TVRC Chamber News: The Voice of Business & Industry | November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019

Chamber News THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

SPECIAL SECTION:

Young Professionals A POWERFUL FORCE IN BUSINESS INSIDE: 04 | New Members 06 | Young Professioanls Are Making a Mark 09 | Month in Photos 09 | Ribbon cuttings

Enter to Win! See pg. 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair John Lamanna Timber Ridge School Chair-Elect Tracy Vosika George Mason Mortgage, LLC Vice Chair John Fox Greenwood Grocery & Deli Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB Immediate Past Chair Bill North Springhill Suites-Winchester Scott Harvard First Bank Gregory Vossler Green Bay Packaging

Cover and above photo provided by Bridgeforth Photographics.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

04 | Letter from CEO

06 | Feature Story

04 | New Members

06 | Business Column

05 | News & Events

07 | Feature Story

09 | Ribbon Cuttings

10 | Community Feature

09 | Month in Photos

11 | Enter to Win

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Brooks Navy Federal Credit Union Emily Burner Shenandoah University Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc. Jim Guisewhite Sperry Van Ness Chamber Elite

Katrina Meade City National Bank Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV Janie Shirley Costco Wholesale

Chairman’s Club

President’s Club

Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart Grafton Integrated Health

CHAMBER STAFF

Letter From CEO

Effective next generation leaders

Cynthia Schneider, CEO

In this issue of the Chamber News we highlight some of the young professionals in our community who are showing themselves to be effective next generation leaders. Empowering young professionals to actively take part in shaping the future of our region is a major focus of The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. They are growing a culture that will be the center of collaboration for the future of our community. TVRC’s Young Professionals Group meets regularly to provide a variety of opportunities for personal and professional development while networking with their peers. In 2019 tutorials like How to Network, Financial Wellness, and Understanding Attitude have provided practical development strategies. Apple picking, at a TVRC member farm, provided a wonderful opportunity to network with friends and family while showcasing a thriving multi-generationally owned family business. TVRC recognizes that a thriving workforce includes intergenerational collaboration and provides a variety of opportunities for Young Professionals to meet with other business professionals who have paved paths of success before them. Events like the Industry Leaders Panel and the Entrepreneurs Forum are building lasting bridges of communication and growth for all involved.

It gives me great hope for the future of our community and region to regularly witness the passion, innovation, and strong work ethic of TVRC’s young professionals. One inspires me with their vision to create a business that provides jobs for those who need a fresh start, another spent years working out of their parent’s basement while building a business, and another is passionately applying his degree in environmental engineering with a local food manufacturer. Many of our young professionals are stepping up to take charge of their family businesses with keen new ideas. Take a read and I think you will agree that the vision for the Top of Virginia is bright.

The full TVRC calendar can be viewed at regionalchamber.biz

BUSINESS & BREAKFAST

Tuesday, Nov. 19 Hosted by: Navy Federal Credit Union

Welcome

New Members

VALLEY BUSINESS WOMEN Wednesday, Nov. 20 Women and Medicine Head to Toe

Helper Homes

Springhill Suites- Winchester

Packham & Rowe

OneVoice Communications, Inc. Winchester Rescue Mission

Goode Financial Services

Valley View Partners Frederick County Educational Foundation

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

Thursday Nov. 21 Hosted by: Woodman of the World

Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between September 28 and October 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.

Paradise Studio, LLc.

Valley View Advisors, LLC.

Ashley Miller Director, Marketing & Communications amiller@regionalchamber.biz Danita Roble Director, Membership Development droble@regionalchamber.biz Jody Wall Director, Program Development jwall@regionalchamber.biz Billy Whirley Business Development Specialist

bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz

Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist

dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz

- Cynthia Schneider | CEO Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

UPCOMING EVENTS

cschneider@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: Public Policy Breakfast Pre-Session Briefing 2020 The Top of Virginia Public Policy Committee invites you to participate in our Pre- Session Briefing of the 2020 General Assembly to be held on Thursday, December 5, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at The George Washington Hotel in Winchester.

The discussion topics will be focused on matters relevant to the business community in the City of Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke Counties that will be addressed during the 2020 General Assembly session. The format will be a panel discussion with a moderator who will present questions to the panel members each of whom will have an opportunity to respond.

Invited panel: Vogel, Gooditis, LaRock & Collins) Questions for the panel will be developed by the TVRC’s Public Policy committee. Cost is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. To register and for more information, visit regionalchamber.biz/events.

Save the Date: Next Steps Orientation Learn about the Chamber and your membership on Dec. 2 at the Winchester Regional Airport. To register and for more information, visit regionalchamber.biz/events.

Save the Date: Valley Business Women Women and Medicine Head to Toe Join VBW for their Nov. 20 luncheon. You’ll hear from a panel of distinguished local, female medical professionals who will talk about areas of health that women need to pay attention to from their 20’s through their 60’s and beyond. We’re excited to announce the members of the panel are Dr. Laura Dabinett, Women’s Center of Winchester, Susan Lesser, Valley Health Director, Nutrition Therapy, Dr. Amber DeWeerd, Smiles of Virginia, and Dr. Melanie Mattson, Winchester Cardiology & Vascular Medicine. To register and for more information, visit regionalchamber.biz/events.

Save the Date: Young Professionals Friendsgiving It’s like a teaser for the main event. Friendsgiving is a time for friends to come together, share a meal and give thanks.

Bring a dish and friend to TVRC’s Young Professionals first Friendsgiving on Nov. 21 at Woodman of the World. This event is free and open to young professionals. To register and for more information, visit regionalchamber.biz/events.

HOW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ARE MAKING A MARK IN THE TOP OF VIRGINIA Over the years, the Top of Virginia community has attracted numerous young professionals to live and work here thanks to our vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Many have gone off to college or work in other communities, to quickly realize their is no place like home.

We’re fortunate to have so many excellent young professionals in the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber who have transcended the millennial label, have achieved their endeavors, seized opportunities with creativity, ingenuity and drive to enrich the Top of Virginia community.

Below six TVRC young professionals, in their own words have highlighted their successes from education, to their first careers and everything in between.

LAURA WILY Director of Community Engagement Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

I am a passionate museum professional who is dedicated to helping people connect with history and culture in a meaningful way. My current position is the director of community engagement at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) where I manage the museum’s engagement efforts through its membership program, community events, annual MSV Fund campaign, and other special projects such as the Trailblazer Campaign for The Trails at the MSV. My previous position was the director of development at The Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky.

I’ll never forget my first visit to Winchester to interview at the MSV. The town was charming, the people were friendly, and the MSV itself was everything I have ever wanted in a museum. I have a M.A. in Early American and U.S. History from The College of William and Mary, and so, history is very important to me. However, I also enjoy the arts and believe in their power to heal individuals and communities. Having grown up in the mountains, I also love the outdoors. The MSV had it all. It had history, art, gardens, and soon it would have trails. Accepting this position would necessitate a long move and a huge life change, but I was convinced this is where I wanted to work and live. Moving to Winchester was the best

and most terrifying decision I ever made. My advice to other young professionals is this: never let fear of change or failure hold you back. Be brave. And do what you love.

GREG VOSLLER Account Manager Green Bay Packaging

My name is Greg Vossler. I am an Account Manager for the greatest company in the world, Green Bay Packaging. Nearly 24 years ago, my family moved from the Cleveland, Ohio suburbs to Winchester and never looked back. A graduate of Handley and then from Misericordia University I found myself working professionally in the Winchester area upon graduation.

Growing up here gave me a sense of community and I fell in love with Winchester. I have continued that same passion for community and have become very involved with the Chamber, serving on the Executive Board of Directors and Chairing the Marketing & Branding Committee.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is meeting new people and listening to their stories. I also draw inspiration from my family at home. Being a dad and husband is the greatest honor I have ever received!

What I’ve learned through life is taking the path less traveled, whether college, career, life, the less I “go with the flow” the better. On the flip side, the “worst” decision I ever made was fighting who I was meant to be for…I fought that for decades, but once I accepted who I was as a person and as a professional, it came so naturally! Over the next 5 years, I hope to continue to my development as a man and a professional within my organization.

Lastly, If I can leave you with one piece of advice…develop “Your Why”. As a professional we don’t step back and ask ourselves why we do what we do. Figuring out who you do this for and what gets you out of bed in the morning will help you focus on developing yourself, and give you context life and open up opportunities you never thought would be there…take a few minutes and ask “Why do I do what I do” and “Who am I doing this for” Once you have those answers, just watch what happens next!

DAVID HUBBARD President Shenandoah Valley Chess Club

SHIRLEY DODSON Business & Community Development Manager City of Winchester

My name is W. David Hubbard, a Winchester resident of eleven years I am very happy to call this city my home.

I grew up in New Jersey and served in the Marines before moving to Virginia in 2008 for a career with the Federal Aviation Administration doing air traffic control.

I spend time at Handley Library and Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum where I volunteer and serve as a Board Member respectfully. These local institutions mean a lot to me personally, and so does education. Although my path to becoming a teacher was a bit unconventional.

In 2013 I had an idea for a nonprofit to teach and organize chess in Winchester. I knew nothing about nonprofits and barely felt qualified to lead. With help and encouragement of many people, the club grew into the Shenandoah Valley Chess Club, which is now a 501(C)3. These days I also teach STEM though aviation for young people.

My daily job in air traffic control entails many decisions from routine to critical. I find similar parallels in chess, where one must think effectively through complexity to find winning solutions.

Whether chess or ATC, there are also myths associated with these endeavors. The biggest myth is that one always has to be perfect. A mentor once told me: There are a million mistakes to make in the process, the only failure is not learning from them. That simple statement made a profound impact which changed my philosophy of learning.

Chess has shifting dynamics and strategic planning so deep it may never be fully mastered. It also has lessons for life, networking, and professional development.

For me, the most fun lesson is to be curious. The hardest lesson is to ask for help.

A famous teacher once said, Every chessmaster was once a beginner. Asking for help can be hard. Yet no one is born knowing how to fly a plane or move pieces on a chess board.

Asking for help almost always leads to breakthroughs.

Ironically, beginners seem to have little trouble with being curious and asking for help.

There is a lesson in that too.

My name is Shirley Dodson and I am the Business & Community Development Manager for the City of Winchester. I moved to Winchester after graduating with a degree in Public Administration from James Madison University in 2015 (Go Dukes!).

During my time in Harrisonburg, I interned with both the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in their economic and community departments and it is from that exposure to a government work environment that I learned that being able to work with businesses and community partners at the local level was something that “sparked joy� in me. Listening to a business and finding creative solutions to address their concerns, whether that be by connecting them with a resource to help them grow, walking them through the City’s incentive programs, or helping them to find a location to fit their expansion or relocation needs, is a great perk to my job and something that I enjoy doing daily.

Moving here without knowing anyone was a great step for both my professional and personal growth. It forced me out of my comfort zone and into a fresh mindset of openness to meeting new people and to having new and enriching life experiences. My advice to a young person just starting their career would be to not be afraid of venturing out on your own, everything will fall into place eventually!

Photos provided by Bridgeforth Photographics

ALEXIS LAPORTE Insurance Advisor TWG- The Winchester Group

My name is Alexis LaPorte. I am an Insurance Advisor with TWG Insurance - The Winchester Group, specializing in Business, Life, and Health insurance. I am passionate about protecting our clients and providing Risk Management solutions. I have the privilege of being mentored by great people that continue to develop our industry and set a standard of excellence. I am involved in the Winchester Rotary Club, serve on various non-profit committees , and I am the Secretary for our local Insurance Assoc= Continued on Page 10

Fun with Membership

October in Photos

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1. Congratulations to Paradise Studio on their ribbon cutting! 2. Dan Hitchcock, TVRC and Lisa Sipp, ShenArts Council attended the BAH hosted by the Barns of Rose Hill. 3. Congratulations to Fellowship of the Sip- Organic Tea House on their ribbon cutting. 4.

Chamber and non-chamber members joined Janet Michael, Java Media at Peer 2 Peer where they learned the basics of LinkedIn. 5.

TVRC’s Public Policy committee hosted their 2019 Administrators Forum. 6. The Community Leadership Class of 2020 explored the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre at Shenandoah University during Non-profit and community culture day. 7.Welcome to the TVRC family Packham’s Home Improvements and Packham & Rowe. 8. TVRC’s Young Professionals gathered at Handley Library for an Entrepreneur Panel. 9 TVRc members joined us for Next Steps Orientation. 10. Young Professionals celebrated Halloween at Worlds Away Escape.

LaPorte Continuted: As a Young Professional, there are times we find challenging and even frustrating. Being overlooked based on age or years of experience is a situation many face. Then add being a woman and especially a mother to the mix, and it can feel like the odds aren’t in our favor. While the attempt to master the art of balance seems near impossible, it’s what makes our generation of workforce so determined and versatile.

Webster defines versatile as “embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills. also: turning with ease from one thing to another”. In my business and much like the businesses others deal with, we must be a versatile asset to our clients. I cannot protect my clients the same exact way because each operation, risk, and situation is different. Versatility is our greatest strength yet is often the one we feel most insecure about.

The most important thing for Young Professionals to recognize is we must own who we are, knowing both our strengths and weaknesses. We must never stop in the effort of improving. Explore and take advantage of the tools around us. Meet with mentors and use resources like the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Make deep and meaningful connections with the exceptional people in our community. That is how Young Professionals will become a force to be reckoned with.

Every day I wake up and set an intentional goal to be useful, compassionate, and of service to others.

GARRETT ROHRBAUGH Retirement Plan Specialist Water Street Financial

My name is Garrett Rohrbaugh. I work at Water Street Financial as a Retirement Plan Specialist. In my role I work with plan sponsors, human resource professionals and other company decision makers in an effort to foster positive outcomes for the company’s workplace retirement plan.

I came to Winchester in the Fall of 2012 and attended Shenandoah University where I studied Business Administration and played football. Upon graduation I immediately entered Shenandoah’s Master of Business Administration program where I met Ryan Oates, one of the Managing Partners of Water Street Financial. While in school I found an interest in finance and economics and became very involved in the Student Investment Club. It was during that time I found a love for investment management and knew that I wanted to help people improve their financial situations. After completing my Master’s degree, I began working for Water Street Financial in April of 2018. Outside of my time in the office I am a member of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s Young Professional Group committee. This group is aimed at supporting and connecting 22-40-year-old professionals in the greater Winchester area.

The most exciting and rewarding part of my job is providing industry-leading offerings to improve the quality of a company’s retirement plan; and in turn helping retirement plan participants retire confidently. Over the next 5 years I look forward to Water Street Financial becoming regionally known for our retirement plan expertise. Personally, during that time, I plan to continue to

grow n my position and obtain more industry leading certifications.

My biggest piece of advice for young professionals is to build your name, your network, and your brand by getting involved in the community and the field in which you work. The Regional Chamber’s Young Professional Group is a great place for you to start this endeavor. People are often focused on finding a network of mentors, but it is important to also establish a network of co-professionals from a similar age demographic. Not only was it professionally beneficial to be a part of groups like the Young Professional Group, but it also really helped me to get acclimated to the area and make Winchester feel like my home.

MEMBER NEWS & BUSINESS AGENDA UPDATES • Happy hour with a mission! Stop by Firefly Cafe Mon-Fri, 4:30-6 for a glass of wine or beer and get our appetizer bar for free!

• Rutherford & Johnson is partnering with the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of VSCPA to bring an AICPA tax update to the area for area accounting professionals on 11/22. Call 540 662-7070 for details.

• VA Chamber 2019 Economic Summitt, Richmond, Virginia Friday, December 6, 2019 9 AM - 2 PM Perspectives on Virginia’s Economic Future. For complimentary tickets contact cschneider@regionalchamber.biz.

• Handley Regional Library System reports that adults read over 4,000 this summer in their summer reading program • COSTCO PHARMACY has openings for Flu Shot Clinics. Contact Margie Hernandez, Pharmacist for more information (540) 722-9495. *No membership is required to use the Costco Pharmacy.

• Teen Art Club – @ MSV November 14 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Recurring Event (See all) Join us at the MSV! This club will meet once a month to discuss and explore all things ART! Meetings can include discussion of various art related topics, gallery walks, hands on projects, presentations from guest artists and plenty of time to ask any and all questions you might have about art.

• Event benefits the nonprofit Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. 14 prize-filled games. Raffles for very special Grand Prize, 50/50 and Themed Baskets. Food and beverages available. Proceeds will provide scholarships for students with special needs and funds to help care for our therapy horses and ponies.

• Contact The Salvation Army to VOLUNTEER ringing the bells for the Red Kettles. 540-662-4777 We will be at the Mall 11-7-19 at noon with the brass band for the kick-off, Come see us!

• ShenArts welcomes you to our annual Deck the Walls event during which the upper level of the Hexagon House is transformed into a gallery sale featuring works of art and handmade items ready for gifting! This event coincides with the annual Bough & Dough Shop organized by Preservation of Historic Winchester on the main level of the Hexagon House.

• The best way to give thanks for the foundation of our nation and the celebration of the harvest, is to join L’Auberge for our annual Thanksgiving Day festivities! We will serve a sumptuous harvest dinner all afternoon featuring the best of the season, including local turkey with all the trimmings along with a variety of seasonal dishes. Chef Rich will serve a fourcourse harvest menu with lots of seasonal and local choices, as well as our Chef’s tasting menu paired with wines by our sommelier, Christian Borel. And of course, as is our tradition, we will be sending each couple home with a turkey “leftover” sandwich. What would Thanksgiving be without it? Four-course menu ($98), Chefs Tasting ($145), and a children’s menu are available.

• Remember when Christmas shopping was fun? Plaid Friday in Old Town brings back the fun and joy of holiday shopping! Enjoy a day of leisurely shopping in one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries; dine in amazing restaurants, taste wine, sample craft beer and more! Throw on that plaid scarf, grab your best deal-loving-shop-till-you-drop friends and enjoy Old Town Winchester as we celebrate Plaid Friday 2019. Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses.

• Celebrate the 10th Small Business Saturday on November 30 • Discover The Power of Rise at Randolph-Macon Academy! Join us for an open house on Sunday, December 8th, with tours beginning promptly at 2:00 pm. Families interested in applying for the second semester (January 27, 2020) or the 2020-2021 school year are invited to come visit with admission counselors, teachers, and students.

• Join a financial expert on December 13, 8:30 -10:00 .a.m at Winchester City Hall as he takes you step by step on how to create a budget for your business for 2020.

• AMVETS Post 18 meets on December 18, 6:30 -8:00 p.m. to discuss needs and business of veterans. All members are welcome to attend. If not a member, please try out a meeting and join us if you are a veteran or active duty member.

• Come out and join us at West Oaks Farm Market and Event Venue for a fun night of excellent music, food, and fellowship.

Springfield Exit is a phenomenal bluegrass band local to the Shenandoah Valley. Doors open at 6pm, dinner served at 6:30pm, show begins at 7pm. $12 admission for show, $20 for admission plus dinner, cash/card bar available.

Member

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

Renewals • Annandale Millwork & Allied Systems Corporation • BC&C • Blue Ridge Shadows Resort • Brain Injury Services • Candlewood Suites • Capon Valley Bank • CHEERS School Family, Inc. • Clean Water Pools & Spas • Crown Trophy • Eco-Staff, LLC. • Eugene C. Smith Gallery & Custom Framing Studio • Frederick County EDA • Grove & Dall’Olio Architects PLLC • Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto • Insight Advisors LLC • Kiwanis Club of Old Town, Inc. • Legacy Wellness Center • Lord Fairfax House

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Malloy Chevrolet Cadillac Michael G. Prelip Companies Middleburg Academy, Inc. NAPPA Auto Parts of Winchester Osteostrong of Winchester Pacham’s Home Improvements Partlow Insurance Agency Proctor & Gamble Progressive Radiology Shenandoah Community Health-Winchester Southeastern Container, Inc. SPAHR Metric, Inc. Spine & Sport Physical Therapy SVN Commercial Specialist TWG Insurance- The Winchester Group, Inc. United Capital Financial Life Management Winchester Ciderworks Winchester Oral Surgery Center Wine Trucking, Inc.

Be a part of Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s signature events by becoming a sponsor: THE GREATER GOOD AWARDS & MEMBERSHIP MEETING

DIFFERENT SPONSORSHIP LEVELS ARE AVAILABLE .

CORPORATE CHALLENGE

Contact Billy Whirley, 540-662-4118 EXt. 14 or bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz

Friday, February 7, 2020 Friday, June 5, 2020

HOB NOB IN THE VALLEY September 2020

VALOR AWARDS November 2020