FEBRUARY 2020
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
SPECIAL SECTION:
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INSIDE: 04 | New Members 08 | Winter is the Perfect Time 13 | Month in Photos 14 | Public Art
Enter to Win with Solenberger’s True Value Hardware! See Pg. 11 for more details
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chair Tracy Vosika George Mason Mortgage, LLC Chair-Elect John Fox Greenwood Grocery & Deli Vice Chair Scott Harvard First Bank Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB Immediate Past Chair John Lamanna Timber Ridge School BOARD OF DIRECTORS Photo courtesy of ShenArts Council.
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
04 | Letter from CEO
08 | Winter is the Perfect Time
04 | New Members
10 | Tourism Update
05 | News & Events
14 | Public Art
Emily Burner Shenandoah University Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc. Jenny Grooms Winchester Medical Center Foundation
12 | Ribbon Cuttings 13 | Month in Photos
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors
Susan Brooks Navy Federal Credit Union
Jim Guisewhite Sperry Van Ness Chamber Elite
Kevin McKannan Glenloch Legal Katrina Meade City National Bank Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV
Chairman’s Club
President’s Club
Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health Gregory Vossler Green Bay Packaging
Letter From CEO
A New Year at Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. I often hear from our members, and guests to our area, how warm and welcoming they find the TVRC community. They express experiencing a sense of connectedness and belonging that comes when hospitality is practiced well. It is a value that is practiced well by our Hospitality & Tourism industry who is the focus of this month’s Chamber News | The Voice of Business & Industry. Justin Kerns, Director, Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau provides some interesting facts and insights to the importance and relevance of their contributions. The Top of Virginia region is extremely fortunate to have tremendous representation of the industry’s four pillar segments – Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism, Lodging, and Recreation. These service providers are typically the first face of our community and personally I think they are excelling at their specialties. In our community you can grab a quick hand crafted snack or beverage, as well as enjoy fine dining at 5 star restaurants with almost every international cuisine; reserve a couch to simply lay your head or retreat to 5 star hotel and bed & breakfast establishments with the finest of amenities; walk the trails of history, climb mountains to some of the most beautiful views in the country, and enjoy rich literary and musical entertainment; all within short distance. Thanks to the continuous growth and innovative development of our Hospitality & Tourism industry leaders and their teams our local economy is bolstered, jobs are created, events are supported, and guests are cordially served.
CHAMBER STAFF Cynthia Schneider, CEO
cschneider@regionalchamber.biz
Billy Whirley Director, Membership Development
bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz
Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz
Ashley Miller Director, Marketing & Communications amiller@regionalchamber.biz Danita Roble Director, Event Management droble@regionalchamber.biz Jody Wall Director, Program Development jwall@regionalchamber.biz
Cynthia Schneider. CEO | Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
UPCOMING EVENTS The full TVRC calendar can be viewed at regionalchamber.biz
BUSINESS & BREAKFAST
Tuesday, Feb. 18 Hosted by: La Quinta Inn & WinchesterFrederick Visitors
Welcome
New Members
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP Wednesday, Feb. 19 #Goals at Bowman Library
VALLEY BUSINESS WOMEN
Thursday, Feb. 27 Winter Social at Shenandoah Lodge
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between December 24 and January 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
3 Wins Development LLC
Manolete’s Taqueria Gourmet
R D Williamson Insurance
Charsoft Consulting, Inc.
Crystal Clear Business Strategies
Legend Mountian
Casamo & Associates, Inc.
Shuman, McCuskey & Slicer, PLLC
Nicole Lewis, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier
mtvSolar
407 S. Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-662-4118 regionalchamber.biz OUR VISION Be the voice of business for Frederick & Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester, Virginia. OUR MISSION Provide programs and services to meet the business and professional needs of our members. OUR PURPOSE Connect business and community resources for mutual success.
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Save the Date: NEW Table for 10 February 26, 2020 This quarterly held event pairs young professionals with a seasoned community leader for an intimate dinner to foster personal growth and professional development. The host will stir up rich discussion around the opportunities, challenges, and personal commitments that have shaped their lives with a view towards helping the participants craft their own recipe for success. The first Table for 10 is scheduled for February 26 at George’s Food & Spirits from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., with guest Harry Smith, Market President, United Bank. Before the age of 40, Mr. Harry Smith held an executive level position. Born and raised in Winchester, Smith has been a predominant member of the community, served on many prestigious boards and holds many notable honors. Hear what helped Smith accelerate his career from entry level to market president; learn what attributes he looks for in emerging young professionals and his insights on interactions with more seasoned co-workers. Table for 10 is open to Chamber and non-Chamber members in the Top of Virginia region. Tickets are $35 . To register and for more information, visit www.regionalchamber.biz
Save the Date: Valley Business Women | Winter Social February 27, 2020 Join TVRC’s Valley Business Women for a fun and informal evening at the lovely Shenandoah Lodge at Lake Frederick to kick off the 2020 Valley Business Women program year. Socialize with other professional ladies while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a mocktail mixology activity, cash bar, lots of fun door prizes and great company! To register and for more information, visit www.regionalchamber.biz Save the Date: Speechcraft | Success Communication 4 Week series in March As leaders, salespeople, and business professionals our ability to influence is directly tied to our ability to effectively communicate. Help achieve your professional (and personal) goals through the globally recognized Toastmasters International Speechcraft program, brought to you through Top of Virginia Regional Chamber and Winchester Toastmasters. This four week course will help you develop your public speaking ability. Series is $80. To register and for more information, visit www.regionalchamber.biz
PUBLIC POLICY CORNER As business owners, you don’t always have time to follow every legislative issue that could potentially affect your business. Our Public Policy committee, chamber leadership and staff are monitoring and working with local and state legislators to ensure that the needs of your business are being voiced at every level. The purpose of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s Public Policy Committee is to educate Chamber members about key public policy issues and to represent their interests before local, state and federal governments and agencies. In keeping with this mission, the Public Policy Committee will be the Chamber committee that reviews all public policy issues and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors about them. Through the Virginia Chamber, TVRC updates their members on important issues that affect our business community. To learn more and follow Bills We are Watching, visit http:// www.vachamber.com/advocacy/bills-were-watching/.
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY: Have your views heard by your Representatives and Senators by contacting them today:
Contact Senator Jill Vogel jillvogel@senate27.com | 801-698-7527 Contact Delegate Christopher Collins DelCCollins@house.virginia.gov | 804-698-1029 Contact Delegate Wendy Gooditis info@wendygooditis.com | 804-698-1010 Contact Delegate Dave LaRock Daniel@voteLaRock.us | 804-698-1033
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY Winter is the Perfect time
By: Justin Kerns, Executive Director | Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Office Photos courtesy Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Office & Shenandoah University Conservatory
Winter is the perfect time to be
a tourist in your own backyard! The volume of visitors to our community decreases naturally this time of year as kids are back at school and most leisure visitors head to warmer climates for a few months. That opens the door for a great opportunity to those who do choose to visit and, more importantly, those of us who are lucky enough to live here. We can avoid the crowds and get some fantastic deals at most of our unique local restaurants and shops, and more of our attractions are open than you probably realize!
Here are a few ideas to get you started exploring: • Experience our unique local coffee shops – we’ve got a broad array and when better to get a hot cup of locally roasted coffee or artisan tea than when it is nippy outside? Check out the Coffee Shops blog on our www. VisitWinchesterVA.com for the full list and fun details! • Discover the beautiful exhibits at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley – they are open Tue-Sun, 11amClockwise from Top: Winchester Ciderworks; 4pm from January through March. Bright Box Theatre.
• Our breweries, cidery and most of our wineries are open year-round. This is a great time to stop in and get to know the owners and brewers, most of whom are easily available and willing to have a chat with a local this time of year! Plus, there are really cool events that many of them do this time of year to entice folks out – a double win for you! • If you have a church or social group of 8 or more, you can set up a special tour of Belle Grove Plantation, which is normally closed this time of year. Check out their website for more information. • Believe it or not, but you can still visit many of our great farm markets! West Oaks Farm Market is open 7 days a week and even has a café with lunch. Marker-Miller Orchards is open the last Saturday of the month over the winter (Jan 25, Feb 29, Mar 28) so you can stock up on apples and cider donuts. Richard’s Fruit Market is open select Saturdays – keep an eye on their Facebook page for dates. And Shen-Val Farm Market is open Thursday-Sunday 9am6pm.
• Off-peak season also means all the SU students are here, and that means great performances! The SU Conservatory has weekly performances ranging from orchestral to dance to special guest musicians. Check out their calendar at SU.edu/ Performs • The Bright Box Theatre doesn’t slow down this time of year either. Check out their full performance calendar ranging from comedians to cover bands to emerging local artists. • The 1455 Literary Arts Organization has a rich calendar of guest author events, nearly all of which are free! www.1455litarts.org This is just a starter list – there’s so much more to discover here. So definitely don’t be afraid to be a local tourist. Be proud to get to know your own community better and find out why so many people choose to visit. Clockwise from Top: Ballet Hispánico’s Melissa Verdecia in Con Brazos Abiertos; Fruit tarts at Richard’s Farm Market; Cider; Bonnie and Clyde performance.
TOP OF VIRGINIA TOURISM UPDATE: By: Justin Kerns, Executive Director | Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Office The tourism industry employs 2,496 people in Winchester and Frederick county, and annually produces $52.9 million in worker income & paychecks. In addition, because of the sales, restaurant and lodging taxes that tourists pay while visiting our community, each household in Winchester & Frederick County pays $494 less in local and state taxes. In other words, if tourism did not exist, each household would have to pay $494 more in state and local taxes to replace the taxes generated by tourist spending. While our traditional hotel business have seen a small decrease this past year as a direct result of the state department contracts expiring in nearby Summit Point, our area’s short term rentals (such as through AirBnB) have grown over 29% year over year, indicating a strong demand in leisure travel to the area. With three new hotels opening in late 2019 and early 2020, we are primed to attract even more leisure, group, sports and business travelers.
TVRC MEMBER TESTIMONIAL: “As a hotel hospitality professional, it is easy to get stuck in a miopic view of the industry as it relates to our property and brand. My involvement in the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber not only allows but inspires me to be involved, educated and useful in both my field and the greater community. Through thoughtful, focused and professionally executed events and programs, I’ve been able to make new contacts, share ideas and develop existing relationships. I’m encouraged to commit time to professional development, stay current and informed on issues affecting my industry and, of course, networking. My experiences with the Chamber have far exceeded my expectations! There is no better resource to develop your business than the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.” Lani Pendleton Duel Property General Manager | Hawkeye Hotels Candlewood Suites Winchester | La Quinta Inn & Suites
Fun with Membership
Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to Onelife Fitness on their ribbon cutting. Located at 251 Commonwealth Ct., Onelife Fitness inspires people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels to help you commit to your health and well being.
Congratulations to Manolete’s Taqueria Gourmet on their ribbon cutting. Located at 2204 Valley Ave., Manolete’s dishes up authentic Mexican food.
Fun with Membership
January in Photos
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1: Freddy Allen, Allenomics and Les Taylor, Sheriff, City of Winchester attended Business & Breakfast, hosted by NW Works. 2: Dan Hitchcock, TVRC and Amy Feathers, Greenway Engineering, attended TVRC’s first Lunch Bunch. 3: Connie Paradise, Paradise Studio and Ralph Hensley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attended Business After Hours, hosted by Winchester Country Club. 4: Jessica Vance, WDVM and Linda Fletcher, iHeartMedia attended TVRC’s first Marketing Mind Share. 5: Hillary Kent, Quirky Closet and Pat Moore, LegalShield also attended the January Lunch Bunch. 6: Rob Creekmur, Integrity Home Mortgage, attended and won at Trivia Night, hosted by the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille and Shenandoah University. 7: The Community Leadership Program, Class of 2020 spent the day learning about education in the Top of Virginia region. 8: Deb Taylor, NW Works spoke at B&B. 9: Ben Savory, Repeatable DJ and Hannah Stewart, TWG attended BAH. 10: Young professionals enjoying Trivia Night.
By: Christy Broy | ShenArts, Programming & Exhibits
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH
PUBLIC ART
Art in public spaces has been an
important part of building communities and enhancing the quality of life in nearly every culture throughout history. What once was used solely to commemorate heroes and political leaders has evolved to include beautification projects, interactive experiences, public protest, and opportunities for artists and groups to interact directly with their community in unique ways. Art adds value to our lives and public art is a terrific way to achieve that goal for an entire community.
Public art makes art accessible to everyone, not just those whose daily habits and lifestyle includes seeking out experiences with art. Art in public spaces is not only free for all to enjoy, but provides many with their only access to curated exhibitions. By experiencing art, we can come to understand what makes us happy and hopeful, what makes us sad, what makes us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. Public art gives us all a chance to think beyond ourselves and join together with our community through this shared experience.
Clockwise from Top: ArtScape banner; Walking Mall Poet; Marvelous Mechanical Music Maiden was brought to town to do performance art by Tin Top Art & Handmade and Whitney Beahm, First Friday artist.
Annual exhibitions of public art, like ShenArts’ own ArtScape program here in Winchester, can help to add vitality to an area and a sense of connectedness for residents. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit their work to this juried exhibition and selected artwork is then printed onto banners sponsored by local businesses. These banners hang from lamp posts within downtown Winchester and provide the city’s only public gallery experience for all residents to enjoy. Not only does this program bring together artists, businesses, and residents in a way unlike any other local project, but it enhances the quality of life of all residents who are invited to engage with the art of their neighbors in a shared experience with their community.
Winchester is home to vibrant and exciting art with artist groups and project ideas emerging every year. First Fridays brings us a new group of artists to visit at various businesses in Old Town Winchester every month and individual artists are often found setting up shop daily along the walking mall making art, playing music, or even writing poetry. The success and growth of programs like ArtScape will hopefully pave the way for even more art in our public spaces, providing more opportunities for not only our local artists and businesses to get involved in this important movement, but also creating even more accessible art experiences for all members of the community Find out more about ArtScape at shenarts.org Clockwise from Top: Kayla Sue artist, First Friday; Joshua Ries, First Friday artist; Allen Dec, First Friday musician and ArtScape Banner. Photos courtesy of ShenArts Council, Other Side of the Tracks and The Walking Mall Poet.
Member
Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.
Renewals • CVEB - Community Veterans Engagement Board • Ravenwood Foundation • 5-Star Executive Chauffeuring, LLC • Cornerstone Insurance & Financial • EMC Construction Services • GlenLoch Legal P.L.C. • Ingenium BCS, Inc. • LegalShield - IDShield • LegalShield | IDShield - Roslyn Ella Honesty • Lightbulb Marketing, LLC • LK Wine Tours & Sales • Los Toltecos • Shared Knowledge Technical Solutions • Shenandoah Proofreading, Editing & Composition Services (SPECS) • The Mac Shack Express • Westfall Cleaning Services • Worlds Away Escape, LLC • Home Instead Senior Care / HIVA, Inc. • T Bone’s Bar & Grill • Roger L. Ernst Companies, The • Suzan D. Herskowitz, PLLC • Edward Jones - Janet Davidson • Apple Valley Chapter APICS • Dr. Dave Leadership Corp. • Interiors by Patricia Jackson, LLC • The Red Wagon Ministry • Coldwell Banker Premier- Tim Shamblin, Residential Realtor
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Handley Regional Library System Winchester Day Preschoo Winchester Royals, Inc Winchester VFW Post 2123 Mission Functional Medicine Roxtar, Inc. BEI Delivery Blue Plate Books Connie Paradise Photography Cruise Planners - Season of Travel MAP Property Solutions LLC Nate L. Adams III, P.C. RE/MAX Synergy Spherion Staffing TeamLogic IT Winchester | Leesburg Winchester EDA - Economic Development Authority Just Tech Alpha Voyages Travel Agency DDL Business Systems Tech Team Solutions, LLC Aire Serv Heating and Cooling Kern Motor Company, Inc. Miller Milling Company Barrett Machine, Inc. Cones N More - Rt 522 N Safford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Winchester Crown Cork and Seal Company
MEMBER NEWS & BUSINESS AGENDA UPDATES • The Valley Health Community Wellness Festival is Saturday, Feb. 29 at Apple Blossom Mall. The registration deadline for exhibitors is Jan. 31. Visit valleyhealthlink.com/wellnessfestival for details. • The 2019 Chain of Checks benefitting The Evans Home and Winchester Rescue Mission resulted in our biggest year yet! Our generous sponsors, community leaders and radio family helped raised a total of $157,223.64 • Community professionals needed to support mock student interviews at Millbrook High School on March 19 & 20. Register here: https://forms.gle/Md8GjpyTQ3gvUxk or contact Missy- mcdonalm@fcpsk12.net • “Did You Know” COSTCO HAS A GIFT REGISTRY? Visit Costco.com to register for your wedding, bridal or baby shower or create one! Contact Janie Shirley 540.722.7435 for more info or to join Costco. • LFCC’s Luray-Page County Center is hosting an Entrepreneurship Workshop Friday, Feb. 21. Learn more at lfcc.edu/ event/entrepreneurship-workshop/ • Member Update Join the Alzheimer’s Association for a free Leadership Round Table Breakfast on February 27 @ the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley! Questions and to RSVP - Contact Sonya Amartey - samartey@alz.org.