ChamberLink December 2013

Chamber

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December 2013 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 31 • Number 12

Chamber, RGI honor philanthropists at 2013 Goodwill Awards

Focus

on...

Made in FredVA

Made in FredVA . ........ 10-11

Trailblazer

Three of the Fredericksburg Region’s outstanding businesses have won the 2013 Chamber Goodwill Awards in recognition of their extraordinary commitments to helping others and improving the local quality of life.

Quarles Petroleum, LLC won the award for a large business.

The company has a long history of community involvement and corporate social responsibility.

Quarles hosts numerous food drives on behalf of the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, helps needy families through a company-wide effort to support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, encourages its employees to serve on numerous local non-profit boards, and – this year alone – raised more than $31,000 for Rappahannock United Way by serving as a RUW Pacesetter Company.

Marstel-Day, LLC won the award for a medium business. The company has focused much of its service on making the Fredericksburg Region a cleaner, greener place to live. Its employees log between 800 and 1,000 hours per year on activities such as planting trees in and along Continued on page 5

Kenny Brown, founder of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival, shared his thoughts on community after accepting the Goodwill Award for a Small Business.

Paul Giambra(center), president of Quarles Petroleum, Inc., was all smiles after accepting the Goodwill Award for a Large Business. Joining him were Woody Van Valkenburgh, CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, and Chamber President Susan Spears.

The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors whose generosity made possible the 2013 Chamber Goodwill Awards: Title Sponsor Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Chamber Board Chair Kathy Wall(left) presented the Goodwill Award for a Medium Business to Erika Wettergreen with MarstelDay, LLC.

Bronze Sponsor Atlantic Builders EXIT Realty Expertise The Kloke Group

Happy Holidays from the Chamber staff!

Fredericksburg Regional Alliance..............................4

Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Non-Profit Corner................7 Thurman Brisben Center

Seminar Corner

What 2014 Chamber Awards & Gala

Seminar Corner....................6

When 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2014

Financial Corner Financial Corner....... page 8 Vehicle Financing

Where Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy.

Business Link...................... 19

To Register Go to www. fredericksburgchamber. org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org

Photo courtesy of Hartwood Photography

The staff of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce wishes you and yours the very happiest of holidays and our hopes that 2014 will prove a prosperous and Happy New Year for you.

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ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICERS Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare Mike Fidgeon, Vice Chair, Providence Service Corporation Mark Steele, Immediate Past Chair, The Title Professionals, LLC Andy Kerr, Treasurer, StellarOne

President’s Perspective

Attend Pancakes & Politics, share your views with state lawmakers

By Susan Spears

Susan Spears, President, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

elected directors Mona Albertine, Jabberwocky Inc. Gene Bailey, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance Nick Cadwallender, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Cos. Greg Calvert, Kloke Transfer Maria Franklin, Union First Market Bank Adam Fried, Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Bill Hession, Lockheed Martin Kathy Hoffman, Mary Kay Cosmetics Richard Hurley, University of Mary Washington Regis Keddie II, Davenport & Co. Hart Rutherford, SimVentions Shawn Sloan, The Media Partners, LLC Woody Van Valkenburgh, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Eric Watkins, Infinity Technologies Joe Wilson, PermaTreat Pest Control

legal counsel Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson PC

chamber staff Michele Renee Dooling, Director of Finance & Human Resources, michele@ fredericksburgchamber.org Mary Garber, Director of Programs & Administration, mary@fredericksburgchamber.org.

2013 is coming to a close, meaning it’s already time to start thinking about 2014.

Specifically, it is time for all of us to give some thought to our interaction as business leaders with our state government in the New Year.

Many changes have taken place. We have a new governor-elect, Terry McAuliffe, and as this is written, we don’t yet know all the details of his economic agenda.

In just over a month, the General Assembly will open its 2014 session.

Items on the agenda include crafting a new two-year state budget, continuing to make Virginia attractive to business and moving forward with implementation of this year’s transportation legislation.

Over the past three years, the Chamber has stepped up its legislative advocacy efforts by routinely holding meetings with our local, state and federal elected officials.

Those who hold elected office have tremendous influence over the health of Virginia’s economy and the

ability of all of us to do business.

On the local level, changes to zoning rules can affect where you can start a business or whether you can expand an existing company.

Our state legislators revise – and in some cases substantially re-write – the state tax code in ways that can both help and hinder businesses.

In order to keep our economy moving forward, we need to be in constant touch with our elected officials, sharing with them the concerns and needs of the business community and encouraging them to adopt policies will foster an entrepreneurial spirit.

A few days from now, you will have an opportunity to discuss a wide array of issues with the Fredericksburg Region’s General Assembly delegation.

Come out for Pancakes and Politics, 7:30 a.m., Dec. 5 at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House.

We’ll spend time talking with our representatives about the issues likely to arise during the 2014 legislative session. Our delegates and senators will also take questions from the audience.

If we do not take time to talk with our elected officials, we cannot complain that they don’t listen to us.

Join us! We look forward to seeing you there.

Susan Spears is president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support, stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org Sheri Kroskie, Member Services Assistant, sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org Tricia Benson Matthews, Membership Account Executive, Tricia@fredericksburgchamber.org

Chamber board salutes longtime members

Susan Spears, President, susan@fredericksburgchamber.org Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services, whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org

contact information Telephone 540-373-9400 Facsimile 540-373-9570 Internet

www.fredericksburgchamber.org

ChamberLink is published monthly—12 times per year—by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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mission The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate healthy economic growth.

vision Be the leader for the business community assuring that the Fredericksburg Region is a major economic center in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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The Chamber’s board of directors recently saluted three members for their longtime service to the Chamber. The group presented awards to departing board members Shawn Sloan(front left), president of The Media Partners, LLC, and Mark Steele(front right), managing member of The Title Professionals, LLC. The board also honored Board Chair Kathy Wall, Mary Washington Healthcare’s vice president for Human Resources and Organizational Development, who will step down as chair at the end of the year.

Ribbon Cutting Join us for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Comfort Keepers’ new Geriatrics Services Center.

When 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 Where 411 Chatham Square Office Park, 22405

We look forward to seeing you there!

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

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Chairman’s Report 2013 a great year for Chamber, bright future lies ahead for Fredericksburg Region

By Kathryn Wall As hard as it is to believe, 2013 is drawing to a close. This has been a great year for both the Chamber and the Fredericksburg Region.

Even with ongoing uncertainty in the national economy, we have continued to move from highpoint to highpoint.

Despite the continuing federal budget sequestration and the temporary government shutdown, the regional economy is chugging along. However, the events of this year serve as a warning that our area business leaders and elected officials must diversify our economy, making it less dependent on federal dollars.

The Chamber stands ready to assist in the mission in any way possible.

Too many good things happened at the Chamber to list them all in this brief space, but a few highlights are in order.

Kathryn Wall Leadership Fredericksburg graduated its seventh class. Our Military Affairs Council continued its vital work of promoting the interests of our regional military bases.

FredTech increased its efforts to promote regional STEM education programs, while Workforce NOW offered educational seminars to help area businesses increase their efficiency.

I am especially proud of the success of the Chamber’s first annual Business Expo, at which more than 130 companies networked with each other and introduced themselves to new customers.

As we wrap up this very busy year, I would like to thank you, our loyal members for your ongoing support of our mission to boost the area economy. We could not keep moving forward without your investment in the Chamber.

I also would like to thank the dedicated Chamber staff, who put in a lot of hours to make possible all of our events and programs.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for allowing me the chance to serve as chair of the Chamber’s board of directors. It truly has been an honor.

This has been a great year for our region, and I know that an even brighter future lies before us in 2014.

Kathryn Wall is Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Development for Mary Washington Healthcare.

Winners of the 2012 Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards represented a broad cross-section of the Fredericksburg Region’s new leadership talent.

Next Generation of Business Leaders to host Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards Cultivating and honoring young leaders in the business community is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy economy in the Fredericksburg Region.

The Chamber’s Next Generation of Business Leaders is doing its part by hosting the Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards on Dec. 12 at Stevenson Ridge.

The awards salute young professionals who excel in the business environment, demonstrate passion for the community and show an innovative approach to both business and civic participation.

Following the awards ceremony, attendees will enjoy a holiday reception.

“It’s great to be able to celebrate all of the events and successes that the group has had, both as individuals and a group,” said Virginia Partners Bank’s Leigh Snyder, one of the 2012 award winners. “It’s a great opportunity to network and meet other leaders who are like-minded and in similar stages of their leadership journeys.”

Sponsorships for this event are available. Contact Whitney Watts at (540) 373-9400 or whitney@ fredericksburgchamber.org for more information.

The Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards ceremony will take place at beginning at 6 p.m., Dec. 12, at Stevenson Ridge.

To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or

e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org.

The Next Generation of Business Leaders is a Chamber affiliate that provides professional development and civic outreach opportunities for the Fredericksburg Region’s young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.

What Top 10 of the Next Gen Awards Where Stevenson Ridge 6901 Meeting St., Spotsylvania When 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 Cost $10 for Next Generation members $15 for Chamber members To Register Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org

Hansen, Hicks join Chamber team The Chamber is pleased to introduce the two newest members of its office team – Stacey Hicks and Katie Hansen.

Katie ser ves as assistant to Chamber President Susan Spears and supports member services. A native Virginian, Katie lived in Springfield for most of her life until moving to the Fredericksburg Region.

She ear ned her Associates Degree in General Studies from Germanna Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Old Dominion University. Before joining the Chamber, she worked with Home Instead Senior Care.

Katie began caring for horses

and riding competitively at age six and worked as an equestrian trainer during high school and college. In 2008, her family purchased a horse farm in Spotsylvania County, fulfilling a longtime dream.

Stacey serves as receptionist and provides administrative support to the Chamber. Before joining the Chamber, she was a stay-athome mom for 17 years. Prior to raising her family, she served as an administrative assistant for an Ashland-based furniture company.

A Caroline County native, Stacey and her husband, John, live in Rappahannock Academy. They have a daughter, Mallory, and son, Mason, who attend Fredericksburg

Ribbon Cutting Come out for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Lethia Minor Farmers Insurance.

When 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 Stacey Hicks Christian School. Stacey is active in her church and enjoys spending time

Katie Hansen with her family.

Where 4107 Plank Rd., 22407 We look forward to seeing you there!

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ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Trailblazers Fredericksburg Regional Alliance continues to grow in partnership with University of Mary Washington The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington (FRA), is a public/private economic development marketing par tnership that provides comprehensive demographic, economic and commercial real estate information on the Fredericksburg Region to CEOs, CFO’s, corporate real estate executives, and siteselection consultants.

It expends much of its effort networking and direct lobbying with corporate decision makers to expand the economic growth of the Fredericksburg Region. The region includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

The FRA is also dedicated to providing a wide range of services to facilitate the creation of jobs and capital investment while diversifying the economy and increasing the tax base.

FRA’s mission of working cooperatively with local economic development offices, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and other regional groups provides key assets to the UMW Center for Economic Development. The resources of the alliance, combined with those of the university, allow the center to truly become a comprehensive collection of services and information for both existing businesses and those considering the area for relocation or establishment of a new enterprise.

This is an opportunity in which all current stakeholders work together to strengthen regional economic development while assuring that each area locality can draw upon the resources of Mary Washington to increase

their global competitiveness and strengthen the area’s knowledge-based economy.

The FRA website, www.fra-yes.org, continues to see tremendous growth, with more than 75,000 web traffic hits per month and has received attention from many international countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Argentina, Australia, Germany, South Korea, Japan and China. These nations account for more than 3,500 requests for information.

FRA continues to aggressively market the Fredericksburg Region both at home and abroad in an effor t to attract jobs and investment.

The alliance has partnered with LoopNet, one of the world’s largest and most popular commercial real estate database systems, to power the Fredericksburg Region’s Site and Building Database. This system has been specifically tailored for the FRA website to perform regional searches for available commercial space.

One of the new FRA website features is local, national and international news affecting the local business environment.

The alliance also works closely with the region’s defenserelated industry.

T h e m i l i t a r y ’s presence in the Fredericksburg Region has e x p a n d e d tremendously since 1990. During 2009, companies in the region were awarded 647 defense contracts that resulted in nearly $441 million in federal spending, according to the United States De par tment of Defense.

These firms are eligible to compete for various contracts to support the overall mission of the U.S. military and to support the region’s three major military installations.

Marine Corps Base Quantico; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division; and Fort A.P. Hill support more than 15,500 full-time employees, both active duty and civilian. Those personnel, along with private-sector defense

contractors, make up approximately 12-15 percent of the Fredericksburg Region’s highlyskilled workforce.

Given the extensive networking and cooperation with the local economic development offices, the Virginia Employment Commission, higher-education institutions and other regional groups such as the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, FRA offers an exclusive collection of services and insights critical to corporations considering expanding or relocating their operations.

Whether a longtime corporation or emerging new company, FRA has the resources – including the data, survey, contacts and market insights – that corporations need to make informed decisions. FRA focuses strongly on highlighting existing industry and workforce services, international trade and investment – as well as providing no-cost consulting services – and serves as a beneficial tool for any business or business owner, both nationally and globally.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce provides very important contributions to the area, not only with its Military Affairs Council (MAC), but with its many other business relationship opportunities.

The Chamber provides numerous networking oppor tunities and prog rams for the local business community including the Fredericksburg Regional Technology Council; and the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford roundatbles.

The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance is proud to support and work with the Chamber on the mission of ensuring healthy economic growth in the Fredericksburg Region.

Leadership Fredericksburg Board salutes Dangler The board of directors for the Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program presented a special service award to Joe Dangler at its November meeting.

Mr. Dangler, a retired master distiller, was a driving force behind the creation of Leadership Fredericksburg and has served on the program’s board of directors since its inception. He is stepping down from the board at the end of the year.

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

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Please extend a warm hand of welcome to the following companies who have submitted applications to join the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Be a good partner: remember these companies when you do business.

American Office Abigail Lenon 400 Preston Ave., Suite 100 Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: (434) 327-1180 alenon@americanoffice.com www.americanoffice.com Office Furniture

Cheryl Ann’s Esthetics Cheryl Fischer 1105 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 429-0304 cowgirlcab@aol.com cherylannsesthetics.com Esthetician

Bank of America Small Business Center Sandro Gregori 7110 Harrison Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 395-9656 sandro.gregori@bankofamerica. com http://sbbankers.bankofamerica. com/advisorsite/sandro.gregori/ display.sf Business Financing Banks & Banking Associations

Dinwiddie Properties, LLC William Stewart 1 Dinwiddie Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: 540-371-5059 stewart311@aol.com Real Estate – Investment

Central Park Fun Land Tony Tallarico 1351 Central Park Blvd.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 785-6700 Fax: (540) 786-3307 info@centralparkfun-land.com www.centralparkfun-land.com Entertainment

Dominion Payroll Services Laura Johnson 306 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: (804) 355-3430 Fax: (804) 355-3432 www.dominionpayroll.com Payroll Processing

parks and city streets. Marstel-Day also gives back to organizations such as Friends of the Rappahannock, the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation, and the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival won the award for a small business. For the past seven years, its “Tattoos for the Community” event has raised more than $80,000 for local non-profits including Rappahannock Refugee Hope House, the Fredericksburg A r e a Fo o d B a n k , t h e Fa i r y Godmother Project, Fredericksburg

Marine Corps Community Services Roberta Stanton 3017 Russell Rd. Quantico, VA 22134 Phone: (703) 432-0219 Fax: (703) 784-3479 statntonro@usmc-mccs.org www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org Food Specialties/Services Caterers

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Chamber Goodwill Awards Continued from page 1

Lethia Minor Farmers Insurance Lethia Minor 4107 Plank Rd., Suite B Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 786-1050 Fax: (540) 786-1092 lminor@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/lminor Insurance

SPCA, and Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault.

The awards were presented Nov. 13 at the 12th annual Goodwill Awards & Expo – hosted by the Chamber and held at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries’ newly opened Community Center.

Mobile Branders, LLC Clarence Roberts 107 Tradewinds Terrace Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 446-3666 info@mobilebranders.com www.mobilebranders.com Advertising Specialties Technology

Sterling Optical Store # 119 Matthew Scott 440 Towne Centre Blvd.

Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 786-2272 sterlingoptical119@gmail.com w w w. s t e r l i n g o p t i c a l . c o m / retailers/51 Optical Services

The College Money Team.com Nicole Cole 3330 Bourbon St. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 318-0007 Fax: (301) 322-8396 nicole@collegemoneylady.com http://thecollegemoneyteam.com Financial Services

The Popcorn Bag Jim Ford 1711 Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 850-7707 jim@thepopcornbag.net w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / ThePopcornBagFredericksburg Gifts & Specialty Shops

PuroClean Property Restoration Services Tina Allen 2024 Aquia Dr. Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: 703-852-1300 tallen@puroclean.com www.puroclean.com/pcprs-va Water & Smoke Restoration

Virginia Economic Development Partnership Matt McLaren 901 East Byrd St. Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: 804-545-5736 mmclaren@yesvirginia.org Government Agency

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ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Chamber Calendar DECEMBER 3 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Homewood Suites DECEMBER 3 WORKFORCE NOW LEADERS IN EDUCATION Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Campus DECEMBER 4 SPOTSYLVANIA ROUNDTABLE Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites South, 4800 Market St. DECEMBER 5 PANCAKES & POLITICS Thursday, 7:30 a.m., at Fredericksburg Hospitality House DECEMBER 5 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at Comfort Keepers Geriatrics Services Center DECEMBER 6 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at UMW Center for Economic Development Office at Eagle Village DECEMBER 10 CNEW LUNCHEON & SILENT AUCTION Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club DECEMBER 11 STAFFORD ROUNDTABLE Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Wyndham by Wingate DECEMBER 12 Ribbon Cutting Thursday, 4 p.m. at Lethia Minor Farmers Insurance DECEMBER 12 TOP 10 OF THE NEXT GEN Thursday, 6 p.m., at Stevenson Ridge JANUARY 7 FREDERICKSBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Courtyard by Marriot Fredericksburg JANUARY 8 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., at Ristorante Renato JANUARY 8 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, noon, at the Chamber office JANUARY 8 RIBBON CUTTING Wednesday, 4 p.m., at Liberty Tax Service, 338 Amaret St. JANUARY 16 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Etherspeak JANUARY 31 CHAMBER AWARDS & GALA Friday, 6 p.m., at the Fredericksburg Expo Center

Seminar Corner First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Dec. 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 non-refundable materials fee To Register: Call (540) 654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Dec. 6 This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.

Sign up for these valuable SEMINARS

Recent Developments in Labor and Employment Law Date(s): Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Location: Fredericksburg Country Club, 11031 Tidewater Tr. Cost: $15 for registrations received

by Dec. 9; $20 for late registrations; $25 at the door To Register: go to http://frshrm. shrm.org We’ve all heard the old maxim, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Unfortunately, it does not apply in the HR arena, where the law seems to change every day. To effectively do their jobs, HR professionals must keep up with new laws, new court decisions, and new agency policies and agendas.

In this interactive session, the Fredericksburg –area chapter of SHRM will look at recent legal developments occurring in the second half of 2013 that impact HR professionals, including: recent and expected Supreme Court decisions, new and pending legislation, and the enforcement priorities of various federal agencies to enable you to help your company keep up with the changing times. Randy C. Sparks, Jr. with Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. will lead the discussion.

First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): Dec. 16, 9-11:30 a.m.

Location: University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center at Eagle Village, 1125 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 400, Fredericksburg Cost: $30 fee includes business partner To Register: Call (540)654-1096, e-mail to sbdc@umw.edu or go to www.SBDC-UMW.com. Registration deadline: Dec. 13 This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods; research sources; the legal forms of businesses; record keeping; laws, regulations, and policies; and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analyses.

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

Non-Profit Corner Brisben Center Team “Never giving up”

By Bobby Sheets & Kim Lally I can provide you with the compendium of the Thurman Brisben Center; but this time I thought I would share with you a true life experience as written by one of our former clients and now a current member of our TBC staff.

“At 16 and living with my father, who was also an alcoholic, my sister and I began using – both alcohol and drugs. The 1980’s were difficult for me with high school, peer pressure and the responsibility that I had pushed aside.

“Between the ages of 16 and 26, I had countless arrests for alcohol-related crimes; a stint in the military and over two years in jail. I was married twice and have six children, all of which I threw away because of my love and need for alcohol. I was clearly an alcoholic and bent on my own self-centered and selfish ways.

“My father passed away in 1995 and even though my sister and I were adopted at birth, he was my best friend. After his death, I wanted to follow him away from my hell. I attempted to rob several gas stations only coming out with $100 so I could drink and drug.

I served one year in jail and one year at an in-patient program but immediately returned to my alcohol and drug-induced rampage.

“I moved to Fredericksburg in 2005 and was still using heavily. I was kicked out of the home I had found so comfortable using in, lying, cheating and stealing what I needed. Then finding that all my bridges were burned and there was nowhere else for me turn, my mother told me of a place in Fredericksburg called the Thurman Brisben Center.

“After a week of attempting to get into the Center, a bed finally opened! I walked in not knowing what

to expect. Having decided this is it, I needed help and needed to get my life under control, I jumped into this new endeavor with both feet. I went to AA Meetings, got a sponsor and immediately received the help I needed.

“I was so inspired about the Center that I came to the front desk and told the shift coordinator on duty how great and honorable his job was and that I would like to do the same thing for people like me.

“I stayed at the Center for 87 days; saving money and following the program. I found a room to rent and continued volunteering through TBC’s After Care Program. After six months, I was hired as a shift coordinator at the Center and started living the life I wanted. I could now live life on life’s terms and help others that needed it.

“My name is Bobby Sheets. After 30 years of selfdestruction and hurting others I can help anyone I can and give them hope. Thurman Brisben Center saved my life and now I can return the favor.”

My name is Kim Lally, and as Thurman Brisben’s interim executive director, I wanted to share this remarkable story with you instead of statistics.

Restoring hope and a sense of being to those who have lost everything can be a difficult task.

The entire staff of the Thurman Brisben Center continues to work with each and every client that comes through our doors, offering comfort, hope and a sense of belonging. We are truly changing lives.

Bobby Sheets is the Brisben Center’s shift coordinator. Kim Lally is the center’s interim executive director. For more information about the Thurman Brisben Center, call (540) 899-9853.

Leveraging key skills crucial to growing in business world

By Barbara Gustavson Have you ever tried to remove a nut or bolt with pliers and it doesn’t budge, but when you use a wrench and get some leverage suddenly it is easy to move?

That lever is such a clever tool – it’s so handy and very simple.

Leverage is defined as the action of a rigid bar (lever) that pivots about one point and is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third point.

So how do we apply this to achieve a competitive advantage?

Most people don’t leverage their own knowledge and skillset but instead use just a fraction of what they have within themselves. How do we leverage our key skills?

The first step is to take inventory

of your assets. This doesn’t mean to make a list of your home, car, checking account balance…this means to list your knowledge, your skills and your experience.

Next, explore how to get the full advantage of your asset inventory. If you own a computer or smartphone, you’re often notified to upgrade an application or program. There is new information available that will make your computer or phone work better (One hopes, not always the case right?).

When was the last time you u p d a t e d o r u p g r a d e d yo u r knowledge base? What was the last book, course, lecture or program you engaged in?

So now you have an inventory and you know what needs to be upgraded. These are your key skills

and strengths that you can now improve upon.

You may ask, why focus on your strengths and those assets that are already developed? Why not focus on weaker skillsets?

This is where it’s important to understand that the highest yield and the most efficiency comes from developing strengths rather than improving upon weaknesses. Leave your weaknesses for someone else who exhibits those as strengths.

This will allow you to use your key skills and help you improve upon areas where you show the most potential.

Barbara Gustavson is a Certified Professional Coach. You can learn more about her at www.discovernextstep.com.

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Financial Corner When shopping for a new vehicle, is zero percent financing the best?

By Lisa Wescoat Purchasing a new vehicle requires a good amount of research on your part, including determining the type of car you want, how much money you can provide for a down payment and which vehicle loan option best suits your financial needs.

Numerous auto manufacturers have had a hard time dealing with the economic storm of the past few years. Things are starting to turn around, which is causing auto prices and rates to move in an upward trend, but there are still manufacturers offering zero percent financing to persuade buyers to visit their dealerships. Zero percent financing may look pretty appealing, but is it really the best deal?

Purchasing a car usually means applying for a vehicle loan. The facts show that getting a vehicle loan at zero percent is very difficult; very few auto buyers actually qualify.

Most of these financing plans require a minimum credit score of 750 and apply only to certain cars at the dealership, not the entire stock.

Zero percent loans also typically offer shorter terms, 36 months instead of 60 months.

This means the monthly payment will be significantly higher and out of the price range of the average American. In many cases, qualifying for zero percent also means forgoing any manufacturer rebates that may have been associated with the sale.

Qualifying aside, is zero percent

financing the best deal?

Let’s look at a comparison between a zero percent loan with the dealership and a 1.49 percent auto loan with a credit union or bank. For this comparison we will use a purchase price of $25,000 and have the option of choosing a zero percent loan or receiving a $2,000 rebate.

At the dealer you would be financing the purchase price $25,00 if you accept their zero percent financing. When financing with a credit union or a bank you would receive the rebate and your loan amount would only be $23,000.

With the dealer’s zero percent financing over the term of the loan you would pay back $25,000. With a low rate of 1.49 percent at your credit union or bank, over a period of 60 months your pay back would only be $23,881.66.

By taking the manufacturer’s rebate and getting a low interest loan at your credit union or bank, you have saved $1,118.34.

The next time you go shopping for a new vehicle, make sure you pick the color and options you want, but most importantly, don’t pay more for financing than you have to.

Get pre-approved for your vehicle loan at your credit union or bank and shop with confidence.

Lisa Wescoat is the Business Development Manager with NSWC Federal Credit Union. She can be reached at Lisa.Wescoat@nswcfcu.org or at (540) 361-2215.

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ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Ten tips to avoid packing on the holiday pounds

By Mary Cooper & Suzanne Amoruso Thanksgiving has just passed and Christmas is right around the corner.

We’re now in the middle for the five-week holiday celebration that often spells doom for your health and fitness plan.

Along with those celebrations will come headlines and broadcast news stories highlighting the holiday weight gain that thousands of people experience every year.

Ignore them.

Don’t think about weight gain this holiday season– think about celebrating with friends at family while simultaneously enjoying the sensation of living in a body that’s healthy.

Below are 10 tips you can use to change how you think this time of year. The result will make it easier for you to make the right choices – even when a lot of people around you aren’t.

It’s not about the actual holidays – What you do on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day isn’t your major concern. It’s all the other days in between that will determine if your holidays are healthful. You may encounter holiday treats at random at work or at home from a kind neighbor bringing you a home-

baked gift. These situations are more frequent than a binge on a holiday.

Overeating on Thanksgiving Day isn’t going to get you out of shape.

Just like doing things right one day isn’t going to get you in shape. It’s all the little things on a daily basis that determine if you are moving toward fitness or away from it.

List your top two-to-three favorite treats during the holidays and commit to having only those – We’ve all got our favorites. List them, and stick to them so you can enjoy your favorites without consuming any “accidental” junk food you weren’t planning on.

Let go of perfect – We don’t expect it in other areas of life – school, work or with our family members. So why do we expect “perfect” when we think about our fitness routines? You may miss a workout. In fact, everyone will at some point. It’s not the end of the world. Really. Just make sure you get the next one done.

Forget your workout routine; just challenge yourself – You may not have time for your full routine, so don’t do it! Exert yourself for 10 minutes if that’s all you have. Your body responds to the challenge of exercise, not to the amount of time you spend doing it.

Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t – Every year we hear an endless parade of, “I’ve just been so busy with the holidays and family visits, that I couldn’t workout.” This year, focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. Look for solutions instead of repeatedly dwelling on the problems and obstacles.

Ask yourself, “Do I really have to _________ ?” – There is likely something that you tell yourself you “have to” do that you don’t. Maybe it’s sending out holiday cards to everyone in your address book. Or maybe it’s hosting the family at your house (again!) just like you do every year. You have more choices than you think.

Pick your top 5 favorite exercises – Write down your five favorite exercises. (No doubt squats will be on everyone’s list this year.) When you need a blast of movement, do all of them for 30 seconds each. It will be easier if they are bodyweight exercises, but you can use anything as long as they are your favorites.

Explore fun ways to get the family moving – Family gatherings usually involve too much food and too much sitting around. Get everyone outside any way you can. Reinvent old traditions in

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movement-based ways. Instead of sitting around talking about what you’re thankful for, have everyone share that while they’re out on a walk together. Whoever is talking has to walk backward and face the group while they share. Be creative.

Too cold? Bundle up – once you’re out and moving, you’ll warm up.

K e e p s u g a r o f f o f yo u r vegetables – Everybody at some point has eaten sweet potatoes covered with brown sugar and marshmallows. Awful. Let there be no glazing of carrots this year. Sugar has no place on vegetables. There will be enough sugar in your favorite dessert. Glazing is for doughnuts.

This year, find ways to make side dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.

Remember that the holidays come at the same time every year – Your favorite holiday comes on

the same day each year (for the most part). Those annual celebrations won’t catch you by surprise, so there’s no reason why you can’t plan for them. Unknown interruptions to your fitness program like car trouble or sick children can’t always be avoided, but when celebrations come every year there’s no excuse.

Use your smarts and creativity combined with some of the tips above to come up with a plan for celebrating that will allow you to enjoy the festivities without wrecking your fitness plan in the process.

Keep at it and you’ll get a little better each year!

Mary Cooper is Lead Trainer at Fredericksburg Fitness, Inc. Suzanne Amoruso is a registered dietician with Fredericksburg Fitness. They can be reached at (540) 479-1877.

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9

MAC hosts 2013 Report to the Community

Jimmy and Elani Zotos, owners of Jimmy the Greek Restaurant, accepted the MAC’s 2013 Military Friendly Business Award during the Report to the Community.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery S. Buchanan, USA, spoke at the MAC’s 2013 Report to the Community. Joining him were (l-r) MAC Vice Chair Bill Hession, Congressman Rob Wittman, Chamber President Susan Spears and MAC Chair Vaughn Mahaffey.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery S. Buchanan, USA, delivered the keynote address at the Military Affairs Council’s 2013 Report to the Community.

Gen. Buchanan, Commander, Joint Forces Headquarters, National Capital Region, discussed leadership lessons he has learned throughout

his career and offered a poignant tribute to those who have fallen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Nov. 25 dinner event took place at UMW’s Jepson Alumni Executive Center. PNC Bank served as Title Sponsor.

Attendees received updates from

Business After Hours

Holiday Inn Express Fredericksburg Southpoint

Chamber members enjoyed an evening of fabulous networking and some great food during the Nov. 14 Business After Hours hosted by the newly refurbished Holiday Inn Express Fredericksburg Southpoint.

the region’s three military bases – Fort A.P. Hill, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Naval Support Activity South Potomac – and from the MAC itself.

Congressman Rob Wittman spoke about ongoing federal budgetary battles and their effects on America’s

military readiness.

The Military Affairs Council also presented its second annual Military Friendly Business Award, which recognizes a local enterprise that supports the military in a variety of ways.

The 2013 winners are Jimmy and Elani Zotos, owners of Jimmy the Greek Restaurant in Stafford

County.

The Zotos family offers 10 percent discounts to military service members, provides food for 100 Wounded Warriors Boat trips and lunches for more than 200 volunteers with Homes for Our Troops; assists Blue Star Mothers of America with fundraising events, and collects items for winter military care packages.

10

ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Focus On... Made in FredVa

Muster Me wins Made in FredVA prize

A start-up that aims to help business people connect quickly and efficiently on mobile platforms took home the $10,000 prize from the Made in FredVA contest.

Whit Kemmey, Libby O’Malley and Gray Kemmey, founders of Muster Me, accepted the funds to help make their plan a reality at the Oct. 30 conclusion of the contest.

Muster Me is a Software as a Service business that allows customers to collect and distribute contact data for groups of individuals quickly and simply. Users of mobile devices – especially smart phones – can gather and compile data in order to share it quickly, cheaply and accurately. Customers will pay for the service on a per-use or subscription basis depending on their needs.

Patterned after ABC’s popular “Shark Tank” show, Made in FredVA was the brainchild of the Next Generation of Business Leaders.

Under the contest rules, students and professionals with great ideas for new businesses submitted their plans in writing to a preliminary panel of distinguished local entrepreneurs. This group of judges then culled the applications to six finalists.

At the Oct. 30 finale, held in University of Mary Washington’s Dodd Auditorium, the finalists formally pitched their proposal to a five-judge panel – “sharks” – which then picked a recipient for the $10,000 in start-up capital.

The judges were: Jeff Morin, founder of For Anything; John Fick, III, president of J.F. Fick, Inc.; Matt Armstrong, CEO of Deedod, Inc.; Rebecca Rubin, founder and president of Marstel-Day, LLC; and Doug Stewart, partner and managing director with Cary Street Partners.

The other five finalists included: • Buy Local Hands will offer a fresh approach to school fundraising. The goal is to help area schools raise money by offering the sale of beautiful, fun and useful goods and services by local artists, artisans, crafters and farmers. A portion of Buy Local Hands’ profits from each sales drive will be donated to a charitable cause selected by the school or organization.

• Campus IDeas is working to develop an electronic college student ID system that students can carry on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. The company is partnering with Germanna Community College on a prototype version of the system. The system will eventually include advertising from local businesses, which could be customized if it were adopted nationwide.

• Fredericksburg Botanical Gardens is a proposal for a garden near Central Park that would complement Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The 100-acre garden would include areas depicting antebellum slave gardens, as well as examples of modern botanical gardens.

This world-class attraction will include a variety of native Virginian and exotic plants and give visitors hands-on experience in the arts of

The founders of Muster Me(l-r) - Whit Kemmey, Gray Kemmey and Libby O’Malley - accept the Made in FredVA grand prize from Bill Freehling and Carter Fitch with The Next Generation of Business Leaders. horticulture.

• Spencer Devon Brewing is a proposed micro-brewery for downtown Fredericksburg featuring a full kitchen and bar. The brewery will initially feature four staple varieties of beer, with expanded offerings to follow. It will compete with craft breweries in surrounding localities and will draw craft brewery enthusiasts from all over the East Coast. The restaurant will serve dishes composed of locally produced ingredients with both tapa and dinner-sized portions.

• Sprelly is a proposed sandwich eatery that will offer comfort food featuring a wide array of ground nut spreads and freshly made jellies, jams and preserves. The shop will give patrons an opportunity to mix and match spreads and jams on a variety of freshly baked breads.

Customers will also be able to grind their own nut butters to enjoy at the shop or pack up and take home.

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

The Next Generation would like to thank the following sponsors for making possible the Made in FredVA contest:

Title Sponsor

Made in FredVA Start-Up Scholarship Sponsors Next Generation of Business Leaders City of Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority Spotsylvania County Economic Development Authority Stafford County Economic Development Authority Gold Sponsors Parrish, Houck & Snead Oddbox Studios Silver Sponsor ForAnything.com

11

12

ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Get your tickets now for Chamber’s 2014 Annual Awards and Gala

Following the awards ceremony couples hit dance floor at the Chamber’s 2013 Gala.

Chamber President Susan Spears(left), Nate Wood, senior vice president with BB&T, and his wife,Terri, get ready to greet guests at the 2013 Chamber Gala.

Wreaths are popping up on businesses and houses and the aroma of turkey and wassail fill the air.

But while you’re planning a merry Yuletide season, mark your calendar for Jan. 31, 2014.

That’s when the Chamber will host its 2014 Annual Awards and Gala.

Once again, we will gather at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center for this evening of dinner,

dancing and saluting the leaders of our business community.

There will be a silent auction with a variety of unique items sure to please.

BB&T is serving as the evening’s

Chamber to host “Pancakes and Politics” – Dec. 5 The 2014 General Assembly session will open in just over two months. Taxation, healthcare and transportation are just a few of the issues likely to arise during the 60day legislative session.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce invites its members and their guests to get the straight story of what’s on tap for the General Assembly in 2014 at its “Pancakes and Politics” breakfast at

7:30 a.m., Dec. 5.

The list of General Assembly invitees includes: House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell; Dels. Mark Cole, Peter Farrell, Bobby Orrock and Margaret Ransone; Dels.-elect Michael Futrell and Buddy Fowler; and Sens. Bryce Reeves, Richard Stuart, Ryan McDougle, Linda “Toddy” Puller, and Jill Holtzman Vogel.

What Pancakes and Politics

When 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 5

Title Sponsor

Where Fredericksburg Hospitality House 2801 Plank Rd. Ticket price $20 for Chamber members $30 for general public

Gold Sponsors Dominion Virginia Power, Keolis Rail Services Virginia Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Bronze Sponsor Mid-Atlantic Foam

To register Please go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org.

The lawmakers will answer questions prepared by the Chamber’s Legislative Committee, as well as take questions and feedback from the audience.

Prof. Stephen Farnsworth, director of University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, will moderate the Q&A session.

Contact Whitney Wa t t s a t w h i t n e y @ fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

CJI

Title Sponsor.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Business of the Year Awards and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

These awards honor businesses and business owners that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the Fredericksburg Region.

The Chamber will present a Business of the Year Award to a company with 15 or fewer employees and to a company with more than 15 employees.

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a company for achieving business and financial success, and for being involved in Chamber and community activities.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award goes to an innovative business owner or individual who recognizes

and meets a market need.

The Chamber also will present the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service to the community.

To nominate an individual or business for an award, contact the Chamber office at (540)373-9400 or send submissions to whitney@ fredericksburgchamber.org.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 10, 2014.

Tickets are now on sale! Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 to reserve your spot.

Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in marketing your company to Chamber gala attendees, please contact Whitney Watts at whitney@ fredericksburgchamber.org.

Advertising in ChamberLink is a benefit of your Chamber membership Contact The Journal - 540-775-2024 for advertising info.

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13

Business BRIEFS Sports Image leads effort to replace high school scoreboards

Sports Image, with the help of so many great local business partners who are committed to the local schools and community, has had a great fall replacing many of the older scoreboards at county schools.

The company and its partners have presented three football scoreboards this fall in Stafford County.

The schools were Colonial Forge High School, Brooke Point High School and Stafford High School. In addition, the group has replaced two basketball scoreboards and a one field hockey board in Stafford.

The partners for those projects were University of Mary Washington, Mary Washington Healthcare and Stafford Hospital, Verizon Wireless, Germanna Community College, Augustine Homes, Apple Federal Credit Union, Fredericksburg Orthopedics, Rappahannock Orthodontics, Access Eye Care, Hess Construction, Union First Market Bank , Tilly’s, Dr. Lupi Orthodontics and GCA. Thanks to all of these businesses the scoreboards were replaced at no cost to the schools.

The group also replaced a basketball scoreboard at Chancellor High School and a field hockey board at Massaponax High School. The group is working to complete a football scoreboard at Massaponax as well. The partners on these projects include: Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, Germanna Community College, Tilly’s, Sonic, Access Eye Care and Chick

fil-A on Route 3.

Advertising spaces on these boards are still available. Anyone interested in advertising or wishing to help a certain school please contact Glenn Harper with Sports Image at (804) 347-6897 or email glenn@ sportsimageinc.com.

McDonnell announces appointments to UMW Board The Virginia Governor’s Office recently announced the appointment of Tabitha Geary, Kenneth Lopez and Lisa Taylor to the Board of Visitors at the University of Mary Washington. They will serve four-year terms, which expire June 30, 2017. They succeed Daniel K. Steen, Mary J. Berry and the Honorable Pamela J. White, whose terms have ended.

Tabitha Geary, Richmond Ms. Geary, a 1992 graduate of Mary Washington, is vice president of marketing strategy and analytics for SapientNitro, an integrated marketing and technology services firm in Washington, D.C. Her career in marketing and consulting has spanned 20 years, including four years as co-founder and managing partner of Create Digital, a Richmond-based digital media company, and nearly seven years as president of a marketing agency in Richmond. As CEO of Tabitha Geary Co., a memory archiving business, she has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Martha Stewart Living.

She has served on the board of directors of Comfort Zone Camp, the largest national nonprofit bereavement camp dedicated to children ages 7 to 17 who have lost an immediate family member.

Kenneth Lopez, Alexandria Mr. Lopez, a 1992 graduate of Mary Washington and a lifelong Virginia resident, is the founder and CEO of A2L Consulting, a leading provider of jury consulting, litigation graphics and courtroom support to all of the nation’s largest law firms. He founded the company in 1995 after receiving a law degree from the Widener University School of Law. Mr. Lopez serves on the advisory board of UMW’s College of Business and on the Dean’s National Advisory Council at Widener. He was UMW’s Junior Executive-in-Residence in 2008 and is a frequent guest speaker for classes and student organizations.

Lisa Taylor, Chantilly Ms. Taylor, a 1985 graduate of Mary Washington, is director of contracts for integrated intelligence systems at Northrop Grumman Information Systems, a leading global provider of solutions for military, intelligence, civilian, state and local, and commercial customers. Previously, she spent more than 20 years in contracts administration and management positions, including as senior manager of contracts at General Dynamics. She received the Northrop Grumman Corporate Contracts and Pricing Award in 2010.

In addition, she has operated a Jazzercise franchise since 2006, where she also works as an instructor.

Fredericksburg Christian School wins nod from Virginia Living Fredericksburg Christian School is pleased to announce it has been named as one of the top schools in the commonwealth by Virginia Living magazine.

Recognized for its innovative student-run radio station, Fredericksburg Christian School Eagle Radio 88.1, WWER-FM, FCS was included in the annual Virginia Living State of Education Supplement, which recognizes the top public and private high schools and four-year colleges across the state. Schools were selected based on programs and/or capital improvements that promote learning in and out of the classroom.

The top schools were recognized for excellence in five categories: arts and humanities, science, math and technology, co-ops and partnerships, athletics, and capital improvements.

The State of Education supplement focuses on programs that are leading the way in excellence and innovation in secondary and higher education and may be found in the October 2013 issue of Virginia Living magazine.

“We are pleased that Virginia Living has recognized FCS and our

award-winning student-run radio station,” said FCS Superintendent Rick Yost. “We strive every day to provide our students with an education that will aid them in becoming successful adults and leaders for tomorrow.”

Launched on Jan. 29, 2010, Fredericksburg Christian School Eagle Radio 88.1, WWERFM, provides students at the school’s Upper School, grades six through 12, with hands-on radio broadcasting and production experience. Students serve as onair talent and produce broadcast pieces that qualify for submission to the Virginia Association of Broadcasters Awards.

These broadcast pieces include station promos, morning shows, documentaries, news and community-interest features and sports broadcasts of FCS athletic teams. In 2012, senior Seth Andrews was named runner-up at the VAB Awards for his FCS sports broadcasting work.

Led by teacher Mrs. Allie Oakley, students also learn the day-to-day aspects of running a radio station.

After learning basic formatics

and FCC requirements, students host their own daily or weekly radio shows. WWER is licensed in Colonial Beach, and may also be heard through online streaming at: www.fredericksburgchristian.com/ Student_Life_Upper_School_ Eagle_Radio With two campuses in Fredericksburg and one in Stafford, Fredericksburg Christian Schools provides nearly 800 children, preschool through high school, with a Christian-focused education and has done so since its founding in 1979.

Founders Gary and Andra Foss created an atmosphere for learning that promotes academic excellence in conjunction with strong Christian ideals and a commitment to service.

FCS is also represented by 25 athletic teams for students, middle school through high school, and upper classmen also complete service projects each year, some overseas. FCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Virginia Council for Private Education.

For more information, visit www.

FredericksburgChristian.com.

Contact The Journal - 540-775-2024 - for advertising info.

14

ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Business BRIEFS Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center names Madsen as CEO

SRMC earns nod from Joint Commission

HCA Virginia has named Greg Madsen as Chief Executive Officer of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, effective Jan. 1.

“Greg brings outstanding credentials and leadership skills to this role,” said Margaret Lewis and Dan Nickelson in a joint statement. “He will continue Spotsylvania Regional’s momentum and keep us focused on quality and safety, program development, and physician and employee engagement.”

Ms. Lewis is president of HCA’s Capital Division and senior executive of HCA Virginia. Mr. Nickelson is president of Spotsylvania Regional’s Board of Trustees.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Spotsylvania Regional team,” Mr. Madsen said. “This facility has an outstanding leadership team and group of employees and a highly skilled medical staff. It’s a wonderful community asset, and I’m honored to have been chosen as its next CEO.” Mr. Madsen has been the CEO of LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, a 205-bed HCA facility in Southwest Virginia, since September 2008. Prior to that, he worked at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (Kansas) Health System, serving as Administrator for 76-bed St. Joseph Hospital, as a regional vice president of Support Services, and as an administrative vice president for 415-bed Bethany Medical Center.

Earlier he worked at Tenet Healthcare Corporation, holding such positions as assistant vice president for Business Development, in Phoenix, AZ, and senior director of Managed Care in Santa Monica, CA, among other positions. He earned a B.S. degree in health science and an M.P.H. degree in health services, both from San Diego State University.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has volunteered his time for a number of community organizations.

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is a part of HCA Virginia, which is the commonwealth’s most comprehensive healthcare network.

SRMC is a $175 million hospital with 126-beds, all in private rooms, and provides a wide range of in- and outpatient services, including 24-hour emergency care, obstetrics, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, cardiac catheterization, surgery and psychiatric care. Located on a 75-acre campus south of Fredericksburg on Interstate 95, the hospital recently opened a cancer treatment center.

Spotsylvania Regional employs over 500 staff members and pays roughly $1.5 million in taxes annually to Spotsylvania County, thereby broadening the county’s tax base.

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center has been named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

Spotsylvania Regional was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. The clinical processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services. New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza.

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. SRMC was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year.

The list of Top Performer organizations increased by 77 percent from last year and it represents 33 percent of all Joint Commissionaccredited hospitals reporting accountability measure performance data for 2012.

Spotsylvania Regional and each of the hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures had to achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures, achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases; and have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measures have a performance rate of 95 percent or above.

A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – examples include giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, or providing a home management plan of care for children with asthma.

“Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinction. This truly shows that we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”

In addition to being included in the release of The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Spotsylvania Regional will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.

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Organization Direct adds new staff Linda Clevenger, professional organizer and productivity expert, is happy to announce that Organization Direct is growing – and helping the local economy!

Ms. Clevenger welcomes four new organizers to her team. Victoria, Tamara, Charlotte and Myrna joined the OD Team in October. Each of the new organizers provides her own area of expertise including: home organization, office and paper organization, kitchen organization and even the sale of e-bay items!

Organization Direct is very excited to be able to assist so many local homeowners and businesses get organized, develop their systems and processes and become more productive. And, don’t forget about your Social Media needs…that is Linda’s area of expertise!

You can find out more at www. organizationdirect.com. Those in need of some “organization” and looking to save money can check out an online coupon at www.burgsaver. com.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reps RGI in new retail location C u s h m a n & Wa k e f i e l d | Thalhimer is pleased to have assisted Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Inc. in the lease of its new retail location in King George Gateway on Route 301 and Commerce Drive in King George County. The store’s opening is planned for late 2014. It will be RGI’s 12th retail location in the Fredericksburg Region. King George Gateway is anchored by WalMart and phase two will include the Goodwill store and other national and regional retailers. Berkley M. Mitchell with handled the lease negotiations for Goodwill.

Contact Charlene Franks at charlene @journalpress .com to get your ad in ChamberLink

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

Business BRIEFS

RACSB honors community volunteers

Scarlett Pons, RACSB Board member David Vaughn, and Gabriel Pons

FLS taps Owen, Jett for new editorial spots Howard Owen is the new editorial page editor of The Free Lance-Star, succeeding Paul Akers, who passed away in September. Mr. Owen was The Free Lance-Star business editor for six years and has been a newspaper editor for 40 years, most notably at The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Tallahassee Democrat. He also is the author of 11 published novels, including “Oregon Hill,” which won the 2012 Hammett Prize for outstanding crime fiction in the U.S. and Canada.

Veteran reporter and assistant business editor Cathy Jett has been named business editor of The Free Lance–Star. Ms. Jett, who grew up in Williamsburg, has worked at The Free Lance–Star since graduating from the University of Richmond. She has covered a number of subjects, including education and features, and won numerous state and national awards. She has covered business for the past 10 years, and has been the section’s assistant editor for the past several years.

She is a member of the Virginia Press Women board and served as president of the organization last year.

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The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) recently hosted a series of clinic open house events as an opportunity for RACSB to provide local and state elected officials – as well as area organizations – with an update on the community-based mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, prevention, and early intervention services offered by RACSB. RACSB annually recognizes individuals for their volunteer efforts in the areas of mental health, intellectual disability, and substance abuse.

The 2013 Distinguished Mental Health Volunteer Award was presented to Gabriel and Scarlett Pons of Stafford County. For the past three years, the Pons have taken an active role in the planning, marketing, and installation of the annual “Art of Recovery” exhibit featuring original artwork of individuals with mental illness. By hosting the exhibit, the Pons have expressed their desire to have a public discussion about mental illness and to be supportive of individuals with mental health challenges.

The 2013 Distinguished Intellectual Disability Volunteer Award was presented to Bob Williams of Spotsylvania County. Mr. Williams has donated his time to Rappahannock Adult Activities for the last 22 years

Bob Williams receives his award from RACSB Board member Sherry Givens

as a performer at Mayfest. According to his nomination, “RAAI participants look forward to his performances because he engages them as part of his show.”

The 2013 Distinguished Substance Abuse Volunteer Award was presented to Billie Ann Sutton of Stafford County. Over the past five years, Mrs. Sutton has assisted more than 130 families served by Project LINK through a diaper fund she established. Recognizing mothers impacted by addiction need additional support to improve their lives and that of their children, Mrs. Sutton’s diaper fund assists mothers who are actively participating in substance abuse services and pursuing their goals.

For more information or to request a copy of the RACSB Fiscal Year 2013 annual report, contact Michelle Wagaman at mwagaman@racsb.state.va.us or (540) 940-2314.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports Fredericksburg-area leases Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports the following recent lease transactions in the Fredericksburg area, totaling 83,290 square feet during October: • Creative Color – 23,066 square feet at 1410 Caroline and 1409-1411 Princess Anne St. in Fredericksburg for a printing and mailing operation. Berkley M. Mitchell and Mike Degen handled the lease negotiations for the landlord.

• New Home Media – renewal for 15,206 square feet of industrial space in Fredericksburg Center C Building at 11812 Main St. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations.

• Tactical Micro, Inc. – renewal for 8,000 square feet of office/warehouse space in Airport Center at 3509 Shannon Park Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

• Silk Road Trading, LLC – 8,000 square feet of industrial space at 195 Wyche Rd. in Stafford County. Virgil Nelson

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and Mike Degen handled the lease negotiations.

High Temperature Linings – renewal for 6,792 square feet of industrial space in Fredericksburg Center C Building at 11812 Main St. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Harris Corporation – 3,300 square feet of industrial space at 11001 Houser Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Republic Environmental Systems – renewal for 3,000 square feet of industrial space in Fredericksburg Center C Building at 11812 Main St. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

The Center for Family Counseling – 2,200 square feet of office space in Lafayette Station at 307 Lafayette Blvd. in Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations.

Thomas Recovery – 1,500 square

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feet of space at 96 Truslow Rd. in Fredericksburg. Virgil Nelson, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations.

Paragon Autism Services, LLC – 1,500 square feet of office space at 312 Progress St. in the City of Fredericksburg. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Kreisner Automotive Group – renewal of 1,500 square feet of industrial space at 4915 Commerce Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Alvaro Yepes – renewal for 1,500 square feet of industrial space in Falmouth Industrial Park at 96 Truslow Rd. in Fredericksburg. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

DDG, Inc. – 1,460 square feet of retail space in Central Park Crossing at 1273 Central Park Blvd. in Fredericksburg. Paul Eakin handled the lease negotiations.

Marcos Rodriguez – 1,460 square feet of retail space at 1821 Princess Anne St. in Fredericksburg for automobile sales and

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service. Berkley M. Mitchell and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Check Into Cash, Inc. – renewal for 1,436 square feet of retail space in Route 3 Village Center at 2221 Plank Rd. in Fredericksburg. Jamie A. Scully, Sharon E. Schmidt and Evan Sullivan handled the lease negotiations.

Shawn Coleman – renewal for 1,200 square feet of industrial space in Fredericksburg Center B Building at 11900 Main St. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

Beauty & Barber – renewal for 1,170 square feet of retail space in Lee’s Hill Retail Center at 10657 Spotsylvania Ave. in Spotsylvania County. Sharon E. Schmidt handled the lease negotiations.

Intuitive Journeys – 1,000 square feet of office space at 500 Lafayette Blvd. in the City of Fredericksburg. Mary Katherine Greenlaw and Wilson H. Greenlaw, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations.

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ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Business BRIEFS REC member wins Home Energy Makeover

When Rappahannock Electric Cooperative partnered with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), UVA Community Credit Union and Dominion Virginia Power to offer the PowerSaver Home Makeover Contest, REC members Kathleen and Glen Jones took the leap and entered for the chance to win energy efficiency upgrades to their home. After a thorough home inspection from trained energy efficiency professionals, the Joneses were selected as the winners of a $5,000 home energy makeover.

“It’s kind of hard to believe we won this. The $5,000 will really help us in making our dreams come true in making our home more energy efficient in our later years in life,” Glen Jones said. “Plus we can borrow a little bit more so that we can make the house even more energy efficient to help us save on our electric bills.”

An electric company might not seem like a traditional resource to turn to for help on how to save energy.

“Our members can take pride in knowing that at REC we are looking out for them by providing the tools and resources they can rely on to become more energy efficient,” said Butch Williamson, REC’s director of key accounts and energy services. “Our sponsorship of the PowerSaver Home Makeover Contest was just one of many ways that we dedicate our time to help our members and to be good stewards of the environment.”

When the LEAP energy experts first visited the Joneses’ home they found that the home had only about a quarter of the insulation that was needed in the attic, there were comfort issues in several parts of the home, and they were relying upon electric resistant heat coupled with an ancient AC unit as their mechanicals. The thorough inspection of the all the systems in the home helped the Jones family to come up with a cost-effective strategy and determine the best way to utilize their $5,000 prize so that they could make improvements yielding the most energy savings at the highest comfort levels.

“The contest allowed the Joneses to get a brand new air handler, a high efficiency heat pump, updated ducts, primary and secondary drains, additional air returns, an attic conditioned with open cell foam, and a crawl space ✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ insulated with a heavy vapor barrier, as well as open cell foam on the walls, ❁▲❁▲❄❁▲❄❆❇❈❊❋●✛→❚❘❃❖❂■❍✌✎✏ and an insulated hatch,” said Guy Caroscelli, lead technical expert with LEAP. “We estimate they will see about a 50 percent savings on their heating and cooling costs and about 30 percent savings on their overall energy use.”

The contest was sponsored by the UVA Community Credit Union, LEAP, REC and Dominion Virginia Power.

To view the Joneses’ home energy makeover process visit REC’s YouTube channel for a three-part video series. You can also find more energy efficiency tools and resources from REC by visiting the Cooperative’s website at www. myrec.coop.

REC provides electric service to more than 157,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, it operates and maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

REC employees volunteer to support local communities What do 41 volunteers from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative have in common with the United Way? Time devoted to Day of Caring.

T his fall, REC employees volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring throughout its 22-county service territory to assist organizations in need by completing projects that varied from painting and fix up to cleaning, gardening, yard work and office work.

“Day of Caring says it all. We volunteer because it allows us to show how much we care for the community. When a non-profit organization has needs beyond their capabilities, it is important for community leaders and organizations like ours to help. This allows REC to establish a sense of leadership in the community,” said Dillon Sheads, apprentice lineman from REC’s Blue Ridge district.

Day of Caring is an opportunity for local companies to allow their employees to volunteer their time and talents to area schools and non-

profit organizations during normal business hours. REC’s employees can give back to the community, work together with co-workers, work with other community partners and have fun while making a difference.

“I think it is important to volunteer for Day of Caring because it gives you a great feeling knowing that you are helping others in need who are less fortunate or going through a rough time in their life,” said Ryan Bache, apprentice lineman for REC’s Culpeper district.

“It gives you a sense of purpose to take time out of your life to make a difference in other people’s lives. It is an amazing emotion to volunteer for Day of Caring.”

The efforts of REC employees to volunteer in their communities have proven to make a difference to the agencies they serve.

“REC has wonderful employees.

We appreciate all of the hard work that they did here at our farm. They all went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. They all hold a special place in our hearts,”

said Mary Lou Rhodes, office manager and education coordinator for the Clermont Foundation, located in Clarke County For many years, REC employees have collaborated with the United Way to participate in Day of Caring events. Originally, REC employees from the Fredericksburg and Bowling Green offices volunteered to support the Rappahannock United Way, while the Culpeper district supported the Piedmont United Way. After expanding its service territory, employees from the Blue Ridge district began supporting the United Way of Front Royal/ Warren County and the United Way of Northern Shenandoah.

REC provides electric service to more than 157,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, REC operates and maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

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DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

Business BRIEFS

SimVentions, Inc. honored for job creation over past 18 months

Fredericksburg-based SimVentions, Inc. is featured in the second annual Inc. Hire Power Awards, recognizing the private businesses that have generated the most jobs in the past three years.

SimVentions, Inc. generated 48 jobs from Jan. 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, placing it at number 13 among the top 20 private business job creators within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the only one from the Fredericksburg Region.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Virginia Job Creator and Hero of the U.S. Economy by Inc.,” said SimVentions CEO Larry Root. “However, the real heroes are our employees and the amazing work they do on behalf of our nation’s research and development labs, defense weapon systems, and military men and women on the front lines. One of our corporate mottos is ‘Your Success Is Our Honor™’ – which is taken from Galatians 5:13, ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.’ – and as our employees live this out each and every day, mixing it with their crazy-good technical talent and capabilities, we can’t help but grow!”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 222,000 full-time jobs were added in 2012— compare those numbers to the honorees of the Inc. magazine’s HIRE POWER AWARDS, which created 69,182 jobs between Jan. 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.

The numbers become even more amazing when you look closer. The top job creator, Universal Services of America, added 14,240 employees to a workforce of 35,000; second-place Vivint added 1,943 to a workforce of 6,496, and third-place Heartland Dental Care added 1,759 to a workforce of 4,965. These small to mid-sized companies and others just like SimVentions could hold the key to restoring America’s economic vitality.

“For the second year in a row, we are pleased to recognize the employers who are putting Americans

back to work for a second time,” said Eric Schurenberg, editor-in-chief of Inc. “The HIRE POWER AWARDS are the only awards that single out job creators. We think it’s fitting to pay tribute to company founders not just for their business prowess but also for their immense contributions to the welfare of U.S. workers and the vitality of the U.S. economy.”

SimVentions is among the 437 private growth companies that are HIRE POWER AWARDS honorees, leading the way in creating more American jobs. While the honorees are found across the country in 25 categories, industries with the most Hire Power companies include health, financial services, software, human resources and IT services.

An award ceremony, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, took place Nov. 12 in San Francisco.

The Inc. Hire Power Award is for US-based, private companies (both for profit and non-profit).

Companies must have been founded in 2011 or earlier and have employed at least 10 full-time US-based employees as of December 31, 2012.

Companies featured in Inc.’s November issue represent the top tier winners for the Higher Power Award and a complete list of the winners can be found on www.Inc.com.

SimVentions is a small business with its corporate offices located in Spotsylvania County. Since 2000, it has delivered engineering (including systems engineering, software engineering, cyber/security engineering, and modeling & simulation), program management, and training solutions to America’s armed services.

For additional information please visit www. simventions.com or call (540) 372-7727.

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Chamber roundtables to undergo upgrade for 2014 The Chamber’s fabulous roundtables – Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford – will get a facelift in 2014.

Each roundtable will now take place once per quarter in order to ensure greater convenience for attendees and allow a wider variety of guest speakers.

The breakfast roundtables will take place on the first Tuesday of each month.

“This is a great opportunity to make our roundtable discussions even more valuable to our attendees,” said

Sheri Kroskie, the Chamber’s member services assistant.

“We’re lining up some great speakers for 2014 and are really excited about the information they’re going to be sharing.”

The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who prepay and $15 for those who pay at the door.

Non-members may attend one time for $15.

For more information about the roundtables, contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org.

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Spotsylvania Roundtable Spotsylvania County Sheriff Roger L. Harris will lead a discussion on the county’s new “Business Watch” program during the Dec. 4 Spotsylvania Roundtable.

The breakfast meeting will take place at 8 a.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites South, 4800 Market St. The cost of attending is $10 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $12 for members who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Nonmember guests may attend one time for $15. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Spotsylvania Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses located in Spotsylvania or that have business interests in that part of the region.

Fredericksburg Roundtable Jeanne Wesley, vice president of Workforce and Community Relations at Germanna Community College, will speak about Germanna’s Workforce and Community Education Center at the Dec. 3 Fredericksburg Roundtable.

Chancellor’s Village Retirement Community will sponsor the 8 a.m. breakfast meeting at Homewood Suites, 1040 Hospitality Ln. The cost is $10 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $12 for those who pay at the door. The price includes breakfast. Non-member guests may attend one time for $15.

To register and pay, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Fredericksburg Roundtable, especially those businesses located in Fredericksburg or those that have business interests in that part of the region.

Attending the Fredericksburg Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Fredericksburg business community.

Stafford Roundtable Sue Henderson with Stafford County government will discuss the county’s plans for the upcoming 350th anniversary celebration at the Dec. 11 Stafford Roundtable.

The breakfast meeting will take place at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Wingate by Wyndham – Stafford, 15 Salisbury Dr. The cost of attending is $10 for Chamber members who pre-pay, $12 for those who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Non-members may attend one time for a cost of $15.

Please go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org to register. Contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the monthly Stafford Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses that are located in Stafford or those that have business interests in that part of the region.

Attending the Stafford Roundtable is one of the best ways to network with the Stafford business community.

2014 Roundtable Schedule Month January February March April May June

Roundtable Fredericksburg Spotsylvania Stafford Fredericksburg Spotsylvania Stafford

New Year’s Resolution - Advertise my business in ChamberLink!

Time & Date 8 a.m., Jan. 7 8 a.m., Feb. 4 8 a.m., March 4 8 a.m., April 1 8 a.m., May 6 8 a.m., June 3

Call Carla at 540-709-7061 • Steve at 540-709-7288 • Charlene at 540-709-7075 • Elizabeth at 540-709-7076 at The Journal for advertising information.

18

ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

Ribbon

Cuttings

Roberts Home Medical The Roberts Home Medical team celebrated the opening of its new office with a Nov. 20 ribbon cutting. Located at 211-A Park Hill Dr., Roberts Home Medical’s mission is to provide appropriate, safe, quality medical equipment and related products to patients requiring Home Medical Equipment and/or Clinical Respiratory Services.

Life Coach Jenna Cooley(center) spoke about pursuing your dreams at November’s CNEW Luncheon. Joining her were CNEW Steering Committee members Monica Owen(left) of B101.5 and Sharon Brill of RAELYN Marketing Promotions

CNEW Luncheon Life Coach Jenna Cooley gave CNEW members tips on how to “Stand Tall and Have It All” at the Nov. 19 CNEW Luncheon.

Y-OPA Consulting Group sponsored the event.

The next CNEW Luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 10 at the Fredericksburg Country Club.

Come out for a delightful celebration of the Yuletide Season with CNEW’s annual Silent Auction featuring a variety of products and services from Chamber members. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Salvation Army.

Following the auction, CNEW will present the fourth annual Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award. This honor goes to a female Chamber member who shows leadership in business and integrity while working to improve the community’s quality of life.

The award bears the name of the late Laurie Wideman, who was serving on the Chamber’s board of directors when she passed away in October 2010. Ms. Wideman was both an entrepreneur and was deeply involved in a number of community organizations and causes.

The cost of attending the CNEW Luncheon is $20 for Chamber members, $30 for non-members. Go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org to register and pay or call (540) 373-9400. All registrations and payments must be received by noon, Friday, Dec. 6. For more information, contact Sheri Kroskie at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org.

EtherSpeak, Inc. Neil Darling, founder of EtherSpeak, Inc., wields the scissors at a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the company’s new office. Located at 150 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 207, EtherSpeak provides quality SIP Trunking for businesses looking for greater efficiency and value for their telecommunications needs.

The Title Professionals, LLC Mark Steele wields the scissors at a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the Spotsylvania office of The Title Professionals, LLC. With offices in the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, The Title Professionals is a locally owned title insurance agency providing title insurance services and real estate settlements. Its staff is committed to providing prompt, courteous and professional services on all transactions.

Need to give your business a marketing boost?

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A benefit of Chamber Membership!

DECEMBER, 2013 • ChamberLink

Business Link

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Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: Dec. 07 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Women’s health Guest(s): Dr. Cynthia Wilkes of Stafford Women’s Health Associates Date/Time: Dec. 14 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Regional economic development Guest(s): Gene Bailey, president of Fredericksburg Regional Alliance

Lts. Gretchen and Jacob Granados of The Salvation Army of Fredericksburg talked about helping the needy during the Nov. 2 edition of Business Link.

Eric Watkins, president of Infinity Technologies, discussed IT issues during the Nov. 9 program.

Date/Time: Dec. 21 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on the Stafford County Agricultural Fair & Hartwood Days Festival Guest(s): Willis Madden & Tonja Schafer of the Stafford County Ag Fair Date/Time: Dec. 28 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Repeat broadcast Leadership Guest(s): Dan Pantaleo, USMC(Ret.) Tune in to Business Link – Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM

Debe Fults and Kim Lett of the disAbility Resource Center appeared on the Nov. 16 edition of Business Link to talk about helping those with disabilities.

Aaron Rayford of Little Fish Swimming talked about water safety and learning to swim during the Nov. 30 program.

Order personalized cards for your business from

Anthony Romanello and Tim Baroody with the Stafford County Department of Economic Development discussed boosting the region’s economy during the Nov. 23 show.

Call 540-709-7288

or email steve@journalpress.com for more information

20

ChamberLink • DECEMBER, 2013

SORRY YOU MISSED IT !!!

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Guess why the advertisers on this page are here every month?

Because they get business from Chamber members.

Give ChamberLink a try and see how well your business can do.

Call Carla at 540-709-7061 • Steve at 540-709-7288 Charlene at 540-709-7075 • Elizabeth at 540-709-7076 at The Journal for advertising information.

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