Serving the greater Lynchburg regiOn
February/March 2017
S L E L S A S M S SINE on the BU
Nadine Blakely
®
1st Olympic, REALTORS®
THANK YOU TO MY CLIENTS! TRUST THE TRACK RECORD! CALL NADINE AND CONSIDER IT SOLD! 306 Millspring Dr.
1126 Farmington Dr.
REALTOR,® ASP, CLHMS, SRES nadineblakely@remax.net
(434) 444-2226
(434) 832-1100
2016 WAS FABULOUS! NADINE WAS THE #1 RANKED AGENT IN MLS OUT OF 600+ AGENTS * NADINE PERSONALLY SOLD OVER $32 MILLION IN 2016 ~ 123 SOLD TRANSACTIONS
www.NadineBlakelyHomes.com * Based on info from the Lynchburg Assoc. of REALTORS® MLS for the period Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2016
Nadine Blakely, REALTOR
®
REALLY IS
“Your Neighborhood Specialist” AND
“YOUR LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST” $370,000
$376,500
113 Kings Grant Dr.
1172 Dayna Court
1049 Ivy Point Court, Forest, VA
1011 North Fairway, Forest, VA
1115 Overlake, Forest, VA
WHAT AN HONOR! THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR ME!
FREE MARKET ANALYSIS
to determine the value of your home. REMEMBER: STAGING IS FREE WHEN YOU LIST WITH ME! 1330 Somerset
1087 MacArthur Place
SOLD in 1 DAY !
$515,000
$705,000
$610,000
$227,500
$391,000
207 Brockenbrough Place
1078 Woods End Lane
SOLD in 1 DAY !
SOLD in 1 DAY !
$267,000 246 Mantle Dr.
$249,000 1157 LeJack Circle
$213,900 1071 Stonewood Court
$339,900 112 Merrywood Dr.
$226,000 1370 Cedar Rock Dr.
$212,000 104 Forest Oaks
$420,000 1149 Sleepy Oak Lane
$405,000 1359 Bethel Church Rd.
$402,000 2421 Everett Rd.
$376,500 1281 Destiny Lane
$455,000
$265,000
1135 Ashburn Dr.
1790 Perennial Lane
1094 Nickolas Berten Way
195 Sunset Ridge Dr.
112 Wyndview
$485,000
$335,000
153 Meadow Ridge Lane
819 Turkey Foot Rd.
$157,000 408 Spring Lake Rd.
$575,000 1710 Farmington Dr.
$335,000 2142 Colby Dr.
$397,500 115 Bridge Tree Court
$405,000 102 Winterberry Dr.
$375,800 147 Turning Point Dr.
125 Forest Park SOLD in 1 DAY !
$283,900 1209 Madison Mountain Dr.
$285,000
$340,000
$321,000
$357,000
$309,000
1029 Daltons Dr.
1187 Otter Trail
119 Sailview Dr.
1085 Silver Creek Dr.
163 Turning Point Dr.
$330,000
$325,000
$313,900
$294,500
$230,000
$239,500
$250,500
$292,000
1117 Woods End Lane
1042 Cobblestone Lane
253 Foxcrest Dr.
409 Casaloma Dr.
494 Lake Forest Dr.
1209 Jefferson Way
96 Vista Court
1430 Meadow Down Dr.
$217,000
$220,000
$240,000
$227,000
$204,500
$229,000
$245,000
$241,000
W E F A C I L I TAT E
SUCCESS F E AT U R I N G STAT E - O F -T H E -A R T T E C H N O LO GY A N D S PAC I O U S
CO N F E R E N C E R O O M S , T H E L I B E R T Y M O U N TA I N CO N F E R E N C E C E N T E R I S P E R F E C T FO R YO U R N E X T CO R P O R AT E E V E N T.
LIBERT YM O U NTAI NC ONFERENCECEN T ER .C O M (434) 592-5600 | LMCC@liberty.edu | 3700 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502
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 February/March 2017
FEATURES
UPFRONT
16
7 BY THE NUMBERS 8 IN THE NEWS 10 MOVERS AND SHAKERS 11 LET’S DO LUNCH
16
{RA} Bistro
12 AROUND TOWN
GREEN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT BMS Direct
22
12 PLUGGED IN
COLUMNS
LEADER PROFILE
Greenwashing
24
Chris Jones
14 MARKETING 19 FINANCIAL
Year-End Bonus Ideas
22
20 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
e s i R
SMALL BUSINESSES ON THE RISE 9 Success Stories
SMALL
Local Bank Balance
BUSINESSES
35 LEGAL
37
on the
Legal Checklist for Startups
40 REAL ESTATE
2017 Predictions
45 HEALTHCARE
BUSINESS OVER 10
24
GoMeasure3D
43
The Power of Wellness Programs
HEALTH MATTERS
46 HUMAN RESOURCES The Cost of Eldercare
MADE IN LYNCHBURG
50 OXIDE POTTERY
The Stress Test
37
48
LEADING LADY Sara Elizabeth Timmins FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
5
INSIDE LB
EDITOR’S LETTER
I
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.
love a good underdog story—it’s such an uplifting feeling to root for “the little guy” as he goes up against the odds, wins the big fight or
beats the undefeated team.
times, putting everything on the line to pursue their life-long dream. And it’s a tough road to take. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) says about half will survive five years or longer and only a third will make it past the 10-year mark. But small businesses are worth rooting for. The SBA also says between 1992 until the third quarter of 2013, small businesses accounted for 63.3 percent of net new jobs. In this issue, we are honored to bring you our 3rd Annual Small Businesses on the Rise feature. The nine, local small businesses we chose are unique, offering different services, products and skills to our local community. But they have one thing in common—a passion that, so far, is setting their business apart from the rest. From building expansions to major new contracts, read about their successes starting on page 24. Also, in our Legal department on page 35, two attorneys from Woods Rogers highlight a legal checklist every potential owner should use before launching their small business. While it’s easy for businesses to focus on staying out of the red and in the black, this issue highlights ways to incorporate more “green” into your work culture. Look for some tips for your break room on page 11. We are also spotlighting mailing service company BMS Direct for their incredible investment in renewable energy; they recently installed 722 solar panels on their roof. Hear from the owner about why he decided to make such a big investment and how it’s going so far on page 16. And looking at “going green” from a different angle, Marketing columnist Victor Clarke has some very honest advice about Greenwashing. (That’s when
Photo by Chris Breedlove
In our economy, small businesses are the underdogs. Their founders and owners are, many
Publisher Randy Thompson Managing Editor Shelley Basinger Editorial Director Angela Blue Contributing Writers Jeremy Angione, Barrett Baker, Shelley Basinger, Victor Clarke, Corey S. Davis, John Hall, Billy Hansen, Emily Hedrick, Megan House, Corrin McCloskey, Colleen McLaughlin, Drew Menard, Suzanne Ramsey, Jennifer Redmond, Leah M. Stiegler, Dan Vollmer Vice President of Production Holly Watters Art Director Chris Meligonis Client Relations Manager Brittany Proctor Contributing Designers Josh Haralson, Christina Sinclair, Corey Watson 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, LaShonda Delivuk, RJ Goodwin
Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Account Executive/Team Leader Missy Celli Account Executive Carolyn Keeling Local Customer Service Representative Keely Miller Corporate Customer Service Representative Kiara Davis Lead Sales Artist Paul Cenzon 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:
companies try to act or portray themselves like they are “green” but aren’t really doing any good in the long run.) Finally, if you truly love a good underdog story like I do, hopefully you’ve heard about the movie Shoeless Wonders, based on the former Presbyterian Home, that’s being filmed in Lynchburg this year. Producer Sara Timmins, this issue’s Leading Lady, talks about the movie and her career path on page 48. To any returning readers, as always, I’m so glad you picked up this publication. But to those who have never flipped through the pages but saw the words “small business” on the cover and thought, “Hey, that’s what I want to do,” I’m thrilled. I hope you are inspired, informed and, one day, finally get your big break. And when you do, remember—we’re all rooting for you.
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. © 2017 - 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.
APRIL/MAY 2017
Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor Shelley@lynchburgmag.com 6
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
ADVERTISING DEADLINES Advertising Space Reservation................................ March 1 Editorial & Events....................................................... March 1 Final Artwork............................................................... March 5 For Advertising or Distribution Information, Please call 757.213.2461 or email paul@vgnet.com
BY THE NUMBERS
9
BY THE NUMBERS Small businesses highlighted in this issue. See the full feature starting on page 24.
$34 billion
Annual cost in the U.S. to care for family members. Learn how your company can improve eldercare support on page 46.
722
Solar panels on the roof of BMS Direct. Hear why the owner says they decided to “go green” on page 16.
92
Bank branches in Lynchburg. Read more about the decline of banking locations on page 20.
QUOTABLES “I believe that if you take care of your employees that they, in return, will take care of our fans.” – Chris Jones, President of the Lynchburg Hillcats. Read his Leader Profile interview on page 22. “The best thing about having a small business is having the control to do things my way. I get to decide everything, and I’m not limited in what I can do.” – Peg Breiholz, owner of The White Brick House. Read more in our Small Businesses on the Rise feature starting on page 24.
107
Average days on market for homes sold in the last quarter. Read more about real estate on page 40.
Clarification In our December/January issue of Lynchburg Business, there was an error in the Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg list under the Commercial Litigation category. We listed Jim Richards from Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards. The correct lawyer for that firm and specialty is John E. Falcone from Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards.
we welcome
new patients Our friendly and compassionate staff will make your visits comfortable!
Dr. Joshua Binder | Dr. Daniel Yeager | Dr. Victoria Yeager | Dr. Jennifer Johannsen
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
7
UPFRONT
IN THE NEWS NATIONAL RETAILERS SHUT DOWN LOCAL STORES
CLOSURES
M
ore changes are coming to River Ridge Mall as Macy’s announced it will close its store there at the end of March. According to a press release from Macy’s, 60 people work at the Lynchburg store.
Liberty University is the majority holder of the mall and will handle plans
for redevelopment of the store. LU President Jerry Falwell, Jr., told the News and Advance that the former Sears building at the mall will be torn down and turned into an outdoor shopping mall. This work will not begin until 2018. Another local closure includes the
Clearance Store
BWXT WILL SUPPORT VIRGINIA-CLASS SUBMARINE PROGRAM
T
he Lynchburg-based BWX Technologies, Inc. says its subsidiary BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. will develop and fabricate Virginia Payload Module (VPM) launch tubes to support the Virginia-class submarine program under a single contract worth approximately $35 million. Work has already begun for development efforts and qualification of the processes required to manufacture the payload tubes. BWXT expects to
J. Crew Clearance Store on Millrace
complete the development by 2019. Fabrication of a quantity of first-of-a-
Drive. The store, which was very popular
kind VPM payload tubes will begin in 2017 with delivery of the first tube
for its deals, shut down in January.
scheduled in 2019.
STATE FINANCES
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTED IN ANNUAL ECONOMIC REPORT
R
eferred to as a “higher education phenomenon,” Liberty University (LU) was a main topic of the 2016 State of the Commonwealth Report sponsored by Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The report mentioned LU’s combined on-campus and online enrollment of more than 100,000 students and endowment of $1.4 billion. It said the Christian
The work will be conducted at BWXT’s Mount Vernon, Ind. manufacturing facility.
MERGER
TWO CIVIL ENGINEERING/ SURVEYING FIRMS JOIN FORCES
H
urt & Proffitt (H&P) and Blacksburgbased Anderson & Associates, Inc. (A&A) have merged.
On January 1, A&A joined H&P’s
operation. The A&A office will remain in
university’s “long-term aspiration is to be considered in the same breath as
Montgomery County, and the new company
Notre Dame is for Roman Catholics and Brigham Young is for Mormons.”
is continuing business as H&P.
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA), which hosted a report
“We are excited about the opportunities that the combined forces of our two
release event in December, says the state economy is expected to grow at only
firms will hold for the future,” says H&P President Bif Johnson. “Our industry
1 percent. But because of the exponential growth of LU, Lynchburg’s economy
is rapidly changing and growing. This acquisition will allow us to meet those
is growing at a faster pace.
changes head on and allow us to expand our services.”
As a part of the report release, LRBA also announced that in 2016 they
8
NEW CONTRACT
Founded in 1968, A&A is a progressive professional design services firm
assisted in the creation of 619 jobs and generated $48.6 million in capital
specializing in civil engineering, surveying, and GIS. H&P was founded in 1973
investment in the region.
and has offices in Lynchburg, Roanoke and Wytheville.
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
En v i ro n m e n t a l | Gover n m en t In ves t ig a t io n s & W h it e Im m i g r at i o n | In t el l ec t u a l Pro p er t y | L a b o r & Em p Med ic a l Ma l p r a c t ic e Def en s e | Rea l E
UPFRONT
It took 100 to get us to
NEW NAME IN THE WORKS FOR ALTAVISTA MEADERY
V
SMALL BUSINESS
NEW LEADERSHIP, LOOK AT SPEAKERTREE
T
ahseer Meadworks, profiled in the December/January issue of Lynchburg Business, will soon have a new name. In December, owner Jerome Snyder received a Cease and Desist letter from Dogfish Head Brewery, saying the name Vahseer is phonetically the same as their Kvasir seasonal beer. This is the second time Dogfish Head has contacted the meadery about a trademark issue. Originally, Vahseer Meadworks was called Kvasir Meadworks. “I was a little surprised and disappointed,” Snyder told Lynchburg Business. “The trademark system is set up to be very easy for people who have attorneys on retainer to keep anyone from doing anything… I don’t have deep pockets to pay attorneys to say, ‘He’s wrong.’” As this issue went to print, Snyder said he was waiting for an attorney to get back with him about some options for a new name that would have no trademark issues. He plans to rename the business and move on.
he new owners of “Lynchburg’s Record Shop” are turning over a new leaf for the store.
Blake Gederberg and Nick Cotrufo
bought Speakertree, located on Fifth Street, in August 2016. While the store is still heavily involved in the sale of vinyl records, Gederberg and Cotrufo have expanded their model to incorporate more live music. This includes developing the young talent in town as well as bringing in some national touring talent. Their hope is that they can start a movement to help revitalize Fifth Street and add to the arts and culture district.
WOMEN’S CLOTHING SHOP RELOCATES
A
fter four years located on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg,
the owner of Gladiola Girls says
WOODS ROGERS JOINS INTERLAW GLOBAL NETWORK
LEGAL
The boutique changed locations in August. According to owner Renee Wood, the store’s numbers had slipped by 50 percent from July 2014 to July 2016. She says December sales were up 40 percent. As Wood weighed whether to sign a five-year lease downtown, she says she was approached by Boonsboro Shopping Center to consider a store there. “Church street being closed was a huge hindrance for us. And Urban Merchant left the block…retail brings retail,” said Wood.
E s t . 1 8 9 3 Ro a n o k e
W
oods Rogers PLC has Woods Rogers PLC and Edmunds & William joined Interlaw as its legal services for clients in Virginia and beyo representative firm in Virginia. Started in the 1980s, Interlaw is an attorneys, we look forward to serving you as elite network of independent law firms in majorWejurisdictions invite you toaround give us athe callworld. or visit woodsr “Joining the Interlaw network of law firms allows us to enhance our capabilities and support our clients who have growing national and Woods Rogers international legal needs. In recent years, we have represented clients in Edmunds & Wil Woods Rogers: ROANOKE | CHARLOTTESV more than 15 countries—including many in Asia Pacific and Europe, P. (800) 552-4529 | woo as well as our neighbors Canada and Mexico,” said Woods Rogers’ President Dan Summerlin. Interlaw’s presence spans more than 7,000 lawyers worldwide.
COMING SOON I N t h e A p r I l / M Ay I S S u e
they are already seeing a lot of success at their new location in the Boonsboro Shopping Center.
Large firm resources. Hometown value
BE ST places TO
WORK 2017
We will unveil the businesses with the best work culture, opportunities, benefits and more.
The new Gladiola Girls is located at 4825 Boonsboro Rd., Suite F. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
9
UPFRONT
MOVERS & SHAKERS DANIEL ASHWORTH—Industrial Health & Safety
REX GEVEDEN—President and Chief Executive
Group Leader at BWXT Nuclear Operations Group-Lynchburg. Ashworth was named to the 2016 40 under 40 Rising Stars of Safety by the National Safety Council. Ashworth is an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Kentucky University and is completing his Ph.D. in Safety Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He serves as the President of the American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Star Valley Chapter and as a mentor in Central Virginia’s Engineering Mentor Program.
Officer of BWXT. Geveden stepped into this new role on January 1, following the retirement announcement from former CEO Peyton S. (Sandy) Baker. Baker is serving as a special advisor until his retirement in May. Geveden joined BWXT as Chief Operating Officer in 2015. Previously, he was Executive Vice President at Teledyne Technologies. He also spent 17 years at NASA. Geveden holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Murray State University.
VICTOR CLARKE—Owner of Clarke, Inc. Clarke
STEVE LLOYD—Owner of Lloyd Concrete
contributed a case study to Insiders Know-How: Running Your Own Business. The book is a compilation of practical business advice from 15 authors around the world. Clarke’s case study highlights how small business owners do not react quickly enough to changing consumer buying behavior.
Services. In the January 2017 issue of Concrete Construction, Lloyd was named as one of the 2017 Most Influential People in Concrete Construction. Lloyd started the company in 1986. He has projects mostly in the Lynchburg area but also works in 28 states.
BLAKE GEDERBERG—Lynch’s Landing Events
MARK MASLOW—President and Founder
Manager. For the past five years, Gederberg has been working to plan, promote and execute events in Central Virginia. He has worked with the Berglund Center in Roanoke, as an independent events producer, and with Lynchburg’s own indie music festival, Lynchstock. Blake is also the co-owner and marketing director at Speakertree on Fifth Street.
of Southern Landscape Group. Maslow is the recipient of the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award recognizes a young entrepreneur who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative and serves as a shining example to students in pursuit of a landscape industry career. Maslow will be recognized at the NALP’s National Collegiate Landscape Competition opening ceremony on March 16.
R. Edward Fielding, Inc. parking lot layout & marking
J. PAUL MOTLEY—VP of Operations at
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
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
GoMeasure3D. Motley recently moved into this new role after graduating from Liberty University in May 2016 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Motley has experience in metrology, inspection, 3d digitizing, design and automation industries.
UPFRONT
LET’S DO LUNCH! {RA} Bistro BY S HELLEY BAS ING ER
What to Expect A dressy meal in a casual setting.
The Experience It’s called a lunch break for a reason; you’re supposed to grab something to eat but also, hopefully, take a mental break from the work day. Walk into {RA} Bistro on a Tuesday afternoon, and it feels like a Saturday evening. The lighting is soft and complements the beautiful hardwood floors and stonework throughout the restaurant. Manager Bekkah Damiani says “it has a historic rustic feel to it but it’s also modern.” But before you think that might be too fancy for your lunch break, she says think again. At {RA} Bistro, you can dress up or dress down and feel right at home. “We have people come in after they’ve just gone for a run—they sit down and want a salad,” said Damiani. “And then you have people who come in here on date night with heels and a dress. But neither person feels out of place.”
AT A GLANCE 1344 Main St. Lynchburg, VA 24504 (434) 845-1601
What to Try The worst part of dining out on your lunch break is overeating then sitting miserably in the office for the rest of the day. At {RA} Bistro, their “9 for 9” lunch combos are very popular and are perfectly sized for the lunch break crowd. “You’re getting soup and salad as a starter, and a drink is included. And you’re also getting a choice of a lunch portion of our dinner entrees,” said Damiani. She says their Honey Spice Salmon is the most popular. Another long-time favorite is the Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Aside from those combos, Damiani says a lot of people order their salads, particularly the Fuji Apple Salad. “It comes with two chicken skewers on top of it so you’re also getting that protein—and it’s huge,” she said.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. Sun., 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Extras With most lunch breaks lasting about an hour, Damiani says they work hard to make sure you get back to work when you’re supposed to. “Our staff is great at timing things perfectly so where you can be in and out as quickly as possible,” said Damiani. “But we can also slow things down if you want to.” And if you work downtown and can’t break away from the office due to a deadline, call {RA} Bistro and someone will deliver your order for free.
GREEN ADVICE FOR THE BREAK ROOM It’s one of the most visited spots at the office— the break room. While you can’t force employees to be kind to the environment, you can make it easier. We have a few ideas to get you started.
BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug)—To cut down
Provide Recycling Bins—Place labeled bins
on the waste of disposable coffee cups, encourage your employees to bring their own coffee mugs to keep in the break room and use each day.
Avoid Individually Packaged Items—
*Take it a step further: Provide mugs, silverware and plates for employees to use. Just make sure you have dishwashing supplies on hand to help them clean up.
in the break room, right next to the trash can, for employees to toss their plastic, aluminum, etc. *Take it a step further: Consider a compost bin for leftovers. Find a coworker with a garden to take it home weekly.
Those little packs of sugar, cream, salt or pepper can be convenient, but they lead to a lot of waste. Instead, invest in larger containers of condiments for everyone to share.
Give a “Green” Gift—Around the holidays or “just because,” try giving out reusable water bottles, coffee mugs and lunch bags.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
11
UPFRONT
AROUND TOWN
PLUGGED IN
14TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S NETWORK BLITZ
FEBRUARY 3
FEBRUARY 15
MARCH 7
Oakwood Country Club December 1, 2016
AM ALLIANCE
LRBA Conference Room 2015 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg
LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S ANNUAL MEETING
LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE PANCAKES & POLITICS WRAP-UP BREAKFAST
Hosted by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, this “Networking Blitz” is the finale of the Women’s Luncheon Series. Photos by Mike Patch of Property One Photography
7:30 – 9 a.m. Complimentary admission for Alliance members. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
FEBRUARY 8
PANCAKES AND POLITICS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST Randolph College, December 6, 2016
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance hosts this event to give members an opportunity to have a dialogue with state officials before the General Assembly session. Pictured: Senator Steve Newman (bottom right); Delegate Ben Cline (top left); Karen Simonton, LRBA Legislative Advocacy Committee Chair (top right). Photos by Mike Patch of Property One Photography
LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST
The Summit, Wyndhurst
7:30 – 9 a.m. Cost to attend is $17 for Alliance members; $27 for general admission. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
FEBRUARY 8 LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S RICHMOND LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
SunTrust Building, Richmond 5 – 6:30 p.m. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
FEBRUARY 11 SONNETS AND CHOCOLATES
Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg
DOMINO’S RIBBON CUTTING 1965 Confederate Blvd., Appomattox December 14, 2016
7 – 11 p.m. Fundraiser for Endstation Theatre Company. Ticket information at endstationtheatre.org.
FEBRUARY 12 ENTERPRISE ZONE WORKSHOP
Kenny and Jen Cobbs cut the ribbon to open their newest Domino’s restaurant. This new location has a DXP delivery vehicle, which includes a backseat oven.
Information Technology Center 3550 Young Pl., Lynchburg 5:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 14 MEMBER ONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION RIBBON CUTTING 16955 Forest Rd. Suite A, Forest January 13, 2017
The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Member One Federal Credit Union at their new location in Forest.
BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S NETWORKING BEFORE NINE
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory 320 North Bridge St., Bedford 8 – 9 a.m.
The Kirkley Hotel & Conference Center, Lynchburg 7:30 – 9 a.m. Cost to attend is $22; $300 sponsored table. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
FEBRUARY 16 YPCV NETWORKING SOCIAL 5:35
One Way Out Lynchburg Escape Room 2262 Lakeside Dr., Lynchburg
5:35 p.m. Hosted by Young Professionals of Central VA (YPCV).
FEBRUARY 17
Liberty University Hancock Welcome Center, Lynchburg
7:30 – 9 a.m. Cost is $20 for Alliance members and $30 general admission (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
MARCH 8-10 2017 BACC SPRING MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE
March 8 - Moneta/SML Office (1100 Celebration Ave., Moneta) March 9 - Forest Office (14805 Forest Rd., Suite 107, Forest) March 10 – Bedford Office (305 East Main St., Bedford)
BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop by to learn about the benefits of membership. Refreshments, door prizes and welcome gifts will be available.
5:30 – 7 p.m.
MARCH 14
Bank of the James 17000 Forest Rd., Suite A, Forest
FEBRUARY 23 LYNCHBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S WOMEN’S LUNCHEON SERIES
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
FEBRUARY 25 COMBAT ROBOTS HOSTED BY VECTOR SPACE
Riverviews Artspace
1 – 5 p.m. Competitors will battle their one and three pound bots. More information at vectorspace.org.
MARCH 3 AM ALLIANCE
LRBA Conference Room 2015 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg 7:30 – 9 a.m. Complimentary admission for Alliance members. (434) 845-5966; www.lynchburgregion.org
BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S NETWORKING BEFORE NINE
Audiotronics 147 Mill Ridge Rd., Lynchburg 8 – 9 a.m.
MARCH 16 BREAKFAST WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT “THE LCS CLASSROOM OF 2017”
Drysdale Student Center, Lynchburg College
7:30 – 9 a.m. Registration required. More information at lcsedu.net/ community/education-foundation
MARCH 23 2017 BACC ANNUAL BUSINESS DINNER
Boonsboro Country Club
5:30 – 8 p.m. Silent auction and presentation of the Excellence of Business Awards.
MARCH 26 VECTOR SPACE MAKER FAIRE
Randolph College, Lynchburg
12 – 4:30 p.m. Come to the Randolph College Science Festival and enjoy hands-on activities for children and adults.
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UPFRONT
VISIT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ZAXBY’S®:
17051 Forest Rd. • Forest (434) 616-2633 1038 Wards Ferry Rd. • Lynchburg (434) 237-2651
Best Bet Motor Sales, Inc.
www.bestbetmotorsales.com
12013 Wards Road, Rustburg, VA 24588 Toll Free: (888) 700-6670 Main: (434) 821-3100 Fax: (434) 821-3101
New Location Madison Heights 4454 South Amherst Hwy Madison Heights, Va 24572 © 2017 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s” is a registered trademark of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.
434-616-3490
Have credit issues but want to buy a car? Have a valuable employee who needs reliable transportation to travel back and forth to work? We can help at Best Bet Motor Sales, located in Lynchburg and Amherst.
With our onsite finance underwriting process, we can instantly qualify almost everyone for an approved loan for used vehicles of all makes and models!
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
Come visit us, and let us help you own a car! Sajal Narayan 13
“GREEN” MARKETING Here is a quick introduction to a few of the Cardinal Sins of Greenwashing defined by TerraChoice, a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories: 1. The Sin of Misdirection Marketing copy that crows about paper from a sustainably-harvested forest sets off red lights for customers. What about all the environmental damage that comes from the paper-making factory, such as chemical pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and unbalanced energy consumption? Being green involves a more holistic approach to long-term ecological impacts. 2. The Sin of Omitting Evidence If claims aren’t based on verifiable facts or aren’t specific enough, it is impossible to prove or disprove them. In scientific terms, these statements are meaningless. Descriptive terms like “energy efficient” and “made with x percent
THE REASONS WHY GREENWASHING
is a Sure Fire Marketing Sin BY V I CTO R CLAR K E
T
Don’t be that company. You know the one. They say they are sending coupons by email now instead of paper because they want to “Love the Trees of the Earth,” but it is just about lowering their expenses. If customers still must print the coupons and bring them in, this is really offloading printing costs with a greater interest in a different kind of green. Reduction of paper use can be both a cost reduction and an environmental benefit, unless the resulting changes will increase overall energy consumption or expand your company’s carbon footprint so much that the paper savings are meaningless. Make sure your message is rooted in a sincere effort to be socially responsible. Clearly define the eco-friendly qualities of your product or service and publish supporting data in your marketing collateral and on your website. Include a reminder for the customer to recycle your printed materials. Marketing is about presenting brands in a way that makes them relevant to the lives of their customers. Green activities are relevant only when they highlight the brand’s core values, not when they are tacked on to misrepresent the brand or distract the customer. LynchburgBusinessMag.com
unless you can point to data that backs up the claim. 3. The Sin of Being Too Vague The biggest offender by far are the labels “all natural,” “eco-friendly” and “environmentally safe.” There are a great many substances that are all natural, such as arsenic, botulism, amoebas, mold, mercury, uranium, insects and formaldehyde. All of them are also deadly and destructive. If your marketing is using vague phrases like these, customers can only conclude that you are trying to mislead or confuse them. 4. The Sin of Not Telling the Truth
here is a little bit of gray area when it comes to greenwashing. If you aren’t familiar with this term, greenwashing refers to the behaviors of companies who try to present themselves as ecologically conscious and environmentally responsible but without doing any good in the long run.
14
post-consumer recycled content” only make your company sound irresponsible
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
Fortunately, this sin has been dropping rapidly, mostly due to curious consumers and their ability to check out nearly everything with a handy search engine. Some of these sins are certainly worse than others. The number one marketing lesson that all these companies should have learned is simple: Be honest. Don’t try to fool the public, because once your claims are out there in black and white, people are going to discover the truth. Trust is not a renewable resource. The businesses that can weather economic downturns and technological upheavals are those that can build and sustain the trust of their customers. If you feel like your company could use a little greening, that is a smart and responsible decision. Don’t ruin it by painting your company with a greenwashing marketing brush. It is important to engage your employees, shareholders, suppliers, customers and community in your environmental efforts. These groups influence marketing and buying decisions, so the opportunity for gaining competitive advantage is greatest when you align your corporate strategy with stakeholder values. Consider producing an annual sustainability report as a tangible reminder of your long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. At the end of the day, it is your actions, not your marketing claims, that determine whether your company is green. By adapting a proactive approach to sustainability, you will effectively balance your financial objectives with social and environmental considerations, leading to higher sales, increased market share, happier employees and a better future for all. 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 boys, we’re not it. Contact Victor at victor@bebetterdomore.com or www.bebetterdomore.com.
Heritage Baptist Church
Spring Creek Clubhouse
Sterling Systems Play It Again Sports/Plato’s Closet
Forest Volunteer Fire Department Wiley|Wilson
Lynchburg First Church of the Nazarene
Runk & Pratt Westlake
Your Sign of Quality coleman-adams.com | 434-525-4700
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL
Class A Contr. Lic. #541
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4026 Wards Road Altavista, Va 24517 (434) 384-0628 www.cedi.biz FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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GOING GREEN
Solar Savings
BMS DIRECT “GOES GREEN” BY M EGAN L . HORST
I
n 1973, James R. LaPrade stepped into Schewels furniture store one day and noticed the employees sitting around a table applying labels to a mass mailing. Quickly realizing that he could offer a service that would make this process more efficient, he seized the opportunity. “He (Dad) took it home . . . he and my mom processed it, took it back the next day and said ‘Hey, we can keep doing this,’” said James E. LaPrade, son of the founder and now president/owner of BMS Direct. “Schewels was actually one of our first customers.”
Today BMS Direct is not a husband and wife team, but a thriving company with nearly 67 employees, and over 300 clients. Their mission is to develop lasting relationships with clients by offering the highest quality direct mail marketing and printing services. Some of their primary services include invoice and statement processing, direct mail and printing services. 16
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By last year, the company had grown so much they had to expand and add new office space. “We’ve been growing and adding personnel, and we were out of offices,” LaPrade said. Also in 2016, BMS Direct made the big decision to “go green” by incorporating solar technology at the facility on Millrace Drive. “I have been a big solar fan and renewable energy fan for years…I actually put solar on my house,” LaPrade said. “I believe in the technology. I believe in the future of the technology.” Being passionate about the future of solar, LaPrade started looking into different options, trying to figure out the best one for his company.
“We’ve got an 80,000-square-foot building that we heat and cool,” LaPrade said. “When you pay $6,000 to $9,000 dollar electric bills a month, you start thinking, ‘How can I cut that cost down?’” His solution was to consider solar options. Solar panels basically convert sunlight into electricity. The direct current (DC) electricity from the panels travels through an inverter that converts the energy into alternating current (AC) electricity, which eventually feeds into the meter from the power company. The power company can then monitor what portion of the bill is being generated by solar power and what is being generated from the grid.
GOING GREEN
ABOVE: BMS Direct President James E. LaPrade, Sr. flips on the main breaker for the solar system. RIGHT: Robin Wilkes, human resources manager, and Kelly Shuptrine, CFO, previewed the panel installation progress before it was completed.
“During the day, when the sun comes up and starts generating power, you’re producing power throughout the day until the sun goes down,” LaPrade said. Recognizing the benefits of solar power, and desiring to be “good stewards” to the environment, BMS Direct decided to install 722 panels on the roof. “We ultimately decided that this was an investment we were going to make,” LaPrade said.
BMS Direct has supplemented approximately 45 percent of their total energy by using renewable energy, and although they only began using solar in July 2016, they are already seeing positive results. “It’s a pretty considerable amount of savings,” he said. Although the panels do have a 15-year warranty, they are expected to last at least 25 years. “Long after the system’s been paid for, it will still be producing power for us,” LaPrade said. They anticipate a pay back after a little over six years. “We’re still in the infancy stage, but we are seeing savings each month,” LaPrade said. Additionally, the company’s “going green” efforts have gone beyond the installation of solar panels. They recycle all their paper products and have also installed LED lights and motion sensors throughout their facility. “We have sensors for our entire building, so if you walk into an area, no longer do you come in and cut on 400 lights in the morning. They are cut on as you are using that space,” LaPrade said. “That was a dramatic change in the amount of electricity usage.” In the future, LaPrade thinks we will see more businesses and even residential homes taking advantage of solar power. “It has been cost prohibitive in many cases over the years, but the cost per kilowatt hour has really come down as the technology has improved,” he said.
“I really think once you continue to see energy cost rise, and the solar panel cost and cost of materials come down, I really think you’ll see a migration.”
Aside from the obvious pros in using solar energy, there are many tax benefits, benefits for the environment, and an increase in property value. “Making the public aware about the benefits of renewable energy is just huge,” LaPrade said. “Solar is an investment and an asset.” Since you cannot see the panels from inside of the building, they hung pictures of the panels and have mounted the inverters for employees to see. “We know it’s up there working, you just don’t see it on a daily basis,” LaPrade said. And since the system equipment is also unseen, they put a monitor in their lobby to give more of a visual. Anyone passing through can actually see how much power the solar panels are generating. “You can visually see the impact that you’re making,” LaPrade said. “We can tell how much fuel we’re offsetting by not using gasoline. We can tell how many lightbulbs we’re saving through the use of our solar. So, we can see the impact on a daily basis—and that’s pretty rewarding.” A monitor in the lobby explains how much solar power the panels are generating.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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FINANCIAL
$
Productive Ideas for that
YEAR-END BONUS BY JOHN N. HAL L , C F P ®
I
t’s a new year, and what better time to take a positive step towards improving your finances? Enter the yearend bonus. Many companies, particularly larger ones, pay these in January or February. So, if you’re due a bonus…what are you going to do with it? First things first. If you tithe, then by all means tithe. If you don’t, giving away a portion of that bonus to your place of worship or favorite charity is always a productive option. Now that you’ve done that, let’s take care of you. These recommendations are in a specific order. If you’ve already achieved one or it doesn’t apply, simply move on to the next one.
1. Pay Off Debts This is the most boring answer, but it’s also very often the most beneficial. If you have any kind of credit card, auto, or other non-home debt, PAY IT OFF! The best time to lessen what you already owe is when you have money in your pocket. If you only have mortgage debt, paying that down can also make sense much of the time.
2. Add to (or start) a Savings Account Another boring solution, right? Three months from now when your heat-pump keels over, you’ll be prepared. I recommend building your cash savings account to roughly nine months’ living expenses to prepare you for the unexpected.
3. Add to (or start) an IRA If you’re eligible (see link below) Roth IRAs are the rock stars of retirement accounts. Traditional IRAs have their advantages, too. When you’re trying to decide between the two, talk with your financial advisor as well as your tax preparer. Contribution limits to these accounts are $5,500 per year if you’re under 50 or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older. For a great run-down of the advantages and limits of IRAs, visit the IRS’s website at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/individual-retirement-arrangements-iras-1
4. Fund a Non-Retirement Investment Account Maxed out your IRA? Make too much money to contribute to an IRA? Don’t fear. Start a regular (non-retirement) investment savings account. I get asked all the time, “How do we invest outside of our retirement accounts?” The answer is simple: it’s called a taxable brokerage account. You can set up one yourself at any number of popular online institutions, or you can have a professional do it for you. You won’t get the tax benefits that you get with retirement accounts but that shouldn’t stop you from saving this way! Think of this as a means to save towards your long-term future goals like that beach house or retirement cabin. Let’s take a break before we get to idea number 5. If you’ve fulfilled numbers one through four then sincere congratulations are in order! You’ve taken important steps towards improving your financial well-being. Now you can splurge. You have my permission. Enjoy that trip you’ve been wanting to take or treat your family to a nice dinner out. On to idea number five:
5. Give it Away You’ve paid off your debts. You have an emergency savings account. You’ve fully funded your retirement accounts, and you’ve built up a taxable investment account. You may have even splurged a little with a weekend trip. You’ve done well. Who can you help? The recent November/December 2016 issue of Lynchburg Living highlights 25 incredible nonprofits in Central Virginia. That’s a great place to start. Yes, it’s fun to take that entire year-end bonus and go on a shopping spree, but it’s a new year and time for new thinking. Tackling your finances this way will pay off for years to come, not just on shopping day. 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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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
CHECKING OUR
LOCAL BANK BALANCE BY B I LLY H AN SE N
I
love going to my local bank branch to do my banking. Even though I’m on my smartphone or computer nearly all day long, I do very little online or mobile banking except for the occasional check of a balance. I happen to enjoy making small talk with the teller, conducting my transaction, and leaving with a peppermint. I feel fortunate to be within walking distance of my neighborhood branch, but it almost didn’t happen. Back in the summer of 2009, I walked into the Bank of America branch in the Boonsboro Shopping Center in Lynchburg to inquire about opening a business account, but the representative I spoke with said he really didn’t think that it was a good fit and recommended that I go to one of the other banks in the neighborhood. I was a bit puzzled and not sure why a bank wouldn’t want new business, but I shrugged it off and went to another nearby bank that I am happy with to this day. It all made sense a month later when Bank of America publicly announced that they were closing the Boonsboro branch. The guy that had sent me away just a few weeks early had actually done me a big favor, because who would knowingly choose a bank without any locations convenient to where you live and work? As the total number of branch locations nationally continues to decline from its 2009 peak, more people around the country are facing the possibility of losing their convenient neighborhood bank branch. Similar to national trends, the number of bank locations, not including credit unions, in the Lynchburg MSA peaked at 99 in 2009 and is currently at 92 locations, according to the most recent FDIC data from June 2016. While a few local banks added locations during this period, seven of the location closures since the peak were by banks not headquartered in Virginia. According to the FDIC, the five banks with the most offices in the Lynchburg MSA are Wells Fargo Bank and BB&T (16 offices each), Bank of the James (10 offices), Carter Bank & Trust (9 offices), and First National Bank (8 offices). Quick Tip: If you love data, head over to FDIC.gov to explore bank statistics on market share and deposit totals that are searchable all the way down to the individual branch location.
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In the last few years, we have seen the following bank real estate activity locally: • Bank of America still has three Lynchburg-area branches, but it has largely been pulling out of rural and secondary markets in our region as evidenced by the 2014 sale of ten branches, including locations in the Roanoke Valley, Danville, and Martinsville, to HomeTrust Bank; the 2014 sale of six branches in Southwest Virginia to First Community Bank; and the 2015 sale of six branches, including one in Farmville, to Strasburgbased First Bank. • Essex Bank will have its first branch location in the Lynchburg area after purchasing a 1,836-square-foot former BB&T branch at the corner of Timberlake Road and Waterlick Road for $675,000 in December 2016. • First National Bank of Altavista bought a 1.512-acre site on Old Forest Road for $450,000 in 2015 and built a new 3,736-square-foot branch. Their former Old Forest Road branch located a few doors down was sold for $480,000 in 2016 and became the new Dunkin’ Donuts. In addition to renovating their Timberlake Road branch, First National is also building a four-story Lynchburg headquarters on a 1.75-acre site on Odd Fellows Road. • Credit Union Activity: In September 2016, Central Virginia Federal Credit Union purchased a 0.717-acre site opposite the new First National Bank branch on Old Forest Road for $403,000. Blue Eagle Credit Union purchased a 0.121-acre site in the Cornerstone development for $445,000 in 2015 and constructed a 3,180-square-foot branch, which marked their first Lynchburg location. Member One Federal Credit Union has opened new inline storefront locations in both the Fresh Market retail center and the new strip center on Route 221. • The merger of Union First Market and StellarOne created redundancies in certain markets that led to some branch closures and sales. For example, Bank of the James purchased an old StellarOne branch in Harrisonburg in 2015. Bank of the James also purchased an old SunTrust bank in downtown Lexington in 2016 and opened their first Charlottesville branch in the new Wegmans-anchored retail center. As banks attempt to determine the optimal amount of brick and mortar footprint, their evaluation of existing locations and commitments must balance a desire to cut costs with the need to maintain a compelling and convenient location map for customers. As banks relocate or build new, they are often opting for a leaner, more efficient footprint for their new locations rather than the large branches of the past that required more staff and had higher operating costs. As there is little to no inventory of available branch bank properties in our area, a bank wanting to enter our market or expand has very few opportunities to buy a modern branch, which makes land acquisition and new construction as the most likely path for a new branch location. But no matter whether the branch is old and big or new and small, the highest transaction cost for a bank by far is still for in-person service at a branch location. For this reason, some banks are choosing to fill gaps on the map with standalone ATM-only locations, which are convenient for customers and cheaper to roll out. Banks are also attempting to push more traffic to their online websites and mobile applications, which represent the most cost-effective transaction for the bank. However, given that many customers still have a strong preference for face-to-face interactions when conducting certain high value transactions, such as opening an account or going to see about a loan, branch banks aren’t going away any time soon. 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.
www.thalhimer.com Lynchburg 434 237 3384 Roanoke 540 767 3000
B U I LDI N G SO LUTI O NS
DIFFERENTIATING As a leading full-service commercial real estate firm, we differentiate ourselves from our competition by listening to our clients and building creative solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each of our clients.
Driving client value by delivering the right real estate solution.
LIVING LYNCHBURG
www.LynchburgBusinessMag.com www.LynchburgLiving.com Connect with us on our websites and stay up to date with what’s happening in Lynchburg. There’s always something new to explore!
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LEADER PROFILE
CHRIS JONES Occupation / Formal Title: President, Lynchburg Hillcats
Hometown: Houston, TX Tell us a little bit about your career history before ending up in Lynchburg. I served as the General Manager for the Sugar Land Skeeters from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, I worked for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm for 12 years, including eight as the General Manager. I also spent time in roles with the Dallas Cowboys, High Desert Mavericks and Staples Center.
What made you say “yes” to the offer to be the president of the Hillcats? I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the Elmore Sports Group, which is the ownership group that extended the offer to me. It was a chance to come in and be a part of a historic franchise in the Carolina League. Plus, when my wife and family visited the area, they absolutely loved it!
You started out with a bang by asking for new team name suggestions on social media. Were you surprised at how that ended? No, we were not surprised at all by the passion and loyalty of our Lynchburg baseball fans. We had a strong feeling all along that the Hillcats name would prevail. However, this was an opportunity to see how much the Hillcats name resonated with the fans, look at other options, and leave it up to our dedicated supporters to decide the identity of the team moving forward.
What about the team logo—why did you want to lead a change there as well? The Hillcats have used the same logo for 21 years. After consulting with a nationally-respected marketing company, we thought there was an opportunity to freshen up our image. We now have three different logos and a number of different color and uniform combinations that were not available with the previous image.
Describe your vision for the Hillcats in the coming years. Our goal is to strengthen our connections and partners in the community. We are striving to expand our fan base and reach a larger audience. We want to provide an entertaining and safe environment for families and their children, and I think we made great strides toward that in our first year. 22
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LEADER PROFILE What do you think will be your biggest challenges or obstacles? For this offseason, we are making substantial upgrades to City Stadium. These include a new playing surface, which is already complete, plans to improve the parking lot, and much more. I think the biggest challenge we are focused on is making sure everything is in place by Opening Day to ensure the best possible fan experience when we begin the season.
How does a team like the Hillcats strengthen an area like Lynchburg? The Hillcats provide an affordable and family-friendly environment throughout the summer. They also give fans a unique connection to players who may one day play in the Major Leagues.
How would you define your leadership style? I think I am a very pragmatic leader. I believe that if you take care of your employees that they, in return, will take care of our fans.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? In my career I have had a few mentors who I have learned a lot from. When working with the Dallas Cowboys my boss, Amy Phillips, once sent me home for showing up late and after a few of my employees. She told me to go home and think about what is important to me. I learned to never be complacent and comfortable. Always strive to be better.
What one piece of advice would you share with others? Work hard, and you aren’t entitled to anything.
NEW LOOK—During the 2017 season, fans will see the new Hillcats logo on uniforms, hats and other apparel. This is the first new logo for the team in 21 years.
How do you deal with conflict? Head on and talk it out. Try to understand both sides of the conflict and work through it.
What types of things do you do to stay organized? I keep a schedule of events on my phone and computer, which notifies me of upcoming events but also carry around spiral notebooks to keep up with things as they happen. I carry a small pocket notebook on game day to take notes on possible improvements or incidents.
What’s life like outside of work? It’s very busy. I have two kids who are active in sports and clubs. So even when we are not in season, there is always something going on with the family.
What do you enjoy the most about this region? It’s a family-oriented atmosphere with many things to be involved with. It’s easy to stay active and entertained whether it be visiting downtown, enjoying the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River, or seeing some historic sites throughout the area. Everyone has been very welcoming. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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SMALL
BUSINESSES on the
Statistics show how important small businesses are to our economy—on a national and local scale. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) says small businesses, defined as having fewer than 500 employees, represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. And since 1995, they have paid 44 percent of the total private payroll in the U.S. But those are just the numbers. Behind the revenue, job gains/losses and other economic contributions are men and women who took a huge leap of faith. In our 3rd annual Small Businesses on the Rise feature, we are proud to showcase nine local small businesses that were chosen based on recent accomplishments as well as recommendations from area business leaders. Whether they have one employee or dozens, each business is showing clear signs of growth and success and, ultimately, is strengthening our local economy. 24
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SMALL BUSINESSES on
the
Rise
FEATURE
ABOUT 90 MARKETING BY E M I LY H E DR I CK
I
t is safe to say that LaShonda Brown’s lucky number is 90. Her marketing company, About 90 Marketing, has enjoyed tremendous growth and success in its first year of operation and shows no signs of slowing down. Brown launched About 90 on Periscope, a live video streaming app, when the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2016. “It was an incredible experience because I immediately got in the truck to drive to Pennsylvania to be with family after the broadcast,” Brown recalls. “While I was away, I received a new client every day during vacation because of the livestream. This ignited my curiosity with using livestreaming, and it remains my number one marketing tool to this day.” Before opening About 90, Brown worked in video production. “After creating hundreds of videos I realized a common problem in our system,” she says. “Our clients would receive beautiful videos, but they were not knowledgeable in distribution. So our videos would sit hidden away on their websites and tucked away on social media. I thought, ‘What would happen if I took care of pushing the video out to their audience?’ I tested this theory on a client, and the results absolutely blew me away. Thousands of views, comments and shares over a very short span of time and the only difference was I posted it for them.” The number 90 plays a central role in Brown’s business model: her clients receive 90-minute consultations called “Brand Boosts” and 90-day action plans during which About 90 creates and implements a business strategy tailored to the company at hand. “For 90-day blocks of time, clients pay me to serve as their Chief Marketing Officer,” Brown says. “During that time I develop my 90day strategies that my team helps execute which typically include web design, social media management, blogging, ad management and photography.” Brown believes that About 90’s success derives largely from its ability to both build and execute effective business strategies. “There are so many business owners who are overwhelmed by the options,” she notes. “They can execute a strategy, but they can’t build one. There are two kinds of people in the world: people who build strategies and people who execute. It’s rare to find both qualities in the same person or the same company. The fact that we design, build and maintain strategies is what makes us special.” With international clients from as far away as Chiang Mai, Thailand, About 90 proves that small businesses can make a global impact. Although About 90 excels online, it also boasts a strong local presence due to its About 90 Meetup events. “The About 90 Meetups sprang from a desire to mobilize female entrepreneurs in my backyard,” Brown says. “I had done that virtually through leadership in the PeriGirls, which is the largest community of women supporting women on Periscope (over 10k members worldwide),
AT A GLANCE
Founded: 2016 Location: 1059 Vista Park Dr. Suite B, Forest Employees: 2 Signs of Growth: New partnership with educational technology company Teachable
but I hadn’t done that in real life. I created the About 90 Meetups as a way to drive traffic to businesses owned by women and allow women in business to meet each other. I structure the meetups so they involve a time of meet and greet, one minute elevator pitches from the attendees and a marketing moment. I want to include an educational component so no matter what I know women walk away with value.” With more meetups scheduled, a new partnership with educational technology company Teachable to develop its first online course, and both digital and print educational materials in the works, About 90 has a big year ahead. Brown plans to enjoy the journey, challenges and all. “The best thing about working for a small business is you get to reap the rewards of your hard work,” she says. “The highs are yours and the lows are yours, but at the end of the day it belongs to you and that’s a beautiful thing. I also get to work beside my husband every day and a ‘normal’ job would not afford me that option. He’s my best friend, so that’s a huge plus in my book.” Learn more at www.about90marketing.com. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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SMALL BUSINESSES on
the
Rise
FEATURE
AFFORDABLE ENERGY CONCEPTS, INC. BY JENNI F ER RED M OND
A
business owner and entrepreneur, David Wall knows opportunities. It’s why he started Affordable Energy Concepts (AEC) as an offshoot of his other company, Wall Construction. Wall has also honed in on energy efficiency and prioritizes environmentally sustainable methods and materials. Since Wall Construction has a strong focus on green building, AEC was a natural complement when the opportunity arose. In Wall’s words: “Solar is here to stay…because of the economics of what it can provide a consumer…I think in the future, solar could be the most affordable [energy source] of them all.” Adaptation and innovation is critical for success in this business. Wall explains that AEC started doing “residential photovoltaic and thermal solar systems” in addition to also having a “Class A license for plumbing and electrical.” Today, the business focuses on solar and electrical, holding a Class A license for both. Having started the business in 2010, Wall and his employees have made continuous strides forward in the years since. In 2016, they purchased land at the Amelon Commerce Park in Madison Heights, and they were selected as the winning bid to complete a large solar install project as part of the first community solar project housed in Rockbridge County. The Rockbridge project is the beginning of what Wall hopes will lead to “future utility scale projects with or for Virginia’s electric cooperatives and is working on expanding AEC into Energy Management and Storage.” He notes that peak power usage typically occurs at times when the sun is not shining,
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thus “integrating control software and storage…[could] reduce the peak power usage that drives demand charges…[and] help utilities more effectively use solar energy.” With work all over the state of Virginia, Wall is also looking to contract with schools and universities in the near future. AEC’s new location will allow them to have additional office and storage space for equipment and bulk products, which in turn reduces costs. Wall also hopes to showcase cutting edge technology such as “Building Integrated Photovoltaics,” which are materials “used to replace conventional building materials such as the roof, skylights, or façades.” Looking ahead, Wall sees numerous growth opportunities for AEC. Licensed for electrical and solar in South Carolina, the business is planning to expand into the state where incentives are very favorable towards solar energy. Wall adds, “We also want to provide operations and maintenance for solar farms owned by big solar developers; we are also working on energy management and storage systems that work well with solar systems…we hope to be a leader in this industry in the next three to five years.” Learn more at www.affordableenergyconcepts.com.
AT A GLANCE Founded: 2010 Employees: 10 Located: 161 Dillard Rd., Madison Heights
Signs of Growth: Expanding to larger facility at the Amelon Commerce Park; completed the solar install for the first community solar project in Rockbridge County
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C&C PIPING & FABRICATION BY E M I LY H E DR I CK
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usband and wife team Cody Hurd and Codie Cyrus founded C&C Piping and Fabrication, an industrial welding repair and maintenance company, in 2014. “The idea came from my husband, Cody, who saw a need in the field,” Cyrus says. “Small projects normally do not get the attention that every project deserves, especially in the industrial field where safety is such a huge issue. Every project—small, medium, and large—should have the same level of care and attention.” C&C Piping and Fabrication is located in Altavista, which Cyrus feels is the ideal place for the company. “It is a central hub for the outlying bigger cities such as Lynchburg, Roanoke, Farmville, etc.,” Cyrus notes. “Altavista has also offered such a welcoming environment for our business. The need is here, and we are happy to accommodate. Altavista is an ever-growing town, and we hope to be a big part in shaping its future. This community is also designed around our industry with the technical schools in the area.” Among the services offered at C&C are piping and metal fabrication and repairs, mechanical support, industrial welding repair and maintenance on machines and equipment, install process and utility piping. Although the company currently has only one employee and nine independent contractors, it is always open. Cyrus cites hard work, community involvement, and continuing education as the primary factors in C&C’s success. “A lot of the first year was mainly our shoulders to the grindstone,” she says. “We just kept our heads down and focused on what needed to be done with paperwork and building our name and our team with quality service. We participated in Family Farm Day, which we and the Altavista Journal hosted, and that was a blast. I think that was our first step outside our work-focused box and our first opportunity to give back to the community. Continuous education has been the best means of
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growth: reading, talking, webinars, mingling, asking questions, signing up for everything you can find that is educational and cost efficient.” Founded: 2014 The company was awarded a Location: Currently looking for a bigger space $15,000 grant from the Altavista Employees: 1 employee, On Track organization’s Pop9 independent contractors Up Altavista event in November Signs of Growth: Outgrew for creating and presenting an old location, $15k award outstanding business plan. from Altavista On Track in The grant money will go toward an November 2015 expansion in the near future. “We have been blessed with an amazing opportunity…” Cyrus says. “We are just looking for the perfect place. We are looking for a building that will accommodate our needs and hopefully the town can supply that.” As C&C continues to grow and evolve, being involved in and giving back to the community remain integral parts of its mission. “The best thing about owning a small business is being able to give back!” Cyrus exclaims. “We are able to decide which charity and events we are going to participate in and being able to see it firsthand is always amazing.” Learn more at www.wecanweldit.com.
AT A GLANCE
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CUSTOM EMBROIDERY & SCREENPRINTING BY S UZA NNE RA MS E Y
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hen Melissa Stevens joined Custom Embroidery & Screenprinting in 2001, her job was to order supplies, pay bills, write invoices— typical duties of an office manager. Stevens said she had no experience at the time, but was a quick learner. She also was a quick worker and found herself finishing her tasks and then, as she puts it, “twiddling my thumbs.” So she started asking then-owner Stan Maschal to teach her more about the business. When Maschal retired in 2012, Stevens took over. Custom Embroidery & Screenprinting has been meeting the embroidery, screenprinting and promotional needs of schools, churches, sports teams, businesses and organizations since 1999. They use nationally known brands, such as Nike, Gildan and Jerzees. Their customers include individuals and those in the healthcare, public safety, restaurant, education and other industries. Recently, they were licensed as a Liberty University vendor. Not only do they offer embroidery and screenprinting, Stevens and her staff also design custom logos and perform specialty printing for machine shops and metalworkers. And everything is done in house. “We don’t outsource,” Stevens said. Over the past three years, business has increased so much that last summer Stevens was looking for more space. Luckily, she didn’t have to look far. “We were just on one half of the building,” she said of the shop, which is located on Crowell Lane, in the Timberlake area of Lynchburg. “We had been growing throughout the years, and I was feeling like we needed more space. I was looking around, trying to find somewhere. I hated the idea of moving. I talked to the landlord, and it worked out that the people beside us, the lease had run out.” So, they knocked down the wall between the two spaces, renovated, and hosted a grand re-opening in September.
Asked the reason for the growth, Stevens said she’s using social media more—“Free advertising. Why not?” She also credits her membership in Lynchburg Connect. “We’re a referral group,” she said. “We refer each other and [some businesses] have become customers as well.” Stevens also cites the “personal touch” she and her staff try to give each order. “We like to treat our customers like friends, and it means a lot to us when they come back,” she said. “We grow relationships with them. I think customer service is very important, and the customers see that and appreciate it.” Learn more at www.my-catalogs.com/ces.
AT A GLANCE
Founded: 2001 Location: 528 Crowell Ln., Lynchburg Employees: 5 Signs of Growth: Expansion/grand re-opening in September, licensed as a Liberty University vendor
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LITESHEET SOLUTIONS
(MANUFACTURING FACILITY) BY D REW M ENARD
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bright future is in store for LiteSheet Solutions LLC, which recently moved to a larger facility—1191 Venture Drive, Suite A—in Forest, with 21,000 square feet of space for manufacturing and research and development (R&D), more than five times what it had, and room to expand as the company grows.
LiteSheet debuted 14 new product families with a unique Virtual Reality experience at Lightfair International 2016 in San Diego.
AT A GLANCE
Founded: 2014 Location: 1191 Venture Dr., Suite A, Forest Employees: 15-20 Signs of Growth: Recently moved to bigger facility, received Innovator of the Year honors from Region 2000 Technology Council.
LiteSheet linear Stik lighting installed in the lobby of the historic Woolworth Building in New York City.
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LiteSheet is revolutionizing the lighting industry with long lasting products— technology twice as efficient as standard LED and 15 times as efficient as incandescent—that have no points of failure, have a theoretical life expectancy of more than 400,000 hours, are modified to fit any light fixture in the world and are environmentally friendly. The company already has over a dozen patents—with more pending—and will keep filing more as its R&D continues to advance the field in 2017. “As the only company with AC Direct Driverless LED that is UL and DLC certified, LiteSheet is the technology leader in the market,” said Roger Whyte, LiteSheet President and CEO. “We are exceptionally proud to be a Virginia company, and our AC Direct LED technology is 100 percent engineered and manufactured in the Commonwealth. LiteSheet got a boost from a $2 million research and development grant from Virginia’s Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, helping it attract top talent, grow at an accelerated rate and zip products to market, all while adding jobs and economic activity to the area. And filling voids left by the region’s burnt out tobacco enterprises with innovative R&D in the green energy sector is more than just good for business; it’s good for the environment and shines a bright light to the world from this community. For its outstanding achievements, the company was given Innovator of the Year honors from the Region 2000 Technology Council in 2016. LiteSheet continues to grow its team—last year it was projected to double in size and bring 20 new jobs to the community. Two positions were recently filled, maxing out the capacity of the old facility before the move. More growth is expected over the year. “The team at LiteSheet is a tremendous group of people to work with, all dedicated to our customers and each other,” Whyte said. “LiteSheet’s culture of service values our customers, community and employees and that is reflected in our efforts in providing high quality, efficient and reliable LED lighting.” Learn more at http://lstus.com.
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SOUTHERN PROVISIONS COMPANY BY SUZ AN N E RAM SE Y
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very day she comes to work at Southern Provisions Company, owner Rebekah Moody said she has to remind herself it’s real. “I pinch myself every day I’m here, because I had no idea I would be here and that there was a need for what I do,” Moody said, adding, “All the time, people say, ‘Is it just your dream come true?’ I never, in a million years, dreamt this.” Southern Provisions opened in May 2016, an outgrowth of Southern Loom, which Moody operated at Boonsboro Shopping Center for two years. Moody describes Southern Provisions as a “finishing company,” comparing it to retailers like Pottery Barn, but with the added bonus of offering bespoke linens, pillows, window treatments and bedding. There are three, full-time seamstresses and a marketing director on staff. Chief Operating Officer Michelle Thomas, a former boutique owner herself, handles retail operations. “Southern Provisions is really a collaboration of Michelle’s style and taste, from her experience owning John Simmons and Urban Merchant,”
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Moody said. “So, we have expanded our offerings in the storefront, so much more than we [had] at Southern Loom.” Southern Provisions carries a variety of home decor, accessory and gift items, including Moore & Giles, Meanwhile Back on the Farm and other brands. There’s also an interior design component, which is where Moody most often finds herself. Sometimes, Moody said, this role feels more like marriage counseling. Instead of quelling arguments about kids or money, however, she finds herself mediating disputes about colors and fabrics. “I have a degree in psychology, and I feel like I use that more than my background in sewing,” Moody said. “I spend my day in marriage counseling with couples. How do we make everyone happy and feel like they’re winning? That’s my job. I’m saving marriages all across Lynchburg.” Southern Provisions is located in the old Wiley & Wilson printing factory, a 4,000-square-foot space, which has started moonlighting as an events venue. “We did not see that,” Moody said. “The space is just so open that people walk in and say they love it and ‘Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a party here?’ People started asking and we said, ‘Why not?’” Soon, Southern Provisions will announce further expansion, although Moody was mum on details. “We’re continuing to work on provisions, meaning all provisions, anything you would need for your Founded: 2009 home, for your lifestyle,” she hinted. Location: 2704 Langhorne Rd., “We’re very specific about Lynchburg choosing the name ‘Provisions.’ Employees: 10 Again, it’s a small company and Signs of Growth: Changed I have to take little steps, but name and opened in bigger there will be more provisions in location in 2016, expanded to the future.” offer more retail options, started hosting events Learn more at www.southern-
AT A GLANCE
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T4TACTICS BY J E N N I F E R R E DM O N D
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arko Galbreath is no stranger to tragic situations. As a former Homicide Investigator, SWAT team member, and Commander of a Hostage Negotiations Unit, he has seen firsthand “numerous, senseless, violent attacks.” It’s why he decided to bring awareness and survival training to the Central Virginia region and beyond through his business T4Tactics. The name explains it well: “The name ‘T4’ stands for the top four organization skills you need to survive the unthinkable.” Galbreath shares those top four skills and much more in his training seminars, firearm safety classes, and permit courses. Through the Advanced Active Shooter Awareness and Response Training offered by T4Tactics, Galbreath helps inform and train businesses, churches, schools, healthcare facilities, and more on how to be prepared for a live shooter attack. He also offers children’s firearm safety classes that highlight the importance of awareness; these classes teach “kids how to react if they ever find an unsecured firearm,” Galbreath says. The class uses fun activities to drive home the importance of awareness and safety around firearms. T4Tactics’ primary offerings focus on firearm safety classes for the Virginia and multistate concealed permits plus the corporate training seminars. Not only do the trainings give individuals the knowledge, awareness, and skills to stay alive but they also “reduce injury, and in many cases, can reduce liability and insurance costs for facilities,” Galbreath says. Topics covered include identifying a potential threat and having a survival mentality. Galbreath custom designs his corporate classes to suit the organization being trained; it is not a “one size fits all” approach. Their website defines it as “evidence based curriculum with a goal to bring a heightened level of situation awareness.” Past clients include Lynchburg’s Miller-Motte Technical College,
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BMS Direct, Lynchburg’s YMCA locations, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and many more. In addition to his experience, Founded: 2015 Galbreath highly values scholarly Employees: 2 full time; sources. “T4Tactics is unique 4 support staff members because we spend the revenue Located: 147 Mill Ridge Rd., Suite 207, Lynchburg and time to gain primary sourced Signs of Growth: information, which is not sugar Upcoming 2017 advanced coated or exaggerated,” says training sessions scheduled Galbreath. “Personal, one-on-one, throughout the United States face to face interviews are critical and even into Scotland and to us.” Galbreath has personally British Columbia. interviewed both “victims and assailants” of past attacks. He’s interviewed police investigators and survivors from such high profile situations like Virginia Tech, San Bernardino in California, The Pulse Nightclub in Florida, and Columbine High School. His lectures are informed with “extremely unique primary-sourced information.” Virginia is not exempt from the uptick in violent attacks across the country Galbreath points out; Smith Mountain Lake and Virginia Tech both had attacks in recent years. “People tend to use denial as a defense,” he says. “[But] it’s better to have the training, tools, and knowledge and not need it, than to not have it and need it.” Learn more at www.t4tactics.com.
AT A GLANCE
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THE WATER DOG BY D REW M ENARD
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s revitalization blossoms on the Bluffwalk, bringing a jolt of vibrancy to Lynchburg living, the Hill City may have a new spirit animal—the Labrador.
This best friend of man is embodied in one of the city’s newest dining establishments—The Water Dog. For categorization purposes, The Water Dog is best described as a taphouse, featuring 36 craft beers on draught, freshly made foods, including oysters, clams, shrimp, burgers, salads, soup, stew, homemade cookies and more, as well as plenty of entertainment—TVs, a 16-foot shuffle board, ping-pong, a chalkboard and a giant movie projector. But the restaurant is so much more. The made-in house menu (which was recently expanded), including choices for kiddos (owner Dave Henderson boasts to serve “Lynchburg’s best hot dog”), laid back atmosphere and accessibility to the Bluffwalk—literally on it, facing the splash park from 1016 Jefferson Street—make The Water Dog a draw for the whole family; one that is uniquely Lynchburg. The name is important for a number of reasons but begins with the heart of a Labrador. “A water dog does not distinguish between work and play,” Henderson, who is quick to sit down and meet guests when he’s in, explained. “We wanted to bring that philosophy downtown.” This is personal to Henderson, who spent a decade working in marketing for a large company, moving from city to city, with stints in Washington, D.C.,
Richmond, St. Louis and Charlotte. As his family grew, he began longing to be closer to his native Central Virginia. “I was starting to learn more about myself and to question, ‘What was it all for?’ and dream about what life would be like if I really followed my passion and lived closer to family and friends at home,” he said. The dilemma is not uncommon. The spirit of the water dog is just what Henderson needed. He grew up having Labradors—and even lost a longtime pet shortly before starting the project—which he says are his favorite animal. The restaurant opened in September 2016 and quickly established itself as a Lynchburg hotspot. And whatever someone’s career may be, Henderson hopes that The Water Dog can inspire them. “The brand is more than a restaurant,” Henderson said. “It represents a lifestyle … people who love what they do day in and day out—hiking, fishing, their family, even their job. We want Lynchburg to think of us as a change of pace and a place that they can call home.” The craft beer scene, which is very social in nature, complements the downtown vibe. A new steamer has elevated the menu. And an upstairs loft tenant has brought The Water Dog to life—a Lab named River has become “the house dog,” Henderson says. “He is basically like downtown Lynchburg’s dog.” Learn more at www.thewaterdog.com.
AT A GLANCE Founded: 2016 Location: 1016 Jefferson St., Lynchburg Employees: About 35 Signs of Growth: Expanded menu
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THE WHITE BRICK HOUSE BY E M I LY H E DR I CK
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hen Peg Breiholz named her home projects blog “The White Brick House” in 2013, she had no idea that it would become a brick and mortar vintage marketplace just two years later. “In 2015, a mutual friend introduced me to the owner of Ashwood Manor in Forest,” Breiholz recalls. “Ashwood Manor just happens to be a white brick house. The owner was looking to step back from her business in the building, and I was looking to grow. Plans began for The White Brick House to move into THE white brick house. What are the odds of that happening?” Today, The White Brick House is a thriving marketplace which features the wares of local vintage and antique vendors. “We have 20 current vendors, mostly women, in all stages of life: from young moms to retired professionals,” Breiholz says. “We switch out vendors when life interrupts and plans change.”
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Breiholz attributes the success of her small business to several factors. “It starts with hard work, creative vendors, unique finds, hand-crafted treasures and beautiful displays in this historic house and even the music we play. It all works together to create an experience, an atmosphere where people love to come and be inspired and feel at home. This is their happy place!” The White Brick House is also Breiholz’s happy place. An artist herself, she designs and sells her own handpainted signs, canvas prints of her paintings of cows, and flour sack towels, all of which possess a “local charm.” As a small business owner, she enjoys the freedom to decide what is best for her business. “The best thing about having a small business is having the control to do things my way,” she says. “I get to decide everything, and I’m not limited in what I can do. It’s freedom to create! It’s also great that I get to help support other women in growing their businesses and be a part of a creative community. I’m fortunate to be able to learn from their experiences, skills, and knowledge too.” In addition to the vendors, Breiholz cites her husband, Scott, as a major source of support and inspiration. “In addition to his real job at Areva, he does all kinds of projects for me like fixing furniture, moving the big pieces and taking care of the lawn and anything else I need,” Breiholz says. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without his hard work and support.” With three gold accolades in the Lynchburg Living latest “Best Of ” issue (Best Accessories, Best Interior Design and Studio, and Best Home Furnishings), its second May Market planned for this spring, and plans to offer an online shop, the future looks Founded: 2015 bright for The White Brick House. “We Location: 1197 Ashwood are always looking for ways to improve Park Rd., Forest our skills and up our game,” Breiholz Employees: 1 says. “I think we will continue to grow in Signs of Growth: Plans the future by working hard to bring the for second May Market best of vintage to the area, showcasing in the spring, working on the best vendors and by increasing our opening an online shop presence in the community.”
AT A GLANCE
LEGAL Writing a business plan will force you to think about your business ideas, your markets and your goals in an objective and meaningful manner. The analysis assists you in defining your customers and understanding market demographics, recognizing growth prospects and trend influences, and identifying strategies to keep competitors at bay. Identifying and resolving potential legal and business issues on paper ahead of time is much less painful than correcting oversights once real capital is at stake. Your business plan will help you and your advisors establish the right steps to starting your business, including what you need to do to achieve your goals and what resources your company will require. While your business plan is not a legal document per se, it nonetheless sets forth an invaluable comprehensive overview of your venture that you’ll revisit and tweak as a key strategic and operational guide, and that you’ll be expected to provide to
READY. SET. GO! LEGAL ISSUES EVERY STARTUP AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS TO COVER BEFORE OPENING THE DOOR TWO ATTORNEYS F ROM WOODS ROGERS’ E MERGIN G GROWTH A ND LA BOR & EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE GROUPS WEIGH IN ON KEY LEGA L ISSUES TO A DDRESS BEFORE DAY ONE.
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ewly emerging, fast-growing businesses are exciting and rewarding—both for entrepreneurs and our regional economy. Starting your own business is the combination of hard work and a dream come true. Before hiring your first employee or greeting your first customer, there are important legal issues to address. Founders often don’t realize the importance of building a solid legal foundation for their business until it’s too late. From crafting a business plan, to structuring an optimal business entity, to adopting important business agreements, and also adhering to employment law—make sure you’ve covered your bases to position your venture for success. Venture Out with a Plan Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
lenders and investors when seeking funding. You should share your plan with an experienced startup attorney, who can help with executing your strategy and tackling specific action points to facilitate launching, funding, operating and, someday, selling your business.
Build a Solid Foundation with Appropriate Entity Formation Wondering what is one of the most common mistakes made by startups and new business owners? Not establishing the right legal entity structure for their business and long-term objectives. In Virginia, a business may be conducted as a corporation (including the S-corporation), a general or limited partnership, a limited liability company (or LLC), a business trust, or a sole proprietorship (a business owned by one person without legal significance separate from its owner). An LLC often will be the preferred structure for most small businesses, owing to its flexibility and flow-through tax attributes. Every business is unique and every situation demands careful attention to structuring. Often, entrepreneurs fail to establish the most appropriate legal structure for their company—or worse, embark upon their ventures as sole proprietors, without knowledge of the exposure to significant personal liabilities or adverse tax and longer-term business consequences resulting from misinformed startup decisions. Organizing an appropriate legal entity for your business is one of the most critical undertakings for a business owner. At some point in the business’ lifecycle—whether amidst litigation, consideration of joint venture opportunities, a tax audit, outside investor interest, or a merger, acquisition or sale—the choices made at the onset will make or break your long-term prospects. Well-informed attention to the technical legal, tax and financial considerations relevant to structuring an entity best suited to your specific business is crucial.
Put Partnerships in Writing (and Everything Else, For That Matter!) Just as good fences make for good neighbors, good, carefully-drafted agreements among business partners make for good partnerships. If you and a
This oft-quoted adage is sound advice for entrepreneurs launching a new business.
partner are launching a business—whether he or she is a third-party investor or a
Whether you’re just starting out, growing your venture or seeking outside capital,
day-to-day colleague—a written partnership agreement is a must-have document.
you need a written business plan. In fact, investing time—and having patience— to craft a written plan ahead of time will pay off as your company grows.
The partnership agreement is a legal agreement between the owners of a company. For a company organized as an LLC, the agreement is an Operating FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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Agreement among members, and for a corporation, it’s a Shareholders Agreement among shareholders. No matter the title, these agreements serve the same critical purpose: To put parameters around the relationships of the owners and address basic questions that are easier dealt with up front. For example, what services, cash or property is each owner bringing to the table? Who is responsible for managing the business? If a bus hits your partner, does his or her ownership interest go to a spouse, and, if so, will the spouse have a say in management decisions? If a partner exits, what do they get and under what terms? How is available cash distributed? Do owners get a preference upon a sale or liquidation? How should profits and losses of the business be allocated among the owners for tax purposes? What rights do owners have to transfer their interests, and do other owners have a right of first refusal? Having a well-considered written partnership agreement among business founders is critical for heading off disputes and promoting harmony.
Employee Handbooks: Establish the Culture of Your Business For employees, an employee handbook is just what it sounds like—a reference guide where employees obtain basic information to questions about company policies, benefits, or the nature of their employment. The handbook is also much more—it serves as a shield for many employee-related battles.
www.lcsedu.net
Creating a handbook makes you think about your business: What kind of culture do I want to establish? What tasks do I want to delegate? What should my disciplinary policy look like? Do I need a rule on e-cigarette use at work? Should I have a dress code? There is a lot to think about when running a business of any size, and the handbook helps you create a written culture. It helps you decide what kind of expectations you set for your employees and what happens when they do not meet those expectations. After all, it is your business; you must take this opportunity to establish the company’s policies and procedures. More importantly, a well-written employee handbook is your first line of defense in responding to all manner of claims by former and current employees. Successful unemployment claims cost you money. Proper policies assist you in defending a former employee’s claim for unemployment benefits. If you terminate an employee for misbehaving or poor attendance, you must cite a clear-cut company rule and corresponding disciplinary action the employee violated. The handbook also protects against allegations of
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harassment and many other workplace labor issues. An employee handbook is the best way to put employees on notice of company rules and help you keep an orderly work environment. Consider the long-term goals of the business, company culture, employer expectations, and protecting your profit margins. It’s a good idea to establish workplace policies and procedures on Day One and the employee handbook might be the best way to start the process.
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Corey S. Davis is a member of Woods Rogers’ Emerging Growth practice group in Lynchburg, where he advises rapid-growth companies and entrepreneurs as well as VC and private equity funds in all aspects of their business. Leah M. Stiegler is an associate at Woods Rogers in Roanoke, where she assists the firm’s Labor & Employment and Litigation practice groups.
BUSINESS PROFILE
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GO MEASURE 3D BY J EREM Y ANG IONE
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n this digital age where technology is advancing faster than most businesses and industries can keep up with, one Central Virginia company is helping them remain on the cutting edge of the 3D world.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
BELOW: Alex Motley scans with the Artec handheld 3D scanner. He is collecting data to be used for model creation and inspection.
GoMeasure3D (GM3D), based in Amherst, specializes in the sale and support of 3D technology, including scanning, modeling and printing.
“Our company specializes in providing tools that help make small and large businesses alike more efficient as well as enables them to solve technical or mechanical problems, overall reducing the cost of manufactured goods, which in turn brings better revenue to Virginia,” VP of Operations Paul Motley said. GM3D was founded in 1999 by Paul’s father, Darryl Motley, current president and owner. He works alongside his wife Tangie, who is the business administrator. In September, GM3D celebrated its 17th year in business with an open house and ribbon cutting. During the event, GM3D showcased the capabilities of many of their 3D products. At face value, a technology company like this may seem like a grand industrial complex. But GM3D runs a relatively modest operation. With roughly six employees, including Darryl, Tangie, and their two sons, Paul and Alex, the business is largely family operated. Although the technology is not particularly new, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the concept of 3D scanning. Simply put, Tangie says it is “the science of capturing the shape of real world objects and creating them into a digital 3D form.” And while GM3D is located thousands of miles from the country’s technology hub, Silicon Valley, the Motleys say the company’s technology solutions are just as innovative and practical. “Using 3D technology, GoMeasure3D brings measurement solutions to our customers that enhance or replace their current processes, enabling them to be more efficient while opening up a world of new possibilities,” said Darryl. 38
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Tangie recalled her husband’s time in the furniture industry where he had to physically map out the specifications of a particular piece to be placed in a 3D model. The eight-hour task was reduced to less than an hour when Darryl was introduced to a scanner called the MicroScribe. “He was so amazed at this product that he decided every engineer needed one on their desk, and he started out to make that happen. He became, and still is, the number one worldwide reseller of that product, as well as having continually added 3D scanners to the product line as technology in this field has advanced,” said Tangie. According to Darryl, the most requested applications for their technology include reverse engineering, inspection, scientific measurement, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and 3D visualization.
“The sciences of reverse engineering and metrology (science of inspecting physical parts to prove accuracy) have been used for many decades by industry, government and educators. GM3D has assisted and continues to assist these entities with the adoption of new technologies, enabling a more efficient and accurate way of completing the measurement process,” said Darryl. GM3D does not develop the hardware and software that they sell, but they maintain plenty of services to many major clients that utilize the technology.
BUSINESS PROFILE
ABOVE: GoMeasure3D is located in downtown Amherst. RIGHT (from left to right): Alex, Tangie, Darryl and Paul Motley.
“We are a value-added reseller in the 3D technology market combining hardware and software solutions as well as marketing and supporting those products,” said Tangie. Darryl says the industries they cater to include “aircraft, automotive, education, industrial and mechanical engineering, government, and manufacturing.” Education is one of the busiest markets right now. GM3D has provided technology to Sweet Briar College, Randolph College and Liberty University. Liberty was provided with—among other things—a full body scanner for art students to use for a 360-degree project.
AT A GLANCE Founded: 1999 Number of Employees: 6
At Sweet Briar, GM3D provided a 3D printer
Located: 158 Second St., Amherst
that was used to help historians preserve
Signs of Growth: Open house in September, new contracts with local colleges
ceramics found at the site of the Jamestown settlement. They also lent a 3D printer to Amherst County High School. “We also have had a great partnership with Richmond County, NC, schools who were innovators in taking 3D technology into middle and high schools and getting kids excited about learning a technology that could help them compete for jobs in the evolving technology job market…” said Tangie. Although GM3D primarily focuses on industrial and professional demographics, Tangie says the technology is becoming more accessible, and therefore, more affordable at the hobbyist level.
As technology of all kinds is growing at an exponential rate, GM3D is doing its best to keep with the pace and wants to continue expanding with that growth. “Having solidified ourselves in the field of 3D scanning and printing technology, we hope to expand and service our North American client base,” said Darryl. Learn more at http://gomeasure3d.com/. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
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REAL ESTATE
WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT PREDICTIONS? IF THEY DON’T AFFECT YOUR FUTURE, THEN WHAT’S THE POINT… B Y DA N VO L L M E R
A
s a society, we like to take advantage of a relatively small window of time to reflect on what has happened in the past, and project forward what we think will happen in the future. (Unless, of course, you work for a company that uses a non-calendar fiscal year, in which case you get two small windows.) For the majority of us, however, that small window of time usually occurs in the final few days of one calendar year, and the first few days of the next. Which means by the time you read this, you should be pretty sick and tired of all the “looking back at 2016” and the “exciting predictions for 2017.” The reason you’re probably worn out is that often the “looking back” is negative and the “predictions” for the future don’t affect you. I know that’s how I feel. Regardless of what the punditry is expecting to happen in 2017, I know I still need to get to work, provide for my family, bring value to my community and do my best to help the folks across the coffee shop table from me every chance I get. So in that spirit, let’s pretend that you and I are having coffee. It’s midJanuary, our goals and resolutions are already set in stone (and set in motion). We’re hopeful. We’re optimistic. We know that in the next 11+ months, some good stuff is going to happen, but we also know there will be some tough stuff too. You want to know—what’s the market look like? Without pulling out a bunch of charts and graphs, here’s what I’d say… Listen, if you think you’d like to sell your house this next year, it’s a good time. Last year we noticed the early hints of a seller’s market—the first one in close to 10 years. Now, if you’ve lived in Lynchburg long enough, you know the
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economy here is on a relatively even keel. After the recession, we worked our way back to a balanced inventory of homes. It’s been healthy and stable for a couple years now. But starting early last spring, we noticed fewer new homes coming on the market. At first it seemed like maybe just a lag in the market activity, but as spring turned to summer it became clear that something had shifted. Initially the dip in available homes affected just certain areas and price ranges— “pockets” I like to call them. As the year wore on, however, it looked like the shift was spreading. And now as we look ahead to a new year, it looks like that trend has settled in. Mind you, it’s not a severe seller’s market. There are still plenty of homes to choose from. The days on market was still at an average of 107 days for homes sold in the last quarter. But here’s a fun stat: the sales volume of homes sold in the last quarter of 2016 was 21.4% higher than the last quarter of 2015. I expect this year will be more of the same. With interest rates expected to continue rising, any buyer who was on the fence before has most likely fallen off it and onto the side of buying soon. If we’re fortunate enough to enjoy a mild winter, the buying season may have an early start again this year. All good news for potential sellers in the Lynchburg area. So back to you, across the table… if you think this is the year you might want to move, it’s fair to expect your home to sell faster than it would have a few years ago. Which means it’s a good idea to have your plans for where you want to go at least sketched out so you’ll be ready when you get that offer (or two!). How’s that for something to look forward to? 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.
REAL ESTATE
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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 • 3719 Old Forest Road • www.LynchburgDentist.com
prESENTEd BY:
CoNTEST
2017
Laurissa
Announcing the first ever Lynchburg Living’s Cutest Baby Contest! Entries accepted from January 1 – February 28, 2017*. 10 winners will be determined by panel of judges and announced via our website and facebook page. Final winner voted on by readers via contest website. Overall winner will be featured in the May/June issue of Lynchburg Living Magazine and receive a full-page photo. Runner-ups will all receive a digital faux Lynchburg Living Magazine “Cutest Baby“ cover with their baby’s image and name featured in LynchburgLiving.com’s “Cutest Baby Contest” photo gallery. *Each submission fee is $25, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit The Motherhood Collective. 42
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HEALTH MATTERS
THE STRESS TEST
HOW SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES ARE HELPING EMPLOYEES COPE BY BARRET T BAKER
S
tress is a powerful ailment. It can be directly responsible for maladies such as weight gain, high blood pressure, digestive problems, cardiovascular issues, sleep deprivation, depression, repetitive strain injuries, and/or a weakened immune system, which can lead to a variety of illnesses, including cancer. The more stressed we are, the more vulnerable our bodies are to sickness.
For a business, this can spell disaster in terms of lost productivity from employees taking sick days. In fact, downtime from illnesses cost U.S. companies an estimated $300 billion each year. In addition, employers pay an estimated 50 percent more annually in healthcare costs. Which is why some companies are taking note and incorporating different initiatives to reduce stress in the workplace as much as possible. As an example, leading mobile app developer Appster is rated as one of the top five app developers in the world. To minimize stress in their offices, they provide perks like free meals and rides to work so employees don’t have to fret about making lunch or transportation. The company’s California office has a pet husky named “Howl” who wanders throughout the building to visit employees,
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HEALTH MATTERS
6th Annual
June 10 - 17, 2017 Prix fixe menus designed to fit every budget while showcasing each participating restaurant’s most beloved flavors!
giving them a break from their work to pet him. Petting an animal can lower blood pressure and is known to help the body release a relaxation hormone while cutting down on levels of stress hormones. In addition, Appster has an online board where employees can post complaints and concerns anonymously to air their grievances. Those issues are then addressed in “Town Hall” meetings run by upper-level executives, including the CEO. At managed healthcare consortium, Kaiser Permanente, employees have an option to download stretch breaks on their computers. Reminders pop up throughout the day in an effort to get employees to step away from their desks, go for a short walk, or do some simple stretching exercises to get the blood flowing and the mind clear. Internet technology giant Google offers classes in meditation, in addition to picnics, parties and retreats. Employees also have access to massages, music lessons, gyms, volleyball courts, indoor rock-climbing walls, a bowling alley and an outdoor sports park at the Mountain View campus, and they can bring their pets to work. The company also serves three meals a day, all of which are free. Obviously, not all businesses have the resources a company like Google has to be able to offer such great perks, but there are several things that almost any business can do to help reduce stress in the workplace, such as: Lead by Example. When managers make it a point to take breaks and invite their employees to do the same, it shows that the company cares about their team members’ mental wellbeing. Seeing a manager take a break to go for a walk, chat with an employee about non-work issues, etc., shows employees that it’s okay to do the same, thus removing the “guilt factor” from the equation. Promote Wellness. Offering to pay all or a portion of a gym membership is one way to promote a healthy lifestyle for employees. Another way is to sponsor group healthy eating challenges or competitions that promote walking or running, or extra curricular team activities like bowling, softball or other sports. These competitions not only help employees learn the value of a healthier lifestyle but they also create an atmosphere of team building. Create a Social Environment. Putting a ping pong table or pool table, or a game console hooked to a television in the office provides a way for employees to step away from work for a little fun time. Taking employees out to lunch every once in awhile shows employees you appreciate them and gives everyone a way to interact socially. Another idea is to schedule regular visits from motivational speakers to take time away from work and build enthusiasm. Designate a Quiet Area. Giving employees a quiet place to go to meditate or just “unplug” is a great way to relieve tension. Having a place to re-group or collect their thoughts for a few minutes gives employees a chance to get rid of negative thoughts or emotions and come back refreshed and ready for the next challenge.
presented by:
@lynchburgliving #LRW2017 #lynchburgrestaurantweek www.LynchburgRestaurantWeek.com 44
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Communicate. When you are open and honest about every aspect of your business and regularly communicate with employees, it provides them with a sense of trust and makes them feel more like valued team members, rather than just employees taking orders. Provide Flexibility. Allowing flextime so employees can take care of personal matters during regular business hours is extremely beneficial. Stringent rules on work hours are hugely stressful for people with children, especially when the child is sick or injured and needs to go to the doctor. Allowing employees to regularly work from home is also beneficial. It shows that you trust them and value their needs. While some of these suggestions do come with a bit of a price tag, the payoff in the long run is that you have happier, healthier employees who are dedicated to making your business a success. It’s hard to put a price on that.
HEALTHCARE
EMPLOYEES FIND POWER THROUGH WELLNESS
T
BY CORRI N M CC LOS KEY E M PLOYE E WEL L NESS COORD I NATOR, C ENT RA HUM AN RESOURC ES
eamwork, responsibility, excellence, loyalty, service and pride: These words are hallmarks of nearly every mission statement. They reflect an organization’s values, priorities and commitments. Nowadays, many companies are taking strides to incorporate wellness and create healthier, happier employees. With obesity and chronic illness skyrocketing in the U.S., forward-thinking businesses are looking to curb poor health habits and rising healthcare costs. In response, employer wellness programs have become an integral piece of growing a healthier workplace culture. Great customer service, superior products and competitive prices are meaningless without healthy and happy workers to carry out a company’s mission. Industry leaders realize employees are their biggest asset and understand that creating a wellness culture is simply a way to care and support the backbone of the organization. Employers committed to a wellness culture care for employees and their families in several ways. They are, most importantly, sincerely interested in an employee’s health and happiness. These leaders also show concern by crafting an environment that easily allows employees to thrive. For example, Wellpower, Centra’s employee wellness program, features programs and tools to help employees take charge of their health and improve their quality of life through healthy habits. The program includes subsidized discounts with the YMCA and Weight Watcher affiliates across the state as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional counseling at no cost to the employee. As part of the program, nicotine
replacement therapy and tobacco cessation classes are free to all employees, and employees are encouraged to participate in the annual community-wide Live Healthy Lynchburg Strive for Five Challenge and 100-Mile Challenge. These campaigns include prizes for participants and subsidies for race events. In addition, preventative screenings and wellness exams are offered to medical plan participants as well as additional resources for employees with complicated, high-cost medical conditions. Programs like this take wellness one step further by targeting the workplace environment as part of the company-wide initiative. For example, working with nutrition services, Wellpower introduced a salad punch card and stoplight food labeling system in the cafes and influenced vending machine managers to provide at least 35 percent healthy options. The Wellpower initiative also led the way in renovating an onsite fitness facility at Lynchburg General Hospital last fall and reopening in partnership with the YMCA of Central Virginia to serve Centra employees. More recently, the program has begun to focus on financial wellness and mental health using technology solutions to meet employees where they are to incorporate mindfulness and stress reduction. Wellness is more than a choice—it’s the will to make healthy decisions each day, and companies are catching on and implementing supporting programs. To learn more about the programs implemented by Centra, contact Corrin McCloskey at (434) 200-4089. For information on HealthWorks, an employer wellness resource in our region, contact Drew Sherwood at (434) 509-4971. HealthWorks offers a variety of customizable wellness, occupational medicine and work recovery solutions including onsite collaborative clinics. Corrin is responsible for developing and implementing programs to support Centra’s employee wellness strategy. She acts as the health champion of the organization, leading all employees to positively change behaviors and create a culture of wellness. Corrin is a graduate of Liberty University and holds a B.S. degree in Communication Studies with specialization in Public Relations and Master’s in Public Health with specialization in Health Promotion.
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HUMAN RESOURCES needs of the elders in our care. These needs may require missing up to as much as 20 hours a month of work time. These employees may have the elders in their families either residing in their home or nearby. In either case, the time spent caring for these loved ones is significant. The time may be spent in direct care or in making appointments, consulting with medical professionals, or transporting our loved ones to appointments. Lost productivity is one of the greatest costs to our organizations due to caring for these loved ones in our families. The impact to both quality and quantity of family time can be significant when caring for aging family members. This is especially true for those employees who are married as well as may still be caring for children living in the home. The employees who find themselves in these situations may experience a day-to-day desire to serve those in need while also being responsible in caring for their households. Presenteeism is also a variable calculated into the cost of caring for
The Cost of
ELDERCARE BY CO LLE E N M CLAUG H LI N , SPH R
family members. The concept of being at work physically but being mentally and/or emotionally distracted has been shown to have a significant cost to organizations’ financial well-being. When loved ones are experiencing medical concerns, changes in living conditions and locations, or simply need quality time, the stress can accumulate for the employee. In other words, presenteeism is also a cost to address in our companies as a result of the distractions resulting from eldercare. Research indicates the increased stress as well as additional mitigating factors such as decreased sleep, a lack of time for hobbies and effective self-care
I
s eldercare impacting your company’s bottom line? Organizations are accustomed to addressing issues related to childcare through providing flextime, financial support and onsite programs. While many companies have been proactive in providing similar accommodations and benefits, the exponentially aging population in the United States may be impacting your financial statements in both expected and unexpected ways.
has led to substantially higher healthcare costs for the caregivers themselves. Caregivers experience a greater prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and these increased costs are directly impacting to your companies’ financial statements.
A Strategic Response While there are many additional issues to address related to costs, a critical matter to proactively focus on is turnover. The cost of replacing an experienced employee can exceed 50% of the individual’s annual salary. But according to AARP reports, simply investing in eldercare may save the company up to $14 for every $1 spent. Therefore, developing a strategic eldercare program within our companies may be the most beneficial step to take. The program should include flexible scheduling, resources made available to assist employees in making difficult and complex decisions, as well as
The Impact Currently, over 44 million individuals in the United States are caring for aging family members. Of these, approximately half are employed outside of the home. The compounding problem is that millions of these are full-time employees who are also caring for children under the age of 18. This group is referred to as the Sandwich Generation. More importantly, it is imperative we identify and address the costs to our companies.
medical, legal, financial and emotional support. Company leaders who have developed a culture of care within their organizations and included eldercare as part of their strategic goals are experiencing an increase in retention as well as productivity among their employees. As we head further into the 2017 year, what can and should you do to care for your employees who are in the blessed position of caring for their loved ones?
The cost of caring for family members is over $34 billion annually. These costs are calculated primarily as a result of direct absenteeism. The obvious costs are those associated with time lost due to the physical 46
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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.
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We welcome nominations from all industries and aspects of business to identify the best and brightest individuals among us who are making a difference in their places of work and in the community around them. Nominate March 1-April 14 at LynchburgBusinessMag.com
LEADING LADY
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LEADING LADY
SARA ELIZABETH TIMMINS Occupation / Formal Title:
Producer/Creative Director at Life Out Loud Films
Hometown: Warren, OH
(Lynchburg has been home for 3 years)
Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into film producing? I studied Organizational Communications and Theatre at Xavier with dreams of acting. After graduating, I volunteered on a film in Cincinnati with Lynda Carter, and the leader in me started getting super involved. Since I didn’t go to film school, my ideas were outside the box, but they were working. The producers asked what it would take for me to quit my job and produce with them. I fell in love with producing and never looked back.
So far, what would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Starting my company, Life Out Loud Films (LOLF), to make our first film Lake Effects. After seven years in Hollywood, I took a risk, left everything and moved to Virginia to raise money to produce films that inspire me. LOLF believes “Don’t just make a film, make a difference” and focuses on inspirational stories while championing woman in film. Now, every day, I follow my passion with purpose and love what I do.
Now let’s talk about Shoeless Wonders. Filming in Lynchburg will begin this year. How did you hear about the story of the football team and why did you choose to pursue it? Three years ago, after hearing about our films in Southwest Virginia, HumanKind called to share the Presbyterian Home’s history. Immediately my heart felt this story needed to be told, and it should be made in partnership with the community. It is exactly the kind of film LOLF is committed to making: Inspiring films a family can watch together. Not only will Shoeless Wonders capture our local history and these orphans’ remarkable journey, but it has universal underdog themes that should inspire youth worldwide.
you can make a living doing what inspires you. I was constantly inspired by these students, and this aspect of my life, inspiration and giving back, shaped the spirit of LOLF.
In your journey as a producer, what types of challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them? I started my company and started raising money during the economic downturn of 2008/2009 in a town where I knew no one. It was also the first film I was developing from concept so I had no track record, only promises. I believe your faith has to be stronger than the challenge and believed failure was not an option. I surrounded myself with smart mentors and partners, admitted what I didn’t know and stood firm on the goal, but remained flexible on the route.
Do you think women in your field face any unique challenges? Explain. The challenge becomes the impact gender inequality in film has on our society and the responsibility filmmakers have to change that. Only eight percent of directors, 11 percent of writers and 19 percent of producers are women. The concern—we are missing an essential female perspective in storytelling and since young girls grow up believing “they can be it, if they can see it,” it is important we remain mindful of portraying woman in all roles and careers. This is influenced by woman filmmakers.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received? My grandmother taught me to always have faith. One mentor instilled that success comes with Passion, Preparation and Perseverance and another mentor/friend reminds me, “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”
What’s next for you in your journey after Shoeless Wonders? Any big goals? I hope some sleep and maybe a vacation! We have several other films in development, and my focus will be on collaboration with other creatives to help them bring their stories to the screen. This includes developing scripts specifically for certain networks, continuing to champion woman in film and showcasing Virginia through film.
Aside from work, how do you unwind and relax? Mindfulness and working out are two morning routines that help me keep balanced. The beach and nature ground me, and I enjoy food, wine, travel and the arts.
Closing thoughts? Life is short so find your purpose and live life out loud.
Once it’s completed, what message do you hope the movie sends? Success is not determined by our circumstances. We also hope it will inspire audiences to look closer at adoption, foster care/family services and highlight the positive life skills learned through team sports.
You also are a motivational speaker on the side. What types of things do you speak about…and why? I spent 10 years speaking to over 150,000 students about making choices today to set them up for future success, along with “turning your passion into your career.” Unfortunately, many youth don’t have someone they look up to telling them they are capable and can be successful. Also, many don’t realize
The Presbyterian Home campus on Linden Avenue (now called HumanKind) was founded in 1903. Officials closed the residential home for children in 2013.
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MADE IN LYNCHBURG
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURING THROUGHOUT THE REGION 2000 PARTNERSHIP
OXIDE POTTERY Oxide opened its doors in downtown Lynchburg in the fall of 2009. The storefront is stocked with porcelain and stoneware goods made in the attached studio. There is a selection of wheel-thrown and hand-built functional ceramics as well as other handmade objects. Currently Oxide is represented in galleries and museum shops in 21 states through its wholesale line. The work produced in the studio is fired in the electric kilns on site weekly, offering a continuing supply of new forms and custom orders. Pictured: Black and white handmade porcelain wares. Every piece is one of a kind as the imagery is carved without the use of templates or stencils.
1337 Main St., Lynchburg, VA 24504 (434)845-5656 oxidepottery@comcast.net www.oxidepottery.com Follow Oxide Pottery on Facebook and Instagram
Let Us Know! 50
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Do you know of a product manufactured locally? Let us know at feedback@lynchburgmag.com.
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