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!