JULY 2021
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Wellness
in the Top of Virginia
INSIDE: 04 | New Members 07 | Power to the Top 08 | Be the Change 11 | Now, That’s Smart
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair John Fox GreenSen, LLC
FEATURES 05 | Marijuana Forum Recap
Chair-Elect Scott Harvard First Bank
07 | Power to the Top 08 | Be the Change
Vice Chair Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc.
11 | Now, That’s Smart A sunflower at West Oaks Farm Market
13 | Finding Balance
Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB
15 | Fun with Membership
DEPARTMENTS
Immediate Past Chair Tracy Vosika George Mason Mortgage, LLC
04 | Letter from CEO 04 | New Members
At Large Member Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware
05 | TVRC News and Events
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emily Burner Shenandoah University
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors Chamber Elite
Jenny Grooms WMC Foundation Jim Guisewhite Sperry Van Ness James Imoh Edward Jones Investments
Chairman’s Level
Kevin McKannan GlenLoch Legal P.L.C.
President’s Level
Katrina Meade City National Bank Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV
Media Sponsors
Kristy Powers Navy Federal Credit Union James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health
Letter From the CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
CHAMBER STAFF
As we look at wellness, we often think of physical exercise or having that salad at lunch instead of some wonderfully juicy burger. In our vibrant business community, I see wellness everyday. Our members work together to provide strength to our economy. They focus on keeping operations lean. They provide structure for families to grow and flourish. Much like the physical fitness we may think about, wellness requires upkeep and a little effort to build those gains. Businesses have a lot to look forward to this year, but we must continue to be sure that our voices are heard. Our recent Public Policy Forum broke down the legislation that went into effect on July 1st, regarding the marijuana industry in Virginia and gave members a chance to be informed or ask questions to be highlighted in upcoming discussions. We hope that you have a chance to join us in those future forums. The July Lunch & Learn will focus on an introduction to public policy for those who would like to get more involved than they currently are. Our voices are important and when they can collectively be heard, we can make a difference in the wellness of our business community. Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
UPCOMING EVENTS View the full TVRC calendar at regionalchamber.biz
Lunch & Learn
Business After Hours Valor Awards West Oaks Farm Market
Frederick County Fairgrounds
Tuesday, July 27 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, July 30 Begins at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 2 More info to follow
Introduction to Public Policy
Welcome
New Members
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.
Nexus Box, LLC 540-508-5420 nexusbox.io
Chic Treasures 540-409-1644 chictreasures.net
Concern Hotline 540-536-1630 concernhotline.org
NTB National Tire and Battery 540-431-4486 ntb.com
Servicemaster of Winchester 540-579-5545 servicemasterrestore.com/ servicemaster-of-winchester/
State Farm Insurance 304-673-5228 statefarm.com
Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation 540-869-2064 ccbf.us
Cynthia Schneider, CEO
cschneider@regionalchamber.biz
Billy Whirley Director, Membership Development
bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz
Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist
dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz
Kory Campbell Director, Marketing & Communications
kcampbell@regionalchamber.biz
Danita Roble Director, Event Management droble@regionalchamber.biz
407 S. Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-662-4118 regionalchamber.biz OUR PURPOSE Connect business and community resources for mutual success. 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.
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Public Policy Virtual Forum 1 Marijuana Industry in the State of Virginia The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber welcomed Dr. Dan Downey, James Madison University Hemp Research Team and Augustin Rodriguez, Partner Troutman and Pepper to discuss the legalization of recreational marijuana in Virginia and the implications that it may have for local businesses. The Virginia Cannabis Control Act allows persons over 21 legal personal possession of up to one ounce and home cultivation of up to four plants. That legislation took effect July 1, 2021. Looking ahead, commercial sales of marijuana will begin January 1, 2024 with regulations created in 2022 by the Cannabis Control Authority. Agustin Rodriguez did state that “the majority of the Cannabis Control Act must be reenacted by the 2022 General Assembly,” giving communities a chance to impact legislation that may shape commercial sales. While the state legislation has changed, localities will still have some impact when it comes to regulations. Licensing will be availble for testing, cultivating, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sales. Up to 400 retail licenses are expected to be available. Applications are anticipated to be accepted by the Cannabis Control Authority as soon as July 1, 2023. State retail taxes are 21% with an option for localities to add an additional 3%. Sales in the commonwealth are projected at $225 million annually by 2027. Additional fees may also be determined by the Cannabis Control Authority. Revenue is slated at 40% for at-risk Pre-K, 30% for Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, 25% for substance abuse treatment and prevention, and 5% for public health programs. The Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and United States Department of Agriculture regulate the hemp industry at the federal level while the Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Justice regulate federal marijuana mandates. Cannabis plants produce less than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Any plant producing more than the 0.3% are classified as marijuana. Plants will require testing for THC levels. Home cultivation of up to four plants has been legalized but legislation is currently unclear on how seeds can be obtained. Plants must be identified with a tag. Scan to watch a replay Future Public Policy Forums Marijuana Industry in the State of Virginia Monday, August 23, 2021 Monday, October 25, 2021 For more information and to watch a replay of the presentation, please visit regionalchamber.biz
Nominate a Hero 2021 Valor Awards September 2, 2021 Frederick County Fairgrounds Nominations for the 2021 Valor Awards, presented by City National Bank, can be submitted to celebrate the heroic efforts of our local first responders. The ceremony will recognize members of the various public safety departments, as well as everyday citizens who have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of others. Awards for the 2021 Valor Awards are for specific acts that occurred from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
Save the Date: Business After Hours | West Oaks Farm Market July 30, 2021 5:00 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Ronnie Wolford and Logan Garrett 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Chris Darlington Band Celebrate Chamber Night at West Oaks Farm Market for an outdoor music event that the whole family will love. Children 12 & under are free. Bring your chair or a blanket. Chamber Members must register to receive one free admission at regionalchamber.biz
Volunteers Needed Adult Literacy Tutors
Adults across the city of Winchester and surrounding counties need help to gain basic literacy, math, or computer skills that will enable them to succeed as workers, parents, and community citizens. When adults reach their educational goals, their families and communities grow stronger. With the critical support of our dedicated volunteers, we can make a difference. Volunteers are vital to the success of students and literacy programs. They bring optimism and enthusiasm, create positive energy, and share diverse perspectives that lead to enhanced learning outcomes for students. Our Volunteers serve as Adult Literacy Tutors for our students, teaching English, reading, writing, basic math, driver’s license, citizenship, and computer skills. Volunteers may work in a teacher-led classroom or be paired one-to-one as a tutor with a student. Tutors do not need to have any prior experience in education. They need only a desire to assist an adult to read, write or speak English, understand math, learn a life skill such as driving a car or operating a digital device, or how to become a citizen. Find out more at lvwa.org
Power to the Top Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center further cemented their position as the top resource in the area for fitness enthusiasts by expanding services and facilities on the hospital campus. Parisi Speed School will be one of the newest options to grace the fitness menu with wide offerings for rehabilitation patients to the most elite athletes in the area. The new space has been an immediate hit with staff and clients alike.
Be the Change
Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
alley Health has been improving community wellness since the 36-bed Winchester Memorial Hospital opened in 1903. Ground broke in 1986 for the current residency of Winchester Medical Center, whose 100-acre facility now supports two medical office buildings, a diagnostic center, an employee childcare center, Adult Behavioral Health, Valley Regional Enterprises, Surgi-Center of Winchester, and the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Valley Health formed as a non-profit organization in 1994 to bring a better quality healthcare to the growing system. In 2012, The North Tower opened to expand their Emergency and Intensive Care capabilities. The Winchester Medical Center campus also boasts a premier wellness and fitness center, whose own growth has made a huge impact on the overall wellness of regional residents and now aims to improve fitness levels for elite athletes with the new Parisi Speed School. The new Warren Memorial Hospital, located in Front Royal, Virginia also includes The Andreae Family Wellness and Recreation Trails for community residents.
serving a population of more than 500,000 people. In order the assessment noted health needs with regard to: 1. Behavioral and Health Status Factors 2. Access to Primary, Preventative, and Specialty Care 3. Social and Economic Factors 4. Mental Health and Substance Abuse 5. Health Outcomes 6. Maternal and Child Health
“It’s about civic partnerships. I think it’s about health systems, working with universities, other local institutions, governments. We need to work together to get it done. This collaborative model used during the pandemic has to be the model for the future.” - Dr. Jeff Feit
Not all of these needs can be met Valley Health continues to offer and through a hospital system. Partnerships encourage COVID-19 vaccinations. Fawithin the community must exist to alcilities have moved to the Apple Blossom low any impact to be made to any of the Mall, available between LensCrafters health needs. Collaboration is nothing new and Victoria Secret, on Wednesdays for the 118-year-old organization. You can and Saturdays from noon to 7:00 p.m. see evidence of that with Shenandoah Pfizer vaccines are available to patients University in their nursing and physical 12 years old and up with Moderna and therapy programs or most recently with Johnson & Johnson vaccines available the mass-vaccination site at the James R. to those over 18 years old. Health offiWilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center that cials do expect the variants to reach the administered more than 65,000 doses of region in the fall as well as the impendthe COVID-19 vaccine. ing flu season. Valley Health poses a challenge to busiA 2019 Community Health Needs nesses in the region to jump behind these Assessment (which Winchester Medical community needs. Behavioral and Health Center completes ever three years) priStatus Factors focus on physical activity, oritized six health needs for the primary obesity, and chronic disease. Businesses service area of the six-hospital system, and organizations can be a catalyst to get
large groups of people moving, exercising, and eating healthy. This builds healthier outcomes for employees, which in turn lowers overhead costs, as well as teamwork, and improved mental health qualities. The partnerships would also need to extend into local parks and recreation departments, schools, faith-based communities, and community groups to expand healthy menu options, positive choices, and increased exercise, especially around youth programs. Community gardens can have a large role in making healthier choices accessible to low-income households. Accessibility is a major barrier for many of the needs identified. The City of Winchester reported a poverty level of 12.5% in 2017 (Virginia reported a statewide average of 11.2% in the same time period), but an increase to 15% is shown in a recent census update. This limits accessibility to transportation, insurance coverages, primary and specialty care, dental health, and home health. WinTran does support public transportation services to medical facilities over a 12-hour window of operation. Community services such as the Sinclair Health Clinic provide services to high-risk areas where they have had 8,788 patient visits through the past 12 months and filled 10,606 prescriptions. ALICE families, who often live just above the poverty line but still struggle with accessibility to care often find themselves in the gap. That is where businesses can help bring screenings out to the workplace through Valley Health Workplace Wellness (540-536-3040) or implement activities to get employees moving or making healthier food choices. Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center also offers corporate packages. Mental Health and Substance Abuse services are rapidly growing, yet
remain a top priority to enhance community wellness in the region. Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse have proven to increase during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. New stressors heighten anxiety levels which can lead to dependency or addiction. To combat the opioid epidemic that is ravaging much of the country, The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition was formed in 2014. In 2014, The City of Winchester, Clarke County and Frederick County, Virginia reported 21 Heroin overdose deaths. In 2020, that number grew to 31 deaths in the same region and ALL localities in their coverage reported an increase in overdose deaths. This is another example where the needs of a community need to be solved through a network of collaboration. “Community problems need community solutions,” said Dr. Jeff Feit, who was recently recognized for his contributions, along with many others, to the Lord Fairfax Health District in the Circle of Excellence award at the 2021 Greater Good Awards. “This community is a magical size that scales for success, we are large enough to have the resources available to address community needs, yet small enough to be nimble when overcoming barriers that challenge larger cities,” Dr. Feit added. The Princeton University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University graduate and current Valley Health Vice President of Population and Community Health, has had a chance to see how communities of different sizes are able to respond to community needs first hand. The Lord Fairfax Health District pairs well with the footprint of Valley Health’s coverage. This allows the flexibility needed to allow a healthcare system to work with a university to provide service to the entire health district quickly and efficiently, creating a model that the rest of the state and country were learning from. Virginia initially was ranked as one of the
worst states with the vaccine rollout until Valley Health and Shenandoah University came together. Virginians from all over the state were coming to Winchester to get vaccinated. Local vaccination rates were nearly twice as high per capita than that of Northern Virginia suburbs. Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments, said in a February, 2021 PBS News Hour statement, “If we had the opportunity to do this over again, and we were able to anticipate just how complex the inventory management piece of this would be and the need for more streamlined, centralized, consistent registration, I think we would have started do with that
model.” Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph. D, Shenandoah University President, added “We’re semi-rural. We often have to do things by ourselves,” she said. “We don’t wait and wait and wait for the federal government or the commonwealth to give us all the instructions. We do our best to jump ahead to serve our own folks,” in a February, 2021 NBC Washington news segment. While a hospital system cannot address every need in a community, such as social and economic factors, Valley Health is committed to continuing to partner with other organizations that may be more ideally suited to be the lead organization in addressing the needs. Valley Health looks to collaborate with organizations such as the school systems, Northwestern Community Services, the Northern Shenandoah Housing Coalition, the United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and of course, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to continue to make an impact on our community.
Now, That’s Smart
Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber After spending many years in a traditional healthcare setting, Kelly Botta, PA-C, MSPAS, is taking a new approach to preventative primary care that provides additional options for patients with no insurance or high deductible plans. Botta is the owner and founder of Smartypants Medicine, which offers direct primary care for patients for a low monthly fee that allows patients to get the care they need without worrying about meeting the costs associated with a high deductible or receiving a bill months later after an insurance company has partially reimbursed a healthcare provider. The idea of in-home medical care is not a new concept. Medical professionals have been visiting patients at home for many years, offering convenience as well as personable service without long wait times or mixing germs in mixed populations. What is new is the transparency of medical costs associated with coverage. In fact, Smartypants Medicine lists those prices online with their services, so that you know what to expect from the first moment. You can then compare those costs with industry standard market pricing to make an informed decision. Direct Primary Care is bringing a free market back to healthcare while lowering insurance costs nationally. The healthcare industry represents one of the largest sectors in the United States economy. It is currently undergoing a revolution as technology creeps in. Telemedicine has been put on the main stage in the past year. The technology has been there for many years, but a reason to put it to good use has finally surfaced, much like those extinct QR codes that now adorn many restaurant tables for your menu. Personalized care and subscription or direct pay services have allowed the industry to provide more than a one-size-fits-all approach and strive for improved outcomes for patients. The United States ranks 37 on a World Health Ranking while spending more on healthcare than any other country by far. Healthcare costs are difficult to manage and have left 40% of Americans burdened with massive debts. The hardest hit are “ALICE” families. They often make enough money to not qualify for community programs and services while their income is constrained when preparing for unknown expenses such as medical bills. In most industries, you have an idea of the cost of a product or service prior to deciding to purchase. A year of historic layoffs has left many uninsured. COBRA plans allow unemployed Americans to take advantage of the coverage
they may have had while employed but requires they pay the full costs of the premiums, where an employer covers a US average 83% of insurance premiums after-tax and employee premiums are covered pre-tax. Medical debt is cited in two-thirds of bankruptcy filings. This impacts the ability for consumers to purchase homes or automobiles. Newer scoring models, such as FICO 9, weigh medical collections less than other types of collections, but not all lenders are using newer scoring models. Financially, Smartypants Medicine is a wonderful alternative for those who are unemployed or face high-deductibles that they often don’t meet. They are also revolutionizing communication with patients, utilizing text messages and email (both through a HIPAA secured, encrypted platform), as well as telephone communication. Some small businesses in our region struggle to provide competitive insurance options for employees, not having the clout that a larger employer may carry when contracting insurance plans. This makes it difficult to retain employees or attract new talent to their staff. Small business owners can now work with Smartypants Medicine to provide preventative coverage without needing large amounts of time-off to sit in a crowded waiting room.
Finding Balance Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Negative mental and emotional health have long plagued productivity in the American workplace. This can range from decreased job performance, to disability and unemployment, to violent aggression towards coworkers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, many employees who report moderate to severe depression do not seek treatment and report higher costs of health care for other health conditions, surpassing the costs that smoking or obesity add to coverages. Intentional self-harm (suicide) is now in the top-10 leading cause of deaths in the United States based on a 2019 study. So, what can we do to protect employees in our region? Workplaces are an ideal setting to add-
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Intentional Self-Harm now ranks in the top10 leading causes of death in the United States
ress mental and emotional health and awareness with much of the structure in place to create a company culture of health and wellness while getting large groups of people together. Successful employers create programs or offer mental health self-assessments to remove the fear of implications on one’s job from seeking treatment. Seminars addressing anxiety and depression can allow employees to recognize signs and symptoms within themselves to seek treatment. Dedicated spaces throughout the workplace can allow employees to find a quiet location to focus on projects under tight deadlines. For a list of Chamber members that offer health and wellness services, visit regionalchamber.biz
Fun with Membership
Cogratulations to Wayside Inn 1797/Larrick’s Tavern who have reopened at 7783 Main Street in Middletown. The Wayside Inn 1797 looks forward to reclaiming their place as a premier event venue flourishing in the rich history of the area. The property features 22 bedrooms, several dining halls and reading rooms, a large kitchen, outdoor seating, a tavern, and much more.
Fun with Membership
June in Photos
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1. Top of Virginia Regional Chamber CEO Cynthia Schneider listens while Charles Harbaugh, Mayor of Middletown and new Executive Director at Access Independence speaks to Chamber members gathered at Business After Hours at Wayside Inn 1797 in June. 2. Wayside Inn 1797 welcomed Chamber members with delicious appetizers made by Chef Travis John Ross. 3. Rick Orndorff, Jr. and wife Angie, owners of Wayside Inn 1797, located at 7738 Main Street in Middletown, speak to members while TVRC CEO Cynthia Schneider and Middletown Councilor Shayla Rickard listen on. Rickard is a recent graduate of the Class of 2021 Community Leadership Program and the M.S. Advising & Professional Development Coordinator at Shenandoah University School of Business. 4. Village at Orchard Ridge Volunteer Coordinator Janie Dickens-Bowman prepares to send her golf ball into orbit after Chamber members received lessons at Rock Harbor during Valley Business Women in June. 5. Crystel Smith of Crystel Clear Business Strategies practices her mechanics before lining up her shot. 6. Ryan Hall speaks to the crowd gathered in Old Town Winchester for the Ribbon Cutting for new members Shenandoah Community Capital Fund.
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