July, 2014 Chamberlink

Chamber

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July 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 7

Chamber to honor “Legends” for service to Fredericksburg Region

Focus

on...

Military Affairs Council

.......................... pages 10-11

Trailblazer

Union First Market Bank ..................................4

Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Business Tips................4 & 8

Seminar Corner Seminar Corner....................6

Financial Corner Financial Corner....... page 8 Business Briefs................. pages 13-16 Roundtables............ page 17

Business Link...................... 19

Honor, integrity and business savvy are just a few of the words that spring to mind when the names Bill Young, Joe Greene, Fred Rankin and Gene Bailey are mentioned.

All of them lead enterprises of g reat impor tance to the Fredericksburg Region’s economy.

They share a deep love for the community.

As these distinguished business leaders prepare to retire, the Chamber cordially invites its members to attend the “Local Legends” celebration of service event. The festivities will take place at noon, Tuesday, July 29.

Mr. Bailey is concluding a 14-year run as president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, during which he has tirelessly promoted the Fredericksburg Region in trade missions across the globe. Prior to joining the Alliance, he administered federal regulatory policy in the southeastern United States during the administration of President Ronald Reagan. From 1989-93, he served as Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs under President George H.W. Bush. He has also worked as assistant county administrator for economic development in Stafford County. He currently serves on the

Chamber’s board of directors.

Mr. Greene is finishing his tenure as president of Mid-Atlantic Foam. A graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Industrial Technology, he founded Mid-Atlantic in 1980. Under his leadership, the company grew Continued on page 3 The Chamber would like to thank following sponsors for making this event possible: Visionary Holmes, Riley & Associates of Merrill Lynch Mary Washington Healthcare Mid-Atlantic Foam Virginia Partners Bank Torchbearer Rappahannock Electric Cooperative University of Mary Washington Cornerstone DLR Contracting, Inc.

Chamber presents “Delivering Customer Delight” with Steve “Zip” Zipkoff Thinking outside the box and keeping your customers engaged and enthusiastic are keys to making your business prosper.

Are you looking for some inspiration?

Then the Chamber inv i t es yo u t o come get it at a special event with Steve “Zip” Zipkoff Zipkoff, one of America’s top business educators. You can’t afford to miss this enlightening, entertaining presentation.

During more than 20 years in the corporate sector, Mr. Zipkoff developed Sears’ “DieHard” battery national marketing campaign, created the “We Do Chicken Right” campaign for KFC, set up the “value

menu” at Taco Bell, and launched the “Battle of the Burgers” for Burger King.

In 1992, he founded Zipkoff Solutions, which provides innovative customer service strategies for CocaCola and SONY Electronics, Inc., among others.

Come hear his dynamic, humorpacked show that will spur you and your team to go the extra mile to delight your customers!

“Delivering Customer Delight” 8 a.m., July 31 The Fredericksburg Expo Center To register call (540) 373-9400 or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org

LifeCare Medical Transport

The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors: Title Sponsor Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Platinum Sponsors Fredericksburg Expo Center

Gold Sponsor Greenfield of Fredericksburg & Stafford Silver Comfort Keepers

CNEW members catch latest styles at fashion show Chamber members got a look at some of the latest fashion offerings by area retailers at the first annual CNEW fashion show.

More than 70 people gathered at the Inn at the Olde Silk Mill for the “Women, Wine and Wardrobe” show.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of wines and hors d’oeuvres while watching lovely Chamber members model offerings from Cose Belle Boutique, Belk and The Boutique on Caroline Street.

The skilled professionals at Career Training Solutions and Salon 730 provided hair and makeup services.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake and Apple Music Pro Sound served as Event Sponsors.

CNEW would like to thank all who modeled for Women, Wine and Wardrobe.

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ChamberLink • JUly 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 Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org

President’s Perspective

Chamber proud to honor regional “legends” for their decades of service

By Susan Spears Throughout its history, the Fredericksburg Region has produced outstanding leaders in all walks of life.

Some have led our nation in war and peace. Others have provided statewide political leadership.

But we should never overlook those who have focused most of their efforts on our community.

I am privileged to know four such people – Gene Bailey, Joe Greene, Fred Rankin and Bill Young. Each of these gentlemen will retire by the end of the year.

All four are leaders of integrity; indeed, they are true models of successful business leadership.

They have a great love for the Fredericksburg Region and have worked tirelessly to help our economy grow and to make our community a better place to live.

Each has left an indelible mark on the organizations they’ve headed and on our community through their volunteer efforts. Those efforts have always supported business and aligned with visions of prosperity for our region.

They are not afraid to charge after big, audacious

goals, like seeking broadband for our entire region or like standing strong behind business-friendly advocacy efforts that sometimes have been very controversial.

They firmly believe we function best when we work together as a region, and they have collectively put in countless hours to support regional cooperation among our jurisdictions.

They have been incredibly generous with their time, suggestions and resources with many facets of our community, to include but not limited to, the Rappahannock United Way, the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, and the Rappahannock Rotary Club.

They have also been unflagging in their support of your Chamber. Gene currently serves on our board of directors, while Joe, Fred, and Bill have all served previously as board chairman.

I would like to personally invite you to a special luncheon to honor Gene, Joe, Fred and Bill for their long-term dedication and support for the Fredericksburg Region.

See page 3 for registration details and go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org to register.

Please join us at UMW’s Jepson Alumni Executive Center at noon on July 29 to wish them well as they embark on this next well-earned phase of their lives.

Susan Spears is president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Dale Hendon, Government & Military Affairs Mgr., dale@fredericksburgchamber.org Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support, stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org Tricia Benson Matthews, Membership Account Executive, tricia@fredericksburgchamber.org

New Member Orientation

Erin Meadows, Member Services Assistant, emeadows@fredericksburgchamber.org Susan Spears, President & CEO, susan@fredericksburgchamber.org Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services, whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org Sheri Wikert, Member Services Coordinator, sheri@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.

The newest members of the Chamber family came out for a June 25 orientation session. They met with Chamber Ambassadors and staff members, learned how to take full advantage of their Chamber memberships and enjoyed some light refreshments.

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.

The Journal Press is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia's policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.

We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

Celebrate the people who are making the economy work!

Join us for July’s ribbon cuttings. No charge to attend Come support your fellow Chamber members!

4 p.m., July 9

4 p.m., July 15

4 p.m., July 17

Premier Eyecare – Angela Tsai, OD & Assoc.

Dogtopia

Anchor TotalHR, LLC

4272 Plank Rd.

1320 Central Park Blvd.

Suite 410

230 Butler Rd.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

Chairman’s Report To everything there is a season… even in the business world

By Michael Fidgeon Which came first, Ecclesiastes 3:1 or The Byrds??? To everything a season, turn, turn, turn!

That’s right; we have officially left spring behind us as we enter into another glorious summer run. As much as things change, they also stay the same – a series of events, patterns and cycles that grow familiar as we move through our seasons of life.

As in life, business is full of cycles, and seasonality presents both challenges and opportunities to each of us depending on the products we sell, the markets in which we operate, the geographic regions in which we live and so on.

Those who operate seasonal businesses know of what I speak, yes? Seasonal business owners have the unenviable task Michael Fidgeon of maintaining profitability throughout periods in which demand slows significantly. The extent to which seasonality may affect a business depends upon a number of different factors and cycle lengths.

Employee workforce, time, working capital and effort are key ingredients to the management of seasonal businesses.

Local tourism businesses that focus on the Rappahannock River, for example, must adjust workforce levels based on the season. More folks are fishing, canoeing, and enjoying a picnic by the riverside in July than in January. Seasonality can put considerable stress and strain on managers who must account for predictable workforce shortages.

Even Carl’s has to hire up for longer lines in summer months.

Time moves on, regardless of our plans. During periods of peak business activity, business owners and managers have limited time to plan for future operations. However, during slower periods they can organize future operations.

No moss grows on the shoes of our region’s moving companies during the summer months!

Seasonality also affects a company’s need for working capital.

During times of peak productivity, a company must maintain higher capital levels to cover increased operating expenses. As a result, some businesses may need to borrow and extend lines of credit or increase reserves in anticipation of business and cash-flow slowdowns.

Rest assured, however, that our multitude of high-quality, highservice local banks can meet all of your seasonal working capital needs!

Finally, what is any business without effort?!? Didn’t a movie called “American Hustle” recently win some notable awards? What are Americans known for if not “hustle” in the context of business?

Given the effects of seasonality, it makes sense for leadership, management and employees to adjust their effort levels – saving their maximum efforts for the most profitable seasons.

Just ask our community’s plethora of quality car dealers, who generally experience higher sales peaks during the spring and summer.

During these months, they may maximize their sales efforts and spend the colder winter months focusing on marketing and networking.

Whatever your business, most all of us experience some impact from cycles of business as seasons turn, turn and turn. Embrace the carousel ride, grab some soft serve from Carl’s, throw a line into the Rappahannock, and even test drive that new long-bed truck that you’ve been eyeing.

As your awareness increases to these seasonal sensitivities, embrace your local business community and purchase, produce and exchange products and services to build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment.

Michael Fidgeon is Chief Operating Officer of Providence Service Corporation.

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Legends honored for service Continued from page 1 from manufacturing a single type of insulation to distributing multiple lines of insulation throughout the MidAtlantic region. It also expanded into new markets including the design and manufacture of sloped insulation for roofs, securing a patented process to insulate vinyl siding and insulating forms to construct concrete buildings.

In 2014, Mr. Greene negotiated a merger between Mid-Atlantic and Cellofoam North America, Inc. He served on the Chamber’s board of directors, chairing the board in 2001.

Mr. Rankin is stepping down as president and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, wrapping up 22 years of guiding the non-profit system through a period of enormous growth and change.

An alumnus of University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, he launched his professional career with Pittsburgh’s

Production under way of 2015 Community Profile T he Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with CommunityLink to produce our 2015 Community Profile/Membership Directory. This beautiful four-color book will provide an overview of the Fredericksburg Region with an emphasis on our history, the business community, recreation, tourism and entertainment.

Most importantly, it will reach deep into the Chamber membership and overall business community, ensuring maximum exposure for your company.

Our new book will be mailed to our membership and placed in the common areas of professional offices, hotels and other high-traffic areas. In addition, it will be included in: • Chamber new-member packets • Online in a high-tech version available to every visitor to the Chamber website • Realtors throughout the region • Business and industrial human resource departments servicing new hires • Advertisers and sponsors (in varying quantities) for further disbursement The new Profile offers each of you the opportunity to make the allimportant first impression on visitors and potential residents. We hope you will take advantage of this great Chamber of Commerce program.

Contact Sales Rep Kimberly Campos at (800) 455-5600, ext. 2008 or Kim. Campos@CommunityLink.com.

Forbes Health System. In 1981, he accepted appointment as associate vice president of Allegheny General Hospital, rising to the rank of senior vice president.

In 1992, Mr. Rankin was appointed president of Mar y Washington Hospital. He was promoted to president and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare in 1995. He served on the Chamber’s board of directors, chairing the board in 2000.

Mr. Young is retiring as vice chairman and CEO of Virginia Partners Bank, having been the driving force behind its founding. He followed his father and grandfather into the banking business, beginning with a stint at Chemical Bank, which took him to New York, Toronto and Vancouver.

In 1979, he joined First National Bank of Maryland, where he worked for the next 15 years. In 1994, he became president of The National

When noon, Tuesday, July 29 Where Jepson Alumni Executive Center 1119 Hanover St. Cost $35 for Chamber members To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 Bank of Fredericksburg, a post he held until 2007.

In 2008, he led a group of investors to create Virginia Partners Bank. Mr. Young served on the Chamber’s board of directors, chairing the board in 2006.

Spears receives VACCE honor FRCC President Susan Spears was selected as the Chamber Executive of the Year by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives at its annual meeting, held June 26 at the University of Virginia.

The Exec of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance in the field of Chamber of Commerce management in the Commonwealth of Virginia during the past year and is presented to an individual who has exhibited characteristics that make him or her a leader, both in their Chamber and community. Outstanding achievements; effectiveness in addressing challenges; professionalism; program development and implementation; fiscal management; stature in the community; and other special qualities are discussed on the nomination form.

“We are tremendously pleased to have Susan named as “Exec of the Year,” said Maryann Crowder, executive director of VACCE and Vice President of Operations for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “Susan has been a consummate Chamber professional throughout her career, and we are delighted she has received this prestigious recognition from her peers. It is well deserved.”

Ms. Spears was appointed president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber in 2010 and prior to that served as vice president.

Her creativity and leadership have allowed her to develop new programs that support the Chamber’s Mission and Vision of promoting a healthy business environment, such as the Business Builder Series. These free meetings allow small business and non-profit leaders to share best practices and solutions to common challenges.

In June 2012, the Chamber implemented a membership event that brought in 268 new members over a three-day period. As a result, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber became one of the top ten Chambers in the United States and the largest in Virginia to successfully implement such a membership event.

Ms. Spears has also served in many community leadership capacities such as the City of Fredericksburg Planning Commission, the RappahannockFredericksburg Rotary Club, UVA’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Families of the Wounded Fund, and founder and president of MORE (Multicultural Out Reach Effort).

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE), administered by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is an alliance of Chamber executives representing large and small Chambers of Commerce from localities throughout the state. VACCE strives to develop the professional skills of Chamber executives, staff and volunteer leaders.

It also provides a forum for integrating the work of the local Chambers of Commerce to contribute to the growth and development not only of local communities but also to the commonwealth.

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ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Trailblazers Union First Market Bank – Meeting banking needs across the commonwealth Union First Market Bank has been a part of the greater Fredericksburg community since 1902. And with our recent acquisition of StellarOne, we are now Virginia’s largest community bank, with more than 130 branches conveniently located where you work, live and play across the commonwealth.

Whether you are a large company with multiple financial needs, a growing small business or someone simply looking for a convenient and friendly place to have a checking account, Union has the right products and the right people.

Union is a long-time supporter of area schools, charitable

organizations, and local causes. Our financial literacy program is currently in 120 high schools and has reached more than 10,000 students this year.

With our style of personal banking, the ability to offer the right financial solutions and our belief that a bank should give back to the communities it serves; you can feel good about banking with Union.

For more information about Union or to find the nearest branch please visit our website at www.bankatunion.com. We would love to talk with you today!

Business Tip

When does the learning stop??

By Charles Weathers Before I answer that question, let me introduce you to four friends: • John, a 55-year-old high-level executive, is off to a weekend leadership retreat.

• Suzanne, a 37-year-old, wellrespected VP for a global corporation, reads new articles and books regularly.

• Elaine, a 65-year-old CEO, mandates that she and her team receive 30 hours of formal professional development annually.

• William, a 25-year-old MBA newly hired at an investment firm, will be attending a three-

month internal course to prepare him for the work ahead.

What do these four have in common? Learning.

Whether it’s William starting his new career; Suzanne, in the prime of her career; John, who is in a career transition; or Elaine, who’s preparing to pass the torch to her successor – they’re all in “learning mode.”

They are what I call “teachable.”

Regardless of their degrees, status, or positions, they value learning, and they value being teachable. How do I know?

Here are three questions these four teachable leaders ask themselves on a regular basis.

Who’s the smartest person in this room?

Being a person who possesses a spirit of humility and skill to locate the smartest person in the room is genius. The teachable leader doesn’t strive to impress others with their knowledge and wisdom.

They are more concerned with gaining knowledge and wisdom from others.

And who exactly are these “others?” Anyone who holds the

Shaw’s Carpets ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ FINANCING AVAILABLE

w w w. s h a w s c a r p e t s a n d f l o o r i n g . c o m

title of a facilitator, a colleague, or an administrative assistant.

In any environment, formal or informal settings, they humble themselves to listen and enjoy listening to others more than listening to themselves.

What’s next?

There is always more to learn.

The teachable leader never reaches a point of knowledge fulfillment, where his or her “knowledge cup” is overflowing with wisdom and understanding and they don’t need more. They have a voracious appetite and thirst for knowledge and learning settings.

Every learning opportunity is a platform for more learning.

Why? Because when we learn we grow. When we grow, we see more.

When we see more, we realize how much more we don’t know. When we realize there is more we don’t know, we become teachable and ask,

“What’s next?” because it’s time to learn again.

What difference will this make?

Someone once said, “Knowledge is power.”

It’s a very popular saying, but I have always disagreed with it. I don’t think knowledge is power. It’s potential power.

The power of knowledge is in the application. Teachable leaders don’t learn for the sake of learning.

They learn for the sake of growing – growing self, growing their teams, growing their businesses, growing their communities.

The certificates on the wall, status updates on their LinkedIn pages, or revised bios are not the differences made by their learning.

The difference is the impact the knowledge, awareness, and understanding has on their influence and performance – the difference is

in the results.

Teachable leaders produce results; they do something with what they learn.

These are three questions the teachable leader will ask that help them “sharpen their saw” and strengthen their competitive advantage.

I suggest you begin to ask yourself the same questions and, more importantly, do something with the answers to these questions. Oh, by the way, back to our title, “When does the learning stop?”

Never, as long as you’re teachable.

Charles Weathers, a decorated veteran, served nine years in the U.S. Air Force.

A nationally known speaker, author and consultant, he inspires individuals to face sometimes challenging realities and take charge of transforming their lives from the inside out. He is founder of The Weathers Group. For more information, go to http://weathersgroup.com.

ChamberLink nets APEX Award of Excellence for third consecutive year The Chamber is pleased to announce that ChamberLink has won a 2014 APEX Award of Excellence for its November 2013 issue, which included a centerspread on the effect on businesses of the Affordable Care Act. ChamberLink, which is printed monthly in partnership with The Journal Press, won in the Magazines, Journals and Tabloids – Print category. The APEX (Awards for Publication Excellence) Awards – are presented annually by Springfield, VAbased Communications Concepts, Inc., which offers advice to public relations and marketing professionals on how to improve their publications and communications programs.

“We are tremendously proud that Communications Concepts saluted the quality of ChamberLink,” Chamber President Susan Spears said. “Our goal is to provide a

publication that will not only keep our members abreast of upcoming Chamber events but will help inform them on a variety of topics that affect all businesses.”

Businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies and educational institutions from around the world submitted more than 2,000 entries for the 2014 APEX Awards.

The judging panel gave APEX Awards in 122 individual categories.

Competitors in the awards included: the American Institute of CPAs, Ford Motor Company, Vietnam Veterans of America, The Walt Disney Company, and the International Monetary Fund.

More information about Communications Concepts, Inc. and the APEX Awards can be found at www. writingthatworks.com.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

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Aquia Realty, Inc.

Residential, Land, Commercial, Industrial, Rentals & Property Management JO D. KNIGHT GRI, CRS, CRB, CREA., CSP Principal Broker

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.

BMA Enterprises DBA Rocket Rewards Dennis Wiltshire 1120 International Pkwy.

Suite 109 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 752-7377 Fax: (540) 752-9662 info@bmaenterprises.com www.bmaenterprises.com IT Support Services ForAnything.com Joy Hodges 100 Industrial Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 376-7011 Fax: (540) 479-2628 joy@foranything.com www.foranything.com Trophies & Plaques Advertising Specialties Gabriel Brothers, Inc. Kevin Stinnie 3501 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 kevin.stinnie@gabes.net www.mygabes.com Clothing/Retail Honest-1 Auto Care Mike Cruz 10350 Courthouse Rd. Spotyslvania, VA 22553 Phone: (540) 891-0300 Fax: (540) 891-0500 mcruz@honest-1.com http://honest1spotsylvania.com Auto Repair & Service

Workplace Disputes?

■ ■

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Improve productivity Help employees understand your viewpoint Discover the real problem Achieve workable solutions Maintain confidentiality

VIRGINIA MEDIATION Call for a free evaluation

540/373-1848 www.VAMediation.com ChamberLink 1col (2”) x 3.625” 111512 B.Massey-Mediation Center ads.indd

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. Bill Peregoy 1460 Central Park Blvd. #114 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 786-9803 wgpjr63@gmail.com www.josbank.com Clothing/Retail LaborMAX Staffing Thomas Spangler 3500 Plank Rd. Suite B Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 412-0058 Fax: (540) 412-6531 thomas.spangler@ labormaxstaffing.com www.labormaxstaffing.com Employment Agencies Mac Victor Power, LLC Barton Mercer 6114 Prospect St. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 220-8116 Fax: (540) 242-7004 bart@macvictor.com www.MacVictor.com Electrical & Electronic Equipment & Supplies Swett & Crawford John Ahmuty 904 Princess Anne St. Suite 306 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 371-1486 john_ahmuty@swett.com www.swett.com Insurance

Certified HUD Foreclosure Broker Call us for information & to place a bid on bank owned homes

WATERFRONT OFFERINGS POTOMAC RIVERFRONT DREAM HOME!! PRIVATE 3 AC LOT W/350’ RIVERFRONT. Gated entry w/circular drive & tiered fountain, gleaming wood f& marble floors, Dazzling Schonbeck Chandaliers, Incredible Gourmet Kit w/Ogee Cut Granite Counters & Gas Cooktop, 3 Side Gas FP in Mstr BR Suite & Mstr Bath to Die For! Sauna & More! 10 Min to Commuter Rail. IMPRESSIVE INSIDE & OUT! OVER 30 ACRES ON POTOMAC RIVER! AMAZING CUSTOM WILLIAMSBURG ER LL E E S NG COLONIAL! IBL NCI S A S PO FIN Over 5,000 SqFt of Gorgeous Living Space designed by Renowned Architect. 6BR, 5+BA, Gourmet Kit with FP, formal Lv & Din Rms, Enormous Fam Rm w/FP, Wine Cellar w/Bar, SunRm & Screened Porch, Mstr Suite w/FP, In-Law/Aupair Suite w/sep entrance, Office, gathering rm & more! Garage spaces for 10+ cars. Seller will consider Financing w/ Qualified Buyer! $1,499,000 or add the additional 2 Acres Waterfront lot for $1,999,000.

OVER 7.5 ACRES OF POTOMAC RIVERFRONT In Exclusive Canterbury Estates. Private W/Over 200 FT of Potomac Rvrfrnt & Your Own Private Beach. Walking Distance to Stafford’s Waterfront Park “Aquia Landing” & not far from VRE Commuter Rail. BOAT TO DC OR THE BAY!! A SUPERB NATURAL SETTING! Build Your Waterfront Dream Home Here in historical area once favored by Native AMERICANS & Colonial Settlers.

BUILD YOUR WATERFRONT DREAM HOME HERE! Incredible 10.55 acre property on Hunting Run Reservoir with approx. 1,000 ft waterfront. Owners have done perk, house location & site work in 2007 that just needs to be updated. Small community of only 4 homes total, this lot sits where seclusion and privacy abound.

Perfect for the buyer who wants gorgeous waterfront without the HOA & big community feel and only 15 minutes to I-95.

Visit us at www.AquiaRealty.net for more info on Available Lots & Rentals Located on U.S. Route 1 at the Stafford Courthouse Light • 2101 Jeff Davis Hwy joknight@aquiarealty.net • (540) 659-2192 HOME SITES: Call about our many available home sites including acreage, waterfront etc. in Stafford and surrounding areas.

Give Give Blood Blood

American Red Cross Fredericksburg Blood Drives

Viridian Ernesto Abud 10904 Deer Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 845-1139 mandenewlife@gmail.com www.viridian.com Energy Efficiency Services

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce builds relationships and creates competitive advantages for a healthy business environment.

For more information, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE

Sponsored by Birchwood Power Partners, L.P.

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ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Chamber Calendar JULY 1 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District JULY 4 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 9 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., at Premier Eyecare – Angela Tsai, OD & Assoc., P.C. JULY 10 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Clubs at Quantico JULY 15 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club JULY 15 RIBBON CUTTING Tuesday, 4 p.m., at Dogtopia JULY 17 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at Anchor TotalHR, LLC JULY 18 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office JULY 22 NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office JULY 24 SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office JULY 24 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg JULY 29 LOCAL LEGENDS CELEBRATION OF SERVICE Tuesday, noon, at Jepson Alumni Executive Center JULY 31 SPECIAL EVENT WITH STEVE ZIPKOFF Thursday, 8 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Expo Center AUGUST 5 SPOTSYLVANIA ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites South AUGUST 7 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at PRO Martial Arts AUGUST 14 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: HOSTED BY VALLEYCREST LANDSCAPE & RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at 5121 Park Dr. AUGUST 19 CHAMBER PROGRAMS SOCIAL Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., at Snowden House AUGUST 15 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office

Seminar Corner First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): July 14, 6-8:30 p.m.

Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540)654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: July 11 This seminar will provide the basics of selfevaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.

First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): July 28, 9-11:30 a.m.

Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540) 654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: July 25 This seminar will provide the basics of selfevaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.

Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): July 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 nonprofit leaders to share business tips and best practices.

Chamber Small Business Builder Date(s): July 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. Connie Whittingham of Y-OPA Consulting Group will lead the discussion.

How to Get Started in Social Media Marketing Date(s): Sept. 9, 9-11 a.m.

Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $20 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540)654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@ umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Sept. 5 This seminar will answer the questions, “Where do I begin?” and “Which social media options are appropriate for my business?” It is designed for small business owners who are not currently using social media to market their businesses. It will demonstrate step-by-step how to get started in social media and help business owners navigate the many options available to determine which are the most useful for their businesses.

Business 101 Series University of Mary Washington’s Chris Garcia discussed using data to find new business insights, answer key questions and make smarter decisions during Analytics 101, the June installment of the Business 101 Series co-sponsored by the Chamber and UMW. Attendees learned how to formulate problems, develop key metrics and use basic data analysis to drive decision making.

The next seminar will take place at 8 a.m., July 18 at the Chamber office.

Dave Henderson, Ph.D., will present Accounting 101, which will focus on variable, fixed and mixed-cost behaviors and will offer insights on how to apply these concepts to business decision making.

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 specific 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.

Kathy Wall with Mary Washington Healthcare discussed employee recognition at the June 11 Workforce NOW workshop.

Workforce NOW workshop highlights employee recognition Recognizing employees for good performance is crucial to creating and maintaining a motivated work team. Yet employee recognition can often get lost in the day-to-day bustle of running a company.

Kathy Wall, Mary Washington Healthcare’s executive vice president for Human Resources, shared insights on how to offer positive reinforcement to employees during the June installment of the Workforce NOW workshop series.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

Financial Corner Writing a mission statement for your family

By Stacy Allred • A growing number of families are adopting family mission statements. Also known as a family constitution, such a statement can be valuable in uniting a family around common goals and actions.

A mission statement can provide foundational concepts that help solidify future decisions. It can guide the way your family wants its money to be used – whether for education, entrepreneurship or philanthropy.

Every family can benefit from a mission statement, regardless of wealth level. A shared purpose strengthens family bonds and provides guidance around major life decisions and goals. The statement can also teach younger members about making financially and socially responsible decisions.

Family statements can vary widely, but here are eight rules of thumb to keep in mind.

• Involve everyone – Ideally, the entire family should collaborate in developing the mission statement.

• Define your key values – Family values can range from characteristics like integrity, work ethic and making a difference to more personal considerations. Clarify the purpose of money in your family.

• Think ahead – Consider long-term goals.

It’s hard to come up with a mission statement

• • •

•

without envisioning the future.

Keep it focused – Work together to summarize the values and goals you’ve defined in a single sentence or paragraph. You want a statement general enough to be timeless, yet specific enough to apply to real-life issues.

Check your authenticity – Your statement should be in your words and language and something you truly believe in.

Keep it front and center – Whether you frame your statement or post it on the refrigerator, it’s important to have it on hand.

Put it into action – To realize the goals behind your mission statement, you’ll need to make it part of your regular planning and decision making. Use it to create a list of values that can help you adhere to the statement.

Revisit and revise annually – Gather annually as a family to discuss the mission and gauge family members’ success in achieving their goals. As time passes, make sure the mission statement continues to reflect the values of your evolving family.

Stacy Allred is director of the Wealth Structuring Group at Merrill Lynch. “Merrill Lynch” refers to any company in the Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., group of companies, which are wholly owned by Bank of America Corporation.

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Business Tip

What is Content Marketing?

By Megan Full Content marketing is the strategy of attracting and retaining customers by continuously publishing relevant, high-quality information.

Why is content marketing valuable?

Traditional marketing strategies such as pop-up website banners or TV commercials are easily filtered out by potential customers. In contrast to these interruptive strategies, content marketing is an ongoing process that achieves a firm’s marketing goals gradually. By exposing customers to consistent, non-invasive information, businesses are better able to educate customers and influence their longterm perception and buying habits.

What types of content are there?

The ter m “content” does not necessarily signify written infor mation in the world of content marketing. While written content is an important facet of a content marketing campaign, a comprehensive strateg y can include: • Visual Content • Infographics • Images • Slideshare presentations • Videos • • •

Social Media Content Webinars Twitter Chats

How do I begin my content marketing campaign?

Before you begin publication, it is important to understand how everything you develop fits in to your company’s overall strategy. Below are five steps that can be used as guidelines in developing a successful content marketing campaign.

Define your business goals and do your research – In defining your goals, ask yourself: What do I hope to accomplish with this content marketing strategy? What needs do we have as a company? What audience am I hoping to attract with this strategy?

Thorough market research is crucial for understanding your target audience’s needs, wants, and behaviors. Researching and identifying your competitors’ content marketing strategies may also be beneficial in developing your own plan.

Map out your plan – A thorough content marketing plan will be your roadmap as you implement your strategy and should include information such as: mediums and channels used to disperse information, the audience you are targeting and which channels you will use to reach them, and the publication timeline.

Create your content – After planning your strategy, create your content in a way that resonates with your audience and effectively communicates your messag e.

Keyword research and audience demog raphics can be helpful in catering your messag e to customers.

Publish and promote your content – After extensive planning, tweaking, editing, and creating, your content is finally ready for publication. Refer to your marketing plan to determine what, where and when you’ll publish. To expand your content’s reach, consider promoting your published works via social media posts, emails, newsletters, or paid advertisements.

Analyze and Monitor Performance – After publishing and promoting your content, use the following numbers to indicate the success of your campaign: • Conversions • Web traffic • Web referrals • Emails opened • Tweets retweeted • Facebook likes, comments, and shares • Blog post reads Content marketing is an ongoing process, the goal of which is to provide customers with a constant stream of credible information that influences their future behavior.

You may not see an immediate spike in sales or conversions after implementing a content marketing campaign, but a successful strategy has the potential to establish a favorable, long-lasting relationship with your customers.

This article was written by Megan Full of Agency MABU, a full-service marketing and communications firm located in Fredericksburg. MABU provides internet marketing, website development, 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.

Find ChamberLink on line at www.journalpress.com

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ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Business Tip

E-Verify system powerful tool for checking accuracy of employee info

By Stacy Collis U.S. law requires that companies only employ individuals that are authorized to work in the United States – either U.S. citizens or foreigners with the proper and necessary employment documentation.

This process requires the review of employee documentation and the completion of the I-9 form. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security added an additional tool for electronic verification of eligibility, E-Verify.

E-Verify allows employers to electronically v e r i f y a n e m p l o y e e ’s e m p l o y m e n t verification documents from the I-9 to the information provided by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

The E-Verify system is free and is used by more than 500,000 employers nationwide at more than 1.4 million hiring locations to provide added peace of mind that employees are legally

eligible to work in the United States.

There is a simple registration process that employers must complete in order to begin using E-Verify. Registration is quick and the service is offered at no charge.

Interested employers can register at www. uscis.gov/e-verify/you-start/you-start.

In order to process information on new hires, employers must notify their employees that they are using the E-verify system. Use of the tool requires that the employer collect the employees’ Social Security numbers and at least one form of photo identification.

The employer simply has the employee complete the Form I-9 and provide the appropriate identification for use with the website. After reviewing the I-9 for accuracy and completion, the employer will go to the E-Verify page on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to log in and submit the information.

The system will use government record

information including U.S. Passport and Visa information, state-issued driver’s licenses and photo identification, Social Security Administration records, and immigration and naturalization records. Employers may be asked to verify that a record photo matches their employees for extra identity verification.

Results are often immediate, and once the system has verified the information entered, one of two results will appear. If the information matches, you will receive a notification stating Employment Authorized.

If the information does not match, you will receive a result stating Tentative Nonconfirmation.

Tentative Non-confirmation results will maintain an open case in the E-Verify system, and the employer will be provided with the proper next steps and communication to provide to the employee for case resolution.

Use of E-verify does not replace the requirement for an employer to complete,

collect, and retain I-9 forms, nor does it replace the New Hire reporting requirements.

With the current unemployment rates averaging 6.3 percent, it is essential that all businesses are only employing legal U.S. citizens and foreigners authorized to work within the United States. E-Verify aids employers in quickly and accurately verifying the information provided by potential employees.

Use of E-Verify is voluntary in most states, but given its ease of use and additional piece of mind it provides, every business should use the system to verify their information from prospective hires.

For more information on E-Verify, please visit www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

Stacy Collis is an account executive with Greenshades Software. She provides employee services support for companies that process their payroll internally.

Multiple support tools in place for caregivers of veterans

By Evan H. Farr Taking care of a veteran, or any loved one in need, requires real strength, endurance, commitment, and patience. Without assistance in managing the responsibilities of being a caregiver, you may experience stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, financial challenges, or effects on your personal health.

You are not alone, and luckily there are resources to help, such as: • National Caregiver Support Line, (855) 260-3274 – Talking to someone who understands what life is like as a caregiver can provide you with the emotional support to stay strong and attend to you own daily needs. All calls are answered by Veterans Administration employees who are also licensed clinical social workers and health technicians.

• Caregiver Coordinators – These coordinators can provide information on new benefits available to veterans and caregivers.

Caregiver Support Coordinators

After you shake hands at a Chamber event, solidify that contact by placing your ad in ChamberLink, the Chamber’s award-winning publication.

Call The Journal at 540775-2024 for advertising information.

are available at every VA Medical Center, and you can find their contact information online using your zip code.

• Caregiver Website – The VA caregiver support website offers valuable information on services for caregivers, as well as advice on resilience and support to deal with caregiver responsibilities.

• Easter Seals Caregiver Training – Easter Seals and the VA provide caregiver training via face-to-face classes throughout the country, a workbook/DVD approach, and on-demand web access. Those who complete the training and become certified will become eligible for Veteran Caregiver benefits.

• Caregiver Workshop – The VA offers a six-week interactive online workshop at no-cost, called Building Better Caregivers™, for family caregivers of veterans.

Contact a local Caregiver Support Coordinator for more details.

• Monthly stipend (for the caregiver only) based on the

personal care needs of the veteran – A monthly stipend amount – based on what a commercial home healthcare provider would pay for equivalent services – may be available. You can access an online compensation calculator or find out more at www.caregiver.va.gov. Caregivers can receive an average $1,600 in monthly stipend payments.

• Respite Care – Designed to relieve the family caregiver from the constant burden of caring for a chronically ill or disabled veteran at home. Services can include in-home care, a short stay in an institutional setting, or adult day healthcare.

• Other Benefits – VA provides durable medical equipment and prosthetic and sensory aides to improve function, financial assistance with home modification to improve access and mobility, and transportation assistance for some veterans to and from medical appointments.

Further details about these

programs and resources are available at www.va.gov.

If you are a veteran, it is important to work with an accredited attorney with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who understands the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit (for qualifying veterans or their single surviving spouse), and the Medicaid program and the interaction between both benefit programs.

An experienced attorney can help Veterans obtain the financial

assistance to which they are entitled and enable veterans and their families to afford the type of long-term care that they need.

Evan Farr is a certified Elder Law Attorney, a Member of the NAELA Council of Advanced Practitioners, and an accredited attorney with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. With offices in Fairfax and Fredericksburg, Mr. Farr can be reached by phone at (703) 691-1888 in Fairfax or (540) 479-1435 in Fredericksburg.

Brenda Gibbs Sales Executive

1321 Belman Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540.373.1445 • Fax 540.372.6743 • Cell 540.295.0936 bgibbs@republicservices.com www.republicservices.com

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Looking for past issues of ChamberLink? Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com

July 2014 • ChamberLink

Business After Hours – Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

Chamber members enjoyed a beach party, courtesy of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, at the June 26 Business After Hours.

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

9

10

ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Focus on ...

Military Affairs Council

Military Affairs Council staying the course for 2014

By Bill Hession Over the last year or so, we have seen federal government furloughs, Continuing Resolution, the continuation of sequestration and continued Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) discussions in Congress, in our military and in our local communities.

Certainly, these issues created a tumultuous period for our local bases (Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort AP Hill, and Dahlgren Naval Base) and their supporting defense communities. Given the churn caused by these topics, the current dialogue in news media and forums has become fairly quiet following the passing of the budget in April.

The reduction in volume and fervor relative to these topics does not herald the end of these challenges, but should rather be seen as the calm in the middle of the storm. We have a budget, and that is extremely good news, but sequestration and the threat of BRAC still loom large in the near future.

Sequestration, the lingering side effect of the Budget Control Act of 2011, is far from over.

We are only in year two of a 10-year impact.

Budget challenges, as a result of sequestration,

run through 2021 with defense spending responsible for covering approximately half of the overall reduction or $454 billion.

I have had many folks say to me, “Sequestration wasn’t really that bad after all.”

Unfortunately we have only seen the tip of the sequestration iceberg and, as the crew of the RMS Titanic found out, it’s the part you haven’t seen that does the most damage. Our government and military leaders have much work to do and hard decisions to make before we leave sequestration in our wake.

It seems as though we hear of the threat of BRAC on an annual basis. For the past several years, we have heard the discussion as it has moved a year at a time to the right. Current speculators target 2017 as the next potential BRAC year.

The reality is that the Department of Defense continues to advocate for another round of BRAC. Specifically, the Army and Air Force have requested BRAC authority in order to reduce overhead and meet sequestration challenges. If BRAC is authorized the only certainty is that all military bases and installations are susceptible to cuts.

Given the current landscape of defense budgets and political challenges, what actions should the Fredericksburg Military Affairs Council take?

Our intent is to “Stay the Course” – continue to pursue our mission of advocating for and promoting the military and national defense bases, commands and installations in our region. In order to do that we must maintain and grow an active and involved membership of diverse businesses and individuals that will communicate the national strategic importance of our bases and their resident commands/ warfare centers, and our bases’ significant economic impact, and the strong bonds our communities have with our installations.

We need to proactively represent our bases at both the state and federal levels.

Planning District 16 had the privilege of having the Virginia Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities led by Adm. John C. Harvey, USN(Ret.) visit our area installations in 2013 and provide feedback on how best to represent the bases in our area. We will re-establish our relationship, at the state level, with now-Sec. of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey.

We will engage our local state delegates and representatives in MAC activities. We will maintain our regular engagement with Congressman Rob Wittman, who is a strong supporter and advocate of the MAC. We will continue inviting our U.S. Senators to events such as Sen. Tim Kaine’s recent visit to Fort AP Hill. We will continue to provide beneficial and thought-provoking forums for our membership.

We will not allow ourselves to become complacent as we pass through the eye of the storm but rather will be enthusiastic representatives of our bases and communities to both governmental and military leadership so that they can appreciate the value and importance of the critical national assets located in the greater Fredericksburg Region.

I would like to thank those businesses and individuals that are currently active in the MAC, and we look forward to bringing on new members who are interested in supporting our mission.

Bill Hession is chairman of the Military Affairs Council.

MAC, Sen. Kaine tour Fort A.P. Hill

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Fort A.P. Hill Commander Lt. Col. Pete Dargle spoke to MAC members before the tour began.

The tour featured a visit to Fort A.P. Hill’s urban warfare center, which includes a fill-size mock up of a metro rail station.

Members of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine recently toured facilities at Fort A.P. Hill. Lt. Col. Pete Dargle, the garrison’s outgoing commander, hosted the tour, which included a look at the base’s urban warfare center.

MAC 2014 Events Mark your calendar and join us for these upcoming MAC-sponsored events August 19 – Chamber programs social September – Tour of National Guard Facility

October – Quantico Roundtable November – Report to the Community

July 2014 • ChamberLink

11

Bright future ahead for area military bases thanks to community, MAC efforts

By Capt. Pete Nette It is hard to believe that nearly three years have passed since my family and I were driving east on Kings Highway to begin our new assignment.

When we first arrived on the base at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren, it was a very hot August Sunday, and we were struck by how quiet and peaceful things were – no one outdoors, no activity and no sense of what we, the Navy, are doing here.

It wasn’t long until we blended into the “Mayberry” lifestyle that Dahlgren is famous for. I spent my tour here about a block from work, with a home overlooking Machodoc Creek, providing a fantastic fishing venue in a setting that is hard to beat.

This community that we have called home provided the characteristics that many seek to raise a family.

My daughter was able to experience the Department of Defense school on base before transitioning to King George High School, making numerous friendships and a lifetime of memories. The same is true for my wife and me. We have grown fond of our community; its warmth and acceptance afforded us lasting friendships that we will continue to cherish.

Perhaps one of the most pleasant observations of our surrounding communities

and its citizens is that they possess a level of patriotism that makes America great.

Becoming a member of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council (MAC) has been a wonderful experience, and I can’t express how much it means to know the work that’s being done to support the three area military installations.

Knowing that Chamber members from all types of businesses continue to provide support for the bases and their personnel are what will allow us to succeed in the difficult times ahead. During my time, I have had the pleasure of attending a number of MAC events as well as bi-monthly board meetings, and have enjoyed meeting community leaders and learning about their ties to the military.

Some served, some came from military families, and some simply realize the value of having military bases in the community.

Within the MAC, efforts continue to not only preserve the current missions at each of our area bases, but to assist in growth as needed. For that I applaud you.

Having come from an aviator’s background, I had a lot to learn about the incredible missions at Dahlgren and enjoyed my time watching so many programs advance. The unique missions developed and implemented support every Combatant Commander’s Theater of Operations. Not a lot of installations have

the type of impact to current and future operations that Dahlgren does.

While we may pause operationally and reset our forces, we must continue to develop critical technologies that can be transitioned to the battlefield across all spectrums. Observing the first UAV test from the main runway a few weeks ago was a great way to cap off three years of progress that makes this one of the finest Research, Development, Technology and Evaluation bases in the country.

So much technology begins here and deploys to the fleet, and Dahlgren’s stamp is on so many aspects. And as the next several years will bring uncertainty, we must always treasure the importance of the Potomac River Test Range and its contribution to our nation’s defense.

Part of a commander’s job is to reach out to his or her neighbors and foster relationships that continue to inform them on just how important the work done at Dahlgren really is. That aspect of my responsibility has been the best experience; and that has made this one of my most memorable tours in nearly 30 years of service.

Through our South Potomac Community Relations Council, I have had the opportunity to be engaged with four very different municipalities and enjoyed learning about each one. I also had a chance to learn how

our mission affects communities differently – information that my relief will benefit from and that I will take with me to my next assignment.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the military personnel I’ve had the pleasure of working with while here. Dahlgren serves a different purpose for our military at each command – some are learning, some are teaching, some are leading and some are decompressing from duty.

Many found out they had orders here and weren’t sure where they were going or what they’d done to deserve a tour at Dahlgren, but most all leave with gratitude for the chance to have been here. I’ve also enjoyed interacting with my fellow commanding officers at MCB Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill. Best of all, there is a definite pride of ownership here, and I’m happy to have been part of it.

As I make the transition to Norfolk, where I’ll serve as the Operations Officer for the Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, I take with me the fond remembrances and significance of this Council, its friendship and the pleasure of serving with you.

Capt. Pete Nette, USN, is the outgoing commander of Naval Support Activity South Potomac and a 27-year Naval veteran.

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ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Business After Hours – The Thrasher Group

A merry evening took place June 12 at Highlightz Entertainment Center as Chamber members gathered for a Business After Hours hosted by The Thrasher Group. Attendees networked and enjoyed some great food and spirits.

Business After Hours – Massad Family YMCA

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July 2014 • ChamberLink

13

Business BRIEFS Caporali, Belman join Community Bank of the Chesapeake Community Bank of the Chesapeake is pleased to announce that Linda Caporali and David Belman have joined its growing operations in the Fredericksburg Region.

Ms. Caporali has joined as Branch Sales Manager for the new Central Park branch. Mr. Belman will serve as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, and will be responsible for growing commercial loans and deposit business relationships within the market.

“We are very excited to welcome Linda to the Fredericksburg team,” said Rebecca Henderson, Executive Vice President and Director of Sales for Community Bank. “Her extensive knowledge and years of experience in the financial services industry will be an invaluable asset to the bank as David Belman we continue to grow our operation in the area.”

Throughout her career, Ms. Caporali has served in a variety of banking, lending and management capacities. Prior to joining Community Bank, she was a Financial Center Manager for StellarOne Bank. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Management. In her new role as Branch Manager, she will be responsible for growing the deposit base in Fredericksburg and overseeing day-to-day operations of the new branch.

Linda Caporali She is currently chairperson of the Chamber Network of Enterprising Women (CNEW).

Mr. Belman has worked in the financial service industry for 23 years.

Prior to joining Community Bank, he served as vice president and Business Banking Relationship Manager with StellarOne Bank in Fredericksburg.

Mr. Belman attended Germanna Community College and completed the RMA Commercial Lending School program at East Carolina University.

He is an accredited Asset Management Specialist through the Institute of Wealth Management and has attended numerous workshops for Commercial Banking through the Virginia Bankers Association.

“We are delighted to have David join our team,” said Greg Cockerham, Community Bank’s executive vice president and Chief Lending Officer.

“David is an experienced lender with a proven track record of success, and I know that he will be an asset to us as we strive to exceed expectations in the Fredericksburg market.”

Headquartered in Waldorf, MD, Community Bank of the Chesapeake is a full-service commercial bank, with assets of more than $1 billion. Community Bank has served the communities from Southern Maryland to Fredericksburg for more than 65 years, making it the oldest independent community bank headquartered in this region. Through its 11 banking centers and three dedicated commercial lending centers, Community Bank of the Chesapeake offers a broad range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses. For more information go to www.cbtc.com.

MABU welcomes two new employees Agency MABU, a full-service marketing and communications firm with offices in Fredericksburg, and Bismarck, ND, is pleased to announce two new hires for its Fredericksburg location – Chris Amador and Megan Full.

Nor ther n Virginia’s Chris Amador is the firm’s newest web and graphic designer. A 2013 g raduate of Georg e Mason University, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Business. In addition to his formal education, he is passionate about developing his professional knowledge outside of the classroom and spends much of his free time honing his design and development skills through reading and watching tutorials. A man of many talents, Mr. Amador is experienced in web and print design as well as web development.

He is an expert in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, as well as fluent in HTML and CSS. Hired as the firm’s new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Megan Full is a recent graduate of the University of Mary Washington where she studied Business Administration and graduated Summa Cum Laude. During her last semester at the UMW, she worked as an intern at Agency MABU

Chris Amador and was exposed to a previously undiscovered set of skills.

She has a passion for writing and is responsible for developing written communications and content for MABU and its clients.

In the workplace, she has a knack for problem-solving and enjoys the challenges that accompany implementing strategic Internet marketing campaigns. As a recent graduate, she hopes to explore different facets of the marketing world as she begins her career with Agency MABU. Agency MABU was founded in Bismarck, ND in 2001 by President and CEO Mike Mabin. In 2011,

Megan Full Agency MABU opened its office in Fredericksburg and has been steadily growing its local client base. Later this summer, Agency MABU will relocate to its new home in downtown Fredericksburg at 905 Barton St. This move, along with the two highly-anticipated additions, will allow Agency MABU to continue achieving its mission of providing strategic marketing solutions to government agencies, non-profit organizations, memberbased associations and missiondriven corporations.

For more information about A g e n c y M A BU, v i s i t w w w. agencymabu.com.

Marstel-Day wins Alliance for Workplace EcoLeadership Award Marstel-Day has won the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) EcoLeadership Award for the third year in a row. The award goes to a company for its leadership and commitment to creating and maintaining an environmentally sustainable workplace.

“We’re honored to again be recognized for our efforts to operate an environmentally-sustainable business,” said Rebecca R. Rubin, president and CEO of Marstel-Day. “Going green is good for the planet, good for society, and good for the company’s workforce. We commend AWE for its efforts to recognize companies for their work.”

Award applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process by an independent review panel comprised of academic and business professionals. Among the practices evaluated are waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution prevention, environmentally conscious travel, and community and client outreach.

This year, Marstel-Day was also recognized for its efforts to foster sustainability within the community through activities such as facilitating environmental workshops, chairing green business councils, acting as a guest blogger and presenting key research to government agencies.

“These initiatives are a natural outgrowth of the increasing maturity of our internal environmental program,” Ms. Rubin said. “They build on the tremendous work by our employee-led Green Vision Council, and demonstrate our commitment to sharing our learnings about sustainable practices within the broader communities where we live and work.”

Marstel-Day is an idea-driven, value-based environmental company offering green consulting to the public and private sectors.

AWE is a non-profit organization that recognizes businesses that are leaders in all aspects of workplace excellence within the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Contact The Journal - 540-775-2024 - for advertising info.

14

ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Business BRIEFS

Captain rose from remote cabin to NSWCDD commander

How does a junior hospital corpsman retire as a senior officer known for turning ships into technologically advanced warships in today’s fleet and the future Navy?

Former Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlg ren Division (NSWCDD) Commander Capt.

Michael Smith’s family, friends and military officials listened to the keynote speaker’s answer at Capt. Smith’s recent retirement ceremony.

“There are four words that describe Mike’s character and his significant contributions to the Navy – intelligence, courage, perseverance and leadership” said NSWC Commander Rear Adm. Lawrence Creevy, recounting Capt.

Smith’s challenges, life experiences and humble beginnings – including life in a remote cabin.

“Rising from the ranks of a junior enlisted to a senior captain and a hugely successful tour as commanding officer here, you were one of the principal architects of one of our two newest classes of ships, to name just a few of your important accomplishments,” Adm. Creevy told Capt. Smith who enlisted in the Navy in 1976. “You have been such a great shipmate to us all. Thanks for your service.”

NSWCDD Commander Brian Durant also spoke about his predecessor’s 33-year career.

“Under his leadership here, many future technologies were either delivered to the fleet… or will soon be delivered,” Durant said. “They are right on the horizon.”

Systems delivered under Capt.

Smith’s leadership include: • the laser weapon system that will be deployed to the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf • the electromagnetic railgun to be demonstrated on a ship in about two years

• numerous asymmetric systems helping warfighters really engage and counter the efforts of enemy forces • certification for Aegis baseline 9 – the most advanced baseline, which enables naval integrated fire control and counter air to allow American forces to engage hostile forces at distances and precisions that before now have never been known Capt. Smith advanced to petty officer second class before a fiveyear break in service to attend college. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resource Engineering (cum laude), reentering the Navy as an engineering duty officer in 1985. He earned two Master’s degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

After graduating from MIT, Capt. Smith began a 1992 tour as naval architect at the Canadian National Defense Headquarters before taking over as supervisor of shipbuilding, conversion and repair, ship superintendent, docking officer, and Aegis test officer, in Pascagoula, MS. “This is when Mike – as an engineering duty officer – really started to put his personal thumbprint on our Navy ships,” Adm. Creevy said. “He was assigned as production officer for all destroyers under construction, a huge leadership and management challenge as he rebuilt the program. Mike’s performance at SUPSHIP was another example of where his intellect retained that glimmer of light and he had the courage to follow it.”

In July 1998, Smith was next assigned as technical director for Program Executive Office for Ships where he was in charge of alterations, including the Navy’s replacement of steam systems with modern diesel engines.

From there, he served as the

Capt. Michael Smith – former Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) commander – reflected on his experiences during a ceremony marking the conclusion of his 33-year Naval career. Joining in the ceremony was NSWC Commander Rear Adm. Lawrence Creevy (right). (U.S. Navy photo by John Joyce/Released) U.S. national deputy at the NATO Sea Sparrow Project Office before beginning, in 2003, a three-year tour as the mission systems integration officer at the DDX Program Office in the Washington Navy Yard.

Next, Capt. Smith spent two years at the Pentagon as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) resource officer.

“Mike rewrote the description document for LCS – the foundational document for the entire ship class,” Adm. Creevy said. “It literally defines what capabilities will be in that ship class and drives every aspect of the program from concept development through the life of the ship. In short, it’s the most important document for the ship class and will likely have a

direct impact on our LCS navy for more than 50 years.”

In July 2008, Smith began serving a two-year tour as technical director and deputy program manager at the DDG 1000 Program Office.

“He was responsible for the design and construction of the entire ship,” said Creevy. “This was a true test of Mike’s leadership, courage and intelligence and once again, he excelled.

By the time Smith transferred to NSWC Dahlgren Division, about 40 percent of the ship was constructed.

In April 2014, the first ship of the class - the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) - was christened.

Adm. Creevy recollected how Smith led NSWCDD through

a series of challenges, including sequestration, furloughs, enterprise resource planning conversion, budget drawdown, and freezes in pay, hiring, and travel in addition to the shooting at the Navy yard.

“Being here at Dahlgren was really the superlative culmination of a career,” Capt. Smith told the gathering. “People are the salt of the earth down here. I’ve had an absolutely great tour and want to thank everybody. It was really the culmination of a terrific career – a wonderful 33 years.”

Since he was relieved by Durant as NSWCDD commander on Nov. 8, 2013, Smith served as NSWC special projects officer.

Members get connected with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative The Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park was the site of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s latest Get Connected: REC Member Day. Nearly 1,000 came out for the event, which celebrated the communities that REC serves.

“The intent of this event was to provide our members an opportunity to meet REC employees, learn more about their cooperative and gather information to help them manage energy and use electricity safely,” explained Ricky Bywaters, REC’s

Bowling Green district manager. “It’s really the members’ chance to get face-to-face with us, allowing questions to be answered one-on-one.”

Exhibits were set up throughout the Farm Bureau Center’s exhibit hall to present information on right-of-way maintenance, electrical safety, energy efficiency, community service programs and more.

Attendees got to look at various REC bucket trucks and service vehicles, while kids enjoyed a moon bounce, face painting,

crafts and balloon art. Members were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs with various side dishes prepared by the Frog Level Volunteer Fire Department.

REC provides electric service to more than 158,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, the cooperative operates and maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

15

Business BRIEFS

Central Virginia Perinatology wins AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

The Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is pleased to announce that Central Virginia Perinatology (CVP) has been awarded ultrasound practice accreditation in Obstetric Ultrasound.

CVP achieved this national recognition by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. All facets of the practice were assessed, including the training and qualifications of physicians and sonographers; ultrasound equipment maintenance; documentation; storage, and record-keeping practices; policies and procedures to protect patients and staff; quality assurance methods; and the thoroughness, technical quality and interpretation of the sonograms the practice performs.

Central Virginia Perinatology at Mary Washington Healthcare has been a part of the Fredericksburg community for many years. It employs two board-certified Maternal Fetal

Medicine (MFM) specialists (Primatologists): Christos Hajis, MD, FACOG (Medical Director) and Mark Eggleston, MD, FACOG. They both joined CVP in October 2010.

These physicians along with their team of professionals at CVP provide consultative maternal and fetal diagnostic and treatment services to women whose pregnancies are complicated by maternal or fetal medical, obstetrical or surgical problems. “We believe that the AIUM OB Ultrasound Accreditation process we went through was very thorough and detailed. The staff and clinicians in our office did an outstanding job working with AIUM to achieve this important national recognition,� Dr.Hatjis said.

Obstetrical ultrasound examinations are the primary means for evaluating a patient’s high-risk pregnancy.  Central Virginia Perinatology provides all aspects of antepartum fetal testing to evaluate fetal wellbeing. Other MFM (Perinatology)

services provided at CVP include prenatal diagnosis and screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities and other birth defects; the practice also provides diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villous sampling, amniocentesis, and fetal blood sampling.

Maternal conditions frequently encountered and treated include, but are not limited to, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia, autoimmune disorders, thrombophilias, preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes, and cervical insufficiency. Central Virginia Perinatology also has significant expertise in identifying and, in some cases, treating fetal anomalies, fetal heart disease, fetal growth abnormalities, amniotic fluid abnormalities and other fetal or placental conditions.

In addition to the AIUM Accredited Obstetrical Ultrasound program, CVP has established a comprehensive Diabetes in Pregnancy program, a robust genetic

counseling program and a prematurity prevention program.

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, a 437-bed regional medical center, and Stafford Hospital, a 100bed community hospital. Mary Washington Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system and has a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. Visit www.

MaryWashingtonHealthcare.com.

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is a multidisciplinary medical association of more than 9,900 physicians, sonographers, and scientists dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines, and accreditation. For more information, visit www.aium.org.

Cushman & Wakefield|Thalhimer awarded contracts in Fredericksburg, Sterling Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to have been selected by Brackett Flagship Properties as exclusive leasing and management representatives for the Professional Plaza at Lee’s Hill, located at 10401 Spotsylvania Ave. in Spotsylvania County.

The approximately 71,000-square foot, Class A medical office property contains numerous business lines associated with Mary Washington Healthcare including a full-care Emergency Room, Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill (in partnership with

Radiological Associates); and Rappahannock Wound Healing Center and Laboratory.

Other notable tenants in the building include Virginia I n t e r ve n t i o n a l Va s c u l a r a n d Associates, which offers sameday inter ventional procedures, and Radiological Associates of Fredericksburg, a physician group sub-specialized in areas such as diagnostic imaging and vascular surgery.

The building features a contemporary design that builds

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representatives, with Ann Allen and Dolores Lecky, CPM-C, handling management for the property.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer also has been selected by LBCMT 2007-C3 Sterling Retail, LLC for the property management of a 9,000 square-foot retail center located at 45450 Dulles Crossing Plaza in Sterling. The property, part of Dulles Town Center, is 100 percent leased, and features Men’s Wearhouse and the Vitamin Shoppe. The shopping center is strategically located near the Route 28 corridor expansion

project.

The portfolio manager is Kyle Kneeland of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Fredericksburg office. Sharon Schmidt, also with Thalhimer, is the exclusive leasing representative.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer manages more than 23,000,000 square feet of commercial real estate properties in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and more than 5,300 multifamily units.

Washington Heritage Museums hires executive director

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The Board of Directors of the Washington Heritage Museums (WHM) is pleased to announce that Anne Darron will become the organization’s first executive director effective July 15.

Ms. Darron brings 16 years of experience in working with local non-profits including Boy Scouts of America and Washington Heritage Museums. Having served in leadership capacities over the years she brings a wealth of knowledge on working with volunteers and experience in the fields of fundraising, marketing and event planning.

A graduate of Mary Washington College with a BA in historic preservation, Ms. Darron focused on primary record research for historic structures. She has served WHM in several positions, including manager of the Mary Washington House, administrative assistant to the local branch of Preservation Virginia and more recently as the administrator for Washington Heritage Museums. The Washington Heritage Museums, formed in 2013, was formerly known as the Mary Washington Branch PVA (Preservation Virginia). Its mission is to

preserve, promote and maintain the four 18th Century properties in Fredericksburg and develop dynamic educational resources and programs to engage and inspire the interests of everyone. The sites include the Mary Washington House, the Rising Sun Tavern, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and the St. James’ House. “We are very happy and excited to have Anne accept the position as our first Executive Director.  She has already proven herself capable by being our administrator Anne Darron this past year,� said Jim Branscome, chairman of the board of Washington Heritage Museums For more information on Washington Heritage Museums, please call (540) 373-1569, or visit www.

WashingtonHeritageMuseums.org.

16

ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Business BRIEFS ScoutComms CEO honored as veterans business champ ScoutComms, Inc. founder and Chief Executive Officer Fred Wellman, was recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as ‘Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year’ for the state of Virginia at the ‘Heart of a Champion’ Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Omni Hotel Richmond. The SBA’s Richmond District Office selected Mr. Wellman for his advocacy of veterans in business and his support of the larger veterans’ community.

ScoutComms is a Virginia Benefit Corporation, or B Corp, based in Fredericksburg and functions as a social enterprise specializing in communications, advocacy, and philanthropic strategy. The firm focuses exclusively on the well-being of veterans and military families by empowering the organizations that support them. ScoutComms is one of the first B Corps in the nation with a singular mission focus on those communities.

The Veteran Small Business

Champion of the Year is awarded at the state level each year by SBA to an individual committed to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award on behalf of myself and the entire team at ScoutComms,” Mr. Wellman said. “I’m proud of the work we do as a B Corp, both on behalf of our clients, who are investing in the veterans and military family communities, and even more so on the impact we make in those communities through our direct support, advocacy, pro bono and volunteer work.”

ScoutComms has been instrumental in providing support to veterans and military family organizations across the country by working with major companies, foundations, and non-profits that invest in those communities.

ScoutComms clients have collectively donated and invested more than

$100 million to programs ranging from housing to mental health, employment, transition assistance, and emergency financial relief, among others.”

Mr. Wellman is a retired Army officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point as well as the Harvard Kennedy School. He served more than 20 years as an Army aviator and public affairs officer before retiring in 2010. He founded ScoutComms as a public relations firm after recognizing the lack of military veterans in the Washington, D.C. PR sector, aiming to fill that gap in understanding of the unique defense and veterans sectors. Since that time, ScoutComms has grown into a successful social enterprise with four full-time and three part-time employees supporting clients across the country.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. Wellman volunteers extensively in support of veterans and military family causes. He

ScoutComms founder and CEO Fred Wellman received the 2014 Veterans Business Champion of the Year for the Richmond District of the U.S. Small Business Administration during a luncheon in Richmond, June 13. currently serves as the Community Outreach Director for Team Red, White, and Blue Fredericksburg; Vice Chairman of the Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council; and as a

member of the American Legion Small Business Task Force.

To learn more about ScoutComms, Inc. visit www.ScoutCommsUSA. com.

Cabot brings Community Tour to the ’Burg

Stafford Junction adds vehicle thanks to Sunshine Lady Foundation Stafford Junction, Inc. is pleased to announce it has received funding from The Sunshine Lady Foundation to assist in the purchase of a third vehicle.

This vehicle will further assist Stafford Junction with the transportation of children and their families to various programs, such as preschool, field trips, and summer camps. Transportation for the under-resourced families Stafford Junction serves is vital, as most are single-car families and have no alternate means for leaving their neighborhoods.

The mission of the Sunshine Lady Foundation is to invest in organizations and programs dedicated to providing opportunities for the advancement of education, well-being and new life choices for disadvantaged people, with special empathy for the working poor and families in crisis.

Stafford Junction is currently accepting volunteers to assist in summer day camp programs in July. 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. To learn more, visit www.staffordjunction.org.

Cabot Creamery Cooperative, the farm family-owned dairy cooperative widely known as the makers of the “World’s Best Cheddar,” has once again banded together with fellow cooperatives, farmers, credit unions, cor porations, and volunteer groups to create The 2014 Cabot Community Tour.

On Sunday, June 8, the Tour stopped by two events in Fredericksburg to celebrate the community and those who give their hearts, time and skills to strengthen it.

More than 500 runners showed up that beautiful Sunday morning to raise funds for the Fredericksburg SPCA at the 5K Rescue Run/ Walk. Cabot was at the finish line to welcome runners with samples of the World’s Best Cheddar.

Volunteers had a great time talking to folks about the Cabot Community Tour as they stopped by for their energy replenishment.

Everyone loved the recipes for

pet treats using Cabot Cheddar.

T he Fredericksburg Youth Triathlon at the Ron Rosner Family YMCA hosted more than 100 kids aged five-to-15 years. Cabot Creamery was a proud sponsor, offering cheese samples and healthy recipes to the athletes and their families.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

Stafford Roundtable

Fredericksburg Roundtable Jeffrey Scott, president of Advantage Business Advisors, will speak at the July 1 Fredericksburg Roundtable. His remarks will focus on successful exit planning for business owners and executives.

The 8 a.m. breakfast meeting will take place at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District, 620 Caroline St. 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.

Contact Erin Meadows at erin@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

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.

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Stafford County Supervisor Jack Cavalier spoke at the Stafford Roundtable. Joining him was Roundtable Chair Kathy Hoffman.

Jack Cavalier, chair man of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, gave an update on county government at the June 3 Stafford Roundtable.

The next Stafford Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Sept.

2. Bill Kennedy with the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Department will speak.

The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. Non-members may attend one time for $20. The cost includes

CNEW Luncheon set for July 15 Are you looking to network with and learn from the women business leaders in the Fredericksburg Region?

Then don’t hesitate, register today for July’s Chamber Network of Enterprising Women Luncheon.

This is your chance to draw on the experiences of some of the community’s best and brightest.

What CNEW Luncheon When 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 15 Where Fredericksburg Country Club 11031 Tidewater Tr. Cost $20 for Chamber members $30 for General public To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org

breakfast. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org.

Contact Erin Meadows at erin@ fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly Stafford

Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses that are located in Stafford or those that have business interests in that part of the region.

Attending the Stafford Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Stafford business community.

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Spotsylvania Roundtable The next Spotsylvania Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Aug. 5 at Hampton Inn and Suites South, 4800 Market St. 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.

Contact Erin Meadows at erin@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

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.

Mid-week Motivation Xavier Richardson, president of the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, spoke at the Next Generation’s June 4 Mid-week Motivation.

Mid-week Motivation will take a hiatus during July. It will return on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 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 or go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org.

Mid-week Motivation is a monthly professional development luncheon featuring local business leaders who share business tips and life insights 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.

18

ChamberLink • JUly 2014

Ribbon

Cuttings

Ribbon Cutting – Pratt Medical Center Stafford Dr. Patrick Neustatter did the honors at a June 18 ribbon cutting celebration at Pratt Medical Center’s Stafford facility, located at 95 Dunn Dr. The Stafford office provides an array of services, including dermatology and nutrition counseling. For more than 70 years, at its offices throughout the Fredericksburg Region, Pratt Medical Center has been providing patients access to quality medical care to improve the health of the community.

Ribbon Cutting – ValleyCrest Landscape Chamber members celebrated with the ValleyCrest Landscape team at a June 24 ribbon cutting. Located at 5121 Park Dr., ValleyCrest is part of the nation’s largest integrated landscape company. Its skilled professionals are called upon to design, build, maintain and enhance unique places of lasting beauty.

Want to give your business a marketing boost?

Let the Chamber help you plan a ribbon cutting for your business.

A benefit of Chamber Membership!

Ribbon Cutting – Aaron’s Chamber members and community leaders came out on May 30 to celebrate the opening of the newest Aaron’s, located at 15 S. Gateway Dr., Suite 107. Aaron’s is a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories with more than 2,000 company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada.

Ribbon Cutting – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Simpson, Realtors Philanthropist Doris Buffett helped Harrison Simpson snip the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new office of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Simpson, Realtors. Located at 77 Cambridge St., the office is part of the Berkshire Hathaway real estate brokerage franchise network. The brand, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of stability, strength, quality and innovation.

July 2014 • ChamberLink

Business Link

19

Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM & 96.5 FM GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: July 5 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Supporting regional military installations Guest(s): Bill Hession & Bob Pleban of the Military Affairs Council

Dwayne Baptist, author and founder of Dwayne Baptist & Associates, dropped by for the June 7 show to discuss setting and achieving goals.

Joe Wilson, CEO of PermaTreat Pest Control, discussed keeping your business and home pest free during the June 14 edition of Business Link.

Date/Time: July 12 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on the banking industry Guest(s): Jon Wallace, president, Union First Market Bank Date/Time: July 19 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Overview of the defense contracting industry Guest(s): George Judd & Brad Ellis of Cask, LLC Date/Time: July 26 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Caring for relatives with dementia Guest(s): Diana Bright with Poet’s Walk

Robin Kelleher, president and CEO of Hope for the Warriors, appeared on the June 21 program to explain how the community can help injured veterans and their families.

Brad Jones (left) of PBMares and John Hanson (right) of Artifice Forensic Accounting talked about forensic accounting during the June 28 edition of Business Link.

You could see your ad here in color After you shake hands at a Chamber event, solidify that contact by placing your ad in ChamberLink, the Chamber’s award-winning publication.

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ChamberLink • JUly 2014 MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH

Summer heats up with two Business After Hours!

Summer is a great time to relax and recharge, but it’s also an opportunity to forge new business relationships and strengthen existing ties. The Chamber is offering two great opportunities to network with your peers.

Where The Clubs at Quantico & Crossroads Events Center 3017 Russell Rd., Quantico

Where Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg 5308 River Rd.

When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10

When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24

To RSVP Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400

To RSVP Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400

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