MARCH 2022
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Moving Forward in the Top of Virginia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Scott Harvard First Bank
FEATURES 08 | The Future Draws Near 11 | WinLife TV Launches 15 | The 2 For 2 Foundation Sets Sights on Record Breaking Community Acheivement
Chair-Elect Charles Daniels Fortessa Tableware Solutions Vice Chair Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser & Company Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB
DEPARTMENTS
Immediate Past Chair John Fox GreenSen, LLC
04 | Letter from CEO 04 | New Members
At Large Member Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware
05 | TVRC News and Events 06 | The Capitol Corner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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
There have been many changes over the past few years, and it can be easy cschneider@regionalchamber.biz to see that there will be many changes moving forward. I like to think of what the future may look like but be utterly mindful of the moment we are in and the Danita Roble people surrounding us. Technology will do amazing things for all of us, but at Director, the heart of it all is, well, heart. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber focuses Membership Development on “Connecting business and community resources for mutual success.” While droble@regionalchamber.biz there is the technology that makes that easier or we are able to reach more people, the moments that matter are when we focus on the people that are doing Dan Hitchcock fantastic work, the future of our community, and what it can be for our children’s Membership Development children, and the stories that have been lived through 105 years of service to Specialist this region. dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz This is a time for leaders. We will see technology leaders. We will see leaders in commerce. Here at the Chamber, we strive to be leaders of today for our businesses and leaders of tomorrow for everything that I know our region can become. Yes, we will see drastic shifts in buying goods or services. Industries will change to improve the safety of their staff and increase productivity to keep up with demand. Business models of today might look like a dinosaur in five years. Commerce is changing, but leaders will make the most impact. I am proud to say that I graduated the LifeLeader 360, led by Cary Dunston, as part of the inaugural Business Leadership Program. First, we look forward to many years of that program. My fellow graduates are a perfect example of how this area can continue to pivot with new technologies while remembering that people are at the heart of what we do and how we want to live in this region.
Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Hannah Stewart Membership Development Specialist
hstewart@regionalchamber.biz
Julie Shaffer Director, Legislative Affairs
jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz
Vanessa McAllister Director, Programs & Events
vmcallister@regionalchamber.biz
Kory Campbell Director, Marketing & Communications
kcampbell@regionalchamber.biz
Welcome
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between February 1 and February 28. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
New Members Stowe Engineering PLC (540) 686-7373 timstowe@stowecompanies.com
Creekside Gifts (540) 662-0270 creeksidegift.com
Shen-Valley Supply Co. (540) 771-1866 shenvalleysupplyco.com
CBM Mortgage of Winchester (540) 336-5090 cbmmortgage.com
Catalyst Sales Performance (434) 981-9001 tmdickinson@salesxceleration.com
MMS Pro Auto Detail LLC (540) 771-1866 mmsproautodetail.com
OnCall TeleCom, LLC (540) 353-8167 oncalltelecom.com
2 For 2 Foundation (401) 301-9474 diana.hackney@gmail.com
Shawnee Spring Market (800) 713-1414 shawneesprings.com
Integrity Tax and Bookkeeping LLC (540) 416-1401 integritytandb.com
Shawnee Canning Co. Inc. (540) 888-3429 shawneesprings.com
Elevate Your Network Elevate Your Business Elevate Your Voice Become a Chamber Member
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Save the Date:
Business After Hours
Greater Good Awards Thursday, March 24, 2022 Shenandoah Valley Golf Club 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Solenberger’s True Value Hardware March 15, 2022 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Join Top of Virginia Regional Chamber members at the annual Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health, to celebrate the local business community. We will 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
Join us at Solenberger’s True Value Hardware for a fun filled evening with a St. Patty’s Day theme. Please visit regionalchamber.biz to learn more
2022 Greater Good Award Nominees Entrepreneur of the Year: Kevin McKannan - Glenloch Legal Matt Shaffer - Shaffer’s Barbeque & Market Katrina Smith - RE/MAX Synergy Thom Warren - Lakin and Warren Group/Truist Small Business of the Year: City National Bank Glenloch Legal Shaffer’s Barbecue & Market Stowe Engineering PLC Tech Team Solutions, LLC Winchester Ciderworks Large Business of the Year: Green Bay Packaging Valley Proteins Emerging Leader of the Year: Jasmine Frye - Valley Health Systems David Kent - Signet Marketing Ben Savory - Repeatable Entertainment Nonprofit of the Year: Access Independence - Charles Harbaugh Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area - Andy Gail NW Works, Inc. - Deb Taylor Winchester Rescue Mission - Brandon Thomas Citizen of the Year: Vicki Culbreth - Winchester Rescue Mission Sheriff Lenny Millholland - Frederick County Sheriff’s Office JJ Smith - Valley Proteins Lifetime Community Impact Award: Barry Lee Bowser Shelly Lee Sheriff Lenny Millholland
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.
Infrastructure Grants Available
In July, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law. It will deliver $550 billion of new federal investments in America’s infrastructure over five years, touching everything from bridges and roads to the nation’s broadband, water, and energy systems. While most of the infrastructure funding will be delivered to states and localities based on formula funding, the bill also approves dozens of competitive grant programs for important infrastructure projects to receive additional assistance. Senator Mark Warner compiled a page with resources and grant opportunities, which cover a wide range of energy, transportation, and broadband initiatives plus pollution prevention, cybersecurity, manufacturing, safety, and more. If your business falls into any of these categories, visit Infrastructure Law Resources for Virginia
(warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/infrastructurelawresourcesforvirginia)
for more information. The link includes a detailed due date calendar and comprehensive grant information so that you can see all the options available to you.
Public Comment for Proposed Revocation of COVID-19 Workplace Mitigation
On Wednesday, February 16, the state Safety and Health Codes Board began the process of rescinding its permanent standard to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. By a majority vote, the board signaled its intention to lift these regulations on businesses after a 30-day public comment period. The Department would like to invite the public to register its comments on the proposed revocation of the Virginia Standard as adopted by the Board by using the comment forum. (townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewNotice.cfm?gnid=2373) The forum will be open for thirty (30) days, from February 17, 2022 to March 19, 2022. 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
cardinaltek.com
The Future Draws Near Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber may have even thought possible. Where do we even begin? Let’s start with boots on the ground. Robotics have been in the workplace for many years as a result of systems, dependent on workers, needing to achieve the next level of efficiency. As recent global disruptions have changed the face of commerce and dedication of employees, we will see robotics enter the workforce at a faster pace. A rise of robotics from customer support, sales, manufacturing, retail, and distribution will change the face of nearly every aspect of life. The pharmaceutical industry is looking to robots to ensure that scrutinous calculations and regulations are met exactly in a timely manner. Distributors are looking to automate their delivery processes to get products to consumers quickly. Manufacturers
^
A drone applies nutrients to fields of young tree sapplings. Drones have vastly improved industries and military capabilities in a very short amount of time.
^
Sudden shifts in technology and needs result in rapid advancements for the world as we know it. Plato wrote in the 5th century, “Our need will be the real creator.” Today, we phrase his words as necessity is the mother of invention. What are the needs of today? We certainly know that workforce availability is plaguing our businesses. Massive cyberattacks and hacked systems make news, seemingly every day, while many more go unspoken of or unnoticed. Human error accounts for more than half of those data security breaches. Healthcare is truly in the infancy of what is possible. Does a person need to be in a room to feel their presence? These struggles and the technologies that can influence them are no longer simply a concept. Real world solutions are on the cusp of taking us to a galaxy far, far away, light years ahead of what we
Robotics in the workplace may happen quicker than most may think. Highly specialized machines can improve safety, security, and build other nanomachines at microscopic levels.
will improve safety and productivity to keep up with demands.
that can easily convince the mind that much more is possible than the body may have thought. They may not be able to walk but they can fly virtually. Imagine how that must feel. Envision the inspiration that could come from a user reaching new limits. Interviews can be practiced to expand job markets for someone with cognitive disabilities.
Will you ever see a powder-based fireworks show again? Sonic booms echoing through the night as sparks shower the skies above us may start to carry the same nostalgic effect that an ice cream truck song stirs as it whispers in the wind, guiding our senses as we try to discover where the music is coming How will we see virtual reality transcend from. Drones, full of sensors and autobusiness? We are already seeing this with mation, will take to the skies to provide platforms like Zoom or Teams. Users are artistic moments for budding couples changing backdrops to feel comfortable in or young families. Cities throughout the United States have switched over to automated animations of patriotism for safety or environmental caution. Unmanned aircraft elevate society to new heights. Sure, there is the obvious meaning of new heights. Drones have revolutionized real estate. Auto manufacturers are taking notice of the principles that will revolutionize transportation, making the 164,000 miles of national highways and thousands of miles of secondary roads obsolete. How many homes could fill those spaces? How many trees could be planted? Will these aircraft vehicles even need to transport us if virtual reality or internet spaces can transcend the furthest of distances instantly? What are the possibilities of virtual reality for students or businesses? With remote work gaining popularity, you could easily imagine that entire classrooms or an office staff learning and working in a virtual space. That space could change according user or team needs. Students could construct new architecture and test the engineering against the harshest of conditions in a controlled environment. Visual learners can convert methods that cause struggles to safe learning zones that impact the student deeper. Virtual reality can do amazing things for people with disabilities. There is therapy and training available for physical limitations
the space and that tells you a lot of information right away. Where does this person feel best? Are they flocked with palm trees and sand or do powerful mountains rise from their shoulders that keep disappearing when they move around? The next logical step would create virtual workspaces. It would be much easier to do your work if you felt that you could dig your toes in the sand. Creativity would gain a
whole new construct. Just imagining a desk floating on a lake, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees around your “office”. Fish swim with brilliant colors as you search for serenity within your work. I can feel my body reacting to that moment just thinking of what an office could look like a year from now. Perhaps tomorrow, I will work from some tropical island paradise. Virtual reality will open the door to a whole new way of living, thinking, and working. With technology having the ability to completely change perception, how do we know where we are and when we are there? Wearables ground our current life on many levels. Their ability to collect data will make our lives faster and enhance healthcare. We may even see many of them become implants. Could you combine the tiny camera of a cell phone to restore vision when integrated with cochlear implant technology? Implantable cell phones are expected to hit the commercial market within just a few years. There is a slippery slope with what this technology can do. The sale of data for advertising or other non-descript uses has many people concerned about privacy, and for good reason. Technology companies are quick to point out potential security risks with the Internet of Things (IoT), again for very good reason. The privacy of data is going to see booming industry around it as we get more connected. Please, check out the technology businesses that are in our Chamber membership to see how they can help you stay secure amidst a world of change. As we think of the changes that healthcare can see through the use of wearable, three-dimensional printing has to come up in the conversation. Broken bone, scan it and print it. Skin graft, here is a perfectly crafted piece
of artificial skin that does not borrow from other areas of the body. New materials, many to imitate organic surfaces, will be born out of the capabilities of what we can do. Lives will be saved and transplants will be able to create matches instead of waiting and hoping. Quite possibly, the most intriguing areas of technology is Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning. We are already living in a world of machine learning, but the levels that it can reach is where the intrigue comes in. Could artificial intelligence evolve beyond our control? Yes, absolutely! Can AI improve your business? Yes, again. You will see artificial intelligence creep in to your board room as the demand for accuracy and efficiency rises. Artificial intelligence may actually be a perfect business model as machines do not engage in emotions that allow human employees to make mistakes or lower productivity. Machines are strictly in place to meet goals. This will also provide new levels of security and encryption for your systems. Much like cypher codes that date back centuries, machine learning secures data through evolving encryption. Threat detection and mitigation steps can happen faster than the blink of an eye. We have been forging ahead for centuries. Some of our
current future technology finds it origins to date back almost as old our origins. Where we see change is when these concepts collaborate and integrate. It is important to remain open and creative when thinking about how our lives can change based on how we communicate with the world around us. We have also seen that technology can play a powerful role in how people view themselves in such a connected space. Finding a balance is key.
WinLife TV Launches!
WinLife TV has recently launched to area viewers, now available on Comcast channel 190 since February of 2022. The channel features local weather, news, and events. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is excited about the opportunity to further spotlight our members, connecting them to this vibrant community. Working with Comcast has been a wonderful way to reach beyond our current region of coverage. You can find WinLife TV in Clarke, Frederick, Loudoun, and Warren Counties. Plans for expansion will bring coverage down the Interstate 81 corridor as well as look to connect viewers online to the happenings of the Shenandoah Valley.
Fun with Membership
Ribbon Cuttings
Regina and Debbie at Integrity Tax and Bookkeeping
Welcome to the Chamber!
Integrity Tax and Bookkeeping LLC specializes in tax return filing and planning for indivduals, bookkeeping for small business, and corporate tax filings. Stop by and say “Hello” at 7 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611
Fun with Membership
The 2 For 2 Foundation Sets Sights on Record Breaking Community Acheivement
1
4
2
3
5
6
The 2 For 2 Foundation will bring the community together to “smash” two Guiness World Records to raise awareness and funds for badly needed natatorium and ice rink facilities locally. The 2 For 2 Foundation cut the ribbon at 2:42 p.m. 1. Lynda Tyler speaks to a group at the Winchester Regional Airport, unveiling plans to build two new facilities for our community after smashing two Guiness World Records (Largest Ice Cream Sandwich - Goal 3,000 lbs. and Largest Human Ice Cream Cone - Goal 1,500+ participants). 2. Paige Simko and Paul Warnagiris, of the Winchester Swim Team, hold the ribbon cut by Chase Harrison, of the Winchester Warriors Hockey Club, to welcome the 2 For 2 Foundation into the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. 3. Kelly Warnagiris, Winchester Swim Team and 2 For 2 Foundation partner, committs to raising $250,000 in supprt of the new facilities. 4. Middletown Mayor and Executive Director of Access Independence, Charles Harbaugh celebrates plans for inclusivity for users with disabilities when the facilities are built. 5. TVRC CEO Cynthia Schneider welcomes the 2 For 2 Foundation into membership with big expectations of what the group will do for our community. 6. “Connecting businesses and community resources for mutual success” is a purpose that we stand behind.
