JULY 2020
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
SPECIAL SECTION:
Faces of the Frontline
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
Cover photo courtesy of Bridgeforth Photographics. Above Photo courtesy of Valley Heath System.
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
04 | Letter from CEO
06 | Faces of the Frontline
04 | New Members
08 | The Hero’s Around Us
05 | TVRC News and Events
11 | Valley Health Welcomes New CEO
12 | Ribbon Cuttings
14 | Navigating Home Health Care
Susan Brooks Navy Federal Credit Union Emily Burner Shenandoah University Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc. Jenny Grooms WMC Foundation Jim Guisewhite Sperry Van Ness
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors Chamber Elite
Kevin McKannan Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C. Katrina Meade City National Bank
Chairman’s Club
Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV President’s Club
Media Sponsors
Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health Gregory Vossler Green Bay Packaging
Letter From CEO
CHAMBER STAFF
Service Before Self #TOVOpen4Biz is more than a hashtag. It speaks to a core value that has been magnified by our region’s workforce, service before self, as they have helped to keep so many of our businesses open to serve amidst the challenges of COVID-19. Noting that service before self implies that both service and self are important, we are pleased in this issue of the Chamber News, to applaud more of the frontline workers who model this principle as they have continued to provide essential services that we all depend on. The TVRC staff certainly had no idea back in December of 2019
Cynthia Schneider, CEO
cschneider@regionalchamber.biz
Billy Whirley Director, Membership Development
bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz
Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist
dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz when planning for this July 2020 issue, how timely a focus on health care and service industries would be. We knew we would be saying thank you to Mark Merrill, as he turned Ashley Miller over the helm of Valley Health to a new Preisdent & CEO, but little did we know how extra Director, Marketing & important it would be to say THANK YOU to the region’s health care and service workers. Communications We know they would say they are “just doing their job” but the rest of us know that this is amiller@regionalchamber.biz a humble assertion especially during these times of uncertainty. So, in this issue, we welcome, Mark Nantz, Valley Health System’s new President & CEO, and highlight the contriDanita Roble butions of others that serve and truly make us “Stronger Together” in the Top of Virginia. Director, Event Management droble@regionalchamber.biz PS – Please note and then share the news about TVRC’s newest service to the commuJody Wall nity, ChamberTelemed, which provides affordable access to telehealth, with $0 copays, Director, Program and unlimited visits. Group rates available for Chamber members. 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 AFTER HOURS Tues. July 14 5:30-7:00 p.m. Hosted by: Valley Health
Welcome
New Members
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP Wed. July 15 5:30-7:00 p.m. Solenberger’s
Bullseye Retirement Solutions
Sharon Farinholt- Realtor
Blue Ridge Bank
D.A.H Cuisines LLC
Tues. July 21 7:30-9:00 a.m. Hosted by: Next Home Realty
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between June 1 and June 30. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
Evolution Disposal
Sharp Practice Solutions, Inc.
BUSINESS & BREAKFAST
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: Recipes & Remembrances 2020 Cookbook During this time in 2020, we have seen countless community members sharing their newfound cooking skills and we wanted to memorialize them for such a time as this. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is creating a custom cookbook featuring favorite recipes from our community members. These cookbooks will be professionally published and are sure to be a treasured keepsake for us all. *A portion of the funds will go to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network-Lord Fairfax Branch Learn more and submit your recipes by visiting www.regionalchamber.biz/events Save the Date: Young Professionals Group Join YPG on Wednesday July 15 at 5:30 for DIY Project Night at Solenberger’s True Value Hardware. Space is limited to 25 participants. Come out for the fun. _ Learn more by visiting www.regionalchamber.biz/events
Stronger Together Apparel at Signet Marketing Call 540-665-9651 to order yours today
Photo’s courtesy of Valley Health Systems, Winchester Police Department, Valley Pharmacy, Garland Quarles Elementary, Winchester Fire Department, West Oaks Farm and Greenwood Grocery and Deli.
Faces of the Frontline By: Ashley Miller
From hospital emergency rooms to the aisles of the grocery stores and everywhere in-between, behind the masks are our brave essential workers who stepped up during this challenging time and have worked to help keep the Top of Virginia region safe and healthy. For this special issue, we asked Top of Virginia Regional Chamber essential workers to share their stories and photos.
The Heroes Around You: From Teachers to First Responders By: Ashley Miller
For most, the term “frontline worker” often conjures images of medical personnel in hazmat suits. But, when everyday life came to an abrupt halt in mid-March, workers across a vast array of industries in the Top of Virginia found themselves to be essential parts of the machine that keeps the economy in motion. Teachers, pharmacists, police officers and hotel managers continued to move forward amid COVID-19. For Holly Dufrene, first grade teacher, Garland Quarles Elementary, the hardest part of the pandemic was not having the opportunity to say good-bye or hug her students in person one last time. “We thought we’d be out of the classroom for maybe two weeks,” Dufrene said. Instead, teachers like Dufrene, across the Commonwealth, quickly pivoted to virtual learning, drive-by parades, and weekly letters of encouragement. Like the decorated hearts and teddy bears in the windows of many home and businesses, Signs for “Hero’s Work Here” quickly popped up outside healthcare facilities across the Valley. Stephanie Willard, Clinical Operations Manager, Respiratory Therapy, for Valley Health said consistency was the driving force to make sure guidelines and standards were always met, as processes and procedures changed. Across all industries, adapting to change was vital. “We have had to make so many changes and sometimes the changes have had to be quick to make sure we all stay safe,” said Wendy Weng, CPhT, Pharmacy Technician, Valley Pharmacy, said. “While this has been stressful at times, I truly be-
we have adapted to change very well and we are a stronger team because of it. I am proud to be a part of this team.”. “Personally, during this pandemic, I still consider the front-line heroes to be the doctors and nurses treating the patients,” said Chu Pham, PharmD, RPh, Staff Pharmacist, “Valley Pharmacy. “However, I am grateful to play my part as a Pharmacist to provide needed medications to our community.” Tourism and Lodging were hard hit during COVID not only with a major decrease in occup-
ancies but also in the traveler’s confidence, Lani Pendleton, Dual Property General Manager, La Quinta Inn & Suites Winchester and Candlewood Suites Winchester said. “Many of the hallmarks of hospitality, a genuine smile and inviting spaces, have changed to keep everyone safe.” Pendleton added that her goal is to earn guest’s trust by strictly adhering to guidelines while finding ways to make sure we can still make staying in a hotel a home away from home experience. “We’re doing this by keeping
our staff educated on the policies that affect our operation and additional training in nonverbal communication and body language. In an effort to manage the traveler’s expectations, we also reach out to our guests ahead of their arrival to answer questions and to let them know what to expect during their stay. With diligence, patience and communication, it’s my hope we rebound quickly and with a greater awareness of hospitality’s vital role in our community and our lives.” Law enforcement as well as first responders also shifted their roles to keep the community safe and healthy. “Our role in the courthouse has been interesting to say the least the last few months,” Les Taylor, Sheriff, City of Winchester said. “We have not closed our doors and have always remained open for the public. We’ve had to make major adjustments to how we operate for the safety of all who enter our doors and all while keeping ourselves safe as well.” “When the pandemic hit I thought I was in a dream,” Dufrene said. “I just couldn’t imagine not being in the classroom with my students.” Even though March is heavy in testing, Dufrene said the kids were excited about field day and other end of school activities. Dufrene said she’s not sure what the future holds but she’s looking forward to getting back into the classroom this fall- whatever that may look like. TVRC would like to say thank you to our front-liners for your dedications and sacrifices in the battle against COVID-19. The TOV is #StrongerTogether.
Valley Health System Welcomes New President and CEO On June 4, 2020, Mark Nantz, Valley Health System’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, began work in true COVID-19 style: appropriately distanced, wearing a facemask, elbow bumping new colleagues, and joining more than 6,000 coworkers to report a daily personal health attestation for the safety of patients and colleagues. Certainly, neither Nantz nor his predecessor, Mark Merrill, anticipated making this major leadership transition during a public health crisis. Merrill’s retirement farewells and Nantz’s welcomes are occurring via email and video until it is safer to meet face-to-face and travel to Valley Health sites around the region. During the Valley Health Board of Trustees’ nationwide search and comprehensive interview process with system, physician and community leaders, Nantz stood out as an accomplished and visionary healthcare leader with an impressive record of building advanced clinical programs and successful physician and community partnerships, and improving patient satisfaction, quality metrics, and employee engagement at the local, regional and system levels. “From the moment I first met with the search committee and then stepped on the Valley Health campus in Winchester, I knew I had found a place where people shared my commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community, especially those who are marginalized and under-served,” Nantz says. “During my interview process, every board member, every provider, every
leader and every staff member demonstrated a dedication and commitment to Valley’s Health’s mission of “Serving our Community by Improving Health”. It was clear to me that I had found a new place to call home, and caregivers with whom I could join in serving the community.” Nantz previously served in executive roles with Bon Secours Mercy Health, most recently in executive roles with Bon Secours Mercy Health, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Bon Secours. He has also held executive positions at Carolinas Healthcare System (now Atrium Health) and Carolinas Medical Center–NorthEast, and leadership roles in the audit practice of a Big 5 accounting firm. A certified public accountant, Nantz holds a Master’s in Health Administration from Pfieffer University and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. In his first video introduction to Valley Health Nantz touched on what motivates him personal-
ly what his priorities are as Valley Health’s CEO: “Winston Churchill once said, ‘Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.’ I believe that with all my heart and it’s why I have spent nearly 30 years in not-for-profit healthcare. It is at the core of my call to serve in the ministry of care delivery. To be sure, I feel that each of us has been called to serve others by providing access to high quality, affordable health care, and an exceptional patient experience, regardless of whether or not those individuals have the ability to pay. I think we are called to treat everyone who walks through our doors with dignity and compassion and that we must respect and appreciate the unique set of beliefs and experiences that they bring to our organization. That’s what drives me and what gets me up in the morning.” “These are challenging times,” Nantz continued. “The COVID pandemic has changed much about the way we provide care, how our community views healthcare workers…and even the way we live. You can be confident that Valley Health’s medical and executive leadership have taken steps to ensure the delivery of safe, quality care as we diagnose and treat those with COVID, as well as care for our other patients with emergent healthcare needs. Our health system will continue to respond and adjust in these changing and uncertain times, and we will endeavor to ensure financial stability for both individual employees and the organization as a whole.” Submitted by: Valley Health Systems
Fun with Membership
June Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to 5 Star Executive Chauffeuring Service on their ribbon cutting!
Congratulations to NW Works on their celebration of serving the community for over 50 years and on their ribbon cutting!
Fun with Membership
June Ribbon Cuttings + Events
Congratulations to Firefly Bakery & Cafe on their ribbon cutting and grand re-opening!
Mr. Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, with (left) Brandon Lorey, Bank of Clarke County and (right) Scott Harvard, First Bank.
Navigating Home Care and Home Health for Older Adults By: Lauren Gwinn, myPotential at Home Focusing on choices regarding older adult care, the senior living industry has made impressive strides, which aim to preserve every individual’s dignity. Included in these changes is the addition of home care and home health services. What is home care? Home care services are non-clinical services designed to help those who want to stay in their home but need some assistance with activities of daily living. These services are delivered by a professional caregiver trained to understand the nuances of aging, and are generally paid for through private pay at an hourly rate. Sample home care services may include: Grocery shopping and household errands, Meal preparation, Diet monitoring and education on medication interactions , Pet and houseplant care, Light housekeeping and laundry.
Home care services are also ideal for those who have decided to stop driving and need transportation services, or those who do not need much assistance but would like companionship. Sample wellness services may include: Doctor’s appointment coordination, Ongoing health and wellness assessments, Medication management and prescription refill or Medication and chronic disease education. What is home health? Home health care is in home medical care prescribed by a physician. The care is delivered by a registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist or other skilled medical professionals. Home health services are often prescribed following an inpatient hospitalization or rehabilitation to help the individual transition back to independence. Home health
care is covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Sample home health care services include: Disease and medication education, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy or Wound care. What are the benefits of receiving home care or home health care? The greatest benefit of home care or home health care is that it allows individuals to age in the place they feel most comfortable–home! Although some older adults choose to move to a retirement community or assisted living facility, many desire to stay home. In the event of a health concern, home care and home health allow older adults to stay in their home. Older adults have the option to choose home care services prior to
their being a need for them. Home care and home health services allow older adults to preserve their maximum independence, as they are still making their own choices regarding meals, schedules and other activities of daily living. Remaining at home safely with some level of care maintains increased privacy and dignity. Home care and home health services allow for one-on-one care with one goal: to ensure your loved one is receiving quality care. Lastly, after an illness or injury, research has shown that home health services can: Improve their ability to walk or move around, Provide the ability to get in and out of bed and have less pain when moving around, Improve bathing skills, Lessen the frequency of becoming short of breath, Require less urgent, unplanned medical care in general. Care is no longer a one-size-fits-all industry. myPotential at Home–A National Lutheran Service encourages all seniors and their families to explore every option available to them and choose the best for their loved one.
Member
Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.
Renewals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Valley Proteins, Inc. HP Hood LLC Nerangis Management Corp American Woodmark Continental Lord Fairfax Community College Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury Shockey Companies Ashworth Brothers, Inc. BB&T - Main Office (Cameron Street) Cives Steel Co./Mid Atlantic Div. First Bank - Valley Ave H. N. Funkhouser & Co. Perry Engineering Company, Inc. Randolph-Macon Academy Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative White House Foods Winchester Equipment Co. Bank of Clarke County - Main Clarion Inn & Conference Center Emmart Oil Company Hilltop, An Inspirit Senior Living Community LCW - Lantz Construction Winchester United Bank Virginia Eagle Distributing Blue Ridge Industries, Inc. DS Smith Omps Funeral Home & Cremation Center River Rock Holdings, Inc. S & S Electric, Inc. Shade Equipment Company, Inc. Shaffer’s Barbeque and Catering Service Shenandoah Valley Orthodontic Stuart M. Perry, Inc. The Winchester Star Tri-State Nissan Winchester Printers, Inc. Colony Realty Creekside Financial Group, Inc Creekside Properties E. W. Armstrong Company, Inc. Earth Art Kitchen & Bath
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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Cavalier Kitchens and Baths, Inc Hall, Monahan, Engle, Mahan & Mitchell Harrison & Johnston, PLC Hottel & Willis P.C., CPA Insurance Center of Winchester, Inc Linden Heights Animal Hospital Lyle P. Strosnyder, Inc. MidAtlantic Farm Credit Mover Dudes, Inc. myPotential at Home-A National Lutheran Service Northside Lanes Quarles Petroleum Inc. Retina Associates, P.C. Spichers Appliances Toan & Associates Virginia Inland Port Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Apple Blossom Family Practice Adams-Nelson & Associates, Inc. / Part of The Adams Companies Aerogreen Solutions LLC Axiom Staffing Group BB&T Scott & Stringfellow Candy Hill Campground, Inc. GREENWAY ENGINEERING Innovative Incorporated Jim Barb Realty, Inc. Long & Foster/Webber & Associates Massage Envy Morgan Stanley- Wealth Management- Winc. Rock Harbor Golf Course The Total Image & Workingman’s Store Weedman of Winchester Wilkins Companies Buchbauer & McGuire, P.C.(Attorneys at Law) Car Credit Nation Grove’s Winchester Harley-Davidson Selma Medical Associates Access Independence Adult Care Center of the NSV AIDS Response Effort, Inc.
Member
Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.
Renewals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Edward Jones Investments - Jay Smith Elwood McIntire Kitchen Specialists, LLC. ERIZAC Technical Services Fort Collier Industrial Park James T. Riley, CPA Kotkin Chiropractic Center, P.L.C. Lynne Rio Insurance Agency, Inc. Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market Misty Mountain Meadworks Inc. Peppertree Apartments Remax Roots - Paul Gallagher SERVPRO of Winchester Shenandoah Elevator Company State Farm Insurance - Les Veach Town Square Publications UPS Store, The Wilkins Insurance Agency, Inc. Woodgate Petroleum Company
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American Legion Post 21 American Red Cross - Virginia Chapter Basbox LLC Belle Grove Plantation Blue Ridge Hospice Dr. Terry Sinclair Health Clinic Evans Home for Children, Inc. Godfrey Miller Historic Home & Fellowship Center Habitat for Humanity of Winchester-Frederick County Horizon Goodwill Industries Mount Hebron Cemetery Partners 1st Federal Credit Union Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum SPCA of Winchester, Frederick,and Clarke State Arboretum of Virginia Winchester Little Theatre Youth Development Center, Inc. Scully and Glass
MEMBER NEWS & BUSINESS AGENDA UPDATES • Join the Northern Shenandoah Valley Covid-19 Economic Response Team and take the OpenAndSafeNSV pledge to show your commitment to keeping the Top of Virginia healthy. • LFCC is happy to announce that our alumni owned business directory is LIVE! The directory was created to celebrate and support alumni who own their own businesses. Visit lfcc.edu/alumni for details.