MAY 2022
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Business in Bloom
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FEATURES 06 | Business at the Bloom Returns to Full Bloom 07 | Apple Blossom Parade Attendees Get Glimpse of New Motorcyles 08 | Agritourism Act Sheds Light on Federal Resources for Local Business Frederick County Sheriff Deputy Samantha Garrison stops to share food with a traffic controller who had been posted at a crosswalk for hours during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival on April 30th, 2022. Deputy Garrison was awarded a Lifesaving Award in TVRC’s 2021 Valor Awards.
10 | Darling Ingredients Inc. Completes Acquisition of Valley Proteins
DEPARTMENTS
Chair of the Board Scott Harvard First Bank Chair-Elect Charles Daniels Fortessa Tableware Solutions Vice Chair Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser & Company Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB 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
Our region is in bloom again, and many of our Chamber members saw the benefits of large masses of visitors flocking to festivities and events that the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival provided after a brief hiatus. This was a needed morale boost for our area as everyday consumers return to feelings of normalcy. Thanks to all the businesses and volunteers who supported the Festival and showcased our beautiful community in so many ways!
cschneider@regionalchamber.biz
We spoke so often of resiliency throughout the pandemic, and now we are seeing the fruits of our labors and dedication to keeping our region open for business. At the Business at the Bloom event, sponsored by Valley Health, we heard from Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Economist at Virginia Realtors, about how the housing market provided stability and was an economic driver for the Commonwealth. While other markets ceased to allow real estate transactions during the pandemic, Virginia kept moving forward. Our region particularly had a huge impact on the overall success in Virginia as our businesses continue to adapt and serve.
Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist
Danita Roble Director, Membership Development
droble@regionalchamber.biz
dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz
Hannah Stewart
This continued growth in our region will require continued diligent planning and innovation. Unfortunately, we Membership Development Specialist often see state funds directed into what some may call the golden triangle of Virginia (Richmond, NOVA, and hstewart@regionalchamber.biz Hampton Roads) or the more highly populated Northern Virginia region. Be assured that the TVRC business community is strengthening its voice on many fronts to ensure that the fruits of our labors fairly support our Julie Shaffer region. TVRC will advocate to make sure funds generated make it back home. Top of mind are transportation Director, Legislative Affairs infrastructure and workforce development. Advocacy efforts in May include a special meeting of TVRC business jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz leaders with Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a former Top of Virginia business owner. On May 12th, The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Annual Post-Session Legislative Luncheon will be held at the George Washington Hotel to increase awareness of local needs. We will hear from the legislators about their Vanessa McAllister roles in protecting and advancing the key issues affecting our region. Business and community leaders will have Director, the opportunity to meet face to face with the legislators to provide a real-time impact of the state-level decisions Programs & Events have on our region. vmcallister@regionalchamber.biz As we move from the hush of winter, to the rains of spring, and into the seasons of planting and harvesting I want to give a special acknowledgement of gratitude to the planters, growers, makers, and givers that make up our robust agricultural community. Keep on blooming, Cynthia Schneider | CEO Welcome Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
New Members
Tru by Hilton (540) 545-8100 hilton.com/en/hotels/ wgovaru-tru-winchester
Kory Campbell Director, Marketing & Communications
kcampbell@regionalchamber.biz
Trex Company Inc (540) 524-6386 trex.com
Homes 4 Humanity, LLC (540) 550-9215 homes4humanityllc.com
Timber Work LLC (540) 692-9606 timberworksva.com
Elite Plus LLC (540) 303-7126
Quality Title, LLC (540) 252-4967 closewithquality.com
Supply Resources, Inc (434) 799-1999 sripacking.com
Quality Inn Winchester (540) 667-8894 Gregory Price choicehotels.com/virginia/ winchester/quality-inn-hotels/va031 (802) 558-4956 HoneyCar (540) 773-1248 myhoneycar.com
Limulus Life Solutions (315) 525-3692 limuluslifesolutions.com
Sengpiehl Insurance Group, LLC Allstate (540) 955-1100 berryvilleinsurance.com
United States Congressman Ben Cline (202) 225-5431 cline.house.gov
Newtown Print & Mail (540) 866-2995 newtownprintmail.com Greenfield Senior Living of Strasburg (517) 230-3803 Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between April 1 and April 30. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Save the Date:
Business After Hours
Corporate Challenge Saturday, July 16, 2022 John Handley High School Stadium Begins at 11:00 a.m.
Shaffer’s Barbecue and Market Wednesday, May 11, 2022 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We invite businesses in the Top of Virginia region to join the Chamber for a day of fun and team building! Your team will display their competitive prowess as they compete to win the Chamber Torch Trophy! Use this opportunity for: • Team building for your employees • To network with other local business • Rewarding your staff with a fun outing for a job well done
Join us at Shaffer’s BBQ & Market as we network with fellow businesses while taking in the gorgeous views of the Shenandoah Valley. The After Hours event will take place in the pavilion “Big Julie’s Pig Pen” that overlooks the Cedar Creek Battlefield.
Shaffer’s BBQ & Market will be providing specials on food and beverages for guests to enjoy, including their bacon jam. Attendees will also have the chance in a 50/50 drawing where Please note: businesses may also recruit members to teams if you don’t the winner will take home half and an attending nonprofit will have enough staff or you may join with other businesses and combine claim the other half. Be sure to invite a guest! teams. Participants must be at least 18 years or older.
This event is open to the public and there will be something for everyone, so please plan to bring your family and friends and cheer the winning team to victory! Sponsorships are now available.
Please visit regionalchamber.biz to register
Please visit regionalchamber.biz to learn more
Business at the Bloom Returns to Full Bloom
There was certainly a buzz in the air at this year’s Business at the Bloom, and not just because we were able to return to the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Events & Athletics Center on the Shenandoah University campus. Businesses from all over the region were grateful to connect with others that have been difficult to see in person until recently. The Valley Health System event filled the huge facility with jovial laughter, warm hugs, and overflowing smiles. “Valley Health Business at the Bloom truly is the premier Business Leader event of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. It was delightful to be together and see the smiles, feel the excitement, and share in the comradery of the area’s top business leaders. We are extremely thankful for our sponsors, volunteers, speaker, planning committee and all the attendees for making this year’s sold-out event a momentous success!” stated Vanessa McAllister, co-chair of the planning committee. Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist with Virginia Realtors, spoke to the importance of housing in local economies and how real estate sales allowed Virginia to remain prosperous during the pandemic.
(Left) Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Cheif Economist with Virginia Realtors speak to nearly 800 attendees at Business at the Bloom. (Right) Chris Rucker, MHA, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff from Valley Helath shares a chuckle with a members of the audience during his remarks.
Apple Blossom Parade Attendees Get a Glimpse of New Motorcylcles You may have noticed a couple of new additions to the Winchester Police Department’s enforcement tools at either parade during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. The two new BMW motorcyles were purchased for greater manuverability during the festival among other needs, such as schools or funeral processions. Officers were able to quickly scan parade routes to enhance the changes in security for this year’s festival. Also new this year, was the drone fly-in show that may be a look ahead into additional security measures to ensure the safety of large crowds during the Bloom.
Agritourism Act Sheds Light on Federal Resources for Local Business U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act. The bill created an Office of Agritourism at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve as a dedicated voice for agritourism businesses in the federal government and to consolidate information on federal
resources available to agritourism business owners. “Agritourism has unlocked new economic potential for small, family-owned farms in rural areas across Virginia and throughout the country -- yet I’ve heard from too many business owners in our region that it is difficult to access or to even find out about federal resources available to help cultivate these businesses,” said Rep. Jennifer Wexton. “A dedicated Office of Agritourism would help these small farms get the support they need to start and sustain their agritourism businesses, like loans and grants, access to broadband connectivity programs, promotion of agritourism activities, and best practices. As founder of the bipartisan Congressional Agritourism Caucus, I’m proud to be a voice for these businesses in Washington, who are crucial drivers of rural economies here in our district.”
FARMERS D R I V E FA R M C R ED I T
Establishing an Office of Agritourism within USDA would provide an advocate for these businesses within the federal government, promote the development of agritourism activities across the country, and ensure federal resources to provide assistance to agritourism businesses are readily accessible to business owners. Agritourism is a successful and expanding industry throughout the country. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, agritourism-related income jumped from $202 million in 2002 to $949 million in 2017 - a nearly 370% increase. In communities like those represented by Wexton, agritourism has enabled small farmers to expand their businesses and increase profits, which has boosted local economies while maintaining the rural character of the region.
You value keeping the legacy of your farm. We value helping farmers like you. When you’re ready to discuss your options, contact our team.
888.339.3334 | mafc.com |
Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR), the world’s leading company turning food waste into sustainable products and producer of renewable energy, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Valley Proteins, one of the largest independent rendering companies in the United States.
Darling Ingredients Inc. Completes Acquisition of Valley Proteins
The company first announced the acquisition in December 2021 for a purchase price of $1.1 billion, plus or minus various closing adjustments. As part of the transaction, Darling Ingredients has acquired 18 major rendering plants and used cooking oil facilities throughout the southern, southeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. “We are excited to welcome Valley Proteins to the Darling Ingredients family,” said Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Valley Proteins has built a successful rendering and used cooking oil business that immediately strengthens our base business and expands our ability to provide additional low carbon intensity feedstocks to fuel the growing demand for renewable diesel.” Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is the largest publicly traded company turning food waste into sustainable products and a leading producer of renewable energy. Recognized as a sustainability leader, the company operates 250 plants in 17 countries and repurposes nearly 10% of the world’s meat industry waste streams into value-added products, such as green energy, renewable diesel, collagen, fertilizer, animal proteins and meals and pet food ingredients. To learn more, visit darlingii.com. Contact: Suann Guthrie VP, Investor Relations, Sustainability & Communications (469) 214-8202 Suann.Guthrie@Darlingii.Com
(Above) A deep fryer is a staple tool in many restaurants, using cooking oils that can be rendered and processed into renewable fuels.This is an opportunity for those restaurants to rid themselves of this oil that they can be difficult to dispose of and creates an opportunity to consider alternative energy solutions.
Fun with Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome to your new locations in the Top of Virginia
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1. Conlan Swope, VP of Operations for Warfel Construction, speaks to the audience gathered in Old Town to celebrate the arrival and ribbon-cutting of new TVRC member Warfel Construction. 2. Steve Davis cuts the ribbon, joined by his family, John Costales, the Costales family, and Conlan Swope. 3. Project Executive, Steve Davis stands with Lead Estimator, John Costales in front of their location at 112 North Loudoun St. 4. Dr. Niels Oestervemb, DDS, MSC, ABGD FAGD and Dr. Amber DeWeerd, DDS share a smile after their ribbon-cutting at their new location at 633 Cedar Creek Grade in Winchester. 5. Dr. Amber DeWeerd lets the ribbon ribbon fly with a smile accompanied by TVRC Chair Elect Charles Daniels of Fortessa. 6. The staff at Smiles of Virginia take a moment, full of smiles of course, with their new TVRC plaque in celebration of their ribbon-cutting. It may be the only plaque they are not trying to eliminate.
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