Serving the greater Lynchburg regiOn
+INSIDE
DeceMber/January 2016-17
INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT J. DAY | GIVENs BOOks & LITTLE DIckENs LAW & sOcIAL MEDIA | VAHsEER MEADWORks
Stuart Blakely
Nadine Blakely
REALTOR®
REALTOR, ASP, CLHMS, SRES email: nadineblakely@remax.net
email: stuartblakely@remax.net
(434) 444-2226
(434) 401-9214
®
Need to SELL?
Planning to RELOCATE?
Want to BUY?
You NEED us by your side! We will be with you for every step necessary in buying or selling a home. We provide you helpful tips and all the information you will need to make the sale go as smoothly and quickly as possible. Our experience and knowledge of the real estate business has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell homes in the Central Virginia area.
HOME BU Y CHECKLIS ING T: √
Call Nadin e Blakely, √ Finan Realtor cin √ Inspe g ctions √ Vendo r Coordin √ Disc losures ation √ Title √ Appra isals √ Final Walk-Th ru √ And More
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY Nadine Blakely REALTOR®
Nadine s 100 hom ells more than es every year!
Need to SELL first? We can help you SELL! #
1
Nadine Ranked the
Dennis & Kelli LaPrade
Producer
in the Lynchburg MLS for 2015 out of 600+ agents*
#
Nadine Ranked
1
in the State of Virginia for RE/MAX® for 2015
Nadine Ranked
TRUST the TRACK RECORD!
Nadine takes the time to understand her clients’ needs and works hard to find the house that fits their needs.
We worked with Nadine for about a year looking at houses and when the right house for us became available, Nadine called right away informing us that she had found the perfect house for us. As Nadine says, she played matchmaker. We love our house and are grateful that we used Nadine to purchase our house and then to sell our old house. Due to her strong marketing strategy, we were able to sell our house in 10 days! Thanks to Nadine, this was a great experience and we had fun doing it! She is a delight to work with and knows how to get the job done.
#
71
in the United States for RE/MAX® for 2015
I have been very pleased Cathy with Nadine Blakely Blake and her team during the process of selling my house.
Nadine is the #1 Realtor in the Lynchburg area. Our experience with her was nothing short of top-rate.
She was very highly recommended, and there are reasons for that. Her knowledge of the market, communication skills and ability to soothe the nerves of anxious sellers/buyers are exceptional. In the end, what matters most is getting the job done, and Nadine got the job done!
Nadine is personable, professional, and knowledgeable. She is attentive to the details of the deal and is an excellent negotiator. You can’t go wrong with Dennis & Michelle Nadine Blakely! Spencer
Nadine is now staging homes for the spring market - Need Help?
“STAGING is FREE when you list with me.” ®
1st Olympic, REALTORS
®
(434) 832-1100
www.NadineBlakelyHomes.com * Based on information from the Lynchburg Association of REALTORS® MLS for the period Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2015
K
Team
Karl Miller D a l t o n & C o m p a n y, I n c .
The Karl Miller Team would like to say congratulations and thanks to the 156 new homeowners or sellers that we have had the honor to serve in 2016! We are looking forward to serving Lynchburg and surrounding areas in 2017!
Call us to find out how we can help you get to where you want to go!
(434) 239-2394 | www.karlmillerteam.com Mark A Dalton & Co Inc.
INSIDE LB
TABLE OF CONTENTS December/January 2016-17
FEATURES
UPFRONT
7 BY THE NUMBERS
14
8 IN THE NEWS
REGIONAL PROJECTIONS
10 MOVERS & SHAKERS 10 PLUGGED IN
17
11 LET’S DO LUNCH The Briar Patch
Navigating the Ins & Outs of Your Options
13 FINANCIAL
Choosing Investments in a Workplace Retirement Plan New Paid Sick Leave Rules
17
SOCIAL SECURITY: FACT VS. FICTION
COLUMNS 20 LEGAL
4 Leaders Give Insight
21
21
2016 TOP LAWYERS
of Greater Lynchburg
45 REAL ESTATE
43
The Moral of the (Real Estate) Story
LEADER PROFILE
46 HEALTHCARE
Robert J. Day
Managing & Treating Depression
50
48 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
43
Looking Forward to 2017
52 MARKETING
BUSINESSES OVER 10 Givens Books & Little Dickens
55
Holiday Party Networking
54 HUMAN RESOURCES
LEADING LADY
Preparing for the Future
Amanda Denny
<< UPDATE
MADE IN LYNCHBURG
58 T. C. TROTTERS, LLC.
56
56
BUSINESS UNDER 10 Vahseer Meadworks
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
5
INSIDE LB
EDITOR’S LETTER
F
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.
or a very fleeting moment during my college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I wanted to be a lawyer.
always had an admiration for the legal profession. And after working for a decade as news reporter in this area (and being inside the courtroom for plenty of cases), I gained a lot of respect for lawyers too. More often than not, when you need to find a lawyer, it’s not for something good. From divorce to bankruptcy, lawyers are there to help people and businesses through some of their most difficult times by navigating through a very complex system of paperwork and/or court appearances. If that time comes for you, who do you call? Do you Google “lawyers in Lynchburg” or just rely on your friend’s experience with his or her lawyer? Lynchburg Business is kicking of a brand new campaign to help you get a jump start: Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg 2016. Lynchburg Business contracted a company called DataJoe to do a peer-to-peer survey; lawyers in the region were asked to nominate each other for this contest. Starting on page 21, find out who received the most nominations to become this year’s Top Lawyer and see the full list of lawyers in over 30 specialties. This section also includes an in-depth look at how lawyers are using social media in their field. While, as a group, they may have been slow to join the movement, you may be surprised at how much some lawyers have embraced it. Another huge topic you may be very confused about right now: social security. What’s really going to happen years (maybe many, maybe just a few) from now when you want to draw your benefits? We are taking a much closer look at this topic that affects, well, all of us. On page 17, financial planners discuss some of the myths and
Photo by Chris Breedlove
Although I fell more in love with journalism, I’ve
Publisher Randy Thompson Managing Editor Shelley Basinger Editorial Director Angela Blue Contributing Writers Jeremy Angione, Shelley Basinger, Patrick Bolling, Victor Clarke, John Hall, Billy Hansen, Emily Hedrick, Michael Judd, M.D., Megan House, Colleen McLaughlin, Drew Menard, Jennifer Redmond, Dan Vollmer Vice President of Production Holly Watters Art Director Chris Meligonis Client Relations Manager Brittany Proctor Contributing Designers Josh Haralson Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Sr. Web Developer & Web Administrator Brandon Litchfield Web Developer Caleb Whitehead SEO Analyst Michael Saks IT Marketing Consultant William Warford Web Marketing & Promotions Manager Kathryn Kelly Photography Shelley Basinger, RJ Goodwin, Jim Pile Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Account Executive/Team Leader Missy Celli Account Executives Carolyn Keeling Lead Sales Artist Paul Cenzon Customer Service Representatives Keely Miller, Kiara Davis VistaGraphics Staff Copy Editor Robin Cather Controller Anita Burns Accounting Manager Dawn Meehan Accounting Clerk Kelsey Stephens Office Manager Tracy Thompson Contributing imagery supplied by Thinkstock.com
WWW.LYNCHBURGBUSINESSMAG.COM Proud Member of:
truths about social security so you can get your facts straight. And as we ease into 2017, local economic development leaders are creating new goals for the new year. On page 14, hear from Megan Lucas and Christine Kennedy (Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance), Susan Martin (Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce) and Dennis Jarvis (Economic Development Director, Altavista). They each have written a short column that includes their vision for the region’s economy. (Spoiler: the outlook is very positive for Central Virginia!) I sincerely hope you are having a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. From all of us at Lynchburg Business, we wish you the best!
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. © 2016-17 - 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.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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ADVERTISING DEADLINES Advertising Space Reservation........................December 31 Editorial & Events...............................................December 31 Final Artwork............................................................ January 5 For Advertising or Distribution Information, Please call 757.213.2461 or email paul@vgnet.com
BY THE NUMBERS
BY THE NUMBERS Helping Central Virginia Grow
40
Since 1947
337
Years in business for Number of nominated attorneys for Top Lawyers of Greater Givens Books & Little Dickens, Lynchburg 2016, see the results read more on page 50. starting on page 21.
$23 billion
www.LRMCC.com
Amount of lost productivity annually to U.S. employers due to depression, read more on page 46.
66 to 67
Defined as the full retirement age, learn about social security myths and truths on page 17.
Lynchburg Plant
Bedford Plant
Amherst Plant
Appomattox Plant
(434) 846-6563
(434) 946-5562
(540) 586-8380
(434) 352-2829
When trust matters. Rely on our professional staff at Lynchburg Dental Center to bring you the latest advancements in technology in a comfortable setting. Stop in to meet the rest of our team, all of us committed to ensuring confident healthy smiles.
Carrington Crawford, D.D.S. Karen Kenny, D.D.S. Brad Lentz, D.M.D. (434) 384-7611 â&#x20AC;˘ 3719 Old Forest Road â&#x20AC;˘ www.LynchburgDentist.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
7
UPFRONT
NEW PROJECT
BANKER STEEL AWARDED CONTRACT FOR NYC PROJECT
I
n less than a year, Banker Steel will begin construction on the structural steel framing
IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ALLIANCE UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE
T
he Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has released its new economic development website, YesLynchburgRegion.org. “A vibrant community needs a website that matches the Region’s personality and one that will showcase its regional assets to site selectors and prospects,” states Megan Lucas, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer for the Alliance. Visitors to the website will find comprehensive data regarding business recruitment and retention including available sites and buildings, labor force information, demographics, incentives, and rates such as taxes, water, power, and sewer. YesLynchburgRegion.org also highlights regional partners. According to the Alliance, site selectors and corporate executives gather 80 percent of their information off these types of websites. “The Alliance’s new website will be a useful tool for businesses looking to locate or expand in the Lynchburg Region, detailing workforce strengths, listing available property and showcasing Lynchburg’s incredible sense of place,” said Marjette Upshur, Economic Development Director for the City of Lynchburg. In creating the website, the Alliance and the Regional Economic Development Team selected Atlas Advertising, an international firm that specializes in the design and development of economic development websites.
LEGAL
WOODS ROGERS PLC RECOGNIZED IN U.S. NEWS
W
oods Rogers offices in Roanoke and Charlottesville are ranked in the 2017 edition of U.S. News--Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” The firm’s Roanoke office received rankings in Tier 1 and Tier 2 in more than 25 practice areas. According to U.S. News, the 2017 rankings are based on the highest number of participating firms and highest number of client ballots on record. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Over 21,000 attorneys provided almost 700,000 law firm assessments, and over 8,000 clients provided more than 47,000 evaluations.
8
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
for the One Vanderbilt project in New York
City. The company announced it had been awarded the contract in November. One Vanderbilt will be a new, 1464-foot high, 1.6 million square feet building located at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, immediately adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. It’s slated for completion in 2020 with construction beginning in the summer of 2017. Banker Steel will be under contract to provide 26,500 tons of structural steel framing for the project as well as responsibility for the erection. “One Vanderbilt is precisely the type of large-scale, complex, heavy steel fabrication project that fits the unique capabilities of Banker Steel,” said Don Banker, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Banker Steel. “This project will literally transform the New York City skyline, creating a more vibrant District around Grand Central Station.” SL Green Realty Corporation is the project’s developer. Banker Steel will be under contract to Tishman Construction, the general contractor.
HEALTHCARE
HORIZON AND ORTHOVIRGINIA FORM PARTNERSHIP
A
ccording to statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, of prescriptions taken for nonmedical reasons, over 24 percent came from a physician. Horizon Behavioral Health (HBH) and OrthoVirginia want to change those numbers through a new partnership. They are taking a proactive approach by first assessing clients for risk factors associated with addiction then providing them with the tools they need to succeed and live healthy lives. “Our mission is to improve the musculoskeletal health and well-being of those who live in our communities. This robust partnership with Horizon will ensure we are doing everything possible to maintain the health of our patients,” said OrthoVirginia Chief Administrative Officer Karen Simonton. HBH will provide an educational group using the motivational enhancement therapy approach. These groups will strengthen motivation, educate on cessation strategies and build a plan for change for individuals referred to the group. “We will be tracking the outcomes of our efforts. We do not just want to place a bandage on this issue; we need a comprehensive medication management approach,” said HBH CEO Damien Cabezas.
UPFRONT
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
LOCAL LEADERS CELEBRATE FILMING OF SHOELESS WONDERS IN LYNCHBURG
I
n the fall of 2017, filmmakers with Life Out Loud Films will be in Lynchburg working on Shoeless
Wonders, a movie with local ties. In the 1920’s, Lynchburg was one
BUSINESS EXPANSION
INDEPENDENT PHARMACY OPENS ON TIMBERLAKE ROAD
O
wners of Rustburg Family Pharmacy have expanded their business to the Timberlake area. Located at the corner of Timberlake Road and Greenview Drive,
Timberlake Family Pharmacy opened to the public in October. The independent pharmacy is an expansion of Rustburg Family Pharmacy,
of the largest shoe manufacturers and
which has outgrown its current space. Owner Vince Ettare says the pharmacy
distributors in the world; it was also
aims to provide better service than corporate competitors.
home to the Shoeless Wonders, a team of orphans that played football without shoes for a winning streak of eight years. From Lincoln to Big Stone Gap, Virginia has become a location for filmmakers from across the country and the world. Every dollar invested by
“Instead of focusing on how fast we can answer phones, we are looking at how we can provide better clinical care,” said Ettare. “I understand we have to focus on the bottom line, but we want to give people good medical advice and cost-effective treatment methods.”
the Commonwealth of Virginia in film incentives has returned $8 in direct spending in the state.
NEW LEADERSHIP AT ENDSTATION THEATRE
E
ndstation Theatre Company, Central Virginia’s premier not-for-profit
professional theatre, is kicking off its second decade with an infusion of fresh energy. Endstation is welcoming a new
NONPROFIT
MENTORING ORGANIZATION OBTAINS 501(C)(3) STATUS
T
he Youth For Truth Developmental Center is looking forward to
new opportunities to partner with other organizations now
Managing Director, Maryam Brown,
that it has recently obtained
to lead the organization alongside
501(c)(3) status.
Artistic Director, Walter Kmiec.
Located at 1205 Rivermont
Born and raised in Central
Avenue, the Center is committed
Virginia, Maryam holds a degree in sociology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s
to teaching and mentoring youth
College (now Randolph College) and has over 10 years of experience in
in areas of self-discipline, respect
nonprofit management. “Endstation is known for introducing new artistic ideas
for self and others, and giving
to the region while giving voice to the stories of our peoples,” says Brown. “We
back to the community. The
are looking forward to building upon this tradition; there are some exciting
Center was established in 2012,
partnerships coming up in 2017, and our shows offer to take our audiences
and membership is open to
from laughter, to celebration, to reflection.”
youth ages 6-18 who live in Lynchburg and surrounding counties.
Founded in 2006 by Geoffrey Kershner and Krista Franco, Endstation has inspired the local arts scene with savvy, unique local collaborations, including Our Town at the Old City Cemetery and Two Gentlemen of Virginia
More information can be found at www.yftsm.com. As there are no membership fees, the Center is supported financially through bi-monthly fundraisers and contributions from an all-volunteer adult staff.
at Poplar Forest.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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UPFRONT
MOVERS & SHAKERS BENTON EVANS—Operations Manager for Stimulus Advertising. Evans is a graduate of Liberty University with a B.S. in Strategic Communications. Starting as an intern with Stimulus, Evans has continued to work hard to move up within the company. He is currently studying to receive his master’s degree in business administration at LU. JOHN N. HALL, CFP—President of Lynchburg Wealth Management. Located on Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg Wealth Management is a fee-only financial advisory firm serving the Lynchburg community. Hall is a 2005 graduate of Virginia Tech, where he received degrees in finance and management. Prior to Lynchburg Wealth Management, he held positions at MontVue Capital Management and BB&T bank. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. MARK LANDIS—Business Development Manager with Stimulus Advertising. A graduate of Liberty University, Landis brings his experience back to strengthen the advertising landscape in the Lynchburg area while also coaching at Virginia Episcopal School. He was previously with advertising agency Mullen Lowe in Winston Salem, NC. CHERYL H. SMITH—Community Relations Director at Home Instead Senior Care. Smith comes to this role with a nonprofit background. In April 2015, Smith began Oikos Services, a residential cleaning service, to offer hope and employment opportunities to previously incarcerated women in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. Smith has also served in ministry positions with One Community Church, Interfaith Outreach and TheHighCalling.org. For nearly a decade, Smith worked for the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce (now the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance) as the Vice President for Membership and Marketing.
DECEMBER 1
PLUGGED IN
14TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S NETWORKING BLITZ HOSTED BY THE LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Oakwood Country Club, Lynchburg
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost is $22 for Alliance members and $32 general admission. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
DECEMBER 3 BEDFORD CHRISTMAS PARADE
11 a.m. Town of Bedford
ALTAVISTA CHRISTMAS PARADE
5 – 6 p.m. Town of Altavista
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 10
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
QUICKBOOKS PAYROLL CLASS
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Lynchburg 1—5 p.m.
DECEMBER 15 STATE OF THE REGION ECONOMIC SUMMIT HOSTED BY THE LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Liberty University Williams Stadium, Club Level (3rd floor) 7:30 – 9 a.m. More info: (434) 845-5966 or www.lynchburgregion.org
DECEMBER 17
DECEMBER 4 LYNCHBURG CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE
Midtown Lynchburg
4 – 5:30 p.m. Parade route will start at City Stadium and end at E.C. Glass High School.
DECEMBER 6 PANCAKES & POLITICS OUTLOOK BREAKFAST HOSTED BY THE LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Randolph College, Smith Hall, Lynchburg 7:30 – 9 a.m. Cost is $20 Alliance members; $30 general admission. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES: “SPEED NETWORKING” PRESENTED BY THE BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bedford Welcome Center KIMBERLY WINN-ELLIOTT—Board member of the Youth for Truth Development Center. As the newest board member, Minister Kimberly Winn-Elliott adds to the care, education, and understanding that’s needful within the lives of today’s youth. With her educational growth through CVCC and Mary Baldwin University’s College of Arts and Sciences/Adult Degree Program, Kimberly brings 16 years of ministry experience to assist the team.
DECEMBER 7
816 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford 12 – 1:30 p.m. Bring a bag lunch. $10 for members; $15 general admission.
DECEMBER 7 LUNCH TO LEARN: LINKEDIN
Small Business Development Center CVCC, Lynchburg 12—1:30 p.m. Free. Sponsored by Bank of the James
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
12 p.m. (must arrive by 11:45 a.m.) An event to remember soldiers and patriots buried in the cemetery starting with the Revolutionary War. Donations received by Dec. 1 will be listed in the event program. Contact Arlene Cundiff at (434) 237-1189 or Penny Swisher at (434) 237-3354.
JANUARY 26 2017 NEW MEMBER SHOWCASE HOSTED BY BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Hilton Garden Inn 4025 Wards Rd., Lynchburg
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m. See the products and services available from newest members while networking with area business professionals. Free and open to the public.
JANUARY 28 ALTAVISTA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner
6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy a catered dinner and presentation by Dr. Joey Faucette on “Work Positive in a Negative World.” Business of the Year & Cornerstone Awards will be presented. Tickets $30/person until Jan. 13. More information at www.altavistachamber.com.
Come to our Bride of the Year luncheon to enter for your chance to win a Magazine feature in Central Virginia Bridal Guide.
For more information visit our website: vabridal.com
Saturday, January 28, 2017
UPFRONT
LET’S DO LUNCH! The Briar Patch BY SH E LLE Y BASI N G E R
What to Expect A homemade meal, cozy setting, friendly service.
The Experience If you always stay on the beaten path of Lynchburg’s restaurant scene, you may want to consider veering off to The Briar Patch in Amherst, located 15-20 minutes from downtown. This family-owned establishment has been a place “Where Friends Meet” for decades. The restaurant was built in 1948; Joan Lingerfelt bought it in 1986. “It’s just comfortable. People love the décor…the wood makes it feel cozy,” said Lingerfelt. Also adding to the comfortable experience—the Briar Patch servers and staff. “I get a lot of great comments on our employees. We hire people that are ‘people’ people. They are all really good at what they do, and most of them are long-term,” said Lingerfelt.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY INTERPRETING SERVICES LIBERTY PROVIDES INTERPRETING SERVICES AND OFFERS AN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING DEGREE PROGRAM.
The combination of qualified student interpreters and an experienced professional staff allows LUIS to facilitate effective interpretation between spoken English and American Sign Language as well as to help bridge cultural differences.
What to Try: Lingerfelt says their soup and salad combos are a popular lunch choice. A big seller is the Greek salad with Kalamata olives, pepperoncini and feta cheese paired with a warm and spicy Charred Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Soup (above). Aside from other popular options like the turkey wrap and the classic hamburger, Lingerfelt says they are always working on the menu to add new, best-selling items. “We just added a fish taco that people really like. Our chicken salad wrap with a cranberry chutney is new too,” said Lingerfelt.
The Extras: “Everything is homemade, except for the Catalina, fat-free dressing. We don’t make that!” Lingerfelt joked. At The Briar Patch, you’ll get a meal that’s as close to home-cooked as you can find, including the desserts. They also cut their own meats in house. And while you may have to pass on a beer during your lunch break, come to the restaurant for happy hour and check out their new lineup of craft beers.
AT A GLANCE 83 S Main St., Amherst (434) 946-2249 Hours: Tues.-Sat. (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.), Sun. (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Closed Monday
LIBERTY’S TRAINED INTERPRETERS ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR INTERPRETING NEEDS, INCLUDING: • Corporate Interpreting • Educational Interpreting • Medical Interpreting • Theatrical Interpreting
For more information, visit Liberty.edu/LUIS, call (434) 592-4016, or email LUDeafDept@liberty.edu.
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FINANCIAL
CHOOSING INVESTMENTS IN A WORKPLACE RETIREMENT PLAN A Three-Step Exercise to Help Evaluate Your Options
P
BY J O H N N . H ALL, CF P®
rivate employers in the United States provided access to retirement benefits for 66 percent of the workforce in 2015, and an even greater percentage of public sector workers were provided access to retirement benefits. Despite this access, less than half of private sector workers actually participated in a plan. Why is this? One reason is simply not knowing where to start. The plethora of options, stars, performance charts and financial jargon is enough to make some people just give up. Cutting through all of this information, though, can be achieved by putting the investment choices through a three-part process. Let’s start: 1. Mix Before even looking at the specific investment options, you should determine the types of investments you should be looking for. Types of investments, also called asset classes, can broadly be broken down into two categories: equities (stock market exposure) and fixed-income (bond market exposure). A third important asset class that’s not often discussed is cash. For any portion of your plan that you’d prefer not be risked at all, cash is your best option. Keep in mind, though, that for the portion of your plan you choose to put in cash you are forgoing not just the potential downside of investment losses, but also the potential upside of investment appreciation. Are there other categories? Yes. Do you need to worry about them? Likely not. Let’s keep it simple for now. Your non-cash investment mix should be determined primarily by two things: how long it will be before you plan on needing the money (time horizon)
and your ability to stomach fluctuations in account values (risk tolerance). A longer time horizon or higher risk tolerance would dictate a higher allocation to equities. Conversely, a shorter time horizon or lower risk tolerance would dictate a higher allocation to fixed-income. Not sure where to start? Start at 50-50 then ask yourself—is it going to be more than 10 years before I use the money? If the answer is yes, up your equity exposure. If the answer is no, up your fixed-income exposure. Now ask yourself—will I lose sleep over a 10% account value decline? If the answer is yes, up your fixed-income exposure. If the answer is no, up your equity exposure. For simplicity’s sake, do this in 25 percent increments for the answer to each of these questions. Your resulting asset allocation may look something like this: Need $ in < 10 yrs
Need $ in 10 yrs
Need $ in > 10 yrs
0% equity 100% fixed
25% equity 75% fixed
50% equity 50% fixed
I can tolerate some risk 25% equity 75% fixed
50% equity 50% fixed
75% equity 25% fixed
I’m Superman
75% equity 25% fixed
100% equity 0% fixed
I scare easily
50% equity 50% fixed
*For illustrative purposes only. This chart should not be construed as individualized investment advice.
Remember, this is a sample allocation for the invested portion of your account so any cash allocation isn’t illustrated.
2. Cost So you’ve determined your asset allocation (again, mix of stock market exposure vs. bond market exposure), now what? Pick your fund in each category. That’s right, one fund. How? Pick the cheapest option. Come again? Look at something called the expense ratio for each fund. This is simply a measure of how much in fees the fund company is charging you on an annual basis. Now, pick the fund with the lowest expense ratio. Done. Why, you ask, would this help pick the best fund? Simply stated—costs eat into investment returns. Additionally, lower-cost funds tend to be passively-managed index funds that simply track, after expenses, stock market performance. Over the long-run very few active managers continuously achieve higher-than-market returns after costs. One of the simplest ways to find the funds that will likely do relatively better over time in your retirement plan is to find the funds that are going to charge you less money over time. This isn’t always the case, but it usually points you in the right direction.
3. Advice Rules of thumb and sample allocations like those in the chart above can be a useful starting point, but finance articles should never be the end-all and be-all of your investment decisions. Other considerations that would affect what your plan investments should look like include your savings and investments outside of your workplace retirement plan, what your pensions and social security benefits will be, your tax bracket, your health, and your goals for the future. To make sure that all of these factors are considered properly, seek a qualified professional opinion. Sources: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ebs2.pdf - Bureau of Labor Statistics https://advisors.vanguard.com/iwe/pdf/FASIPC.pdf - Vanguard Advisor Services Disclaimer: This article is generalized in nature and should not be considered personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. All information and ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. John N. Hall, CFP® is President of Lynchburg Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. John can be reached at 434-515-0380 or on the web at www.lynchburgwealth.com.
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2017 REGIONAL PROJECTIONS
PROJECTIONS Regional Outlook for 2017
SUSAN MARTIN
Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO From my point of view, the business environment has improved in 2016 and will continue to do so in 2017. We have seen some new industries develop in the Bedford area over the last few years as well as a great deal of small business growth, and I believe the entrepreneurial spirit will continue to expand. Small business owners have been able to take advantage of the improving economy, which continues to incentivize them to launch new businesses and expand existing ones, including the recent revitalization to vacant warehouse and manufacturing structures in the Town of Bedford. An increasing number of home-based businesses and freelance personnel will continue to grow as they fill the expertise gaps experienced by the larger employers due to downsizing in recent years. Also, the housing market has seen much improvement throughout Bedford County and will continue to improve in 2017 with the continued growth of business and families relocating to our area. A significant issue that will continue to impact the business and industry in our area is the need for a skilled and qualified workforce. Businesses say it is becoming more difficult to find people who have the skills they need. There is a lack of basic soft skills like written and oral communication, work ethic, customer service, and technical and computer skills. There is a huge focus among several entities on developing new programs and working with students at an earlier age to build a skilled and talented workforce. The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is working to grow its educational and workforce development initiatives for next year. We look forward to continuing to grow the High School Internship program in collaboration with Bedford County Public Schools, enhancing student career tours through the One Program with Bedford County Economic Development, and establishing an Entrepreneur Programs and a Career & Technical Fair for students in Bedford County. These programs will in turn increase the quality of the local workforce in future years, building a strong talent pool, which will be extremely positive in attracting business and industry. Social media continues to have a profound effect on the way consumers get and give information, and businesses need to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with their customers in 2017. Social networks are increasingly becoming business networks as peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social/personal/business lives converge. Social media allows businesses to communicate and interact with customers on a more personal level, getting them interested in products and services, and allows customers an opportunity to provide direct and immediate feedback. The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to offer affordable workshops through our Lunch & Learn Series in 2017 related to developing social media for your business, search engine optimization and much more. Our area has a lot to offer new businesses, both large and small. Collaboration among organizations throughout the region will continue to have an impact on the business environment in the coming year. Working together to promote our region and its amenities will aid in attracting a business, its employees and their families. For more information about the Chamber and its programs and services, visit our website at www.bedfordareachamber.com. 14
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DENNIS JARVIS Economic Development Director, Altavista
In 2016, we witnessed continued progress and success for the town of Altavista. We were pleased to announce over $40 million in new capital investment and 300 new jobs with an expansion at Abbott Laboratories and new investment from Standard Insurance Company. Both are vital to the local and regional economy as 75 percent to 80 percent of new jobs are created from existing employers. The Altavista Office of Economic Development also continued to work with regional and state organizations to market Altavista and the Lynchburg region. In 2016 our office responded to seven prospectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requests for information and hosted one site visit from a prospective client. These events occurred due to our relationship with the economic development office in Campbell County, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. We also conducted several visits with our existing businesses and plant managers to understand their needs. As we approach 2017 we plan on implementing two studies to provide our community the tools to build a stronger commitment to economic development. The first study we implement will deal with our broadband infrastructure and the potential development of a municipal broadband system for residents and businesses in our community. The second study will address residential housing. A blue ribbon commission has been created by the Altavista Town Council that will address how the community can create an environment for new housing to be developed in Altavista. Our office will also be developing a series of programs that will offer incentives for new investment and job creation. The programs will help offset costs for qualified investments. These programs will work in concert with the existing programs offered by the town, Campbell County, and the state of Virginia. The greater Lynchburg region should see new investment and expansions become the norm in 2017. Several sectors such as food and beverage, specialty foods, and alternative energy production will see growth and enhance the regional economy. The Lynchburg region is able to accommodate this growth and expansion due to the abundance of natural resources such as water. Our region has a combined 25 million gallons per day of excess water capacity at affordable rates in every jurisdiction in the region. Our colleges and universities are nationally recognized in workforce training and specialty trades programs. Training centers and programs at Central Virginia Community College allow our workforce to have training programs that are both affordable and accessible. The Virginia Training Institute (VTI) located in Altavista offers skilled trades training programs in electrical, welding, building construction, and HVAC. The programs at VTI are nationally accredited by NCCER, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, enabling their graduates to have a nationallycertified and recognized skill set. Our continued and primary goal in the Altavista Office of Economic Development is to create a climate that encourages growth and new investment for our community. We are eager to continue to move Altavista forward and work in partnership to advance increased growth and investment in the greater Lynchburg region.
2017 REGIONAL PROJECTIONS A detailed analysis of our industry clusters and global growth trends unveiled that our top five near-term growth sectors are:
MEGAN LUCAS Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, CEO
CHRISTINE KENNEDY Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, COO
In talking with business leaders all across our region, the trend continues to be positive. We’re seeing stability or growth in most of our largest sectors. Our members are continuing to hire, which means their forecasts are good. At the Alliance, 2016 was about combining the two largest business organizations (the Lynchburg Regional Chamber and the Region 2000 Business & Economic Alliance) so that we could focus our efforts collectively on existing business support and growth as well as creating an aggressive economic development plan to bring more jobs and investment to our region. In 2017, you’ll see the execution of that plan. Our targeted industry analysis as well as the regional comprehensive economic development strategy provide a roadmap to ensure this region is a prosperous, vibrant, and inclusive community recognized for the creativity of its workforce, the resilience of its economy, and its abundance of natural, cultural and educational opportunities.
• Food & Beverage • Steels & Metals • Nuclear Technology
• •
Wireless Infrastructure & Communication Financial & Business Support Services
These, coupled with our local economic engines of higher education and healthcare, give us tremendous opportunity. Our region has an abundance of education and training partners providing resources to equip our workforce. Additionally, apprenticeship programs will continue to expand beyond the traditional trade models to other sectors such as IT, energy and engineering. It’s well known that in our global economy, investment follows talent, and investors will pour capital into economies with a strong and stable workforce. At the Alliance, we’ll be putting significant resources behind our growth sectors, education and workforce initiatives that support these sectors as well as traveling across the country telling our regional story to recruit new industries. Our continued low cost of living, strong higher education network and unique blend of recreational opportunities will continue to attract and retain a talented workforce to grow the key industry sectors mentioned above. Additionally, with many of our localities providing entrepreneurial and investment competitions, we also hope to see more start-ups that choose to make this region home. With over 80 percent of our members being small businesses, many of which have five or fewer employees, we’ll continue to support this important sector of our economy by providing workshops and seminars as well as business-building events to ensure the success of our small businesses. At our core, we’ll continue to educate and expand small businesses to further the economic opportunity and prosperity of small businesses in the Lynchburg region. As we look into the future, 2017 promises to be a year full of promise. We will encourage change that will improved our quality of life. We will instigate change that increases our competiveness. We value change that makes the Lynchburg Metro a more attractive region for people to live, work and raise families. We will work with our regional partners, our businesses that call us home and prospects who see the potential here so that we’re known as a region where businesses and individuals thrive!
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SOCIAL SECURITY: FACT VS. FICTION
SOCIAL SECURITY: FACT VS. FICTION NAVIGATING THE INS AND OUTS OF YOUR BENEFITS BY JENNIFER REDMOND
D
eath and taxes. The only two things guaranteed in life, right? But what if we could add “Social Security benefits” to the list? We know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, right.” Perhaps, understandably, your faith in the government system is a tad shaken, but don’t throw in the
towel just yet. Chances are you and/or your spouse may be nearing retirement age, or, even more likely, you have parents who need some help figuring out how to maximize their own Social Security benefits. Here are some of the key facts and common myths explained, so you can be better prepared moving forward. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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SOCIAL SECURITY: FACT VS. FICTION FACT: The longer you wait to “cash in,” the larger your benefits. First, know that 66 to 67 (depending on birth date) is defined as the “full retirement age” (FRA) as of 2017 according to the Social Security Administration website. At that age, you may be eligible to receive your “maximum monthly Social Security benefit,” which is determined by several factors (see below for more on this point). “For every year you delay, up to age 70, the benefit increases by 8%,” says John Hall, CFP, a financial planner at Lynchburg Wealth Management. “If you have amassed a decent retirement nest egg outside of Social Security, then it may make sense to delay.” While there’s no avoiding the fact that delayed benefits equal more money, you can strategically approach your benefits to maximize the amount you receive and make the most of your retirement years. Numerous factors should be considered in deciding when it’s best to cash in, but at the top of the list would be the following:
4 THINGS TO DO NOW
• Your age and general health • Your spouse and his or her general health • Additional sources of retirement income • Estimated cost of living throughout retirement Keep in mind that average life expectancy in the United States is 78.74 years; men average 76 years, and women average 81. Meeting with a financial planner and your family accountant should help you determine the best approach moving forward. TIP:
“We recommend those in mid-life have a good understanding of
a realistic retirement date and consider using IRAs and other sources of income in the early years of retirement to maximize their Social Security benefits.” —Christopher Devlin, CIO of Selective Wealth Management
FICTION: Social Security benefits have to be taken at a particular age. Though many things in life have set windows of opportunity (i.e. signing up for health coverage), social security offers flexible options. In fact, your retirement date and your social security filing date do not need to be the same, says Hall. People should know that “Social Security can be taken as early as 62 or as late as 70 or any age in between” according to Hall. “It’s not a once-a-year selection [and] not just your birthday month.” Hall further points out that taking income before reaching FRA will result in a permanently lowered benefit; however, “if you’re single with no children, and, for health reasons, have a shorter than normal life expectancy, then it would usually make sense to file early to make the most of your Social Security benefit.” The importance of planning is key in terms of deciding when to cash in. Hall recommends asking yourself these questions: • What are your dreams for retirement? • What are your goals? • What are your circumstances? TIP:
18
• Visit www.ssa.gov to learn more • Set up your online social security account via www.ssa.gov • Read Mary Beth Franklin, a wellrespected finance journalist • Meet with your family accountant and financial planner
FICTION: If I don’t draw on my benefits, they’re wasted. “If you’re married,” Hall says, “It’s important to keep in mind that there is a spousal component of social security, so it makes sense to think about the family finances...” In fact, you may be pleased to know that social security has death benefits, meaning “when a higher earning spouse dies, the surviving spouse receives a ‘widow/widower’ benefit equal to 100% of the deceased spouse’s social security benefit,” says Devlin. Being armed with this knowledge should be helpful in estate planning and determining what income will be available following a death in the family. Additionally, consider the reverse of delayed benefits. If you reach FRA and have a lower life expectancy or poor health, it’s worth considering using your Social Security benefits sooner rather than later, and thus minimally drawing on your other retirement sources of income because those can be passed on to your children. Devlin says, “By drawing less on other [retirement] sources, and maximizing your Social Security benefit, you can pass out more to [your] heirs.” TIP:
“The most important considerations are health, financial need,
and your spouse. . . [T]hink about the family finances, not just one individual’s, when making the social security decision.”—Hall
FACT: You can draw on your Social Security benefits early. “If you have no other financial option than to file for Social Security right away,” Hall says, “Then that helps make the decision for you.” Once you’ve
“In many instances, it makes sense not to file for Social Security for
reached the age of 62, you are eligible for early benefits but will do so at a
several years after someone has retired from their job.”—Hall
reduced payout; the amount reduced depends on work history among other
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SOCIAL SECURITY: FACT VS. FICTION things but could go as high as a 30% reduction over the course of your entire retirement. And while it may seem tempting to cash in as soon as possible, you may want to consider the drawbacks of doing so. “The longer you defer retirement,” Devlin says, “the higher your payments.” TIP:
You should apply three months prior to whenever you
want payments to begin via the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov.
FICTION: Social Security benefits are the same for everyone. The reality here is that several factors determine your monthly Social Security benefits, or the “maximum monthly benefit” amount. For every additional year you work, and thus pay into the Social Security system, your possible benefits increase. If you plan to work past your retirement age, not only will you be paying into the system via taxes, but you are also given an annual percentage increase up to the age of 70 (see sidebar below). The benefits you receive are calculated by evaluating what your pre-tax retirement income was and how many years you worked. So, various earnings levels have various benefit levels. Also, keep in mind that “Social Security is a government program and is subject to the rules set forth by the governing bodies,” Devlin says. “This [distinction] is very important, because the rules today may not be the rules in the future.” With that in mind, approach your Social Security benefits as an important factor in retirement life, but do so with the knowledge that benefit amounts change based on legislation, your individual experience, and your family situation. TIP:
“Go securely online and set up [your] online social security account.”—Hall
DELAYING YOUR BENEFITS The longer you delay drawing on your benefits (up to age 70), the more of a yearly increase you will see. Here’s one example scenario of how that would change over time: Retirement Age
Monthly Benefit Amount
62 as of 2016
$1, 646
66 in 2020
$2,256
70 in 2024
$3,065
*Note: These are estimated amounts based on one possible retirement scenario provided by Vanguard Financial Advisor Services and sourced with data from the Social Security Administration. Calculate your own possible benefits by inputting your birth date, salary earnings, and more to the Quick Calculator found at www.ssa.gov.
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LEGAL the end of each workweek, or, alternatively, issue Covered Employees 56 hours of paid sick leave at the beginning of the year (which can help you reduce the administrative burden of tracking time earned and time used). A Covered Employee can carry over 56 hours of paid sick leave to the next year but cannot bank more than 56 hours at any time. Very generally, your paid sick leave policy must permit any Covered Employee to use his or her accrued leave for an absence resulting from: (i) physical or mental illness, injury, or medical condition; (ii) obtaining care from a health care provider; (iii) caring for any blood relative or close family friend; or (iv) domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (including related counseling or participating in related legal proceedings).
Should I rewrite my existing paid time off (“PTO”) policy?
ON THE HORIZON: NEW PAID SICK LEAVES RULES FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS BY PATRICK BOLLING, ESQ., OF WOODS ROGERS EDMUNDS & WILLIA MS PLC
N
That depends. The new Rules don’t per se require every Covered Contractor to rewrite its existing PTO policy. And, very generally, a Covered Contractor’s existing policy can satisfy the requirements of the new Rules—if the policy is written in such a way that it fully complies. To use the DOL’s example, if your existing policy does not allow all Covered Employees to use PTO for an absence related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, then that policy would not satisfy the new Rules. You could either revise your existing (and otherwise compliant) policy to include absences due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking as permitted uses of leave, or provide your Covered Employees with paid sick leave in accordance with the new Rules on top of PTO provided pursuant to your existing policy. Many employers have expressed concerns that their existing policies, which combine sick and vacation leave into “one bucket,” will not comply with the new Rules. The DOL has opined that the new Rules do not preclude a Covered Contractor’s existing policy from satisfying the Rules just because that policy permits PTO to be used for vacation and sick leave, but the policy still must satisfy the new Rules. So, it appears that the problem with one bucket policies is probably not going to be that the new Rules automatically make those policies non-compliant but that blending paid sick leave and paid vacation leave will make it difficult for Covered Contractors to meet the strict record-keeping requirements of the new Rules.
ew Department of Labor rules (the “new Rules”) may require many federal contractors to revisit their paid sick leave policies. However, it seems the new Rules are flying under many employers’ radars (maybe due to the enormous shadow cast by the new overtime exemption rules). With the January 1, 2017 compliance deadline looming, however, this article can help federal contractors What record-keeping requirements? I’m glad you asked. You will need to keep appropriate books documenting brush up on some of the key aspects of the new Rules. your compliance with the new Rules. Failure to do so is not only a violation of Do the new Rules apply to me? If you are a federal contractor, then probably. If you have employees covered by the regulations establishing a minimum wage for federal contractors, smart money says the new Rules apply (note that the new Rules also affect wage and overtime exempt employees). Specifically, the new Rules apply to four distinct types of contracts (“Covered Contracts”): (1) those covered by the McNamaraO’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965 (the “SCA”); (2) those covered by the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 (the “DBA”); (3) concessions contracts not subject to the SCA; and (4) contracts in connection with federal property or land which provide services for federal employees, their dependents, or the general public. If, after reading the last paragraph, you are still unsure whether the new Rules apply to you, you should consult qualified legal counsel.
How can I comply with the new Rules? If you are a party to a Covered Contract, then you are a “Covered Contractor.” An employee engaged in performing work “on or in connection with” your Covered Contract (a “Covered Employee”) is entitled to not less than one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours that he or she was engaged in performing work on or in connection with the Covered Contract, up to 56 hours per year. You must calculate any Covered Employee’s accrued leave at 20
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the Rules themselves (potentially subjecting you to penalties) but also a breach of your underlying Covered Contract. Yikes. So for a period of three years, make sure you are tracking all Covered Employees’ personal information, occupation/classification, wage rate, daily and hourly hours worked, any deductions made, total wages paid each pay period, copies of each accrued sick leave notice, proof of all Covered Employees’ requests to use paid sick leave, dates and amounts of paid sick leave used by all Covered Employees, a copy of any sick leave denial … and the list goes on. So, if you determine that your one bucket policy otherwise complies with the new Rules, it is probably okay to keep the policy with the caveat that a two bucket policy will allow it to more easily demonstrate compliance with the new Rules’ bookkeeping requirements in case of an investigation. Once finalized, the new Rules will affect Covered Contracts solicited or awarded after January 1, 2017. You should promptly analyze your existing PTO policies to determine if they comply, make any appropriate adjustments and set up new bookkeeping processes, if necessary. Patrick is an attorney at Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams in Lynchburg and advises clients on a broad range of corporate matters, including labor and employment law.
For the first time, Lynchburg Business is recognizing the best of the best in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal community. Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg 2016 is the result of a peer-to-peer survey conducted by DataJoe Research. Using an online ballot, DataJoe surveyed 140 lawyers directly; each lawyer could vote for up to three lawyers in each category. Then, DataJoe reviewed and processed all ballots, checking for signs indicative of cheating. A total of 337 lawyers were nominated. Lawyers with the most votes in each category made the list. The end result is a comprehensive list that is a service to readers, giving them a lawyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective regarding the top lawyers in over 30 specialty areas. On the following pages, learn more about the overall Top Lawyer along with an in-depth look at social media trends in the legal community. You will also find the complete Top Lawyers listings and informative profiles about lawyers in the region. >>
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SOCIAL MEDIATORS
HOW LAW INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS BY DR E W M E N AR D
J
But as social media has proven to be more than just a fad for young people,
ust like friendship networks are no longer limited to sewing circles, diner counters and church potlucks, businesses can go beyond Rolodexes, regional development offices and biannual conferences to expand their connections. Social media platforms have changed the interpersonal landscape—by both making the world smaller and making communities bigger, with endless connectivity. Some industries, like law, have taken longer to sign on. “Lawyers are typically slow adopters, especially in Virginia,” explained Brandon Osterbind, an attorney at Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC. “I once heard a joke that asked, ‘How many Virginia lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?’ The answer is five. One to change the light bulb and four to talk about how great the old light bulb was.” He said it is great that lawyers have caught up to 20th Century technology, but “the problem is we are in the 21st Century.” Mark Bold, founder and managing attorney at Relevant Law in Lynchburg,
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legal professionals have begun to incorporate social media into their overall corporate strategy.
“The legal community, known for being thoughtful and targeted in its approach, took those same actions when moving into social media,” explained Susan Caldwell, marketing director at Woods Rogers PLC of Roanoke. “Social media can be a key tool when you understand its value to both business development as well being a useful channel to deploy news and other information.” Just as one shouldn’t expect to see a “not guilty” verdict delivered via a tweet, lawyers must strategize the best ways to utilize the strengths of each social platform in ways that are ethical and appropriate for each medium. Osterbind warned that social media is even less secure than email so it is vital not to discuss cases with clients that way. Mostly, he said that social media is a tool to connect with potential clients and to promote one’s personal or professional brand.
started his firm with the goal of bringing a fresh approach to an age old industry.
Caldwell added that “regardless of the channel,” social media allows users,
“Law has been a traditional industry, focused on in-person conversations,
like law firms, to “amplify our message and reach people” at all hours of the day.
seemingly endless paperwork and daunting research,” Bold said. “[While]
Another caution for online socialites she noted is that feedback mechanisms
technology has provided solutions … to teach a dog new tricks requires
(likes, recommendations, etc.) do not guarantee results; each individual case
patience and time—of which many attorneys feel they have in short supply.”
has its own unique set of factors.
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“We use these social media channels to post information about our new hires, let our followers know we’ve written an e-alert or article, or to direct people to interviews we may have done in both print and broadcast media outlets,” Caldwell said. “Twitter requires brevity so we work to craft our message [within] the 140-character rule. Facebook allows for more information and also the opportunity to include visuals. With Facebook, we may also include human interest posts, [such as] news of an attorney who has run a marathon in record time or volunteered for a pro bono cause. [Also] LinkedIn is a wonderful channel for business news and networking.” Osterbind added that social media also helps take marketing to the next level—incorporating vital content that the public can take advantage of. For him, the frequency and types of postings vary by platform; he can post a lot more on Twitter without worrying that users will become oversaturated, whereas with Facebook he tries to limit to a few posts per day. Osterbind also uses Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn and is experimenting
Effectively utilizing social media also
with Snapchat.
requires time.
“Social media allows me to speak directly
“If you don’t engage in conversations
with my community and to add value to
with people then you are just shouting in a
their everyday lives,” he said. “I don’t think
crowded room,” Osterbind said. “Nobody
giving away free information will keep
likes that guy.”
potential clients from hiring me. I think
Beyond that, Bold said, “It is important
the exact opposite. If a potential client gets
to remember that social media ‘followers’
a tip from my social media content that helps them resolve a personal injury case without a lawyer, then the odds are that case was not one that would be worth an attorney’s time in the first instance. But if that person is ever catastrophically injured or has a friend or relative who is seriously injured, perhaps I’ll be a source of information the next time around. Chances are that the more serious case will require attorney work and the client will likely realize that within the first couple weeks of dealing with the insurance company.” One reason lawyers were slow to implement social media into their operations is due to the various regulations on how lawyers can advertise, Bold explained.
“For example,” he said, “an attorney’s social media profile and their posts can be considered legal advertising, and therefore they can be regulated. Further(more), posting on social media can create a potential risk of disclosing confidential or privileged information, and may even unintentionally create an attorney-client relationship. As a result, law firms should develop a social media policy.”
are people.” “Clients want to know that their issues matter. Social media allows us that early opportunity to connect—lets them know that we’re in touch and that we seek to communicate effectively with them.” Social media, Bold added, is “a powerful tool” for a law firm to “build a community—a network of individuals and businesses who have an interest in what they are doing” and to engage people by disseminating helpful information in a strategic way. “One of the biggest complaints against lawyers is lack of communication. Pulling down the wall and allowing client access to the attorneys is a tremendous value-add.”
Just as social media is reshaping how people engage and maintain relationships, the legal industry is changing—fast. “Law firms need to be constantly asking themselves, ‘How can we provide a better experience?’” Bold said. “Fresh ideas and innovative solutions to law [are] needed, and a younger nimble generation of attorneys and judges have endless opportunities. New [and outside] thinking will play a big role in that.” DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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2016 LIVING THE DREAM LOCAL ATTORNEY FINDS HIS NICHE IN THE FIELD OF CONSTRUCTION LAW. BY M EG AN L. H O USE
G
rowing up hearing stories about his grandfather’s experiences as a lawyer made a huge influence on Scott Kowalski, a top rated construction attorney at Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards. “He (grandfather) passed away before I was born,” Kowalski said. “I heard stories from my grandmother where they were doing jobs on the side in order to stay afloat during law school. He would be nailing…and she would be reading out of a law school textbook.” Although Kowalski’s grandfather did not practice construction law, the stories about law school, and being an attorney, led Scott to pursue a career in the field of law. Now as a construction lawyer, Kowalski represents basically everyone who works in the construction industry or takes part in the construction process, such as financial institutions, developers, general contractors and suppliers. “We work from the beginning of the project, all the way through to the end of the project, and on into the claims and disputing resolution,” he said. His current areas of practice include construction law, construction litigation and surety law. Kowalski became interested specifically in construction law while in college after getting his feet wet in the construction world.
“I worked construction as a summer job and a holiday job during college and also during law school,” he said. “So I became interested in construction law, and that’s the area I wanted to end up focusing [on].” Kowalski obtained his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary, and immediately continued his education by attending law school at George Mason University. “I enjoyed working construction because I was able to make pretty good money doing it,” Kowalski said. “And I was always fascinated by the 24
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arrangements. Even on simple projects there can be complex arrangements between the owner and the general contractor, who then hires all these different trade contractors, schedules them and gets everybody there when they need to be.” Kowalski also enjoyed working in construction because the people were “interesting, entertaining, and hardworking.” After law school Kowalski decided to return to Lynchburg, his hometown, and worked for a small law firm downtown. About a year later he moved to the D.C. area to take a job as a clerk at the United States Court of Federal Claims, and also to be near his fiancée, who is now his wife. “During that clerkship I was able to make a connection with what was then the largest construction law firm in the United States,” Kowalski said. The connection led him to work for Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP in McLean, Va. for about 12 years. “In January of 2009 we made the decision to move out of the busyness of Northern Virginia and moved back down here to Lynchburg,” Kowalski said. Both he and his wife currently practice law at Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards .
In the years to come, Kowalski hopes to continue providing excellent service to his clients and to grow the construction law practice to be local, regional and national. “We’ve been working toward that goal since I got here,” he said. He enjoys his work and advises law students to find an area of law that interests them and follow that into a career.
“Having that background interest
“Having that background interest And our firm has made a multi-year will make your day,” Kowalski said. will make your day,” Kowalski said. financial commitment to the Lynchburg “When you’re not just working for the Regional Business Alliance building “When you’re not just working for client, but you are doing the area of law campaign,” said Kowalski. the client, but you are doing the that you enjoy.” Aside from practicing law, Kowalski area of law that you enjoy.” Aside from work, Kowalski devotes his time to a variety of sometimes finds time for the many professional associations. Recently, hobbies that he enjoys, such as playing he served as Section Chairman of the tennis, golfing, mountain-biking, going Virginia Bar Association Construction to the gym and working in his yard. & Public Contracts Law Section. Since “My hobbies are now my children and 2011, he has served as a member of my family,” Kowalski said. “We have four the Board of Governors of the Virginia wonderful kids.” State Bar Construction Law and Kowalski also enjoys investing his time in the community by staying involved Public Contracts Section, and is also involved with the Virginia Chapter of at his church and teaching Sunday school. As a company, Petty, Livingston, the Association of Builders and Contractors, and the Virginia Chapter of the Dawson & Richards also tries to keep connected with the community. Associated General Contractors. “Our attorneys serve as officers or on the boards of directors for numerous Currently, he is serving on the Virginia Bar Association State Board civic organizations. In addition, our attorneys provide pro bono legal services of Governors. to civic organizations and to individuals in the community that are unable to “It’s both a pleasure and a privilege to serve on that for a three-year term,” afford legal services through the Virginia Legal Aid Society Pro Bono panel. he said.
434 . 846.2731 • 2306 ATHERHOLT ROAD, LYNCHBURG, VA 24501 • C ASKIEFROST.COM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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ADOPTION, MARITAL AND FAMILY Bell, Sarah W Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Family Law, General Civil Litigation, and Estate Planning Bice, David B. Lynchburg 434-509-4619 www.davidbicelaw.com
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
ATTORNEYS FOR NONPROFIT
Moore, Brian R. Lynchburg 434-299-0130 www.brmoorelaw.com Morrison, Frank West Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell 828 Main Street, Suite 1403 Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-384-0946; 434-907-4805 www.pmjf.com Divorce, Family Law, Mediation and Collaboration Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;keefe, John Lynchburg 434-845-6555 Price, Joy Lee Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Joy Lee, a graduate of the University of Tennessee and William & Mary Law School, practices civil litigation, especially divorce, child custody, and other family related matters. Schenkel, Lisa L. Lynchburg 434-385-0174
White, Jeremy Lynchburg 866-543-5243 www.vlas.org
BANKING AND FINANCIAL Alford Jr., John R. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com John, a graduate of the University of Virginia and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on commercial transactions, real estate, trusts and estates. Sorenson Jr., Eric J. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business, Corporate, Securities, Banking, and Health Care Law, Consumer Products, Higher Education, and Manufacturing
BANKRUPTCY AND WORKOUT Cox, David Lynchburg 434-846-2768 www.coxlawgroup.com
APPELLATE Hawkins, A. David Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com Mooney, Chad A. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Civil Litigation, Insurance Defense, Accident and Personal Injury, Creditors Rights and Collections, Criminal Defense, Property and Condominium Owners Associations LynchburgBusinessMag.com
Trost, Randall J. Lynchburg 434-738-2300 www.trostlaw.com
Morrison, Frank West Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell 828 Main Street, Suite 1403 Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-384-0946; 434-907-4805 www.pmjf.com Divorce, Family Law, Mediation and Collaboration
Gibbons, Patricia M. Lynchburg 434-847-8149 www.patriciamcadams gibbons.com
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Orgera, Keith E. Lynchburg 434-947-2244
Feinman, Paul J. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Creditors Rights/Bankruptcy, Commercial Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration Hansen, Janice Lynchburg 434-401-1796 www.coxlawgroup.com Valois, Margaret Lynchburg 434-845-4529 www.jamesriverlegal.com
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Wright, David Lynchburg 434-845-2600 www.coxlawgroup.com
BUSINESS Bold, Mark G. Relevant Law 102 Northwynd Cir. Suite A Lynchburg, Virginia, 24503 434-200-9567 www.relevantlaw.com Relevant Law is an awardwinning law firm that consists of experienced business attorneys who take an efficient and innovative approach to help solve the changing needs of your business. Craddock, Theodore J. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Ted, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Law, focuses on business law, public finance, trust & estates, real estate, and litigation. Dawson III, G. Edgar Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Tort Litigation, Criminal Law Hawkins, A. David Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com Keller, Herschel Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation Osterbind, Brandon S. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com Phillips, William E. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Construction Litigation, Premises Liability, Insurance Law, including Insurance Coverage Questions, and Medical Malpractice Defense
Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Personal Injury/Property Damage, Product Liability, Commercial, Construction, Employment, Estates, and Eminent Domain Richards, James R. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Taxation, Estate Planning, Business Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Sackett III, Henry M. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Medical Malpractice Defense, Legal Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Condemnation, Contracts, Construction, and Real Estate Trost, Randall J. Lynchburg 434-738-2300 www.trostlaw.com Watson, J. Frederick Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Fred, who graduated from the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond School of Law, represents clients in civil litigation and general business matters. Whitesell, Darryl D. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business, Corporate, Health Care, Intellectual Property, Wills, Trusts, and Taxation Law Wright Jr., Frank A. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Dawson III, G. Edgar Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Tort Litigation, Criminal Law Hawkins, A David Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
Pre-transaction environmental check-ups:
We highly value your
business interests and want to be sure everyone does.
Have you considered buying, selling, or financing a manufacturing or service industry business? Throughout the life cycle of such businesses, the storage and processing of raw materials and waste products can create environmental concerns, which can translate to valuation and negotiation problems. During a pre-transaction environmental check-up, your Gentry Locke attorney may uncover regulatory violations or previously unknown contaminants that can threaten the deal. When handled correctly and in a timely way, most all can be managed to your financial benefit. Whether you’re buying or selling stock or assets, or financing for future growth, optimize your upside by calling Charlie, Jon, or Max.
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WAYS WE CAN HELP: • Risk management & assessment • Environmental investigations & reports • Environmental permitting • Land renewal • Brownfields development
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Woods Rogers PLC and Edmunds & Williams P.C. joined forces on October 1, 2016 to enhance legal services for clients in Virginia and beyond. On behalf of our more than 75 attorneys, we look forward to serving you as one firm. We invite you to give us a call or visit woodsrogers.com to learn more.
Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams: LYNCHBURG Woods Rogers: ROANOKE | CHARLOTTESVILLE | RICHMOND | DANVILLE P. (800) 552-4529 | woodsrogers.com
Keller, Herschel Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation Kowalski, Scott W. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Surety Law Mooney, Chad A. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Civil Litigation, Insurance Defense, Accident and Personal Injury, Creditors Rights and Collections, Criminal Defense, Property and Condominium Owners Associations Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Mark, a graduate of Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on insurance defense, civil litigation, products liability, personal injury and criminal defense. Phillips, William E. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Construction Litigation, Premises Liability, Insurance Law, including Insurance Coverage Questions, and Medical Malpractice Defense Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Personal Injury/Property Damage, Product Liability, Commercial, Construction, Employment, Estates, and Eminent Domain Richards, James R. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Taxation, Estate Planning, Business Law and Mergers and Acquisitions
CONSTRUCTION Keller, Herschel Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation Kowalski, Scott W. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Surety Law Lucy, J. Barrett Lynchburg 434-528-3400 www.freemandunn.com Pearson, Andrew P. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Civil Litigation, Construction Law
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Arthur, Mark B. Lynchburg 434-338-7028 www.markbarthur.com Drewry Jr., B. Leigh 104B Archway Court Lynchburg, Virginia 434-239-0044 www.leighdrewry.com From general practice, criminal and traffic law, estate planning, and personal injury I have you covered. Hawkins, A. David Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com Nelson, Margaret A. Lynchburg 434-384-0946 Orgera, Keith E. Lynchburg 434-528-1078 Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Mark, a graduate of Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on insurance defense, civil litigation, products liability, personal injury and criminal defense.
Quillian, William Lynchburg 434-845-6084 Sanzone, Joseph A. Sanzone & Baker, LLP 1106 Commerce Street, Ste 3A Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-846-4691 434-528-5264 Fax www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Family Law, Traffic Violations, Product Liability. Smith, Gregory Madison Heights 434-528-1141
Davies, Peter H. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 www.davies-davies.net Leebrick, Thomas S. Lynchburg 434-847-4546 www.thomasleebrick.com
EDUCATION Hawkins, A. David Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Hunter III, James G. Lynchburg 434-738-2300 www.trostlaw.com
Richards, James R. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Taxation, Estate Planning, Business Law and Mergers and Acquisitions
Waugh, Melissa K. Lynchburg 434-200-8287 Wright Jr., Frank A. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
HEALTH CARE
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND USE
ELDER Feinman, Ron Law Office of Ron Feinman 801 Main Street Lynchburg Virginia 24504 434-528-0696 www.ronfeinmanlaw.com Effective strategies to protect your assets and assisting with Medicaid & Veterans Benefits, Nursing Homes, Wills and Trusts, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Special Needs Trusts. Traditional Estate Planning.
Leebrick, Thomas S. Lynchburg 434-847-4546 www.thomasleebrick.com
GENERAL PRACTICE
Trost, Randall J. Lynchburg 434-738-2300 www.trostlaw.com
Keller, Herschel Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Isenhour, F.E. “Tripp” Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Tripp, who graduated from Guilford College and Liberty University School of Law, represents clients in civil and criminal litigation and matters related to elder and domestic law.
Trent, Holly B. Lynchburg 434-200-3000 www.centrahealth.com Vogel, Robert B. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
IMMIGRATION Dirom, Pavlina B. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Pavlina, a graduate of the University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic, and the University of Richmond School of Law, focuses on estates, trusts, immigration, and business law.
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SANZONE & BAKER, LLP
When It’s Your Life, Don’t Take Chances
S
Sanzone & Baker, LLP, is a law firm that handles legal cases throughout Virginia, from the District Courts to the Virginia Supreme Court and in Federal Court. We are an old established firm with thousands of satisfied former clients, trying hundreds of cases all over the state each month. Personal Injury • Criminal Law • Family Law Representation Civil Trial Litigation • Representation for Injured Workers
434.846.4691 • 1106 Commerce Street Suite 3A, Lynchburg, VA 24504 • sanzoneandbakerlaw.com
INSURANCE Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road. Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Mark, a graduate of Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on insurance defense, civil litigation, products liability, personal injury and criminal defense. Phillips, William E. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Construction Litigation, Premises Liability, Insurance Law, including Insurance Coverage Questions, and Medical Malpractice Defense
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Creasy IV, S. Henry (Hank) Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com General Corporate and Business Law, Regulatory Compliance, Governance, Health Care Law, Real Estate Law, Banking Law, Commercial Lending, Trademarks and Licensing, and Information Technology
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Coates, Gary M. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 www.freemandunn.com Falcone, John E. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Employment, Business and Construction Litigation, Personal Injury, Media Law
PERSONAL INJURY
REAL ESTATE
Dawson III, G. Edgar Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Tort Litigation, Criminal Law
Alford Jr., John R. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com John, a graduate of the University of Virginia and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on commercial transactions, real estate, trusts and estates.
Johnson, Eric Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell Bank of the James Building 722 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-455-7171 ejohnson@pmjf.com www.PMJF.com Personal Injury and Wrongful Death litigation throughout Virginia for over 24 years. Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Bicycle accidents; Premises liability, Insurance claims, Workplace injuries. Trost, Randall J. Lynchburg 434-738-2300 www.trostlaw.com
Davies, Jonathan E. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 www.davies-davies.net Jester, Royston Lynchburg 434-528-5858 Keller, Herschel Gentry Locke 434-455-9940 www.gentrylocke.com Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Do You have
Peace of Mind? Are your assets protected if you need Long Term Care? Have you effectively planned for yourself and your loved ones? Do you have a child or loved one with Special Needs? Are all your affairs in order? Let us help ease your mind. Call us today for a free consultation!
Elder Law * Medicaid Planning Veterans Benefits * Special Needs Trusts Asset Protection * Long Term Care Medical Powers of Attorney * Wills & Trusts
434.528.0696 | 801 Main Street, Lynchburg VA | ronfeinmanlaw.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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Wright Jr., Frank A. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
SECURITIES Alford Jr., John R. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com John, a graduate of the University of Virginia and Washington & Lee University School of Law, focuses on commercial transactions, real estate, trusts and estates. Craddock, Ted Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Ted, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Law, focuses on business law, public finance, trust & estates, real estate, and litigation.
Sorenson Jr., Eric J. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business, Corporate, Securities, Banking, and Health Care Law, Consumer Products, Higher Education, and Manufacturing
TAX Dunn, Terrance J. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 www.freemandunn.com
TRAFFIC Dawson III, G. Edgar Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Commercial and Tort Litigation, Criminal Law
Frank West Morrison
Thomas L. Phillips, Jr., Jennifer E. Stille, Frank West Morrison, Gentry R.P. Ferrell, Eric S. Johnson
WILLS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS Bold, Mark G. Relevant Law 102 Northwynd Cir. Suite A Lynchburg, Virginia, 24503 434-200-9567 www.relevantlaw.com Relevant Law is an award-winning law firm that consists of an experienced team of estate planning and asset protection attorneys who are committed to protecting you and your family. Baldwin III, Bernard C. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams 434-846-9000 www.woodsrogers.com Business Law Transactions, Estate Planning, and Estate and Trust Administration, Banking, Finance, Acquisitions and Divestitures, Taxation, Education-Related Issues Craddock, Theodore J. Caskie & Frost 2306 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-846-2731 www.caskiefrost.com Ted, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the University of Virginia School of Law, focuses on business law, public finance, trust & estates, real estate, and litigation.
Legacy and Estate Planning to reduce or eliminate estate taxes, Asset Protection, Charitable Planning, Wealth Counsel, Elder law and Fiduciary Litigation, Special Needs Trusts. Richards, James R. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Taxation, Estate Planning, Business Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Richards, John F. Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com Estate and Trust, Tax and Small Business Law Vance IV, Samuel F. Lynchburg 434-332-5155 www.overbeylaw.com
WORKERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMPENSATION
Davies, Jonathan E. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 www.davies-davies.net
Baker, Philip B. Sanzone & Baker, LLP 1106 Commerce Street, Ste 3A Lynchburg , VA 24504 434-846-4691 434-528-5264 Fax www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com Workers Compensation, Personal Injury, Divorce/Family Law/Collaborative & Mediation, Criminal Defense, Motor Vehicle Accidents, General Civil Litigation, Traffic Violations
Davies, Peter H. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 www.davies-davies.net
Evans, Robert E. Lynchburg 434-846-4551 www.reevanslaw.com
Dunn, Terrance J. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 www.freemandunn.com
Osterbind, Brandon S. Lynchburg 434-332-5122 www.overbeylaw.com
Feinman, Ron Law Office of Ron Feinman 801 Main Street Lynchburg Virginia 24504 434-528-0696 www.ronfeinmanlaw.com Traditional and Sophisticated
Rosenberger Jr., James G. Lynchburg 844-339-0306 www.agnewlegal.com
Final Note and Disclaimers from DataJoe
Personal Injury, Family Law, Litigation, Business, Wills, Estates, Commercial Real Estate Over 150 years of combined experience 434-384-0946 | www.pmjf.com Members of the firm recognized individually by:
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We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
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Glenn W. Pulley
Herschel V. Keller 434.455.9944
434.455.9945
Top Lawyers require fierce drive. Thomas L. Phillips, Jr., Jennifer E. Stille, Frank West Morrison, Gentry R.P. Ferrell, Eric S. Johnson
Personal Injury, Family Law, Litigation, Business, Wills, Estates, Commercial Real Estate
Over 150 years of combined experience www.pmjf.com
Our Lynchburg Business â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Lawyersâ&#x20AC;? encourage uncommon thinking and are energized by showing their clients a new way of looking at their business matters. We congratulate them on being selected for this honor. Meet them and 55 more attorneys at gentrylocke.com.
Members of the firm recognized individually by:
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Criminal Law • Personal Injury • General Litigation • Estate Planning
B. Leigh Drewry, Jr. B. Leigh Drewry, Jr. has provided legal representation to Lynchburg and surrounding counties for 33 years. From general practice, criminal and traffic law, estate planning, and personal injury I have you covered. Approaching each case with my full attention and dedication, I aim to protect your interests and exceed your expectations. Sensitivity towards our clients • Commitment and dedication Flexibility to work around your needs • Open communication • Attention to detail
434.239.0044 • 104B Archway Court Lynchburg VA • leighdrewry.com
Lawyer Profiles of Area Lawyers & Practices
LAW OFFICES OF RON FEINMAN
RON FEINMAN | ELDER LAW 801 Main Street, Lynchburg VA 434.528.0696 | ronfeinmanlaw.com Ron Feinman is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1979 and maintains an Elder Law practice serving all of Central Virginia. We help you take care of yourself and your loved ones, preserve and protect your assets, and structure your affairs in a manner best suited to your concerns and desires for your family. Our firm serves the needs of elder law clients, seriously injured individuals of all ages, as well as those requiring sophisticated estate, business, or legacy planning. Services include the custom design of Revocable Living Trusts, Wills, Medical Powers of Attorney, Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and other fundamental estate planning documents, all as a part of a comprehensive and unified plan. We help our clients maintain or qualify for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), various Veterans Benefits, including Pension Benefits (which are way more inclusive than you might think), Enhanced Pension, and Aid and Attendance. We have extensive experience helping those who are retired, those with special needs, and those who have been seriously injured, whom we can assist with: • The design and crafting of a Special Needs Trust or Medicaid Asset Protection Trust • The design and implementation of a Medicaid Spendown plan • The preservation and protection of assets for those needing governmental benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare • Guardianships and Conservatorships We also help our clients with Life Insurance Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts, Generation Skipping and Dynasty Trusts, GRITs, GRATs, Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGT’s) and other sophisticated estate planning programs.
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CASKIE & FROST
FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM Attorneys Leighton S. Houck Theodore J. Craddock Gregory P. Cochran Joy Lee Price Mark J. Peake
Caskie & Frost is a full-service law firm serving the people and businesses of Lynchburg and Central Virginia for more than 120 years. From its inception, Caskie & Frost has maintained a reputation for excellence, professional leadership, and superior client service. Our services include civil and criminal litigation, domestic relations, business law, personal injury, insurance defense, and more. We look forward to serving Lynchburg and Central Virginia for years to come.
John R. Alford, Jr. J. Frederick Watson Pavlina B. Dirom F.E. “Tripp” Isenhour, III
2306 Atherholt Road., Lynchburg, VA 24501 (434) 846-2731 • caskiefrost.com
Andrew T. Landrum
Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell FRANK WEST MORRISON
Bank of the James Building 828 Main Street, Suite 1403, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-907-4805 * www.pmjf.com Frank West Morrison is an attorney, mediator and a collaborative professional. He is a frequent lecturer, trainer and author on family law, mediation and collaboration topics and is an adjunct professor at Washington & Lee Law School, teaching basic and advanced negotiation classes since August of 2004. He is the former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar and the former Chair of the Domestic Relations Counsel of the Virginia Bar Association. He is the recipient of the Founder ADR in Virginia Award, the Virginia State Bar Continuing Legal Education Award, and the Life Time achievement award presented by the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section. He has been recognized in the Virginia Super Lawyer & Virginia Legal Elite publications for many years. Mr. Morrison is an effective and successful trial attorney and is a skilled negotiator settling approximately 85% of his cases, often with creative solutions for his clients.
Frank West Morrison
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Paul J. Feinman Creditors’ Rights/Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights/Bankruptcy, Commercial Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration Estate Planning and Administration
Chad A. Mooney
Chad A. Mooney Commercial & Civil Litigation, Commercial & CivilAccident Litigation,& Insurance Defense, InsuranceInjury, Defense, Accident & Personal Creditors’ Rights Personal Injury, Creditors’ Rights & Collections and Property & Condominium Owners Associations & Collections and Property & Condominium Owners Associations
John F. Richards John F. &Richards Estate Trusts,
Trusts, Law Tax &Estate Small &Business Tax & Small Business Law
Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards Petty, Livingston, Richards (PLDR) would like toDawson express its& thanks to the (PLDR) would like to express its thanks to the members of our legal community for choosing members of our legal community for choosing all of our principals as “Top Lawyers” for all of At ourPLDR, principals as pride “Top inLawyers” for 2016. we take the relation2016. At PLDR, we take pride in the relationships we develop with our clients and seek to ships develop our clients and seekand to deliverweour legalwith services in efficient deliver our legal services in efficient and effective ways. We also take our passion and effective ways. We also our passion dedication beyond ourtake business, into and our dedication beyond our business, into and our community. This community is our home community. This community is our home and we strive to inspire positive change through we strive to and inspire positivetochange through involvement dedication its residents. involvement and dedication to its residents.
Business Formation and Transition Business Formation Complex Litigation and Transition Complex Litigation Construction Law Construction Law Creditors’ Rights/Bankruptcy Creditors’ Rights/Bankruptcy Employment Law Employment Law Personal Injury Personal Injury Real Estate and Development Real Wills,Estate Trustsand andDevelopment Taxation Wills, Trusts and Taxation
Allied Arts Building, 725 Church Street Allied Arts Building, 725 Church Street #1200, Lynchburg, VA 24504 #1200, Lynchburg, VA 24504
434-846-2768 434-846-2768 www.pldrlaw.com www.pldrlaw.com
SANZONE & BAKER, LLP
JOSEPH SANZONE & PHILIP BAKER 1106 Commerce Street, Ste 3A Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-846-4691 www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com
JOSEPH A. SANZONE of Sanzone and Baker, LLP in Lynchburg practices in the areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Deaths, Product Liability, Motor Vehicle Accidents and Family Law. Joseph Sanzone has been a trial lawyer for thirty-five years. After serving as a prosecutor, he formed his own firm handling litigation of all types and representing numerous businesses as general counsel. He practiced with Paul Whitehead for many years until Mr. Whitehead’s death in 1991 and has practiced with Philip Baker for twenty-five years. His numerous criminal cases across the state of Virginia for the past thirty-five years demonstrate his ability to help clients have their stories told, and allow justice to prevail in their cases. His cases have been featured on “48 Hours” and in numerous newspapers, magazines, and on television. His personal injury verdicts in automobile accidents have included verdicts of more than a million dollars. In 2013 Mr. Sanzone was one of the plaintiff ’s attorneys in a wrongful death case in Charlottesville, VA that was the largest wrongful death verdict in the history of the state of Virginia. He handles cases from the trial courts straight through to the appeals courts. He has appealed cases to the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court, and has won cases in each of these courts. Mr. Sanzone has been selected to be one of Virginia’s Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine, Virginia’s Most Outstanding Lawyers by Richmond Magazine, America’s Premier Lawyers by Fortune Magazine, Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers and AVI by Martindale-Hubbell.
PHILIP B. BAKER, of Sanzone & Baker, L.L.P. in Lynchburg, practices in the areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury, criminal and traffic violations, collaborative law, mediation and family practice matters, general civil litigation, and employment matters. He is a regular presenter at professional education programs regarding Virginia workers’ compensation issues. Mr. Baker has been certified by the Judicial Council of Virginia as a Virginia Mediator, and he regularly participates in the mediation resolution of workers’ compensation and employment disputes and family law matters. Mr. Baker has also been certified as a Collaborative Law Practitioner Professional since 2005, and has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the Lynchburg City Bar Association, the Bedford County Bar Association, the Virginia Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the International Association of Collaborative Law Professionals, and the Virginia Association of Collaborative Law Professionals. Mr. Baker received his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and his J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law.
434-846-4691 • www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com 38
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Gentry Locke Attorneys
Gentry Locke Attorneys
HERSCHEL V. KELLER
GLENN W. PULLEY
801 Main Street, 11th Floor Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-455.9940
801 Main Street, 11th Floor Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-455.9940
Herschel Keller is a Partner with Gentry Locke, representing businesses, governmental entities, and institutions in Lynchburg and across the Commonwealth through his practice of Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, and Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation. Originally from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Herschel now lives in Lynchburg, where he has practiced law for the past 15 years. Herschel heads up Gentry Locke’s Lynchburg office. He is active in the community, including serving as past president of the Central District Committee for the Virginia Associated General Contractors. Prior to joining Gentry Locke, he was Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Lynchburg, and later rose to the role of a principal and an officer of a Lynchburg law firm.
Glenn Pulley, a Partner in Gentry Locke’s Business Litigation group, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2002. Glenn served as Chairman of the Virginia Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2013 and 2014. Since his career began in 1976, Glenn has tried more than 150 civil jury trials for plaintiffs and defendants involving personal injury/property damage, product liability, commercial, construction, employment, estates, and eminent domain. For many years he has represented institutional clients including the housing authority, the school board, and the Chapter 10 Services Board in his community. Glenn’s trial experience has helped many clients in the courtroom, and they have often benefited from Glenn’s advice on how to avoid the expense, inconvenience, and risk of litigation.
HERSCHEL V. KELLER
GLENN W. PULLEY
Phillips, Morrison, Johnson & Ferrell
Relevant Law FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
ERIC JOHNSON
102 Northwynd Circle Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-200-9567
722 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-455-7171
Relevant Law is a full-service law firm based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Relevant was established with the idea of delivering a better way of providing legal services.
Eric has been practicing in Virginia since 1992. He has dedicated 24 years of practice to litigating cases on behalf of accident victims. Eric has handled automobile, tractor trailer, premises liability and other personal injury cases across the state. He recently expanded his practice to include Social Security Disability law.
As an award-winning law firm, Relevant Law uses a modern and more sophisticated business model that eliminates much of the costly overhead and over-staffing traditionally associated with law firms. Their innovative approach to law firm management and use of technologies allows their attorneys to be more efficient, cost effective, and clientfocused.
Eric has also been recognized by The National Trial lawyers, Top 100 Trial lawyers.
Relevant Law serves individuals and businesses.
Away from the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his three kids, Will 17, Mack 15 and Kakie 12; running, mountain biking, fishing, and grouse hunting with his German Shorthair pointer.
RELEVANT LAW
Eric is a Charlottesville native. He received his undergraduate degree from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, and his law degree from the University of Richmond. He is a member of the Lynchburg Bar Association, the Campbell County Bar Association, the Virginia Trial lawyers Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.
ERIC JOHNSON
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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Attorney at Law
B. LEIGH DREWRY, JR. 104B Archway Court Lynchburg VA 24502 434.239.0044 www.leighdrewry.com
Leigh Drewry is a 1979 graduate of the University of Virginia where he served as a manager for the Football team for two years and as its head manager for two years. After graduation, he took a job as a reporter for a bi-weekly newspaper in Franklin, Va. He entered the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in August, 1980, completing his degree requirements in December, 1982. Leigh moved from Richmond to Culpeper to take a job as a legal aid attorney. In February, 1984, he moved to Lynchburg to work as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. He served as a prosecutor in Campbell County for two years and in the City of Lynchburg for eight years. In February, 1994, Leigh opened his own practice. Leigh has concentrated his practice in criminal defense, but takes a wide variety of cases which take him into the courtroom. His caseload has included capital cases and the defense of civil commitments of individuals the state calls “sexually violent predators.” Leigh has argued several cases before the Virginia Supreme Court, including Townes v. Commonwealth, 269 Va. 234 (2005). He has made several presentations at CLEs on the civil commitment of “sexually violent predators.” Leigh has served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as its president. He has also served as President of the Lynchburg Bar Association and currently serves as its Secretary/Treasurer. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Virginia, Inc. and a past president. He has served in various positions in his local church and currently serves as a Trustee of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. A native of Southampton County, Leigh is happily married to the former Anne C. Goode of Richmond. Together they are the parents of Robert, a graduate of the University of Richmond and its law school, and Rebecca, a graduate of the College of Charleston.
434.239.0044 • www.leighdrewry.com 40
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BERNARD C. BALDWIN III Principal T: (434) 846-9000 bbaldwin@woodsrogers.com Bernard Baldwin has more than 45 years of experience advising clients in a full range of business law transactions, estate planning, and estate and trust administration. His primary areas of focus also include banking and finance, acquisitions and divestitures, taxation, and education-related issues.
HENRY M. SACKETT III Principal T: (434) 846-9000 hsackett@woodsrogers.com Henry Sackett is a litigator, mediator, and arbitrator with more than four decades of experience in these legal fields. He has litigated matters pertaining to medical malpractice defense, legal malpractice, personal injury, product liability, condemnation, contracts, construction, and real estate.
SARAH W. BELL
ERIC J. SORENSON JR.
Of Counsel T: (434) 846-9000 sbell@woodsrogers.com
Principal T: (434) 846-9000 rsorenson@woodsrogers.com
Sarah Bell’s practice focuses on family law, general civil litigation, and estate planning. Sarah understands litigation—especially litigation that involves one’s family—can be overwhelming. She works hard to make the process less daunting, and to give clients a clear path toward achieving their goals.
S. HENRY (HANK) CREASY IV Principal T: (434) 846-9000 hcreasy@woodsrogers.com Hank Creasy counsels business leadership in a variety of industries and entrepreneurial endeavors, including advice on day-to-day operations and transactions, with an emphasis in the areas of general corporate and business law, regulatory compliance, governance, health care law, real estate law, banking law, commercial lending, trademarks and licensing, and information technology.
Rick Sorenson has more than 23 years of experience representing and advising companies and individuals throughout Virginia in the areas of business, corporate, securities, banking, and health care law. He has extensive experience with business clients in industries including banking, consumer products, health care, higher education, and manufacturing.
DARRYL D. WHITESELL Principal T: (434) 846-9000 dwhitesell@woodsrogers.com Darryl Whitesell provides legal counsel to individuals and companies in matters related to business, corporate, health care, intellectual property, wills and trusts, and taxation law. His experience as a certified public accountant makes him uniquely qualified to understand the business, tax, and financial needs of the firm’s clients.
WILLIAM E. PHILLIPS Principal T: (434) 846-9000 bphillips@woodsrogers.com Bill Phillips handles business litigation, civil litigation, and litigation pertaining to construction, premises liability, and insurance law, including insurance coverage questions. In addition to his litigation work, he counsels on medical malpractice defense. Bill has tried approximately 200 jury trials in state courts throughout central, western, and Southside Virginia.
828 Main Street 19th Floor Lynchburg, VA 24504 TEL: 434-846-9000 FAX: 434-846-0337 woodsrogers.com
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LEADER PROFILE
ROBERT J. DAY Occupation / Formal Title:
CEO, Patrick Henry Family Services
Hometown: Jellico, TN
Tell us a little about Patrick Henry Family Services. What is the mission of the nonprofit? Patrick Henry Family Services has been serving distressed children and families in Virginia for 55 years. In order to meet those needs the organization has grown from what started as just a boys home into the five ministries we have today: Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Homes (residential care), Hope for Tomorrow Counseling (serving the communities of South Boston, Danville, Brookneal, Lynchburg, Farmville, Bedford and Richmond), Safe Families for Children (keeping children and families safe and cared for during time of temporary crisis), Hat Creek Camp (exciting outdoor adventure opportunities for children) and Straight Talk (an inspirational and uplifting daily radio broadcast and blog). All of these programs work together to help keep children safe and families strong! Our formal mission statement reads: “To meet the needs of every child before us, resulting in the maximum impact for that child, in the shortest time possible, in the most efficient way possible, always in a loving and professional manner.”
What is your history with nonprofits? How did you come to be the CEO of PHFS? I have served in state agencies, private nonprofits, and local churches for 30 years, most of which have been in the area of child welfare and poverty. I came to PHFS in June 2010 from Goshen, IN, where I was serving as a major gift officer for Goshen College. That fundraising experience, along with my background in child welfare, helped me land my dream job.
2016 was a big year for you. Tell us about your new book. The book is my childhood story of poverty, abuse, and neglect. Yet, it’s more than that; I wanted those who support PHFS to understand, on an emotional level, the work we do, and the significance it has in the lives of the children we serve. I also wanted the reader to understand how children and families get into the “hard places” that cause the pain and trauma. Every awful thing that happened to me as a child was preventable. So, why wasn’t it prevented? Every bad thing that is happening to kids today is even more preventable. Why is it still happening to them? I hope this book will serve as a catalyst, drawing more people into the work of rescuing vulnerable children and distressed families from those hard places. (100% of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to further the work at Patrick Henry Family Services.)
Another big achievement for you has been the Straight Talk radio broadcast… how is that going? The one-minute segments are accomplishing what we hoped. The radio spots are raising the visibility of our organization and challenging the way people think and live. It’s not enough to serve the causalities of our culture, we must affect the way our culture thinks about certain things that impact the lives of children to really achieve change. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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LEADER PROFILE Do you think there are differences between being a leader of a nonprofit versus a for-profit business? Many of the challenges are the same for both, and leadership is leadership, no matter where it is given. However, there is a big distinction between the two—the role of money. In business, money is the end means, the bottom line. In nonprofit, money is the means to an end. The bottom line is lives changed. In one, money is the master. In the other, money is the servant.
RADIO MINISTRY—Day hosts the full 30-minute Straight Talk show each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on WLNI (right). You can also hear one-minute Straight Talk segments twice a day on Spirit FM.
What are some of the biggest challenges nonprofits are facing across the board? Nonprofits are notorious for confusing their model with their mission. They get stuck on a certain way of doing something instead of focusing on why they are doing it. Models change, methods have expiration dates—the mission does not. I think nonprofits that are unwilling to adapt to the quickly changing landscape will be left behind. With the exponential rate of change happening because of technology, nonprofits will have to be flexible, nimble, but stubborn as bull dogs when it comes to their mission.
What are your short term goals for PHFS? Offer more services, in smarter ways, to more children and families.
Long term goals? Continue to expand geographically to have a state-wide presence, in order to serve “every child before us.”
How would you define your leadership style? More passion than smarts, but smart enough to know passion goes a long way.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Be who you is, cause if you is who you ain’t, you ain’t who you is.”
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What’s your history in the area? Moved here in June 2010 and have enjoyed every day of it.
What’s life like outside of work? I love my front porch, where I read, pray, and have great conversations with my family.
What do you enjoy the most about this region? Being from Appalachia, I love the mountains. I also appreciate the history all around us. It helps me keep everything in proper perspective.
Closing thoughts? All of my story, both past and present, reveals God’s amazing and endless grace… and how He uses our past for His purpose. I am honored and humbled to be able to work in the field about which I am so passionate.
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What one piece of advice would you share with others?
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REAL ESTATE
THE MORAL OF THE (REAL ESTATE) STORY… B Y DA N VO L L M E R
A
s we are approaching (or depending on when you’re reading this, perhaps in the middle of) the holiday season, I thought it would be appropriate to tell a real estaterelated fable—enjoy! Once upon a time, there was a cute Cape Cod on a quiet side street in a
bustling little city, a three bedroom/two bath charmer with nearly 1800 square feet on a ¼-acre lot, great schools and many recent upgrades—but that’s not important. For you see, inside the wood-sided, big-windowed home lived a mom and a dad, a boy and a girl, and a friendly puppy name Jack. As time went on, both the boy and the girl had birthday parties and sleepovers, and there were lots of baseball players and ballerinas. Jack noticed the mom often enjoyed a cup of coffee or two in the mornings on the back porch, and the dad—after getting down on the floor to play with him and the boy and the girl—would often work in the study in the evenings. Sometimes the mom and the dad would have long conversations. And sometimes they looked…worried. But then one day, the dad came home from work, and he was very excited. He told the mom and the boy and the girl some wonderful news! The mom seemed happy but also a little sad. And the boy and the girl both went to their rooms and were very quiet for a while. And then, a few days later, there was a strange sign in the front yard. Jack noticed he would have to go for a ride in the car, or for a walk around the block, a lot more often than normal. And the house seemed to be a lot cleaner and neater than usual. Then one night, the mom and the dad had a guest who had a folder full of papers. She had a long conversation with the mom and the dad, and when she
left, she gave the mom a hug and the dad a handshake. Then they had a talk with the boy and the girl. The girl cried a little, and the boy just sat quietly with his head down and his hands in his lap. But the mom and the dad gave them both a big hug, and they cried a little too. After that, everyone seemed to feel a little better. A few weeks went by, and Jack noticed some of the family’s things were getting packed up. All the family photos came down off the wall, and soon the garage was filled with boxes. Then one day, a bunch of men came with a big truck and loaded everything in the house into the truck. The woman who had come with the folder came back and took away the sign in the yard. She gave the whole family a hug, patted Jack on the head, and then she drove away. The big truck with all the family’s things also drove away. And then the mom and the dad, and the boy and the girl, all stood in the empty living room. They talked, and then they laughed, and then they cried. And then they laughed again. Then they all quietly looked around one last time, before they walked out and closed the door. They put Jack into his crate and backed out of their driveway. And after a long, long drive, they pulled into a strange, new driveway. The driveway of a strange, new house. The moral of the story is this: every home tells a story. Every home IS a story. While real estate often focuses on the properties themselves, at the heart, it’s really about the stories told within the walls we buy and sell. So this holiday season, may you and the ones you love tell (and retell) some great ones. From my family to yours, I wish you all the best! Have a question or an idea for a future article? Email me at dan@danvollmer.com Dan Vollmer is an Associate Broker at Re/Max 1st Olympic and member of the Virginia Association of REALTORS Board of Directors. Find him at www.danvollmer.com.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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HEALTHCARE
MENTAL STRENGTH:
MANAGING AND TREATING DEPRESSION BY M I C HAEL JUD D, M D B OAR D-CE RT I F I E D PSYCH I AT R I ST | M ED I C AL D I REC TOR, C ENT RA M ED I C AL GROUP P I ED M ONT P SYC HI AT RI C C ENT ER
E
veryone gets the blues or feels sad from time to time. However, if a person experiences these emotions intensely or for two weeks or longer, it may signal clinical depression, a condition that requires treatment.
Clinical depression affects the total person—body, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors—and comes in various forms. Some people have a single bout of depression; others suffer recurrent episodes. Still others experience the severe mood swings of bipolar disorder—sometimes called manic-depressive illness— with moods alternating between depressive lows and manic highs. According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, workers in the U.S. who, at some point in their lives, have been diagnosed with depression miss an
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HEALTHCARE estimated 68 million additional days of work each year than their counterparts
In order to meet criteria for TMS, patients must have a diagnosis of major
who have not been depressed—resulting in an estimated cost of more than
depressive disorder, be 18 years of age or older and have failed at least one trial
$23 billion in lost productivity annually to U.S. employers.
with an antidepressant of adequate dose and duration.
Depression is not only an issue of work impairment. Fourteen million people
The outpatient procedure begins with a one to two hour initial mapping
in our country know the ravages of clinical depression, with four million of
of the area to be stimulated. Subsequent treatments are approximately
them receiving little benefit from treatment with antidepressant medications.
35 minutes, five days a week for six weeks. Patients can return to normal activity
The key is to recognize the symptoms of depression early and to receive
immediately after each session. TMS is a safe procedure with minimal to no
appropriate treatment.
side effects. The most common side effect of TMS is a mild headache, which is
Many companies are helping employees with depression by providing training on depressive illnesses for supervisors, employee assistance, and
usually limited to the first few days of treatment. TMS is not meant to take the place of medication or therapy. It is an
occupational health personnel. Employers are also making appropriate
additional modality to treat depression. According to one TMS patient who had
treatment available through employee assistance programs and through
suffered from depression for years, “Worthlessness and hopelessness were the
company-sponsored health benefits. Such efforts are contributing to
norm.” Today, he has his life back.
significant reductions in lost time and job-related accidents as well as marked increases in productivity.
While employers and supervisors cannot diagnose depression, they can note changes in work performance and listen to employee concerns. If your company
Today, there is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment called transcranial
does not have an employee assistance program, ask a counselor for suggestions
magnetic stimulation (TMS) that stimulates the nerve cells in the brain.
on how best to approach an employee who they suspect is experiencing work
The procedure, which does not require anesthesia, was approved by the
problems that may be related to depression. For more information about TMS treatment for depression at Centra Medical
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008. Research unrelated to TMS has shown that people who suffer from
Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center, call (434) 200-5999.
depression have underactive areas in specific parts of their brains. TMS stimulates that region of the brain with targeted electromagnetic pulsations. Theoretically, these pulses stimulate metabolism and increase the brain’s neurotransmitters, thereby helping alleviate depression.
Dr. Judd specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, women’s mental health issues, including pregnancyrelated mood disorders and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, student mental health, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
perfection
PURSUE
434.239.0976 | 171-A Vista Centre Drive, Forest | www.CornerstoneCabinetsAndDesign.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE see the full picture, I’m definitely going to need some help from someone with a different vantage point. If you find a wise guide willing to give of their knowledge and time, be curious, ask questions, listen earnestly, and show them gratitude. Not wanting to miss this chance to get a head start on my New Year’s resolutions, I sought out the wisdom and perspective of a few local folks with expertise and experience in commercial real estate to find out what they are keeping an eye on for next year. No one has a crystal ball, but it’s always beneficial to be aware of what is on the minds of industry experts. I asked both of them, “What trends and developments are you watching that could have a significant impact on the local commercial real estate market in 2017?” Their responses are included below and offer several items to
contemplate in the upcoming year. Norman Moon, First Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer - “Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind will be results of
the 2016 year elections and the impact that new policy directions could have on taxation and environmental policy changes, which could have an impact on new
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2017 BY B I LLY H AN SE N
development projects. Change always bring uncertainty, and with large scale and long term investments like office buildings, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, uncertainty can cloud decision making, which is never good for the market. However, we have a number of positives in our economy, and Lynchburg has traditionally weathered things well due to its diverse economic base. I think that continuing to ensure we have economic diversity, both in the size and types of industry that we have, is critical. Locally, I think many involved in commercial real estate are keeping an eye on larger private employers who are located in the Lynchburg market; with so many of these companies being controlled in other
W
ith the New Year upon us, I wanted to share with you two professional resolutions I will be pursuing in 2017.
RESOLUTION #1 - Be an excellent noticer. In real estate, a great
observer notices details while touring a property, taking a stroll downtown, and driving through a neighborhood that most don’t. They are able to identify trends in sales and leasing data, make interesting observations about government hearings and actions, and pick up clues and hints from public notices and news items. Piecing together these specific, and often seemingly unrelated, bits of information can yield meaningful insights about the market. How to get there? Spend time with observant people. Practice the habit of paying attention. Be present and fully engaged with the people and environment around you. RESOLUTION #2 - Intentionally seek out wisdom from experts and those with different perspectives. Why? Because no matter how great I get at noticing, I’ll always be limited to what I can see with
states, or even other countries, maintaining or increasing staffing within the Lynchburg area will have a major impact on the market. The construction of the Odd Fellows Road interchange will have a positive impact and will provide long overdue connectivity to a key area of our city.” Luke Towles, Market President, Wells Fargo - “When I think about a key
area of focus for 2017, I will be interested in seeing how Consumer Confidence progresses. Over the course of the last few years, confidence has solidified because the overall job market has improved and housing has stabilized. Ultimately, the consumer is the primary driver of the direction of our overall economy. Certainly, there are many factors at play, such as: Am I secure in my current job? Is the value of my home stable? Do I have adequate savings, money for my children to go to college, retirement? Am I confident in the current direction of the economy? Locally, confident consumers will build new homes, eat out more frequently and visit other retail establishments more often. Evidence of this confidence will lead to continued investment in the revitalization of downtown Lynchburg, commitments from anchor tenants in the region’s commercial developments and additional residential and commercial development. A confident consumer bolsters the value of commercial real estate for the Lynchburg region.”
my own two eyes. Let’s say the market is a mountain and that I can only see my little part of it. I could study my area endlessly, draw a detailed map with every trail and every tree marked, and know the terrain better than anyone else in the world, but I’ll never be able see the whole mountain. If I want to 48
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Billy Hansen, MAI serves the Lynchburg area as the principal commercial real estate appraiser of Hansen Realty Advisors, LLC and as an agent with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. To discuss more, email him at hansenrealtyadvisors@gmail.com.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
OVER
BUSINESS TEN YEARS
Danny Givens bought the bookstore when his father retired in 1999.
T
GIVENS BOOKS & LITTLE DICKENS:
LYNCHBURG’S FAVORITE BOOKSTORE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS BY EM I LY HED RI C K
“At the time, even Toys ‘R’ Us didn’t exist, but we carry toys
he convenience of online shopping makes it a different in nature anyways than your typical toy store. formidable foe to brick and mortar retailers, We believe our toys have significantly more play value on the but certain stores have such a rich presence and whole and help to develop children in different ways.” proffer such an enjoyable shopping experience Danny and Kathy Givens bought the business when George retired in 1999, and that customers forego their PCs to visit them time and time Givens Books and Little Dickens merged into one business at its new, larger location on Lakeside Drive. The Drowsy Poet café opened inside the store in 2000. The again. Givens Books & Little Dickens is among the most Drowsy Poet’s “Milton” milkshake is widely considered a Lynchburg staple. captivating of these stores. Voted “Best Bookstore” and Danny Givens attributes the bookstore’s continued success to several factors. “Best Children’s Store” numerous times in the Lynchburg “Despite the challenges of online shopping and the e-book, we feel Givens Books & Little Dickens has been able to carve out a special niche and Living annual “Best of ” awards throughout earn the trust and loyalty of Lynchburg and the surrounding the past decade, Givens has earned the title of counties,” he says. “Our special order books arrive in one to three days with no shipping cost so our customers get their Lynchburg’s favorite bookstore. Although it has special orders fast, and our discounts to schools, churches and Founded: 1976 grown and evolved in its 40 years of business, organizations compete with online websites easily.” Located: 2236 Lakeside it has remained the quintessential independent Additionally, Givens notes that the e-book trend seems to Dr., Lynchburg be tapering off, while more old-school trends are making a bookshop to this day.
AT A GLANCE
Employees: 18 comeback. “E-readers have actually leveled off,” he remarks. Givens Books, originally Boonshire Books, was founded in “They started with a bang and according to statistics have leveled 1976 by George and Sylvia Givens. The Givenses moved to Lynchburg from off in popularity. I personally like the touch of a real book. We grew up with Tucson, Arizona with six children in tow (they would go on to have two more) thousands of books in our home, so I’m never tempted by the e-craze. Many of and chose a renovated 1930s gas station on Boonsboro Road as the site for their our customers are the same. There are 400 more bookstores now than there were bookstore. Four years later, the Givenses moved the store across town to Lakeside 10 years ago; small Mom and Pop bookstores are making a comeback. We may be Drive and changed its name to Givens Books. In 1989, George and Sylvia’s son moving more toward a slower, smaller mindset with shopping away from fast and Danny and his wife, Kathy, opened Little Dickens in a small space next to the enormous. Even Wal-Marts are building smaller stores.” bookstore. “Our idea was to provide Lynchburg with its first teacher supply store The friendly and well-read staff at Givens is another major contributor to the and educational toy store,” says Danny Givens, the current owner of Givens Books store’s success, and the fact that staff members make buying decisions gives the store an edge over chain bookstores. & Little Dickens. 50
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BUSINESS PROFILE “Being locally owned, we know the community and their tastes in reading, and we respond to their needs both with books and toys,” Givens notes. “Buying decisions are made here, by the staff and buyers, not buyers in cubicles in New York City with chain stores. Our staff members are heavy readers also and love to make book recommendations to our customers.” Although Givens Books & Little Dickens embraces the old school in many ways—for instance, vinyl records are now available for purchase there—the store is in the process of being updated. “For our 40th anniversary, we have made updates and improvements with new paint inside and new signage outside on the building and the street; a few more improvements will be made in the coming months,” Givens says. “We put emphasis on what customers see and how they feel when they come in. We feel customers notice this upon entering. It’s warm, welcoming and charming.” The bookstore also has a strong social media presence; they have a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and an Instagram account (@givensbooks_littledickens), which features photos of whimsical displays, new products, and customers enjoying their time in the store. In the future, Givens hopes that his store will continue to create customer loyalty by providing a rich shopping experience while offering products that enrich people’s lives. “Retail is more than acquisition of products; I think it should be an experience,” he says. “If I could sum up our goal, I would say it would be to continue to feed the curiosity of our customers. Our customers tend to be
Givens says customers receive personal attention at his store; staff members are avid readers and love to make recommendations.
readers and curious. Our store tries to satisfy the human drive to learn and grow. I love trying to meet that goal with books and educational toys for all ages. We should never stop playing and learning no matter what age we are. Doing this makes us vibrant, inquisitive and interesting humans.” For Givens, nothing beats seeing his customers smile. “I love working with smart people and customers and knowing I might just find the next great book for someone to read or next toy to make kids smile,” he says. “I love working around people and products that satisfy my need to learn more. We love seeing new people come in and observe them smiling deeply as they look around.” One particular memory of customer satisfaction stands out to Givens. “A teacher came in a couple years ago,” he recalls. “I wish I could remember her name. She came in and said, ‘Wow, so this is what teacher heaven is like!’ I’d like to think that we provide happiness for our customers.”
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MARKETING Maybe your game plan is more ambitious, and you want to ensure quality introductions take place. Partner up ahead of time with a friend who has agreed to introduce you to her connections if you will do the same.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
About Holiday Party Networking BY V I CTO R CLAR K E
M
any businesses tend to wind down over the holidays unless they run an operation favored by Santa and his elves. It’s tempting to put your feet up and put your marketing on hold until you enter the New Year. The reality is that while you go into a turkey-induced slumber for several weeks, your competitors may not be doing the same thing. Here are our top eight business networking tips for the holidays to stay ahead of your competitors. 1. Show Up We know some holiday affairs can be a waste of time, but we also know networking is like a raffle. If you don’t enter, you have no chance of winning. We often hear tales of how a chance meeting at a holiday party led to a new client or a business opportunity. New connections may result in you gaining a new contact, whose services will come to mind six months later when you launch a new product line. Holiday networking will also remind influencers and prospective clients of who you are and what you do. 2. Have a Game Plan When you attend a holiday networking event, you should have some idea of what you want to achieve. Maybe a business associate has been strangely distant over the past six months. Networking provides a great opportunity for you to catch up and talk to him in an informal environment. He may tell you he’s been ill, or his business has taken a nosedive. This sort of information is useful if you intend to have an ongoing relationship with him, or it may be time to line up some alternatives.
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3. Use the Informal Environment for Follow Ups Usually, people who attend holiday parties are more relaxed than at other times of the year, and their guard may be down. Parties help you create or build relationships on a more personal level. If you meet someone you might want to do business with, take a slower and more measured approach. Keep the conversation light, and as it wraps up, see if they will agree to lunch or coffee to talk business. 4. Ask for Introductions There’s little reason to attend business-sponsored parties if talking to folks you already know is all you do. Holidays are the easiest time of the year to ask for introductions and meet people for the first time. Ask a friend at the event if there’s someone there he thinks you should meet. Then see if he will introduce you. It’s an approach that will ease you into conversations instead of cold calling on strangers. It will also help you build good connections instead of ending up with business cards that are virtually meaningless to you. 5. Respect the Event If groups are sitting around tables, deeply engrossed in conversations, it’s not the best time to butt in and shower them with business cards. Also, if you are at a very informal event, don’t pull out a marketing brochure to outline your business’s five-step onboarding process. Like every other relationship you should aim to build rapport. Seek out common interests so you have a basis for further dialogue after the event. 6. Bring a Wing Man or Woman You will be a better networker if you bring along a colleague or a business associate. You can cover more ground at an event and have a fallback person to talk to if you need a break. A wingman is also a good strategy for nervous networkers. If you are accompanied by a business partner who you have a good rapport with, it can be easier to start conversations and keep them going. A wingman or woman can also help you navigate your way out of unimportant or long-winded conversations. Your wingman or wingwoman can carry on the conversation while you make your excuses and target someone else for conversation. 7. Remember Networking Involves More Than You When you meet someone at a holiday networking event you should ask them as much as possible about their business, as well as responding to their questions about yours. Not only will they appreciate your attentiveness, but it’s important to find out if they could be a good resource for yourself and your connections. Seek ways to increase the value of the relationship individuals have with you. You may meet someone who can provide a solution for one of your favorite business partners. Now you’ve just made two people happy, which is always a good thing for business development. 8. The Most Important Tip Have fun. It’s the holidays after all, and folks like being around others who are having a good time. Victor Clarke has been the owner of Clarke, Inc. for 20+ years. We serve up epic marketing truth for small businesses daily. If you want the marketing pretty marketing boys, we’re not it. Contact Victor at victor@bebetterdomore.com or www.bebetterdomore.com.
Congratulations to our 2016 CO.STARTERS graduates! CO.STARTERS is a nationally recognized, 9-week program that helps aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs turn business ideas into action. These 29 individuals have worked together to build their business plans, share ideas and support each other in launching their companies in Lynchburg. Please join us in congratulating them on their success and commitment to our community!
Adam Shurr Golf Park Coffee
Victoria Bartholomew Essence Lewis Church Street Development L’essenza Design Co.
Anthony Andrews Initial Response
Joni Organ Out of the Box Productions
William Layton 3 Ridge Organics
Chris Bailey 7H
Heidi Reynolds Hill City Mom
Randy Smith The Craft Crucible
JaTaen Rucker Sweet 1603
Lyndsey & Cameo Hoyle Good Karma Tea Co.
Jessica Coco Silver Bullet Coaching
Emily Anne Taylor Scoops Lynchburg
Tarsha Joyner Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats
Kari Phillips Belmont Pottery
Joel Kaiser Keep Colony 2.0
Natasha Coen Foraged & Cut Flowers
Azalea Smith Way Crunchy
Jacob Johnston Mirari Pictures
Nicole Rule Danicole Accessories
Nugent Koscielny Print Studio 7
Stephanie Andrews Jodi Scott Mark Cox Book Ends Hazard Management Solutions J Force Fitness Amanda Ostrander Benny’s Scarpetta
Jennifer Monroe Three Wool Moon
Brittany Smith Smith & Wells Barbering College
The next CO.STARTERS class will begin in the spring of 2017. Participants must be 18 or older and committed to attending all nine weeks of the program. For more information and to apply, please visit www.opportunitylynchburg.com.
Davis Dawson Crafted Stephanie Atkinson No Judgment Yoga
HUMAN RESOURCES and other critical business drivers that impact decisions in the HR field. Further, it is imperative HR leaders are fully equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to accurately apply business decisions and practices that support not only the missions of the organizations in which they work but also accurately apply relevant legislation. Example, did your organization arbitrarily reclassify its employees to comply with the FLSA update? Or, did your team, utilizing its HR skills, review all job descriptions, reporting relationships and salary requirements before simply deciding a position was no longer exempt (to avoid the mandatory increase in compensation)?
Diversity Integration
CONTINUED SUCCESS IN HR More Than Just Management
W
BY CO LLE E N M CLAUG H LI N , SPH R
hile the country is moving forward with much change anticipated in the future of businesses, there are HR management practices that must be implemented for organizations to experience continued success. These practices will require HR managers to:
•
Be proactive, flexible and prepared
•
Be equipped to effectively, legally and accurately apply HR skills Integrate diversity Apply business acumen Demonstrate ethical behavior
• • •
When the typical business leader thinks of HR, the thoughts likely surround issues such as recruitment, selection, managing performance, training and development, labor relations, compensation, benefits, risk management, and employment legislation. However, there are several areas in which the successful HR business leader must be equipped and prepared for the future of business strategy practices.
Oftentimes business leaders, when addressing diversity, limit themselves to thinking about issues surrounding surface level diversity. These are issues related to areas we can physically observe such as gender, age, race, and so forth. Additional areas that must be proactively addressed are those related to deeper-level diversity issues such as ways of thinking, making decisions, communicating, and problem-solving. Ways to address these various areas that make each of your employees different may include the following: • Establish and implement policies and practices that abide by all EEO legislation. • Create and support an organizational culture through policies and practices that values the ideas and input of others. • Identify individuals who have the desire and skills to champion diversity within teams and departments.
Application of Business Acumen While HR leaders need to bring their knowledge and skills related to the critical HR functions of an organization to the table, they must also possess a sufficient level of business acumen. In other words, not only must HR professionals have excellent functional HR expertise, interpersonal communication and team skills, they must be fully able to effectively contribute to the organization’s success through the application of business acumen. This specifically refers to the need for HR leaders to fully understand how the organization both makes money as well as how the HR function impacts its financial performance. This understanding requires a sufficient proficiency in cost analysis, business strategy, financial skills and, ultimately, organizational assessment.
Ethical Behavior While understanding the difference between right and wrong is the first step of applying ethics to decision making in business, HR business leaders are responsible for developing the organization’s code of ethics and ensuring all employees have been trained and are prepared to align with these expectations. Further, these professionals have the responsibility for providing a way for employees to voice concerns, monitor the behavior of individuals within the organization, maintain confidential employee information, and interpret and apply any applicable employment legislation. The ethical behavior of employees directly impacts the success of the organization. In conclusion, as businesses prepare for the impending changes in the New Year they must focus on developing future HR leaders to manage this vital business function. Being proactive, equipped with HR expertise and an ability to integrate diversity in their workplaces is essential. Ultimately, HR leaders who exhibit ethical behavior while applying business acumen are on the path to assist their organizations in achieving a competitive advantage in the marketplace!
Proactivity, Flexibility, and Preparedness While business leaders know change is inevitable, too frequently HR practices are reactive in nature. It is imperative HR leaders stay abreast of employment legislation updates, economic changes, skill gaps and demands, 54
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Colleen is an HR professional with 15 years of experience; she currently serves as a professor of business and as an HR consultant.
LEADING LADY
AMANDA DENNY Occupation:
Director of Leadership and Engagement, Randolph College
Hometown: Roxboro, North Carolina
(Moved to Lynchburg from Boone, NC after completing master’s degree at Appalachian State University)
Tell us a little about your role at Randolph College. I’m helping prep college students to be more successful in their college and professional careers. I think of my job as a tool box; I help students gain the tools they need to succeed. This can be achieved by helping students learn about their leadership styles, their strengths, how to handle conflict and deal with difficult people, how to communicate effectively with people of all ages, and how to establish their identity as a leader. It’s important for students to learn how to use their tools (in other words, apply what they’ve learned to everyday situations). I truly believe that a leader cannot grow and develop without kinesthetic learning.
What do you like the most about working with college students? Why do you find it rewarding? I enjoy working with college students for many reasons. The first is that they keep me young, and they keep my mind sharp. No day is ever the same, and I like the challenge that a varied work environment can bring. I also find my job to be most rewarding every May when I’m standing at the top of the Dell Amphitheatre watching our annual Commencement event, and I reflect on the relationships I’ve built with the graduates over the course of four years. Of course, I’m happy they are receiving a diploma from a college they cherish. But, I can’t help but be even more proud of where they started and how they’ve grown as they embark on a new and exciting journey ahead. It’s an amazing feeling to know that some of those students have the confidence they need to be able to adapt to and perform well in their future learning environments.
Why did you choose to go down this career path? I was very fortunate to have strong professional mentors at Meredith College, where I obtained my undergraduate degree in communication studies and Spanish. To help me decide if Student Affairs was the right professional journey for me, I interned at the Student Activities and Leadership Development Center the summer between my junior and senior years. I loved my internship and immediately started applying for graduate schools. During the spring of my senior year, I had the opportunity to work as a paraprofessional in the Office of First Year Experience alongside
a co-director. I loved every minute of it. This opportunity helped me visualize myself in the profession and helped me realize how much confidence I had in my future.
You are also the 2016-2017 president of the Junior League of Lynchburg. What are your big goals this year? My goals revolve around restructuring and revamping the organization, and I want to find out if the organization is meeting the needs of current members. Membership within the organization has changed since I started as a provisional member. We have more women that work full/ part time, and we have more stay-at-home mothers that are very well connected to the Lynchburg community. I’m hoping that organizational leaders will not think outside of the box because a box has four walls and can be constricting. So instead, I’m challenging everyone to throw the box off the table and consider all options. This allows for more creativity and, in turn, more buy-in from leaders, members and community partners.
What type of leader are you? How would you describe yourself? If we want to get technical, I can share my Myers-Briggs Typology results which prove time and time again that I am an ENFP. This means that I am: extravert (E), intuitive (N), feeler (F), perceiver (P). In a less formal sense, I would say that I am a coach. I enjoy mentoring and helping others reach their maximum potential within a team and individually. I am loyal. I am passionate. I thrive off of interactions with other people. I excel when given creative license and love the challenge of implementing new programs.
What types of challenges have you faced through the years and how did you overcome them? I’ve had my share of personal and professional challenges over the years. I find I should be thankful for what I’ve been given and should use each challenge as a learning opportunity to grow into a stronger individual. Challenges are not easy to overcome but with a positive
attitude and an open mind for learning, you can surprise yourself and find out that they can be well worth the ride.
Do you think women face any unique challenges in the business world? Explain. Workplace environments have improved for women significantly over time. However, I do think women still face challenges in the business world. Statistics keep proving that women are not paid salaries equal to their male counterparts. Work-life balance can be a struggle for both women and men, but often times society favors the notion that the woman should be the primary caregiver to children. This means that a working mother may not get a lot of rest at home after work. This could in turn cause lack of production or lack of investment in her professional life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that you still apply to your life today? We are so busy running around checking items off our to-do lists that we often times forget about the people that mean the most to us. So, the best advice I’ve received is to slow down, take a breath, and let the people that are important to you know they matter and that they are loved because you never know what the next second, minute, or hour will bring.
What do you like most about living and working in the Lynchburg region? When moving to Lynchburg, I thought it was going to be hard to meet new people. I have found the very opposite to be true. Lynchburg is a welcoming community and, if you put yourself out there, it is easy to meet new people with similar interests. And, if you do a little research you can find a plethora of social, leadership and networking opportunities.
Outside of work and volunteering, what do you do to relax and unwind? I mostly love spending time and catching up with family and friends. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016-17
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BUSINESS PROFILE Jerome Snyder started his business in 2015 after winning a contest called “Pop Up Altavista.”
UNDER
BUSINESS TEN YEARS
VAHSEER MEADWORKS: A 21ST CENTURY APPROACH TO AN ANCIENT BREW
F
BY JEREM Y ANGI ONE
rom the epic of Beowulf to viking feasts and medieval courts, mead has been a staple of European culture and folklore. But instead of being stuck in the pages of history, the brew is on its way to becoming a commodity in Altavista.
Jerome Snyder first began to dabble in the realm of mead when he was involved with a Virginia Tech chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The club is home to all sorts of medieval fare, such as combat and chivalry, arts and sciences, heraldry and more, according to their website. “The education is just a byproduct of being interested in various medieval arts and sciences and crafts, brewing being one of them,” Snyder said. After attending a class on honey’s effects on mead, Snyder’s passion turned into action. He began trying to brew mead with friends and admits that his product did not taste very good until years later. Snyder honed his brewing craft in Lynchburg by participating in the Hill City Home Brew Club, a collective of local brewing enthusiasts who promote and fine tune different techniques. Then, dissatisfied with his career as an engineer, Snyder set out to open a Vahseer Meadworks. In 2015, he participated in Altavista On Track’s Pop Up Altavista entrepreneur empowerment event and was awarded 10 thousand dollars to help with startup costs.
“To have such a specialized and rare type of beverage in our town is something that separates us apart from other communities; there are only about 12 meaderies in the state of Virginia,” said Emelyn Gwynn, Main Street Coordinator for AOT. The name of his meadery stems from Norse folklore. In the tale of the Mead of Poetry, a wise man called Kvasir (pronounced vah-seer) was created when the gods spit chewed berries into a vat to form a post-war truce. The fermented brew became Kvasir, whose name meant fermented berry juice. Kvasir was renowned as the wisest man ever. One day a pair of dwarves invited Kvasir to their home, killed him and made mead using his blood. The legend says anyone who drank the Kvasir mead would become as wise and poetic as he was. 56
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BUSINESS PROFILE Although a dark tale, Snyder says the only thing his mead replicates from the tale is the namesake and Norse aesthetic. In fact, he says the spelling change from the original Kvasir to the current Vahseer Meadworks was to make the name phonetic and easier to pronounce. (It was also due to his inability to get the trademark for the original spelling.)
black cherry to the mix and is
Mead mixing is not a new process, but according to Snyder, it is a “resurgent and growing industry.” He says while the ingredients and brewing of mead are relatively standard across the board, there can still be a great variety of flavors among mead makers. This is due in part to subtle differences in processing.
ginger to the mix, giving the final
The process is fairly straightforward. Take the major ingredients—honey, water and yeast—let them ferment, filter and then bottle. Synder says a traditional mead uses just those ingredients, nothing more. “The three big, determining factors of overall flavor are the honey you source, the water you use and the yeast you choose,” Snyder said. The water used in the brewing process has the second biggest effect on honey, according to Snyder. He believes the good quality of water in Lynchburg and Altavista improves his product. Snyder prefers to support Virginia businesses, when he can, so most of the unprocessed honey he uses comes from Hungry Hill Farms in Nelson County. He is currently preparing a batch using honey that is approximately 30 years old. Snyder believes it will give the meads a “unique flavor profile.” Despite honey as a major ingredient, not all meads are sweet. Snyder says the mead flavor spectrum can have a wide range, like wine. Currently, Vahseer Meadworks is home to about five flavors of mead, with more in the works. Undorn is the traditional selection, with its focus being on the flavor of the honey. Jarl’s Bee combines earl grey tea with honey and lemon. Vahseer’s Hadegi variety adds
considered a drier variety. Freyr’s
Snyder says the water used in the brewing process has the biggest effect on honey.
Blend is mead infused with lavender and vanilla. Lastly, Nattmal adds product a sweet and spicy finish. Out of all his flavors, Snyder says that
Undorn is the best seller. Moving forward, Snyder’s first major goal is to have the equipment and capacity to be able to produce the 5000 gallons a year that his license permits. And while mead is more of a niche market right now, especially compared to wineries, he wants Vahseer Meadworks and other meaderies to work on engaging
AT A GLANCE
the community in a meaningful way. “It’s less competition
Founded: 2015
and more collaboration.
Located: 621 Broad St., Altavista
We are just trying to educate the community
Employees: 1
on what we have to offer,” Snyder said.
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MADE IN LYNCHBURG
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURING THROUGHOUT THE REGION 2000 PARTNERSHIP
T. C. TROTTERS, LLC Moose Mix for Bloody Marys T. C. Trotters Moose Mix for Bloody Marys is locally made and sold throughout the country—as far-reaching as New York, Florida and California. For 30 years Moose Mix was sold exclusively through one of Lynchburg’s fine, upscale eateries. Then in 2007, Moose Mix was bottled and sold through a local gourmet grocer and delicatessen. Currently, Moose Mix is sold in several local specialty stores and restaurants as well as Virginia ABC stores statewide. Moose Mix has a distinct and recognizable taste: sufficiently spicy but not overwhelming. Its hearty blend NEVER waters down, whether you drink your bloody mary in two big swigs or sip it over an hour. The mix stands on its own with a taste that does not wilt once vodka is added.
Let Us Know! 58
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Moose Mix is available in three sizes: 10oz Cooler Bottle – 8oz of mix with space to add spirits of choice, wide mouth for drinking – ideal for tailgating, golf outings, the beach, picnics, or barbeques 750 ml – Economy buy 8oz Gift Bottle (Pictured) – perfect for gift bags or stocking stuffers
T. C. Trotters, LLC (434) 426-0495 www.tctrotters.com
Do you know of a product manufactured locally? Let us know at feedback@lynchburgmag.com.
www.LynchburgRegion.org The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, combining the resources of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber and the Region 2000 Business & Economic Development Alliance thank our members and investors for a successful first year of the new Alliance.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Pancakes & Politics - Dec. 6 2016 Economic Summit- Dec. 15