TVRC Chamber News: The Voice of Business & Industry | June 2020

JUNE 2020

Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

SPECIAL SECTION:

RESILIENCY

Bouncing Back in the TOV John & Ann Fox Greenwood Grocery & Deli

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 Greenwood Grocery & Deli.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

04 | Letter from CEO

06 | Resilience in the Times of COVID-19

04 | New Members

08 | Resilience at Work

Susan Brooks Navy Federal Credit Union Emily Burner Shenandoah University Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc.

05 | TVRC News and Events

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

Stronger Together The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber represents over 800 businesses, and their tens of thousands of employees in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. The diversity of our business community brings strength to our region.

The trusted relationships we build while serving together unite us. Our collaborative efforts enable us to go beyond our personal limitations. Never has this been more important than now. As unique community builders our members represent the great qualities of innovation, determination, collaboration, and especially resilience.

In this issue of the Chamber News we highlight the ongoing resilience of our TVRC members and community partners in the face of current health and cultural challenges.

Resilience is defined as the ability to absorb or avoid damage without suffering complete failure and is an objective of design, maintenance and restoration for buildings and infrastructure, as well as communities. It is exhibited by springing back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. Those who practice resilience withstand or recover more quickly from difficult conditions. Well, as you will see our businesses are flexing like Gumby. They are moving and bending, adapting and changing, giving and serving, as they work diligently to continue to support and strengthen the economic vitality of our region and protect the quality of life that we so enjoy in the Top of Virginia. They deserve a round of applause, and all the support you can give them, as they move beyond today’s challenges and into the next phases of recovery and growth.

Let’s all be like Gumby. Wide eyed, smiling, waving with kindness, and flexible.

Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

UPCOMING EVENTS The full TVRC calendar can be viewed at regionalchamber.biz

VIRTUAL BUSINESS & BREAKFAST Tues. June 16

Hosted by Bowman

Welcome

New Members Telemon Communications Fairfield Inn & Suites Sierra Learnership Collaborative

VIRTUAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP Wed. June 17 Name that Movie Trivia Night

VIRTUAL MARKETING MIND SHARE Wed. June 24 Topic: Branding through Photography

Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between May 1and May 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.

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

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: Virtual Job Fair Job seekers come out for FREE to the Top of Virginia Virtual Job Fair on Wednesday, June 17 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Numerous employers will be on-site “virtually” to meet you!

We are looking to connect employers ready to hire with job seekers who want to work.

The Virtual Job Fair is sponsored by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, Virginia Career Works, the Winchester Area Society for Human Resource Management (WASHRM), iHeartMedia/Q102 and is being hosted by Dr. Dave Leadership Corporation.

Learn more at regionalchamber.biz/events.

Save the Date: Young Professionals Group TVRC’s Young Professionals Group will meet virtually on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a fun night of Movie Trivia. Emcee provided by effectv.

Learn more and register at regionalchamber.biz/events

Stronger Together Apparel at Signet Marketing Call 540-665-9651 to order yours today

Signet Marketing designed a special Winchester Eat - Drink - Shop - Local t-shirt, with 100% of the proceeds going 15 local small businesses.

Resilience in the Times of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted commerce, disrupted economies, claimed lives and changed our daily routines as we know it. It has also shown us how strong we are in the Top of Virginia and how impactful, even in isolation we can be. For this special issue, we asked Top of Virginia Regional Chamber members to share their stories and photos of resiliency. The result? An extraordinary display of hope and how we remain #StrongerTogether in the TOV.

Solenberger’s True Value Hardware

As an essential business, Solenberger’s True Value Hardware remained open for its customers, from the contractors, electricians and plumbers to the DIY’s, gardeners and bee keepers.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

REC was pleased to make a donation to support The Louisa Resource Council which provides vital services for county residents.

Shenandoah University

“When Shenandoah University went virtual in Mid-March we received a call for assistance from the Sodexo Environmental Services Team at Procter & Gamble in Inwood, WV for their 2 million square foot manufacturing facility.

During these months between 10-20 of our employees have worked there to help clean and disinfect the plant and our managers have made a few trips up there to do Safety Checks with our crew discussing safety, health and life news.”

Peter Labrecque, General Manager Nick Santmier, David Grumbacher, Scott Samson, Humberto Herrera

Resilience at Work By: Ashley Miller

Blue Plate Books

Social distancing signs, plastic shower curtains and curb side pick-up quickly became the new normal for the book store.

Resiliency, defined by Patrick Saine, Blue Plate Books, is “all about looking at today’s problems and issues - then fixing them with an eye towards future success.

In other words, today’s obstacles aren’t just overcome, they’re removed to create a pathway to the future you know is coming.”

During the past few months, COVID-19 has transformed our lives in many ways we never thought possible. As the crisis, global in scale, became more widespread and uncertainty increased, businesses across all sectors became innovative and collaborative to fight the unprecedented challenges. Business models changed overnight, supply chains overhauled and customer service methods reoriented But it was here, in the Top of Virginia, that we saw our businesses emerge resilience. Top Guard Security found themselves at the tip of the spear for temperature scans, White House Foods retooled one of its manufacturing lines to make hand sanitizer and Shenandoah Arts Council vowed to #StopTheSpread and spread kindness instead. To date, the arts council has given away over 2,000 masks to adults and children not only in our community, but throughout Virginia and beyond.

“Recipients include two senior living communities, medical offices, businesses, and compromised individuals,” said Kira Skala, board member and sewer.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley resolved to do everything they could to support working families in our community.

“In the beginning, we started an

informational hub and resource directory on our website” Elise Stine Doliner, Marketing & Development Manager said. “Next, we established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide flexible resources to organizations to directly assist families impacted by the pandemic. To aid in the response, we set aside emergency funds of $100,000 to match donations made by the community.”

To date United Way NSV have distributed $82,650 to 16 local agencies, helping hundreds of local people so far.

In March the Shenandoah Valley Chess Club was flying high. They has just completed a great youth tournament at Handley Library. Then traveled to the Virginia State Scholastic Championship in Alexandria. David Hubbard, Chess Club President said the team worked hard to achieve these milestones. “The kids did great and we couldn’t have been prouder.”

Five days later the group was met by the hard letdown of the COVID-19 emergency. “Our club thrived on gathering the community around

chess. Overnight we learned – as did many others that we had to stop immediately,” Hubbard said.

“For weeks we felt stunned.” Then two unexpected things happened.

First, the global chess community surged. With billions indoors, online chess skyrocketed. Next, the Handley Library inquired if the club could provide chess lessons on social media. The club assembled just enough tools to give it a shot. “Immediately after our first broadcast, the local community responded that they loved the engagement. They requested more.

We are now delivering online chess content and fun activities for thousands more people.”

Ken Broadbent, The Zenith Group found solace in communicating with his clients over the phone, by e-mail and via Zoom.

“Touch base, connect, support, and let them know we’re here for them.” Broadbent also particiapted in zoom seminars through the Lord Fairfax Small Business Development Center, which have been extraordinarily helpful and insightful.

“Learning never ends.” Broadbent added, “This crisis has also given us time to reflect on the company, what we are doing well and what we need to change to meet an ever-changing world. “ As a mostly-remote B2B company, Ingenium BCS felt called to help companies gain the necessary strategies for running businesses online, and also help them take advantage of the available funding options. “We created a free resources page full of articles and tools, including a PPP loan calculator, and walked businesses through the PPP loan application See Resilience Page 11

Shenandoah Valley Chess Club

A screen shot of David Hubbard’s screen. “We hope to connect with more people in our local community through virtual chess while staying safe.”

Valley Assistance Network (VAN)

Tabitha Jablonski, a bilingual volunteer for VAN, messaging online with a new client from her home.

VAN has fielded almost 300 requests from people seeking help with rent, utilities, food, and other critical resources. Utilizing technology, they worked with key partners to get resources into the hands of families who needed it most.

Four different partner agencies worked together to help Candace’s family when her husband’s hours got cut. “It has been difficult to pay for things like the electric bill. VAN has made it possible for my family to survive during this crisis. We are so grateful for your help!”

Suzan D. Herskowitz, PLLC

“This is what a makeshift home office looks like.”

Bridgeforth Photographics, Inc. (Right)

“Front Porch Portraits for Business IS a new idea and it was born out of seeing the big box stores thriving (or at least surviving) while smaller main street businesses are flatlining” Instead of paying a session fee, participants donate to a local nonprofit.

process,” Rebecca Horton VP of Marketing Services said. “All told, we played a major role in helping 10 organizations in four states and D.C. achieve $1.3 million in PPP funding. $841,000 of that total specifically went to fund Top of Virginia Regional Chamber members.”

Instead of being discouraged by lost clients and delayed projects, Ingenium chose to be excited about teaching others to innovate during this difficult period. They plan to continue updating their resources page with relevant information on topics such as PPP loan forgiveness, improving cash flow, and continuing to build sustainable business practices. “Our individual success is nothing if our clients and community are not successful first.”

Success is what has allowed L’Auberge Provencale to remain a staple in the community for the last thirty-eight years. “The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced us to change the offering at L’Auberge while still providing all our guests the experience they have come to know and enjoy,” Andy Gail, Director, Marketing & Public Relations said. “There was a quick pivot from our fine dining menu to create a seasonal menu that we could offer for curbside pick-up and delivery.”

Even in the face of the pandemic’s challenges the dedication to this community and making a positive difference was still at the forefront for the staff at L’Auberge.

The success of their curbside pick-up and delivery allowed them support the New Eve Maternity Home with a portion of sales and were able to donate $1,400 to their Mission. “This has been an unexpected challenge, but in the end,

we know the whole community will emerge stronger,” Gail said.

Linemen have a reputation for being tough.

However, they also care deeply about the communities they serve. That’s why a couple of REC’s linemen joined efforts to bring smiles to the faces of those involved in two very different fights.

Culpeper lineman Chuck Tippett wanted to honor first-responders serving amid the COVID-19 crisis. Tippett, a longtime pilot,

coordinated a flyover at three hospitals in Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania to show support. In late April, Tippett joined four other pilots as they flew in formation over each medical center.

“We’re not medical professionals, but we were able to hopefully make a difference for those who are,” Tippett said.

At the other end of REC’s service territory, a different lineman supported a child in his own fight. Easton Tavenner, 7, is battling leukemia.

To show support for Easton, Blue Ridge lineman Justin Shriver drove an REC bucket truck alongside firetrucks, ambulances, police officers, tractors and others as they paraded through Berryville toward Easton’s home. Easton beamed as the parade passed by.

“Knowing I had a role in brightening his day, even if for only a short time, was so meaningful,” Shriver said.

Blue Plate Books was one of the lucky ones. “We were able to stay open with a limit of 10 customers inside,” Saine said. “We changed our procedures: we hung clear shower curtains as an inexpensive barrier. We offered curbside service. We cut our hours and suspended book buying so we weren’t a vector for the virus. We provided hand sanitizer and sewed employee masks at home.”

Business was dicey. One day Saine said Blue Plate Books had a single charge sale of $8.42. On the week before the stimulus checks arrived, they had two different people pay for their books with coins.

“Clearly, they had cleaned out their piggy banks.” Like many businesses, Saine said they too dug deep to pay the rent. But good things did happen.

“With fewer customers, we were able to paint the bathroom, reorganize our back room, and clear out a storage area,” he said. “Overall, business has been down, but customers seem to be returning. We are now confident we’ll be okay.”

Skala agreed. “We have been encouraged by the response and support and will continue our efforts for as long as needed.” Because during a pandemic, there’s no such thing as too much hope.

L’Auberge Provencale Bed & Breakfast

Social Distanced check presentation: L-R : Cabell Angle, President, New Eve Maternity Home, Christian Borel & Celeste Borel, L’Auberge Provencale and Cynthia Schneider, CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.

Winchester Rescue Mission

“While some programing appeared different such as serving meals as to go’s, prepackaging food boxes and sheltering in an emergency shelter, the mission to serve and transform the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty did not

SPCA of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties

“We may have been closed but, thanks to you, we never stopped. We used this time to grow. We are grateful, overwhelmed by your support, and absolutely energized by what’s to come for this incredible animal welfare organization and all the people and pets associated with the SPCA of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties.”

Winchester Oral Surgery

Winchester Oral Surgery Center kept their doors open at the end of March through all of April. It was recommended by the ADA that they only see emergency cases which we followed, along with taking other safety precautions.

“To say the least, it was challenging at times, but are thankful that we could help those in pain, that may have gone to the hospital to get surgery if our doors were closed. But, since we were open, we were able to perform the surgeries in our office, keeping space open at the hospital for COVID-19 related care.”

“We are now open to seeing all procedures, but coming to our office will look different as we are continuing to follow safety protocols. But we have been receiving wonderful feedback from our patients which is encouraging.”

SVN Commercial Real Estate

SVN’s Advisor John Coontz listed and leased 47 South Cameron Street, Downtown, Winchester. Suzanne Conrad, Adams Nelson, represented the Tenant. The lease was negotiated with some extensive build out for a Hair Salon.

All was progressing nicely until the build out began and the Covid -19 Pandemic played havoc with scheduling.

Delivery of the space was set for April 1st along with the rent commencement. Permitting was slow and delivery was delayed. The Landlord and the Tenant now found themselves in the middle of the Covid-19 business shut down and in a conflict of the rent and how it should be handled.

Landlord and Tenant found themselves in a conflict that was pulling them further apart as neither could agree on the solution. We had an impasse!

What started out as an exciting 5 year lease investment into the future for the Salon operator, quickly became a nightmare of uncertainty. SVN Advisor, John Coontz, prepared an amendment to the lease, which allowed the Tenant to delay paying rent for a Salon, which could not be opened for business and the a long range plan for the Landlord to recover his lost income. Both parties gave a little and in the long range both parties received what they needed.

Out of the Pandemic challenges came the new home of De Rouge Salon @ 47 South Cameron Street.

Full Circle Marketing

Dario & Cindy Savarese, Full Circle Marketing were proud to help produce the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Parade Tribute TV Show, that aired on Apple Blossom weekend (for those who would like to watch it go to; www.thebloom.com). “We had a small group watch the Parade Tribute at their corporate office.

Our goal was to help keep the spirit Festival alive and raise much needed funds for 2020 and to get to 2021.”

Shenandoah Arts Council

Compassion for Her Community birthed the Stop the Spread, Spread Kindness Instead - Face Mask Donation Program.

The program emerged in early April when ShenArts board member, Kira Skala began sewing masks for her family and friends. When asked if they could pay her, she refused. After discussions with her husband, Tim Skinner, they agreed to have recipients pay it forward

Greenwood Grocery & Deli (Front Cover)

“We have made some changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We installed plexiglass in front of our cash registers, implemented additional cleaning and sanitation for touch area and of course, now wear masks. We have also put in a customer hand sink in the main store area with touchless water, soap and paper towels.

During the time we were closed, all of our full time employees took the online class and test for Serv Safe, which is the recognized food safety and handling standard for our industry.”

Member

Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.

Renewals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Edward Jones - Janet Davidson Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging Shenandoah Valley Chess Club Stephen M. Zebarth DDS, PC AppsTwentyFour Seventeen Eagan & Company Experimax (professional Apple® related services) Fine, Joan K, PLC (Business Attorney) Hancock Media Right at Home Tony’s Import Repair, LLC True North Group Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh PC Winchester Book Gallery Hutchens Family Dentistry Blossman Gas and Appliance

• McFarland’s Mill Inc • Nibblins, LLC • Virginia Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), a division of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) • Warfield Homes, Inc. • Travelodge - Winchester • COURTYARD by Marriott Winchester Medical Center • Darkblade Systems Corporation • Hurford Hardwoods USA • Malloy Ford • Parson’s Kia • Winchester Imaging • Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar • Riviana Foods, Inc. • Navy Federal Winchester Operations Center

MEMBER NEWS & BUSINESS AGENDA UPDATES • The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) honored James Williams, Administrator of Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury in Winchester, Virginia with the 2020 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. Only 7% of facilities nationwide met the initial selection criteria.

• Piccadilly Printing has moved to their new location at 500 W. Jubal Early Dr. #120, Winchester, Virginia.

• TVRC offers affordable access to TELEHEALTH. $15 or less per household $0 copy, unlimited visits. Group rates available. https://www.chambertelemed.com/tvrc