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October 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 10

2014 Business Expo Coming Soon

Focus

on...

Election 2014

............................. pages 8-9

Trailblazer

The Chamber will host the biggest business event of the year, the 2014 Business Expo.

More than 100 businesses have signed up! This is the Fredericksburg Region’s premier business networking event.

The expo will take place at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center from noon-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9.

“We are so pleased to offer our region’s residents a chance to meet businesses ready to serve them,” Chamber President Susan Spears said. “We look forward to helping businesses learn more about each other and introducing them to potential customers.”

Don’t pause, don’t hesitate. Call the Chamber office today at (540) 373-9400 and register to attend the Continued on page 5

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative .......................4

Member News New Members...................5 Chamber Calendar.............6 Non Profit Corner . ..........7 Rappahannock POPS

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

Member News Business Briefs....................... pages 7 Roundtables...... pages 12-13 Ribbon Cuttings ............. 14

Noon-5 p.m., Oct. 9 Where Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy.

Cost No charge to attend To Register Go to fredericksburgchamber.org Call (540) 373-9400 E-mail sheri@

Area businesses made connections at the 2013 Business Expo. Come to the 2014 Expo – the Fredericksburg Region’s Premier business networking event.

fredericksburgchamber.org

Gillespie, Warner Speak to Chambers at 2014 Battleground Forum

Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Ed Gillespie each pledged to back business-friendly policies if elected to the U.S. Senate during a recent forum before Virginia business leaders.

The two men spoke separately at the 2014 U.S. Senate Battleground Forum hosted by the Chambers of Commerce from the Fredericksburg Region, Loudoun and Prince William counties, and Greater Reston.

A panel of business representatives quizzed the two contenders on issues ranging from taxation to healthcare during the 90-minute event, which took place at Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, located in Herndon.

The Chambers of Commerce of the Fredericksburg Region, Greater Reston, Prince William County and Loudoun County would like to thank the following Battleground Forum sponsors: Event Sponsors Dominion Virginia Power Family Preservation Services of Virginia McGuire Woods Consulting NOVEC – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative Media Sponsor

Business Link...................... 15

When

WUSA 9

ABOVE: Republican Senate candidate Ed Gillespie (center) paused for a photo with FRCC Board members Bill Hession and Mike Fidgeon following the Battleground Forum.

BELOW: U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (center) was joined by Greater Reston Chamber CEO Mark Ingrao (left) and Loudoun County Chamber CEO Tony Howard after the event.

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ChamberLink • October 2014

BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICERS Michael Fidgeon, Chair, Providence Service Corporation Greg Calvert, Vice Chair, Kloke Mayflower Kathryn “Kathy� Wall, Immediate Past Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare Shawn Sloan, Treasurer, The Media Partners, LLC Susan Spears, President & CEO, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

elected directors Mona Albertine, Jabberwocky Inc. Gene Bailey, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance 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 Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support, stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org

President’s Perspective Workforce NOW development series valuable tool for businesses

By Susan Spears In business and in life, we either grow or we stagnate.

To keep an enterprise moving forward, it is crucial for team members to expand their minds and horizons by picking up new ideas.

Your Chamber is dedicated to helping you stay on the cutting edge by offering a variety of educational seminars and forums.

Workforce NOW leads our efforts to develop and strengthen the Fredericksburg Region’s workforce.

Throughout October, Workforce NOW, in cooperation with Germanna Community College, will host a series of seminars to help improve your team’s performance. The seminars will take place at 8 a.m., each Thursday at Germanna’s Fredericksburgarea campus.

Our series will kick off with a session focused on building trust – one of the cornerstones for creating a successful work atmosphere. Who among us has not at some point worked in an environment lacking in

trust? Join us on Oct. 2 and learn how to build trust with your team members.

The Oct. 9 seminar will tackle problem solving. This session actually builds on its predecessor. Business problems are usually best solved by teamwork. Without trust, there can be no true teamwork.

The journey continues on Oct. 16, when the topic is team collaboration. Come learn how to foster an inclusive atmosphere in which your team members can generate great ideas and then work together to execute them.

We hear much in the news about inter-generational households, but what about inter-generational workplaces? We’ll share thoughts on dealing with these situations at the Oct. 23 seminar.

Finally, on Oct. 30, we’ll show participants how to tap into their unique leadership styles.

Learning is one of keys to business success. Come to the Workforce NOW Professional Development Series and then take something new back to your workplace.

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

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.

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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.

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OcToBER 2014 • CHAMBERLINK

Chairman’s Report Members of business community must cast informed votes in November

By Michael Fidgeon In roughly one month, Americans will go to the ballot box and influence the direction of the country over the next two years.

All 435 seats on the House of Representatives will be up for election, as well as 33 seats in the U.S. Senate.

True, President Obama is not on the ballot, and with two years left in his term he will set the nation’s public tone. Yet the outcome of the 2014 mid-term elections will, like the pull of the moon on the oceans, affect the political and economic tides.

We are truly blessed in Michael Fidgeon America to have the freedom to choose our leaders. Throughout the majority of history, people have suffered under the dictator’s boot.

The gift of freely electing our leaders carries with it a heavy responsibility – that of making an informed choice.

Let me encourage you to educate yourselves about the

policy positions of Virginia’s Senate and congressional candidates.

That means visiting the candidates’ websites and finding out where they stand on issues ranging from transportation funding to business regulation. Pick up a newspaper and learn the latest happenings on the economy and foreign policy, and how the candidates propose to deal with the multiple challenges we face.

The Chamber did its part last month to educate the business community about the U.S. Senate race by cohosting a forum featuring candidates Mark Warner and Ed Gillespie.

We’re taking up the challenge this month by cosponsoring, with University of Mary Washington, a First District Congressional Debate. Look for details on that event in this publication’s centerspread.

Educate yourself about the issues that affect your business. Share that information with other Chamber members.

Then on Nov. 4, do your civic duty and choose the candidates that will make the United States the best place to do business.

Michael Fidgeon is COO of Providence Service Corporation.

Next Generation to Host Made in FredVA Event

The Next Generation of Business Leaders is aiding the region’s business climate by hosting the second annual Made in FredVA contest.

Reminiscent of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Made in FredVA 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 local entrepreneurs, who 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.

Join us at the Inn at the Olde Silk Mill on Nov. 19 to find out who will take home the grand prize.

When 5:30 p.m., Nov. 19 Where Inn at the Olde Silk Mill 1707 Princess Anne St. To Register E-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 Premier Sponsors Next Generation of Business Leaders Stafford County Economic Development Authority Platinum Sponsor Kiwanis Foundation Gold Sponsors Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Cary Street Partners Marstel-Day, LLC

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Leake to Headline Chamber Goodwill Awards Event

Brett Leake has spent his career laughing in the face of a challenge.

He suffers from facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, but he didn’t let that stop him from becoming America’s premier “sitdown standup comic.”

Mr. Leake, who lives in Central Virginia, was the first comedian with a physical disability to appear on NBC’s The Tonight Show, way back in 1991. Since then he has toured the country as a comedian and motivational speaker and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian and Wolftrap.

Now Mr. Leake will bring his wit and wisdom to the Chamber by serving as keynote speaker at the 2014 Chamber Goodwill Awards.

Join us at the Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Community Center on Oct. 28 to hear his inspiring thoughts.

Following Mr. Leake’s remarks, the Chamber and RGI will present the Chamber Goodwill Awards.

These honors go to local businesses

When 8 a.m., Oct. 28 Where Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Community Center 4701 Market St. Cost $18 for Chamber members $25 for general public To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or call (540) 373-9400 Event Sponsor Mary Washington Healthcare that aid the Fredericksburg Region’s non-profits in their mission to improve the local quality of life.

Don’t wait! Get your tickets today for the 2014 Chamber Goodwill Awards.

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ChamberLink • October 2014

Trailblazers

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative – Embracing commitment to community Every electric company delivers the muchneeded service of electricity, but some take their role as an organization one step further.

Year after year, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) does just that.

With a community-focused workforce, the cooperative delivers reliable electric service, while at the same time working to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves.

Serving nearly 160,000 members across a 22-county ser vice area in Virginia, REC embraces corporate citizenship by participating in local charitable activities, events and service projects, in addition to developing its own projects to improve community life. With ties to much of the area served by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, REC contributes to the local economy and job market of the Fredericksburg Region.

REC employs just over 400 people. Of those positions, a large percentage is filled by residents from the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford and King George.

For several years, REC has been recognized by the Rappahannock United Way as a Pacesetter for the annual United Way campaign.

With employees contributing more than $20,000 year after year, the RUW has honored REC with distinguished awards such as the Excellence in Corporate Spirit and Award of Excellence for Employee Education and Involvement.

REC’s involvement with the United Way

doesn’t end there. For almost a decade, the cooperative’s employees have been participating in the Rappahannock United Way Day of Caring. Committing teams of volunteer employees to complete service projects around the Fredericksburg Region, REC has made significant contributions to local families and agencies through this event.

With employees dedicated to such worthy causes, it may come as no surprise to know

that their same dedication evolved into several organizations within the cooperative.

For many years, REC’s Literacy, Education and Rural Networking (LEARN) program has donated funds through scholarships to local high school students and grants to community organizations and charities.

The Operation Round Up® (ORU) program was also formed to help members become involved in community support. Members

voluntarily have their electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar. The spare change is then donated to individuals, schools, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic groups and other causes within the REC community.

In addition, REC employees voluntarily participate in community events annually. These events range from support of local education and enrichment to community betterment through civic involvement.

The employees of REC went onestep further in their commitment to local communities when they formed the employee volunteer organization, Project Big Heart (PBH). Through fundraisers and employee sponsored events, the Fredericksburg PBH raises funds that it in turn donates to people, charities, companies and groups in the greater Fredericksburg Region.

Because REC is committed to the communities it serves, its corporate decisions and contributions, employee volunteerism and daily practices are designed to enhance local communities.

Energy experts are available to answer usage questions and gauge the efficiency of a member’s home by guiding them through an energy audit over the phone or by visiting the home. REC offers free services such as the Coop Connections Card to save their members money and to support local businesses.

Through these and many more services, REC is an electric cooperative that understands the value of the communities and members it serves.

D.C. Naval Commandant 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 at 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,

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Space Systems Operations from the Naval Postg raduate School.

H i s operational Rich tours as a naval flight officer 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.

October 2014 • ChamberLink

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Please extend a warm hand of welcome to the following companies that have submitted applications to join the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Be a good partner: remember these companies when you do business.

AAA Tax Plus LLC Susan Davenport 3106 Plank Rd. Suite 103 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 412-2741 Fax: (540) 412-9283 aaataxesFburg@gmail.com http://aaataxplus.com Tax Return Preparation Cruise Planners Myrna Medina 10314 Antietam Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 645-5790 mmedina@cruiseplanners.com www.diamondfamilytravel.com Travel Agencies Crumb and Get it Cookie Company Sarah Sweeney 1873 Carl D Silver Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (571) 283-2203 sfwhiteoak@gmail.com www.crumbandgetitcentralpark. com Bakeries Deluxe Cleaning Service Don Ashford 8851 Mullen Rd. King George, VA 22485 Phone: (540) 775-3001 Fax: (540) 775-7545 deluxecleanserv@gmail.com www.deluxecleanserv.com Cleaning Ser vice - Residential/ Commercial

Expo Continued from page 1 biggest business event of 2014. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the business people who can serve your needs, both in the workplace and at home.

For more information, contact Sheri Wikert at (540) 373-9400 or e-mail

FAB Granite & Tile Fahmey Abdelatey 268 Warrenton Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 368-9008 Fax: (540) 371-4782 fabdelatey@earthlink.com http://www.fabgranite.com Granite/Tile Kitchen & Bath Design/Sales Stone Products/Crushed Stone Manarc, Borne the Battle Deborah Franks 1108 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 371-1643 manarc2014@gmail.com http://manarcgives.org Thrift Thrift Marlowe Contracting David Marlowe 65 Garnet Way Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 379-0142 davidmarlowe@gmail.com www.marlowecontracting.com Home Improvement Contractors – Home Kitchen & Bath Design/Sales Professional Relocation Services Inc. Ed Staggs 212 Freedom Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 388-6434 prorelosvcs@gmail.com Transportation Moving & Storage

The newest members of the Chamber family learned to fully use their memberships at a Sept. 10 orientation session that included Chamber staff and Ambassadors.

Roberson’s Music – Stafford James Roberson 1300 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 659-5212 Fax: (540) 372-7581 james@robersonsmusic.com www.robersonsmusic.com Musical Instrument Sales/Lessons

SAT, Inc Mohammad Ghouri 4 Krismatt Ct. Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (703) 386-5012 Fax: (301) 772-9300 madaniplaza@gmail.com Business Development

Rosner Nissan of Stafford Tom Olney 1 Coachman Ct. Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 628-2500 tolney@rosnerauto.com www.staffordnissan.com Automobile Dealers

Vista Communications, Inc Barry Hastings 7526 Diplomat Dr. Suite 201 Manassas, VA 20109 Phone: (540) 846-8798 bhastings@vistacommunications. com www.vistacommunications.com Telecommunication /Equipment & Services Security – Business Consulting Telecommunications Telecommunications and Internet

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Title Sponsor Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Platinum Sponsor The Rappaport Companies Gold Sponsors Chancellor’s Village Retirement Community Salon 730 Silver Sponsor Golden Living Center Bronze Sponsor Minuteman Press For more information, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE

Sponsored by Birchwood Power Partners, L.P.

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ChamberLink • October 2014

Chamber Calendar OCTOBER 1

MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, noon, at Ristorante Renato

OCTOBER 1

RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m. at FAB Granite & Tile

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 Virginia Partners Bank

OCTOBER 7

FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Hyatt Place at Eagle Village

OCTOBER 7

RIBBON CUTTING Tuesday, noon, at Wilderness Presidential Resorts

OCTOBER 9

WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology

OCTOBER 9

2ND ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO Thursday, noon, at the Fredericksburg Expo Center

OCTOBER 14

RIBBON CUTTING Tuesday, noon, at First Citizens Bank

OCTOBER 15

WORKFORCE NOW: COLLEGE & CAREER NIGHT Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., at Spotsylvania Towne Centre

OCTOBER 16

WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology

OCTOBER 16

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Hyatt Place at Eagle Village

OCTOBER 17

BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office

OCTOBER 21

CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at Fredericksburg Country Club

OCTOBER 23

WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology

OCTOBER 23

SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office

OCTOBER 23

RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at Manarc, Borne the Battles

OCTOBER 28

CHAMBER GOODWILL AWARDS Tuesday, 8 a.m., RGI Community Center

OCTOBER 28

NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office

OCTOBER 30

WORKFORCE NOW DEVELOPMENT SERIES Thursday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Center for Workforce & Technology

OCTOBER 30

RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at Hampton Inn Aquia-Quantico

Seminar Corner Sign up for these valuable QuickBooks The Right Way Date: Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Y-OPA Learning Center, 685 Garrisonville Road, Suite 103, Stafford, VA 22554.

Cost: $199 per person (lunch included) To Register: Go to www.y-opa. com/quickbookstherightway.html Registration Deadline: September 24, 2014 This hands-on workshop is designed for the new QuickBooks user. In QuickBooks The Right Way, participants learn the basics of using QuickBooks Accounting Software, including creating invoices, writing checks, transferring funds, entering bank transactions and much more. All attendees will receive a complimentary follow-up consultation after the workshop and complimentary lunch at the workshop!

First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Oct. 6, 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)6541096, e-mail to sbdc@umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com.

Registration deadline: Oct. 3 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.

Introduction to Federal Contracting Seminar Date(s): Oct. 7, 9a.m.-noon Location: University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg,

SEMINARS VA 22401 Cost: $50 To Register: Call (540) 6541383 Is your business trying to break into the federal contracting arena?

Are you confused by federal solicitation terms? Do you need help understanding how to respond?

Plan to join the UMW-SBDC for the seminar to learn more about solicitation notices, types of contracts, solicitation terms and definitions, price analysis techniques, understanding solicitations and responding to RFP’s.

First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Oct. 20, 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 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.

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.

Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): Oct. 28, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people.

To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org Alisha Henley, executive director of Open Hand of Fredericksburg, will lead this one-hour brown-bag session that 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): Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240

QuickBooks The Right Way Date: Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Y-OPA Learning Center, 685 Garrisonville Rd., Suite.

103, Stafford, VA 22554.

Cost: $199 per person (complimentary lunch included) To Register: Go to www.y-opa. com/quickbookstherightway Registration Deadline: Oct 29 This hands-on workshop is designed for the new QuickBooks user. In QuickBooks The Right Way, participants will learn the basics of using QuickBooks Accounting Software, including creating invoices, writing checks, transferring funds, entering bank transactions and much more. All attendees will receive a complimentary follow-up consultation after the workshop and complimentary lunch at the workshop!

lead a discussion of developing both a basic business plan and a long-term strategic plan during Business Plan 101.

On the third Friday of most months, a faculty member from UMW’s College of Business facilitates a two-hour session on a specific business topic, providing specific

takeaways for each attendee that can easily be implemented in today’s fastpaced 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.

Business 101SERIES University of Mary Washington’s Kim Kinsley, J.D., presented Legal Issues 101, the September installment of the Business 101 Series cosponsored by the Chamber and UMW. The next seminar will take place at 8 a.m., Oct. 17 at the Chamber office.

Woody Richardson, Ph.D., will

October 2014 • ChamberLink

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non-profit Corner Rappahannock POPs Orchestra – Offering Musical Education to Fredericksburg Region T h e R a p p a h a n n o ck P O P S O r c h e s t r a , I n c. , f o r m e d i n November 1999, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization of more than 100 professional, semi-professional, highly talented amateur, and student musicians.

T he orchestra is cur rently celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season. Over the course of their tenure, orchestra players have reached approximately 50,000 audience members at performances throughout the Fredericksburg Region.

The POPS has given approximately $2,500 to local school music programs, granted scholarships allowing more than 20 high school students to further their musical education, and regularly invites students to rehearse and perform with the orchestra each year.

Between 25 and 40 volunteers

donate their time each year to support the orchestra’s operations.

The POPS has grown from a budget of $5,000 to about $75,000.

It hosts between four and six concerts per year – two of which are free to the public and all of which are free to students under age 18. To date, the orchestra has performed in Washington, D.C., the City of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania and Orange.

T he Rappahannock POPS’ mission is to provide professional quality musical performances to communities in and around the Rappahannock Region and to promote music education, musical awareness, and music appreciation.

P O P S p e r f o r m a n c e s h ave included a broad range of musical styles such as classical orchestral favorites, Broadway music, movie

themes, contemporary popular music, big band music, jazz and chamber music. The orchestra also hosts a variety of educational programs for both adults and students.

In addition, the orchestra has sponsored numerous guest artists – from professionals to students – and has provided educational services and funds to local schools through an extensive outreach program.

The orchestra performs a free annual Memorial Day concert to honor men and women who serve or have served in all branches of the United States military.

In 2012, the orchestra held a Residency Program at Locust Grove Middle School in Orange County.

The program reached about 500 students in grades 7-8 as well as their parents. Pops musicians spent a day with students from several

Rappahannock POPS 2014-15 Concert Season Oct. 25, 2014, 7:30 p.m. – “Best of the POPS” Dec. 20, 2014 , 7:30 p.m. – “Holiday Traditions” March 7, 2015, 7:30 p.m. – “Salute to Music Education” May 25, 2015, 6 p.m. – “In Memoriam” schools and led them in group rehearsal; Master Class instruction, sectional instruction and group

performance.

For more information, please visit www.rappahannockpops.org

competition and the team was very proud to be selected for such a prestigious honor.

no surprise…and reflects the hard work, dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, creative atmosphere, innovative solutions, positive and caring culture, and amazing employees and staff we have here at SimVentions.

When you mix all of that with God, country, and an incredible love and commitment for what we do on behalf of our country’s warfighters, armed services, and research & development labs – how could we have done any less?”

The 2014 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com, is the most competitive crop in the list’s history.

Complete results can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring all the companies on the list will take place Oct. 15-17, 2014 in Phoenix.

For additional information about SimVentions, visit www.simventions. com.

Business BRIEFS Providence Service Corp. has Day of Service

On Sept. 12, 2014 Providence Service Corporation (PSC) held its International Day of Service, a companywide event in which Providence employees throughout the United States and Canada worked served their communities.

The Fredericksburg PSC Corporate office helped three local non-profits – Rappahannock Legal Services, Micah Ministries, and Friends of the Rappahannock.

For the Rappahannock Legal Services, Providence created art work for three RLS offices and designed a thank-you card.

At Micah Ministries, Providence cleaned and prepared Micah’s coldweather shelter, which opens Oct. 1.

Providence employees also donated socks, toiletries and other needed items for the shelter.

Providence aided Friends of the Rappahannock in working to preserve and protect the Rappahannock River with a river clean up. PSC also made rain barrels and planted trees.

Domino’s Pizza provided a discount for lunch, which was delivered

by PSC employees to each site.

PSC would like to thank the Quick Bus Company for providing transportation to and from our project sites, Minnieland Academy for creating thank-you notes for our employees, St. Jude Catholic Church for collecting socks for Micah Ministries, Domino’s for providing a discount for lunch and CVTV for documenting the project.

Lavender Heights B&B lauded by TripAdvisor®

Lavender Heights Bed and Breakfast has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award.

The accolade acknowledging hospitality excellence is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Recipients are located around the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.

When selecting winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that takes into account reviews ratings.

Businesses must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five. Additional criteria include a business’ tenure and popu-

larity ranking on the site.

“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Lavender Heights Bed and Breakfast and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Innkeeper Jenny Holbert. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers.”

Local rescue workers show good sportsmanship

Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue recently sent 17 members to the annual Virginia State Firefighters Association Convention and Competition, where they competed in all eight events and the Fire Truck Rodeo. At the closing ceremonies, the CVFR team was presented with the J.W. Ludwig Sportsmanship Award, an honor voted on by the judges from all of the events and that goes to the team that displays true sportsmanship, not only to their team members but also to the other teams and judges.

Hollie Williams, Team Captain, noted that the Sportsmanship Award is the first time that CVFR has won an award at this well-attended state

SimVentions ranked among fastest-growing companies

Inc. Magazine has listed SimVentions, Inc. at 2,576 on its 33rd annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Yelp, Pandora, Timberland, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, LinkedIn, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500|5000.

“This past year, SimVentions has been blessed to be recognized by Virginia’s governor for our commitment to hiring veterans, by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce as one of the state’s “Fantastic 50,” and by Virginia Business as one of the best places to work in Virginia,” SimVentions CEO Larry Root said. “Continued recognition by Inc. Magazine, as one of the fastest growing private companies in America, comes as

8

ChamberLink • October 2014

Focus on ...

2014 U.S. Senate Race

Does Virginia Like the Quiet of the 2014 Campaign Season?

By Stephen J. Farnsworth For the past several years, the Old Dominion has been at the center of the nation’s political action. Virginia was one of the few closely divided states in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, and as a result voters here grew used to seeing presidential candidates and their surrogates around nearly every week.

The state’s prominence wasn’t just about Electoral College votes.

The 2012 Senate match-up between former governors George Allen and Tim Kaine was one of the nation’s closest contests, and the race on which partisan control of the US Senate might have turned.

Last year’s race for governor between two partisan titans – former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General and regular Fox News commentator Ken Cuccinelli – once again drew much of the nation’s attention our way.

What about this year? Nada, nothing, zilch.

Even the nominations for this year’s U.S. Senate contest were quiet.

Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman and top official in the George W. Bush administration, successfully courted all segments of the party and did not have to face contentious Tea Party activists like those who defeated then-U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor earlier this year. While party officials care more about winning elections than ideological purity, Gillespie convinced Tea Party voters that he would be acceptable as a nominee. Incumbent Mark Warner likewise cruised to renomination.

Gillespie’s campaign has focused on the best weapon in his arsenal – the deep unpopularity of the incumbent president.

The Republican regularly draws attention to Warner’s vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act, which remains unpopular, and frequently mentions that despite his claims of a centrist orientation Warner nearly always voted with President Obama. “Governor Warner wouldn’t recognize Senator Warner,” is a favorite Republican campaign line.

While Gillespie might wish otherwise, Obama is not on the Senate ballot. Despite this profitable line of attack and a generally well-run campaign, the Republican continues to lag the incumbent by double digits.

Even a willingness to support over-thecounter availability of birth control, a sharp contrast from many other Republican candidates, does not seem to have won Gillespie all that many

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, left, is trying to stave off Republican challenger Ed Gillespie in a year when the GOP has a good chance to take control of the U.S. Senate. The two recently faced off in a debate and while Gillespie reportedy did well, he still trails in the race by double digits, according to recent polls.

America’s partisan divide reflected in 2014 Senate races Alaska: Six years ago, Sen. Mark Nowhere is the nature of party’s best chances to get to 51 Begich narrowly won a seat in the America’s 50/50 partisan divide senate seats are found in: Arkansas: In this red state, Senate; largely because then-Sen. clearer than in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold 45 of 100 U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton (R) faces Ted Stevens (R) faced a federal court seats, and seem assured of victories incumbent Sen. Mark Pryor (D). conviction shortly before the voters in three other contests (Montana, Polls have shown the Republican is went to the polls. Begich faces an West Virginia and South Dakota) to favored, though former President uphill battle against Alaska Attorney Bill Clinton is campaigning hard in General Dan Sullivan, a retired replace retiring Democrats.

That leaves the GOP just three his native state for the incumbent Marine Corps infantry officer.

Iowa: U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley seats short of its goal, regaining the Democrat.

Louisiana: Another Republican (D) is the only non-incumbent Senate majority the party lost eight state in the south, another troubled Democrat in these four closely years ago.

Less than two months before Senate Democratic incumbent. Sen. contested Senate races, and he is the Nov. 6 election, Obama’s deep Mary Landrieu (D) may have one of the only one running in a state that unpopularity in the country – a the state’s top political names, but the Democrats carried in the 2012 common affliction for presidents U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy (R) is working presidential election. But he has a serving in their sixth year – has hard to convince the state’s voters bad case of “foot-in-mouth” disease. placed the Republicans achingly that it is time for a change. This race After Braley’s ill-advised comments close to gaining control of the may be the one that decides Senate about Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) upper chamber. The GOP already control. If no candidate receives 50 and his lack of a legal degree and controls the House and is virtually percent on Election Day (and the a neighborhood spat with a nearby certain to do so after the November presence of a third party challenge chicken farmer, this agricultural state makes this likely), a runoff several may turn instead to Republican Joni elections.

Beyond those three highly favored weeks later may turn out to be the Ernst, a state senator who grew up on a farm.

Republican Senate takeovers, the final word on Election 2014. moderate votes.

No political forecaster sees this race as particularly close, with the most recent polls predicting a Gillespie loss

by double digits. Given this immense hurdle, nearly all reporters and Republican donors and reporters are ignoring the race in favor of more interesting

contests.

Warner, as befits an incumbent with a comfortable lead, is mainly trying to avoid mistakes. Warner

travels around the state making public appearances without Obama, and he tries to burnish his centrist credentials at every campaign stop.

Warner was a bit unsteady during a recent debate with Gillespie, but few people watched the confrontation and the incumbent’s missteps did not become a campaign issue.

Perhaps Gillespie is taking the long view. Mark Warner lost his first race for the Senate in 1996, an uphill battle against John Warner. Perhaps Ed Gillespie is trying to follow his rival’s career trajectory. After his ’96 loss, Mark Warner rebounded to win a race for governor and hasn’t lost a campaign since.

Given the divisions with the Virginia GOP these days, Gillespie may be looking to November – November 2017, that is, when the state decides on its next governor.

Stephen J. Farnsworth is professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington and director of the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. He is the author or co-author of five books, most recently “The Global President: International Media and the US Government.”

October 2014 • ChamberLink

9

Little change likely in Virginia’s congressional delegation in 2014 elections

By Bob Gibson In 2014, like most even-numbered election years, most congressional incumbents have little to fear as they campaign for re-election to two more years in federal office.

Although two Northern Virginia congressmen are retiring this fall after serving decades in the House of Representatives, Virginia’s split of eight Republicans and three Democrats in the House appears likely to hold steady at that ratio.

The most interesting race in the state for a House seat is really two contests in the 7th Congressional District, where voters may be surprised to see a pair of elections on ballots facing them Nov. 4.

The Richmond-to-Culpeper 7th District had been represented

by Republican Eric I. Cantor since 2001, but Cantor suffered a surprising primary defeat in June at the hands of fellow Republican Dave Brat, an economics professor at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.

Mr. Brat, the GOP nominee, faces Democrat Jack Trammell, a sociology professor at RandolphMacon, in a special election on Nov. 4 to fill the remaining two month of Cantor’s seventh term, which he left suddenly this summer following his surprise loss in the primary.

Mr. Brat and Mr. Trammell will be joined on the ballot by Libertarian James A. Carr Jr. of Keswick in the other election in the 7th District to fill the next two years as the district’s representative. The sprawling, Republican-leaning district includes parts of the City of Richmond plus precincts in the counties of Chesterfield, Culpeper,

The most interesting race in the state for a House seat is really two contests in the 7th Congressional District, where voters may be surprised to see a pair of elections on ballots facing them Nov. 4.

The Richmond-to-Culpeper 7th District had been represented by Republican Eric I. Cantor since 2001, but Cantor suffered a surprising primary defeat in June at the hands of fellow Republican Dave Brat, an economics professor at RandolphMacon College in Ashland.

Mr. Brat and Mr. Trammell will be joined on the ballot by Libertarian James A. Carr Jr. of Keswick

Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, New Kent, Orange and Spotsslyvania.

Mr. Brat has heavily out-raised his opponents in the 7th, mostly due to his surprise win over Cantor in the June 10 primary. Mr. Brat had a 4-1 fundraising advantage over Mr. Trammell this summer.

As of June 30, Mr. Brat had raised more than $611,000 to slightly more than $155,000 raised

by Mr. Trammell. Mr. Carr had raised no cash by June 30.

Of course, money isn’t everything, as Mr. Brat showed when he beat Mr. Cantor in the June 10 GOP primary – the political upset of the year.

Mr. Cantor, the House Majority Leader, g reatly out-raised and outspent Mr. Brat in the primary, even paying for polls that er roneously indicated he was coasting to an easy primary

victory.

Mr. Brat, who was backed by the Tea Party, had raised only about $206,000 through the middle of May, while Mr. Cantor had collected more than $5.4 million in the same period. But Mr. Brat handily won the primary, 56 percent to 44 percent, by arguing that Mr. Cantor had lost touch with his conservative principles while in Washington.

Brat and Trammell are saving most of their advertising budgets for the final weeks of the campaign in October.

In addition to the 7th District south and west of Fredericksburg, t wo o t h e r d i s t r i c t s h ave n o incumbent on the Nov. 4 ballot due to retirements.

In the Northern Virginia-based 10th District – northern Fairfax County west to Loudoun County, Winchester and Frederick County – Republican Rep. Frank R. Wolf is

retiring. Republican Del. Barbara J. Comstock of McLean and Democratic Fairfax Supervisor John W. Foust of McLean are waging an expensive campaign. Each raised about $1.5 million through June to win this GOP-leaning district.

The heavily Democratic 8th District - Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and parts of Fairfax; home of retiring Democratic Rep. James P. Moran, Jr. – is also open. Democrat Donald S. Beyer, Jr. of Alexandria raised more than $1.88 million through June, compared with just $65,000 raised

by Republican nominee Micah K. Edmond of Alexandria.

Eight incumbent House members in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th and 11th districts are heavily favored to keep their seats. All had huge fundraising advantages over their challengers.

First District Rep. Robert J. Wittman, R-Montross, raised more than $939,000 through June, compared with $11,265 raised by Democratic challenger Norman G. Mosher of Ir vington. The district includes Fredericksburg and precincts in Caroline, Essex, Fauquier, Gloucester, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, M i d d l e s e x , N e w p o r t N e w s, Nor thumberland, Poquoson, Prince William, Richmond County, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, Williamsburg and York.

Second District Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, raised more than $1.25 million through June compared with Democratic challenger Suzanne D. Patrick of Virginia Beach, who had raised

more than $465,000.

Third District Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Newport News, raised more than $341,000 through June compared with nothing raised by independent challenger Justin J. Gandino-Saadein.

Fourth District Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-Chesapeake, netted more than $1.1 million through June compared with nothing raised by Democratic challenger Elliot Fausz of Chester.

Fifth District Rep. Robert Hurt, R-Chatham, raised more than $961,000 through June compared with less than $11,000 collected

by Democratic challenger Walter Lawrence Gaughan of Ringgold.

Sixth District Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, took in more than $1.69 million through June compared with nothing raised

by Libertarian nominee William M. Hammer of Staunton.

Ninth District Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Christiansburg, raised more than $746,000 through June compared with nothing raised by independent William R. Carr Jr. of Ararat.

Eleventh District Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Fairfax, netted more than $1.56 million through June, versus $101,011 raised by Republican challenger Suzanne K. Scholte of Falls Church.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 4.

Bob Gibson is executive director of University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. He served as a reporter and editor with The Daily Progress of Charlottesville from 1976-2008, where he covered local and state government and politics.

Wittman, Mosher to face off in First Congressional District Debate

Rob Wittman

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman and his Democratic challenger, Norm Mosher, will square off at a debate hosted by University of Mary Washington and cosponsored by the Chamber.

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6 at UMW’s Dodd Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Mr. Wittman, who has held the First District congressional seat since 2007, is a Montross resident.

He co-chairs the House Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus and serves on the House Natural

What First District Congressional Debate When 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 Where University of Mary Washington’s Dodd Auditorium Cost None Resources Committee. Prior to his election to Congress, he served in the House of Delegates for the Northern Neck.

Mr. Mosher retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of captain. He is

a resident of Irvington. He served on the Irvington Town Council and as chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee.

Additional infor mation on each candidate can be found on their respective websites – www.robwittman.com and www. normmosher.com..

The debate is co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce; T he Free Lance-Star; UMW’s Young D e m o c r a t s ; U M W ’s C o l l e g e Re p u b l i c a n s ; T h e B l u e a n d Gray Press; and the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Norm Mosher

10

ChamberLink â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Business After Hours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Greenfield of Stafford

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Chamber members enjoyed an end-of-summer luau on Sept. 4, hosted by Greenfield of Stafford.

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ChamberLink • October 2014

Stafford Roundtable Bill Kennedy with the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Department shared the latest law enforcement news at the Sept. 2 Stafford Roundtable.

The next Stafford Roundtable will take place at 8a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bruce Bensen will speak.

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

The cost includes 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.

Bill Kennedy with the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Department spoke at September’s Stafford Roundtable. Joining him was Roundtable Chair Kathy Hoffman.

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Fredericksburg Roundtable Dr. Richard Fortunato, practicing physician at Surgical Associates of Fredericksburg, will speak at the Fredericksburg Roundtable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 a.m., Oct. 7 at Hyatt Place at Eagle Village, 1241 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Scott Insurance and Financial Services will sponsor the event.

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.

Spotsylvania Roundtable Paul Scott, owner of Scott Insurance and Financial Services will speak at the Nov. 4 Spotsylvania Roundtable.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites South, 4800 Market St. The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Nonmember guests may attend one time for $20. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org.

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

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly Spotsylvania Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses located in Spotsylvania or that have business interests in that part of the region.

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

The University of Mary Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynne Richardson and the team from Community Bank of the Chesapeake were among the participants at Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CNEW Luncheon.

CNEW Luncheon

Lynne Richardson, Ph.D., dean of University of Mary Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Business, spoke at Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CNEW Luncheon.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake sponsored the meeting.

The next meeting will take place

at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Fredericksburg Country Club.

Dr. Mark P. Eid with Virginia Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center will speak. Raelynn Marketing Promotions will sponsor the luncheon.

The cost is $20 for Chamber

members, $30 for the general public. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 by Friday, Oct. 17.

Sponsorships are available.

Contact Sheri Wikert at sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.

Workforce NOW Presents College & Career Night, Professional Development Series College & Career Night When: 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15 Where: Spotsylvania Towne Centre Vendor Fees Non-profits: $100 per table.

Chamber members: $200 per table.

Non-members: $300 per table

Workforce NOW, in partnership with College Night, is pleased to host College and Career night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.

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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 mini-mentor/ coaching moments for the student attendees.

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.

Professional development series Thoroughly understanding and practicing basic business skills is crucial to the success of every employee and company.

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Throughout October, Workforce NOW will host seminars that will train your team members to improve their performance.

Participants will earn CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and receive a Professional Develop-

To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org Schedule Oct. 2Â â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Building Trust Oct. 9Â â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Problem Solving Oct. 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Team Collaboration Oct. 23Â â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â Generations in the Workplace Oct. 30Â â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tap Into Your Leadership Style

ment Certificate upon completion of the series.

The seminars will take place at 8 a.m. each Thursday of October at Germanna Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fredericksburg-area Campus.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait! Reserve your spot today by going to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mailing stacey@fredericksburgchamber. org.

14

ChamberLink â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Ribbon

Cuttings

LaVida Massage DaVita Kidney Specialists of Fredericksburg

The folks at LaVida Massage got a little help snipping the ribbon at the Sept. 5 ceremony. Located at 1460 Central Park Blvd., LaVida offers a wide array of services, including chair massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy and Trigger Point Therapy.

The team at DaVita Kidney Specialists of Fredericksburg was all smiles during a recent celebration of its new office. Located at 609 Jefferson Davis Hwy., DaVita Kidney Specialists is committed to helping its patients enjoy the best quality of life possible while maintaining their health at every stage of kidney disease.

Aquia Realty, Inc.

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VapaMotive Cheers were the order of the day at the ceremony marking the opening of the new VapaMotive shop in Stafford. Located at 556 Garrisonville Rd., VapaMotive provides a fine assortment of E-Liquids, juices and electronic cigarette hardware and accessories, all provided in a clean, unintimidating environment.

Y-OPA Connie Whittingham and her Y-OPA team threw a party Sept. 17 to launch her interactive CD, â&#x20AC;&#x153;11 Critical QuickBooks Mistakes and How to Do It the Right Way.â&#x20AC;? Located at 685 Garrisonville Rd., Y-OPA provides management consulting services, QuickBooks coaching, and bookkeeping services. Y-OPA is a Certified QuickBooks Professional Advisor as well as a member of the American Institute of Public Bookkeepers.

Looking for past issues of ChamberLink? â&#x20AC;˘ Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com

October 2014 • ChamberLink

Business Link

15

Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM & 96.5 FM GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK

Lori Myers and Anne Overington with the Alzheimer’s Association discussed the Walk for the Cure during the Sept. 6 edition of Business Link.

Date/Time: Oct. 4 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Guest(s): Woody Van Valkenburgh, CEO of RGI Date/Time: Oct. 11 – 9 a.m.

Topic: A look at the IT industry G u e s t ( s ) : S t e ve n Thomas of Washington Square Associates, Inc. Date/Time: Oct. 18 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Helping the region’s disabled Guest(s): Kevin Koziol with the disAbility Resource Center

Rappahannock United Way President Janel Donohue talked about RUW’s 75th anniversary on the Sept. 13 show.

The Chamber’s Sheri Wikert, left, and Rob Dodd of DLR Contracting discussed the 2014 Business Expo during the Sept.

27 edition of Business Link.

Howard Owen, owner of Stafford Printing, gave an overview of the printing industry Sept. 20.

Date/Time: Oct. 25 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on the electrical industry Guest(s): Kent Far mer, CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

To WNTX 96.5 FM and 1350 AM

16

ChamberLink â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

YOU JUST MISSED THE CHANCE

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.

You could have seen your ad in this space.

October 2014 Workshop (10am to noon at the Farr Law Firm, 501 Westwood Office Park in Fredericksburg)

Weds., Oct. 15 or Tues., Oct. 21, 2014 Call Now To Reserve Your Seat: 540-479-1435 Or Register Online at: www.VirginiaElderLaw.com *Virginia has no procedure for approving certifying organizations

%$148(76 35,9$7( 3$57,(6 &25325$7( 5(75($76 ,1 +286( &$7(5,1* ~Host Your Holiday Events~ Just 5 Minutes from Old Town Fredericksburg

www.fredericksburgvabedandbreakfast.com

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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 540-7097061 â&#x20AC;˘ Charlene at 540-709-7075 â&#x20AC;˘ Dennis at 540-7097076 at The Journal for advertising information.