposals cover three broad categories. First, we must better utilize technology, data and analytics.
Second, we must build a consumerbased model that focuses on congestion relief and economic development. Third, we must demand return on our investments. The General Assembly will take up some of these proposals this year, and I look forward to the improvements they will bring. Responsible budgets, a strong workforce, great schools and a reliable transportation system are important steps that will help Virginia remain the nation’s best state for business. As the General Assembly session convenes, I encourage business leaders to reach out to lawmakers. The input is appreciated and valued. William J. Howell is the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. He represents the 28th District, which includes portions of Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Pancakes and Politics Continued from page 1 All five lawmakers described refor ming Virginia’s workers compensation system as “critical” to ensuring a robust business e nv i r o n m e n t a n d a h e a l t hy economy. They also expressed skepticism about expanding the commonwealth’s Medicaid program, which is a key component of the Affordable Care
A lively crew came out for the breakfast meeting, including (l-r): Joe Wilson, Chamber President Susan Spears, House Speaker Bill Howell, Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, and Michael McGurk with Transurban, the event’s Title Sponsor.
Act. Under the law, the federal government has pledged initially to pick up 100 percent of the expansion costs normally borne by state governments. The federal share of the expansion will eventually drop to 90 percent. All five legislators voiced concern that the federal government will be unable to meet those commitments. The General Assembly has appointed a panel to recommend reforms to
Virginia’s Medicaid program. If the federal government allows the reforms to proceed, lawmakers might consider expansion. Discussion also focused on transportation, with the lawmakers agreeing that careful oversight is needed to ensure that additional monies raised by the 2013 transportation law do not get diverted to non-transportation uses. The Chamber also presented its 2014 Legislative Packet to the legislative delegation.
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Business BRIEFS
Breast Imaging Specialist Dr. Natalie G. Chan joins RAF, Ltd.
VACO recognizes graduates of the Supervisor Certification Program
Dr. Natalie G. Chan, a board-certified radiologist who is fellowship trained in breast imaging, has joined Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg. Dr. Chan is practicing at the Imaging Center for Women in Fredericksburg. A breast imaging physician specialist, she interprets the images of mammograms, breast ultrasounds and breast magnetic resonance imaging tests for signs of breast cancer, and she also performs breast biopsy studies. She provides patients with compassionate and advanced care and follow-up. “Breast imaging is an area of radiology that brings a lot of patient interaction, and I value that so much,” Dr. Chan said. “I appreciate the opportunity to give patients the best guidance and care that I can offer in preventing, detecting and treating breast cancer.” Chan Dr. Chan said she was drawn to working at the Imaging Center for Women because of its dedicated staff and breadth of services. The center is the only program in the area to receive the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation by the American College of Radiology, the highest level of recognition a women’s imaging facility can receive. It is also the only facility in Fredericksburg offering same-day mammogram results and same-day needle biopsies, upon request. A native of Chicago, Dr. Chan received her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Illinois and her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. She completed her medical internship with the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, TX; her medical residency in diagnostic radiology with the University of Kansas School of Medicine; and her fellowship in breast imaging with the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She served also for three years with the Air Force, stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Dr. Chan is board certified in diagnostic radiology. Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg is the largest provider of medical imaging services in the Fredericksburg Region, including Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The group’s 28 radiologists and two vascular surgeons serve Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital, Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, the Imaging Center for Women, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill, Medical Imaging of North Stafford, and Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates. RAF’s board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians, from the top programs in the United States, provide 24/7 on-site radiology coverage for referring physicians and patients, and are trained in all major radiology subspecialties. For more information, visit www.rafimaging.com or call (540) 361-1000.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Association of Counties recognized the eighth class of the County Supervisor Certification Program during the recent VACO Annual Conference in Bath County. T h e C o un ty Sup er viso r Certification Prog ram is a partnership between Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech and VACO that provides training to enhance the leadership and decision-making skills of county supervisors in the Commonwealth. Among the 12 graduates of the 2013 certification program is Stafford County Supervisor Robert “Bob” Thomas Jr. “I congratulate our 12 graduates on completing this challenging and fulfilling certification program,” said James D. Campbell, executive director of VACO. “The 12 graduates are the most we’ve honored since our first class in 2006 recognized 10 graduates. This is proof that the program continues to grow, which bodes well for the future of county government. We believe the Supervisor Certification program is a way to acknowledge our members who seek additional training and improvement of their abilities to better serve their constituents.” T h e C o un ty Sup er viso r Certification Program was created in response to VACO members
Norment Continued from page 11 left holding the bag when the federal spending spigot reduces its flow of dollars to a trickle or, worse, turns off the tap entirely. In an effort to work toward a resolution to this issue during the 2013 session, the General Assembly created a bipartisan and bi-cameral legislative panel to seek out a practical and sustainable solution. Their mission was to determine if the Obama Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services would allow Virginia to enact long overdue reforms to Medicaid that would reduce the waste and fraud that have become
endemic to the program and allow the commonwealth greater flexibility in administering the federal funds. The weeks since the rollout of ACA have not been kind to those advocating Medicaid expansion. As the promise of ACA providing affordable care for all has become the reality of cancelled plans, skyrocketing premiums, and huge deductibles, President Obama’s oftrepeated – and now failed – pledge that those happy with their existing coverage and physicians would not see a change has undermined public confidence in him and the Affordable Care Act. Consequently, lawmakers are less than enthusiastic about adopting a feature of the ACA that could result in state budgets ending up
in a similar predicament when the promises of Medicaid expansion fail to match proponents’ claims. T he debate over Medicaid expansion is poised to be the issue most extensively covered by the media during the 2014 General Assembly session. Practically speaking, it is essential that any impasse on that issue does not negatively affect other legislative responsibilities. This is where bipartisanship must prevail. If the problems related to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion persist, responsible legislators should not allow them to prevent the implementation of the Commonwealth’s constitutionally mandated biennial budget. A decision by Gov. McAuliffe to reject any budget that does not
Stafford County Supervisor Bob Thomas(right) receives congratulations from Brian Calhoun, associate director of Family and Consumer Sciences and Community Viability, with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. requesting more in-depth knowledge about government operations. Virginia Cooperative Extension partners with VACO to develop and deliver the program. “This program is a great example of Virginia Cooperative Extension growing its partnership with an organization to strengthen the impact of our community viability efforts and to collaborate with other agencies to provide leadership education,” said Michael Chandler, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech and the program’s instructor. The County Supervisor Certification Program provides an overview of the basic issues, expectations, and practices associated with serving as a county supervisor as well as detailed information
about local government. Each participant completes five core courses featuring both classroom instruction and self-directed learning on leadership development, duties and responsibilities of public officials, community planning, local government finance, and collaborative governance. Participants also select three elective courses on topics such as conflict resolution and dispute management, team building, technology in local government, decision-making, and intergovernmental relations. For more information about the County Supervisor Certification Program, contact James Campbell, executive director, at jcampbell@ vaco.org or (804) 343.2500.
include Medicaid expansion would be the worst possible start for his administration and would severely damage the prospect of any substantive accomplishments or achievements over the next four years. Holding essential services hostage in the expectation that legislators would yield their responsibilities and prerogatives to a federal program that is already showing serious structural flaws is unrealistic. A resolution to any potential impasse reg arding Virginia’s implementation of the ACA may not come quickly. The tactic of using the budget as though it were just another cudgel in ongoing partisan disputes benefits no one, fosters public cynicism, and has resulted in the low esteem in
which the American public currently holds Washington. It is my hope that our new governor will choose to embrace true bipartisanship by working with the General Assembly on enacting a budget on time, even if Medicaid expansion fails to be included in that budget. That would be “the Virginia way.” Sen. Thomas K. Norment serves as Majority Leader of the Virginia Senate. He represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes Poquoson City and the counties of King and Queen, King William, and New Kent; as well as portions of Hampton City, Suffolk City, and the counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Surry, and York.
ame!
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Business BRIEFS Centennial adds Kolster to Mid-Atlantic Region business development team
Centennial Contractors Enterprises is pleased to announce that William Kolster has joined the firm as Mid-Atlantic Senior Business Development Account Manager. He brings extensive knowledge and experience in facilities management as well as the development of operational programs and tools to expedite and improve the quality of construction and maintenance for facilities. Prior to joining Centennial, Mr. Kolster was the Director of Facilities Services at Loudoun County Public Schools for 16 years, where he developed and awarded the first Job Order Contract for K-12 school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While at LCPS, he led his team to statewide recognition for excellence in facility management and national recognition for energy conservation and sustainability as the Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in 2011 and 2012. These experiences have given him unique insight into the challenges faced by facilities personnel and the possible solutions available to them. Mr. Kolster is a passionate advocate and user of Job Order Contracting. He has developed and delivered many presentations on JOC at regional and national facilities management forums. He recently delivered a presentation entitled “Job Order Contracting, The Educational Facilities Maintenance Alternativeâ€? at the national APPA conference. He is also active in the Virginia School Plant Managers Association; serving as President in 2011. “At Centennial, Mr. Kolster will use his experience with JOC, combined with his knowledge and expertise managing and constructing facilities, to assist owners in creating and maintaining excellent facilities through the use of Job Order Contracting and other best value and relationship-based acquisition tools,â€? said Mike O’Neill, regional vice president, Eastern Operations. Before his service at LCPS, Mr. Kolster completed a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps where he managed maintenance and construction projects worldwide. An alumnus of Illinois Institute of Technology, he is a registered Architect in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also holds Masters Degrees in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and in Management from Webster University. For more than 20 years, Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc., has been a leader in providing responsive construction solutions supporting government, educational and business facilities and infrastructures, with projects focused on renovation, rehabilitation and repair, including adding sustainable systems into its clients’ existing facilities. Centennial has offices across the country. To learn more, go to www.cce-inc.com. Â
SRMC, Dr. Montgomery Johns earn AAGL Center of Excellence Designation
Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center has been designated as the AAGL Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Gynecology ™ (COEMIG™), and Montgomery N. Johns, MD, FACOG with the Center for Advanced Women’s Medicine, has also earned the COEMIG™ designation. Dr. Johns was the initiator of the efforts to complete the stringent requirements to become a center of excellence and serves as the Medical Director of the program. He is one of 260 surgeons in the world to be awarded this honor and Spotsylvania Regional is one of 72 centers worldwide to claim this designation. To e a r n t h e C O E M I G ™ designation, surgeons and hospitals must par tner tog ether and demonstrate a cross-organizational commitment to minimally invasive gynecologic surgical care. “Earning the center of excellence designation signifies our ability to
consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality care to minimally invasive g ynecologic surgery patients,â€? Dr. Johns said. “The COEMIG™ program fosters quality improvement in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and participation has focused our team on exceeding clinical benchmarks and guidelines. But most importantly, our commitment to excellence improves the health and well-being of our patients.â€? The COEMIG™ prog ram recognizes that the integrated efforts and resources of both the surgeon and hospital are what provide lasting health benefits for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery patients. By designating the individual surgeon and facility together, patients are able to distinguish providers who have met the requirements for delivering highquality perioperative care from those who have not. Insurance
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Fredericksburg Roundtable When: 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 Where: Courtyard by Marriott-Fredericksburg Historic District Cost: $12 for pre-paid Chamber members $15 for Chamber members who pay at the door $20 for the general public To Register: Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org Tired
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companies will also be able to use the designation to identify those committed to excellence. The COEMIG™ program is designed to expand patient awareness of – and access to – minimally invasive gynecologic procedures performed by surgeons and facilities that have demonstrated excellence in these advanced techniques. In addition, the program is designed to help accelerate the adoption of minimally invasive gynecology and ensure that women are aware of their surgical treatment options and the benefits of less invasive approaches. Recognizing surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care, the program is structured to help minimally invasive g ynecologic surgery providers continuously improve care quality and patient safety. The AAGL vision is to serve women by advancing the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that provide less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through integration of clinical practice, research, innovation, and dialogue. Founded in 1971, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. This global commitment to women’s health care is embodied in their continuing medical education of physicians and professionals to further promote the well-documented high standards of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. For more information about the AAGL, visit www.aagl.org. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center opened June 7, 2010 and is a part of HCA Virginia, which is the commonwealth’s most comprehensive healthcare network. SRMC is a $175 million hospital with 126beds and all rooms are private and provide a wide range of in- and outpatient services, including 24hour emergency care, obstetrics, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, cardiac catheterization, surgery and psychiatric care. Located on a 75-acre campus south of Fredericksburg on Interstate 95, the hospital recently opened a cancer treatment center in partnership with VCU Massey Cancer Center.
JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
Business BRIEFS
REC members receive discounts from regional businesses
Germanna honors Spotsylvania County Germanna Community College’s Educational Foundation named Spotsylvania County its 2014 Philanthropist of the Year at its annual dinner on Nov. 15 at Stevenson Ridge. GCC President David A. Sam said support from Spotsylvania enabled the college to build its new Science and Engineering Building and Information Commons at its Fredericksburg Area Campus in Massaponax. “Without that suppor t, we wouldn’t have 200 students in our engineering program preparing to transfer to Virginia Tech and other universities,” he said. In accepting the award, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul
Spotsylvania County Supervisor Paul Trampe(center) accepts the 2014 Philanthropist of the Year on behalf of Spotsylvania County from Jane Wallace, chair of the Germanna Educational Foundation, and Germanna President Dr. David Sam. Trampe said Germanna’s presence in the county has helped it attract new businesses. “We’re able to tell those companies
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that Germanna is training our workforce to do whatever jobs they need,” Mr. Trampe declared.
Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports leases, sales transactions Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports the following recent lease transactions in the Fredericksburg area: • DLR Contracting, Inc. – renewal of 2,788 square feet in Central Park Corporate Center at 1227-1235 Central Park Blvd. in Fredericksburg. Berkley M. Mitchell handled the lease negotiations. • Patriot 3 – 3,000 square feet of industrial space in Longwood Business Center at 230 Industrial Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations. • Sight Studio Optometry – 2,422 square feet of retail space at 829 Caroline St. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Paul Eakin handled the lease negotiations. • Tidewater Distributors, LLC – renewal of 1,500 square feet of industrial space at 3508 Shannon Park Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson, and Wilson H. Greenlaw, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations. • Sullivan Insurance – 1,500 square feet of office space at 10500 Wakeman Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Ambiance Blinds – 1,400 square feet of office space at 11047 Pierson Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is also pleased to announce the sale of an office condominium located within Snowden Office Park at 603 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in the City of Fredericksburg. Gaertner Realty, LLC purchased the approximately 1,649 square-foot condo from Minh H. Pham and Tuong Van Pham for $355,000 as an investment. Wilson H. Greenlaw, Jr. with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the buyer, and Mary Katherine Greenlaw, also with Thalhimer, represented the seller.
Happy New Year from your friends at the Chamber and The Journal
Local businesses have discovered the value of participating in Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s (REC) Co-op Connections program. More than 100 additional businesses throughout REC’s 22-county service territory have recently joined the program to offer local discounts to the Cooperative’s members. “Co-op Connections helps our members save money every day and participating local businesses gain exposure to over 150,000 of our members. It’s a great benefit for everyone,” said Terri Bevers, REC’s Co-op Connections program coordinator. The Co-op Connections card program is a free benefit offered to all REC members. “REC members are saving on meals, tires, lodging, heating and cooling, plumbing, entertainment and much more just by using their Co-op Connections card,” Ms. Bevers said. Participating businesses join the program and choose any deal they would like to offer REC members. The Cooperative’s members simply show their card to redeem the discount. With nearly 250 participating businesses to choose from, REC members are finding it easier than ever to save with their card. “As a Touchtone Energy Cooperative, we are able to offer this program along with 478 other cooperatives nationwide,” Ms. Bevers said. “That means when traveling, REC members can take advantage of savings across the country. There is really something for everyone and so many ways to save money through this program.” Through the Co-op Connections program REC members have not only saved at local businesses, but they have also saved more than $1 million on prescriptions over the past several years. To find the most current listing of participating local businesses, visit www.myrec.coop and browse the website, download the app, or take a look at the “Local Deals by Location.” REC provides electric service to more than 158,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, REC 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.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative returns $3.4 million to members Members of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative have received a general retirement of $3.4 million in capital credits noted as a credit on their November electric bills. Chris Headley, REC’s manager of administrative services and controller, explained, “Capital credits are a member’s share of the margins and are assigned to an account in each member’s name. REC’s Board of Directors can authorize the return of a portion of the margins as a Capital Credits retirement once they determine the Cooperative is in stable and adequate financial condition to meet operating costs.” Each member is assigned capital credits based on the usage of electricity purchased during the year. This invested amount represents the value of a member’s ownership in the Cooperative. Members
who were eligible for 2012 capital credits will see “Capital Credit – General” on their November billing statement identifying the amount being returned. “It is important to us that we efficiently manage expenses so that monies collected in excess of REC’s operating costs can be returned to our members,” Mr. Headley said. “This business practice is a great contrast to investor-owned utilities that pay dividends to shareholders.” REC has returned more than $77 million in capital credits to members since 1980. Unlike other electric utilities, the cooperative exists to make sure members’ needs are always met, not to make a profit. For more information on capital credits, log on to www. myrec.coop or stop by one of REC’s four local offices.
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Sue Henderson (center right) with Stafford County government spoke at the Dec. 11 Stafford Roundtable. Joining here were Anita Churchill (left) with event sponsor Peoples Community Bank and Roundtable Chair Kathy Hoffman.
Stafford Roundtable Sue Henderson with Stafford County government gave an overview of the county’s plans for the upcoming 350th anniversary celebration at the Dec. 11 Stafford Roundtable. Peoples Community Bank sponsored the meeting. Due to changes in the Chamber’s roundtable program, the next Spotsylvania Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, at a location to be determined. The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. Non-members may attend one time for $20. The cost includes breakfast. To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org. Contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information. ✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly 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.
Jeanne Wesley, Germanna Community College’s vice president of Workforce and Community Relations, spoke at December’s Fredericksburg Roundtable. Joining her were Amy Peregoy and Karen Hedelt with the City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Economic Development.
Fredericksburg Roundtable Jeanne Wesley, vice president of Workforce and Community Relations at Germanna Community College, discussed Germanna’s Workforce and Community Education Center at the Dec. 3 Fredericksburg Roundtable. Chancellor’s Village Retirement Community sponsored the 8 a.m. breakfast meeting at Homewood Suites, 1040 Hospitality Ln. The next Fredericksburg Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District. Jessica Berringer will discuss the start up of the Fredericksburg branch of the Children’s Museum. The cost is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. The price includes breakfast. Non-member guests may attend one time for $20. To register and pay, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org. Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly 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.
Start the New Year out right by attending one of the many Chamber networking opportunities.
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CNEW Luncheon It’s a New Year, which means it’s time to learn new skills and brush up old ones. Come to the January CNEW Lunch for a fast, fun Speed Networking session! When 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21 Where Fredericksburg Country Club 11031 Tidewater Trail Cost $20 for Chamber members $30 for general public To Register Go to www.fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
JANUARY, 2014 • ChamberLink
Deirdre Powell White received the 2013 Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award at CNEW’s December luncheon.
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CNEW members enjoyed a great meal and the chance to bid in the annual Silent Auction at the Dec. 10 CNEW Luncheon.
White wins annual Wideman Award at December CNEW Luncheon
Deirdre Powell White, founder and CEO of DPW Training and Associates, has won the Chamber’s 2013 Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award. The award goes to a female Chamber member who has consistently demonstrated an independent, energetic spirit; has shown a readiness to act in business and in the community, who demonstrates great passion for improving the quality of life in our region and who leads with the highest level of integrity and honesty. It is named for the late Laurie Wideman, who served on the Chamber’s board of directors and passed away in October 2010.
Ms. Powell White received the award at the CNEW Luncheon, held Dec. 10 at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill. She founded DPW Training and Associates in 2003 to provide professional technical training to agency employees of the federal government, as well as to businesses in the private and non-profit sectors. At its inception, the company won a $2 million federal contract that has since allowed it to blossom into a $10 million enterprise that employs 20 people. In 2012, Ms. Powell White oversaw the creation of the DPW Foundation, which supports educational initiatives at both the primary school and collegiate levels. She is deeply involved
with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, including the development of the organization’s mobile app. She also lends her talents and treasure to a variety of local projects, including the Women’s Resource Center, Bragg Hill Family Life Center, the Chamber, and the Fredericksburg Regional Boys and Girls Club. In addition to honoring Ms. Powell White, luncheon attendees bid on a variety of unique locally produced items provided for CNEW’s annual Silent Auction. Proceeds from the event benefitted The Salvation Army of Fredericksburg.
Chamber roundtables to undergo upgrade for 2014 The Chamber’s fabulous 2014 Roundtable Schedule roundtables – Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford – Month Roundtable Time & Date will get a facelift in 2014. January Fredericksburg 8 a.m., Jan. 7 Each roundtable will now February Spotsylvania 8 a.m., Feb. 4 take place once per quarter March Stafford 8 a.m., March 4 in order to ensure greater April Fredericksburg 8 a.m., April 1 convenience for attendees and allow a wider variety of guest May Spotsylvania 8 a.m., May 6 speakers. June Stafford 8 a.m., June 3 The breakfast roundtables will take place on the first Tuesday of each month. “This is a great opportunity to make our roundtable discussions even more valuable to our attendees,” said Sheri Kroskie, the Chamber’s member services assistant. “We’re lining up some great speakers for 2014 and are really excited about the information they’re going to be sharing.” The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who prepay and $15 for those who pay at the door. Non-members may attend one time for $20. For more information about the roundtables, contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
New Leadshare group starting in 2014 Stafford Leadshare is having its first meeting at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Wingate by Wyndham, 15 Salisbury Rd., Stafford. Anyone that does business in Stafford is invited to attend the meeting and learn more about Leadshare. Elite Insurance, Puroclean Restoration and the Wingate by Wyndham are current members. LeadShare is a networking group that meets twice a month and is designed to help generate leads for its participants. Typically, there is one representative per industry, making each the “go-to” person for business needs. For more information contact Stacey Hicks at stacy@fredericksburgchamber.org.
Public safety was the topic at the Dec. 4 Spotsylvania Roundtable. Spotsylvania County Sheriff Roger Harris (center left) discussed the county’s new Business Watch program.
Spotsylvania Roundtable Spotsylvania County Sheriff Roger L. Harris unveiled the county’s new “Business Watch” program at the Dec. 4 Spotsylvania Roundtable. Due to changes in the Chamber’s roundtable program, the next Spotsylvania Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4 at WyteStone Suites of Fredericksburg, 4615 Southpoint Pkwy. The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Non-member guests may attend one time for $20. To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org. Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly Spotsylvania Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses located in Spotsylvania or that have business interests in that part of the region.
New Year’s Resolution Advertise my business in ChamberLink!
Call Carla at 540-709-7061 • Steve at 540-709-7288 • Charlene at 540-709-7075 • Elizabeth at 540-709-7076 at The Journal for advertising information.
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Ribbon
Cuttings
Comfort Keepers Geriatrics Services Center
Lethia Minor Farmers Insurance
Dr. Wayland Marks, M.D., prepares to snip the ribbon at a Dec. 5 ceremony marking the opening of Comfort Keepers new Geriatrics Services Center. Comfort Keepers is widely recognized as a leading provider of quality in-home care to seniors and other clients who need help with the activities of daily living. Comfort Keepers’ goal is to enrich the lives of its clients by enabling them to maintain the highest possible level of independent living in their own homes for as long as possible.
Lethia Minor wields the scissors at a ceremony marking the opening of her new Farmers Insurance Agency. Located at 4107 Plank Rd., Suite B, the agency provides a wide array of insurance products – including auto, home, life and business – that can help you meet your professional and personal needs.
Business Tip
How can Medicaid recipients protect their assets? By Evan H. Farr, CELA Question: My neighbor, who lives in a $300,000 home, has a wife who just qualified for Medicaid. There is no way they can be poor enough to qualify. Can you explain? And if they do qualify for a government program meant for poor people, how is it ethical? Answer: Medicaid was designed for the poor during President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty and still serves as a program for millions of low-income Americans. But it also benefits many middle and upper class seniors, primarily by covering the catastrophic costs of nursing-homes so families like your neighbors don’t have to deplete the assets it took a lifetime for them to accumulate. Nursing home costs in the Fredericksburg Region average about $82,500 per year. Many people mistakenly assume that Medicare will cover long-term care, but Medicare does not ever cover long-term care. At most, Medicare covers 100 days of short-term rehabilitation that may take place in a skilled
nursing facility. With baby boomers and their parents living longer than ever, few families can count on their own money to go the distance. Stagnant incomes, declining savings, and rising debts make the costs of long-term care an increasing threat to the security of current and future middle-class families. Currently, Medicaid is the primary payer for more than 1 million nursing home residents (Source: Forbes/AARP). And these aren’t the indigent - many of them are the result of middle-income people who have already run through their own money paying for their nursing home costs, and then become eligible for Medicaid. Why wait for that to happen? Life Care Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection is the process of protecting assets from having to be spent down in connection with entry into a nursing home, while also helping ensure that you or your loved one gets the best possible care and maintains the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. Life Care Planning and Medicaid
The Journal also publishes The Dahlgren Source
Asset Protection can be started any time after a person enters the “longterm care continuum,” meaning that a person is starting to need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring, and walking) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (such as cooking, cleaning, caring for pets, paying bills and managing finances). Congress accepts the realities of Medicaid Planning. To plan ahead and accelerate qualification for Medicaid is no different than planning to maximize your income tax deductions to minimize your income taxes, taking advantage of tax-free municipal bonds or planning your estate to avoid estate taxes.
As to the ethics of Medicaid Asset Protection, members of NAELA and Certified Elder Law Attorneys, can provide 100 percent legal and ethical assistance to their clients. To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must have minimal assets – no more than $2,000 in cash and cash equivalents such as bonds and IRAs. For married couples, the spouse staying at home may have assets worth an additional $115,920. Does this mean that if you need Medicaid assistance, you’ll have to spend nearly all of your assets to qualify? No. There are dozens of Medicaid asset protection strategies that can be employed. You should call a Certified Elder Law Attorney to explore strategies for your specific
situation. Evan H. Farr is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with extensive knowledge of elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance topics. Contact him at evanfarr@farrlawfirm.com. During his 26-year career in Northern Virginia, he has been named one of the top Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys the commonwealth by SuperLawyers. com, Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Newsweek . He has published three books on the field of Elder Law, including The Nursing Home Survival Guide. The Farr Law Firm, can be contacted locally at (540) 479-1435 for appointments or to sign up for a free seminar.
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!
JANUARY, 2014 • 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: Jan. 04 – 9 a.m. Topic: 2014 General Assembly session Guest(s): House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell Date/Time: Jan. 11 – 9 a.m. Topic: Update on the banking industry Guest(s): Nate Wood with BB&T Dr. Cynthia Wilkes with Stafford Women’s Health Associates discussed a variety of women’s health issues during the Dec. 7 edition of Business Link.
Fredericksburg Regional Alliance President Gene Bailey gave an update on economic development in the Fredericksburg Region during the Dec. 14 program.
Date/Time: Jan. 18 – 9 a.m. Topic: Life Coaching Guest(s): Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step Date/Time: Jan. 25 – 9 a.m. Topic: Medical transport industry Guest(s): Dan Wildman of LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. Tune in to Business Link – Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM
Willis Madden & Tonja Schafer of the Hartwood Days Festival & Stafford County Ag Fair shared the history of the fair and discussed its future during the Dec. 21 Business Link broadcast.
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Maj. Dan Pantaleo, USMC(Ret.), recounted what he saw on 9-11, and what he learned from it, during a repeat broadcast of an earlier show.
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ChamberLink • JANUARY, 2014
Medicaid Stress Reduction Tool
FREE Tool! Courtesy of
Evan Farr
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Stress Reduction Instructions: 1.
Place this Stress Reduction Tool on a FIRM, DRY surface.
2.
Ask friends and family for Medicaid advice; get confused. Do research on Internet; get more confused. Talk with a non-certified attorney who dabbles in Elder Law; feel hopeless. Worry about your loved one during the entire process.
3.
Follow directions in circle above while continuing to pay nursing home bills of $7,000 to $9,000 per month.
4.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 continuously, or until unconscious.
5.
If unconscious, stop head banging activity immediately.
To reduce your stress sooner and with less pain, call the Farr Law Firm today for immediate and lasting stress relief. Fairfax Office: 10640 Main St., Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030
Fredericksburg Office: 501 Westwood Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22041
www.VirginiaElderLaw.com Evan Farr is Certified in Elder Law by the National Elder Law Foundation, which certification is accredited by the American Bar Association. The Commonwealth of Virginia has no procedure for approving certifying organizations.