FEBRUARY 2022
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Tour of Beauty in the Top of Virginia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Scott Harvard First Bank
FEATURES 07 | A Tourist in My Hometown 08 | Beauty Prevails in the Top of Virginia 13 | Community Spotlight Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau Photos courtesy of Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau
DEPARTMENTS 04 | Letter from CEO
Chair-Elect Charles Daniels Fortessa Tableware Solutions Vice Chair Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser & Company
ON THE COVER Winchester Country Club shines under the stars in a photo taken by Top of Virginia Regional Chamber staff at a recent Business After Hours.
Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB Immediate Past Chair John Fox GreenSen, LLC
05 | TVRC News and Events
At Large Member Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware
06 | The Capitol Corner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
04 | New Members
Emily Burner WMC Foundation Andy Gail Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors Chamber Elite
Jenny Grooms Valley Health Jim Guisewhite SVN Commercial Specialists James Imoh Edward Jones Investments
Chairman’s Level
Kevin McKannan GlenLoch Legal, P.L.C.
President’s Level
Katrina Meade City National Bank Brian Nieves Tri-State Nissan Kristy Powers Navy Federal Credit Union
Media Sponsors
Thomas Stamulis True North Group Debera Taylor NW Works
Letter From Cynthia Schneider CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
CHAMBER STAFF Cynthia Schneider CEO
The Top of Virginia region has been growing for centuries. The Shenandoah cschneider@regionalchamber.biz Valley has grown through plentiful agriculture endeavors that fostered a strong base of commerce that powers us still today. As times have changed, we have Danita Roble welcomed new ways of life and new ways of doing business. This area continues Director, to grow as new residents move in or tourists find their new favorite weekend getMembership Development away location. droble@regionalchamber.biz Justin Kerns and his team at the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Felicia Hart in the Clarke County Tourism office continue to invest in this growth of our region by marketing all that our area has to offer to surrounding localities. When densely populated areas were shutting down large gathering areas, those residents found a chance to breathe as they visited our parks and trails, dined on elevated meals cooked with down-home charm, and stayed in our inns or hotels.
Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist
dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz
Hannah Stewart Membership Development Specialist
The Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau launched the hstewart@regionalchamber.biz “Uncommon to the Core” campaign in 2021, highlighting businesses throughout our region. We feel that those words have never been truer. It is uncommon to Julie Shaffer have a group of people and members that are so dedicated to the strength and Director, Legislative Affairs success of this region. The Valley continues to grow commerce through tried-and- jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz true practices while being fertile for modern organizations to provide innovation and excellence to the residents and visitors to our region. The Top of Virginia Vanessa McAllister Regional Chamber strives to continually elevate that core and we certainly could Director, not do it without community partners such as Clarke County Tourism and the Programs & Events Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau. vmcallister@regionalchamber.biz
Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Welcome
New Members
kcampbell@regionalchamber.biz Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between January 1 and January 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
Warfel Construction (540) 546-2583 warfelcc.com
Crash-Test Yummies (540) 773-4218 crashtestyummies.com
Northstar Consulting (304) 261-8899 pfs3wen@juno.com
Improvement by Movement PLC (317) 372-8520 improvementbymovement.com
LaborMAX Staffing (540) 450-5667 labormaxstaffing.com
The Chef’s Wife LLC, DBA the Chef’s Corner (704) 408-3385 thechefscorner.net
Pratt Industries (540) 900-2021 prattindustries.com
Kory Campbell Director, Marketing & Communications OUR PURPOSE
Connect businesses and community resources for mutual success.
OUR MISSION
Provide programs and services to enhance the business and professional development of our members.
OUR VISION
Be the voice of business for the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County, Virginia.
Elevate Your Network Elevate Your Business Elevate Your Voice Become a Chamber Member
407 S. Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-662-4118 regionalchamber.biz
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS New TVRC Website Launches
Save the Date:
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber has revamped the website to provide an effective tool to elevate your network by connecting with fellow members at events, elevate your business through affordable marketing and sponsorship opportunites, and new for 2022, the Legislative Affairs toolkit to elevate your voice.
Greater Good Awards Thursday, March 24, 2022 Shenandoah Valley Golf Club 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit: Live on the TVRC website! Check it out and let’s elevate the voice of business in our community together. Please visit regionalchamber.biz to learn more In the News: Winchester Equipment Company Celebrates 65 Years! What started 65 years ago as Winchester Orchard Supply, Winchester Equipment Company will celebrate their years of service to our community and other regions throughout Virginia as their anniversary date approaches in March of this year. Cynthia Goes to Richmond! Top of Virginia Regional Chamber CEO, Cynthia Schneider attended inauguration ceremonies for the current Virginia administration with husband, Wayne Schneider on Saturday, January 15th, in Richmond. They are pictured below with Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
Join Top of Virginia Regional Chamber members at the annual Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health to celebrate the local business community. We plan to recognize the award nominees in high style as we announce the winners of the Hollie Awards named for the first Chamber president, Hollie B. McCormac. Awards include Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Non-profit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Emerging Leader Award, Legacy Award, and Lifetime Community Impact Award
Please visit regionalchamber.biz to register Save the Date:
Save April 7th, 2022 for our Post-Legislative Lunch. Details to be announced
The Capitol Corner
Written by: Julie Shaffer Director, Legislative Affairs Top of Virginia Regional Chamber The Capitol Corner is a monthly column that informs members about changes in legislation and how you can elevate your voice to be heard by legislators. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is a Pro-Business organization. We represent the shared values of our members as it pertains to elevating commerce in the Top of Virginia region. This corner is not intended to endorse any particular political party or candidate.
Health Care for Small Businesses: TVRC is part of a consortium of businesses and Chambers that advocated for the creation of benefits consortiums for small businesses located in Virginia. The current proposal would allow for building upon existing Virginia code and creating a benefits consortium to expand access and lower health care premiums for small businesses (2 to 50 employees). OSHA Vaccine Mandate: On January 13th 2022, the Supreme Court blocked a Biden administration rule requiring larger businesses to ensure that workers are vaccinated against Covid-19 or wear masks and get tested weekly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace rule was announced last fall. Redistricting: Boundary lines were redrawn for Virginia’s congressional and legislative districts as part of a redistricting process that accounts for population shifts every ten years. Our region will now be part of the new 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Ben Cline (versus the 10th Congressional District and Jennifer Wexton). In the General Assembly, the region will be part of the state Senate’s new 1st District (currently in the 27th District) and the House of Delegates’ new 31st and 32nd districts (currently in the 10th, 29th and 33rd districts). The new districts are set to take effect in the next general election for the respective offices — 2022 for the U.S. Congress, 2023 for the state Senate and 2023 for the Virginia House of Delegates. However, a pending lawsuit wants the new districts to be in full effect this fall. H.R. 608: Representative Wexton introduced a bill to establish an Office of Agritourism under the Department of Agriculture. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. TAKE ACTION AT REGIONALCHAMBER.BIZ Elevate Your Voice: Do you have a question, comment, or concern? Please reach out to Julie Shaffer at jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz
A Tourist in My Hometown Written by: Kory Campbell, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
When my wife and I got married, we honeymooned at the George Washington Hotel. We had never stayed there before having both grown up in the Winchester area. We had a wonderful breakfast and soon hit Old Town for a morning stroll and to see what the local shops had to offer. Being a bit of a photography enthusiast, I had a camera strapped to my neck as we walked down the mall and back. The walk had come to an end and we stood in front of, at the time, the Winchester Book Gallery. We contemplated which way to go. As we chatted, we heard a voice speak to us. “Are you touring Winchester?” the gentleman asked. We were caught off-guard by the question but soon
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A 2013 image highlighted the miraculous workmanship and art that surrounds us in our daily lives in this region.
realized that the dangling camera had prompted the question. “No sir,” we answered. “We actually live around here.” We all had a good chuckle at the conversation and as the gentleman walked away, I asked, “If we were, where do you suggest we go?” He responded, “the Handley Library is beautiful and you will enjoy taking pictures there.” The library had been recently remodeled and while we had not visited since the rennovation, we had been there many times before. The library was beautiful and I took many pictures. What we discovered was touring our own hometown. Our perception had shifted from living everyday life in this area to seeing more intricate details of the beauty surrounding us, right here.
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Belle Grove Plantation located in Middletown, VIriginia
Beauty Prevails in the Top of Virginia Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
The Top of Virginia Region has so much to offer for residents and visitors alike. We invite you to explore the Valley if you have lived here for a while. There are wonderful businesses that bloom every day. If you are visiting, we welcome you to the region we are very proud to call home. Abram’s Delight Museum visitwinchesterva.com This home-turned-museum features antiques and artwork. As one of the oldest homes in Winchester, built in 1754, this site was the region’s first Quaker meeting house.
Barns of Rose Hill barnsofrosehill.org Two restored dairy barns are now the site of this cultural arts and community center in Berryville, Virginia. The venue features classes, live music, and exhibits. Belle Grove Plantation bellegrove.org Built in 1797, this antebellum abode was home to Mayor Isaac Hite and his wife,
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Hikers pause to enjoy the one of the many scenic overlooks found on the Appalachian Trail.
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema drafthouse.com/winchester This movie theater offers full-service dining and a bar serving cocktails and local craft beer.
Appalachian Trail appalachiantrail.org Hundreds of miles of the gorgeous Appalachian Trail are ideal for exploring the great outdoors. Starting at Shenandoah National Park and extending to the border of West Virginia and Maryland, the Appalachian Trail makes a great backdrop for adventures.
The entrance to Mount Hebron Cemetary whisks visitors away to different times as they enter four cemetaries and can find gravestones that date back hundreds of years.
Nelly Madison Hite, the sister of President James Madison. This historic landmark is open for tours. Bright Box Theater brightboxwinchester.com Head on over to Bright Box Theater for film festivals, comedy shows and concerts. The theater also hosts special events. Clarke County Historical Association clarkehistory.org Dedicated to the preservation of Clarke County’s history, the Clarke County Historical Association’s Museum is located in the Coiner House and the Burwell– Morgan Mill. Artifacts highlight the area’s past, with stories of the Civil War and notable individuals.
Long Branch Plantation visitlongbranch.org This 200-year-old estate and 400-acre farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are perfect for exchanging vows, are open for tours, and host events throughout the year. Mount Hebron Cemetery mthebroncemetery.org Mount Hebron Cemetery, composed of four adjoining cemeteries, is the final resting place for more than 2,500 Confederate soldiers and gravestones that date back
Shenandoah National Park goshenandoah.com The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Shenandoah National Park are a must-see. Visitors and residents alike enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking and camping.
Handley Library handleyregional.org The library provides outstanding information, resources, programs and services to enrich our diverse community.
Lake Frederick dgif.virginia.gov/waterbody/lake-frederick Spanning a depth of 50 feet, and with other convenient community offerings, Lake Frederick is ideal for casting a line. Anglers can reel in channel catfish, black crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
Patsy Cline Historic House celebratingpatsycline.org Open from April to October, the Patsy Cline Historic House features tours and a gift shop. Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival thebloom.com A series of more than 40 events includes band competitions, dances, parades, carnival, dinners, luncheons, wine festival, a 10K race, the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, two large parades and celebrities. The festival is an event the whole family can enjoy.
Family Drive-In Theatre thefamilydriveintheatre.com Catch the new blockbuster at the Family Drive-in Theatre. Don’t forget snacks at the concessions stand.
Josephine School Community Museum jschoolmuseum.org Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this restored 1882 schoolhouse is now a cultural center dedicated to preserving Clarke County’s African American heritage.
Old Town Winchester Events oldtownwinchesterva.com Taking place in Old Town Winchester throughout the year, these events include movies, a farmers market, live music, wine tastings and art exhibits. When the temps heat up, head on over to the splash pad to cool off.
to the mid-to-late 1700s. History buffs will not want to pass up this attraction.
Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University su.edu/conservatory Known as the artistic gem of the community, the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University features more than 400 concerts and performances.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley themsv.org Open Tuesday through Sunday, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley boasts a collection of 11,000 works of art and pieces of furniture. It also hosts exhibitions and has a gift shop.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Association shenandoahatwar.org SVBA works with partners to preserve the hallowed group of the Valley’s Civil War battlefield, to share its Civil War story with the nation and to encourage
Historic battlefields throughout Clarke County and Frederick County, Virginia pay homage to the history that shaped this region.
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tourism and travel to the Valley’s Civil War sites. Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum civilwarmuseum.org Tour the Old Court House that was built in 1840 to serve Winchester and Frederick County. Now a museum, the site houses a renowned collection and offers tours of the building. The museum is open year-round. Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum discoverymuseum.net Explore the wonders of science, mathematics, the arts and humanities at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. Fun for all ages, the museum is ideal for children. State Arboretum of Virginia blandy.virginia.edu/arboretum Located on 172 acres on the Blandy Experimental Farm, the arboretum features more than 5,000 trees and shrubs from around the world, including 300 ginkgo trees, 162 kinds of boxwood and a 36-tree Cedar of Lebanon walkway.
Winchester Ciderworks winchesterciderworks.com Tasting room featuring handcrafted Virginia hard cider from Frederick County apples. Winchester Little Theatre wltonline.org For nearly 90 years, audiences have been entertained by the outstanding productions of the Winchester Little Theatre. Performances in the 2019-20 season included “La Fin du Silence” and “Steel Magnolias.” Winchester National Cemetery cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/winchester.asp Pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Front Royal, Snickers Gap, Harper’s Ferry, Martinsburg, and Romney by visiting the 15 monuments spanning the Winchester National Cemetery. Wineries shenandoahvalleywinetrail.com Sip on reds and whites while enjoying the ambiance of the vineyards featured on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. Most venues host special events and live music. Worlds Away Escape worldsawayescape.com Teams work together to complete puzzles and solve the mystery before time runs out.
Community Spotlight Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau Civil War Orientation Center The Civil War Orientation Center is located in the Visitors Center. It is a wonderful starting place for those seeking an overview of Winchester-Frederick County’s Civil War experience. shenandoahatwar.org Orientation Video Visitors may watch a short introductory video on Winchester-Frederick County in our media room. Becoming Patsy Cline Gift Shop Browse our gift shop for books, apparel, food items, local beer and wine, postcards, and other souvenirs and local products. Virginia is for Lovers merchandise is available. We also have plenty of items for Civil War buffs and Patsy Cline fans.
Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau visitwinchesterva.com Experience Old Town Winchester and quaint Frederick County towns. Enjoy a wide array of restaurants, specialty shops, parks, historic sites and museums. Make the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center your first stop! Helpful, friendly travel counselors will assist you with making reservations, provide you with driving directions, and answer all your questions. Pick up brochures, maps, and souvenirs too! Our parking lot offers ample parking, with room for motorcoaches and RVs. Open daily from 9 am until 5 pm* 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 542-1326 or (877) 871-1326
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Stop by the Visitors Center for unique gifts and to learn more about the region.
Becoming Patsy Cline Exhibition The Visitors Center’s exhibit space features Becoming Patsy Cline, an exhibition on Winchester’s native daughter and country music icon. It is a partnership between the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Celebrating Patsy Cline, Inc. The exhibition tells the story of Patsy’s early years. Picnic Area, Pet and Family Friendly Amenities Bring your lunch and enjoy our patio seating and umbrellas overlooking Rouss Spring. The Visitors Center adjoins Jim Barnett Park and Wilkins Lake, with picnic tables, playgrounds, and walking trails to stretch your legs after a long car ride.
Fun with Membership
Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome to the Chamber! Victory Lane Quick Oil Change can take car of your vehicle oil maintanence and so much more. Stop by and say “Hello” at 2425 Valley Ave, Winchester, VA 22601
Fun with Membership
Can you identify these Tourist Hotspots?
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Hints: Answers can be found by reading Beauty Prevails in the Top of Virginia and Community Spotlight on Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1. This home is one of the oldest homes in Winchester. 2. This building graces enchanted gardens and natural beauty, housing plants from all over the world. 3. This building, located near Shenandoah University is a Hub of Tourism in the Top of Virginia region. 4. This lake is the result of our longest running legacy Chamber member whose organization was honored for their 73 years of membership at the 2021 Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health. 5. An iconic apple celebrates years of this festival’s history with parades in front of a building that shaped history. 6. This book-shaped building inspires readers all across the Top of Virginia region to enrich diversity within our community.
