TVRC Chamber News: The Voice of Business & Industry

MAY 2020

Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

SPECIAL SECTION:

ROOTED & GROWING

The economic impact of Agriculture and Agritourism in the Top of VA

Eddie Richard Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Market

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 art and above photo courtesy of Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

04 | Letter from CEO

06 | Rooted in Agriculture

04 | New Members

08 | Growing through a pandemic

05 | TVRC News and Events

10 | Grow your own food

Emily Burner Shenandoah University Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc.

11| CSA’s: Community Supported Agriculture 14 | Support agritourism this summer

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors

Susan Brooks Navy Federal Credit Union

Chamber Elite

Jenny Grooms WMC Foundation Jim Guisewhite Sperry Van Ness Kevin McKannan Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C. Katrina Meade City National Bank

Chairman’s Club

Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV

President’s Club

Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health Gregory Vossler Green Bay Packaging

Letter From CEO

CHAMBER STAFF

Cynthia Schneider, CEO Strong roots provide a plant with the nutrients needed to survive and cschneider@regionalchamber.biz the stability to withstand a storm and continue to grow. This is true of our community as well. Amid the current storm known as COVID-19, strength Billy Whirley and adaptability are being witnessed not only from the depth of our roots but Director, Membership how they are intertwined to provide a durable community infrastructure. Development Our region is so blessed to have such a vast variety of intertwined indusbwhirley@regionalchamber.biz tries. How appropriate that in this month’s issue of the Chamber News we Dan Hitchcock are highlighting one of the oldest and newest industries that help to sustain Membership Development our region – Agritourism. Specialist Agritourism, which blends the Agriculture and Tourism industries, was dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz birthed out of a time of challenge as local farms sought new strategies to keep their operations efficient and sustainable. Blending educational opportunities, recreation, and social benefits with Ashley Miller their agricultural product offerings has provided enriching experiences, contributed to the economDirector, Marketing & ic strength of our region, and now perhaps more than ever shown us the value of a truly local food Communications supply. amiller@regionalchamber.biz As you read about some of the innovative contributors to this industry I hope you will be encouraged, inspired, and thankful for those who have planted and continue to cultivate the seeds that Danita Roble allow our region to be resilient. I also ask that you please start sowing seeds of interest amongst your friends and family to come Director, Event Management droble@regionalchamber.biz experience the wonderful Agritourism opportunities that can be found in our region. www.VisitWinchesterVA.com

Jody Wall Director, Program Development jwall@regionalchamber.biz

When strong roots run deep there is no reason to fear the storm. Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

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

VIRTUAL BUSINESS & BREAKFAST Tues. May 19

Welcome

New Members Association of Government Accountants Shenandoah Valley Chapter

VIRTUAL VALLEY BUSINESS WOMEN Wed. May 20

VIRTUAL MARKETING MIND SHARE Wed. May 27

Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between April 1 and April 30. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.

Blue Ridge Payments

Argitourism Members Gore’s Meats

Fox Meadow Barn Cloverdale Barn

West Oaks Farm Market

VA Farm Market Winchester Cider Works Misty Mtn. Meadworks

Timber Ridge Fruit Farm, LLC

Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery

Belle Grove Plantation

Richard’s Farm Market

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

Marker Miller Orchards Farm Market

407 S. Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-662-4118 regionalchamber.biz

Longbranch Plantation Blandy Experimental Farm

OUR PURPOSE Connect business and community resources for mutual success.

TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Save the Date: Virtual Valley Business Women Event Join Joan Monahan, LPC, ACS, of Legacy Wellness and TVRC’s Valley Business Women for a special virtual discussion on “The Discovery of Inner Resiliency” Wednesday, May 20 at 12:30. All humans will encounter many stressful events on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Do you have a choice as to how each experience will impact you? How long will this have a lasting impact on you? Each experience is seen through the lens of the eyes. Come and see what lens you have been looking through and how your body has been impacted. Come and ZOOM with us to get the answers on how to build a sense of resilience with other women seeking the same. Joan has over twenty-three years of experience in the mental health field and has been a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working in private practice, a residential treatment facility, private foster care agency, and community mental health center, hospitals, and schools. Learn more and register: regionalchamber.biz/events

Save the Date: Virtual Young Professionals Group Rusty Holland, Executive Director, Concern Hotline, will join TVRC’s Young Professionals Group on Wednesday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m. for a discussion on Mental Health amid the pandemic. The discussion will be Live Streamed on Facebook. Mr. Holland will give an overview on the current state of the hotline, share tips and tricks and answer questions from guests. Questions should be emailed to amiller@regionalchamber.biz by Monday, May 18. Learn more and register: regionalchamber.biz/events

Save the Date: Business N Brews Lord Fairfax Small Business Development Center and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber present, Business N Brews on Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. One business each month will share a problatunity (problem opportunity) and the group will brainstorm potential solutions. You may have the same question as the business presenting AND chances are you will also take away a great idea you can use. Learn more and register: regionalchamber.biz/events

Rooted in Agriculture By: Johanna Rohrer, MidAtlanic Farm Credit, Marketing Specialist Photos Courtesy: MidAtlanic Farm Credit

As the spring weather arrives, farmers are beginning to prepare for the next growing season. This time serves as a good reminder for our community to take a moment and reflect on the beauty of our surroundings and productivity of our land as we enter this next season. From the soil temperature rising quickly with a surprisingly warm March, to the buds that are starting to blossom, our community is beginning to sprout up new life. This time of year is not only exciting but incredibly rewarding as farmers start to cultivate new seeds which will hopefully grow into a bountiful harvest. For most farm operators, the winter months serve as a planning time for the upcoming year. This time is important to identify future goals and plans. Farmers will often reference production and profitability records from the past year before making future business decisions. A grower must keep in mind the opportunity to plant new products for an upcoming emerging market and/or to select varieties with strong yields and growth traits. As farmers, not only are they producing the agricultural goods which so many of us enjoy, they are also building a business or agricultural heritage for generations to come. As we look into the future, we are fortunate to have strong community youth organizations developing the future farmers and agribusiness leaders of tomorrow. Both 4-H and FFA provide educational outreach to our area youth. These organizations help to provide hands-on training, life skills development, and leadership experience to our youth. Farm Credit is a proud supporter of our local 4-H and FFA programs. As an organization, we understand the importance and the investment of growing the future of agriculture. With the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimating nearly 60,000 job openings in agriculture every year, Farm Credit wanted to ensure that the future of agriculture is a bright one. In 2015, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement was formed by MidAtlantic Farm Credit to help advance the future of agriculture. The Foundation has an existing college scholarship program open to all eligible students and a Community Education Program open to all eligible organizations and programs located in MidAtlantic Farm Creditâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five-state territory. The Community Education Program will benefit agricultural education by providing funding for projects and to organizations that make a positive impact within our footprint. More information on both can be found at FCFoundationForAg.org. We know that farmers serve as the backbone of our agricultural community and the strong influence that community has in the Shenandoah Valley. From orchards and farmers markets to cow-calf pairs and traditional crop farming, the Valley is producing a variety of diverse agricultural goods, and we are here to help support future agriculturalists for generations to come. At Farm Credit, we support rural communities and agriculture by providing reliable, consistent credit and financial services. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about purchasing a new home, a lifestyle farm property or a new track of land, please reach out to one of our experienced loan officers at 888.339.3334 or visit us at mafc.com for more information.

Growing through a pandemic: How to start a new garden By: Ashley Miller

When the coronavirus outbreak began, many residents in the Top of Virginia returned to their gardens for a sense of calm and normalcy. Digging in the dirt and nurturing plants is often recognized as a great way to stay productive, exercise, find relief from stress, all while reconnecting with nature. But for some, gardening is unfamiliar. If you’re new to the gardening world, it can be difficult to know where to start; almost overwhelming at times. Still, it doesn’t have to be complicated if you know where to start and how to break your project down into manageable, obtainable steps. Whether you’re planting for beauty or for food, gardening is an excellent opportunity to try healthy new foods, to cultivate teaching moments with your children about environmental care and sustainability and event help with anxiety.

Follow these 1 basic steps and you too will discover the joys of playing in the dirt. 1: Location, Location, Location: Planting a garden is like real estate; it’s all about location. Plant your garden in a part of your garden where you’ll see it often. 2: Judge sunlight: Pay attention to sunlight moves throughout your yard before choosing the perfect spot. 3: Find water: Gardens need water. Make sure you’re near a water source. 4: Invest in Basic Gardening Tools: Like any DIY project, you need the proper tools. Ask your local gardening or home improvement store what they suggest are essential. 5: Test Your Soil: Understanding your soils pH and basic nutrients will allow your garden to flourish. Your local extension office can help determine your soil level.

6: Build Your Soil: Save time, money and those plants by giving your garden a good foundation from the start. 7: Choose the Right Plants or Seeds: Do your homework before you buy and understand the various varieties of plants in the market. 8: Plant with Care: Take care in planting your garden. It’s not a marathon. It should be a joyful experience. 9: Learn your zone: Knowing what zone you’re in also helps you chooise the best plants for your garden. The higher the zone, the warmer your climate. 10: Enjoy Your Garden: At the end of the day, sit back, relax and enjoy the splendors of your new garden. You deserve it.

Grow Your Own Food during the Coronavirus Pandemic By: Ashley Miller We’re spending more time and money the pot. Organic potting soil is best and at the grocery store than ever before. also gives your plants an added boost Reduce those trips with these helpful of flavor. Ask your local nursery for their container gardening tips for your favorsuggestions. 3: Planting: Start those ite fruits and vegetables. seeds at the same time you start your garden. Top vegetables for containers include: 4: Watering: Inspect your containers beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and make sure they have plenty of wagreen beans, lettuce, onion, peas, spinter to stay hydrated. ach, summer squash, swiss chard and 5: Productivity: Keep an eye out for tomatoes. weeds and pests. Plants in containers are usually susceptible to disease as 1: Consider your pots: The only bathose in the ground, but you’ll still want sic requirement is that the container is to keep an eye on them. large enough to hold the plant. So, get 6: Harvest: Pick your crops as soon as creative! But don’t forget to add those they reach the perfect size. Vegetables drainage holes so any excess water can like to be harvested early and often. escape. 7: Enjoy: Savor your plenty. And be 2: Soil to Use in Containers: Fruits proud of your hard work! and vegetables can be fussy about the

CSA’s: Community Supported Agriculture

Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin; receive payment early in the season, which helps with the By: Local Harvest farm’s cash flow and have an opportunity Thinking about signing up for a CSA to get to know the people who eat the but want to learn more about the idea food they grow before you commit? Read on. Advantages for consumers include: Eat For over 25 years, Community Supultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and ported Agriculture (CSA) has become a vitamin benefits; get exposed to new vegpopular way for consumers to buy local, etables and new ways of cooking; ususeasonal food directly from a farmer. ally get to visit the farm at least once a Here are the basics: a farmer offers a season; find that kids typically favor food certain number of “shares” to the public. from “their” farm - even veggies they’ve Typically the share consists of a box never been known to eat; develop a relaof vegetables, but other farm products tionship with the farmer who grows their may be included. Interested consumers food and learn more about how food is purchase a share (aka a “membership” grown. or a “subscription”) and in return receive It’s a simple enough idea, but its impact a box (bag, basket) of seasonal prohas been profound. Tens of thousands of duce each week throughout the farming families have joined CSAs, and in some season. areas of the country there is more deAdvantages for farmers include: mand than there are CSA farms to fill it.

Visit Your Local Agritourism Sites This Summer By: Ashley Miller

From local farm tours to petting zoos, bed-and-breakfasts and pick-your-own wild flowers, agritourism is booming in the Top of Virginia. According to the USDA, farm agritourism revenue more than tripled between 2002 and 2017, claimed data from the Census of Agriculture. It’s estimated that more than 82 million Americans visit local farms for recreation and leisure, to taste apple cider, cut down Christmas trees and learn how to grow and care for produce. The Virginia Extension Office refers to agritourism as “a visit to a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation in order to enjoy, be educated, or become actively involved in the activities of the farm or operation – getting a true farm experience.” Agritourism is recreation at its finest and dates back to the late nineteenth century

in the pastoral landscapes of western North Carolina. As tourists flocked to the communities, the tourism industry began to develop. The movement quickly became known as agricultural tourism or agritourism. Later, when the agricultural economy grew somewhat stagnant, farmers began to invite tourists onto their farms to supplement their income. Their interest in the farms also fueled the market for various handcrafted goods like quilts, woodcarvings and baskets, bringing in additional income for the farmers. In 2004 farm-based recreation or agritourism, which includes hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and other on-farm activities, provided income to about 52,000 U.S. farms, said the USDA website. Virginia has 43,225 farms, supports 22,000 jobs and accounts for 2.2 billion

in economic activity. Research suggests that agritourism can be a win-win strategy for those who own the farm and those who visit. Why not enjoy a weekend visit to a local vineyard, pick apples with the family or learn to milk a cow. So, take some time this summer and consider paying a visit to our many agritourism destinations in the Top of Virginia. After all, being outside is good for you, and being at a farm can helps those farmers carry on their family traditions for generations to come. To learn more about agritourism in the Top of Virginia, we encourage you to reach out to your local Virginia Extension Office or the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Congressional Agritourism Caucus A Note from Rep. Jennifer Wexton 10th District of Virginia

Rep. Wexton visiting various small businesses and farms in Winchester as well as Frederick and Clarke Counties. Photos courtesy of Rep. Wexton’s office

Last year, I founded the bipartisan Congressional Agritourism Caucus because agritourism is a key driver of the local economy and preserves the rural character of our communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I visited dozens of agritourism businesses across Virginia’s 10th Congressional District to hear directly from farmers and small business owners about their needs and challenges. My office also held the first ever agritourism briefing on Capitol Hill and I’ve grown the Congressional Agritourism Caucus to include 18 Members of Congress. I understand this is an extremely difficult time for farmers and small business owners. One of my top priorities is doing everything I can to help the agritourism industry weather this crisis and eventually recover. In the early stages of the crisis, I advocated to Congressional leadership that small and medium sized farms must receive support in any stimulus package. The CARES Act included $9.5 billion to assist agriculture producers impacted by coronavirus, including specialty crop producers; producers who support local food systems such as farmers markets, schools, and restaurants; and livestock producers. When Virginia’s stay-at-home orders began to take effect, I worked closely with Governor Northam’s office to secure guidance for farm stands and u-picks so that they could continue to operate as essential businesses when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. More recently, I urged the Small Business Administration to ensure that agriculture businesses were included in small business lending programs, and I voted for legislation that makes farms and other small agricultural enterprises eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. I understand that small businesses are still facing significant challenges to access and utilize these programs, and I’m continuing to advocate for farmers and small businesses as we draft each new phase of COVID-19 relief legislation. These are difficult times, but my office is here to support you. If you have any questions about federal COVID-19 relief programs or need help navigating a federal agency – please don’t hesitate to reach out. My office is here to help. You can reach Rep. Wexton’s office by calling her Winchester office at (703) 236-1300 or by emailing her at wexton.house.gov/contact. About the Congressional Agritourism Caucus: The bipartisan Congressional Agritourism Caucus, founded by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, serves as a forum to discuss ways to bolster and improve agritourism through informational briefings and meetings. The Caucus highlights the impact of agritourism on local economies, and educates Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, and the public about the challenges and opportunities facing the agritourism industry. About Agritourism in VA-10: In Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, agritourism has been a rapidly growing and successful industry, with over 230 agritourism businesses currently operating. Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry and has been foundational to the identity of communities in every part of the commonwealth. The growing agritourism industry is a continuation of that legacy. A 2017 study found that the agritourism sector accounts for $2.2 billion in economic activity in Virginia. The economic opportunity that has grown out of Virginia’s agritourism sector supports more than 22,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the commonwealth. These benefits are felt most in rural and suburban areas.

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