APRIL 2022
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
The Greater Good
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Scott Harvard First Bank
FEATURES 05 | Entrepreneur of the Year
Chair-Elect Charles Daniels Fortessa Tableware Solutions
06 | Small Business of the Year 08 | Large Business of the Year
Vice Chair Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser & Company
09 | Emerging Leader of the Year Inset: Barry Lee is presented the Lifetime Community Impact Award as he is showered by sparks provided by Repeatable DJ and greeted by Master of Ceremonies, Mike O’Dell. On the Cover: Mark Nantz, CEO and President of Valley Health System speaks to the crowd at the Greater Good Awards
Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB
10 | Nonprofit of the Year 11 | Citizen of the Year 12 | Lifetime Community Impact Award
DEPARTMENTS
Immediate Past Chair John Fox GreenSen, LLC At Large Member Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware
04 | Letter from CEO 04 | New Members
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 System 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 Greater Good Awards have long celebrated outstanding individuals and cschneider@regionalchamber.biz businesses for contributions they have made to the quality of life and economic Danita Roble stability of our region through genuine community commitment, dedication to Director, excellence, and ethical & creative business practices. In recent years, a new Membership Development tradition has taken form in honoring our legacy members. This year, we recogdroble@regionalchamber.biz nized twelve businesses with the new James R. Wilkins Sr. Legacy Award for Dan Hitchcock over sixty years of membership; Emmart Oil Company; Harrison & Johnston, Membership Development PLC; Hottel & Willis P.C., CPA; Jones Funeral Home, Inc.; Omps Funeral Home Specialist & Cremation Center; Perry Engineering Company, Inc.; Solenberger’s True dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz Value Hardware; Stuart M. Perry, Inc.; The Winchester Star; Tri-State Nissan; Winchester Printers, Inc.; and YHB | CPAs & Consultants.
Hannah Stewart Membership Development Specialist
Legacy is born out of impact. We strive as a Chamber to build an environment that is fertile for businesses to discover their own impact, building a legacy for hstewart@regionalchamber.biz future generations to continue to thrive through the good times and the bad. Programs and events are designed to inspire leadership, stregthening economic Julie Shaffer Director, Legislative Affairs partnership in our region. We cannot do that without the help of our annual and jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz event sponsors. We thank our Greater Good Award sponsors for their investment in our region as we shine a light on the businesses and individuals that have made major contributions to our community. Thank you to our presenting Vanessa McAllister sponsor, Valley Health System. Thank you to our platinum sponsor, First Bank. Director, Programs & Events Thank you to our gold sponsors; iHeartMedia, Repeatable DJ, and YHB. Thank you to our silver sponsors, 5-Star Executive Chauffeuring, LLC and Winchester vmcallister@regionalchamber.biz Printers. Thank you to our bronze sponsor, People Inc. If you were in attendence, you could not help but to notice our lighting sponsor, Fortessa Tableware Kory Campbell Solutions and the way they enabled us to make the meal an experience. Director, Marketing &
Welcome
Communications
kcampbell@regionalchamber.biz
Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
New Members
2nd Story Communications (540) 327-6501 2ndStoryCommunications.com
Connected Communities (540) 404-5985 cciwinchester.com
Guests Inc.| A Hospitality Management Company (CCAP) Congregational Community (540) 465-2898 Action Project, Inc. Winchester guestsinc.com (540) 662-4318 ccapwinchester.org I know Medicare (540) 662-4432 Eagle Heights Presbyterian Church medicaretrustedagents.com (843) 301-4197 eagleheightspca.org Liberty Tax (540) 662-4432 Fresh Connections Catering libertytax.com Selma Manor Old Waterstreet Inn Connie Paradise Photography Holly House (703) 867-4895 (703) 707-8304 connieparadise.com fccatering.com
Shenandoah Valley Kids First (540) 660-4238 Shenandoahvalleykidsfirst.org
Mountain Entities Inc. (443) 794-8019 mountainentities.com
Shawnee Spring Market #2 Shawnee Canning Company Production and Fulfillment (800) 713-1414 shawneesprings.com
Patriots On-Call (443) 794-8019 patriotsoncall.com
CNB Bank, Inc. (304) 258-1520 cnb.bank
BrightView Healthcare (540) 327-7102 brightviewhealth.com/ locations/winchesteraddiction-treatmentcenter/
Jonathan Bodwell Medicare Insurance Agent (304) 283-0864 Bodwellinsurancesolutions.com
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between March 1 and March 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
Since moving to our area Katrina has jumped right into our community, getting involved locally and building an impressive, socially conscious real estate brokerage. Katrina has been a full-time REALTOR® in the Winchester / Frederick County area since April 2005. From her start with Long and Foster to her brokerage ownership of RE/MAX Synergy, she has earned a production award for her real estate sales for the last 16 years in addition to being a 7-time Outstanding Service Award recipient. Now as Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Synergy, not only does she help clients buy and sell real estate, she mentors other REALTOR® professionals in her community. She is licensed in Virginia and West Virginia, specializing in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. That focus on providing the best service to her clients has earned her the 2019 Virginia Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year, as well as the 2015 Blue Ridge Association Realtor of the Year. Katrina has served in all roles of the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors and is now the President Elect of the Virginia Realtors. Her work both locally and at the state level have made a positive impact for both Realtors and other organizations. Most recently working with the state Government to pass a bill allowing 501.c.6 Associations to get their members Health Care. It is currently on the Governor’s desk. Katrina also serves on the board of Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area, as their Immediate Past President. As the Broker of RE/MAX Synergy, Katrina and her agents support Bright Futures and the Evans Home for Children. We cannot think of a harder working or more community minded Entrepreneur!
Entrepreneur of the Year Katrina Smith
wine from more than 30 Virginia Wineries. The Market hosts Spirit Days for local schools, has hosted multiple fundraisers for the Middletown Fire Department, gives away countless t-shirts, hats, & gift cards for local events, hosts free holiday photo shoots for the community, and really enjoys partnering with their neighbors at Belle Grove (where Matt is also a Board member) on multiple events throughout the year. Matt is constantly looking for ways to explore local partnerships.
Small Business of the Year Shaffer’s Barbecue and Market
Shaffer’s BBQ and Market was created by Matt Shaffer. Matt’s grandfather started cooking barbecue in the Shenandoah Valley in 1952 to help spotlight authentic Virginia cooking, and Matt grew up learning the trade from his father and grandfather. He always craved the opportunity to run his own small business but felt he needed to give back to his country first. After flying helicopters in the US Navy for 10 years and working in Government Contracting for another decade, he was ready to move back to the Shenandoah Valley for a small, family friendly community to raise children.
He continued to run the part-time food truck he started in Arlington for a couple of years and then decided it was time to change his life and follow his dream. The children were three and one at the time he turned an old gas station into a barbecue joint with pastoral views of Cedar Creek Battlefield, Belle Grove, and the Blue Ridge. After five years (and an additional child), he has certainly achieved the dream of running a business that makes a difference through serving his community, customers, and employees. Matt has engaged with multiple local farmers to both cook and sell their products, including steaks from Wagon Wheel Ranch & Springdale Farms and fresh fruits, veggies, & meat from Woodbine Farms. He also stocks locally made products including, Fossil Rock goat milk soap, Harvue cheese, Empty Bowl queso, Texas Trey Salsa and Chips, South Mountain Milk, Clark & Hopkins Bloody Mary Mix and Hot Sauces, Winchester BrewWorks Beer, Escutcheon Beer, and
The pandemic has dramatically changed the restaurant environment, but Matt did not close the Market for one single day of regular operating hours. He was passionate that he had to stay open for his customers and his employees. He understands how much people rely on him to be there and he rises to the challenge every day. Middletown and the greater Frederick County area have rallied behind this business and that support is what Matt loves most about running a business locally. He knows the regulars by name and enjoys meeting the community travelers who continually complement the hospitality and congeniality of our county. Matt’s grandfather would be as proud to watch him carrying on the torch so successfully. Matt has truly created a family-owned, destination Barbecue joint where the community is almost as important as the homemade food. He renovated an old landmark that offers a genuine atmosphere of comfort and hospitality with a spotlight on local, artisan products and foods. You will often find his kids at the Market - sometimes running the register or eager to participate in social media posts. It truly is a family affair with Matt at the helm.
, Lisa Sturtevant
From Left to Right Bud Kriz, Richard Hedrick, DeeDee Katsias, J.J. Smith, and James Katsias
Large Business of the Year Valley Proteins, Inc. In 1949, Clyde A. Smith started a business that would fulfill a dream for three generations. Over the next 60 years, Valley Proteins, Inc. has grown to become one of the largest rendering companies in the United States. Through multiple acquisitions, expansion into global markets, and investments into the development of biofuels, Valley Proteins has flourished, providing consistent employment for many in our community.
Valley Proteins, Inc. is one of the largest rendering companies in the United States with several hundred million dollars in annual sales. On average, the company processes three million tons of raw materials and manufactures over one million tons of value-added animal feed ingredients annually, which are marketed throughout the world. The company employs 1,900 employees and recently sold to Darling Ingredients Inc.
In addition, J.J. Smith, Chairman, President & CEO for Valley Proteins, Inc. has contributed so much to the Winchester Community having served on countless Boards and Associations in his professional capacity. He has also served or is serving as a board member for affiliations such as Shenandoah University, Wake Forest University, Winchester Regional Airport Commission, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Virginia Historical Society, Valley Health System Member of Corporation, Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation Trustee, and Congregational Community Action Project (CCAP) to name a few.
Emerging Leader of the Year David Kent
It is very rare that you find a young professional like David Kent. Prior to coming home to work with his family over 10 years ago, David spent 4 years in Oahu, HI as an active-duty member of the United States Marine Corps serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon completion of his service, David remained in Hawaii to fulfill his bachelor’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Business Management. Although David wanted to remain in Hawaii, his passion for manufacturing required him to locate to Winchester, VA where his family owns and operates Signet Marketing. With a desire for continuous improvement, David completed his Master’s in Business from Shenandoah University in 2013. He is currently the Vice President of Operations at Signet Marketing and the lead Lean Change Agent. David is married to Rachel Kent whom he met in Hawaii, they have three young boys Mason, Simon, and Evan. Outside of work David is either with his family on their homestead or volunteering. David is a dedicated family man, working professional and overall tremendous person who demands excellence, earning respect from the elders of the community. David has several causes in which he volunteers for including The United Way, The Associate for Manufacturing Excellence, Timber Ridge School, The Winchester Rotary Club, and the Travis Manion Foundation. Over the last few years due to the on-going pandemic, David has showed his dedication to his team and his community. Showing up first and leaving last from Signet Marketing, working long extra weekend shifts with his father Dick, all while he and his wife raise a family. David served his country with honor and continues to do so with his community.
Nonprofit of the Year Winchester Rescue Mission From Left to Right: Pat Kofalt, Vicki Culbreth, Janice Dicken, Brandan Thomas, Peggy Perdue, Lauren Clouse, Sarah Williams, Rachel Rivera, and Patti Solenberger
The Winchester Rescue Mission has provided shelter and support to individuals and families devastated by the effect of homelessness and poverty in the Northern Shenandoah Valley since 1973.
immediate needs, lives are transformed. In 2021, 33 individuals were moved from chronically homeless to successfully housed and contributing citizens in our community.
expansion will allow the current location to become the new Center for Women expanding capacity from 8 ladies to 35 as well as providing housing for families and clients with high medical needs.
Beginning as a shelter for men, the mission has expanded to assist men, women and families as well as transitional housing. The Center for Men and Center for Women residential shelter programs provide for the immediate needs including shelter, meals, clothing and supplies to stabilize the crisis. Then, case managers begin to address the deeper issues including substance abuse, mental illness, literacy, financial management and develop an individualized case plan with achievable goals to progress towards stability and self-sufficiency. By going beyond just meeting the
The Mission is able to meet these further needs with the assistance and support of community partners including Valley Health, Northwestern Community Services, Literacy Volunteers, Aids Response Effort (ARE), Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, Sinclair Health Clinic and Veterans Assistance. The demand for assistance continues to exceed capacity which has led to the mission expanding services in 2022. The additional location will include an emergency shelter for men and women, new Center for Men location, day center, and classroom space. This
The mission outreach programs include a food pantry serving 1200 boxes of food per month; community meals serving over 5,000 meals per month; and free laundry & showers which provide additional support to struggling families with a goal of household stabilization. Their goal is to end homelessness which begins with providing a safe, stable, supporting environment with the necessary programs and services each individual experiencing homelessness needs to transform their life from homeless to housed.
Citizen of the Year Sheriff Lenny Millholland
Sheriff Lenny Millholland was born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland. From 1977 through 1979 Lenny worked for the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, located in Cumberland Maryland.
In 1979, at age 21, Lenny came to Winchester, VA and became a police officer with the Winchester Police Department. Lenny worked his way through the ranks as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Handler, Investigator, Sergeant, and Lieutenant in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2002 Lenny became the Sheriff of the City of Winchester and held that position for 12 years, 3 terms. Sheriff Millholland then ran for and was successfully elected as the Sheriff of Frederick County, VA. Lenny is currently the only Sheriff to have ever been Sheriff for a City, (3 terms) and then run for and successfully win the position as a County Sheriff. Sheriff Millholland is responsible for 415 square miles and over 89,000 residents. Sheriff Millholland commands 149 sworn law enforcement personnel, 10 office staff and 4 Communications personnel. Sheriff Millholland has been in Law Enforcement for over 43 years and was a K-9 handler for over 22 years, handling Patrol K-9’s and Bloodhounds. Sheriff Millholland is an FBI National Academy Graduate #188, Past President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute and is currently the Secretary of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. Lenny is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute and has been a mentor for the Sheriff’s Institute and The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
In his spare time, Lenny is very involved in the community as a Board Member of The Evans Home for Children, Board Member of OUR HEALTH, Co-Chair for the Career and Technical Education Campaign for Timber Ridge School’s new building, Board Member of the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center, Board Member of the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Easter Bunny at Easter for Winchester Medical Center and different functions for nonprofits around the county, and Santa Claus at Christmas for nonprofits at Christmas.
Barry Lee is known as the “Voice of Winchester”.
Barry Lee Bowser and wife Mary pause for a picture with the Lifetime Community Impact Award.
On his new podcast adventure, “Breakfast with Barry Lee”, his tag line is: “dishing out ample servings of positivity, humor and community spirit”. Barry lives in Frederick County with his wife Mary, a dog, two cats, 5 goldfish and he and his wife are the parents of two young adult kids, Bryan and Brooke. Barry spent 45 years on the radio, 37 years at WINC FM as the Morning Show Host and 21 years on TV as the host of Cable Talk. He is the Founder and producer of ‘Chain of Checks’ since 1986, which has raised to date over $1.5 million for local nonprofits. He has volunteered and/or emceed over the years at the Apple Blossom parade, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Valor Awards, Out of Darkness – walk to end suicide, Salvation Army Food Drive, First Night of Winchester, Sherando High School Talent Show, Middletown 4th of July Parade, and the Lord Fairfax Community College Follies just to name a few! Barry Lee has been helpful in the greater community by assisting many radio listeners with funerals, weddings, and wedding proposals. He gives of himself for the enjoyment of others. He has been honored as Middletown Citizens of the Year 2020, Community Foundation of Northern Shenandoah Valley Award for the Chain of Checks, and received the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow honor in 2021 for his vast community service efforts. Barry Lee is a very genuine and sincere individual and when he learned that he had been nominated for this award, he said “I felt so honored to be listed with two dear friends Shelly and Lenny, I love them dearly”.
“My middle name is Lee, but when I started my first radio job in 1977, the Program Director didn’t want me to use my last name, Bowser. I told him I didn’t want to be a phony, and asked if my middle name would work. So, my full name is Barry Lee Bowser, and the post office has been great delivering to both names. Throughout our marriage my wife has been referred to as Mrs. Lee many times.” When you think of a recipient for the “Lifetime Community Impact Award”, many immediately think of no one more deserving than Barry Lee. Barry is 100% authentic in all aspects of his life, serving the community without seeking attention or personal accolades This attention is well deserved.
A Lifetime of Impact Barry Lee wins the Lifetime Community Impact Award
Thank you to our Greater Good Award Sponsors
COMMUNITY FIRST CHECKING When
you prosper, we all prosper
CHECKING BUILT FOR
non-profits
High Yield Interest Checking No minimum balance and/or fee Only $100 to open!
AT JUST THE
right price
Free Remote Deposit Free ACH Credit/Debit Services Free Bill Pay Services Unlimited check writing
Your Business Deserves
Member
888.647.1265 | fbvirginia.com FDIC
THE POWER IN ONE
