Chamber
STANDARD PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 82 WOODSTOCK, VA
September 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 9
FredTech to host third annual STEM 16 Educator Exchange
Focus
on...
Disaster Preparedness
.......................... pages 10-11
Trailblazer
Rappahannock Goodwill . ..........................4
Member News New Members...................5 Chamber Calendar.............6 Non Profit Corner . ..........7 Alzheimer’s Association Business Tips.............. 7 & 8
Seminar Corner Seminar Corner....................6
Member News Business Briefs................. pages 13-16 Roundtables............ page 17 Ribbon Cuttings ............. 18
Business Link...................... 19
The increasingly high-tech global economy demands young innovators who understand the electronic devices and systems so crucial to doing business in the 21st Century. Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is a key to preparing young people to invent the technologies that will keep the engine of commerce running smoothly. FredTech is working with regional primary and secondary education outlets to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers. If you are a businessperson or educator interested in promoting STEM education, come to the third annual STEM 16 Educator Exchange on Sept. 24. Business and educational leaders will gather at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg Campus to share ideas on STEM programing and classroom activities and explore what resources are available to make those ideas a reality. The “Pitch Your Program” portion of the event will be followed by a Speed Networking session. This is a great event for both teachers and businesses to connect and create
lasting partnerships to further STEM initiatives in the Fredericksburg Region. Sponsorships are available. Contact Sheri Wikert at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org or (540) 373-9400. STEM 16 Educator Exchange When 5-7 p.m., Sept. 24 Where Germanna Workforce & Technology Center 10000 Germanna Point Dr.
Educators and business leaders swapped ideas at last year’s STEM 16 Summit.
Cost FredTech members: $10 General Public: $15 Teachers: No charge To Register Email stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org, or call (540) 373-9400. Anyone interested in “Pitching Your Program” at the exchange should indicate so when registering.
What new innovations are waiting to revolutionize education and business? Come to the third annual STEM 16 Summit to find out.
Chamber to hold second annual Business Expo Attorney Barry Waldman always looks for unique ways to introduce the law firm of Jarrell, Hicks and Waldman to the public. He spotted such a tool last year when the Chamber held its first annual Business Expo. Excited about the possibilities, he purchased an expo booth and spent an entire day meeting other business owners and the general public. “I think it was a good opportunity for the business community to connect and convey the types of services they are able to provide to other businesses and to the consumer population,” he said recently. Mr. Waldman was so pleased with the results from last year’s expo that he plans to purchase a booth at the second annual Business Expo, which will take place from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. “It’s a good chance to introduce
The law firm of Jarrell, Hicks and Waldman was one of more than 130 businesses that participated in the 2013 Expo. our business to a broad scope of people in the area that we might not otherwise be introduced to,” he said. “We met hundreds of people last year that were new to the area or were not aware the types of services that we provided.”
Participants used last year’s expo to get business done. Put your business front and center at the 2014 Expo!
Don’t pause, don’t hesitate, make plans to join Mr. Waldman and hundreds of other Chamber members in purchasing a display booth at the biggest business event of 2014. Do it now before all of the booths are gone!
This is your chance to put your company front and center before Fredericksburg-area residents and your business peers. The second annual Business Expo will be the Continued on page 3
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ChamberLink • september 2014
BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
President’s Perspective
Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Immediate Past Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare
Focus groups offer Chamber members chance to share insights
Shawn Sloan, Treasurer, The Media Partners, LLC
By Susan Spears
OFFICERS Michael Fidgeon, Chair, Providence Service Corporation Greg Calvert, Vice Chair, Kloke Mayflower
Susan Spears, President & CEO, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
elected directors Mona Albertine, Jabberwocky Inc. Gene Bailey, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance 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 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 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.
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.
Thank you for your membership investment in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. As your member support staff, we take our role very seriously in ensuring your business needs are met. To that end, we are seeking your input regarding the Chamber’s current scope of work. Specifically we would like to hear your ideas, needs, and areas where the Chamber could further assist your business. Throughout the month of September, we will seek that input through a series of approximately 30 focus groups led by members of the Next Generation of Business Leaders. These volunteer leaders will ask each group a series of targeted questions and record your anonymous answers. Every Chamber business will receive a focus group
invitation via email. Each group will include members from various industries and businesses of all sizes. Sessions will last approximately one-and-a-half hours and will take place at the Chamber office. There are a variety of dates and times available, so every effort will be made to ensure you are able to participate in this process. All input will be reviewed by the board of directors as we finalize major activities in the Chamber’s Program of Work for 2015 and beyond. I urge you to attend one of the sessions so we can continue to meet your needs. Every Chamber business is critical to our region’s economy, and we pledge to do all we can to support you. If you have not received an invitation to participate and would like to be involved, please contact Katie Hansen at (540) 373-9400 or Katie@fredericksburgchamber.org. Thank you for your willingness to assist as we work to serve you. Susan Spears is president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Special Event, “Unconditional Responsibility,” to boost Made in FredVA, Startup Weekend programs Dr. Chris Neibauer has worked as a dentist, missionary, author and start-up entrepreneur. He has now made it part of his mission to share what he has learned with budding entrepreneurs from the Fredericksburg Region. Come to University of Mary Washington’s Seacobeck Hall at 6 p.m., Sept. 16 to hear Dr. Neibauer present “Unconditional Responsibility – Focus on Entrepreneurship.” Participants will hear the extraordinary story of how this longtime Fredericksburg-area resident built Neibauer Dental Care from a single office into a thriving healthcare provider with annual revenues of more than $60 million before selling it in 2011. Since selling his dental practice, Dr. Neibauer has launched a number of ventures, including a real estate investment business and public speaking. In order to help build an entrepreneurial culture in the Fredericksburg Region, Dr. Neibauer is donating his time for the Sept. 16 event.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit Made in FredVA, a project of the Next Generation of Business Leaders slated for November, and Fredxchange’s Startup Weekend, which will take place Sept. 26-28. During Startup Weekend Fredericksburg, teams of entrepreneurs will gather at Germanna Community Neibauer College’s Fredericksburg Campus to brainstorm and take business ideas from concept to reality in 54 hours. The Made in FredVA program, reminiscent of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” invites ambitious entrepreneurs from around the area to submit ideas for start-up ventures. The contestants – a mix of students and professionals – will submit written proposals to a panel of distinguished local entrepreneurs. After reviewing the proposals, the panel will select the best five. Those five finalists will pitch their concepts to another panel of local business leaders in an event sure to be filled with fun, suspense, and
maybe even some surprises. The entrepreneur that most impresses the panel will win more than $5,000 in seed money to start his or her business.
Unconditional Responsibility: Focus on Entrepreneurship Speaker Dr. Chris Neibauer, founder, Neibauer Dental Care When 6 p.m., Sept. 16 Where UMW’s Seacobeck Hall Cost $20 per person To Register E-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber. org or call (540) 373-9400
Looking for past issues of ChamberLink?Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com
september 2014 • ChamberLink
Chairman’s Report
2014 Business Expo allows Chamber members to showcase their businesses
By Michael Fidgeon It’s hard to believe summer is over and we’re heading into the final stretch of 2014. It seems only a short time ago we were ringing in the New Year. But time flies, especially for those of us in the business community. As the final quarter of 2014 rapidly approaches, I encourage you to seize an opportunity the Chamber is offering. We have stressed throughout this publication, and at Chamber events, that building solid relationships is vital to business success. On Oct. 9, the Chamber will host a mega-event that will allow you to connect with business people throughout the Fredericksburg Region. Join us from noon to 5 p.m. that day at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center for the Chamber’s second annual Business Expo. Last year’s event drew more than 130 area businesses, and we’re expecting even more parMichael Fidgeon ticipants this time. This is a tremendous chance for you to meet hundreds of prospective customers and potential business partners. We can never emphasize this enough – people do business with people they know and trust. And how do we get to know people? By interacting with them and – especially – listening to them. Equally important is following up after an event with those you have just met. So let me challenge you now – mark Oct. 9 on your calendar and join us from noon to 5 p.m. at the Expo Center. Better yet, contact Sheri Wikert at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org and reserve a booth for your business today. Come to the 2014 Business Expo. Put your business out there for all to see. Meet as many people as possible and learn as much as you can about their enterprises. Then practice the advice offered by the wonderful Steve “Zip” Zipkoff and quickly follow up with those you have met. Like a savvy investor, you will be planting seed capital from which you can reap incredible rewards in the future. Michael Fidgeon is COO of Providence Service Corporation.
Expo
Chamber of Commerce 2014 Business Expo
Continued from page 1 premier networking event of the year. Remember, booth space is limited and the clock is counting down. For-profit Chamber members can lock in their booth for only $350. Non-profit Chamber members can reserve space for only $300 Non-members may purchase a booth for $600. To reserve your spot at the expo, contact Sheri Wikert at (540) 373-9400 or e-mail sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
When Noon-5 p.m., Oct. 9 Where Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Cost For-Profit Chamber member: 10’ booth for $350 Non-Profit Chamber member: 10’ booth for $300 Non-member: 10’ booth for $600
New Member Orientation When 3 p.m., Sept. 10 Where Chamber office 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost No charge to attend Come learn how to take full advantage of your Chamber membership!
To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org Call (540) 373-9400 E-mail sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org Title Sponsor Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Platinum Sponsor The Rappaport Companies Gold Sponsor Salon 730 Bronze Sponsor Minuteman Press
Ribbon Cutting Where Y-OPA 685 Garrisonville Rd., Suite 103 When 4 p.m., Sept. 17 Cost No charge to attend Come celebrate with the Y-OPA team!
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Trailblazers
Goodwill works: The power of collaboration
Since 1966, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries has sought partnerships with established organizations – both for-profit and not-for-profit – that allow more people to be served. Working with a variety of local resources that include housing, transportation, healthcare and education, RGI seeks to help people from all walks of life reach their full potential. RGI believes strongly that the power of non-profits and businesses working together will benefit the community as a whole. The organization’s strategic plan includes a goal to increase collaborations with like-minded agencies. “Our experience continues to show that our community is stronger if agencies work together,” said RGI President and CEO Woody Van Valkenburgh.
In 2013, Rappahannock Goodwill provided vocational counseling, job training, and employment services to a record-breaking 3,898 people in the Fredericksburg Region. Continued support of local individuals and businesses has led to 368 people being placed into jobs through the four area Goodwill Job Help Centers. The job opportunities are varied and include some of the work that RGI does directly, such as custodial services and commercial laundry. RGI is a major employer in the area, providing more than 550 local jobs including contract service employees at Marine Corps Base Quantico and the FBI Academy. While RGI provides these organizations exceptional service at competitive rates, these relationships also support RGI’s goal of helping people
find jobs. In addition to the many resources that Goodwill offers directly to people looking for work, RGI supports local non-profit organizations by providing expert-level bookkeeping assistance. The RGI Finance Department staff assists organizations that need bookkeeping support. The 2012 relocation to an 80,000 square-foot building at Lee’s Hill
Workforce NOW presents Professional Development Series Thoroughly understanding and practicing basic business skills is crucial to the success of every employee and company. Do you have employees and staff members who are just beginning their careers or have minimal experience in the workplace? Could they use training in business skills outside of their specialty? Then Workforce NOW is offering just what they need! Throughout October, Workforce NOW will host seminars that will train your team members to improve What Professional Development Series When 8-10 a.m., Thursdays throughout October Where Germanna Workforce & Technology Center 10000 Germanna Point Dr. Cost $25 per session or $100 for all five sessions
their performance. Participants will earn CEU’s and receive a Professional Development Certificate upon completion of the series. The seminars will take place at 8 a.m. each Thursday of October at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg-area Campus. Don’t wait! Reserve your spot today by going to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mailing stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
To Register Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org Schedule Oct. 2 – Building Trust Oct. 9 – Problem Solving Oct. 16 – Team Collaboration Oct. 23 – Generations in the Workplace Oct. 30 – Tap Into Your Leadership Style
in Spotsylvania County has played a vital role in offering job services and collaboration facilities in the community. Several agencies occupy RGI’s Collaboration Zone, an office space dedicated to local organizations with visions that align with RGI’s, including FAHASS and Recovery in Motion. “We are looking forward to an even richer, more productive rela-
tionship with these organizations. Together, we can do so much to serve the Fredericksburg Region,” Mr. Van Valkenburgh said. If you would like more information about RGI’s programs and services, or would like to take a tour of any RGI facility, call Woody Van Valkenburgh at (800) 789-2816. Visit www.FredGoodwill.org for more information.
Workforce NOW presents College & Career Night Workforce NOW, in partnership with College Night, is pleased to host College and Career night – an event offering employers the opportunity to meet future employees. The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 15 at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. This is a unique opportunity for area employers to get to know hundreds of students from Planning District 16 and make them aware of hometown job opportunities. Workforce NOW is asking employers to be part of the regional workforce solution and help prepare the talent pipeline to meet future business needs. A key component of this event will be providing minimentor/coaching moments for the student attendees. College and Career Night allows businesses in the Fredericksburg Region to spend time with students who will soon graduate and to discuss potential career opportunities regardless of whether they plan to
go to college or immediately enter the workforce. For information on becoming a participating vendor or sponsor please contact Sheri Wikert at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org. To register, call (540) 373-9400 or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org. Vendor Table Rates Non-profits: $100 Chamber members: $200 Non-members: $300
College & Career Night When 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15 Where Spotsylvania Towne Centre
STAFFORD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND HOMEMAKING FAIR VENDORS WANTED
(Register online) FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING
October 17-19, 2014 Pre-Sale: Ride Tickets - Buy Now www.staffordfair.com Call or email Gordon Shelton, Fair Manager (540) 840-8992 * storckroad691@aol.com
september 2014 • ChamberLink
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. East Coast Vapers Tina Sims 612 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 479-3675 Vape Shop Joe Greene 131 Federal Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 371-4268 jag@mid-atlanticfoam.com Member Emeritus Knife Center, Inc. Howard Korn 5201 Lad Land Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (301) 486-0901 Fax: (540) 693-4950 howard@knifecenter.com http://knifecenter.com Retail Stores LaVida Massage of Fredericksburg Linda Flores-Hicks 1460 Central Park Blvd. Suite 112 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 735-4840 fredericksburg.va@ lavidamassage.com www.lavidamasssagefredericksburva. com Massage Therapy Beauty, Hair & Nail Salons Lord & Lilly’s, Inc Sandy Cook 900 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 371-1333 lordlilly@gmail.com www.lordlilly.com Gifts & Specialty Shops Massage Envy Fredericksburg Kathy Roscoe 1927 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 548-0747 kathy.roscoe@massageenvy.com www.massageenvy.com/clinics/VA/ Fredericksburg Massage Therapy
Massage Envy Stafford Kathy Roscoe 325 Garrisonville Rd. Suite 101 Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 658-9999 Fax: (540) 548-0747 kathy.roscoe@massageenvy.com www.massageenvy.com/clinics/VA/ Stafford Massage Therapy Mick’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge Dianna Kronquist 2866 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Stafford, Va 22554 Phone: (540) 659-5500 Fax: (540) 659-5535 dianna@mickslounge.com www.mickslounge.com Restaurants Pick A Plan Tiffany Yethman Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 850-4925 tiffany.Yethman@pickaplan.com Event Planning Rosner Mazda & Volkswagen Tom Olney 5208 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 878-1600 Fax: (540) 898-6182 tolney@rosnerauto.com www.mazdaoffredericksburg.com Automobile Dealers
Walgreen Co. Sarah Griffith 50 White Oak Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 368-5870 Fax: (540) 368-5876 mgr.15445@store.walgreens.com www.walgreens.com Pharmacy Windstream Brandon Garnett 7401 Beaufont Springs Dr. Suite 201 Richmond, VA 23235 b(804) 521-6755 Fax: (804) 239-1569 brandon.garnett@windstream.com http://windstream.com Telecommunications and Internet William B. Young 13910 Hunting Run Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 785-2151 woolybuggerwby@gmail.com Member Emeritus
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Commandant, Naval District Washington to address MAC Report to the Community Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, Commandant of Naval District Washington, will deliver the keynote address at the Military Affairs Council’s Report to the Community. The event will take place Nov. 13 at University of Mary Washington’s Jepson Alumni Center. A Jacksonville, FL native, Adm. Rich is a 1983 graduate of the University of Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Systems Technology, Space Systems Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School. His operational tours as a naval flight officer Adm. Rich include assignments in Fighter Squadrons 14, 143 and 102, and as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 32. He also served as assistant chief of staff, Operations and Plans (N3/5) for Carrier Strike Group Five/Battle Force 7th Fleet. Ashore, Adm. Rich has commanded Naval Air Station Oceana and was an F-14 Instructor in Fighter Squadron 101, both as a junior officer and as executive officer. He also served on the OPNAV Staff as deputy, Strike Aircraft Plans and Requirements and at U.S. Space Command, Policy and Plans Directorate. He was a 2004-05 Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow with Honeywell International. His most recent assignment was Commander, Navy Region Northwest. He has accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours and 900 carrierarrested landings. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike and Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, along with various campaign and service awards.
Give Give Blood Blood American Red Cross Fredericksburg Blood Drives
Stage Door Productions, Inc. Kimberly Kemp 810 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22404 Phone: (540) 903-3808 StageDoorFredbg@gmail.com http://stagedoorproductions.org Non Profit VapaMotive Michael Provost 556 Garrisonville Rd. Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 602-7183 info@vapamotive.com www.vapamotive.com Vape Shop
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 • september 2014
Chamber Calendar SEPTEMBER 1 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY SEPTEMBER 2 STAFFORD ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Fairfield Inn & Suites Quantico-Stafford SEPTEMBER 3 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, noon, at Ristorante Renato SEPTEMBER 4 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Greenfield Senior Living of Stafford SEPTEMBER 5 RIBBON CUTTING Friday, 3 p.m., at LaVida Massage SEPTEMBER 10 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, 3 p.m., at the Chamber office SEPTEMBER 11 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 3:30 p.m., at VapaMotive SEPTEMBER 16 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at Fredericksburg Country Club SEPTEMBER 16 UNCONDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP Tuesday, 6 p.m., at UMW’s Seacobeck Hall SEPTEMBER 17 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., at Y-OPA SEPTEMBER 18 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Scott Insurance & Financial Services SEPTEMBER 19 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office SEPTEMBER 23 NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office SEPTEMBER 24 STEM 16 EDUCATOR EXCHANGE Wednesday, 5 p.m., Germanna Workforce & Technology Center SEPTEMBER 25 SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office OCTOBER 1 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, noon, at Ristorante Renato OCTOBER 2 WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology OCTOBER 2 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Dominion Eagle Insurance OCTOBER 7 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Hyatt Place at Eagle Village OCTOBER 9 WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology
Seminar Corner First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Sept. 8, 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: Sept. 5 This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.
munity Foundation of the Rappahannock Region and the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. Via webcast, Ann B. Burns and Samuel A. Donaldson will present “New Paradigms in Estate and Charitable Gift Planning.” The seminar will explore traditional and new planning techniques designed with flexibility to address the present and future needs of philanthropists. First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Sept. 22, 9-11:30 a.m. Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540) 6541096, e-mail to sbdc@umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW. com. Registration deadline: Sept. 19
Sign up for these valuable
SEMINARS
National Security Lecture Date(s): Sept. 9, 8 a.m. Location: University Hall, Room 110, University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus, 4224 University Dr., King George Cost: No charge to attend. Registration requested To Register: Go to http://dahlgren.umw.edu/lectureseries. Bob Twitchell will present “American Society – The Vulnerability of the Open Internet and Innovative Concepts to Protect Data in Motion.” Mr. Twitchell’s presentation will analyzes a broad range of cyber security threats against many segments of American society and key pillars of national security, finance and critical infrastructure. 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. Estate Planning Seminar Date(s): Sept. 16, 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Location: Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper Cost: $40 per attendee. Cost includes lunch. Registration requested To Register: Go to www.cfrrr.org or call (540) 3739292 Attorneys, accountants, insurance advisors and financial planners involved in estate and charitable gift planning are invited to an educational seminar. Participants will be eligible for up to six continuing education credits for completing the seminar sponsored by The Com-
This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses. Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): Sept. 23, noon-1 p.m. Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people. To Register: Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org This one-hour brown-bag session focuses on the unique needs of non-profit organizations in the Fredericksburg Region. Come meet with other non-profit leaders to share business tips and best practices. Chamber Small Business Builder Date(s): Sept. 25, 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. National Security Lecture Date(s): Oct. 9, 8 a.m. Location: University Hall, Room 110, University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus, 4224 University Dr., King George Cost: No charge to attend. Registration requested. To Register: Go to http://dahlgren.umw.edu/lectureseries. Robin Dreeke will present “The Social Psychology of Trust for Counterintelligence… and All Aspects of Our Lives.” Mr. Dreeke will discuss the social psychology of trust and how it is applied to working counterintelligence and insider threat investigations. Additionally, he will demonstrate how the same interpersonal skills are used in every aspect of our lives, from interactions with colleagues and friends to those with our teenagers.
september 2014 • ChamberLink
Non-Profit Corner
Business Tip
Alzheimer’s Association to host Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association will host its 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 27 at the campus of University of Mary Washington. The event, which is expected to attract hundreds of people, kicks off at 10 a.m. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Walkers have an option of walking either a one-mile route or a three-mile route “This is our biggest fundraising event of the year. I hope everyone who has a friend or loved one with Alzheimer’s will join us in this walk,” said Lori Myers, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fredericksburg regional director. “We’ve had terrific support from the community in the past, and I’m confident we will have it again this year.” Ms. Myers suggests five ways in which people can participate in the walk: form a team of walkers; walk as an individual; become a sponsor (opportunities range from $500$10,000); become a volunteer; and donate a service or product to help support the event. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 5 million Americans are currently battling Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. One in every three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease. More than 3,000 individuals in the Fredericksburg Region have Alzheimer’s. For each person suffering with the disease, three or more family members are affected on a daily basis. Since increasing age is the greatest
risk factor, these numbers are expected to rise dramatically over the next decades as our population ages. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer’s research and support. The Alzheimer’s Association provides five core services to meet the needs of individuals, families, care partners, and health care professionals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases: • Information & Referral Service – 24/7 helpline, enewsletter, referral packets, and website • Education – workshops for caregivers, clergy and parish nurses, in-service training for professionals, community presentations, and health fairs
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Care Consultation – Assistance for persons with the disease and/or their families to create a plan of care. This includes Respite Scholarships that pay for care in a licensed facility, an adult care center, or by an in-home care provider • Support Groups – monthly gatherings for caregivers, family members, and persons with the disease for emotional support and the exchange of ideas • Safety programs – identification programs to safely and timely return individuals who wander For more information or to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, call (540) 370-0835 or visit www.alz.org/grva.
Business 101 Series University of Mary Washington’s Lance Gentry, Ph.D., led a discussion on providing customer satisfaction during Customer Service 101, the August installment of the Business 101 Series co-sponsored by the Chamber and UMW. The next seminar will take place at 8 a.m., Sept. 19 at the Chamber office. Kim Kinsley, J.D., will present Legal Issues 101, which will focus the legal aspects of computing in a business environment. 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.
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UMW’s Lance Gentry spoke about customer service at the Business 101 session on Aug. 15.
New technology allows seniors to “age-in-place” By Evan H. Farr Currently, there are 75 million baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), and according to AARP research, more than 80 percent of them want to age-in-place as they get older. But how can they do so if they need family members – who most often don’t live with them – to monitor their medication and vital signs, and ensure that they’re eating, dressing, and using the bathroom? A major new wave of technological innovation is aimed at helping seniors stay in their homes as they grow older and require care. The technologies make life easier and healthcare more efficient, and research shows that baby boomers and caregivers are embracing them in a big way. A recent Pew survey indicates that 80 percent of baby boomers use the Internet, and up to 84 percent of those are using the Internet to search for information on healthcare. The survey also indicates that 46 percent of seniors use a smartphone and are familiar with downloading apps. Some technologies that have found their way into baby boomer and caregiver toolboxes include: • E-visits – Provides patients with an opportunity to get answers to common questions, guidance on whether a problem is serious enough for an in-person visit, and even a diagnosis of simple issues. • iWatchLife – Provides a way to check on the well-being of your elderly parents during the day and night, when you can’t be there yourself, using cameras mounted strategically throughout the house. Of course, it is important to check with your parents first, due to privacy concerns. • MissNoMeds – a wireless automatic pill dispenser that has a built-in cellular chip, making it easy for users to transport and use wherever they need to. If the user misses his or her medication, the device will send text and email messages to loved ones. • Health-e-Care System Chair – a comfortable armchair that can perform an ECG, measure blood pressure, weight, temperature, blood glucose level, gait and balance, heart and lung sounds, blood oxygen saturation, motion analysis, reflex response time, and more. The software transmits the data automatically to nurses who are available 24/7. • Guardian Angel – turns a phone into an emergency alert device. For example, if your mom is ever in an accident or medical emergency, and she requires immediate help, she can push a button that alerts a list of predetermined contacts where she is and that she needs help. If she needs an emergency response, those contacts can know exactly what the issue is and what kind of help is needed. • SafeinHome – a mobile solution that provides oversight of seniors when they’re home alone. SafeinHome’s mobile device-enabled services use wireless sensors to track elderly people’s activities while they are at home, length of stay in a room, when they leave and return to the house, if they’ve left the stove on or touched their medications, and more. The system sends information directly to family members’ smartphones or tablets, and alerts them about unusual events that could indicate a problem. Since it uses sensors instead of cameras, it does not invade privacy as much as the iWatchLife technology described above. More details on the technology and smart device apps described above can be found by searching for them via Google or your preferred search engine. As baby boomers age and face more health issues, including the treatment of chronic diseases, technology is projected to grow and change faster than ever to keep pace. Now that you know about these technologies, it’s time to do legal planning for your future and for your loved ones’ future. To do so, it is important to make an appointment with an experienced elder law attorney. Evan Farr is a Certified Elder Law Attorney in Fredericksburg and Fairfax, and can be reached at (540) 479-1435 in Fredericksburg or (703_ 691-1888 in Fairfax. If you have Elder Law questions you’d like to have answered in future columns, please send them to evanfarr@farrlawfirm.com.
Advertising in ChamberLink is a benefit of your Chamber membership Contact The Journal - 540-775-2024 - for advertising info.
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Business Tip
Verification of Social Security Numbers crucial to accurate reporting to federal agencies By Walter Noland As a business owner, not only is it important for many reasons, it is also required to verify that your employee names and Social Security Numbers match Social Security Administration’s records for proper preparation and submission of year-end wage reports to the IRS. Failure to verify results in extended measures after year-end closing to revise and resubmit incorrect data, as well redistribute corrected forms to employees. Compliance with this process prior to submission is highly beneficial in reducing W-2 errors. SSA can post employee wages correctly only when employers and submitters report employee wages under the correct name and SSN. Recording names and SSNs correctly is the key to successful processing of annual wage reports. It saves the employer and the administration processing costs and allows
SSA to properly credit the earnings records of your employees. Credits to your employees’ earnings records are important in determining their future eligibility for and payment of the SSA’s retirement, disability and survivor benefits. The Social Security Number Verification Service The Social Security Number Verification Service allows employers to verify the names and Social Security Numbers of current and former employees for wage reporting purposes. The Social Security Administration no longer accepts these requests on diskette, cartridge or tape. Why Should I Verify Names and SSNs Online? • Correct names and SSNs on W-2 wage reports are the keys to the successful processing of your annual wage report submission.
• SSA returns all names and SSNs submitted. If the name and SSN do not match SSA records, SSA advises the following: • This response does not imply that you or your employee intentionally provided incorrect information about the employee’s name or SSN. • This response does not make any statement about your employee’s immigration status. • This response is not a basis, in and of itself, to take any adverse action against the employee, such as laying off, suspending, firing or discriminating against the employee.
• Online verification is faster and easier than submitting your requests paper listings or using Social Security’s telephone verification option. • Results in more accurate wage reports. • Saves time, processing costs and reduces the number of W-2C’s. • Allows Social Security to give the proper credit to your employees’ earnings record, which will be important information in determining their future Social Security benefits. Compliance with Federal Regulation SSA verifies SSNs and names solely to ensure the records of current or former employees are correct for the purpose of completing IRS Form W-2. • Verify SSN only once an official employeremployee relationship has been established. • Company policy should be applied consistently to all workers.
RAPPAHANNOCK GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
in partnership with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, Reg.1 and National University presents
THE 2014 MILITARY & SPOUSE
CAREER FAIR Friday, October 10th • 10:00am – 2:00pm National Guard Armory – 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
ATTENTION JOBSEEKERS… Come dressed for success and have your résumé ready! FEELING UNPREPARED? Attend one of our free information sessions. Each will be held from 1-3pm at the Rappahannock Goodwill Community Resource Center: • Social Media & Job Search – September 12th • Résumé Writing – September 19th
This article was written by Walter Noland for Greenshades Software, an in-house development company in Jacksonville, FL that has provided solutions to simplify internal HR and Payroll processes for thousands of companies over the last decade.
ChamberLink is published by The Journal 540-775-2024
CNEW Luncheon When 11:30 a.m., Sept. 16 Where Fredericksburg Country Club
Workplace Disputes?
Speaker Lynne Richardson of UMW Sponsor Community Bank of the Chesapeake
■ ■
Cost Chamber members - $20 General public - $30
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Improve productivity Help employees understand your viewpoint Discover the real problem Achieve workable solutions Maintain confidentiality
VIRGINIA MEDIATION
To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@ fredercksburgchamber.org
Call for a free evaluation
540/373-1848 www.VAMediation.com ChamberLink 1col (2”) x 3.625” 111512 B.Massey-Mediation Center ads.indd
Shaw’s Carpets ❖
• Dress for Success – September 26th
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• Interview Skills – October 3rd
❖ ❖
Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.
❖ ❖ ❖ 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
september 2014 • ChamberLink
Business After Hours – ValleyCrest Landscape & Richmond International Raceway
ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance and Richmond International Raceway threw a spectacular Business After Hours on Aug. 14 at ValleyCrest’s Fredericksburg headquarters. Chamber members networked, enjoyed a variety of foods and beverages, and vied for a wide array of prizes in an exciting raffle.
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. Call The Journal • 540-775-2024
Are You Driving Your Profits with Human Resources? Your employees impact every single part of a company’s P&L. Small HR improvements will dramatically increase profits, while small HR mistakes can be devastating to the bottom line. Call Anchor and let us illustrate how your P&L can be impacted by 7 HR Strategies and 11 HR Tactics.
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Focus on ...
Disaster Preparedness
When disaster approaches, get ready to stay in business By Dawn Eischen Tropical storms and hurricanes; flooding; tornadoes; severe winter storms; extended power outages; serious illness such as the H1N1flu virus pandemic; acts of violence and acts of terrorism. All types of emergencies can strike Virginia, and for businesses add technology-related emergencies including system failure or malfunction, and equipment or software to the disaster list. Many surveys show that one out of four small businesses do not reopen after major disasters. In addition, 90 percent or more of businesses that suffer a major data loss fail within five years of a disaster. Home-based businesses are at risk too. How quickly your company gets back to business after a disaster depends on the planning you do today. Are you ready to stay in business? To avoid disaster set-backs, plan ahead for the safety of your employees and the survival of your business. You need a disaster plan that covers three main areas: human resources, physical resources and business continuity.
Here are questions to answer right now as you begin to prepare your plan. Jot down the answers and let them guide you in making a plan that fits your business needs: • How could a disaster affect my employees, customers and workplace? • How will I continue doing business if the area around my facility is closed or streets are impassable? • How will I serve my customers if my facility is closed? After this brief assessment, you may need to take some immediate actions. These actions aren’t your full business continuity plan, but they will get you off on a good start to being ready. These won’t take much time to do, and some of the steps could be assigned to an employee or employee team to get them invested in your need to return to routine business operations fast in an emergency: • Decide how to communicate with your employees during an emergency. Set up a Continued on page 11
Graphic courtesy of Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Is your information technology prepared to weather the storm? By Eric Watkins When preparing your business to survive a disaster, it is absolutely vital to ensure that your plan includes your information technology. Your IT is more than just a necessary tool of your business: it can be the key to a quick and easy recovery should a disaster strike. The right IT Business Continuity Solution will not only keep your important files safe from a disaster, but it will help you use your technology from home or from a new office. When you’re struggling to recover from a disaster that’s devastated your business, the ability to still use your familiar technology to stay connected to your customers and to get daily operations completed can be what makes all the difference. To ensure your Business Continuity Plan will let you recover quickly and easily, you need to ensure you include the following key points: • Automated Backups – At a minimum, make sure you save copies of your servers, critical systems and data on a secure device. You should image your drives (saving an electronic picture of the layout of your systems), so you can easily and quickly restore not only your specific files, but also all the settings and applications in your systems. When you reboot, you’ll have everything exactly as it was before the disaster. • Offsite Cloud Backup – You can give yourself an important extra layer of protection by storing your backups offsite as well. By using a cloud-based offsite data center facility, you can
keep your important backups safe from disasters that could affect your physical office like floods, fires, or burglary of your onsite equipment. • Cloud Virtualization – You can take your preparation another step further by storing some or all of your systems in the cloud directly. This means you can use your IT just like you would in your office, but with it safely stored in a virtual environment that you can securely access via the Internet from anywhere you need to. • Regular Continuity Testing – You should do more than just trust that your backups work. You should regularly test your Business Continuity so you have proof and peace of mind. Make sure your backups are regularly validated to prevent any data loss or contamination. You don’t want to wait until you actually need them to find out that something went wrong and a large chunk of your critical data is lost. You should also periodically run through a mock disaster recovery, getting your whole staff involved and doing a full system restore as if a real disaster was happening. Just like a fire drill, this process makes sure everyone knows what to do if the real thing ever happens, and it proves to you and your staff that you’ll be alright if it does. Eric Watkins is CFO of Infinity Technologies. Infinity Technologies provides Business Continuity services and other managed IT services and solutions for businesses across Virginia. For a complimentary assessment of your business’s disaster preparation, call (855) 479-4343 or visit www.it-va.com.
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Photo courtesy of VDEM.
september 2014 • ChamberLink
Stocking emergency supplies is a crucial disaster preparedness step for both businesses and individuals. Continued from page 10
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phone tree, a password-protected page on your website, an email or text alert, a call-in voice recording or some combination that works for you. Give your co-workers wallet cards with instructions on how to get company information in an emergency; include telephone numbers and/or system access information. Make an emergency supply kit for your business or office. Include flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, tools, sanitary supplies and towelettes, some non-perishable food items and bottled water. These will be useful and very welcome to employees and customers if for some reason you need to stay in your workplace. Use the food and water before the expiration dates, and then replenish your supply. This is an excellent project for an employee work team and will remind them of the importance of being ready for emergencies at home. If you don’t have a NOAA Weather Radio in your place of business, get one with SAME alerts. This feature allows you to program your radio to hear weather warnings for your area directly from the National Weather Service. The free Ready Virginia app for iPhones and Android devices also provides this feed from NWS. During unsettled weather, getting tornado warnings from NWS rather than relying on radio, TV or possibly dangerous glances out the window can save critical minutes and lives. Make a building evacuation plan, and practice it regularly. Hold surprise evacuation drills with pre-determined meeting places outside and rosters to check in employees to account for their safety. Participate in Virginia’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill, held every March. In 2015, the drill will be March 17 at 9:45 a.m. Watch www.ReadyVirginia.gov for details. Look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Be sure you know how to turn it off. Is the system secure? Can it be upgraded to better filter potential contaminants? Consult with your insurance agency about special precautions to take for disasters that
may affect your business. Most policies do not cover flood damage, so talk with your agent about adding it to your policy. Just one inch of water in a 2,000 square foot space can mean as much as $20,000 in damage. Now that you’ve taken the above steps, it’s time to go a little deeper into business continuity. When business is disrupted, it likely will cost you money. Lost revenues on top of extra expenses means reduced profits. Insurance typically doesn’t cover all costs and can’t replace customers that may go elsewhere for products and services. So a business continuity plan is essential. It’s best if your plan takes an “all hazards” approach. As we know, there are many different threats or hazards; the probability that a specific hazard will affect your business is hard to predict, so that is why a basic approach works well. In developing your all hazards preparedness plan, you will evaluate the likelihood of specific hazards and analyze their impacts to your business. Threats or hazards that you classify as probable and those that could cause injury, property damage, business disruption or environmental impact should be included in your plan. This process will help you identify areas where you are vulnerable and opportunities for hazard prevention. Then you will be in a better position to make decisions about possible investments to offset the risks. A very good resource for business continuity planning is www.Ready.gov, which has many free, downloadable worksheets, short videos and lots of good guidance to help you along the way. According to the website, development of a business continuity plan includes four steps: • Conduct a business impact analysis to identify time-sensitive or critical business functions and processes and the resources that support them. • Identify, document and implement to recover critical business functions and processes. • Organize a business continuity team and compile a business continuity plan. • Conduct training for the business continuity team and testing and exercises to evaluate recovery strategies and the plan. It’s worth your time to further explore business
Infographic courtesy of VDEM. Disaster Preparedness Resources www.ReadyVirginia.gov www.Ready.gov/business Business emergency response plan: http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/ EmergencyResponsePlan_Oct2012.pdf Business testimonials: http://www.ready.gov/business/business-testimonials Emergency Actions Poster for the workplace: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/ EmergencyActionsFinal.pdf Free online business assessment from the American Red Cross: http://readyrating.org continuity planning as outlined on these websites, www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.Ready.gov, along with the possible services of a planning expert. Finally, a few words about information technology (IT) and its place in your planning. IT means networks, servers, desktops and laptops, mobile devices and more. The IT system that you depend on is essential to your success and continuing operation. At the least, you should be making back-up copies of computer data and keeping it offsite.
In the longer term, developing recovery strategies for information technology must be included in your continuity plan. Manual workarounds, surge protectors and battery systems can be part of your scheme. Learn more about IT disaster recovery at http://www.ready.gov/business/ implementation/IT. Dawn Eischen is public affairs director for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. For more information, contact her at (804) 897-6510 or pio@vdem.virginia.gov.
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Chamber Programs Social
Five of the Chamber’s working programs hosted a mellow social hour at the grounds of Snowden House on Aug. 19. Participants included FredTech, the Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni Association, the Military Affairs Council, the Next Generation of Business Leaders, and Workforce NOW. Business After Hours
MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH
DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER TO HAVE YOUR HEARING CHECKED CHOLESTEROL
A recent study noted that most hearing aid users live with hearing loss for more than 10 years with their impairment progressing from moderate to severe levels.
BLOOD PRESSURE
When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18 Where Scott Insurance & Financial Services 2115 Lafayette Blvd.
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1171 Central Park Blvd., Ste. 104 • Fredericksburg, VA 22401 CALL TODA Y FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Come enjoy an evening of networking and good cheer!
540/785-4676
Monday-Friday • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • centralparkhearing.com Walk-ins Welcome • Free Hearing Aid Cleaning
Quality Hearing Instruments
Hearing instruments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem nor restore normal hearing. © 2012 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved 4/12. SHI/13292
september 2014 • ChamberLink
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Business BRIEFS Stafford Junction wins grant
The Stafford Hospital Community Benefit Fund has awarded Stafford Junction, Inc. a grant to fund its Healthy Living Pays program. The Healthy Living Pays (HLP) program works with children and their families in lowerincome communities to lead healthier lifestyles through education, increased physical activity, healthier eating habits and access to basic healthcare, including vision and hearing checks. Because of the relatively high cost of high-quality, nutritious foods and the limited knowledge of and access to comprehensive health programs, low- income families tend to lead lifestyles that are generally less healthy than their counterparts in higher socio-economic strata and those with higher levels of education. Less healthy lifestyles can lead to long-term chronic health diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Consequences of such a lifestyle impact not only the families involved, but take a toll on the rest of the community as well. HLP also assists with health insurance assessment and enrollment into state-sponsored health insurance programs, and provides informational sessions on preventative healthcare. HLP works in conjunction with Mary Washington Healthcare and the Massad Branch YMCA - sponsoring seminars and educational events as well as instructor-led exercise sessions. Participants learn to take better care of themselves and about accessible health insurance and healthcare. 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.
Twana’s Creation Gift Baskets wins top national honor
Twana’s Creation Gift Baskets is pleased to announce its win of two national first place awards for its original gift basket designs in the National Designer Competition at the 2014 National Gift Basket Convention held in Long Beach, CA. Twana’s Creation entered two competitive divisions - “Gifts made Easy” and “Pampering.” The gift baskets were judged by originality, unique style, color coordination, content placement, usability, beauty, and overall presentation. Voters consisted of nationally acclaimed gift basket company owners and designers, as well as certified gift designer instructors. Twana’s Creation staff is ex-
tremely happy and honored to have won first place in both divisions! Twana’s Creation is a Staffordbased gift basket business that provides customers with the assurance they are working with a Trend Leader
Certified Designer Company in the gift basket industry. Twana’s Creation only uses top quality products and strives for the best, as attested to by many testimonials of pleased customers.
Membership value focus of annual REC meeting Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) members recently exercised the cooperative’s democratic process as they voted for candidates on the board of directors, received reports on REC’s 2013 accomplishments and end-of-year financial status, and learned about REC’s plans for continuing to provide reliable and affordable electricity in the future. “We want members to see the value in their REC membership,” said Kent D. Farmer, REC’s president and CEO. “That is why in 2013 we introduced several innovative services to meet the changing needs and expectations of our members. From easy-to-use online services, to convenient payment choices, extended safety measures and reliability improvements, we are constantly looking out for our members and seeking new ways to enhance our services.” Darlene H. Carpenter, chairman of REC’s Board of Directors, also addressed the audience. “REC now serves almost 160,000 homes and businesses spread across 22 counties. Our focus is to keep members informed and to have open communications to ensure the needs of our membership are being met,” she said. “As our membership needs change, we want to be responsive by altering current programs or adding
new ones to fit those needs.” Mr. Farmer noted that in 2013 REC became the first utility in Virginia to offer prepaid electric service to its members. At the meeting, the 6,346 members participating in-person or by proxy re-elected three directors to REC’s board for three-year terms: William M. Alphin, Region I – Culpeper County; John C. Levasseur, Region IV – Spotsylvania County; and Richard C. Oliver, Region VII – Orange County and Albemarle County. In addition to comments from Chairman Darlene H. Carpenter and president and CEO Kent D. Farmer, members also heard reports from Secretary Christopher G. Shipe and Treasurer Thomas T. Grady. In an effort to reach more members at places closer to their homes, REC has begun holding member appreciation events, called Get Connected, in different parts of its territory. The most recent Get Connected event was held this past spring at Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. About 1,000 members came out to visit with REC. In 2015, Get Connected will be held in the Culpeper area. Members are encouraged to attend an event convenient to them. As plans are made for the 2015
During REC’s Annual Meeting for members held on Aug. 9 at Liberty High School in Fauquier County, members participated in the business session where they were presented reports on the year successes, learned about future plans, and voted for candidates on the Board of Directors. Annual Meeting, members will be notified through Cooperative Living magazine, as well as other communications. Cooperative Living magazine is distributed to REC members in 10 issues each year and is also available
online at www.myrec.coop. 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 main-
tains 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. For information, visit www.myrec.coop.
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Business BRIEFS Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announces sales, leases Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce the sale of 1259 Courthouse Rd. in Stafford County. Cosner Management, LLC purchased three fully-leased office condo units totaling 3,807square feet from 630 Ashby Investment LP for $600,000 as an investment. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the seller. The firm is also pleased to announce the sale of 971 Garrisonville Rd. in Stafford County. Kamco, LLC purchased the 3,646 square foot freestanding retail property from Ramsey Holdings, LLC for $515,000 as an investment. The property is currently occupied by Stafford House of Yoga, which will continue operations at this location. Paul Eakin and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the seller. Also sold recently was 417 William Street in the City of Fredericksburg. Lazy Loon, LLC purchased the 3,720 square-foot retail property from 425 William Street, LLC for $685,000.
Neuropsychology & Complementary Medicine of Fredericksburg Inc. will use the building for its second downtown location. Mike Degen handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the seller. Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to report the following recent lease transactions in the Fredericksburg Region: • Office Products, Inc. – renewal of 10,200 square feet of retail space in Plank Road Plaza at 3940 Plank Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • TNS Produce, Inc. – lease of 10,132 square feet of industrial space in Battle Park Industrial at 11001 Pierson Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • QRC Inc. – lease of 6,920 square feet of office space in Central Park Corporate Center at 12271235 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, CCIM, and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease
negotiations. • The Lab Mixed Martial Arts – renewal of 6,000 square feet of space in Jackson Square Business Park at 4500 Carr Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • United Methodist Family Services – lease of 4,182 square feet of office space in Central Park Corporate Center at 1320 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, Mary Katherine Greenlaw and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations. • Cribs to Teens, Inc. – lease of 3,000 square feet of retail space in The Plow & Hearth Building at 3801 Plank Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Evan Sullivan handled the lease negotiations. • Heartland Dental Care, Inc. – renewal of 2,889 square feet of retail space in the Centre at Culpeper at 15131-15193 Montanus Dr. in Culpeper. Berkley M. Mitchell and Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations.
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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,OVER 3OVER Side Gas FP in Mstr BR Suite &FtFt OVER 7.5 AC POTOMAC RIVERFRONT. 200 ofof 7.5 AC POTOMAC RIVERFRONT. 200 7.5 AC POTOMAC RIVERFRONT. 200 Ft of Mstr Bath to Diefrontage For! Sauna &beach More! 10 MinCanterbury to Comfrontage private beach Exclusive Canterbury frontage private beach Exclusive Canterbury &&& private ininin Exclusive Estates. Walking Distance Aquia Landing Park Estates.Walking Walking Distance to Aquia Landing Park Estates. Distance Aquia Landing Park muter Rail. IMPRESSIVE INSIDE &totoOUT! close toto commuter rail. Boat toto DC oror the Bay. close commuter rail. Boat DC the Bay. &&& close to commuter rail. Boat to DC or the Bay. Build your dream home here! Build your dream home here! Build your dream home here!
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Small community ofof just needs updated. community just needs to be updated. community of R Small community ofonlySmall 4.Small Perfect for buyer WILLIAMSBURG ing Run Reservoir with approx. livliv space w/ full fin bsmt. Suites, RIVERFRONT rm w/grand FP, mstr Suite w/sitting rm space w/ full fin bsmt. 4MBR MBR Suites, rm w/grand FP, mstr Suite w/sitting rm &FP, FP, liv space w/ full fin bsmt. 44MBR Suites, rm w/grand FP, mstr Suite w/sitting rm &&FP, LE L only Perfect for buyer who wants gorgeous only 4. Perfect for buyer who wants gorgeous SE G only 4.4.wants Perfect for buyer who wants gorgeous who gorgeousWF w/out HOA & big EBA, Gourmet Kit, Lrg formal Dining, 2Story Fam Rm delightful BA, BREATHTAKING VIEWS ofof the Gourmet Kit, Lrg formal Dining, 2Story Story Fam Rm delightful BREATHTAKING VIEWS the Gourmet Kit, Lrg formal Dining, 2In Fam Rm delightful BA, BREATHTAKING VIEWS of the N COLONIAL! 1,000 ft waterfront. Owners have Exclusive IBL NCI WF w/out HOA & big community feel. S w/out HOA community feel. WFWF w/out HOA && bigbig community feel. Aoffers S Also community feel. w/FP, Office/Lib, Fantastic Solarium w/FP for River. offers full guest house! All w/in N O w/FP, Office/Lib, Fantastic Solarium w/FP for River. Also offers full guest house! All w/in w/FP, Office/Lib, Fantastic Solarium w/FP for River. full guest house! All w/in P FIAlso Over 5,000 SqFt done perk, house location & site Canterbury Year Round enjoyment. Magnificient Xtra lrglrg minutes ofof VRE, RtRt 1/I-95. ON OVER Year Round enjoyment.Magnificient Magnificient Xtra minutes VRE, 1/I-95. ON OVER 6ACRES! ACRES! Year Round enjoyment. Xtra lrg minutes of VRE, Rt 1/I-95. ON OVER 66ACRES! OVER HALF ACRE BEAUTIFUL OVER HALF ACRE BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT OVER HALF ACRE BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT OVER HALF ACRE BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT of Gorgeous Living Space designed by work in 2007 that just needs to Estates. Private 200 FT Trex Deck. inW/Over upgrades incl. Trex &Vinyl Vinyl Deck. Afortune fortune in upgrades incl. Trex &&Vinyl Deck. AAfortune in upgrades incl. WATERFRONT LOT InOn Hidden Lake Subdiv. InIn Hidden Lake Subdiv. On nicest Park ofof the Hidden Lake Subdiv. On nicest Park the In Hidden Lake Subdiv. nicest Park of the Brazilian Cherry Hrdwd Floors, plantation Renowned Architect. 6BR, 5+BA, Gourmet Brazilian Brazilian Cherry Hrdwd Floors, Hrdwd Floors, plantation be updated. Small community MORE WATERFRONT ESTATE HOMES ofCherry Potomac Rvrfrnt &plantation Your Own On MORE WATERFRONT ESTATE HOMES MORE WATERFRONT ESTATE HOMES Lake. Formally perked but needs updating. nicest Part ofperked the Lake. Previously perked Lake. Formally perked but needs updating. Lake. Formally but needs updating. shutters, dbl stairway inin foyers, top ofof the line shutters, dbl stairway foyers, top the line shutters, dbl stairway in foyers, top of the line Kit with FP, formal Lv & Din Rms, Enormous AVAILABLE! CALL AQUIA REALTY, INC. AVAILABLE! CALL AQUIA REALTY, INC. ofneeds only Priced 4 homes total, AVAILABLE! CALL AQUIA REALTY, INC. Private Beach. Walking Distance Priced atat only $75,000. Priced only $75,000. but updating. Priced atthis onlylot $75,000. at only $75,000. appliances No HOA Fees. appliances &more. more. No HOA Fees. appliances &&more. No HOA Fees. YOUR WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS! YOUR WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS! YOUR SPECIALISTS! Fam RmWATERFRONT w/FP, Wine Cellar w/Bar, SunRm & sits where seclusion and privacy to Stafford’s Waterfront Park LOCATION! LOCATION! Approx. 13.43 Acres LOCATION! LOCATION! Approx. 13.43 Acres LOCATION! LOCATION! Approx. 13.43 Acres LOCATION! LOCATION! Approx. 13.43 Acres Screened Porch, Mstr Suite w/FP, In-Law/Auabound. Perfect for theSubdiv. buyer “Aquia Landing” & not far from Bordering Widewater Beach Offers Bordering Widewater Beach Subdiv. Offers Bordering Widewater Beach Subdiv.Offers Offers Bordering Widewater Beach Subdiv. who wants gorgeous waterfront privacy & sunsets over Aquia Crk! privacy sunsets over Aquia Crk! POTENTIAL HOT SPOT IN STAFFORD CO. privacy &spectacular spectacular sunsets over Aquia Crk! privacy &&spectacular spectacular sunsets over Aquia Crk! POTENTIAL HOTSPOT SPOTIN INSTAFFORD STAFFORDCO. CO. HOT HUGEPOTENTIAL LOT INVENTORY 2.99AC TREED CONTOURED without the SITE HOAIDEALLY & big commuQuality Custom Built Home May Lend Opportunities! FOR VIEW &15 ACCESS TO AQUIA Quality Custom Built Home May Lend Opportunities! Quality Built Home May Lend Opportunities! 2.99AC TREED SITE IDEALLY CONTOURED FOR 2.99AC TREED SITE IDEALLY CONTOURED FOR TREED SITE IDEALLY CONTOURED pair Suite w/sep entrance, Office,AVAILABLE gathering rmCustom VRE Commuter Rail. BOAT nityHILLTOP feel and only minutes toFOR LARGE NUMBER OF LOTS Priced from $35,000 & up. Some TO 2.99AC Great Location inin the Heart ofof Stafford UDA APP. Great Location the Heart Stafford UDA APP. HILLTOP Great Location in the Heart of Stafford UDA APP. CREEK. Rarefind of manageable acreage, HILLTOP VIEW ACCESS TO AQUIA CREEK. Rare HILLTOP VIEW ACCESS TO AQUIA CREEK. Rare VIEW &&& ACCESS TO AQUIA CREEK. Rare &with more!public Garage spacesinstalled, for 10+ cars. Seller OR THE BAY!! A&SUPERB utilities waterfronts, oneDC with 3Hospital car garage more. I-95. Project Proximate toto Hospital Germanna Project Proximate &Planned Planned Germanna Project Proximate to Hospital &&Planned Germanna find ofof manageable acreage, water frontage water frontage &acreage, Beautiful Trees Close to find manageable acreage, water frontage find of manageable water frontage &&& will consider Financing NATURAL SETTING! Build Your Throughout Staffordw/Qualified County & Buyer! Surrounding areas. Signs from small lots in CCCC Site. Holds potential for Medical Offices oror Site. Holds potential for Medical Offices CC Site. Holds potential for Medical Offices or Beautiful Trees Close to Rt 610, Schools, Beautiful Trees Close Schools, Rt 610, Schools, Shopping &610, only 6 Mi to Beautiful Trees Close to to RtRt 610, Schools, Possible Group Home. Proximate to future public subdivisions large acreage. 2Please and give us your specificatiosn andin Shopping Possible Group Home. Proximate to future public Possible Group Home. Proximate to future public $1,499,000 ortoadd the additional Acres call Waterfront Dream Home Here Shopping only to Quantico back gate. Shopping & only 6Mi Mi to Quantico back gate. && only 66Mi to Quantico back gate. Quantico back gate. OWNER CAN BLD IF utilities & Impr Roads & More. Call for details. utilities & Impr Roads & More. Call for details. utilities & Impr Roads & More. Call for details. OWNER CAN BLD IF DESIRED. OWNER CAN BLD IF DESIRED. OWNER CAN BLD IF DESIRED. we will helpyou locate the property of your choice. DESIRED. Waterfront lot for $1,999,000. historical area once favored by
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
• Cogent Solutions – lease of 2,600 square feet of office space in Central Park Corporate Center at 1320-1440 Central Park Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, Sharon E. Schmidt, and Paul Eakin handled the lease negotiations. • Paragon Autism Services, LLC – lease of 2,500 square feet of office space in Chatham Square Office Park at 417 Chatham Square Office Park in Stafford County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Malagrito Bakery – lease of 2,030 square feet of retail space in Breezewood Station at 10705 Courthouse Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Mid-Atlantic Printing, Inc. – lease of an additional 2,000 square feet for a total of 16,000 square feet of industrial space in Quarles Warehouses at 101 Juliad Ct., in Stafford County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease
negotiations. • ARCpoint Lab – lease of 1,683 square feet of office space in The Park at Snowden at 121-B Park Hill Dr. in the City of Fredericksburg. Wilson H. Greenlaw, Jr. handled the lease negotiations. • UPS Store – lease of 1,600 square feet of retail space in King George Gateway at 16463 Merchants Ln. in King George. Richard L. Thalhimer handled the lease negotiations. • Subway – renewal of 1,200 square feet of retail space in Shops at Salem Fields at 7108 Salem Fields Blvd. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt and James Ashby, IV handled the lease negotiations. • Beauty and Barber – renewal of 1,170 square feet of retail space in Lee’s Hill Retail Center at 10551-10673 Spotsylvania Ave. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations.
Princeton Review, Money Magazine, Forbes rate UMW among nation’s best The University of Mary Washington has recently been ranked among the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, Money Magazine and Forbes. UMW has been named to The Princeton Review’s 2015 edition of “The Best 379 Colleges” and has been recognized as a best regional college. The Princeton Review is a New York City-based education services company that annually publishes guidebooks ranking colleges, business and law schools. The annual college guide includes detailed profiles of the colleges with school rating scores in eight categories, including admissions selectivity, academics and quality of life. “University of Mary Washington ‘lives up to its reputation’ while providing ‘rigorous education in a fun and engaging atmosphere,’” according to UMW’s profile. “Students rave about the ‘small, beautiful campus’ and ‘strong sense of community.’” Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges and four colleges outside the U.S. are profiled in the book. Money Magazine, which just released its first “Best Colleges Rankings,” also included the University of Mary Washington. UMW is ranked seventh among Virginia public schools and 107th overall among more than 1,500 four-year colleges and universities. Money looks at educational quality, affordability and career outcomes to create its list. Lastly, UMW is included on Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” list. The Forbes list ranks 650 colleges and universities and focuses on what students are getting out of their college experience. “This year it comes down to small, student-centric, liberal arts colleges versus large, brainy, research-oriented universities closely associated with science, technology, engineering and math,” said writer Caroline Howard in a Forbes press release. “The…ranking reveals higher education in flux, ongoing debate between the value of liberal arts versus STEM degrees and a winning formula of high student satisfaction and graduation rates, alumni career success and low student debt.”
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september 2014 • ChamberLink
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Business BRIEFS UMW, Germanna, Mary Washington Healthcare partner to improve nursing education A unique partnership in nursing education among the University of Mary Washington, Germanna Community College and Mary Washington Healthcare will bolster healthcare services in the region. As an integral step, UMW’s President Richard V. Hurley and Germanna’s President David A. Sam signed three transfer and co-enrollment agreements for nursing education. “The University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College recognize the need for registered nurses to achieve advanced learning through an improved education system that promotes a seamless academic progression,” Mr. Hurley said. “We want to make sure that our students are ready to be nurses and that we provide the caliber of nursing education that the healthcare industry needs.” Dr. Sam described the agreement as a leap forward for healthcare in the Fredericksburg Region. “Germanna is pleased at this opportunity for nursing students. It is yet another stride forward in the ongoing partnership between GCC and UMW, a partnership that benefits students, our community, and the Commonwealth,” he said. This fall, UMW launches its Bachelor of Science in NursingCompletion Program, started with a $25,000 grant from Mary Washington Hospital’s Community Benefit Fund. The program is designed for registered nurses who have graduated with an accredited associate’s degree in nursing or from a diploma nursing program. The new articulation agreements: • guarantee admission to UMW’s BSN-completion program for
UMW Provost Jonathan Levin, left, President Richard V. Hurley, middle, and Germanna’s President David Sam sign nursing education agreements. Germanna graduates who have an associate’s degree in nursing, have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average and meet criteria established by UMW. • allow nursing students who want a four-year residential experience to live on the Fredericksburg campus while taking courses at both Germanna and Mary Washington • permit Germanna nursing students to enroll in the BSNcompletion program while working toward an associate’s degree in nursing. In addition, the students may take liberal arts courses at UMW. “These agreements will open more doors for nursing students to experience a higher level of learning,” said Pamela McCullough, director of the University’s BSNcompletion program. “We’ve created multiple pathways to which members of our community can earn their degrees in nursing.” In addition to the Germanna
and UMW agreements, the University has partnered with Mary Washington Healthcare to offer the BSN-completion program to practicing registered nurses who desire a BSN degree. Registered nurses must have earned an associate’s degree or an associate of applied science degree in nursing from a community college or university; or a diploma from a school of nursing. They also must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Register Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and hold an active license to practice in Virginia. The agreements evolved from a cooperative effort involving Mary Washington, Germanna and Mary Washington Healthcare to meet the nursing education needs of the region. Nursing leaders in each institution examined and discussed “Nurse of the Future” guidelines developed by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® offering detailed housing statistics The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) has provided quarterly reports on local market activity for more than two years, providing aggregate data on sales price, days on market, sold-dollar volume and other items. In addition, the quarterly reports identify trends in the marketplace and offer insights into those trends. FAAR also provides custom reports for counties, cities, and zip codes with relevant information tailored to the specific needs of the recipient. As part of an expansion of statistical services
provided through the region’s multiple-listing service, MRIS, FAAR is now pleased to offer even more detailed statistical analysis. MRIS’ expanded service allows FAAR to drill down to the subdivision and neighborhood level to pinpoint trends in specific areas and present even greater insights into buying and selling patterns throughout the region. Any business needing access to this granular level of detail may contact Kim McClellan, government affairs director for FAAR, at (540) 373-7711 or kmcclellan@ faarmembers.com.
Kenny Butzner, Ralph Sutton and Walt Sheffield are saluting the history of 904 Princess Anne St., formerly the Princess Anne Hotel.
Long-time Chamber members celebrate anniversary of 904 Princess Anne St. Bearing the name of Anne – Princess Royal and eldest daughter of King George II – Fredericksburg’s Princess Ann Street is steeped in history. It is fitting that this year a group of longtime Chamber members are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the stately building at 904 Princess St. The site originally held a Georgian-style residence – built by James Maury, President George Washington’s first ambassador to Great Britain – that was visited by the likes of Gen. Robert E. Lee, Daniel Webster and Charles Dickens. In 1914, architect Philip N. Stern designed and constructed what was to be the city’s premier hotel. The Princess Anne Hotel opened for business on Sept. 7, 1914. Notable guest over the years included British Prime Ministers David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, as well as several U.S. Presidents. As with many urban structures, the 1960s and ’70s were not kind to the Princess Anne Hotel, and the building faced an uncertain future. Fortunately, in 1978, the Princess Anne Development Company was formed and rescued the old hotel from the wrecking ball. The investment group set to work restoring the building to its former glory, turning it into a spectacular office space while retaining period touches such as mahogany trimmings. In 1993, Tom Bricken (now deceased), Kenny Butzner, Walt Sheffield and Ralph Sutton purchased the historic building from W.J. Vakos. Mr. Sutton, Mr. Sheffield and Mr. Butzner are thrilled to celebrate the centennial of this jewel in Fredericksburg’s crown. Business After Hours Where Greenfield of Stafford 30 Kings Crest Dr., Stafford When 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4
Cost No charge to attend To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org
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ChamberLink • september 2014
Business BRIEFS
Fredericksburg Regional Alliance taps Roberts as new president
Community Bank of the Chesapeake supports Rappahannock YMCA Community Bank of the Chesapeake recently announced its support for the Rappahannock Area YMCA in its efforts to build healthy children, adults, families and communities. The bank has donated $15,000 to the help the organization continue to advance its mission. “The YMCA creates an environment where people of all ages can come together and improve their minds, bodies and spirits. Their presence enriches and strength✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ ens the community each day. Community Bank is proud ❁▲❁▲❄❁▲❄❆❇❈❊❋●✛→❚❘❃❖❂■❍✌✎✏ to show our support for the work that they do,” said Michael Middleton, CBTC’s executive chairman of the board. The Rappahannock YMCA oversees the operation of four locations throughout the Rappahannock watershed region, with plans to open a fifth location in North Stafford in 2015. The Y offers fitness and wellness programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities and hosts many community events throughout the year. The bank’s donation will help underwrite several of these events at the King George YMCA, Rosner Family
YMCA, Caroline Family YMCA and the Louis B. Massad Family YMCA. “These events will be able to generate the necessary revenues to fund the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program,” said Bernard Reiley, CEO of the Rappahannock Area YMCA. “This program allows for individuals and families to become members of the YMCA who otherwise could not afford membership. Because of Community Bank of the Chesapeake’s generous gift to the YMCA, more people will be served who otherwise would not have had an option to pursue their health and wellness goals.” Headquartered in Waldorf, MD, Community Bank of the Chesapeake is a full-service commercial bank, with assets of more than $1 billion. Through its 12 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.
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Ribbon Cutting Where VapaMotive 556 Garrisonville Rd., Suite 110-B When 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11 Cost No charge to attend. RSVP e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org Come out and support a fellow Chamber member!
Curry Roberts has been chosen as the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance’s next president. Mr. Roberts is a former Virginia Secretary of Economic Development and is currently a principal consultant for the Hirschler-Fleischer law firm. He succeeds Gene Bailey, who is retiring after almost 15 years of service to the regional publicprivate partnership. Mr. Roberts is a well-known economic development professional who has managed large organizations, whose work led to the creation of jobs throughout Virginia. Because of his past experience, he has developed significant contacts at the local, Roberts state and national level. “Curry Roberts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having served as the Secretary of Economic Development (now Commerce and Trade) for the Commonwealth under former Gov. Jerry Baliles. This, combined with working for 14 years in executive leadership positions of businesses owned by the late John Kluge, makes him well qualified to lead the Alliance,” said FRA Chairman Kent Farmer. Mr. Roberts has already been active in high-profile economic initiatives in the Fredericksburg Region. He led the transition of the State Fair of Virginia, Inc. to its new home in Caroline County. This required cooperation among multiple government agencies and jurisdictions leading to the development of historic Meadow Farm, including zoning ordinances, utility development and road improvements. He also assisted Old Dominion Speedway in the design and development of a transportation and traffic management plan for a significant rezoning application in Spotsylvania County. A native of Bedford County, Mr. Roberts is a graduate of Virginia Tech. He currently serves as vice-chair of the board of directors for Southern States Cooperative, Inc. and on the board of directors of the Virginia Public Safety Foundation. He is a past president of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and was a co-recipient this year of its Distinguished Service Award.
Fredericksburg Christian School sees enrollment spike The halls of the three campuses of Fredericksburg Christian School (FCS) are a little busier, as FCS is reporting a 10 percent increase in enrollment over last year. This is the first increase in enrollment the school has seen since 2008. FCS Superintendent Rick Yost attributes this increase to several factors. First, FCS recently introduced a Variable Tuition Program that makes a private school education affordable for more families. With this program, tuition is based on the concept of matching tuition to a family’s income and expenses. “We recognize that a private school education is a luxury for most families, particularly in our tough economy, but with our new Variable Tuition Program, that education is now more affordable, and the response from prospective families has been incredible,” Mr. Yost said. Building on the school’s reputation for academic rigor and success, FCS’ Christian-based education also provides students with a leg up when it comes to technology in the
classroom. During the current fall semester all Upper School Students (grades 6-12) will receive an iPad for use in the classroom and at home through the school’s new One-toOne Technology Program. Students will use the iPads to enhance research, collaboration and find creative solutions to problems. In addition, FCS has called upon its many parent volunteers to assist with the recruiting process. These “Parent Ambassadors” do everything from giving school tours during open house events to making phone calls to prospective families to answer questions and give them a glance into the life of an FCS student. With three campuses in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg Christian School (FCS) provides more than 830 children, preschool through high school, with a Christianfocused education each day and has done so since its founding in 1979. For more information, visit www. FredericksburgChristian.com.
september 2014 • ChamberLink
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Military Affairs Council Tour What MAC Tour of Fredericksburg National Guard Armory Where 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. When 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept.16
The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council will tour Fredericksburg’s National Guard Armory on Sept. 16. Participants will assemble at the Armory, located at 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy., shortly before 3:30 p.m. The MAC advocates for and promotes the military and national defense bases, commands and installations in the Fredericksburg Region, including the National Guard. Join MAC members as they show their support for the Virginia’s National Guard, a vital part of America’s armed forces.
Cost MAC - $15 Chamber - $20 General Public - $25 To Register Call (540) 373-9400 or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber. org
Mid-week Motivation Denny Fallon, Mentor Chairman for the Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program, spoke at the Next Generation’s Aug. 6 Mid-week Motivation. Mr. Fallon, a retired Lockheed Martin executive, led a discussion on the importance of mentoring. The next Mid-week Motivation will take place at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Ristorante Renato, 411 William St. The cost is $18 for Next Generation members, $24 for the general public. Please call (540) 373-9400
to register. Mid-week Motivation is a monthly professional development luncheon featuring local business leaders who share business tips and 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.
Ribbon Cutting Where LaVida Massage of Fredericksburg 1460 Central Park Blvd, Suite 112
When 3 p.m., Sept. 5 Cost No charge to attend
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Martha Hutzel(right) with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library spoke at the August Spotsylvania Roundtable. Joining her was Roundtable Chair Dorrie Chason.
Spotsylvania Roundtable Martha Hutzel with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library gave an overview of the multi-media resources the library system offers at the Aug. 5 Spotsylvania Roundtable. The next Spotsylvania Roundtable will take place at 8 a.m., Nov. 4 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. Non-member 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.
Stafford Roundtable
Fredericksburg Roundtable
Bill Kennedy with the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Department will speak at the Sept. 2 Stafford Roundtable. The breakfast meeting will take place at 8 a.m. at Fairfield Inn & Suites Stafford-Quantico, 2784 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. Non-members may attend one time for $20. The cost includes breakfast. To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org. Contact 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.
Dr. Richard Fortunato, practicing physician at Surgical Associates of Fredericksburg will speak at the Fredericksburg Roundtable – 8 a.m., Oct. 7 at Hyatt Place at Eagle Village, 1241 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The Fredericksburg Roundtable takes place quarterly – usually 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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ChamberLink • september 2014
Ribbon
Cuttings
Ribbon Cutting – Community Bank of the Chesapeake Chamber members and area civic leaders gathered Aug. 11 to mark the opening of the new branch of Community Bank of the Chesapeake, located at 1340 Central Park Blvd., Suite 106. With its roots stretching back to 1950, Community Bank of the Chesapeake provides a wide array of personal and business banking services, always striving to offer its customers, employees and shareholders the innovative resources to help them achieve personal and financial success.
Ribbon Cutting – PRO Martial Arts There were smiles all around as the team at PRO Martial Arts officially celebrated its new studio at 3126 Cowan Blvd. Founded by Grandmaster Samane, PRO Martial Arts offers a cohesive blend of the best elements of traditional Korean martial arts. Incorporating elements of Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, the system provides the opportunity to develop a potent blend of strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, while learning effective and proven self-defense techniques in a fun and energizing environment.
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The Roberson’s Music team was in a festive mood during a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the new store at 2608 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Stafford. A longtime presence in the regional business community, Roberson’s Music provides a wide array of musical services, including instrument sales and rentals, as well as musical instruction.
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september 2014 • ChamberLink
Business Link
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Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM & 96.5 FM GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: Sept. 6 – 9 a.m. Topic: The battle against Alzheimer’s Disease Guest(s): Lori Myers & Anne Overington of The Alzheimer’s Association
Business law was the topic of discussion on the Aug. 2 edition of Business Link. Attorney Randy Sparks with Kaufman & Canoles dropped by to share some insights.
Bob Innes with Columbia Gas of Virginia appeared on the Aug. 9 program to talk about the natural gas industry and offer tips on keeping your business and home warm.
Date/Time: Sept. 13 – 9 a.m. Topic: Celebrating Rappahannock United Way’s 75th anniversary Guest(s): RUW President Janel Donohue Date/Time: Sept. 20 – 9 a.m. Topic: An overview of the printing industry Guest(s): Howard Owen, owner of Stafford Printing
Kat Kammer and Shawn Sloan, owners of The Media Partners, LLC, offered tips on how to market your business during the Aug. 23 program.
Date/Time: Sept. 27 – 9 a.m. Topic: Preview of the 2014 Business Expo Guest(s): Sheri Wikert with the Chamber & Rob Dodd of DLR Contracting
Stephan Scholz with Capital Caring Hospice took the spotlight on the Aug. 16 edition of Business Link to discuss the hospice industry and making long-term and end-of-life decisions for loved ones.
Free Workshops: Learn To Protect Your Assets From The Expenses of Probate & Long-Term Care Learn from one of the foremost elder law attorneys in the country, Evan H. Farr, Certified Elder Law Attorney, how you can protect your assets from probate PLUS lawsuits PLUS nursing home expenses. July 2014 Workshop (10am to noon at the Farr Law Firm, 501 Westwood Office Park in Fredericksburg)
Weds., Sept. 10 or Tues., Sept. 23, 2014 Call Now To Reserve Your Seat: 540-479-1435 Or Register Online at: www.FarrLawFirm.com
*Virginia has no procedure for approving certifying organizations
Erica Baca(left) and Gayla Harper(right) with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discussed helping children facing cancer and other chronic illnesses during the Aug. 30 show.
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ChamberLink • september 2014
SORRY YOU MISSED IT !!!
You could have seen your ad in this space this month. Guess why the advertisers on this page are here every month? Because they get business from Chamber members.
Give ChamberLink a try and see how well your business can do. Call Carla at 540-709-7061 • Charlene at 540-709-7075 at The Journal for advertising information.
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