Understand the Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure.
Centra cardiologist Dr. Stephen Rennyson and Abby Newton, RN, offer everyday tools to reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition that affects nearly 6 million Americans. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working, however, it means that the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal. Symptoms for CHF include: • Shortness of breath at rest or with exertion • Fatigue • Trouble breathing at night
• The need to sleep in a chair due to worsening shortness of breath • Swelling in feet/ankles/legs/stomach
The Centra Congestive Heart Failure Center provides patients with several tools to keep them healthy with reduced symptoms. From daily weight and blood pressure tracking to nutritional counseling and expertise, we’re here to help. Consult your physician if you experience any of the above symptoms.
for more information:
centrahealth.com/chf 1.877.MDLINK1
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C O N T E N T S
34
Y THE NUMBERS 8 BCASA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA U S I N E S S U N D E R 10 9 BSNOOKIE SNOOKERWITZ B U S I N E S S O V E R 10 12 LYNCHBURG RESTORATION, INC.
HUMAN RESOURCES 24 VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS:
IMPROVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE
EALTH C ARE 25 HTAKING OWNERSHIP OF YOUR HEALTH
26 ALLISON WINGFIELD,
LE ADE R O F TH E MO NTH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CASA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA
30 I N T H E N E W S MOVERS AND SHAKERS 31 INANCIAL F 33 WORK TO BECOME A BETTER INVESTOR
14
17
21
E D U C AT I O N
AEC
GOING GREEN
BEDFORD ONE PROGRAM: CONNECTING STUDENTS FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
HOW TO BUILD THE WILLARD AN AFFORDABLE COMPANIES: BUILDING COMMUNITY “GREEN” HOME AND COMMUNITIES
34
39
40
NONPROFIT
R E A L E S TAT E
R E TA I L
URBAN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES: POSITIVE GROWTH AND LEARNING FOR LYNCHBURG YOUTH
EVERYBODY’S ALWAYS BEHIND … AND OTHER IMPROBABLE TRUTHS
DANCE AND MUSIC CREATIONS: LOCAL DANCE STUDIO SHIMMIES ITS WAY TO DISNEY WORLD
44
46
T E C H N O L O GY
TOURISM & TRANSPORTION
37 HOW TO LOSE THE PROPERTY LEGAL
YOU REALLY WANT TO KEEP WHEN YOU FILE A BANKRUPTCY
ARKETING & SALES 38 M 7 PERSONAL BRANDING MISTAKES
TO AVOID ON LINKEDIN
PROGRESS PRINTING PLUS: AUGMENTING THE REALITY, AND FUTURE, OF PRINT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
DRINKFREE: COMBATING DRUNK DRIVING ONE FREE RIDE AT A TIME
On the Cover: Allison Wingfield, Executive Director, CASA of Central Virginia Photo by Paul Brunett.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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E D I T O R ' S
L E T T E R
Business After Hours. Work dinners. Date nights. The hotel bar. All of these present the opportunity for professionals to relax with a favorite drink after a long day. But when does that drink become one too many, putting you and others at risk? A local start-up called DrinkFree wants to take the guesswork out of that very question by offering a free ride home for guests at participating restaurants and businesses around the Hill City. With a simple phone call, the debate over whether to get behind the wheel is eliminated, and may even save a life. Read how the two men behind the company were inspired to start the sober service, in the Transportation & Tourism section. It was a childhood “steeped in history” that Randy Parr said inspired him to change the aging façade of Central Virginia, through his company Lynchburg Restoration, Inc. And a long list of many of the most notable historic structures in the area have Parr and his nearly 50 years of work to thank, in part, for maintaining their current glory. See what he and his company specialize in that keep these buildings looking fresh despite their age, and some of Parr’s favorite projects to date, beginning on Page 10. From the classroom to coffees, former teacher Juli Peak is now welleducated in the world of entrepreneurism. Along with her husband, Kevin, the couple has transitioned their on-the-side gourmet coffee company into a full-time gig over the last 12 years. These days, the business known as Snookie Snookerwitz, along with their product line and fan base, is growing around the area. Flip to the Business Under 10 Years section to learn how they are satisfying customers and expanding their offerings. From stories on start-ups that help others to established businesses that help make our area a great place to work and play, we believe there’s a business to inspire just about everyone in the pages to come. Because if it’s happening professionally in Central Virginia, it’s your business!
Johanna Calfee, Managing Editor Johanna@lynchburgmag.com
Lynchburg Business Magazine is a bimonthly publication devoted to highlighting Lynchburg-based businesses and those in the surrounding areas of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties, as well as the Town of Altavista. Every other month, 10,000 copies of Lynchburg Business Magazine are distributed by mail to local businesses, executives and individual business decision-makers. The goal of Lynchburg Business is for readers to look to the magazine as a resource worth keeping in their businesses and homes; one that appeals strongly to professionals in our area.
Publisher Randy Thompson Managing Editor Johanna Calfee Contributing Writers Jeff Boyer, Johanna Calfee, Heather J. Cravens, David Cox, James Ebrahim, Ashley Davidson, Jennifer Horton, Colleen McLaughlin, Suzanne Ramsey, Jennifer Redmond, Deirdre Serio, Melissa Skinner, Catherine Varner, Dan Vollmer Vice President of Production Holly Watters Art Director Chris Meligonis Client Relations Manager Stacy Graef Web Developer Kristi Cogdill Web Marketing & Promotions Manager My Nguyen Photographer Paul Brunett Contributing Photographer Jane Bradley Photography Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Director Cheryl Blevins Account Executive Missy Celli VistaGraphics Staff Copy Editor Robin Cather Controller Anita Burns Contributing imagery supplied by Thinkstock.com
WWW.LYNCHBURGBUSINESSMAG.COM
SUBSCRIPTIONS Receive Lynchburg Business at work or at home by subscribing today for $9.97 annually. Receive 6 bi-monthly issues: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov and Dec/Jan. To subscribe, go online to www.LynchburgBusinessMag.com or please send your check payable to VistaGraphics, Inc, 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, Attn: Circulation Mgr. Please be sure to include your mailing information: name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number. For changes of address, please email George Carter, Circulation Manager: george@vgnet.com Lynchburg Business is published bimonthly by VistaGraphics, Inc. The corporate office is located at 1264 Perimeter Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. © 2014 - all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material prepared by VistaGraphics, Inc., and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. Publisher does not purport to authenticate and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers found within this publication.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
ADVERTISING DEADLINES Advertising Space Reservation............................. August 31 Editorial & Events.................................................... August 31 Final Artwork....................................................... September 4 For Advertising Information, please call us at 434.846.2333.
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C O N T R I B U T I N G
W R I T E R S
JOHANNA CALFEE
SUZANNE RAMSEY
Johanna Calfee is the Managing Editor of five area publications, including
Suzanne Ramsey is a freelance writer who lives in Lynchburg with her husband,
Lynchburg Living and Lynchburg Business magazines. Prior to working in
John, and cats, Hector and Edna. Since graduating from Liberty University,
publishin g and advertising, Johanna spent six years in television news at
she has worked as a newspaper reporter, police detective, office manager
ABC, Fox and NBC affiliates in Roanoke and Lynchburg, where she wore many
and PR professional. She enjoys acting in local independent films (and does
hats as a producer, reporter, anchor and weather forecaster. Along the way,
her own stunts). Her work has also appeared in Virginia Wildlife, Centra Focus
she earned several awards, including a National Peabody Award and National
and Lynchburg Living.
Emmy Award as part of WSLS’ team coverage of the Virginia Tech Shootings. Johanna holds a degree in journalism from Liberty University.
JENNIFER REDMOND
DAVID COX
she worked with the award-winning Liberty Champion newspaper for over two
David Cox practices bankruptcy law throughout the Western District of Virginia
years. During that time, she became Editor-in-Chief and covered many of the
from his offices in Lynchburg, Danville, Staunton and Winchester. His practice
political candidates who traveled through Lynchburg. Now an English teacher
and the practice of his firm focuses exclusively on the representation of
at Jefferson Forest High School, Jennifer spends most of her time teaching
consumer debtors in bankruptcy and related proceedings. Prior to entering
the craft of writing, though she does continue to write for local publications.
private practice, Cox served as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. William E. Anderson, Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Virginia. He is past member of the Virginia State Bar’s Board of Governors for the Bankruptcy Section and he has been included in Virginia Business Magazine’s list of the best Bankruptcy lawyers in the state as well as in their list of the best Young Practitioners. He is also a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, American Bankruptcy Institute, and is a Council Member of the Virginia Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section. Cox is the coeditor of Bankruptcy Practice in Virginia, he authored the Bankruptcy sections of the book Fee Agreements for Virginia Lawyers, and has lectured at numerous CLE programs related to Bankruptcy. In March, 2013, Cox was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy in Washington, D.C., for his contributions within the fields of bankruptcy and insolvency. Cox is a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference.
HEATHER J. CRAVENS Heather J. Cravens is the owner of Becoming Designs, an interior design
Jennifer Redman studied English and Journalism at Liberty University where
DEIRDRE SERIO Deirdre Serio is the owner of TechScribes 2.0, a writing, editing, and social networking business based in Forest. She has 10 years newspaper experience as a reporter, editor, and page designer; 10 years with her own technical writing business; and eight years working at the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the last three as general manager. Deirdre holds a BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
MELISSA SKINNER Melissa is a recent graduate of Liberty University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism. As a student, she was actively involved with writing for the marketing department at Liberty, the student run newspaper, The Liberty Champion, as well as freelancing for Lynchburg Business. Melissa will be interning with the National Journalism Center in Washington, DC, this fall.
CATHERINE VARNER Catherine Varner is Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Brand
consulting company that specializes in Interior Redesign, Home Staging and
Development with Protot ype. With 26 years of experience in strategic
Professional Organizing. She graduated from Liberty University with a degree
marketing, branding and integrated marketing communications, Catherine
in Family and Consumer Sciences. In addition to serving clients and freelance
helps clients build and protect their brands, deliver the right messaging to
writing, Heather also volunteers in the local community, serves in her church
targeted audiences, influence customer behavior and grow their businesses.
and spends time with her family.
She has held marketing executive roles with nationally and regionally
COLLEEN A. MCLAUGHLIN Colleen A. McLaughlin, Ph.D., SPHR, currently serves as a professor of Human Resource Managemen t at L iber t y Univer si t y. She has owned and operated three businesses as well as provided human resource consulting to various organizations. She has been in education for more than
renowned healthcare organizations and For tune 250 financial services companies, and provides consulting support to several nonprofits. She earned her Bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and holds a Master's degree in Journalism with a minor in Business from the University of Colorado–Boulder.
13 years and has held the positions of Interim Administrator and Director
DAN VOLLMER
of Education. Colleen is a senior certified HR professional and holds a
Dan Vollmer is an Associate Broker at Re/Max 1st Olympic and has served
Bachelor of Science degree with a major emphasis in Computer Science
home buyers and sellers in the Lynchburg region since 2006, earning several
from Central Texas University, a Master of Science degree in Human Resource
designations including the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Graduate
Management from Tarleton State University and a Doctor of Philosophy
REALTOR Institute (GRI) and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) early
degree in Organization and Management with a specialization in Human
in his career. He earned his Broker’s license in 2008, and currently serves on
Resource Management from Capella University. She is currently the President
the Board of Directors for the Lynchburg Association of REALTORS and the
for the Central VA chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management
Lynchburg Rotary Club. Dan holds a degree in Communications from Liberty
[SHRM] and also manages the School of Business student ambassador
University. When not working, Dan and his wife volunteer at their church and
program at Liberty University.
enjoy time with their three children. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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BY THE NUMBERS CASA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children)
3900 54%
473 42
46%
Number of children served since 1989 Number of children served in 2013 Number of children on waiting list *as of 6/25/14
$665
Birth to age 5: 45% • Age 6-11: 36% • Age 12-15: 14% • Age 16-17: 5% Caucasian: 68% • African American: 24% • Other: 8%
COST PER CHILD
Children Served in 2013 by City/County
184
6
(38.9%)
49
(10.4%)
24
20 (4.2%)
(5.1%)
AMHERST
BEDFORD
CAMPBELL
LYNCHBURG
NELSON
Volunteer Advocates
500 88
Number of Volunteers since 1989
15%
85%
Number of Volunteers in 2013
Age 21-29: 15% • Age 30-39: 9% • Age 40-49: 13% Age 50-59: 28% • Age 60+: 35% 8
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TYPE OF ABUSE
196
(41.4%)
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Abandonment: 1% Medical Neglect: 2% Emotional Abuse/Neglect: 4% Domestic Violence: 6% Sexual Abuse: 6% Parental Substance Abuse: 8% Physical Neglect: 32% Physical Abuse: 41%
Read more about CASA’s mission in the words of their Executive Director, Allison Wingfield, in the LB Leader section on page 26.
BUSINESS PROFILE
U N D E R
BUSINESS T E N
Y E A R S
Just a Spoonful of Sugar SNOOKIE SNOOKERWITZ CREATES A NICHE IN THE GOURMET FOOD MARKETPLACE BY HEATHER J. CRAVENS | PHOTOS BY JANE BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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BUSINESS PROFILE
Four of the crave-worthy coffee flavors created by Snookie Snookerwitz, a company that began in 2002 as a side business for now-local couple, Kevin and Juli Peak.
A
s fall approaches, the temperatures will soon begin to cool down. Cooler weather often brings with it coffee mugs, cozy blankets and a good book that become like familiar companions. Though chain coffee shops abound, it is still the local, small business that brings charm and appeal to the heart of a community. With a unique business approach, personal touches and the allure of homemade comfort, Snookie Snookerwitz is a small business in the Lynchburg area that has created a niche in the gourmet market through products like fine coffees, cocoas, teas, ciders and popcorn. In 2002, Juli Peak was teaching school in Amarillo, Texas. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she started creating a cocoa business that she fondly named Snookie Snookerwitz, after the nickname her father had given her as a child. As she continued to build her own company, she worked her way out of teaching. As time progressed and the business grew from seven to nine flavors, Juli relocated and met her husband and now business partner, Kevin Peak, while he was at seminary in Kentucky. In 2007, the couple moved to Virginia, bringing the growing business with them, while Juli pursued a counseling degree at Liberty University. Together, they saw that the business could be a launching pad to support them as they pursued ministry opportunities in both counseling and recovery ministries for men with addictions. “Ultimately, it is a vehicle to help support other ministries we are able to do,” Kevin said. One thing that sets Snookie Snookerwitz apart from other retail gourmet companies is that every product is a unique recipe invented and handmade from scratch, from start to finish, by the owners. Juli and Kevin pull together all the spices and raw ingredients from their warehouse, and then blend and mix them personally. Their individually unique recipes are then packaged in bags and bottles, with a modern
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rustic design, branded to represent the detail and uniformity they as a business strive toward. With homemade appeal, combined with the quality of professionally prepared ingredients, their packaging has gone through several revisions over the years. Presently, their packaging looks like old milk bottles; however, they recently developed a bag size that allows customers to purchase refills, which is both aesthetically appealing and economical. As Snookie Snookerwitz has grown, the Peaks have continued to expand their offerings. They currently offer 17 flavors of drink mixes and recently created and launched a line of gourmet popcorn. Their tea mixes include chai tea, vanilla chai, spiced chai, chocolate chai and a no-sugar-added, lower calorie chai. Each drink is made by heating water and scooping the mix into the cup. Each mix makes six to eight cups and includes directions on the bottle about how to prepare each drink as a hot or cold beverage. The coffee selections offered range from cinnamon hazelnut coffee and hazelnut mocha to peppermint mocha, snooker doodle latte, vanilla mocha and a vanilla caramel latte. On cooler days and chilly nights, their spiced cider and cocoas warm bellies and mugs. Among the cocoas are a cinnamon cocoa and mint cocoa, as well as their original chocolate cocoa. They also have iced cocoas, ideal for warmer days. As with any company, learning to expand to meet the demand of the market has been essential for the Peaks. It was the growth of Snookie Snookerwitz that led them to roll out their new line of popcorn, a year-round product that they said is often sought after in the spring and summer months. This line includes savory options, such as their chili pepper popcorn, garlic parmesan, jalapeño cheddar, spiced buffalo and sour cream kettle corn. Gourmet popcorn wouldn’t be complete, however, without showing off its sweeter side. To satisfy any sweet tooth, they offer butter pecan, cinnamon toast, praline pecan, lemon poppyseed and sticky bun popcorn.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Though competitors in the marketplace abound, the Peaks view that as positive incentive and an inadvertent marketing of their product. “It raises the demand,” Kevin said. One advantage Snookie Snookerwitz has among other gourmet companies is their marketing strategy. By directly selling to customers through festivals, markets and even in conjunction with The Junior League of Lynchburg, customers are able to meet the owners personally and then sample the product, without the need for a storefront. Since all of The Junior League’s markets exist to benefit a charity, the Peaks have done a lot of direct sales markets in partnership with them. As a gourmet food company, they are also able to offer corporations the option of creating customized corporate gift baskets for their clients. “People buy an idea and then once they’ve tried it, the idea matches what they see,” Kevin said. “Sampling sells it. People love to be able to try it.” One of the couple’s goals is to continue growing their wholesale market, getting the product into gourmet food and gift shops, where customers will still have the ability to sample their flavors. They have the pricing structure to support wholesalers and the sample bags available. At this point, they said they have sold their products into every state, but they do not have anyone specifically in Lynchburg who currently carries their line, which is a dream they would like to see realized soon. “The Lord gave us this,” Kevin said. “We’re selling an experience, which we hope is a great one.” Learn more about Snookie Snookerwitz on Facebook and at www.snookerwitz.com.
Clockwise: Gourmet hot chocolate flavors; Juli with her products; bulk bag prices for Snookie's coffees; coffee flavor bottles lined up on a pallet; popcorn from their new line.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
O V E R
BUSINESS T E N
Y E A R S
LY N C H B U R G R E S T O R AT I O N , I N C . P R E S E RV I N G C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A’ S A R C H I T E C T U R A L H I S T O RY, O N E B U I L D I N G AT A T I M E BY JENNIFER REDMOND
The Craddock-Terry. Monument Terrace. Amazement Square. Nearly all locals are familiar with Lynchburg’s iconic sites, but few know them like Randy Parr does, the man making sure we can all enjoy these places for years to come. As owner of Lynchburg Restoration, Inc., for almost 50 years, Parr has left his fingerprints all over the Hill City, restoring historic buildings to their original grandeur one brick and window at a time. With only 10 employees and his son, John, by his side, Parr works to restore historic structures and the wood, bricks and materials that keep a building together. He specializes in buildings of the past—ones nearly
as old as America itself. Meticulously, Parr and his team research the history of every building they restore, using photographs, eyewitness descriptions and even the original blueprints to inform their work. Parr credits the archives of the Jones Memorial Library with providing invaluable primary sources like these. Once they have completed the research—knowing how a home was intended to look and identifying the original materials used to construct it—Parr and his crew begin the process of bringing history back to life. Almost always they encounter surprises, like finding railroad parts inside the walls of a warehouse, but Parr said they take it all in stride. His experience and knowledge are impossible to miss, both in his craft and in leading a small business. Since opening his doors in 1967, Parr credits his success to “flexibility,” “persistence” and “competent, quality employees.” He himself is a man of scrupulous detail and total commitment. Take, for instance, his explanation of building materials. In the early 1800s, brick walls were constructed from different materials than are readily available today. No matter … Parr and his crew have bricks specially made. If modern wood pieces are cut too small, which they typically are, then they mill their own wood to have the necessary size. One of their current projects required the removal, repair and reassembly of every window in the building. But such detailed craftsmanship is par for the course at Lynchburg Restoration. “You gotta do whatever needs to be done,” Parr said. “In working with older construction, you need to treat everything very gently. You can’t cover up a mistake or miscalculation; it needs to be done right the first time.”
Main Hall on Randolph College's campus is just one of the numerous historic buildings on which Lynchburg Restoration has completed work.
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His obvious dedication has been passed on to his own son, John, who plans to take over the business in the future.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Scrolling through the long, impressive list of Parr’s completed projects, almost every Lynchburg building of prominence is mentioned. Lynchburg Restoration has worked on five local colleges, numerous churches, the Academy of Music and Fine Arts buildings, various cemeteries, plantations in surrounding counties and the list goes on and on. Asked to name a favorite project, Parr claims like a fair-minded parent, “They’re all my favorites … it’s hard to pinpoint one.” Pressed a bit more, he does mention projects such as the historic Bluffwalk restoration, one where obstacles continued to pop up on a daily basis. And not just obstacles of cost or materials, but ones like removing an entire elevator through the roof with the use of a crane. Rather than sounding stressed, Parr thrives on these types of challenges, recalling how much he “enjoyed” figuring that project out. The sheer volume of his life’s work is a testament to the pleasure he finds in restoration work like this. “Every project has a story [and] there are no cookie cutter designs,” Parr explained. “Every project is a unique challenge, and I enjoy that.” Parr’s love for these buildings of the past is in his blood. He grew up in one of the storied Cabell mansions of Nelson County, and with his father, Parr would work on various projects around the area. His mother collected antiques. His aunt was an active member of the Williamsburg community for decades and was integrally involved with historical restoration there. As Parr explains, “I’ve been steeped in history all my life—it’s only natural that I got into this work.” Parr’s passion is to protect and promote the heritage of Lynchburg, a city that may have “lost the industries of the past…but is still in the center of history,” he said. This history is one that “we need to capitalize on,” Parr said, “to keep Lynchburg thriving.” Parr himself has become part of this local heritage. His work spans decades, starting in the 60s and 70s when “the answer to restoration was a dump truck and a bulldozer” and continues to the present day where he is happily involved with downtown revitalization efforts. “It’s been a long time coming, but the attitude [toward this work] is changing now,” Parr said. “It’s valued more.” Efforts by Lynchburg’s Historical Society and other local organizations have sparked a local interest in the work of restoration. Parr is thrilled with this change because he believes that “Lynchburg’s future is Lynchburg’s past.” History is typically placed in the context of the past; it’s preserved in glass cases, discussed by intellectuals and engraved on tombstones. But, history also has value in the present. Centuries-old buildings still have stories left to share, and thanks to Parr’s efforts, there’s a lot more Hill City history that’s bound to stick around. In his words, “It’s hard to know where you’re going, if you don’t know where you’ve been.” Top to Bottom: Many of the historic commercial buildings in downtown Lynchburg, like the circa 1899 Antique Car Museum at Main and 13th Streets, have benefited from the company's revitalizing work; Lynchburg Restoration, Inc., owner Randy Parr; the company was contracted to do the masonry restoration on Lynchburg's Point of Honor, circa 1815.
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EDUCATION
Bedford One Program:
F
Connecting Students from Classroom to Career BY JAMES EBRAHIM
or the past six years, the Bedford One Program has been making high school students aware of career choices that are available locally. The program connects high school students to potential employers by providing tours of local businesses based on the career interests of the students. The Bedford County School District, the Bedford Office of Economic Development and local businesses partner to make the program possible. The schools provide the buses and the students, the businesses provide the tours and the Office of Economic Development operates as the middle man coordinating the tours and helping to fund the program. The program was born out of quarterly business meetings that brought manufacturing and service companies together to discuss challenges and business opportunities. During the course of these meetings, these industry leaders identified a lack of “soft skills” in students. Traci Blido, Director of the Bedford Office of Economic Development, explained, “They need to know to be on time. They need to know that we expect them to be respectful of others and to be kind when they go to work and to have the right attitude… to pull up their pants and make sure their underwear’s not showing.”
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“We just had six teacher tours, which were the same format essentially as the student tours,” Hupp said. “We wanted to inform teachers of the same opportunities so that they were better prepared to talk to their students.” There were 56 teachers who attended the tours this year. Though teachers had participated in the tours before, this was the first year that it was coordinated across all of the schools. “There were no students. It was right after school let out,” Blido said. “We got approval from the schools to count it as professional development.” Teachers who participated in the tour can use these professional development points towards certifications. The “One” in the name Bedford One Program stands for “Offering New Experiences,” and Blido said on both the student and teacher side of things, that is exactly what has occurred. “If you can help change the mind of one student, then it is worth doing it,” Blido said. “It’s one, and another, and now it has become hundreds of students who have participated.”
A steering committee made up of representatives from all three partners created a survey to ascertain areas of interest as well as plan the direction of the program.
Blido added that since the program began, the number of students attending the tours has increased from just a handful of students to 204 last year.
“This [program] is not only for elite students or AP students. All of the students have a choice to go on these tours,” Blido said, adding that about 12 tours are offered each year.
Jim Reed, Director of Human Resources at CommScope, Inc., has been on the steering committee since the beginning, and the company is one of the original companies to be involved in the program.
This year the program offered something new: teacher tours. Jessica Hupp, Business Programs Coordinator for the Bedford Office of Economic Development, joined the office this year and coordinates the program.
“The change has been amazing and excellent from the perspective of the number of students who have participated,” Reed said.
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EDUCATION
Other companies and institutions that have participated in the program include AREVA, Bank of the James, Bedford Fire and Rescue, Southern Air and Bedford Memorial Hospital, among many others diverse businesses that encompass many fields. “We have taken students to larger firms that do production, as well as service companies that are providing professional services,” Blido said. “Those types of firms as well as banks, advertising, hospitals and health care.” The businesses are located in Lynchburg, Campbell County, and Bedford County. They vary in size and so do the tours themselves. “Some of them can only handle 12 students; some can handle 30 students,” Blido said. Since the program began six years ago, local businesses have become aware of the benefits of the program. “From a business perspective, there will be a great pay back and benefit to it,” Reed said. “My biggest hope is that we will grow in the number of companies participating and growth and participation from the school system.” “We no longer have to convince businesses to do this,” Blido said. “They call and ask why we haven’t called them yet this year.” Due to staff, bus, and budgetary limitations, not every business can be involved every year. Businesses that participate, however, know what to expect and enjoy showing off what they have to offer. For more information about The Bedford One Program, visit www.bedfordeconomicdevelopment.com/businessassistance/bedford-one-program.
TOP: Bedford Science and Technology Center teachers tour the Central Virginia Center for Simulation and Virtual Learning in Lynchburg for the first time and learn about opportunities to train their own students there. BELOW: Three Bedford County high school students explore hands-on equipment at Forestry Equipment of Virginia in Forest during one of more than a dozen Bedford One Program tours held throughout the school year.
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Heritage Baptist Church
Piedmont Fleet Services
Select Bank
Building It Right – Repeatedly. coleman-adams.com | 434-525-4700 Class A Contr. Lic. #541
ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
The Willard Companies:
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITIES
S
mith Mountain Lake has not always been a resort town. In 1973, when there were fewer residential family communities and more campgrounds and trailer parks, Ron Willard started a construction company. Over the next 40 years, the company would expand and become instrumental in the transformation of Smith Mountain Lake from a sleepy valley to the destination of retirees and vacationers alike. The Willard Companies, which started out as a remodeling and then a custom home business, moved into the speculative build market and now includes building, developing, marketing and real estate. It employs nearly 250 people.
BY JAMES EBRAHIM
“My dad worked seven days a week when I was growing up,” said Ron Willard II, who has been with the company since 1992. He is Vice President of the Willard Companies and son of the founder. “I knew that if I was going to see him into his older age, he needed help. That’s why I decided to stay in the family business.” Ron Willard, Sr.’s other son, Lee, joined the company four years ago and works as Vice President of Corporate Holdings. Being a family company allows the Willards to see each other on a nearly daily basis. “We work well together; we aren’t afraid to say what we want to say,” Willard said. “We don’t have to dance around certain things
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ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
so we can go ahead and express our opinions and that makes it a little bit easier.” The Willard Companies started the first Smith Mountain Lake country club community in 1976, named The Waterfront, and then the second in 1986 with The Water’s Edge. They also constructed condominiums and townhomes at this time. “It was a natural fit for us to go into development because of my dad’s vision. He saw that this lake had so much potential and he wanted to create communities, a place for people to go,” Willard said. “It’s not just building a house; it’s building a lifetime experience that people can have with their kids and their family.” Throughout the 80s and 90s, The Willard Companies continued to build up the residential communities of Smith Mountain Lake. The Willard Companies focuses their speculative building on the needs of the public so at the turn of the century, they moved into commercial development. “The public demanded the services,” Willard said. “Way back when, we had a corner store and then Food Lion came and we saw the need for future development. That’s why we developed the West Lake Town Center.” The Center, which is just next door to the companies’ headquarters, offers residents access to a wide range of products and service-related businesses. The services provided for the residents of Smith Mountain Lake have not taken away from the relaxed atmosphere of the town, Willard believes. “It still is a laid back area, but now we have a laid back area where people can get the lawyers, the doctors, insurance, whatever,” he said, adding that he considers this one of the biggest changes in the last 15 years at the lake. The Willard Companies also helped to bring more entertainment to the area by building the first cinema in Smith Mountain Lake in 2005. “My dad said one day, ‘Figure out how to get a cinema open,’” Willard said. “We went to the National Association of Theatre Owners and we went ahead and built it from there. It’s kind of fun.” Due to the small pool of businesses in the immediate area that could potentially move into the Center, The Willard Companies often look for unique businesses in Lynchburg and the surrounding area. Like many other construction companies, The Willard Companies was greatly affected by the recession in the late 2000s, causing a shift in focus in the company from speculative building to maintaining and selling current properties. “We’ve been plowing through that along with everybody else,” Willard said. “And we’ve finally seen some signs of the market returning, which has been good.” TOP: The Willard Companies' founder, Ron Willard, Sr. (middle) with sons, Lee (left) and Ron Willard II. BOTTOM: A home at Hammock Pointe at The Farm.
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One thing that may see them through is that their foundation is quality, according to Willard.
ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
“We may have spent a little bit more money to get the product out there, but in the long haul it works,” Willard said. The extra investment is key to the quality that people recognize in both their commercial and residential developments, he added. One quality practice that The Willard Companies adopted in 2007 was green building, a process that includes Earthcraft and Energy Star, and focuses on energy efficiency. “We’re averaging 5,000-square-foot homes that have $70 a month in utility costs,” Willard said. Green building includes improvements in the air quality of the home, variation in temperature of only one or two degrees, and energy recovery ventilators, which pump fresh air into the home. Their first Earthcraft homes were at The Water’s Edge and the Grand Villas, and the company has since incorporated green building into The Farm, its newest premium residential development. Throughout their development of real estate around Smith Mountain Lake and growth of the company itself, Willard said emphasis has always been placed on community. “It is about building a community where people want to come and enjoy life,” Willard said. “As my dad says, we are creating memories in everything that we do when we develop a community for people.” For more information on The Willard Companies, visit www.thewillardcompanies.com.
Arial views of one of The Willard Companies' Smith Mountain Lake projects, the Grande Villas at The Waters Edge.
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GOING GREEN
How to
Build an Affordable
Green Home
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BY DEIRDRE SERIO
hen you hear that someone is building a “green” home, do you imagine an underground home where you have to mow the roof, a massive solar farm in your side yard or a windmill? Local builders say it can be as simple and affordable as super-insulating your home, installing good windows and installing energy-efficient appliances. “What’s the number one thing we can do to make your house ‘green’?” David Wall, owner of Wall Construction in Madison Heights, asked. “Energy efficiency—what can you do to save on electric?” Wall asks people about to embark on building a green home to add their mortgage and electric bills together. “Say on a $200,000 mortgage for a 2,000-square-foot house,” Wall explained. “It will be about $800 a month for mortgage payments. Power would be about $200-250 a month for a total payment of $1,050 month.” He said if a homeowner upgrades their energy efficiency by 5 percent, which may add $40 a month to their mortgage payment, it could save them $65 a month on their electric bill to offset that increase. “About 60 percent of your electric bill is HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning),” Wall said. “If I over-insulate, you can save on the heat pump.”
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GOING GREEN
Office built to LEED standards (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design). Certified as a Silver rating. Equipped with natural day lighting, geothermal heat pumps, Thermal and Photovoltaic solar systems. BELOW: Homes built with passive solar systems by Wall Construction.
While heat pump estimates are often done using the square footage of a new house, Wall said the HVAC contractor should also take into consideration the R-value of the insulation and the U-value of the windows to do the load calculation. The load calculation determines the kilowatt rating of your heat pump. The more energy efficient your house, the smaller the heat pump you need. Wall also said the smaller the heat pump, the smaller the ductwork needed, which can also help a homeowner save money. The best way to increase the energy efficiency of a house is to install thicker insulation. To get thicker insulation, you need thicker walls. Building codes today only require 2x4 studs in constructing a home, Wall said, but that limits the thickness of the insulation you can place between the outside wall and the interior wall of the home. Many builders now recommend 2x6 studs and the thickest batt insulation you can install. “I don’t build to code; I don’t think it’s good enough,” Wall said. In addition to 2x6 studs, Wall sprays one inch of spray foam insulation between the studs to seal the home and add another layer of insulation, then installs the standard batt insulation. Another energy-efficient step that is now part of the national building code is house wrap, which adds a vapor barrier around the house. Matt Yeatman, co-owner of Central VA Construction, sprays a “breathable” rubber membrane around a house. “We can seal the whole house from the outside,” he said. Both the spray foam and the spray rubber reduce air leaks, which affect heating and cooling efficiency, but also make the house fairly air tight. An air-tight house is not a healthy house. Yeatman said an ERV (energy recovery ventilation) system should be installed in the HVAC system to pull fresh air in from the outside and exhaust stale air outside. “If we don’t put an ERV in the house, it’s going to suck air from crawlspaces and the basement,” Yeatman said. 22
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GOING GREEN
Decent windows should also be airtight and efficient. Wall recommends windows with a low U-value, which refers to how well a window keeps heat out in the summer and cold out in the winter. He said a U-value is the inverse of the R-value used in insulation. A high R-value in insulation is important, but a lower U-value is what to look for in windows. “Buy the best windows you can afford,” said Yeatman. “There’s not much difference between the lower-priced end and the higher-priced end.” Energy efficient appliances are also an important feature of home-building, although Wall said appliances only account for about 20 percent of your energy expenses. Many appliances now carry the Energy Star label by meeting requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Another possible money-saver is the tankless or on-demand hot water heaters. Yeatman said the heaters are standard features in the homes his business builds now. “We haven’t put [a tank water heater] in a house in years,” he said. “Tankless is a pretty fast return on your money.” But that sentiment isn’t shared by Wall. He said he used to put them in all the houses he builds, but not anymore. He said for a small family, they are an efficient appliance, but not for a larger family. “For a large family, with high hot-water usage, a super-efficient, super insulated tanked water heater would be best,” Wall said. Wall built a thermal-solar hot water heater for his own home, but he said they are impractical for smaller homes and homes that get any shade during the day. The system, installed on the roof, must get full sun all day. And when the sun goes down, lighting can affect your electric bill. Incandescent light bulbs are no longer manufactured, so homeowners must now use compact fluorescent bulbs throughout the house. A more energy-efficient option is LED lighting.
“If you use LED instead of the compact fluorescent, they are more expensive and may add $150-200 to a project,” Wall said, “but the prices are dropping and they last a lot longer than incandescent and fluorescent.” So, there are many options homeowners can consider when making the decision to “build green.” Custom Structures, which builds what it calls “Next Generation Homes,” said homeowners are adding other “green” options such as radiant floors, rainwater collection (for washing cars, watering the lawn, etc.), natural lighting and smart-house technology to control appliances and security. Once you find the lot of your dreams, your next step is to work with a builder to decide how many “green” options you can put in your house and stay within your budget.
“Green” Glossary HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Typically a heat pump in this part of the U.S. R-value: The ability of a material, typically insulation, to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better it is at insulating. U-value: The measure of heat loss, typically in windows and doors. The lower the U-value, the better it is at insulating. Batt insulation: Strips of insulation, usually fiberglass, used between studs or other framework in building.
Wall Construction project, The Floyd Hotel (left), completed June 1, incorporated metal structural insulated panels, low flow faucets and shower heads, LED lighting throughout from Timberlake Lighting in Lynchburg and a super-efficient modulating gas boiler for domestic hot water. The Floyd Eco Village Community Center (right) was also built by Wall to passive house standards using 12-inch SIPS panels and many other energy-efficient items.
Groundbreaking The New Heritage High School Lynchburg City Schools has broken ground on the new school. Follow our progress and countdown to completion online.
www.lcsedu.net/new-hhs
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HUMAN RESOURCES
VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS IMPROVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Y
BY DR. COLLEEN MCLAUGHLIN, SPHR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS, LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ou spend time, effort, energy and money recruiting, selecting, training and placing new employees into the vacancies in your organization. These new employees are welcomed by the team and accept the tasks, duties and responsibilities assigned to them. You have aspirations of these workers becoming high-performing contributors who will desire to remain with the company for years to come. For example, within the next few years the largest generation comprising the workforce are the Millennials (Gen Yers). Research indicates the Gen Y workers transition to a new organization approximately every two to three years.
MANAGING VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS
The reality: Only a small percentage of newly hired employees will still be with your organization in eight, 10 or 20 years. As effective managers recognize, this attrition, at the very least, costs the company tens of thousands of dollars. Employees voluntarily leave organizations for a number of reasons and identifying why, how to address the issues, as well as ensuring the responses are legally compliant are the first steps to assisting your organization in improving its chances not only for reduced liability but also for sustainability and a competitive advantage. Employees leave for a multitude of reasons, which include retirement, family needs, relocation and so forth. Many of these motives cannot be avoided. Yet, as we move further into the 21st century, an interesting and concerning phenomenon occurring in today’s workplaces is how quickly and easily employees move to a new position in a different organization (frequently your competition) for reasons you may have been able to control.
EXIT INTERVIEWS
Therefore, it is critical to identify why these employees are leaving so as to evaluate what, if anything, you can do about it in order to make a positive impact on the bottom line of your organization. One of the most valuable actions 24
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you can take as a leader in the organization is to provide the opportunity for and take the time to conduct exit interviews. This is a method effective leaders utilize to gather valuable information regarding why these employees are choosing to leave your company after you have spent the time, effort, energy and money on ensuring you select top talent and prepare them to be successful in your organization. Exit interviews can consist of various tools. Some of these often include requesting the leaving employee to complete a survey as well as a face-to-face interview. Communicating to the employee that the information provided is valuable and that it is very important to be honest and thorough in sharing is important. The survey should seek to identify what the employee valued or enjoyed about not only the specific position he or she held, but also what was appreciated about the organization itself. In other words, what is your company in the eyes and experience of this individual doing right? Probably the most important aspect of the fact gathering task is to ask the employee to share what he or she did not enjoy or appreciate about the experience serving the organization. Confronting the brutal facts can be very difficult for leaders who may not want to hear about or evaluate their leadership or organizational behavior. Nevertheless, this single tool may be an ideal opportunity to have valuable information revealed about what can be improved or changed in the organization. Using online surveys may be more comfortable for the exiting employee; if so, it is certainly a method that should be utilized. However, the face-to-face interview should also be attempted as the interviewer may be able to identify something in the employee’s rationale for leaving that needs to be further investigated and would not be sufficiently addressed in a survey. The interviewer should be someone from the human resource department if one is available in your organization. If not, the individual who performs the exit interview
should be someone on the management team with whom the exiting employee may feel comfortable being transparent and willing to share what he or she experienced as an employee of your organization.
ACTION AFTER EXIT In addition to gathering this information through surveys and face-to-face interviews, the evaluation and response to this often enlightening data has the potential to make a significant difference to your organization. Some organizations stop at simply gathering the information from online surveys and may or may not actually act on the information received. For example, one of the issues often identified is the poor relationship between the employee and his or her immediate supervisor. If an employee is leaving due to not trusting or feeling unappreciated, this is information that can be addressed and potentially make a significant difference in the lives of the remaining employees. If this is the case, the action may start with a basic and nonthreatening investigation of the supervisory practices and result in training and monitoring the ongoing behavior and relationships within that particular team or department. There may be information brought to your attention regarding ineffective processes, inconsistent or poorly written policies, needs or desires for different benefits or even simply a lack of resources needed to successfully complete tasks. You may discover team conflict or financial concerns as reasons for the employee to exit your organization. Of course, conducting and evaluating the surveys and interviews takes time but addressing the issues is likely to save resources by ensuring others do not leave for reasons within the organization’s control. Addressing the issues may also result in not only an improved likelihood of decreased attrition but an increase in performance, which positively impacts the bottom line and offers a chance for sustainability and a competitive advantage.
HEALTHCARE
Taking Ownership of Your Health
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BY JENNIFER HORTON, CENTRA MEDICAL GROUP PRIMARY CARE DIRECTOR
here is a nationwide surge towards preventative care, including partnering with primary care physicians across the region to curb preventable chronic illness through nutrition education, wellness programs and routine visits. This focus on healthy living will lead to lifelong health habits passed down to future generations. A relationship with a doctor is more than just well-being exams, sick visits and yearly screenings. Patients and physicians forge partnerships with one goal in mind: giving each person the best opportunity for optimal health. Multiple factors contribute, but it ultimately starts with individuals taking ownership of their own health. Primary care doctors, specialists and nurses run tests, offer evaluations and make recommendations, but the final results rest in a patient’s desire to make necessary changes to improve their health. HealthyU, an online tool powered by Centra, places an individual’s personal health record at their fingertips. Access to medical records, lab results and hospital discharge summaries gives patients a cutting-edge tool to take a committed role in shaping their healthcare and prescriptions. HealthyU allows anyone over the age of 18 to create a personal health record, which is accessible anytime and anywhere. With a free HealthyU account, users can request an appointment, access lab results, submit questions about lab results to clinical staff, review hospital discharge summaries and make updates to medical history. The online tool also serves as a valuable tool for travelers needing easy access to medical information by tracking medications, allergies and previous procedures or tests. With a HealthyU account, users can enter their most recent vital signs, family medical history and immunization records. HealthyU will continue to evolve over the next 12 months, adding new functions. Ultimately, the online tool is designed to help patients exchange health information in a convenient way, providing them with heightened access to healthcare records as they partner with trusted physicians for increased health.
All Centra Medical Group providers are now linked to HealthyU. People can sign-up for HealthyU by clicking the link on Centra’s website at CentraHealth.com. Patients providing an email address to their Centra Medical Group practice will also receive an email invitation to join HealthyU. When registering, add Centra and other physicians to view records. HealthyU employs technology similar to the banking industry to protect privacy. The best things in life require a little effort. A healthy body is no different. Maintaining optimal health requires routine check-ups, eating well, exercising regularly and keeping up with annual screenings. Rather than waiting for health issues to surface, each person can make daily choices to improve their health in hopes of avoiding chronic illness. HealthyU gives patients a greater opportunity to manage their health and keep track of their medical care. A healthier community benefits from lower out-of-pocket medical costs and the trickle-down effect of reduced insurance premiums. Healthcare is more than check-ups and tests; it is a way of life. Regionally, we must work together to curb unhealthy lifestyles and help our neighbors take steps to prevent chronic illness, including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Research shows the next generation is expected to live shorter lives due to poor health habits. As a mother, I have a vested interest in ensuring that my children have every opportunity to live long and healthy lives. We must heighten preventative care to enable our children and grandchildren live healthy and productive lives. The absolute first step for better health rests in the hands of each individual. The tools and resources are available and accessible. It’s up to each of us to take true ownership of our health and work towards a vibrant tomorrow. Our region’s vitality hinges on creating a healthier community. Jennifer Horton is the director of primary care for Centra Medical Group. For more information on the HealthyU program, visit CentraHealth.com. For HealthyU technical support, call 866.735.2963. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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LEADER O F
THE
MONTH
LEADER MONTH OF THE
Allison Wingfield
Age: 34 Occupation: Executive Director, CASA of Central Virginia (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Hometown: Bedford, VA
Allison, you recently stepped into the role as Executive Director of CASA. Tell us why you went for the position. Actually, I wasn’t looking for a new job. A professional acquaintance of mine saw the job opening through a United Way email that went out. She forwarded it to me and told me I would be a perfect fit. My fiancé and I discussed it and decided to pray about it. I asked God for direction and to send me a sign if CASA was where He wanted me to be. For three weeks, I didn’t see a single sign. So, I didn’t update my resume and I honestly didn’t think about it anymore. Then, about a week before the application deadline, I saw multiple signs. It was quite odd and very last minute but I told God I would go where He directed me. So, I spent the weekend updating my resume and crafting my cover letter. By Monday evening, it was ready to go but… I wasn’t. I started to have second thoughts. I loved my job and I was getting ready to get married and move into a new house. Did I really want the stress of a new job as well? The signs were so clear yet I didn’t trust God’s plan for my life. I prayed some more and talked to my family about it. And then I watched a few videos about CASA. There’s a video called “I am for the child” and there’s a little blonde girl in that video that looks a bit like my daughter. That’s when I knew I was supposed to be at CASA. 26
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LEADER O F
THE
MONTH
Wingfield meets with CASA staff and volunteers at her office. She began her new role as the nonprofit's Executive Director in January.
I sent my resume in on a Tuesday evening and I was hired on Friday morning. Working at CASA for the past six months has been a true blessing. There have been several major challenges and a lot of late nights but I believe this is exactly where God wants me to be.
don’t work one-on-one with the children, I am able to use my skills and experience to grow this program so that no child ever has to wait for or go without a CASA volunteer.
You have a background in nonprofit work—with your most recent role being at Rush Homes for 12 years. What about this kind of work, that typically involves helping and being an advocate for others, appeals to you?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Our job is to recruit, train and support volunteers who advocate on behalf of children who have been abused and neglected. Our volunteers vary in age, backgrounds, professions and gender. The common thread is their passion for helping children. Our training sessions are now offered three times per year and each class meets once a week for six weeks. Once a volunteer completes the training, he or she is assigned to a case with one or more children, depending on the size of the family, and is supervised by one of our advocate managers.
Working for nonprofits like CASA and Rush Homes allows me to use my gifts to help these organizations grow and expand their reach. The programs are so worthwhile; CASA serves children who have been abused (sexually, physically or emotionally) and neglected. Rush Homes serves adults who, through no fault of their own, have disabilities (mental, physical and developmental). Helping people who either can’t, or struggle to, help themselves gives me a sense of purpose. While I didn’t build the houses at Rush Homes, I was part of the team that helped the organization grow from one house to 43 homes plus 28 more under construction. It was incredible to be part of that growth. Here at CASA, we serve a lot of children and yet we still have children on our waiting list on a daily basis. Most of the time, those children do not get served. When I heard that and learned exactly how beneficial CASA volunteers are to a child, I decided to take action. So while I
Tell us more about CASA and its role in serving children in the area.
The children we serve are referred to our program by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judges in the 24th Judicial District. A CASA volunteer is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time, the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all the case records and court documents. He or she is then expected to submit formal reports to the AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Wingfield's background in nonprofit work and strong connections in the local community made her an ideal fit for her role at CASA of Central Virginia, which is located on Church Street in downtown Lynchburg.
judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the child welfare system is moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child (Guardian ad Litem) and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency. The cases we see are difficult for most people to imagine. Although my position at CASA does not work directly with these cases, I do read some of the reports that come in and attend court hearings occasionally as an observer. I need to know what our advocates are working on so that I can better tell the CASA story. This work is not easy, especially some of the tougher cases, such as sexual abuse, and our advocates are not getting paid for their time. I have so much respect for each and every one of our volunteers for their heart and dedication. Since our program started in Central Virginia in 1989, we have served over 3,900 children with more than 500 volunteers. In 2013, we served 473 children with 88 volunteers. Currently, we have 42 children on our waiting list.
CASA often looks for volunteers but it’s quite a process to become one. Explain more about what goes into becoming a volunteer and why you all are so specific and selective. To become a volunteer, the first step is to attend an information session. Those dates are published on our website. During this one28
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hour session, we go over all the requirements, duties, expectations and next steps to allow potential volunteers to determine if this is the right volunteer experience for them. The second step is to fill out the application. The next steps include a brief phone interview and then an inperson interview. If the applicant is approved, we start the background check paperwork. The last screening tool is the actual training itself. Sometimes, we have prospects who get screened out during the six-week training period. If a volunteer successfully completes the entire screening process, including training, they are sworn in at an induction ceremony by one of our Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judges. So yes, we do have a pretty thorough screening process. I suppose there are a few reasons. We are fairly confident that once someone goes through the process, they are committed to the program. Commitment is key. These children have been let down enough so we have to make sure each volunteer prospect is willing to commit to this role for at least one year or the length of their case. Another reason is that these volunteers are not only investigating and writing reports, they are also visiting with the children at least twice a month to build that relationship. Some volunteers take their children to the park, out for ice cream or even to a movie. We have to know that our volunteers have a clear background if they are going to be alone with these children. Again, they have been hurt enough and they need to feel safe with
their advocate. Lastly, the process (especially the training class) allows us to see if they are dependable. Are they coming to class on time? Are they completing assignments on time? If not, then they probably won’t turn in their court reports on time.
Your greatest challenge at CASA right now is: Fundraising, plain and simple. A lot of people remember CASA’s Heart & Sole Shoe Market. It was a huge fundraiser for us for over a decade and thousands of people would come out and wait in line at the armory to get good deals on shoes. A few years ago, the shoe industry changed as technology improved. They no longer have the overruns and as a result, we are not able to get the same amount of shoes donated. In 2013, we changed the event to a Ladies Night Out theme with shoes (just not as many as in years past), makeovers, photo booth, music, etc. This past year was the second year of this new format and my first time planning it. Although we have only heard positive things (I admit, I had a blast and bought over 10 pairs of shoes!) the event didn’t generate the revenue that the shoe market did in years past. The board and I are continuing to strategize and rebrand the event. The United Way also had to make some tough decisions when allocating funds to its partner agencies for fiscal year 2014-2015. Their campaign donations were down significantly so all of the partner agencies, including CASA, received less funding for their programs. As a result, we are working hard to come up with
LEADER O F
new fundraising events and ideas. And we are relying even more on individual donations. It costs us $665 to serve one child. This may seem high but most people don’t realize that these children stay in our program for 13 months, on average. The national average cost among CASA programs is about $1,000 per child so we are operating more efficiently and serving more children. With a donation of $665 (or $55 per month, which is probably less than your cell phone or internet bill), you can make a lifelong difference for one child.
Your greatest excitement/opportunity at CASA right now is: Working toward my vision of never having a child on the waiting list. To do that, we are stepping up our recruitment efforts. We have a new Recruitment & Training Coordinator who was born to do this job. Bonnie Gentry has wonderful people skills and genuinely cares about each of our applicants and wants to see them succeed. She and I are working together with a local, strategic marketing consultant who has generously donated his services to help us put together a detailed recruiting strategy. He is also helping us pull data that we are already collecting in our database to a report that will allow us to see what is working and where we need improvement. We want to have enough trained volunteers in our program to 1) serve every child that comes to our program, 2) allow volunteers to take a break in between cases to reduce the burnout factor and reduce attrition and 3) start a mentor program so that experienced CASA volunteers can work with newly inducted CASA volunteers on their first case. Many new volunteers are terrified of making a mistake. While we have advocate managers on staff to supervise them, a mentor with years of experience can offer more hands-on assistance. We are already well on our way to exceeding the number of volunteers we recruited last year. Our summer class is full and Bonnie has started recruiting for our fall and winter classes. I have no doubt that with our skilled team and a well-crafted strategy, we will reach our goal. No child who is going through this type of abuse and neglect should ever have to wait for a volunteer or go without.
You have your MBA and Bachelor’s from Lynchburg College. Why did you choose local education for both degrees? I received a scholarship from Lynchburg College for my undergraduate degree, and attending a local college meant I could commute to save money. I am also very close to my family. I wanted to gain some independence but remain close to them as well. I took as many credits as I could handle and attended summer school so that I could graduate a year early.
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One of my close friends and fellow graduates decided to keep going and get her master’s degree. Although it meant student loans, I decided to do it as well as I was already in school mode, and Lynchburg College has a fantastic MBA program. The idea paid off! It was through my internship while in graduate school that I acquired a love for nonprofits and gained a contact that referred me to Rush Homes.
Why do you enjoy calling the Lynchburg area home? Everyone I love the most is here. I can’t imagine being anywhere else at this time in my life. Plus, the mountains are right in my backyard and I am a short driving distance away from the beach, two of my favorite places.
When you aren’t working, what can you be found doing? Usually you can find me hanging out with my kids; my daughter is 8 and my son is 4. James (my fiancé) and I also love to go hiking and trail running. We all love the outdoors. In the summer, you can usually find us at a campground with my parents and other family members. There is no cell phone coverage there so it is a great way to unplug from stress! I have also just recently discovered Bikram Yoga. For those who are unfamiliar, this is also known as “hot yoga” and yes, it is hot! It is miserable and euphoric at the same time. I am also a runner, although I haven’t been running much lately with the new job. I have completed four full marathons, nine half marathons and a number of 5ks, 10ks, and other races. A few of them I have “raced” but most others have been for fun. Running gives me time to think, pray, meditate and develop new ideas. I have met some amazing new friends through running, including James. He and I met through the Lynchburg Half Marathon in 2012. His story is that he was trying to keep up with me the whole time; which is funny because he is much faster than me. Regardless I’m glad he caught me! We are planning to get married later this year with a private ceremony on the beach.
Starfish are an important symbol at CASA, reminding everyone who works or volunteers there that each child is unique and special.
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IN THE NEWS
IN THE NEWS
CENTRA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2014 GRANT RECIPIENTS Through the Centra Community Health Initiative Fund, The Centra Foundation has awarded 22 grants to support health-related programs in the community. The grants total more than $500,000 and come directly from Centra.
The largest grant of $102,000 will go to the completion of the Centra Gallery at Amazement Square. The gallery includes an interactive set of exhibits that stress healthy lifestyles, nutrition and education concerning anti-obesity. Another grant of $91,000 will support positions at the Johnson Health Center that will assist adult patients who have serious mental illness and no primary care physician. The grants also support purchases of HIV rapid tests, CPR kits, a med chart, a wheelchair scale, clothing, shoes, food, flu vaccines, radiology equipment and pharmaceuticals, among many others. All ages benefit from the grants, which fund a variety of programs. For more information on the grants awarded, visit CentraFoundation.com.
CITY OF LYNCHBURG PARTNERS WITH VIRGINIA STATEWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE
The annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference is coming to Lynchburg, September 18-19 at the Holiday Inn Downtown. The conference provides attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to create strong, vibrant and healthy neighborhoods for people of all ages and incomes to live, work, visit, play and invest. This year’s conference theme is Neighborhoods Reaching for a Better Tomorrow. Conference attendees will be provided educational workshops, motivational speakers, youth activities and an award ceremony—the only such neighborhood award recognition event in Virginia—recognizing those volunteers who have invested their time and energy toward improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. This highly publicized signature conference also provides a meaningful investment return for sponsorship participants. Sponsors/exhibitors of the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference will receive high profile advertising and promotional opportunities, with the company name and logo advertised throughout the Virginia by various media and advertising venues. Sponsorship is vital to the success of this conference as the conference registration fee of $75 is intentionally kept to a bare minimum so residents of all income levels to participate in this event. For information on participating in the conference, exhibiting during the conference, sponsoring the conference or submitting an award nomination, visit www.vsnc.org and www.lynchburgva.gov/vsnc2014 or call (540) 342-2763.
R. Edward Fielding, Inc. parking lot layout & marking
tennis courts • athletic tracks industrial safety aisles phone : (434) 845-1740 mobile : fax : (434) 846-2856 (434) 841-8676 refielding@verizon.net
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
LYNCHBURG HUMANE SOCIETY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN SURPASSES GOAL
A $250,000 donation from Liberty University has helped the Lynchburg Humane Society (LHS) reach $5.1 million in donations for its new facility, surpassing its goal of $4.8 million. Liberty University also provides the largest source of volunteers to LHS through its students. The Humane Adoption and Education facility, which is currently under construction on the corner of Graves Mill Road and Old Graves Mill Road, is expected to open in early 2015. The new building will include “real life” rooms for dogs, group rooms for cats and a housing room called Puppyville for the center’s puppies. An on-site medical center will help to give proper care to the animals in the shelter. The new building will also allow the shelter to increase its housing rate by 147 percent. Though their goal has been reached, the Lynchburg Humane Society continues to raise money to address unanticipated costs and additions.
24TH ANNUAL SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE CHARITY HOME TOUR OPENS DOORS OCTOBER 10-12
The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is gearing up for another showing of lovely Lake Homes on Columbus Day Weekend, October 10-12. This event—a major fund raiser for eight charities that serve the needy in the SML area and surrounding communities—has raised over $3.7 Million in its 24-year history. Attendees enjoy arriving by car or boat to tour the homes in search of design, decorating and landscaping ideas as well viewing homeowner antiques, collections and hobby displays. More than 1,000 volunteers give time and talent to plan and implement the event, including many supplied by the charities themselves. Leading the list of most important supporters of the 2014 Home Tour is VC Design and Build, Inc., a residential and commercial designer and builder located in Lynchburg. The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is among the most well-know and widely attended fundraisers in the area. For more information, visit www.smlcharityhometour.com.
UPCOMING AREA EVENTS August 1-3
Virginia Sales Tax Holiday: School Supplies and Clothing During this three-day period, purchases of certain school supplies, clothing and footwear will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Each eligible school supply item must be priced at $20 or less, and each eligible article of clothing and footwear must be priced at $100 or less.
August 7
Home Service Providers’ Networking Group Carol’s Place Restaurant, 15173 Forest Rd., Forest • 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to anyone who provides services for the home or businesses. Come eat lunch, bring fliers and cards. This group meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month. Social Media Marketing Basics CVCC Lynchburg Campus • 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824.
IN THE NEWS
August 13
Business at Breakfast Speed Networking The Summit, 1400 Enterprise Dr., Lynchburg 7:30 to 9 a.m. Speed Networking event, where you are given two to three minutes to give a presentation on a business at your table, then move to different tables and give it again. Cost includes breakfast; $17 for members, $27 general admission. RSVP by Aug. 11 at (434) 845-5966 or info@ lynchburgchamber.org.
September 18
Business After Hours La Quinta Inn & Suites, 3320 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg • 5:30 to 7 p.m. Join fellow business professionals for networking, hors d’oeuvres and beverages at one of Lynchburg’s newest hotels. Admission is free for Chamber members; $10 general admission, includes two drink tickets. www.lynchburgchamber.org.
August 19
Business Basics CVCC Amherst Center, CVCC Appomattox Center, Altavista Chamber Office 2:30 to 5 p.m. Considering Opening a New Business? This Class is for YOU! Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824.
August 21
Business Basics CVCC Bedford Center • 2:30 to 5 p.m. Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824.
September 4
Social Media Marketing Basics CVCC Appomattox Campus • 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824.
September 23
Social Media Marketing Basics CVCC Lynchburg Campus • 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824.
September 25
Social Media Marketing Basics CVCC Altavista Chamber Office 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Register at smithb@cvcc.vccs.edu or call (434) 832-7824. Women’s Luncheon Series Oakwood Country Club, 3409 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Third luncheon in this series. More details soon at www.lynchburgchamber.org.
MOVERS & SHAKERS DAMIEN CABEZAS
is replacing Nancy Cottingham as the new Chief Executive Officer for Horizon Behavioral Health. Cabezas holds a Masters of Public Health from New York Medical College, and a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University. Cabezas was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of the Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County in California, but has spent the majority of his career in the state of New York.
TED DELANEY has been named the
Executive Director of Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery. Delaney served as Assistant Director for the past four years. Previous to that, he held the position of Archivist-Curator for 10 years. Delaney currently serves on the boards of Opera on the James and Historic Sandusky.
WILLIAM A. “BILLY” HANSEN, IV, a
commercial brokerage associate in Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Lynchburg office, was recently awarded the MAI membership designation by the Appraisal Institute. This prestigious designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation and evaluation of commercial, industrial, residential and other types of properties, and who advise clients on real estate investment decisions. By receiving the MAI
designation, Billy has joined an elite group of appraisers who have met rigorous professional requirements relating to education, testing, experience and demonstration of knowledge, understanding and ability. Hansen has been with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer since April 2012.
DAVY HAZLEGROVE
won the 6th Annual Extraordinary Bike Professional award from RIDE Solutions. RIDE Solutions is a grant-funded programming that provides alternative transportation option to residents in Central and Southwest Virginia. This year had the highest amount of submitted nominees for the award. Hazlegrove won for showing leadership in promoting the use of bicycles as an alternative form of transportation. He owns Blackwater Bike Shop in Lynchburg and bicycles regularly at local volunteer events, helped build and maintain mountain bike trails in the area and is a member of several community groups.
JESSICA HUPP
has been appointed Business Programs Coordinator in the Office of Economic Development. She began her role there in April, replacing Diane Cocke, who retired
from the position. Hupp holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from James Madison University and most recently served as an Administrative and Marketing Coordinator for Central Virginia Surface Solutions, Inc., of Bedford County. Hupp is responsible for various office management tasks and coordinates the Bedford One Program. She also provides support to the EDA and the Bedford County Agricultural Economic Development Advisory Board, and coordinates economic development programs.
MEGAN LUCAS
is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Region 2000 Business and Economic Development Alliance. Lucas, who holds a bachelor’s degree from CulverStockton College, and a masters from University of Memphis, was previously the Economic Development Director for the town of Altavista. The Alliance is a result of the reorganization of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council. Lucas plans to strengthen the connection between local technology businesses and Region 2000 and generate awareness, discussion and investment regionally.
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Local E-Commerce Focus...
Romonda Davis, E-Commerce Sales Officer, lives in central Virginia and is focused on your electronic business needs.
nc C u s t o m B a n k i n g S i e 1 9 08
nc C u s t o m B a n k i n g S i e 1 9 08
434.369.3000 1stnatbk.com Lynchburg / Forest / Altavista / Rustburg / Amherst MeMber fdic
FINANCIAL
W ork
O
to
B ecome
a
Better Investor BY JEFF BOYER, EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR
n September 1, we observe Labor Day—a celebration of the American worker. Of course, you work hard at your own job, but, when you think of it, every worthwhile endeavor in life requires significant effort—and that’s certainly the case with investing. The harder you work at it, the more likely you are to make progress toward your goals. So as you think about investing, consider the following areas in which you will need to apply yourself:
• W O R K T O I D E N T I F Y YO U R G O A L S. It’s important that you know just why you’re investing. Do you want to send your children (or grandchildren) to college? Do you want to retire early? What sort of retirement lifestyle do you envision? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Identifying your financial goals is the necessary first step toward achieving them.
• W O R K T O K N O W YO U R O W N R I S K T O L E R A N C E .
However, hot stocks can cool off quickly, while efforts to predict market highs and lows are doomed to fail because no one can accurately forecast those points. You will want to be especially diligent about learning to look past the headlines and beyond short-term price movements in the financial markets, because too many people overreact to these events. If you can avoid these bad investment habits, you’ll be doing yourself a favor.
• W O R K T O F O L L O W A C O N S I S T E N T I N V E S T M E N T S T R AT E G Y. If you invest over the course of several decades, you are going to see a lot of ups and downs in the financial markets. And when the markets get choppy, you may be tempted to take a “time out” from investing. But if you do this repeatedly, you will certainly interrupt the progress you need to make toward your financial goals. If you can develop the discipline to follow a consistent investment strategy and to keep investing in all types of markets, you have a pretty good chance of “smoothing out” the effects of market volatility over time. And, as a bonus, you’ll be far less likely to concern yourself over day-to-day price fluctuations.
It’s essential that you know your own investment personality—that is, how much risk you can comfortably handle. If you think you can handle a relatively high level of risk, but you find yourself worrying excessively over every drop in the market, you may need to re-evaluate your risk tolerance and adjust your investment habits. Conversely, if you believe yourself to be highly risk-avoidant, but you find yourself frustrated over the relatively low returns you get from conservative investments, you may need to revise your thinking—and your actions.
• W O R K T O R E V I E W YO U R P R O G R E S S.
• W O R K T O AV O I D B A D H A B I T S.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Many investors chase after “hot” stocks or try to “time” the market.
Along with your financial advisor, consistently review your progress toward your goals. Your investment professional should establish your portfolio review frequency and meet with you to discuss your investments at least once a year. So, there you have it: some ideas on how you can work to be a better investor.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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NONPROFIT
Urban Mountain Adventures: P O S I T I V E G R O W T H A N D L E A R N I N G F O R LY N C H B U R G Y O U T H
P
BY ASHLYN DAVIDSON
ositive influence, adventure and growth are fundamentals in the life of youth. When a child has the opportunity to discover and explore, the outcome can benefit the child’s future success. This is the aim of Urban Mountain Adventures (UMA), a nonprofit organization that serves urban and at-risk youth in the Lynchburg and surrounding areas. Day and multi-day trips, along with team building, relationship cultivation and teaching key Christian values, allow for a positive impact on local youth. James Bourdon founded this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008. Bourdon said he was inspired to start the Urban Mountain Adventures after a trip he participated in as a teen. “I had the chance to go on a weekend whitewater trip with a diverse group of youth that was focused on using the outdoors to challenge young people,” he explained. “As I watched, a very unique dynamic took place that was different than I had encountered in scouting or youth group. Only a pipe-dream at the time, I had a desire to provide similar opportunities.” Bourdon went home and shared the experience with his wife, and soon a plan was hatched. “As my wife and I had found a common desire to serve youth throughout our marriage, starting UMA seemed like a natural next step to share with others our love of the outdoors and our passion for living out the gospel,” he said.
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Urban Mountain Adventures uses a two-tier approach with the youth involved. First, they seek to grow a core group of youth leaders followed by day and multi-day trips to develop life skills, inner confidence and broaden self-expectations. Around 50 youth are involved in Urban Mountain Adventures, ranging in ages from seven to 18. Trips are year-round and vary depending on the season and include going to camps, rafting, backpacking, rappelling, fishing and rock climbing. Bourdon said the youth seem to enjoy rafting and rappelling the most. The youth are not the only ones who are positively affected by UMA; Bourdon said the adults involved are also impacted as well. “Being able to form long-lasting relationships with the youth of our community and encouraging them as they are going through life [is the most rewarding part],” Bourdon said. “That’s really the simple answer but it’s also what UMA is all about.” Due to the outdoor and adventure-centric focus, Bourdon believes that UMA is a one-of-a-kind program in the Lynchburg and New River Valley area. “I’m not really familiar with any other organizations that are similar to our particular model,” Bourdon said. “I feel that what we are doing works but, ultimately, whether you are helping a young person over a literal
NONPROFIT
ledge on a rappel line or taking a minute to ask how life is going, you are making a difference in the next generation.” The youth involved in the program have the opportunity to take these trips through donations. “If anyone is interested in helping Urban Mountain, we can always use their financial support,” Bourdon said. “These trips are provided at no cost to our youth, and that is made possible by the many individuals who contribute financially each year.” Volunteers are always needed and opportunities include acting as a coach for adventure trips, administrative duties and coordinators for downtown events. For details on how to volunteer or donate to Urban Mountain Adventures, visit www.urbanmountainadventures.org.
Now in its 12th year, Urban Mountain Adventures has reached hundreds of urban and at-risk youth in Lynchburg and surrounding areas through day and multi-day trips designed to build relationships, confidence and a sense of greater purpose.
Come retreat to Hat Creek Conference Center encompassed in 342 acres of natural beauty and opportunity. A historic destination where time has been a genuine friend! OUR CONFERENCE CENTER IS COMPLETE WITH: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Nine-acre and Two-acre Lakes for Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing and other aquatic fun Miles of Hiking Trails Camp Fire Rings Two Picnic Shelters Two Outdoor Chapels Meeting Rooms Two Separate Dining Facilities Modern Facilities with Stone Walled Dining Room with Fire Places Rustic Accommodations Including Hogans and Cabins High and Low Ropes Courses Aqua Zip Line and Tree Houses 35-foot Climbing Wall
Hat Creek Camps & Conference Center is a Ministry of Patrick Henry Family Services.
7141 Hat Creek Road | Brookneal, VA 24528 | (434) 376-1250 | info@hatcreekcamps.org | www.hatcreekcamps.org | www.patrickhenry.org
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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.com g in iv L g r u b h c n y Go to www.L HeaLtHcare
Leader o f
Leader o f
the
the
Month
Month
Leader Month
Taking Ownership of Your
of the
staff and volunteers Wingfield meets with CASA her new role as the at her office. She began in January. nonprofit's Executive Director
Allison Wingfield
Age: 34 Occupation: Executive Director,
Tuesday evening I sent my resume in on a morning. Working and I was hired on Friday months has been a at CASA for the past six been several major true blessing. There have nights but I believe challenges and a lot of late wants me to be. this is exactly where God
CASA of Central Virginia Advocates) (Court Appointed Special Hometown: Bedford, VA
into the Allison, you recently stepped of CASA. role as Executive Director position. Tell us why you went for the
for
to HealthyU. People providers are now linked All Centra Medical Group website at by clicking the link on Centra’s can sign-up for HealthyU to their Centra providing an email address CentraHealth.com. Patients invitation to join will also receive an email Medical Group practice to view add Centra and other physicians HealthyU. When registering, banking industry to technology similar to the records. HealthyU employs
exams, sick is more than just well-being A relationship with a doctor forge partnerships Patients and physicians visits and yearly screenings. for each person the best opportunity with one goal in mind: giving
and its role Tell us more about CASA area. in serving children in the
protect privacy.
optimal health.
Special CASA stands for Court Appointed recruit, train and Advocates. Our job is to on behalf of support volunteers who advocate abused and neglected. children who have been backgrounds, Our volunteers vary in age, common thread is professions and gender. The children. Our training their passion for helping CASA and three times per year Working for nonprofits like sessions are now offered my gifts to help these a week for six weeks. Homes allows me to use and each class meets once expand their reach. the training, he organizations grow and Once a volunteer completes CASA serves with one or more The programs are so worthwhile; or she is assigned to a case abused (sexually, size of the family, and children who have been children, depending on the Rush neglected. and advocate managers. physically or emotionally) is supervised by one of our through no fault of Homes serves adults who, (mental, physical referred to our their own, have disabilities The children we serve are people who either Domestic Relations and developmental). Helping program by Juvenile and themselves gives me a Judicial District. A can’t, or struggle to, help Court Judges in the 24th part of judicial sense of purpose. CASA volunteer is an official attorneys proceedings, working alongside houses at Rush only one or While I didn’t build the and social workers. By handling team that helped CASA has time to Homes, I was part of the two cases at a time, the one house to 43 of each assigned the organization grow from thoroughly explore the history construction. It with the child, homes plus 28 more under case. The volunteer talks of that growth. Here neighbors, school was incredible to be part parents, family members, of children and yet involved in the at CASA, we serve a lot officials, doctors and others our waiting list on a might have facts about we still have children on child’s background who time, those children do reviews all the case daily basis. Most of the the case. The volunteer that and learned or she is then not get served. When I heard and court documents. He records are volunteers reports to the exactly how beneficial CASA expected to submit formal action. So while I to a child, I decided to take
ready to go but… By Monday evening, it was second thoughts. I I wasn’t. I started to have ready to get loved my job and I was getting house. Did I really married and move into a new as well? The signs want the stress of a new job God’s plan for were so clear yet I didn’t trust and talked to my my life. I prayed some more I watched a few videos family about it. And then called “I am for about CASA. There’s a video blonde girl in that the child” and there’s a little my daughter. That’s video that looks a bit like to be at CASA. when I knew I was supposed
26
including towards preventative care, here is a nationwide surge region to care physicians across the partnering with primary education, wellness illness through nutrition curb preventable chronic will lead to This focus on healthy living programs and routine visits. down to future generations. lifelong health habits passed
or go without a CASA volunteer.
individuals but it ultimately starts with Multiple factors contribute, doctors, specialists own health. Primary care but taking ownership of their evaluations and make recommendations, and nurses run tests, offer necessary changes to patient’s desire to make the final results rest in a
is no different. a little effort. A healthy body The best things in life require eating well, requires routine check-ups, Maintaining optimal health Rather than keeping up with annual screenings. exercising regularly and make daily choices to surface, each person can waiting for health issues illness. HealthyU hopes of avoiding chronic to improve their health in keep track to manage their health and gives patients a greater opportunity
improve their health.
an individual’s powered by Centra, places HealthyU, an online tool medical records, lab their fingertips. Access to personal health record at a cutting-edge tool summaries gives patients results and hospital discharge and prescriptions. in shaping their healthcare to take a committed role a personal health over the age of 18 to create HealthyU allows anyone a free HealthyU anytime and anywhere. With record, which is accessible results, submit an appointment, access lab account, users can request discharge to clinical staff, review hospital questions about lab results to medical history. summaries and make updates
of their medical care.
medical costs from lower out-of-pocket A healthier community benefits Healthcare of reduced insurance premiums. and the trickle-down effect we must tests; it is a way of life. Regionally, is more than check-ups and take lifestyles and help our neighbors work together to curb unhealthy high blood pressure illness, including obesity, steps to prevent chronic and diabetes.
live shorter lives due generation is expected to Research shows the next interest in ensuring that a mother, I have a vested to poor health habits. As We to live long and healthy lives. my children have every opportunity and grandchildren care to enable our children must heighten preventative lives. live healthy and productive
needing easy as a valuable tool for travelers The online tool also serves allergies and by tracking medications, access to medical information users can enter their With a HealthyU account, previous procedures or tests. records. medical history and immunization most recent vital signs, family
hands of each better health rests in the The absolute first step for accessible. resources are available and individual. The tools and and work true ownership of our health It’s up to each of us to take on creating Our region’s vitality hinges towards a vibrant tomorrow.
adding evolve over the next 12 months, HealthyU will continue to to help patients the online tool is designed new functions. Ultimately, them with in a convenient way, providing exchange health information trusted records as they partner with heightened access to healthcare physicians for increased
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
Health
priMary Care direCtor Centra MediCal Group By Jennifer Horton,
W
the children, I am don’t work one-on-one with experience to grow able to use my skills and ever has to wait this program so that no child
in nonprofit You have a background role work—with your most recent 12 years. being at Rush Homes for work, that What about this kind of and being an typically involves helping to you? advocate for others, appeals Rush
for a new job. A Actually, I wasn’t looking of mine saw the job professional acquaintance Way email that went opening through a United and told me I would out. She forwarded it to me and I discussed it be a perfect fit. My fiancé it. I asked God for and decided to pray about sign if CASA was direction and to send me a For three weeks, where He wanted me to be. So, I didn’t update I didn’t see a single sign. didn’t think about my resume and I honestly week before the it anymore. Then, about a multiple signs. It application deadline, I saw minute but I told was quite odd and very last directed me. So, I God I would go where He my resume and spent the weekend updating crafting my cover letter.
health.
a healthier community.
Medical Group. of primary care for Centra Jennifer Horton is the director CentraHealth.com. the HealthyU program, visit For more information on support, call 866.735.2963. For HealthyU technical AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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27
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Business profiLe
6 Bi-Monthly Issues for $9.97
Business profiLe
BY THE NUMBERS
InsIde
CASA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA
(Court Appointed Special
3900
473 42
46%
54%
196
Number of children on waiting list *as of 6/25/14
6
(38.9%)
49
(10.4%)
24
20 (4.2%)
(5.1%)
CAMpBEll
BEdfoRd
AMHERST
lYNCHBURg
NElSoN
Volunteer Advocates
500
88
Number of Volunteers since 1989
15%
85%
Number of Volunteers in 2013
9% • Age 40-49: 13% Age 21-29: 15% • Age 30-39: 35% Age 50-59: 28% • Age 60+: 8
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
y E a R s
the Peaks view that as the marketplace abound, Though competitors in their product. inadvertent marketing of positive incentive and an
pER
CHild $665 CoST
“It raises the demand,”
Kevin said.
other gourmet Snookerwitz has among One advantage Snookie to customers strategy. By directly selling companies is their marketing with The Junior and even in conjunction through festivals, markets personally are able to meet the owners League of Lynchburg, customers Since all without the need for a storefront. and then sample the product, a charity, the Peaks have markets exist to benefit of The Junior League’s them. markets in partnership with done a lot of direct sales
by City/County
184
(41.4%)
t E N
Number of children served in 2013
• Age 16-17: 5% 6-11: 36% • Age 12-15: 14% 8% Birth to age 5: 45% • Age American: 24% • Other: Caucasian: 68% • African
Children Served in 2013
U N D E R
Business
Advocates for Children)
Number of children served since 1989
TYPE OF ABUSE
386.5666
WORTHY
must dessert. Sweet simply not complete without be elaborate or A festive meal is doesn’t have to if you ask me. It ice cream will come after savory, humble scoop of pound cake or a pricey. A slice of
MIKAEL BLIDÖ, The
tractor
ARDSCAPES
CAKE THAT’S
DOWNRIGHT CELEBRATION
corporations the they are also able to offer As a gourmet food company, their clients. corporate gift baskets for option of creating customized it, the idea matches then once they’ve tried “People buy an idea and love to be able to “Sampling sells it. People what they see,” Kevin said.
NUMBER of EMploYEES
try it.”
Abandonment: 1%
Emotional Abuse/Neglect:
4%
Domestic Violence: 6% Sexual Abuse: 6% Parental Substance Abuse:
wholesale market, is to continue growing their One of the couple’s goals where customers gourmet food and gift shops, getting the product into They have the pricing to sample their flavors. will still have the ability At this and the sample bags available. structure to support wholesalers every state, but they sold their products into point, they said they have carries their in Lynchburg who currently do not have anyone specifically soon. would like to see realized line, which is a dream they
Just a Spoonful of Sugar
Medical Neglect: 2%
Kevin said. “We’re selling “The Lord gave us this,” one.” which we hope is a great
CreateS a niChe Snookie Snookerwitz marketplaCe in the Gourmet Food
8% Physical Neglect: 32% Physical Abuse: 41%
| PHotos by JaNE bRaDlEy by HEatHER J. CRavENs
Learn more about Snookie www.snookerwitz.com.
PHotogRaPHy
Executive mission in the words of their Read more about CASA’s on page 26. in the LB Leader section Director, Allison Wingfield,
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
an experience,
Snookerwitz on Facebook
and at
her products; chocolate flavors; Juli with lined up on Clockwise: Gourmet hot coffees; coffee flavor bottles bulk bag prices for Snookie's their new line. a pallet; popcorn from
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
GoinG Green
GoinG Green ReaL estate
Fireblowing entertainers all that mess, on the flip sideatoffestivals past. Now that we’rewowed crowds reality. For the better buyers are learning a new buyers have been in part of the past four years,
ask for whatever the driver’s seat. They could well qualified, they wanted and if they were the appliances? They they got it. They want all want to name my want a home warranty? They Mr. Buyer, as long firstborn? Whatever you say, as you close.
Everybody’s Always Behind… and other improbable truths
T
by Dan Vollmer, 1st olympic associate broker, remax
what a house is worth? The one. I mean, who determines he real estate world is a strange The person who owns it The local township or county? so they can seller? The buyer? The appraiser? acknowledge every little flaw person buying it wants to to collect thinks it’s worth a TON; the value while the locality wants is licensed to determine a get it for cheap; the appraiser it. them actually want to OWN taxes on it, but neither of
Wall recommends also be airtight and efficient. Decent windows should a window keeps which refers to how well windows with a low U-value, said a U-value is cold out in the winter. He heat out in the summer and R-value in insulation used in insulation. A high the inverse of the R-value for in windows. U-value is what to look is important, but a lower “There’s not much can afford,” said Yeatman. “Buy the best windows you end.” end and the higher-priced difference between the lower-priced
pockets of the But it’s a new day. In certain All the market, there’s a lack of inventory. have seen all the buyers looking in that area to choose from listings, and there aren’t enough of action. Along … so a new house gets a ton they learned in comes a buyer with the mindset just want to see 2010. The offer is low—“they they want lots of where the sellers are”—and them for the fridge concessions. Sure, let’s ask and the mower and the washer and the dryer bedroom. and the Monet in the master
and get back nearly all your can make one type of improvement only get And, isn’t it strange that you while equally valuable, will another type of improvement, the investment upon sale, but one street to the next, changing Neighborhoods change from run off. you 50 cents on the dollar? next one doesn’t allow enough yard slopes too much, the value and desirability. One Really … it’s a strange world. is what the market’s doing, everyone odd to consider: No matter Now here’s something really the late 2000s (really mid-2008 the economic downturn of and always behind. Take, for example, on the market in record numbers, era, sellers were putting houses through 2011). Prior to that And then, the timer ran out. was still flying off the shelves. the inventory (while inflated) no idea. They but at the time, sellers had with the resulting fallout, By now, we’re all very familiar climbed, while buyers disappeared and listing those houses! Inventory listing of a bar and Think listing kept just properties on the market. had 15-20 months worth of on a sharp and before you knew it, we Both lines running in tandem for buyers and one for sellers. line keeps graph with two lines—one turn south, while the seller buyer line takes a sharp right increase until … oops! The engine. like that hapless little optimistic Just along. right chugging until it was too late. As a collective curve. They didn’t adjust The same See, sellers were behind the to see it when it was here! see it coming, they refused many group, not only did they not build them fast enough, but builders. For years, they couldn’t home new with of handful happened a thing knew it, there were began to slow. Before they there were a did not notice when demand two handfuls … and then sell. And then, there were construction homes that didn’t them to foreclosure. had to rent them out or lose whole lot. Soon, builders
of home-building, are also an important feature Energy efficient appliances percent of your only account for about 20 although Wall said appliances label by now carry the Energy Star energy expenses. Many appliances Agency. by the Environmental Protection meeting requirements set
Build an
Green Home
"
W
Have you seen Same thing for home builders. Do you know any new construction lately? building again? anyone who’s thinking about many people have Yes! For the past 7+ years, sat on their equity… stayed in their homes and now. And now, and waited. They waited for about getting off those people are feeling better their cash and building.
electric bill is HVAC (heating, “About 60 percent of your you can save on the heat pump.”
to stay ahead.
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
your electric bill. down, lighting can affect And when the sun goes so homeowners are no longer manufactured, Incandescent light bulbs A more bulbs throughout the house. must now use compact fluorescent
By DeirDre Serio
energy-efficient option is
home where you have do you imagine an underground is building a “green” home, say it can be as simple hen you hear that someone or a windmill? Local builders solar farm in your side yard appliances. to mow the roof, a massive windows and installing energy-efficient your home, installing good of Wall Construction in ‘green’?” David Wall, owner we can do to make your house “What’s the number one thing do to save on electric?” efficiency—what can you Madison Heights, asked. “Energy “Say on and electric bills together. home to add their mortgage embark on building a green about $800 a month for mortgage Wall asks people about to Wall explained. “It will be 2,000-square-foot house,” month.” a $200,000 mortgage for a a total payment of $1,050 about $200-250 a month for payments. Power would be $40 a month to their mortgage 5 percent, which may add their energy efficiency by upgrades homeowner a if increase. said He bill to offset that $65 a month on their electric payment, it could save them
not-so-little world, See, real estate is an odd, tendencies. with strange truths and quirky willing to make a Sometimes, you have to be
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
"
ventilation and air conditioning),”
“Green” Glossary and air HVAC: Heating, ventilation heat pump conditioning. Typically a in this part of the U.S. R-value: The ability of a material, heat typically insulation, to resist flow. The higher the R-value, the better it is at insulating.
in Lynchburg and incorporated metal from Timberlake Lighting heads, LED lighting throughout hot water. The Floyd Eco gas boiler for domestic super-efficient modulating Wall to passive house (right) was also built by Village Community Center energy-efficient items. SIPS panels and many other standards using 12-inch
LED lighting.
Groundbreaking
and affordable as super-insulating
builders who At the same time, those home stopped ended up with excess inventory not believe this, building altogether. You might shortage … and but that has led us to a housing to keep up! Once home builders are scrambling took too long to again, buyers and builders behind. adjust, and now they too are
So, there are many options homeowners can consider when making the decision to “build green.” Custom what Structures, which builds it calls “Next Generation Homes,” said homeowners are adding other “green” options such as radiant floors, rainwater collection (for washing cars, watering the lawn, etc.), natural lighting to and smart-house technology control appliances and security.
heat loss, U-value: The measure of doors. typically in windows and The lower the U-value, the better it is at insulating. your Once you find the lot of he used to put them in all insulation, to shared by Wall. He said Batt insulation: Strips of dreams, your next step is But that sentiment isn’t a small family, they usually fiberglass, used between not anymore. He said for work with a builder to decide the houses he builds, but in building. “For a large family, you studs or other framework but not for a larger family. how many “green” options are an efficient appliance, tanked water stay a super-efficient, super insulated can put in your house and with high hot-water usage, said. within your budget. heater would be best,” Wall home, but he said hot water heater for his own Wall built a thermal-solar that get any shade June 1, smaller homes and homes The Floyd Hotel (left), completed they are impractical for Wall Construction project, get full sun all day. low flow faucets and shower installed on the roof, must structural insulated panels, a during the day. The system,
How to Affordable
the only interested Guess what? They aren’t and one of them buyer! Now there are four, In fact, they won’t offered full price! In cash! (A quick aside: I even do a home inspection! to forgo a home would never advise a buyer do as a negotiating inspection, although some own risk.) THAT tool … but they do so at their get buyer is ahead. The rest, unfortunately, adjusted to the new left behind. They haven’t and their expectations reality. Their mental state are outdated.
counter-intuitive move just
hot water is the tankless or on-demand Another possible money-saver in the homes his heaters are standard features heaters. Yeatman said the heater] in a house in haven’t put [a tank water business builds now. “We your money.” is a pretty fast return on years,” he said. “Tankless
they are more of the compact fluorescent, “If you use LED instead said, “but the prices $150-200 to a project,” Wall expensive and may add and fluorescent.” a lot longer than incandescent are dropping and they last
School The New Heritage High
new school. has broken ground on the Lynchburg City Schools online. countdown to completion Follow our progress and
w-hhs
www.lcsedu.net/ne
Wall said. “If I over-insulate, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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ag.com M ss e n si u B rg u b h c n y Go to www.L
LEGAL
How to Lose the Property You Really Want to Keep When You File a Bankruptcy
O
BY DAVID COX, BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY, COX LAW GROUP, PLLC
f course, the question that forms the title of this article is asked tongue in cheek. For my clients, losing the property they want to keep is never the goal! So, the real question is, how do you maximize your chances of keeping your property in a Bankruptcy? The answer is simple: you follow the rules. Knowing the rules, though, is often the real challenge.
in protecting his or her family member as well as protecting the client’s own pride, the Bankruptcy Code clearly requires that all debts are disclosed regardless of whether the money is owed to family, friends or one of the big national banks. The Bankruptcy Code is designed to ensure that all creditors are treated fairly and have notice of the proceeding.
Unfortunately, in today’s world of quick access to information, it is easy for a potential client, armed with a little bit of knowledge from his or her internet legal research, to make some big mistakes before even meeting with an attorney in preparing for a Bankruptcy filing. Often, such an individual’s efforts to try to protect property or to limit the impact of a Bankruptcy on his or her loved ones backfires because the legal system has many built-in protections to ensure fairness to all parties and to discourage any “funny business” by clients to avoid their creditors.
For example, if distributions will be made to creditors in the case, all creditors including family members have the right to participate. By failing to list a family member in a petition, the client is effectively denying that family member the right to receive distributions or to raise other appropriate issues in the Bankruptcy forum.
What do I mean by “funny business?” I have had clients ask not to list a specific debt and tell me “I don’t want to include that family member in my Bankruptcy.” Other clients have reported to me at our initial meeting that they no longer have a car or other bank account when asked about their assets. When pressed, the client admits that in anticipation of our meeting, they have “put the car in someone else’s name so it won’t be a problem.” Of course, there are still other clients who never reveal information to me because they think that will help them better protect certain prized possessions. All of these efforts at trying to protect property or specific creditors are ill-advised and almost always result in the direct loss of that property or in sanctions on the clients themselves. Those sanctions can include the simple denial of a client’s discharge of debt, the loss of assets or even imprisonment for fraud.
N O T L I S T I N G A FA M I LY M E M B E R
A main tenet of the Bankruptcy system is fairness to all parties, including all of the creditors and the clients themselves. Of the misdeeds described in this article, arguably the most innocent may be the desire of a client to not discharge a debt to his or her family member by not revealing that obligation on the Bankruptcy petition. While I can appreciate that such desire stems from a client’s interest
RECENT TRANSFERS OF PROPERTY
Some individuals mistakenly believe that giving away, selling or transferring property “out of their names” will protect the asset in a Bankruptcy. Sometimes, I see this with priceless family firearms that have been passed down through generations. Other times, for example, I have had clients tell me about cars they put in their son’s name or bank accounts they closed out. In most of these cases, the very action the clients have taken to try to protect their assets is the action that will ensure that they lose them. With respect to the firearm example, a client in Bankruptcy typically could have easily protected the item through special inheritance or firearm exemptions if they just retained ownership of it and disclosed it. By transferring the property out of one’s name, the Bankruptcy Trustee might be permitted to void the transfer and recover the item to sell and pay to creditors. The example of the transferred car on the eve of Bankruptcy would work the same way with the same disastrous result. Typically, it is easier to protect an asset by disclosing it in the Bankruptcy and applying the appropriate exemption. In the case of bank accounts, there may in fact be limited amounts of cash a client can protect. However, with an experienced attorney’s assistance, a client may have opportunities to convert that cash into other exempt assets, like pre-need funeral contracts, necessary household goods and furnishings or prescribed medical devices. Such pre-bankruptcy planning, though,
can be fraught with complications for the client and should be approached cautiously and only with careful attorney instruction. If not, a wellmeaning client might be seen as overreaching and face allegations of fraud. The courts rarely define how much pre-bankruptcy planning is appropriate, and legal scholars generally sum matters up with the simple maxim, “pigs get fed and hogs get slaughtered.” In other words, while some reasonable, appropriate and necessary pre-bankruptcy planning may be fitting, if such efforts are too aggressive and appear in bad faith, the client risks losing his Bankruptcy discharge, the assets or worse.
H I D I N G O R FA I L I N G TO DISCLOSE ASSETS
The biggest mistake a client can make is to fail to disclose actual assets on a Bankruptcy petition. An example of this would be the client who does not report a potential claim they may have against a third party, such as a car accident personal injury lawsuit or other claim. If the goal behind the nondisclosure is a client’s expectation that it will keep the Bankruptcy from negatively impacting the lawsuit, the client will be surprised to learn that his or her very actions will actually bar the personal injury claim or other lawsuit from proceeding further. In fact, the client will effectively give up any rights he or she may have had to the lawsuit and to the damages award that might otherwise flow from it by failing to disclose the potential asset in the Bankruptcy petition. The irony is that in most personal injury cases, the damages award would be fully exempt and protected in a Bankruptcy proceeding, if properly disclosed. Over the years, courts all across the country have written opinions to reiterate that the “fresh start” offered by Bankruptcy is reserved for the “honest but unfortunate” individuals facing overwhelming debt. The key is in the word “honest.” Preserving the right to the relief offered by Bankruptcy requires that the client proceed honestly, in good faith, and according to the rules of the system. The preceding is for general informational purposes only and not intended to constitute specific legal advice or form an attorney/client relationship. Please seek the services of a licensed attorney for specific legal advice. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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MARKETING & SALES
7
Personal Branding
MISTAKES to Avoid on LinkedIn
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BY CATHERINE VARNER, VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND AND MARKETING STRATEGY, PROTOTYPE ADVERTISING
inkedIn is an excellent online platform for professional networking. And for savvy job seekers, it’s a great place to promote your personal brand. So, you want to use LinkedIn the right way to find the greatest success. Make sure you avoid mistakes by following these tips:
1. Only use a professional-looking headshot. LinkedIn is a professional platform, so please, no beach, sports or cocktails photos! Save those for social platforms like Facebook. Make sure you post a photo. Without one, you make people wonder. We live in a visual world and people want to see who you are and what you look like.
2. Write a personalized message when inviting someone to connect. Don’t send LinkedIn’s default text. It says, “I don’t have time to bother,” so why should they bother to connect with you? Give them a good reason, especially if they don’t know you. And please don’t use the “Friend” option when connecting unless you truly are a friend of theirs. Most professionals get peeved by this behavior and won’t want to connect with you.
3. Complete your LinkedIn profile if you want to be found. Take advantage of the LinkedIn “wizard” that guides you through completing your profile and tells you when it’s 100 percent complete. At the very least, you will want to ensure your Summary, Experience, Skills & Endorsements, and Headline are well-crafted and complete. Because all of these sections are searchable, you want to optimize the words you use to describe yourself. Incorporate keywords that will help someone find you for the right type of job or connection.
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4. Get the most out of including links to your other platforms—and name them. Many people don’t know that in the “Contact Details” section of your profile, you can include up to three links under the “Websites” heading. Consider including a link to your company’s website here as well as other relevant sites, like a Pinterest account for your company. In another section, you can include your Twitter address.
5. Don’t be lazy when sharing links and updates. Take the time to customize your message for LinkedIn. Avoid simply posting the same message across multiple platforms. You’ll benefit by connecting more authentically with your target audience.
6. Don’t spam your connections. Only share great, value-added content. If you use LinkedIn as your email marketing platform and spam people with marketing material, requests to read your blog or any other selfserving communication, most professionals will simply remove you as a connection. Instead, focus on posting content that your connections will find of interest and value to them—something that deepens your personal brand and demonstrates thoughtful leadership.
7. Don’t accept every request to connect. It may be tempting to have hundreds or thousands of connections, but that’s really not the point. When I get a request to connect from a nurse at a Detroit health system … really? While I respect her profession tremendously, is it likely that we will add value to each other’s professional lives? After all, that’s what LinkedIn is designed for. If you are looking for assistance in establishing your personal brand on LinkedIn or refining your company’s brand, visit MeetPrototype.com.
REAL ESTATE
Now that we’re on the Fireblowing flip side of entertainers all that mess, wowed crowds at festivals past. buyers are learning a new reality. For the better part of the past four years, buyers have been in the driver’s seat. They could ask for whatever they wanted and if they were well qualified, they got it. They want all the appliances? They want a home warranty? They want to name my firstborn? Whatever you say, Mr. Buyer, as long as you close.
Everybody’s Always Behind… and other improbable truths
T
BY DAN VOLLMER, ASSOCIATE BROKER, REMAX 1ST OLYMPIC
he real estate world is a strange one. I mean, who determines what a house is worth? The seller? The buyer? The appraiser? The local township or county? The person who owns it thinks it’s worth a TON; the person buying it wants to acknowledge every little flaw so they can get it for cheap; the appraiser is licensed to determine a value while the locality wants to collect taxes on it, but neither of them actually want to OWN it. And, isn’t it strange that you can make one type of improvement and get back nearly all your investment upon sale, but another type of improvement, while equally valuable, will only get you 50 cents on the dollar? Neighborhoods change from one street to the next, changing the value and desirability. One yard slopes too much, the next one doesn’t allow enough run off. Really … it’s a strange world. Now here’s something really odd to consider: No matter what the market’s doing, everyone is always behind. Take, for example, the economic downturn of the late 2000s (really mid-2008 through 2011). Prior to that era, sellers were putting houses on the market in record numbers, and the inventory (while inflated) was still flying off the shelves. And then, the timer ran out. By now, we’re all very familiar with the resulting fallout, but at the time, sellers had no idea. They just kept listing and listing and listing those houses! Inventory climbed, while buyers disappeared and before you knew it, we had 15-20 months worth of properties on the market. Think of a bar graph with two lines—one for buyers and one for sellers. Both lines running in tandem on a sharp increase until … oops! The buyer line takes a sharp right turn south, while the seller line keeps chugging right along. Just like that hapless little optimistic engine. See, sellers were behind the curve. They didn’t adjust until it was too late. As a collective group, not only did they not see it coming, they refused to see it when it was here! The same thing happened with home builders. For years, they couldn’t build them fast enough, but many did not notice when demand began to slow. Before they knew it, there were a handful of new construction homes that didn’t sell. And then, there were two handfuls … and then there were a whole lot. Soon, builders had to rent them out or lose them to foreclosure.
But it’s a new day. In certain pockets of the market, there’s a lack of inventory. All the buyers looking in that area have seen all the listings, and there aren’t enough to choose from … so a new house gets a ton of action. Along comes a buyer with the mindset they learned in 2010. The offer is low—“they just want to see where the sellers are”—and they want lots of concessions. Sure, let’s ask them for the fridge and the washer and the dryer and the mower and the Monet in the master bedroom. Guess what? They aren’t the only interested buyer! Now there are four, and one of them offered full price! In cash! In fact, they won’t even do a home inspection! (A quick aside: I would never advise a buyer to forgo a home inspection, although some do as a negotiating tool … but they do so at their own risk.) THAT buyer is ahead. The rest, unfortunately, get left behind. They haven’t adjusted to the new reality. Their mental state and their expectations are outdated. Same thing for home builders. Have you seen any new construction lately? Do you know anyone who’s thinking about building again? Yes! For the past 7+ years, many people have stayed in their homes and sat on their equity… and waited. They waited for now. And now, those people are feeling better about getting off their cash and building. At the same time, those home builders who ended up with excess inventory stopped building altogether. You might not believe this, but that has led us to a housing shortage … and home builders are scrambling to keep up! Once again, buyers and builders took too long to adjust, and now they too are behind. See, real estate is an odd, not-so-little world, with strange truths and quirky tendencies. Sometimes, you have to be willing to make a counter-intuitive move just to stay ahead. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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RETAIL
TOP & BOTTOM: Dance and Music Creations (DMC) students from the Lynchburg area performed at Disney World in June. MIDDLE: DMC owner, Lanette Lucado.
Local dance studio shimmies its way to Disney World
I
BY MELISSA SKINNER
t was a dream come true for a group of local dancers. Students at Dance and Music Creations had the rare opportunity in June to perform on the stage at Disney World after founder Lanette Lucado sent an audition video of one of the studio’s full costume performances in December. “What an accomplishment to be chosen to perform on the Disney,” Lucado said. “The students performed well because they are disciplined, and I know they came away with an irreplaceable and unforgettable experience.” Lucado has a passion for teaching because she said she is able to see her students grow in their dance ability, confidence and character, ultimately learning life skills to ensure successful futures for them. “Competitions are the opportunity for students to stretch themselves out of their comfort zone and grow in both skill and character. Life is about growing, improving and accepting,” Lucado said. “The students learned to work on themselves as both individuals and as a group. They also had the opportunity to encourage others outside their home studio, make new friendships and grow as leaders. “
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Voted Lynchburg’s number one dance school, Dance and Music Creations offers a variety of learning opportunities in a positive, encouraging environment. Dance and Music Creations was originally called Dance Creations and was established in 1996 by Lucado. The dance school began its first year with 36 students and grew to 82 students by the end of the first season. “My desire was to create an environment where students could come learn the joy of dance, as well as the art of dance and performing in an environment that is both professional and encouraging,” Lucado said. “I wanted to create a place where every student grows not to be the best but to be their best.” In 2005, Dance Creations moved to Wyndhurst and doubled enrollment again. After achieving such growth, Dance Creations opened a music program to offer piano, voice and guitar lessons and changed its name to Dance and Music Creations in 2008. Lucado’s love for dance developed at an early age when her mother enrolled her in ballet and tumbling classes. “I was in love with dance from the beginning. My teacher, Debbie Dobson of Decatur, Illinois, recalls me giggling with joy through the ballet class,” Lucado said. “As I grew older, my mother continued to add classes to my weekly dance schedule including tap, jazz, pointe and lyrical jazz.” As a teenager, Lucado trained and performed on a power tumbling team and performed as a UCA All Star Cheerleader in London, England. After graduating high school, she danced professionally with the Prairie Theater Dance Company in Illinois before moving to Lynchburg in late 1992. The studio currently offers a wide variety of dance classes to students three to 18 years of age including ballet, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, break dancing, musical theatre and clogging. Zumba fitness classes are offered two times a week to adults, and “Mommy and Me” movement class will soon be offered to students 18 months to 3 years old. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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“Our studio is looking for people who are looking for a positive environment for their students or themselves to grow in the arts and experience the joy of learning and performing,” Lucado said. “We offer well trained, experienced staff, customer-oriented office staff, professional level facilities and a convenient location. “ Dance and Music Creations currently has approximately 200 families with students who come from all over the area including Forest, Bedford, Lynchburg, Appomattox, Madison Heights and Rustburg areas. “The ability to offer our community an arts program like ours is not just great fun, but creates relationships, lessons and memories that students carry into their lives forever,” Lucado said. For more information about Dance and Music Creations, visit dancemusiccreation.com.
Along with its performance opportunities and numerous trophies and awards racked up at competitions, Dance and Music Creations also acts as a retail source of dance and gymnastic apparel, footwear and accessories, thanks to the boutique inside its Wyndhurst location.
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What to look forward to in the
September/October Issue Crunchy Munchies Some of our area’s healthy options
Lyrical Geniuses
Quiet Retreats Places in Virginia for those in search of solitude and creative inspiration
Hot Local Bands You Should See A Space for Creatives Taking you inside the TOOLRY
Lynchburg Living at Home Tour a 1886 row house on Washington Street
Kick Off to BEST OF BALLOTS
The Margareaders An eclectic and diverse book club who know their Margaritas as well as good books & recipes
Bend it Pilates and yoga studios to help you find inner peace and get healthy
Featured Vegetarian Recipe
Lynchburg’s Premier Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine
Subscribe Today at www.LynchburgLiving.com
TECHNOLOGY
Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the latest technologies rolled out by Progress Printing Plus, which offers enhanced digital content to complement its print components.
Augmenting the Reality, and Future, of Print through Technology
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BY SUZANNE RAMSEY
magine that the pages of a magazine could almost literally come to life, that by simply pointing your smart phone or tablet at an ad for, say, breakfast cereal, you could be transported to videos, websites, photos and all sorts of extra digital content. For people born before 1980, what’s called augmented reality— usually shortened to “AR”—might sound like science fiction, like a dire situation thrust upon the protagonist of a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster. A parallel universe of sorts.
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But it’s not science fiction and is available today through Lynchburgbased Progress Printing Plus. Progress Printing Plus, often referred to as “Progress Printing” or simply “Progress,” is currently offering AR to its customers, which include companies in 40 U.S. states and eight countries. According to Gerald Bowles, director of business development at Progress, they’re the only printing company in town that is incorporating AR.
TECHNOLOGY
A couple of years ago, he said, “a vendor of ours came in and give a demonstration [about AR]. He was a futurist and he came in and gave a presentation to our sales team. He just kind of looks into the future and tells us what’s going to be relevant at a later date.”
those assets and move people to another experience,” Bowles said. “It can be an online experience, a visual experience, a tactile experience, asking people to push buttons, swipe screens. It adds another feel or touch, if you will, than just a magazine.”
The idea interested Bowles who, as an executive of a printing company, is always looking for new ways to make print media relevant in an increasingly digital world.
Progress is currently in what Bowles described as “the very early stages of implementation of AR.” He said they’re educating clients and have sent out postcards in an effort to entice them to download the Layar App and learn more.
“My whole idea behind it was to keep the customer in mind and give them another vehicle and another way to create revenue,” he said. “If we can find vehicles with which to help our customers make revenue, then we can do what we do best: print publications and catalogs.”
While “more and more [clients] are coming online every day,” Bowles said, “it’s still relatively new and folks are somewhat afraid of it. They don’t understand and they don’t see its value and worth.”
Progress is using an AR platform called Layar, although there are others available and Bowles said they’re not limiting themselves to just that system. To access AR content, readers first have to download a platform’s app. The different systems’ apps are not interchangeable.
Jordan Moore, editorial assistant with Virginia Military Institute’s alumni association, recently took a tour of the Progress facilities on Waterlick Road and was introduced to AR. As a result, the upcoming edition of VMI’s quarterly alumni magazine will include the new technology.
Then, when a reader notices the Layar logo on the pages of a magazine or catalog, he or she can scan the page and access the extra content.
“They showed us how it worked and how it could benefit us,” she said, adding that features will include, among other things, class reunion photos and videos. “We’re just kind of starting simple,” she said. “I think we’ll see what the response is first and go from there. ... I think it’s going to be a great tool for us to be able to get things into the magazine that we wouldn’t normally be able to.”
Talk to Bowles and he’ll tell you the possibilities for how AR can be utilized are nearly endless. A pajamas company he knows of is using AR, which is based on image recognition, on kids’ pajamas, he said. Scan the image of a teddy bear and you’ll hear a story about a teddy bear. Scan the unicorn, and it’s a unicorn story. LEGO, the building blocks company, uses AR on some of its boxes to let kids see what the finished product will look like, said David Williams, systems administrator specialist for Progress. “If you take the box and hold it under the camera,” he said, “the assembled boat turns up on the box, animated, and little Johnny is saying, ‘Mama, Mama!’”
“It’s a living publication or catalog,” Bowles said. “It’s actually alive. AR has created a world around you that you don’t even know is there. It’s almost like a radio wave. It lives and now we’re trying to promote a vehicle that says, ‘Come and take a look.’” For more insight into Progress Printing Plus, visit www.progressprintplus.com.
Added Bowles, “It’s 3D and every kid in the world is going to throw those in the buggy.” And AR content can be changed, unlike a traditional publication, where once it’s printed it’s done, typos and all. AR also has analytics. “That would probably be valuable to someone selling ads to an advertiser,” Williams said. “How many people are scanning the page [and] interacting with the elements on the page?” With AR, another advantage is that clients can use content that’s already in house, such as extra photos and videos, or perhaps that story that just couldn’t be wedged into the magazine, due to space constrictions. “The whole idea is to leverage the assets they already have and then create this bridge to use AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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TOURISM & TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY
Combating Drunk Driving One Free Ride at a Time BY JAMES EBRAHIM
U
niformed drivers in a fleet of black and orange vans are shuttling residents to and from restaurants for free to help combat drunk driving in Lynchburg. DrinkFree, a startup company, is the brainchild of Frank Sheffield and Chase Montney. The two Lynchburg residents saw the effects of drunk driving and decided to do something about it. “One night we were watching TV and we saw a news story about a group of teenagers that got in a really bad wreck,” Sheffield said. “Then five minutes later, we saw another story about someone who was slammed by a drunk driver and we thought, ‘Why is there nothing being done about this?’” Montney said. The Milwaukee native has seen friends killed in drunk driving accidents. “I’ve been to their funerals and it’s kind of a common thing, sadly,” he said. After a year of planning, DrinkFree officially became a company in the later part of January 2014. There are two segments to the company. The first is keeping the community safe from drunk driving and making Lynchburg residents aware of their service. “We do that by supporting local events,” Montney said. “Right now, we are supporting the Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival. We are also partnering with City View [By the James] downtown.” The second segment of the company and their main business is providing the free rides. “That’s where the name comes in, DrinkFree,” Montney said. “We partner with businesses and local organizations if they want to sponsor us and that’s what keeps us free.” The company is not a nonprofit, and this was a conscious choice that Sheffield and Montney made to avoid grants and taxpayers’ money in order to keep the business truly free.
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TOURISM & TRANSPORTATION
“We are not trying to get rich,” Sheffield said. “When people ask us how we make money, it is almost like we don’t. I mean, we do. We set this up so the restaurants would benefit and so the customers would benefit, and for us to sustain as much as we can.” The process for the free rides is simple. DrinkFree picks up the customer and takes them to the restaurant and when they are ready to leave, a server or bartender will call DrinkFree to come pick them up and take them home. “The customers get it because it’s free,” Montney said. “All of the feedback we get, the customers are on fire about it and they think it’s an amazing idea.” To help keep the service gratis, the restaurant then gives DrinkFree a percentage of the customer’s tab. This fee is negotiated between DrinkFree and the restaurant before the company is added to their list. Each place has a unique business model and negotiation with DrinkFree. “The success is really that it’s a no brainer. I let you customize it to your business, so you set the percentage, you can cancel at any time and you don’t have to pay a monthly fee,” Montney said. “It’s really a risk-free investment.”
drunk driving problem. We felt like if we can make it work here, we can make it work anywhere.” DrinkFree is working to provide a better future for Lynchburg residents, right down to its littlest ones. For Sheffield and Montney, it’s a personal mission they hope will bring many positive outcomes immediately and over time. “I want my two-year-old daughter to grow up and say, ‘I can’t believe there wasn’t an option, when you were able to drink, for you to get home for free,’” Sheffield said. The company recently moved into their office at the Business Developments Center off of Graves Mill Road. For more information or to schedule a free ride, visit their website at www.livedrinkfree.com.
OPPOSITE PAGE: DrinkFree founders, Frank Sheffield and Chase Montney. BELOW: A fully outfitted DrinkFree vehicle, ready to make a free run to a local restaurant or business.
Companies are only charged when they are provided with the business that DrinkFree brings. Along with all these benefits is the positive public relations of being part of a movement that is helping to get rid of drunk driving in the Lynchburg community. Though DrinkFree’s main focus is on restaurants and their customers, they also have their hands in other venues as well. “Really, anywhere that there is alcohol, we are trying to get into and help give people an option and a way to get home,” Sheffield said. There are currently five drivers who work for DrinkFree as well as volunteers who have reached out to them. “That is something that we love and we try to encourage,” Montney said. Utilization of social media and the internet has helped raise awareness for DrinkFree. “We are up to about 700 likes and that’s pretty great,” Sheffield said. “Businesses that have nothing to do with restaurants want to support us. I built the website myself so I can advertise for them there.” DrinkFree is also trying to help people plan ahead when they go out to drink. “We are not encouraging people to drink at all. We put that out as a disclaimer,” Montney said. “We are not a service where you go to the bar, get drunk, and then decide, ‘Am I going to drive or am I going to call DrinkFree?’ We want you to plan ahead with us.” Though they are not encouraging people to drink, Montney and Sheffield said they are not against drinking either. As a true start-up company, DrinkFree is working to expand and grow. “We are really excited about this even though we are starting out small,” Sheffield said. “You wouldn’t think of Lynchburg as a town that has a AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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