Chamber
STANDARD PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA
April 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 4
State of Chamber event salutes volunteers, previews future
Focus
on...
Sustainable Business Practices
T he Chamber honored the volunteers who keep its programs running and previewed exciting plans for the future at the 2014 State of the Chamber breakfast. The chairs of major Chamber programs delivered brief reports on their past activities and discussed what’s on tap for the rest of 2014.
The Chamber also presented its annual Joseph L. Argenzio Award to Greg Calvert, vice president with Kloke Mayflower. The Argenzio Award is named for the late Joe Argenzio, the youngest infantryman to land on Normandy during D-Day. Mr. Argenzio developed a special Continued on page 3
The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors of State of the Chamber 2014: Silver Sponsors At Once Staffing Holmes, Riley & Associates of Merrill Lynch United Bank Bronze Sponsors Germanna Center for Workforce & Community Education Infinity Technologies
.......................... pages 10-11
Trailblazer
J. F. Fick, Inc. . ..................4
Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Non-Profit Corner................7 Walk MS and The Community Give
Seminar Corner Seminar Corner....................6
Financial Corner Financial Corner....... page 8 Business Briefs................. pages 13-15 Roundtables........page 17-18
Business Link...................... 19
Greg Calvert(center), winner of the 2014 Joseph L. Argenzio Award, received hearty congratulations from previous Argenzio Award winners Woody Van Valkenburgh(left) and Joe Wilson(right) following the State of the Chamber event.
STEM 16 Summit opens window to future through science, math Area business leaders, students and educators got their geek on at the third annual STEM 16 Summit. Hosted by FredTech, the Chamber and University of Mary Washington, the event spotlighted regional achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Attendees got to conduct chemistry and physics experiments, watch 3-D printers at work, marvel at drones flying overhead and see robots in action. Missy Cummings, director of the Humans and Automation Laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spoke about how drone technology will revolutionize life in America. She also touted career possibilities in the fields of mathematics and science.
Dr. Missy Cummings, director of the Humans and Automation Lab at MIT, urged students to study hard in math and science.
Students could get a physics lesson at the STEM 16 Summit.
FredTech and the Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors for making possible the STEM 16 Summit: Host & Title Sponsor University of Mary Washington Platinum Sponsor SimVentions, Inc. Gold Sponsor Lockheed Martin Silver Sponsor Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Bronze Sponsor Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Keynote Sponsor Perigean Technologies, LLC Event Sponsors Hyatt Place Minuteman Press Attendees got to see 3-D printing in action at the event.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICERS Michael Fidgeon, Chair, Providence Service Corporation Greg Calvert, Vice Chair, Kloke Mayflower Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Immediate Past Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare Shawn Sloan, Treasurer, The Media Partners, LLC Susan Spears, President & CEO, 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. Dr. David Sam, Germanna Community College Woody Van Valkenburgh, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Eric Watkins, Infinity Technologies Deirdre Powell White, DPW Training & Associates 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
President’s Perspective
Going green a winning strategy for businesses in Fredericksburg Region
By Susan Spears After one of the longest and most unusual winters I can remember, spring is officially here, bringing with it thoughts of long walks with our families, friends, and pets and much more outdoor activity. Spring also reminds us of the importance of being good stewards of the natural resources with which we are blessed in Virginia and across America. As we pause this month to commemorate Earth Day, let us reflect on small, easy steps we can take to implement sustainable business practices in the workplace. It can be something as simple as remembering to turn off the lights in portions of your office that are not in use. How about replacing the reams of paper you use to communicate with employees, customers and collaborators with electronic communications? For more than three years, we at the Chamber have been communicating with our board of directors and working groups via e-mail and social media.
We serve chilled water in pitchers and glasses, completely cutting our use of plastic. No Styrofoam cups - ever. We use recycled paper for the copies we do have to make. We converted our membership records to “the cloud.” These are just a few of the small, simple steps that any business can take, but even little steps eventually add up to a big journey. By going green, you can reduce your use of supplies and resources, thereby saving your company money while helping to save the planet. I’m pleased that the centerspread in this month’s ChamberLink focuses on methods any business can use to conserve resources, reduce its carbon footprint and support a clean environment for future generations. The Chamber is continuing its Green Business Initiative program, and I would like to especially thank our chairman, Rebecca Rubin. She and her team at Marstel-Day, LLC have helped us tailor this program to educate the business community about sustainable “green” best practices and provide meetings and events that support that mission. Let’s all work together to conserve resources, improve the business climate and create a cleaner, brighter future. Susan Spears is president & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org Dale Hendon, Government & Military Affairs Mgr., dale@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 George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org Kathleen Wilkinson, Member Services Assistant, kathleen@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 build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment.
vision To be the leading convener for the business community, assuring that the Fredericksburg Region is a major economic center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia Workforce Center Employer Open House
(Brought to you by the Business Services Team)
April 9, 2014 8-10am & 5-7pm
• FREE services for your business • Door prizes and Refreshments served • Come see what the Virginia Workforce Center has to offer your business. • Meet with our Center Partners
Virginia Workforce Center 10304 Spotsylvania Avenue, Ste. 100 Fredericksburg, VA 22408
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april 2014 • ChamberLink
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Chairman’s Report STEM 16 Summit highlights critical math, science programs
By Michael Fidgeon A few days before this column went to print, FredTech, the Chamber, University of Mary Washington and a wide array of regional educators, students and businesses came together for the third annual STEM 16 Summit. Held at UMW’s Anderson Center, it showed off Science, Technology, Engineering and Math projects put together by some of the best minds in the Fredericksburg Region. There were exhibits of all kinds ranging from robotics and lasers to drones flying overhead. I’m especially proud that the organizers lured Dr. Missy Cummings, who directs the Humans and Autonomy Lab at MIT, to deliver the keynote address. Let me also give a special thanks to all of Michael Fidgeon the sponsors who made this event possible – University of Mary Washington, Lockheed Martin, SimVentions, Inc.; Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Perigean Technologies, Hyatt Place and Minuteman Press. Thank you for making an investment in our future. We hear so often in the news that “America is slipping,” when it comes to luring young people into STEM-related career fields. I take heart from the enthusiastic turnout at the STEM 16 Summit and the quality of the projects produced by the students. But we cannot assume that the young people, educators and businesses that sponsored booths at this event can alone carry our region – or our nation, for that matter – into new frontiers of science and mathematics. I encourage all Chamber members who read this column to make a commitment now to support and help expand STEM programs in our regional primary schools. If you have a talent for math, consider tutoring area students who struggle with this skill. If you have experience in a scientific field, make time to speak to students in a science class about the wonders and career opportunities available if they buckle down and learn the scientific principles before them. Contact FredTech Chair George Hughes, who wears a second hat as STEM Steering Committee Chair, and find out how you can get involved in promoting STEM education in our community. The last 30 years have seen America shift from a heavy industry economy to a knowledge-based economy. If we are to continue the great strides we have made in areas such as medicine, genetics and computer science we need, more than ever, young people who are eager and ready to pursue STEM careers. Get involved, our future depends on it. Michael Fidgeon is Chief Operating Officer of Providence Services Corporation.
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State of the Chamber looks to the future Continued from page 1 relationship with the Chamber late in his life. The award honors an outstanding volunteer who went above and beyond the call of duty in service to the Chamber in 2013. Mr. Calvert’s deep involvement in the Chamber ranges from serving as vice chair of the Board of Directors to serving on the board’s recently created Transportation
Action Subcommittee. A graduate of the Leadership Fredericksburg program’s 2010 Class, he has served as a Leadership Fredericksburg mentor and on its Leadership Advisory Board. He regularly and enthusiastically represents the Chamber at ribbon cuttings; frequently helps lead the Chamber’s New Member Orientation sessions and served on the Chamber Ambassadors Steering Committee.
Business
Workplace Disputes? ■ ■
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Business 101 Series University of Mary Washington Prof. Lynne Richardson, Ph.D., led a discussion on leadership during Leadership 101, the March installment of the Business 101 Series co-sponsored by the Chamber and UMW. The next seminar will take place at 8 a.m., April 11 at the Chamber office. Ken Machande, MBA, will lead the session, entitled “Personal Finance 101.” On the third Friday of most months, a faculty member from UMW’s College of Business facilitates a two-hour session on a specific business topic, providing detailed takeaways for each attendee that can easily be implemented in today’s fast-paced business environment. The price for attending a single session is $15. Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 to register. Seating is limited to 25 participants per session.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Trailblazers J.F. Fick, Inc. – Building business through relationships J.F. Fick, Inc. is a family business that was started March 6, 1936 in Triangle, VA. The first delivery vehicle was an old logging truck. Passed down over the years, the current generation took over the business in the late 1980s. John Fick and his sister, Nancy Campbell, took ownership from their brother, Magruder, after he ran the business for a decade. The company has grown to employ about 100 people and owns a fleet of more than 100 vehicles. As Fick’s team has grown, so has the variety of beverages it distributes. The two primary brands first distributed were Budweiser and Natty Bo (National Bohemian). Moving forward through the 1970s, brands like Michelob and Busch were powerhouses. The ’80s brought on the era of light beer, and Bud Light became a major player in the business. Although Budweiser became – and remains today – the “King of Beers,” the 1990s saw Bud Light continue to grow at a record pace. Next up was the “low carb” phase that saw the rise of Michelob Ultra, a brand that has just recently moved into the Top 10 beers in
America. Fick is proud to distribute six of America’s Top 10. The company has captured 46 percent of the Fredericksburg Region’s beer market, distributing 2.3 million cases in 2013. But J.F. Fick, Inc. has never coasted and has moved aggressively into a whole new sector. Energy drinks have become a monster in the beverage industry, and the company was
Craft truly has changed the culture of the beer business, and continues to do so daily. Craft introduced a number of new styles, ingredients and flavors. Consumers really enjoy trying different beers to tickle their taste buds. “Beer geeks,” as they like to be called, make a point of trying as many different breweries and styles as they can. Fick is pleased to work with
lucky enough to have just that…Monster Energy Drink. Last year Fick sold just over 85,000 cases of various Monster flavors. Their innovation is top notch and this number will only continue to grow. Fick is also keeping up with innovations in the beer industry.
local retailers and restaurants to bring a large variety of craft beers to the Fredericksburg market. Fick is proud to distribute craft from Blue & Gray (Fredericksburg), Legend (Richmond), Starr Hill (Charlottesville), and Devils Backbone (Lexington). The Fick team likes to use the term “Think Local, Drink Local.” Virginians love supporting the local
economy, and it doesn’t hurt that it tastes good too. Events are the fun part of Fick’s work. The ability to sample and serve their beverages on a sunny day or clear night at a concert, BBQ contest, Brew Fest, etc. is what this business is all about. J.F. Fick prides itself on participating in special events like the Historic Half (MCM), Fredericksburg BBQ Jamboree, Fools Fest, the Heritage Festival, and the newly created Fredericksburg BrewFest, just to name a few. Private events book their equipment from April through September, so they’re always busy. The community is the fabric of J.F. Fick, Inc. The family lives and works here and always strives to give back. J. F. Fick, Inc. supports a variety of organizations, including The Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, Friends of the Rappahannock, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Marine Corps Wounded Warriors Foundation, the Women’s Service League of Fredericksburg and, of course, the Chamber. J.F. Fick has been a local business from day one. Team members pride themselves on being friends to the community, and if the opportunity arises to share a beer with you, even better. Cheers!!
Aquia Realty, Inc.
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IDEALLY LOCATED BRICK FRONT RAMBLER Open 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, full, partially fin bsmnt to make your very own! Spacious screened porch and deck. Immaculately maintained. Call for details
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With Full finished basement near Aquia Harbour main gate. Freshly painted & new carpet. Large family room & rec room both with fps. Brick kit, arched doorways, wet br in rec rm, covered frnt porch, patio & fenced back yard, oversized 1 car garage, concrete drive plus street level parking & more! Ideal for 1st time homebuyers or move up. In highly desirable community w/ countless amenities including security, golf, pools, marina, playgrounds and ball fields, jogging trails, stables, country club & more. Priced to sell @ $289,000.
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The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce builds relationships and creates competitive advantages for a healthy business environment.
april 2014 • ChamberLink
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Please extend a warm hand of welcome to the following companies that have submitted applications to join the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Be a good partner: remember these companies when you do business. Aaron’s Elisha Pendleton 15 S. Gateway Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 322-9098 c1700@aarons.com www.aarons.com Furniture Aquia Business Valuations, LLC Laura Mahaney P.O. Box 2142 Stafford, VA 22555 Phone: (571) 477-5378 Fax: (571) 295-5791 lmahaney@aquiavalue.com http://aquiavalue.com Financial Services Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Simpson, Realtors® Harrison Simpson 77 Cambridge St. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 371-1616 Fax: (540) 372-6806 hsimpson0744@gmail.com http://aaa.prusimpson.com Real Estate – Agents/Br okers/ Commercial Bryton Homes Chrisy Taylor 30 Everette Ln. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 899-3690 klongo@georgelasgroup.com www.brytonhomes.com Custom Home Builder Building Contractors Contractors – Home Digital Light & Fiber, Inc. Theresa Davis 10 Phoenix Mill Pl. Alexandria, VA 22304 Phone: (703) 628-8469 theresadavis64@yahoo.com Business Consultants Management/ Development Information Technology Hardware Reseller Security/Safety - Products & Services Dogtopia Lynn Konetschni 4272 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 412-9067 Fax: (540) 412-9167 lynn@dogdaycare.com www.dogdaycare.com/ fredericksburg Pet Services
Elite Ads DBA Coffee News of Fredericksburg Hayden Hodges 6405 Basil Ct. Fredericksburg, Va 22407 Phone: (540) 379-8553 support@coffeenewsrapp.com www.coffeenewsrapp.com Publishers EZ as 123 Bookkeeping Service Rick Silvas 2102 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (951) 378-7060 Fax: (540) 479-3743 rick@ez123bookkeepingservice. com Bookkeeping Greenshades Software Stacy Collis 7020 A. C. Skinner Pkwy. Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: (888) 255-3815 scollis@greenshades.com www.greenshades.com Computer Services-Software Imperial Salon & Day Spa Dong Tang 1425 Stafford Market Pl. Stafford, VA 22556 Phone: (540) 659-3707 Fax: (540) 659-4170 info@imperialdayspa.com www.imperialsalonanddayspa.com Day Spa/Beauty, Hair & Nail Salons Legacy Engineering, P.C. Sara Cushing 1404 Sands Cir. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 373-8350 Fax: (540) 369-4499 sara@legacy-eng.com www.legacy-eng.com Engineering Services
Poseidon Consulting, LLC Derrick Williams Phone: (540) 424-7358 Business Consultants Management/ Development Staff 1 Resources, Inc. Theresa Davis 812 Grafton St. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 760-2977 Fax: (540) 372-2029 theresa.davis@staff1resources.com www.staff1resources.com Consultants
Virginia’s Staffing Choice LaQuia Campbell 700 Westwood Office Park Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 373-1140 www.vastaffingchoice.com Employment Agencies Woodforest National Bank Shelia Boyd 1800 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 785-2012 Fax: (540) 785-2483 sboyd1@woodforest.com www.woodforest.com Banks & Banking Associations
Woodforest National Bank Juanita Stanley 10001 Southpoint Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 834-2136 Fax: (540) 834-4149 juanitas@woodforest.com www.woodforest.com Banks & Banking Associations Woodforest National Bank Jim Terry 125 Washington Sq. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 373-5950 jterry1@woodforest.com www.woodforest.com Banks & Banking Associations
Executive Series Luncheon When: noon, May 19 Where: Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District 620 Caroline St. Speaker: David Corderman with Academy Leadership Associates, LLC To Register: Call (540) 373-9400 The Executive Series offers attendees the chance to hear and learn from other leaders’ experiences on pertinent business topics, as well as how they successfully turned problems into solutions.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Chamber Calendar APRIL 2 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, 3 p.m., at the Chamber office
APRIL 3 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., hosted by Community Bank of the Chesapeake APRIL 4 RIBBON CUTTING Friday, noon, at Hartwood Photography APRIL 9 WORKFORCE NOW WORKSHOP: LEVERAGING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Wednesday, 8 a.m., at John F. Fick Conference Center APRIL 10 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, noon, at Children’s Hospital of Richmond Stafford Therapy Center ARPIL 11 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office APRIL 15 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club APRIL 17 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, noon, at Northern Tool & Equipment APRIL 18 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 22 NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office APRIL 23 ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY LUNCHEON Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., at Bonefish Grill & Outback Steakhouse APRIL 24 SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office APRIL 25 RIBBON CUTTING Friday, noon, at Pancho Villa at Eagle Village MAY 6 SPOTSYLVANIA ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at WyteStone Suites MAY 7 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., at Ristorante Renato MAY 8 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Businets MAY 8 LEADERSHIP FREDERICKSBURG PROJECT PRESENTATIONS Thursday, 3 p.m., J.F. Fick Conference Center MAY 16 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office MAY 16 LEADERSHIP FREDERICKSBURG GRADUATION Friday, 3 p.m., at UMW Stafford Campus MAY 19 EXECUTIVE SERIES LUNCH Monday, noon, at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District MAY 20 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club
Seminar Corner Kaufman & Canoles Employment Law Update Date(s): April 3, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd St., Richmond Cost: $345 for first registrant, $325 for each additional attendee To Register: Call (757) 624-3110 or visit www. kaufCAN.com Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. is pleased to announce its 30th annual Employment Law Update. The program will feature some of the seminar’s best-beloved previous speakers as well as a special performance by popular humorist Steve Kissell during lunch. Conference registrants will attend several educational workshops featuring new information and materials on employment law. For 30 years, the Kaufman & Canoles Employment Law Update has met the training needs of employers across the commonwealth. Representatives from key employment agencies in the region will participate and be on hand to answer any and all employment law questions, in addition to the K&C labor and employment team. Whether a large corporation or small business, anyone involved in employment decisions and/or practices will benefit from attending this timely seminar. VEC Open House Date(s): April 9, 8-10 a.m.; 5-7 p.m. Location: The Workforce Center, 10304 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 100 Cost: No charge to attend To Register: Call (540) 621-0355 The Virginia Workforce Center will give employers the chance to connect with quality employees in order to meet the workforce needs of the Fredericksburg Region. The center offers free workshops on a variety of topics for employers and business owners. Representatives will assist employers in placing job orders, answering questions about EEO information and more. Come to an Employer Open House, April 9, 8-10am and 5-7p.m., located at the Workforce Center, 10304 Spotsylvania Ave. Suite. 100, Fredericksburg. FRSHRM Meeting: The Power of Tweaks Date(s): April 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Location: Fredericksburg Country Club, 11031 Tidewater Tr. Cost: $16 for National SHRM members by April 7; $20 late registration; $25 walk-in. $25 for non-National SHRM members; $30 late registration; $35 walk-in. Make checks payable to FRSHRM To Register: Go to http://frshrm.shrm.org/ events. Sponsor: NSWC Federal Credit Union Please join the regional HR community to hear from Jan Fox, a four-time Emmy Award winner, who will present “The Power of Tweaks.” How did a dirty, shoeshining, radish-stealing kid from a small town end up winning TV Emmys in big markets? It’s all in the Power of Tweaks. Hear Jan Fox’s unlikely story to find out where tweaks can take you and your company. Jan survived 14 general managers or news directors in 19 years on local network television. She continually tweaked herself to stay on top. Your team will do the same to raise performance levels and improve processes. Participants will walk out powered up with personal action plans for generating higher productivity. See more at: http://foxtalks.com/speakingcoaching/#sthash.1gq6U41B.dpuf
Networking will begin at 11:30 am and the program will begin at noon. Those who are tight on time may want to come closer to noon. Lunch is buffet and will be available up until the program starts at 12:15 p.m. Refresh Leadership Simulcast Date(s): April 16, 8 a.m. Location: Providence Service Corporation, 10304 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 300 Cost: No charge; optional donation to Children’s Miracle Network To Register: Go to: www.expresspros.com/subsites/ refreshleadershiplive/2014_rll/index.html Back for its fifth year, the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast is an opportunity to come together with other members of the business community to learn more about the principles of great leadership. Great leaders are enablers of ambition, asserting their influence – rather than authority – to inspire others to achieve. At the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast, a distinguished panel of speakers who have proven their mettle will share their insights and experiences with you. The 2014 speakers are John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market; legendary sportscaster and former basketball coach Dick Vitale; and Christine Cashen, a professional speaker and expert on handling conflict and stress in order to energize employees. You can’t miss this fabulous networking event. No cost to attend but registration is required. Breakfast will be served. Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): April 22, 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. Chamber Small Business Builder Date(s): April 24, 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. Speed networking is the topic for April’s meeting.
Save the Date: Business After Hours Join us for Business After Hours Host Community Bank of the Chesapeake Where Fredericksburg Country Club 11031 Tidewater Trail When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3 No charge to attend. Come enjoy an evening of networking with your Chamber peers.
april 2014 • ChamberLink
Non-Profit Corner Walk MS event helps build brighter future for those living with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 5,600 individuals in Central and Eastern Virginia. MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. Each year, the MS Society asks volunteers in its Walk MS event to move in order to fund the studies that will allow MS victims to overcome this crippling condition. T h e 2 0 1 4 Wa l k M S : Fredericksburg will take Saturday, May 3, at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, beginning at 8 a.m. Join us for this event, a chance to connect people living with MS and those that care about them. This community event raises critical funds to support lifechanging programs and cutting-edge research. It will be an experience unlike any other – a day to come together, to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to show the power of our connections. When you participate in Walk MS, the funds you raise give hope to the more than 5,600 people living with MS in our chapter service area. The National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move forward with their lives. The Central & Eastern Virginia Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Central and Eastern Virginia, as well as in the Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck counties of North Carolina. dericksburg since 19841984 Fredericksburg since Please join us on nowledgeable staffstaff May 3 for Walk MS: Fredericksburg. , knowledgeable Registration opens at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. To pre-register visit cleaning ce visit cleaning go to www.msvirginia.org or contact Clare Lorio at (804) 591-3037 or clare. of hearing aid aid ifeyour of your hearing lorio@nmss.org. y back guarantee oney back Remember, guarantee every connection counts.
The Community Give – The future of non-profit fundraising The future of fundraising is online and every nonprofit that participates in The Community Give on May 6 will be well worth the effort. Ann Klockner, executive director of Rappahannock Legal Ser vices, should know. Her organization participated for the past two years in a similar online fundraising event sponsored by the Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia. “A n y o n e i n vo l ve d i n a nonprofit is incredibly busy. We have to be very judicious with our time. Participating in an event like The Community Give will give nonprofits the incentive to develop a better online presence,” she said. “They will discover new donors and engage prior donors. The benefits extend far beyond the 24-hour fundraiser.” Now she’s happy to join the local effort. Every nonprofit organization in the Fredericksburg Region is invited to participate in The Community Give on Tuesday, May 6, when local residents will donate thousands of dollars online – the most raised locally in a single day – to support issues and charities they are passionate about. Gifts will be maximized through cash prizes to participating
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nonprofits. Every participating area nonprofit will be eligible for $100,000 in incentive prizes from The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region and its sponsors. The Community Foundation (www.cfrrr.org) is sponsoring this first-ever local giving day event, with support from numerous donors who are contributing to the incentive prizes. Local sponsors include Union First Market Bank, the Star Radio Group and The Free Lance-Star. Local donors who give through the The Community Foundation are also backing the event: Dave and Nancy Honeywell, founders of the Honeywell Charitable Fund, and the Robert Cullen O’Neill Memorial Fund. “All nonprofits that serve our region are eligible to participate, from school PTOs to 501c(3) charities. There has never been such an opportunity for the whole community to support the issues and charities they care about most,” said Lisa Biever, who is coordinating nonprofits for the event. Participating nonprofits can earn cash prizes in addition to the donations given online by individual donors. Examples of the incentive prizes include: • a $10,000 grand prize to the
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nonprofit with the highest amount of giving overall • five “No Place Like Home” prizes of $5,000 to the nonprofit with the highest number of unique donors from Caroline, Fredericksburg, Stafford, King George, and Spotsylvania • $1,000 awarded each hour at random to participating nonprofits The Community Foundation does not charge donors or nonprofits to participate. The company processing the online donations charges an industry standard transaction fee. The deadline for nonprofits to sign up for The Community Give is April 11. All participating nonprofits will receive free training and tools from The Community Foundation. Nonprofits should register as early as possible to take full advantage of training and technical support. Similar one-day events have taken place in Richmond, Charlottesville, Warrenton, Newport News and other cities across the country. Richmond’s 2013 Amazing Raise resulted in 18,107 gifts and $1.5 million, inclusive of incentive prizes, which was a 25 percent increase over the prior year. The Community Foundation ensures that all donors will receive an immediate thank you and a receipt for 100 percent of their donations. “This is as exciting for us as it is for participating local nonprofit organizations! Nonprofit organizations keep our community thriving and our mission is to grow community philanthropy – connecting donors who care with causes that matter,” said Teri McNally, executive director of The Community Foundation. “Whatever your passion: literacy, hunger, children and families, the environment…the Community Give is going to be a powerful way for you to do the most good.” The May 6 event will take place from 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. All donations must be made online at www.thecommunitygive.com. Nonprofits can also register at the same website or call The Community Foundation at (540) 373-9292.
RIBBON CUTTING Hartwood Photography 200 William St., Suite 204-A noon, Friday, April 4
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Financial Corner A look at Debt Service Covenants in Commercial Financing Agreements By Geary H. Rogers When obtaining a business loan for any reason, the borrower signs a loan agreement with the lender and other documents to secure the loan with the business assets, which can be personal property, equipment and/or the property where the business is located if the property is owned by the business or the owner of the business. Most commercial loan agreements of this type today will contain what is commonly referred to as a “debt service coverage ratio covenant.” The typical debt service coverage ratio covenant will require that the borrower maintain a debt service coverage ratio at all times of 1.2 to 1.0. Some lenders require lower ratios of 1.1 or 1.15 to 1.0. What does this mean? Generally, loan agreements will define the “debt service coverage ratio” to mean that the borrower must maintain annual “net operating income” derived from the business property and/or other sources at all times equal to, for example 1.2 times the borrower’s total “debt service” for the property. “Net operating income” is typically defined as the annual amount of all income, cash flow, rents and revenues derived from the business minus all of the borrower’s operating expenses for the operation of the business for the applicable annual period. The term “debt service” is generally defined to mean the total annual amount of all payments on all indebtedness including the interest thereon owed by the borrower in connection with the financing, operation and maintenance and management of the business and/or the business property. However, some lenders will have much more complicated definitions of these terms and some will broaden the scope of these covenants to include other properties or other indebtedness of the borrower. How does the lender monitor the debt service coverage ratio requirement? In the loan agreement, the lender will also have a provision requiring the borrower, and also any personal guarantors of the loan, to provide periodic updated financial information for both the borrower and the guarantor, requiring that the following items be given to the lender: • annual financial statements for the borrower in
form and substance satisfactory to the lender, provided to the lender within a certain period of time after the receipt of a written request from the lender • copies of the annual Federal Income Tax Returns for the borrower and all guarantors, with all schedules and attachments thereto, provided to the lender within a certain period of time after the receipt of a written request from the lender • annual list of all leases applicable to the particular income-producing property, and the amount of rent paid under all of the leases • statement of all income and expenses for the borrower detailing all income of the borrower derived from all sources and all expenses incurred by the borrower in its business operations, resulting in a bottom line net annual operating income figure. Any inability of the borrower to comply with the financial reporting requirements is an “event of default” under the loan. Further, the failure of the borrower to remain in compliance with the debt service coverage ratio requirement is also deemed an “event of default” under the loan. This is the case in both situations even though the borrower is continuing to make the regularly scheduled payments on the loan and is not otherwise in breach of any of its remaining obligations under the loan documents. When this situation occurs, the lender can issue a default notice to the borrower and demand the loan be repaid in full, and if the loan is not paid, the lender has the right to sue the borrower for repayment and/ or foreclose on the business property and have the property sold to satisfy the loan. Geary H. Rogers is a partner in the law firm of Compton & Duling, L.C. and has practiced in the area of commercial real estate, land development, business organizations, contracts, and office and retail leasing for more than 35 years. If you have questions relating to any of the issues that are discussed in this article, or any other matters, you should feel free to contact Mr. Rogers at (703) 565-5168 or e-mail him at ghr@comptonduling.com. For more information, visit www. comptonduling.com.
Beth Williams, chair of the Workforce NOW Board of Directors, introduced facilitator Raymond Gill at the March 19 Workforce NOW workshop.
Workforce NOW workshop focuses on understanding co-workers The past shapes the present. Raymond Gill demonstrated how individuals’ previous life experiences mold them into the people they are today and what that means for their interactions in the workplace. Mr. Gill shared his insights at “Understanding Yourself and Others,” the March session of the Workforce NOW workshop series, held at the John F. Fick Conference Center. The discussion focused on how people became who they are now and, good or bad, how their view of the world influences others. The next Workforce NOW workshop will take place April 9. Entitled, “Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace,” it will offer insights on how different backgrounds and perspectives can strengthen a business environment. What Workforce NOW Workshop: Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace When 8 a.m., April 9 Where John F. Fick III Conference Center 1301 Sam Perry Blvd. Cost $15 for Chamber members $30 for general public To Register Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
Chamber to celebrate administrative professionals with award, luncheon We know them but often overlook them. They are the people who make the coffee, answer the phones, order the supplies and often deal with cranky customers. They are America’s administrative professionals, and we all know our businesses wouldn’t run without them. The Chamber will celebrate th e r egio n’s a dministr a tive professionals with a special luncheon on April 23. Make plans now to bring your administrative support team to the Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon.
This event has gotten so big we’re holding it at two locations! You read that right. We’ll be hosting the luncheon at not one, but two area restaurants. Seats are going fast! Order your tickets now and then join us at 11:30 a.m., April 23. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to thank your support team for all that they do for your company. During the luncheon, we’ll present the 2014 Administrative Professional of the Year Award. To reserve your spot, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org.
What Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon
When 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 23
Where Bonefish Grill 1779 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. or Outback Steakhouse 2941 Plank Rd.
Cost $25 per person
Event Sponsor At Once Staffing
To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
april 2014 • ChamberLink
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Next Gen’s Reverse Raffle provides thrills, raises money for Made in FredVA contest
Next Generation members networked and relaxed at the Reverse Raffle. Adam Janney and Bill Freehling of the Next Generation call out numbers during the Reverse Raffle, held at the Fredericksburg Country Club. It was an evening of fun and high drama at The Next Generation of Business Leaders’ second annual Reverse Raffle. About 200 people gathered at the Fredericksburg Country Club on March 7 to learn who would walk away with the $5,000 prize generated by the sale of raffle tickets. Five ticket holders ended up splitting the prize money. Paul Gehring, Len Dameron, Don Newlin, Jeff Liller and Lloyd Harrison each took home $1,000 at the close of the contest. Proceeds from the raffle are helping fund the second round of the Next Generation’s Made in FredVA contest. Modeled on the ABC Network’s Shark Tank program, Made in FredVA encourages the creation of new businesses in the Fredericksburg Region by giving budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to win start-up capital from established business people. The rules offer applicants a chance to submit business start-up plans in writing. Following a review of the written proposals, those who have offered the most viable ideas will publicly present them later this year. A panel of successful business people will pick a winner, who will receive cash to help launch his or her idea.
The crowd waits with bated breath to find out who the big winners are in the Reverse Raffle.
Ribbon Cutting Come out and celebrate the opening of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond Stafford Therapy Center. When Open House from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ribbon cutting at noon, followed by lunch
No matter what your challenge, we can lend a hand. Complete business banking solutions, including competitive loans and lines of credit. Visit us at our dedicated lending office in Fredericksburg 1320 Central Park Boulevard 540-412-0160 888-745-2265 • cbtc.com
Look for our new full-service branch in Central Park in the near future. Member FDIC
Where Children’s Hospital of Richmond Stafford Therapy Center 2781 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Suite 103, Stafford Cost No charge to attend
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Focus on ...
Sustainable Business Practices
Sustainability Certified – Is it right for my business and what’s involved? By Gail Dunn Certifying your organization for sustainability – what does that mean? For many, the term “sustainability” is synonymous with “green,” but today’s sustainability is so much more. Often, sustainability is expressed through the idea of the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits. It is intended to represent a full accounting of business performance by looking at the social, environmental and economic implications of one’s business decisions. At the core of this notion is the underlying recognition that sustainability is a multidisciplinary pursuit that affects both the short- and long-term. Business decisions are not made in a vacuum. Every decision affects the economics of your business, the welfare of your employees and/or community, and the natural environment that provides the ecosystem services we all rely upon. While we traditionally measure our company’s economic health, all three attributes are necessary for the long-term sustainability of any enterprise. This brings us back to the question of whether certifying your company’s sustainability is a course you should pursue. Please note: you can self-evaluate your business from the standpoint of sustainability in ways that do not involve certification, and a variety of web resources can help you do that. What you gain from certification is: • independent, third party verification • the assurance of knowing that your practices and performances have been evaluated in a measurable and standardized format that allows for comparison with others in your industry • credentials • the ability to state your certification in one sentence rather than reciting a long list of accomplishments Sometimes there is accompanying visibility or recognition among your peers, and the ability to network more easily with other organizations that have similar credentials. Many evaluation protocols exist to choose from. For instance, GRI, the Global Reporting Initiative, has developed voluntary sustainability reporting guidelines. A company self-reports its performance against the GRI criteria, and can then have a third party do “assurance” on its report. ISO – the International Standards Organization – has sustainability certification standards for Environmental Management Systems and Occupational Health and Safety, and guidance (non-certification) standards for Quality Management and Social Responsibility. Additionally, there are standards for specific industry segments, such as LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Cost will also play a role in your certification decision, as it can run from $10,000-$30,000 (including staff costs to collect documentation and manage the process). It is important to do your homework when determining whether or not to certify and, ultimately, which certification to choose. Recently, Marstel-Day, LLC went through a certification process. After researching a wide array of options, we chose to work with NSF International (NSFI), the internationally-accredited standards organization that created a sustainability protocol for service providers. This protocol is focused on all three aspects of the triple bottom line. In January 2013, we were certified to P391, NSFI’s General Sustainability Protocol for Services and Service Providers. Using our experience as an example, here’s what we encountered when pursuing certification with NSFI. (Although different standards and protocols will have different assessment criteria, the process itself remains roughly the same.) Phase I: Do your homework Once you have identified the standard or protocol your company will pursue, acquire a copy from the provider. It will contain information on what factors will be evaluated. (For NSFI, go to www.techstreet.com/nsf.) Our evaluation categories ranged from the traditional environmental attributes such as annual energy usage; to social, economic, legal and labor attributes such as our procedures to handle confidential business information, our compensation policies, our investments in the community, and our workplace, health and safety practices. This initial review allows you to understand the overall scope of the sustainability assessment. Once you have completed the preliminary assessment, you can decide if you want to move forward. At this point, you might wish to engage a company that has already gone through the certification process to help you with the more involved work you will encounter in Phase II. Continued on page 11
Top: Marstel-Day partnered with the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge to assist in trail maintenance, biological work, and posting carsonite trail markers at the Port Royal Unit to celebrate Earth Day 2013 and is looking forward to returning to the unit again for Earth Day 2014. Above: Rain barrels help reduce runoff and can serve as a reservoir for watering gardens.
april 2014 • ChamberLink Continued from page 10 Phase II: Documentation collection process During Phase II, you will pull together the documentation that demonstrates your company’s achievement of each of the mandatory sustainability criteria, as well as any incremental credits it has achieved. The benefit of using a third party is that it can offer guidance and recommendations on changes you can implement to earn credits for which your company does not currently qualify. Phase III: Engage the certifying organization During this phase, you will enter into a contract with the certifying organization, which will ask you to provide the documentation you pulled together in Phase II. Once completed, the third party will typically conduct an onsite audit to confirm the accuracy of your documented practices and follow-up on any items that cannot be verified via documentation. Throughout the process, you will have the opportunity to make adjustments to your company’s programs and practices to meet the compliance criteria. You will also receive a written report and be allowed to provide additional explanation or documentation for any credit not awarded. The real benefit of these assessments is that they help you understand where your policies and practices are strong or where they show an opportunity for growth. Phase IV: Certification and listing Once the final results are tallied, your company will receive its certification. In our case, NSFI awards one of four levels – from the basic “Conformant” level, where only the mandatory prerequisite criteria need to be met, to the highest “Platinum” level, where several additional criteria are met that demonstrate the depth and breadth of the company’s sustainability program. NSFI also listed our name and certification level (platinum) on its website. Each year thereafter, the process to retain your certification will vary depending on the certification you chose. So, are you ready to begin? Remember, achieving sustainability is a journey. Certification is one of many paths a business can take to reach its sustainability goals. If you choose not to certify, there are many checklists that can be used to guide your organization forward. Type “sustainable business checklists” into your search engine and choose one that works for you. Gail Dunn is Marstel Day’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Marstel-Day, LLC is an idea-driven, value-based environmental company offering green consulting to the public and private sectors.
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Some simple ways to green your business Most businesses are not founded with the objective of being green. It’s more likely to be something they migrate to over time – often when team members realize that being green can result in a profitable business model while attracting new customers. So for those who have never taken the path toward greening their businesses, here are some helpful hints. Just remember the three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle. • Energy – Install compact fluorescent or LED lights; use awnings, blinds and/or fans to control heat; use smart strips to automatically turn off peripherals when computers are turned off; buy Energy Star when you need new appliances; use thermostats with automatic setbacks. • Water usage – Encourage the use of refillable water containers; install aerators on faucets; use recycled or storm water for irrigation; landscape with native plants. • Waste – Eliminate unnecessary paper usage – read it from the screen; do double-sided, black-and-white printing; send invoices electronically; use online time tracking and expense reporting systems; eliminate disposable drinking and serving-ware. • Pollution – Reduce the use of hazardous substances (look for cleaner alternatives); help reduce air pollution through programs encouraging carpooling, telecommuting and mass transit; store hazardous materials securely and dispose of appropriately; replace aerosols with pump sprayers; have live plants on your premises to improve air quality. • Donate or exchange used or unwanted, but still reusable items (computers and supplies) to schools, not-for-profits, or other organizations that can benefit from them. • Consider buying from thrift shops and antique stores when furnishing your premises (furniture, pictures and accessories). • Shred used paper and use it for cushioning when shipping packages; reuse old boxes for shipping where possible. • Stock kitchen/break area with reusable tableware (plates, silverware, glasses, mugs). • Provide recycling bins and publically visible signs; post signs of what can and cannot be recycled to eliminate confusion; compost where possible. • Purchase paper with recycled content (including printing, note paper, bathroom and kitchen paper) – preferably 30 percent post-consumer or greater; identify and use companies that
specialize in green office supplies (e.g. The Green Office, Greenline Paper Company, Green Works). Remember: Going green is not an all or nothing proposition. Businesses can pursue actions that, over time, will add up to a greener workplace and community, as well as a healthy, sustainable environment for our children.
LifeCare Medical Transports takes steps to “green” its business practices On Jan. 31, LifeCare Medical Transports won the 2014 Marstel-Day/Stafford Printing Green Frontier Award at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Gala. The award honors organizations that make environmentally friendly policies a priority. Over the past decade, LifeCare has made a commitment to implement a variety of “green” company-wide policies. LifeCare’s has initiated a variety of green business practices that are reducing waste, conserving resources and boosting the company’s bottom line: • Vehicle Idle Policy – sets limits on amount of time LifeCare vehicles can ide; has reduced diesel exhaust emissions by more than 50 percent. • Recycling Policy - has reduced by more than 50 percent the amount of trash the company sends to landfills
•
Electronic Records Policy – conversion of Patient Care Reports, personnel
records and payroll to electronic format has reduced by well over 50 percent the amount of paper used by LifeCare • Electronic Meetings and Webinars – have reduced need for employee travel to corporate meetings and educational events, thus cutting company fuel use • Automated On/Off Interior Lighting and LED Outdoor Lighting – has reduced electricity use at all of LifeCare’s offices • Environmentally Safe Cleaning Produce and Recycling of Vehicle Oil – helps protect region’s soil and water. LifeCare is a company with a deep commitment to its community – commitment to its patients, the health of the community, and the environment in which its patients and employees live and work.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Business After Hours – PNC Bank
Chamber members celebrated the luck o’ the Irish at the March 13 St. Patrick’s Day-themed Business After Hours hosted by PNC Bank at 2403 Fall Hill Ave. Attendees enjoyed a variety of refreshments, green beer and live jazz, all while socializing and networking.
New Member Orientation
When 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 2
Have you just joined the Chamber? Are you a longtime member that has never taken full advantage of the opportunities of your membership? Then come to New Member Orientation and learn how to get plugged into and active with the Chamber community.
Where Chamber office 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost No charge to attend.
Stafford’s Founders Day Presented by The Free Lance-Star Media Companies May 3, 2014
Celebration Stage June 25, 2014
Wings and Wheels
Get Magnetic Name Tags For your next Chamber function ... Order yours from The Journal Print Shop
The Cele
brate St afford 3 Off eve 50 Kick nt on Ja nuary 4 such a S th was UCCESS with ov er 4,000 in atten dance!
October 18, 2014
African American History Mural & Trail to Freedom Tour November 1, 2014
And many more…
Contact Joan DeShazo at JDeShazo@staffordcountyva.gov for details!
april 2014 • ChamberLink
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Business BRIEFS Hilldrup Moving & Storage named one of Virginia’s best places to work
Hilldrup Moving & Storage has been recognized as one of the best places to work by Virginia Business magazine, as part of the publication’s annual survey. The magazine facilitates the competition with the Best Places Group to feature the top 100 workplaces in Virginia. “Hilldrup’s been in successful operation for more than 100 years, and that is largely credited to the exceptional staff we have,” said Charles W. McDaniel, president. “In order to provide the best possible care for our customers, we have a culture that reflects that same dedication to each other, and that’s something that stands out in every employee – a unified commitment to each other and Hilldrup’s mission.” The listing is determined by a two-part survey, 25 percent of which is based on an evaluation of a company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The remaining 75 percent is derived from employee feedback. The combined scores determine the top companies and the final ranking. In addition to the more common company perks such as competitive pay and health benefits, Hilldrup also offers employees a variety of professional training opportunities, employee recognition awards and routine office celebrations like summer kick-off barbeques, an annual water balloon toss and chili cook-offs. Hilldrup also is strongly committed to serving its local community, and is heavily involved with the Rappahannock United Way, Move for Hunger and other various local fundraising events. The family-owned moving and storage company started in 1903 by R.G. Hilldrup as a horse-and-carriage transportation company. Today Hilldrup has grown into one of the most successful United Van Lines agency groups. It operates seven facilities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida with its corporate office in Stafford. Hilldrup is one of the most honored United Van Lines agency groups. It was named the top agent in 2013 for residential, national account and international services. In addition, the company is the only United Van Lines agent in the country to be awarded the Customer Choice Award for 19 years. Hilldrup has also won the 2009 Moving and Storage Agent of the Year – Service Excellence Award given by the American Moving and Storage Association. For more information, visit www.hilldrup.com.
Johnson Realty Advisors announces leases
Johnson Realty Advisors is pleased to announce the following recent lease transactions: • American Care Partners – 2,500 square feet of office space at 1965 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg. • Ground Zero Environmental Field Services – 3,600 square feet of flex space at 32 Perchwood Dr., Unit 103 in Cranes Corner Industrial Park. • Rescue Diesel Performance – 3,600 square feet at 32 Perchwood Dr., Unit 101.
Stafford Junction wins grants from Cox Charities, Community Foundation of the Rappahannock
Stafford Junction, Inc. is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of the Community Foundation. This grant will help fund Brain Builders, an afterschool program that meets two-to-three days a week during the school year to further stimulate low-income students’ intellectual growth and to enhance their abilities to succeed in school with one-on-one mentoring and relevant field trip experiences. With the support of Stafford County Public Schools and more than 100 volunteers, Brain Builders operates in five locations. “We have seen so many success stories amongst the children enrolled in Brain Builders. This program is truly making a difference in the local community,” said Linda Hill, executive director of Stafford Junction. The Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that manages and distributes charitable giving in the Rappahannock River Region. Its goal is to promote greater philanthropy by addressing the challenges faced by donors in a responsible and knowledgeable manner. It distinguishes itself from other local charities by providing efficient and effective services to build a collection of permanent funds. Stafford Junction has also received a grant from Cox Charities. Cox Communications has awarded $160,000 in grants to 25 non-profit organizations in Virginia through Cox Charities grants programs. The grants are part of the nearly $8 million Cox contributes annually through cash and in-kind support to the communities where it does business.
“Connecting with the communities we serve is an important part of our operations and is at the core of our company values,” said Gary McCollum, senior vice president and general manager for Cox Virginia. “We’re proud to give back to these 25 outstanding organizations that are doing their part to enhance the lives of others and improve the places our employees and customers live and work.” Stafford Junction is one of the 15 nonprofits that received grants through the Cox Charities External Grants program. Ten nonprofits received grants through the Cox Charities Employee Grants program. The External Grants program focuses on non-profit organizations, such as Stafford Junction, with programs specifically tied to youth, education and technology. Non-profits apply for these annual grants and from those applications, 15 are chosen statewide by an advisory committee made up of community, business and government leaders throughout the state. The Cox Charities Employee Grants program gives Cox employees the chance to
nominate their favorite nonprofits for financial support. Winners are chosen by Cox employees, based on popular vote. Stafford Junction is currently accepting volunteers to assist in its programs. To volunteer, call (540) 368-0081 or contact jenniferwatson@ staffordjunction.org. Organized through a call for action from the Stafford County Sheriff ’s office, Stafford Junction has evolved from a small, community organization to an ever-growing 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in Stafford Junction. Stafford Junction relies on the financial support from individuals, businesses and churches in Stafford County and on a large number of volunteers. The vision for Stafford Junction is to ensure there are sufficient resources available to transform the lives of children living in Stafford County who need assistance to reach their maximum potential. To learn more about its programs and volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, please visit www. staffordjunction.org.
Marstel-Day named a Virginia Sustainability Partner Marstel-Day, LLC has been named a Sustainability Partner by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program was established by law in 2005 to encourage superior environmental performance at sitespecific facilities within Virginia. In 2012, DEQ launched the Sustainability Partners track, which encourages organizations across Virginia to make environmental sustainability part of their culture through leadership, innovation, and continual improvement.
As of 2014, there are 11 Sustainability Partners across the commonwealth, only two of which – Marstel Day and one other firm – are businesses. “Marstel-Day is proud to be included among this select group of organizations that have made a commitment to environmental excellence within the state,” said Rebecca R. Rubin, president and CEO of Marstel-Day. “Working with Virginia DEQ, we hope to make Virginia businesses a national model for sustainability.”
As a member of the Sustainability Partner Program, Marstel-Day commits to ongoing conservation efforts that lead to measurable improvements in energy and water usage, and/or waste generation. Fulfilling a program commitment to engage in collaborative sustainability partnerships, Marstel-Day’s application highlighted an initiative with the University of Mary Washington and the greater Fredericksburg community to develop a CLEAR (Climate, Environment and Readiness) regional plan, as well as its employee
participation with community conservation projects each year on Earth Day. M a r s t e l - D ay i s a n awa r d - w i n n i n g e nv i r o n m e n t a l c o n s u l t i n g c o m p a n y headquartered in Fredericksburg with offices in California, Texas, Colorado, Maryland and Mississippi. The firm has been named to the INC 5000 list of fast-growing firms for the past five consecutive years and is also a certified woman-owned, HUBZone small business. For more information, visit www. marstel-day.com.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Business BRIEFS Healthgrades gives high marks to Mary Washington, Stafford hospitals
Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital received Healthg rades Excellence Awards for pulmonary care and Healthgrades five-star ratings for the hospitals’ treatment of multiple conditions. The independent Healthgrades gave Mary Washington Hospital five-star ratings for treatment of pulmonary embolism, bowel obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. Stafford Hospital was recognized with five-star ratings for treatment of hear t failure, sepsis and pneumonia. Healthgrades is a leading online source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes, and it helps consumers search and compare physicians and hospitals. Mary Washington and Stafford hospitals’ achievements are part of recent findings released in Healthgrades’ American Hospital Quality Outcomes 2014, which evaluates hospital performance at more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. “These Healthgrades awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements that Mary Washington Hospital, our physicians, nurses, and associates have made to provide our patients with consistently high levels of clinical care,” said Kevin Van Renan, Mary Washington Healthcare senior vice president and administrator of Mar y Washington Hospital. “We are extremely proud to receive these excellent national ratings.” Cathy Yablonski, MWHC senior vice president and Stafford Hospital administrator, agreed. “Clinical excellence is our goal at Stafford Hospital, and based on this latest Healthgrades report, excellent, five-star treatment is exactly what we are delivering to our patients,” she said. “Our clinical staff and physicians have developed care protocols that are saving lives. The welfare of our patients always comes first, and this commitment shines through in Healthgrades.”
The 437-bed Mary Washington Hospital and 100-bed Stafford Hospital are part of the not-forprofit Mary Washington Healthcare system. “As American policy makers focus more intently on ways to lower healthcare costs and improve quality, patients are being asked to assume more responsibility for their healthcare decisions – from selection of their health plan to the associated network of physicians and hospitals,” said Evan Marks, EVP, Strategy and Informatics, Healthgrades. “Since all hospitals do not perform equally in all procedures, patients can have confidence that by selecting a physician associated with a hospital with five-star performance, for a specific procedure or condition, they can potentially improve outcomes and reduce costs.” For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 40 million Medicare-patient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide, assessing hospital performance relative to each of 31 common conditions and procedures. Healthgrades awards hospitals quality achievements for cohortspecific performance, specialty area performance, and overall clinical quality. Individual procedure or condition cohorts are designated as five star (statistically better than expected), 3 star (statistically as expected) and 1 star (statistically worse than expected) categories. Detailed performance information, such as cohort-specific outcomes data and quality achievements for individual hospitals may be found at www.healthgrades.com/find-ahospital. More infor mation on the American Hospital Quality Outcomes 2014: Healthgrades Report to the Nation, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades. com/quality. Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2010 through 2012 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.
Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announces leases
Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to report the following recent lease transactions in the Fredericksburg Region: • Tru Tech Doors USA, Inc. – expansion of 41,650 square feet, for a total of 136,842 square feet of industrial space in McK Business Park at 3010 Mine Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, and Wilson H. Greenlaw, Jr., CCIM, handled the lease negotiations. • Tiny Toes Daycare – 3,650 square feet of office space at 4540 Plank Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Community Bank of The Chesapeake – 3,300 square feet of office space in Central Park Corporate Center at 1320-1440 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, CCIM, and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord, and Wilson H. Greenlaw, Jr., acted on behalf of the tenant. • L & E Distributors – renewal of 3,300 square feet of industrial space at 11001 Houser Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Engineering For Kids, Inc. – 3,200 square feet in Dillingham Square at 12436 Dillingham Sq. in Lake Ridge. Paul Eakin handled the lease negotiations. • Verizon Wireless – 3,000 square feet in The Shops at Ladysmith at 17495 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Ruther Glen. Sharon E. Schmidt and James Ashby, IV handled the lease negotiations. • Redeemed Apostolic Church, LLC – 2,955 square feet of office space in The Shoppes at Westwood at 1931 Plank Rd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully handled the lease negotiations. • RE/MAX Allegiance Realty – renewal for 2,900 square feet in Centre Court at 1671 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully
Business 101 Series When 8 a.m., April 11 Where Chamber office 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Facilitator Ken Machande, MBA Topic Personal Finance 101 To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber. org
and Wilson H. Greenlaw, Jr. handled the lease negotiations. • Virginia CU Realty, LLC – 2,359 square feet in Central Park Crossing at 1273 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Paul Eakin and Berkley M. Mitchell handled the lease negotiations. • VIA Satellite – renewal of 2,000 square feet in Quarles Warehouses at 101 Juliad Ct. in Stafford County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Hole In One – renewal of 1,900 square feet in Brafferton Square Office Park at 300 Garrisonville Rd. in Stafford County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Sam’s Pizza – renewal of 1,800 square feet of retail space at 8925 Courthouse Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Wells Fargo – 1,600 square feet in Gateway Commerce Center at 7538 Limestone Dr. in Gainesville. Paul Eakin and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Stewart Lossing, LLC – 1,400 square feet of office/ warehouse space in Fredericksburg Business Center at 11047 Pierson Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Banker’s Life & Casualty Company, Inc. – renewal of 1,377 square feet of office space in The Shoppes at Westwood at 1931 Plank Rd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully handled the lease negotiations. • Insurance Doctor – renewal of 1,044 square feet in Southpoint Shoppes at 10038 Southpoint Pky. in Spotsylvania County. James Ashby, IV and Evan Sullivan handled the lease negotiations. • KFC – renewal at Route 3 Village Center at 2221 Plank Rd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully handled the lease negotiations.
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april 2014 • ChamberLink
Business BRIEFS
Volunteers save Stafford $1 million in 2013
Ebel inducted into Virginia Law Foundation Fellows Class of 2014
C. Thomas Ebel, Esq., a shareholder of the Sands Anderson PC law firm, has been inducted into the Virginia Law Foundation Fellows Class of 2014. All members of the Fellows Class of 2014 were inducted at a recent dinner and ceremony on at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center during the Virginia Bar Association’s 2014 annual meeting. The Virginia Law Foundation Fellows program was created in 1983 by its board of directors to encourage and recognize excellence in the practice of law and public service and to support the programs and objectives of the foundation. The current fellows’ membership totals 442. “By honoring Tom Ebel in this way, the foundation has recognized that Tom is outstanding in his profession and community, and has used his skill, knowledge and dedication to improve the administration of justice and promote the rule of law in the commonwealth,” said firm President L. Lee Byrd. “The honor bestowed upon Tom by the foundation is so richly deserved. Sands Anderson is privileged to be Tom’s professional home.” Mr. Ebel earned his law degree at University of Richmond and his undergraduate degree from HampdenSydney College. He is a member and former chair of the Business Group at
the firm and served on the firm’s board of directors from 1999-2007, and as president of the firm from 2001-07. Mr. Ebel is a member of the Virginia Bar Association, where he helped to found and co-chaired the Corporate Counsel Section, served on and chaired the Committee on Special Issues of State and National Importance, and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Federal Judgeships – Eastern District. He also served on the VBA’s Board of Governors from 2007-09. Mr. Ebel served on the Executive Committee for the Richmond Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Bar Section and also served as its chair from 200506. Additionally, he currently serves on the RBA’s Business Law Section Executive Committee. Mr. Ebel is rated AV, the highest possible score in experience and ethics, by his fellow attorneys through the Martindale Hubbell Peer Review rating system. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America, has been listed in Virginia Business magazine’s Virginia Legal Elite in the 2007-13 editions. Mr. Ebel has been an active member of the Needle’s Eye Ministries, Inc. for more than 30 years and currently serves on its board of directors. He also serves on the Leadership Team for the Richmond Alumni Group of
C. Thomas Ebel, Esq. Hampden-Sydney College. Other Sands Anderson attorneys designated as Virginia Law Foundation Fellows include, Douglas P. Rucker, Jr. (Class of 1998), Frank “Bunky” B. Miller, III (Class of 1999), Phyllis C. Katz (Class of 2011), and Albert M. Orgain, IV (Class of 2013). Founded in 1842, Sands Anderson has 70 lawyers practicing in its five offices in Richmond, Christiansburg, Fredericksburg and McLean, VA, and Raleigh, NC. For 2013, the firm is ranked 11th in the Virginia Lawyers Weekly annual listing of the state’s largest law firms. Sands Anderson provides a full range of legal services to corporations and businesses, healthcare providers, financial institutions, state and local governments, the insurance industry, and individuals. For more information, visit www.sandsanderson. com.
Stafford County government’s dedicated volunteers reached a momentous milestone last year. The group’s combined hours of service saved the county $1 million in full-time staff costs. While the volunteer program has been active in Stafford for many years, this is the first time the total value of the hours reached the million dollar mark. In 2013, volunteers gave more than 40,674 hours of service to the county. Those hours of service equate to $1.057 million worth of full-time staff costs, including benefits. These figures are determined by taking the volunteer rate ($26 with benefits) that is dictated by the state’s Bureau of Labor statistics and multiplying that by the total number of hours that are volunteered. “Our volunteers are truly one of our best assets,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Cavalier, Griffis-Widewater District. “They provide a high level of customer service and their efforts contribute greatly to the daily work of Stafford County. We are grateful for each
Fredericksburg Ambulatory Surgery Center achieves full reaccreditation from AAAHC Fredericksburg Ambulator y Surg er y Center has achieved full three-year accreditation by the independent Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. This accreditation sets FASC apart from many other outpatient facilities as having met nationallyrecognized standards for the highest quality of patient care. Accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is known as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies, and the public. “We believe our patients deserve the best,” said Whit Yelverton, FASC corporate director. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an i n d e p e n d e n t , n o t - f o r- p r o f i t organization, has closely examined the Fredericksburg Ambulatory Surgery Center and our procedures.
It means we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.” FASC is a joint venture between area surgical partners and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC). MWHC is a fully integrated, not-forprofit, regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through more than 40 services and facilities, including 437-bed Mary Washington Hospital and 100bed Stafford Hospital. Ambulatory healthcare organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and a two-day onsite sur vey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” Mr. Yelverton said. Fredericksburg Ambulator y Surgery Center is the only tertiarylevel outpatient surgery facility in the region. Now with six state-ofthe-art operating rooms and more than 80 professionals on staff, FASC performs 7,000 procedures annually – more than 130 cases per week. For the past three years, its patients have ranked FASC in the top 1 percent of outpatient surgery centers. Its areas of expertise are numerous, including ear, nose and throat; orthopedic surgery (spine, shoulder, knee, wrist, elbow); laparoscopic procedures (gall bladder, appendix, hernia); g ynecolog y; urolog y; podiatry; pain management; breast surgery; colon and rectal procedures;
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and ablations. Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully-integrated regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through more than 40 facilities and services, including Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital. Not-for-profit Mary Washington Healthcare has a long-standing commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www. MWHC.com. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is the leader in ambulatory healthcare accreditation, with more than 5,000 organizations accredited nationwide. AAAHC serves as an advocate for the provision of high-quality healthcare through the development of nationallyrecognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. Visit www.aaahc.org.
and every one of them.” The volunteers operate out of the Citizens Assistance Office in the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center. Often the first people visitors see, volunteers staff the reception desk, answer phones and provide ombudsman services in the government center. They help with data entry support, traffic and transportation services for the Sheriff ’s Office, and clerical and reception support at the Circuit and District courts and other offices. Currently, there are 188 volunteers on the roster. Two of the volunteers donated more than 1,000 hours of service last year alone. The Citizens Assistance Office works hard to keep volunteers engaged, arranging special events for them and publishing a monthly volunteer newsletter. New volunteers are welcome at all times. Interested individuals may call the Citizens Assistance Office at (540) 658-4518, or visit www. staffordcountyva.gov for more information.
Homewood Suites honored for customer service The Homewood Suites by Hilton in Celebrate Virginia South has won the prestigious “Connie Pride Award” by Hilton Hotels for scoring in the top 10 percent of the brand for Cleanliness and Service Provided. This is the second year in a row General Manager Ronnie James has traveled to Florida to accept the honor on behalf of the staff and management. The hotel is operated by Essex Hotels based out of Rochester, NY and is located behind Central Park. The Homewood Suites by Hilton brand was one of 50 companies named to J.D. Power’s “Customer Champions” list for 2014. The award recognizes customer service and this is the fifth consecutive year in a row the hotel brand has been honored.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Business Tips
Search Engine Optimization – What is it? By Megan Full Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a collection of tactics and strategies that, when used correctly, can help your website rank closer to the top of search engine results. Why should I do it? According to a 2013 study conducted by Chitika, an online advertising network located in Massachusetts, a webpage ranked number one on a Google results page receives a whopping 32.5 percent of total traffic; the webpage ranked second receives a respectable average of 17.6 percent. As would be expected, the percentage of traffic decreases the further down the results list a webpage appears. A page ranked number 11 on the elusive “page 2” of Google’s search results receives a measly 1 percent of all traffic. Ranking high on a list of search engine
results generally leads to increased webpage traffic, higher conversion rates, and an expanded pool of potential clients, all of which translate to more business for your company. How do search engines work? In order to provide “Googlers” with the most relevant information, Google uses a complex set of algorithms to determine a website’s rightful standing in search engine results. These algorithms are calculated using information collected by their “Googlebots,” which continuously “crawl” the web searching for website features that indicate high quality information that best relates to a user’s search query. How do I Optimize? The terms “algorithm” and “optimization” undoubtedly conjure thoughts of complex calculations and formulas replete with symbols
and letters that are better left out of the number system. While the methods for determining search rankings are mathematically complex, optimizing your website’s search rankings is feasible for any business and doesn’t require in-depth knowledge of mathematics. Thorough keyword research and on-page optimization are just two basic but powerful strategies for optimization and are crucial starting points for any business delving into the world of SEO. On-page optimization is achieved via strategic link-building, a functional navigational structure, and organized on-page text that is rich with relevant keywords. The Number One Rule of SEO People using search engines are hoping to discover information that meets a need or answers a question. It is Google’s job to explore the web and suggest possible resources
for finding that information. While Search Engine Optimization is a key principle to keep in mind while designing your website, your page’s content should ultimately be designed for the purpose of satisfying your customers; not to appear first on Google’s search results. Search engine optimization simply provides Google with the tools necessary to suggest your page’s content based on a user query; it is your job to deliver on that suggestion. This article was written by Megan Full of Agency MABU, a full-service marketing and communications firm located in Fredericksburg. MABU provides website development, Internet marketing, graphic design, writing and strategic planning services to a wide variety of clients throughout the nation. To learn more, visit www.agencymabu.com or contact Executive Vice President Alexander Mabin, at amabin@ agencymabu.com or (540) 370-0030.
Divorcing a loving husband to afford Long-Term Care spouse of many years is unconscionable. As a loving spouse, you may feel as if you are Question: I have a question about Medicaid deserting a sick husband, and you will have to eligibility and need elder law and/or divorce deal with the stress and public nature of the advice in order to protect our modest assets. divorce proceedings. In addition, in a divorce, there is also always My husband and I reside in Virginia. I am in my late 60s and work full time. My husband is the possibility that the judge will not order a 80 and has Parkinson’s disease and early signs division of property in accordance with your of dementia. His only income is Social Security desires or even in accordance with a written and a military pension. While our income is agreement. A divorce may be worthwhile only ✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ okay, it is not enough to support myself AND if a judge grants all of the assets to you, the my husband should he need to go into a nursing healthy spouse. Yet a judge may be unwilling to ❁▲❁▲❄❁▲❄❆❇❈❊❋●✛→❚❘❃❖❂■❍✌✎✏ facility, which is getting to be more and more do so if he feels that your husband, who is sick likely. I understand that in Virginia, my 401k and has high medical costs, deserves more. The judge may also view your agreement as retirement account (which is sizeable) is counted in determining Medicaid eligibility. I’m worried an act intended for Medicaid eligibility only and that my only option is to divorce my husband so may be unwilling to use court authority to help we can qualify for Medicaid assistance and I can you engage in Medicaid Asset Protection. sustain the modest level of living we have. Are There is also the issue of incompetence. there any other options? He could not get long- Getting a divorce is much more complex when term care insurance due to his Parkinson’s. a guardian has to be appointed by the court for Answer: You do NOT need to divorce your the spouse who is no longer competent. husband, and divorcing him might not even Legally, it would be the guardian’s duty to act in the best interest of his client only and accomplish your goal. For many people, the idea of divorcing a he or she might not be as worried about the By Evan H. Farr
best interests of the healthy spouse. If this is the case, it could be difficult for the couple to obtain their desired financial outcome. Divorce can also have unwanted practical consequences for pensions, Social Security benefits, taxes, insurance, estate law, medical decision-making, even hospital and nursing home visitation rights, among other things. Luckily, there are dozens of legal and ethical strategies that experienced Elder Law attorneys can help you employ to protect 100 percent of your total marital assets and 100 percent of your income, as the healthy spouse, and get your husband on Medicaid if and when he needs nursing home care. Through the process of Life Care Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection (also known as “Level 4 Planning“), an Elder Care attorney can help you protect all of your assets and quickly obtain Medicaid to pay for your husband’s nursing home care. It’s possible some of your husband’s monthly income could be allocated to you. Level 4 Planning is focused not on preparation of specific documents, but rather on protecting your assets and obtaining Medicaid to help pay
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for your husband’s care. You mention that your husband has a military pension . . . assuming he served at least one day active duty during wartime, your husband could possibly receive a benefit called Veteran’s Aid and Attendance, which is a special type of pension available for wartime veterans who served on active duty for at least 90 days. Protection of your assets can help you maintain your quality of life and also, if it would benefit your husband, to enhance his quality of life in the nursing home by allowing you to purchase goods and services not covered by Medicaid such as dentures, hearing and vision aids, and personal items; services such as enhanced medical care or private sitters to provide him with an additional level of care. Evan Farr is a Certified Elder Law Attorney in Fairfax and Fredericksburg, and can be reached by phone at (703) 691-1888 in Fairfax or (540) 479-1435 in Fredericksburg. If you have Elder Law questions you’d like to have answered in future columns, please send them to Mr. Farr at evanfarr@ farrlawfirm.com.
Ribbon Cutting Come help the team at Northern Tool + Equipement celebrate their grand opening! When: noon, Thursday, April 17 Where: 3609 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg Cost: No charge to attend. Come support a fellow Chamber member!
april 2014 • ChamberLink
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CNEW Luncheon
Regional businesses introduced themselves to Chamber members at the annual CNEW Vendor Fair, held March 18 at the Fredericksburg Country Club Businesses showed off their goods and services to the large crowd, and attendees then enjoyed the monthly
CNEW Luncheon. The next CNEW Luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 15 at the Fredericksburg Country Club. The ST()RY COLLABORATIVE will sponsor the meeting. Jessica Shaulis of First Command Financial Planning will speak.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members, $30 for the general public. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 by Friday, April 11. For more information, contact Sheri Kroskie at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
Upcoming Dates for CNEW Luncheons APRIL 15 and MAY 20 Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club
CNEW members got to know area businesses that participated in the Vendor Fair. The March 18 CNEW meeting included time for networking and a great lunch. The following businesses participated in the 2014 Vendor Fair: Caring Transitions of Fredericksburg Comfort Keepers CTI Real Estate Four Paws Animal Hospital Fredericksburg Area Service League Greenfield Senior Living Hartwood Photography Home Instead Senior Care
L&L Delivery Nest Realty NSWC Federal Credit Union Peoples Community Bank PNC Bank Poet’s Walk RAELYN-Marketing Promotions Rappahannock Area YMCA Regus Rodan & Fields
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Ribbon
Cuttings
College Hunks Hauling & Moving
Empower House
The team at College Hunks Hauling and Moving snipped a ribbon at a March 6 ceremony marking the opening of operations. Located at 4701 Market St., College Hunks is part of a national moving company that offers home moving, office moving, junk removal, donation pickup and moving labor services across the United States and Canada.
Philanthropist Doris Buffett joined the Empower House team to snip the ribbon in celebration of the opening of the organization’s newest sanctuary for victims of domestic violence. Ms. Buffett’s Sunshine Lady Foundation donated money toward the restoration of the home. Since 1978, Empower House has helped victims of domestic abuse and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety and hope.
Fredericksburg Roundtable Doug Fawcett, director of public works for the City of Fredericksburg, will speak at the Fredericksburg Roundtable on April 1. STORY Collaborative will sponsor the breakfast meeting, which will begin at 8 a.m. at the Hyatt Place at Eagle Village. The Fredericksburg Roundtable takes place quarterly – usually on the first Tuesday in the first month of the quarter. 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 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.
Spotsylvania Roundtable
Transportation is a topic on everyone’s mind, especially those who travel north on Interstate 95. Michael McGurk with 95 Express Lanes will give an update on the ongoing HOT Lanes project at the May 6 Spotsylvania Roundtable. The breakfast meeting will start at 8 a.m. 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. Nonmember 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. Attending the Spotsylvania Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Spotsylvania business community.
John Fick(center), president of J.F. Fick, Inc., offered leadership tips to Next Gen members at the March 5 Mid-week Motivation. Joining him were Beth Black and Adam Janney, vice chair of the Next Generation.
Mid-week Motivation John Fick, president of J.F. Fick, Inc., talked about his business and life experiences at the Next Generation’s March 5 Mid-week Motivation. The next Mid-week Motivation will take place at noon, April 2 at Ristorante Renato, 422 William St. The cost is $18 for Next Generation members, $24 for the general public. Please call (540) 373-9400 to register. Mid-week Motivation is a monthly professional development luncheon featuring local business leaders who share business tips and their life experiences with the Next Generation of Business Leaders. The Next Generation provides opportunities for the Fredericksburg Region’s young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 to engage with the community through professional development, civic outreach and social/business networking.
april 2014 • ChamberLink
Business Link
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Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM & 96.5 FM GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: April 05 – 9 a.m. Topic: A look at online and continuing education Guest(s): Kevin Holmes with University of Maryland University College Date/Time: April 12 – 9 a.m. Topic: Making informed decisions when buying real estate Guest(s): Sarah Stelmok of Nest Realty
Dr. David Sam, president of Germanna Community College, dropped by for the March 1 broadcast to discuss Virginia’s workforce training needs and give an update on happenings at Germanna.
Rick Yost, superintendent of Fredericksburg Christian Schools, discussed primary education and the continuing growth of FCS during the March 8 edition of Business Link.
Date/Time: April 19 – 9 a.m. Topic: Digitally marketing your business Guest(s): Chris Muldrow, founder of Rambletype, LLC Date/Time: April 26 – 9 a.m. Topic: Overview of the beverage distribution industry Guest(s): Norah Pence, Ken Higgins & Bryan Higgins of J. F. Fick, Inc.
University of Mary Washington President Rick Hurley appeared on the March 15 show to discuss trends in higher education and new projects underway at UMW.
The STEM 16 Summit was the topic of the March 22 program. FredTech’s Brian Moon and Brenda Conway with the Spotsylvania County Public Schools discussed the importance of getting students involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs.
CJI
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Dr. Nimali Fernando, founder of the Doctor Yum Project, offered tips for helping children – and adults – make healthy food choices during the March 29 edition of Business Link.
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ChamberLink • april 2014
Stem Summitt
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