MARCH 2021
Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Technology
Lends a Hand in the Top of Virginia
INSIDE: 04 | New Members 06 | The Book Nook 08 | How HRLS Serves During a Pandemic 13 | A Connection to Each Other
Bill Reduction for 2021! REC is excited to announce that the cost of supplying electricity is falling. Member-owners will see a bill reduction of nearly $6 per month in 2021. $
!
ALERT
In addition to the exciting news above, REC warns member-owners to beware of scammers attempting to take advantage of utility customers. REC will not call, text or email you to demand personal information or immediate payment. Please call REC directly at 1-800-552-3904 if you have any questions.
www.myrec.coop
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair John Fox Green Sen, LLC Chair-Elect Scott Harvard First Bank Vice Chair Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc. Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB
photo courtesy of Handley Regional Library
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
04 | Letter from CEO
07 | Technology Provides Safety for 2021 Greater Good Awards
04 | New Members 05 | TVRC News and Events 06 | The Book Nook
08 | How Handley Regional Library System is using Technology to Serve the Community During the Pandemic 10 | VoIP Blazing a New Path for Telecom 13 | A Connection to Each Other
Immediate Past Chair Tracy Vosika George Mason Mortgage, LLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emily Burner Shenandoah University Jenny Grooms WMC Foundation
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors Chamber Elite
Jim Guisewhite SVN Commercial Specialists James Imoh Edwards Jones Investments Kevin McKannan Glenloch Legal PLC Katrina Meade City National Bank
Chairman’s Club
Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser President’s Club
Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV Kristy Powers Navy Federal Credit Union
Media Sponsors
Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health
Letter From the CEO Stronger Together in the Top of Virginia
CHAMBER STAFF Cynthia Schneider, CEO
Technology has been at the forefront since many of our members changed how they were doing business to continue to connect with customers and staff in a new way. Our events and programs converted into virtual formats to allow companies to share information, providing solutions they were using to continue to move forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As times begin to shift back to a more common workflow, many of our members and Chamber staff look forward to how the required technology can be utilized effectively moving forward. We want to connect again in-person, but we are in awe when we hear of businesses shifting through a pandemic and coming out stronger together. As regulations on gatherings begin to loosen in our area, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber embraces technology to connect our members in exciting ways. The Greater Good Awards has been a signature event for many years for TVRC. The 2021 Greater Good Awards will continue to be an in-person event this year, thanks to utilizing technology to allow guests to social distance, while collaboration and improved air systems will provide safety to all in attendance. We cannot wait to see you there on March 18, 2021. Cynthia Schneider | CEO
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
UPCOMING EVENTS View the full TVRC calendar at regionalchamber.biz
Welcome
New Members
Greater Good Awards Thursday, March 18 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Alamo Drafthouse
Post Session Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, April 8 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Virtual Event
Corporate Challenge Wednesday, June 16 Rock Harbor Golf Course
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between February 1 and February 28. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
JCC Plumbing Services LLC
Unity Power Services
Edward Jones - Will Lawrence
Blauch Brothers
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 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 You are invited to the 2021 Greater Good Awards
Upcoming Programs:
The 2021 Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health, will be an in-person event at the Alamo Drafthouse on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) continues to provide value to members by facilitating lead shares and educational sessions.
Honors to be presented include Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and NEW for 2021, Non-Profit of the Year.
March 11, 2021 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 am Senior Interest Networking Group (SING)
Tickets and information are now available at: regionalchamber.biz/the-greater-good-awards
In the News:
March 12, 2021 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Small Business Builders March 23, 2021 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn - Workforce Development March 24, 2021 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Marketing Mindshare
Virginians can begin to look beyond the pandemic as statewide COVID-19 numbers began to fall in late January and continued to fall through February. Governor Northam recently loosened some state guidlines in his February 24th revision of Executive Order Seventy-Two.
March 26, 2021 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Small Business Builders
Vaccine information can be found at: vaccinate.virginia.gov Learn more about Executive Order Seventy Two: governor.virginia.gov/
April 8, 2021 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m Post Session Legislative Breakfast
In the Community:
Save the Date:
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley welcomes “Norman Rockwell’s America” to exhibit in February. The exhibit will feature 25 original paintings, studies, and drawings; 323 vintage Saturday Evening Post covers; and 1940s-era posters of Rockwell’s iconic Four Freedoms series. The exhibit will run until August 8, 2021.
TVRC’s Corporate Challenge will take place on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Rock Harbor Golf Course. Businesses will display their competive prowess as they compete to win the Chamber Torch Trophy.
Learn more at: themsv.org
SpeechCraft! - with Winchester Toastmasters will begin in April, teaching participants to speak with confidence, prepare effective speeches within a limited time frame, and lead effective meetings. SpeechCraft! sessions take place every Tuesday in April from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Learn more at: regionalchamber.biz
COVID-19 Resources The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is your source to stay up to date for COVID-19 resources in our area. Learn more at: regionalchamber.biz/coronavirus-covid-19
April 5, 2021 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Next Steps: Member Orientation
Learn more at: regionalchamber.biz
Learn more and register at: regionalchamber.biz
by Matt Swain, PR Manager Handley Regional Library System
The Book Nook is a monthly column courtesy of Handley Regional Library System that shares reading recommendations on business topics, career advice, leadership, and more to help drive your business – and career – forward. The titles selected here are available as an eBook or audiobook on Hoopla, a free streaming platform for the community, with your library card. Learn more and start reading and listening at www.handleyregional.org/hoopla.
The Book Tour Andi Watson
A page-turning, dark comedy in brilliant retro style, this graphic novel watches one man try to keep it together while everything falls apart. Upon the publication of his latest novel, G. H. Fretwell embarks on a book tour. His trip gradually turns into a nightmare. Now the police want to ask him some questions about a mysterious disappearance . . .
The Vanishing Half Britt Bennett
Part of the Next Virtual Book Club Discussion on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 The Vignes twin sisters are identical, but after growing up in a southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. This book considers the influence of the past as it shapes decisions, desires, and expectations.
Handley Regional Library System’s monthly virtual book club, Brown Bag with Books, is available on Zoom. Register and see what’s next at www.handleyregional.org/club
Need more inspiration? We help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals take care of business at your local library. Visit www.handleyregional.org/business
Technology Provides Safety for 2021 Greater Good Awards Written by: Kory Campbell, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Technology will be on display for the 2021 Greater Good Awards presented by Valley Health. The Chamber’s premier event will take place in person at the Alamo Drafthouse, thanks to an AtmosAir purification system that enhances the indoor air that we breathe. The Greater Good Awards will use multiple theaters to accommodate social distancing guidelines. AtmosAir uses Bi-Polar Ionization tubes to energize the air into positive and negative air ions without using unsafe chemicals or creating unwanted byproducts. Air ions then attach to contaminants within the air, breaking them down and forcing them to drop out of breathing range. The system can neutralize viruses and bacteria
^ Guests pause for a selfie at the 2020 Greater Good Awards
as well as dust and mold particles that pass through HVAC systems. Having been recently installed at the Alamo Drafthouse, theater guests and guests at the 2021 Greater Good Awards can attend confidently, knowing the purification system is in place. Other precautions, such as mask-wearing for guests and staff, daily health checks for staff, social distancing, hand washing/sanitation, and plexiglass shields, have been installed where staff communicates with customers in higher traffic areas. The Alamo Drafthouse has been reopened successfully since July of 2020.
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How Handley Regional Library System is using Technology to Serve the Community During the Pandemic
Written by: Matt Swain, Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Handley Regional Library System The story of how Handley Regional Library System has had to both adapt and reinvent how we serve the community – a service area of over 130,000 in Clarke, Frederick, and Winchester City – is undoubtedly one for the books.
Self-Checkouts Help Patrons & Staff Safely Distance
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Our self-checkout kiosks have played an enormous role in allowing patrons contactless self-checkout of materials. Here, you scan your library card, place your stack of materiOver the past 12 months, we’ve transials on the sensor pad, and you’re done! The tioned through multiple service models - onwhole process takes less than 15 seconds, line access only, contactless curbside pick-up, and you adhere to social distancing guidelines to having all three library buildings open to the during the entire borrowing process. public with limited hours, services, and occupancy following safety guidelines– to continue Part of our self-checkout system is our Radio our 100-year-old commitment to the commuFrequency Identification (RFID) material hannity. dling system. Installed at Bowman Library due to the high checkout rates, this conveyor belt The entire process has been a balancsystem scans, returns, and sorts materials ing act when working with logistics of three back into the library system, resulting in less public buildings of varying sizes and ages handling of materials. that typically experience over 30,000 monthly A self-checkout kiosk at allows readers to enin-person visits housing over 300,000 physical joy their favorite books while remaining mindful of social distancing guidelines. materials. Images courtesy of Handley Regional Library Systems
Getting to Work with Career Resources
Programming for All Ages Goes Online
With so many jobs and careers impacted by the pandemic, we want the community to know we are ready to help meet the need of getting them back to work, learn a new skill, create resumes, gain occupational certification – and a lot more. Use Learning Express, Peterson’s Career Prep, Reference Solutions, and Universal Class in our 24/7 Digital Library for your next great opportunity. We’ve invested in these resources to help you.
We offer over 1,200 in-person programs a year for all ages. While the pandemic has impacted the number of programs we have now, thanks to Zoom and a lot of library magic, we now offer engaging reading programs, story times, author talks, STEAM-based topics, cooking shows for teens, and a lot more through Zoom and on social media. Families use these to supplement their current education program and entertainment.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Our 24/7 Digital Library is Now More Important Than Ever
With families working from home and students learning online, access to the internet continues to be a challenge in some areas. We increased our T-Mobile WiFi devices patrons can borrow for unlimited internet.
Whether you are learning at home, teaching remotely, needing access to research, or looking for your next streaming movie, our Digital Library continues to meet the community’s need with acWe also increased our WiFi cess from anywhere you have an internet strength so the community can connection. We worked with our vendors use free public internet in the to enhance content, purchased additional parking lots and areas around resources and databases, and partnered each building. with different community groups to get the word out about what is available. Best of To further the learning process for young all, the content is FREE with your library children and students, we offer Launchpads. card! Click on Digital Library at These are tablets pre-loaded with ad-free www.handleyregional.org for apps that are both fun and educational – internet not required. We now have Wonder- instant access. books, the books with a built-in audio player, to improve reading comprehension and development of literacy and other core skills. We continue to see an increase in these digital products to help further the learning process.
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Handley Regional Library Systems offer Launchpads, which are pre-loaded with ad-free apps for younger readers as well as Wonderbooks. An internet connection is not required for Launchpads
For more information on how Handley Regional Library System can help you, visit www.handleyregional.org or contact your local branch.
We understand the responsibility we have as library professionals to provide fair and equal access to information and entertainment through critical public library services – in all environments – and technology and creative thinking played a significant role in how we continue to meet that challenge. Matt Swain
Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Handley Regional Library System
VoIP Blazing a New Path for Telecom Written by: Paula Valone, Account Manager, and Emily Kaser, Marketing Coordinator OneVoice Communications
Hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), in definition, is an emerging set of applications that allows the user to make phone calls over broadband or dedicated internet connection. Over the past decade, VoIP has become more popular and has replaced traditional telephone systems because of its mobility, variety of features, and its cost. In comparison to traditional phone systems, VoIP systems only require: a device to accept and make calls and an internet connection. Traditional phone systems have on-premise equipment (PBX) connected to a physical circuit providing stability in the connection, resulting in higher call quality. However, traditional phone systems have their challenges as well. These include expensive maintenance of the PBX systems and replacement costs of these systems,
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OneVoice Communications teamed up (pre-pandemic) to deliver supplies to those in need.
which can be equally as expensive. With Hosted VoIP, all of your voice and phone data is managed in the cloud. The advantage to having your phone system data stored in the cloud is that adjustments can be made easily within the VoIP online dashboard. Your business will eliminate the cost and the worry of managing and upgrading equipment and overall telecom costs. As stated above, VoIP phone calls can be made over any internet connection using an ATA (analog telephone adapter), a cell phone, a computer, or an IP phone. IP phones look like traditional desk phones but have the software built-in that connects via an ethernet port to your internet. One of the most significant advantages of using VoIP is its portability features.
Employees will be able to communicate with one another in the office or remote. VoIP gives the user the ability to make and receive phone calls over any internet connection by signing into the user’s VoIP account via an app on a mobile device or a PC. Another significant advantage is the variety of VoIP features that are not offered with traditional phone systems. Some of these features include: desktop and email integration, scheduled call routing, and auto-attendant features, to name a few. With all the great features of this type of system, there are setbacks that can occur with VoIP, such as latency and jitters. Data packets are sometimes delayed or are unable to reach their target,
which can cause latency or jitters. This is due to either a poor internet connection, inadequate routers, or insufficient cables, similar to how cell phones jitter or drop today. Overall, VoIP is becoming the voice service of choice in offices or businesses of various sizes, allowing employees to be connected no matter where they are working. With its many features and ease of use, VoIP is an excellent choice for your business and will be a reliable communication system even as your business or company grows.
A Connection to Each Other Written By: Joan Monahan, LPC, ACS The month of February brought us a reminder of the “love” we might have for individuals we consider to be close to us. However, 2020 brought a technical connection to us all that served as less than a personal one. The year 2020 had this technical connection to become a quick way to learn virtually, connecting with others. Thus, leaving many to cope with being disconnected but connected to the computer rather quickly. The Zoom platform quickly catapulted many of us into this new, primary way of connecting with friends, family, and colleagues. Our brain desires to connect to others physically. Unfortunately, this was no longer a viable option for many of us. Our brains have certain chemicals that are released when we feel that human to human contact. Why are relationships so critical to our brains and well-being? It has to do with our need to bond with others, creating a sense of safety and security within our minds and bodies. Humans have always required a connection and attention of some kind, even if it is negative. What? Yes, even negative attention wins out here! So, will humans adapt to the way life is now? Of course, most likely, however, not without some consequence to be had. Humans are amazing creatures and have accomplished tremendous things so that they can overcome many hardships. We all have done this despite a horrific pandemic coming to America, and we all have made the best out of a daunting situation. Humans remain resilient and can overcome many obstacles. The intrinsic ability to connect to other humans is such a priceless characteristic that humans can always provide to each other. I am optimistic that the future will allow this for all. I have witnessed meaningful interactions during 2020, i.e., frontline workers connecting with their patients in a heartfelt way,
^ Joan Monahan, LPC, ACS connects with a group pre-pandemic. Image courtesy of the Northern Virginia Daily
people dedicating their time and money without any hesitation, and virtual hugs. These emotional connections have been able to occur regardless of the uncertainty around us. Computers have helped us tremendously during 2020; however, I believe that our connections to technology remove another factor and realization, We Need to Connect to Others. Sure, the internet and Zoom offer this opportunity; however, this was not what the attachment theorists meant when they published studies related to brain development in infants. For example, it feels good to hold a hand, hug a loved one, and see a tear in real-time. Priceless gifts I believe we could all agree on and something a computer, sorry, will never replace.
Fun with Membership
Ribbon Cuttings
SMARTYPANTS MEDICINE is a Direct Primary Care, Internal Medicine practice in Winchester, Virginia. Through a membership model, like Netflix, you can get healthcare without the headache.
TVRC MEMBER TESTIMONIAL: Valley Health’s membership in the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is a valuable asset as we work to improve the health of our community. The region’s employers are increasingly concerned with helping their employees make healthy choices and wise health care decisions. Our Chamber membership provides Valley Health the opportunity to be a resource for local businesses and their partner in addressing health and wellness issues. Valley Health’s ongoing involvement with the Chamber’s Community Leadership Program has given us the opportunity to engage community leaders in discussions about the health challenges facing our communities. Chris Rucker, MHA
Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff,Valley Health System and President, Valley Regional Enterprises
The Greater Good Awards
Nominees
Large Business of the Year Valley Health, Mark Nantz Shenandoah University, Mitchell Moore The Village at Orchard Ridge, Melissa Fortner Blue Ridge Industries, Adam Noble Yount, Hyde, and Barbour, Jeremy Shen Small Business of the Year Netmaker Communications LLC., Jon Marcy Kimberly’s, Kimberly Sowers Michael Callahan and Associates LLC., Michael Callahan Clutter Troops, Chuck Lehrer Edward Jones Investments, James Imoh True North Group LLC, Thomas Stamulis Entrepreneur of the Year Will Lawrence, Edward Jones Investments Micheal Callahan CPA, Micheal Callahan and Associates LLC. Thomas Stamulis, True North Group LLC Emerging Leader Greg Vossler, Green Bay Packaging Lauren Gwinn, MyPotential at Home Non-Profit of the Year Shenandoah Area on Aging United Way/Valley Assistance Network The Laurel Center Literacy Volunteers Child Safe Center I’m Just Me Movement Citizen of the Year Jennifer Shea-Roop Sheriff Lenny Millholland Lauren Gwinn Sabra Veach Dr. Nicolas Restrepo Tina Stevens
The Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health, will take place in-person on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m at the Alamo Drafthouse.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor
Come and Celebrate Join Top of Virginia Regional Chamber members at the annual Greater Good Awards, presented by Valley Health to celebrate the local business community. We plan to recognize the award nominees in high style as we announce the winners of the Hollie Awards named for the first Chamber president, Hollie B. McCormac. Highlights of the evening will include dinner, 50/50 Raffle, and presentation of the Greater Good Awards. Awards include: Large Business of the Year Small Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Emerging Leader Award Citizen of the Year Award NEW in 2021: Non-profit of the Year. The theme this year is “A Star Among Us” Suggested Attire: Suits, Tuxedo, Gowns, Dresses REMINDER There will be a: 50/50 Raffle - buy online during registration or at the door Cash Bar (two complimentary beverage included, seated service only) 24 Carat Champagne Cocktail made specifically to celebrate the evening Liquor, Wine or Beer Dinner Choices: (choice of 1) Steak Medallions, Garden Salad, Asparagus and Red Potatoes Roasted Chicken, Garden salad, Asparagus and Red Potatoes Spaghetti Squash, Garden Salad, House-Made Marinara and Ciabatta Pre-registration for this event is required. Do Not wait to make your reservations! *Same day reservations cannot be accepted. Cancellations must be made by noon Tuesday, March 16, 2021 to avoid charges.
