March, 2014 Chamberlink

Chamber

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march 2014 • THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION THAT COVERS THE fredericksburg regional BUSINESS COMMUNITY • Volume 32 • Number 3

Students, educators, business leaders to gather for STEM 16 Summit

Focus

on...

2014 Tax Season

Trailblazer

University of Mary Washington .............4

Member News New Members.......................5 Chamber Calendar...............6 Non-Profit Corner................7 Doctor Yum Project

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

FredTech, the Chamber’s regional technology council, is gearing up for its third annual STEM 16 Summit.

Hosted by FredTech, the Chamber and University of Mary Washington, the STEM 16 Summit will highlight the achievements and offerings of the Fredericksburg Region’s students, educators, and businesses in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

This year’s event will spotlight student and educator STEM efforts from more than 40 local secondary schools, the University of Mary Washington, Germanna Community College and NSWCDD Dahlgren.

The event will also feature a keynote address by Missy Cummings, director of the Humans and Automation Laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The STEM 16 Summit will include a variety of exciting parts: • approximately 75 STEM-related booths • technology demonstrations, including robotics, lasers and rail-gun models • STEM Career Fields Panel • Eagle Dining by Sodexo

Host & Title Sponsor University of Mary Washington Gold Sponsor SimVentions, Inc. Lockheed Martin Silver Sponsor Central Rappahannock Regional Library Keynote Sponsor Perigean Technologies, LLC Area students played with high-tech toys at the 2013 STEM 16 Summit. The 2014 Summit will offer similar fun. concessions 373-9400.

The Summit is open to the public To learn more about STEM, contact and admission is free of charge, STEM 16 Chairman George Hughes thanks to the program’s generous at ghughes@simventions.com. sponsors.

To register for a booth or sponsor STEM 16 Summit the 2013 STEM 16 Summit, call 10 a.m.-2 p.m., March 29 (540) 373-9563 at Sponsorships are available.

UMW’s Anderson Center, Contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@ Fredericksburg Campus fredericksburgchamber.org or (540)

State of the Chamber event to offer look at future Chamber members will gather in a few days to reflect on 2013 and preview plans for 2014.

The State of the Chamber will take place at 8 a.m., March 5 at the J.F. Fick Conference Center.

The chairs of each of the Chamber’s working groups will give short presentations.

The Chamber will also present its annual Joseph L. Argenzio Award to an outstanding Chamber volunteer.

Financial Corner Financial Corner....... page 7 Business Briefs................. pages 13-15

Schedule: 10 a.m. Conference & Booths Open 11:45 a.m. Welcome & Keynote Address 2 p.m. Conclusion

State of the Chamber Speakers Mike Fidgeon – FRCC Board of Directors Rob Dodd – Ambassador Program Dwayne Baptist – Business Builder Program Linda Caporali – CNEW George Hughes – FredTech Amanda Boccuti – Green Bus. Initiatives Advisory Commission Eric Fletcher – Leadership Fredericksburg Linda Clevenger – Lead Share Brad Jones – Legislative Committee Bill Hession – Military Affairs Council Kathy Hoffman – Monthly Roundtable Carter Fitch – Next Generation Darla Burton – Workforce NOW Shawn Sloan – Trailblazers

State of the Chamber 2014

Silver Sponsors At Once Staffing Holmes, Riley & Associates of Merrill Lynch United Bank

Roundtables........page 16-17

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

Booth Sponsors Hyatt Place Minuteman Press

State of the Chamber 2013 drew area business leaders including Greg Calvert, Bill Hession and Bob Pleban.

Bronze Sponsors Germanna Center for Workforce & Community Education Infinity Technologies

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

BOARD AND STAFF FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICERS Mike Fidgeon, Chair, Providence Service Corporation Greg Calvert, Vice Chair, Kloke Mayflower Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Immediate Past Chair, Mary Washington Healthcare Shawn Sloan, Treasurer, The Media Partners, LLC Susan Spears, President & CEO, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

elected directors Mona Albertine, Jabberwocky Inc. Gene Bailey, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance Nick Cadwallender, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Cos. Dr. J.R. Flatter, Flatter & Associates Maria Franklin, Union First Market Bank Adam Fried, Atlantic Builders, Ltd. Bill Hession, Lockheed Martin Ron Holmes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Kathy Hoffman, Mary Kay Cosmetics Richard Hurley, University of Mary Washington Regis Keddie II, Davenport & Co. Dr. David Sam, Germanna Community College Woody Van Valkenburgh, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Eric Watkins, Infinity Technologies Deirdre Powell White, DPW Training & Associates Joe Wilson, PermaTreat Pest Control

legal counsel Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson PC

President’s Perspective

Kickoff of long-delayed transportation projects to provide boost to region

By Susan Spears The Fredericksburg Region can take great pride in the prosperity its business community has created over decades of phenomenal growth – in fact, we’ve experienced more than 400 percent growth since 1970, and we remain the fastest growing region in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

With a current population of approximately 327,000, we are projected to nearly double in size over the next 25-30 years.

Ensuring the continued prosperity of the Fredericksburg Region is a complex and daunting task but one that the Chamber has never shied away from.

Unfortunately, our tremendous growth has not been coupled with sufficient infrastructure to support the changes in our population. The inability to quickly

move people and goods throughout the Fredericksburg Region is a significant threat to our future economic health.

It is for that reason that the Chamber supports FAMPO’s (Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Feb. 10 vote to endorse a number of long-needed transportation projects, including the Rappahannock River Crossing, the Rappahannock Parkway and the Berea Parkway. This vote by our regional transportation authority was the first step forward in the construction of these much-needed roadways.

The time has come for our community to come together and move forward with these crucial roadways, which will not only boost our economy but will ultimately improve our quality of life. We are pleased that the wheels are now in motion to begin to tackle the traffic challenges that plague this area.

The Chamber stands ready to work with our elected and transportation officials to ensure these projects continue to move forward.

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

chamber staff Michele Renee Dooling, Director of Finance & Human Resources, michele@fredericksburgchamber.org Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support, katie@fredericksburgchamber.org Dale Hendon, Government & Military Affairs Mgr., dale@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 Susan Spears, President, susan@fredericksburgchamber.org Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services, whitney@fredericksburgchamber.org George Whitehurst, Communications Director, george@fredericksburgchamber.org Kathleen Wilkinson, Member Services Assistant, kathleen@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

Dear Chamber Members, Board & Staff, Thank you so much for recognizing our firm as the Small Business of the Year at the 2014 Chamber Gala. Our entire team is humbled and honored beyond words, and we will continue to do everything in our power to be worthy.

We love the Fredericksburg area, the business people of this region and this amazing Chamber of Commerce team that we have the privilege to partner with. God bless you all, and we look forward to working and serving with you for many years to come.

Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Layout, design and production, including advertisements, by The Journal Press, Inc., P.O. Box 409, King George, VA 22485; (540) 775-2024.

Warmest Regards,

Postmaster, send 3579 to FRCC, P.O. Box 7476, Fredericksburg, VA 22404

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.

The Journal Press is pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia's policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.

We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

John S. Nicholls President Nicholls Auction Marketing Group, Inc. Ribbon Cutting Join us for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the team at Culligan Water Conditioning!

When 4 p.m., Friday, March 28

Cost No charge to attend.

Where Culligan Water Conditioning 10817 Courthouse Rd., 22408

To RSVP, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org or e-mail stacey@fredericksburgchamber.org.

Come support a fellow Chamber member!

march, 2014 • ChamberLink

Chairman’s Report

Serving others key to true leadership

By Mike Fidgeon Take a moment from the pressures of running your business and think about leaders you admire who have influenced you.

What traits do these men and women share? The leaders I have most admired throughout my life are those who lead by serving others.

True leadership isn’t simply giving orders or accomplishing a series of tasks.

A good leader develops a vision but is open to input from peers and subordinates.

A good leader can be hardcharging yet sensitive to the challenges faced by team Mike Fidgeon members.

Above all, the best leaders put the needs of others – colleagues, clients, community – before their own.

The Chamber annually pays tribute to a man who did just that beginning 70 years ago come June.

His name was Joe Argenzio. He is the namesake of the Chamber’s Joseph L. Argenzio Award, which is given to an individual who has gone to extraordinary lengths to support the Chamber.

Think Spring - New Beginnings Advertise your business in ChamberLink!

At 17, Mr. Argenzio was the youngest infantryman to hit Omaha Beach on D-Day. He not only helped the Allies secure the Normandy beachhead, but went on to serve with distinction in the Battle of the Bulge and during the liberation of the Falkenau concentration camp, earning two Purple Hearts in the process.

He returned from the war, married and raised a fine family while working for both the Department of Defense and the State Department. Throughout his life, he involved himself in a wide array of community activities. He gave back generously, so much so that he was still serving as a volunteer fireman in Lake of the Woods when he passed away in 2010.

I was deeply moved when I heard this gentleman recount his wartime experiences at a number of Chamber events. His courage, selflessness and integrity, both on the battlefield and on the home front, make him an inspiration to us all.

A few days after this article is published, the Chamber will present the 2014 Argenzio Award during the State of the Chamber event on March 5.

I hope you can join us and that you will take time to reflect on how each of us can become the kind of servant leaders that can lead our community to greatness.

Workforce NOW Workshop: Understanding Yourself and Others Workforce NOW is pleased to present the next in its ongoing series of workplace workshops – Understanding Yourself and Others.

If you work with or around others, this course is designed with you in mind. Regardless of your company position or title, you must first understand yourself before you can understand others.

Raymond Gill, CM, SPHR, CPT,

■ ■

■ ■ ■

Improve productivity Help employees understand your viewpoint Discover the real problem Achieve workable solutions Maintain confidentiality

VIRGINIA MEDIATION Call for a free evaluation

540/373-1848 www.VAMediation.com ChamberLink 1col (2”) x 3.625” 111512 B.Massey-Mediation Center ads.indd

will facilitate this session that will delve into how people became who they are now and, good or bad, how their view of the world influences others.

This session can help you better understand how you and others react to today’s important issues such as diversity, conflict, leadership, as well as interpersonal and generational differences.

What Workforce NOW Workshop: Understanding Yourself & Others

Cost $15 for Chamber members $15 for students $30 for general public

When 8 a.m., March 19

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

Where Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Campus

Michael Fidgeon is Chief Operating Officer of Providence Services Corporation.

Workshop offers tips on building successful, high-performance teams

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.

Workplace Disputes?

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Chamber members learned to build successful teams at Workforce NOW’s February workshop.

Ribbon Cutting Join us in celebrating the opening of College Hunks Hauling & Moving!

When 4 p.m., Thursday, March 6

The fast-paced, competitive nature of the 21st Century economy requires teams of skilled employees who can mesh smoothly to achieve goals without the need for constant supervision.

Workforce NOW offered tips on how to create such teams at its Feb. 19 workshop, “Building HighPerformance Teams.”

Devin Fedor with Mary Washington Healthcare gave attendees insights into identifying the characteristics of a high performing team, selecting and motivating the right team members, aligning the team around a common purpose and driving the team to achieve consistent success.

Mary Washington Healthcare served as the Event Sponsor.

Where College Hunks Hauling & Moving, 4701 Market St. Cost No charge to attend

To RSVP, call (540) 373-9400 or e-mail stacey@ fredericksburgchamber.org. Come out and support a fellow Chamber member!

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

Trailblazers

University of Mary Washington regional expansion points to exciting future

With the opening of a new hotel, one major building nearing completion and another under way, the University of Mary Washington is abuzz with backhoes, bulldozers and forklifts. The Fredericksburg campus is growing and adapting to the needs of today’s students while also striving to serve the community.

That effort is never more evident than in the 93-room, five-story Hyatt Place hotel across from the Fredericksburg campus in the Eagle Village mixed-use development.

The sleek hotel, which opened in January, features 89 studios and four presidential executive suites.

It also houses an indoor heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, nearly 1,600 square feet of flexible meeting space, a gallery lobby with 24-hour food service and 1,400 square feet of retail space. The Hyatt Place already is booking events, including weddings, reunions, associations and university-affiliated groups.

The Hyatt Place is the first project to benefit from the new Virginia Tourism Development Financing program, which provides economic incentives to developers of projects that benefit tourism. The City of Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority are supporting partners of the hotel project, which is being developed by the University of Mary Washington Foundation.

An additional boon for the city, the hotel is estimated to generate $3.27 million in tax revenues over 10 years.

Across U.S. 1 on the Fredericksburg campus, the countdown is on for the opening of the Information and Technology Convergence Center, slated to begin operation by fall 2014. Situated next to Simpson Library, the Convergence Center straddles Campus Walk.

The building’s exterior will look like UMW’s other red brick Georgian-style architecture, but the interior will have a completely 21st Century look and function.

With a third-floor connection to the library, the new space will serve as an academic commons building – a place where a variety of technology, information and teaching resources will come together in an environment that is modern, energetic and vibrant.

The four-story facility will contain a data center, classrooms, offices, a

digital theater, media labs, a café and numerous collaboration areas.

Near the middle of the Fredericksburg campus on Ball Circle, a new Campus Center is emerging that will serve as the living room for the campus community.

The new building, underway on the site of Chandler Hall, will bring a variety of student life functions under one roof and will provide much-improved dining facilities, including a dining hall and food court.

With approximately 108,000 square feet, the center also will house a retail store, student club and organization offices, student programming offices, a ballroom, meeting spaces and scads of student lounge areas.

Down the road in King George County, UMW’s Dahlgren Campus Center for Education and Research, which opened in 2012, has proven to be a valuable regional economic development partner. The Dahlgren campus, located just outside the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, centralizes the graduate science and engineering programs formerly on the naval base and provides a site for research, workforce training and additional educational offerings.

Three Virginia public universities currently offer Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program video teleconference-based graduate engineering courses, including Old Dominion, Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech.

ODU has an on-site office and also offers undergraduate and non-engineering graduate courses through its TeleTechnet program, and Germanna Community College recently began offering classes at the Dahlgren campus.

The Naval Postgraduate School also offers video teleconferencebased courses at the Dahlgren campus, and the Naval War College offers its Fleet Seminar.

The center also houses the Dahlgren Heritage Museum’s permanent exhibit and hosts numerous events, including the National Security Lecture series, Defense Acquisition University courses, as well as highlevel conferences, briefings and training courses. The facility also hosts local and regional communitybased organizations, including the Potomac Gateway Alliance, NSASP’s ComRel, the Fredericksburg Chamber’s Military Affairs Council,

the King George/Dahlgren Rotary Club and the International Council on Systems.

In addition to its Stafford campus, UMW has extended its sights northward, as a partner in the Stafford Technology and Research Center that opened last year just minutes from Marine Corps Base in Quantico. There, UMW is partnering with George Mason University and Germanna Community College to teach professional development classes catering to defense, military and intelligence professionals.

march, 2014 • 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.

Ab Ovo, LLC Jessica T. Ford Phone: 703-395-6417 Fax: (540) 286-0499 info@abovosolutions.com www.abovosolutions.com Consultants Business/Development Consultants Chambers Training Academy Tharthur Myers 11909 Main St. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 940-2906 Fax: (540) 940-2993 chambersacademy@cox.net http://chamberstr ngacademy. vpweb.com Education – Public/Private Partnership Clayton Homes Howard Brown 8433 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 898-4955 Fax: (540) 898-9154 howard.brown@claytonhomes. com http://claytonhomesfredericksburg. com Manufactured Homes Building Contractors New Home Builder Real Estate – Relocation Services

Dance Trance Fredericksburg Tiffany Kelly 125 Olde Greenwich Dr. Suite 190 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (804) 615-2240 tiffany@dancetrancefitness.com www.dancetrancefitness.com/ fredericksburg Fitness Centers/Training Dance School EXIT Professional Real Estate Bill McGrady 11928 Cherry Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 847-7782 Fax: (540) 785-2002 billmcgradyexit@gmail.com www.exit-fredericksburg.com Real Estate – Agents Jett Martial Arts Master Jett 7108 Salem Field Blvd.

Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Phone: (540) 786-8882 info@jettma.com www.jettma.com Martial Arts School

College Hunks Hauling & Moving Jim Wyatt 4701 Market St. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 322-1128 stressfreeservice@chhj.com w w w. c o l l e g e h u n k s . c o m / fredericksburg.com Moving & Storage

March of Dimes Betsy Rhodes 4191 Innslake Dr. Suite 201 Glen Allen, VA 23060 Phone: (804) 968-4120 brhodes@marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes/virginia Non Profit

Obsidian Solutions Group Cynthia Clark 1320 Central Park Blvd.

Suite 304 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: 877-503-0222 cclark@obsidiansg.com www.obsidiansg.com Government Contractor

Mathnasium of Stafford Jerry DePasquale 263 Garrisonville Rd. Suite 104 Stafford, VA 22554 Phone: (540) 602-7786 stafford@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/stafford Tutoring

OneClick Cleaners James Schmiedecke Spotsylvania, VA 22551 Phone: (540) 907-0895 jschmiedecke@oneclickcleaners. com www.oneclickcleaners.com Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services

Mortgage Express Company Sean Andrews 1 Newbury Dr. Stafford, VA 22556 Phone: (540) 809-6162 Fax: (540) 322-2007 sean54donna@comcast.net Mortgage Company

SGB Home Inspection Company, LLC Steve Brown 3910 Lynnhaven Ln. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: (540) 623-6215 Fax: (540) 479-2420 sgbhomeinspection@gmail.com http://sgbcompany.com Home Inspection Service Dr. Thomas “Tom” J. Tomzak Tom Tomzak 1218 Sophia St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Phone: (540) 207-7899 ttomzak@cox.net Member Emeritus

Piccard Commercial Anne Pates 150 Riverside Pkwy.

Suite 213 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 836-5700 Real Estate – Commercial

APRIL 2 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, 3 p.m., at the Chamber office

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

Chamber Calendar MARCH 4 STAFFORD ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Fairfield Inn & Suites Quantico-Stafford MARCH 5 STATE OF THE CHAMBER Wednesday, 8 a.m., at the J.F. Fick Conference Center MARCH 5 MID-WEEK MOTIVATION Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., at Ristorante Renato MARCH 6 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, 4 p.m., at College Hunks Hauling & Moving MARCH 7 NEXT GENERATION REVERSE RAFFLE Friday, 7 p.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club MARCH 12 BIZDEV SUMMIT 2014 Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Campus MARCH 13 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at PNC Bank – Fall Hill Avenue MARCH 18 CNEW LUNCHEON Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Country Club MARCH 19 WORKFORCE NOW WORKSHOP: UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF & OTHERS Wednesday, 8 a.m., at Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Campus MARCH 21 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office MARCH 25 NON-PROFIT BUSINESS BUILDER Tuesday, noon, at the Chamber office MARCH 27 SMALL BUSINESS BUILDER Thursday, noon, at the Chamber office

Seminar Corner First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): March 10, 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: March 7 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.

FRSHRM Meeting Date(s): March 13, 7:30-9 a.m.

Location: Fredericksburg Country Club, 11031 Tidewater Tr. Cost: $16 for SHRM members

by March 10; $20 late registration; $25 walk-in.

To Register: Go to http:// frshrm.shrm.org/events.

The Fredericksburg SHRM will

hold a breakfast meeting March 13. Maria Gutierrez will be the guest speaker. Her 30-year career includes responsibility for nearly every aspect of Human Resources.

In 2010 she became a consultant with her Specialty Human Resources Practice.

She will focus her remarks on the principles of author Stephen Covey, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Topics for discussion will include: developing a paradigm to help manage reactions to events outside of your control, why thoughts and attitudes are ‘key contributors’ to stress, the reaction chain reaction, and exercising choice to reduce stress.

First Steps to Starting a Business Date(s): March 24, 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 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: March 21 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.

Chamber Non-Profit Business Builder Date(s): March 25, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people.

To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org This one-hour brown-bag session focuses on the unique needs of non-profit organizations in the Fredericksburg Region. Come meet with other non-profit leaders to share business tips and best practices.

Chamber Small Business Builder Date(s): March 27, noon-1 p.m.

Location: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend. Seating limited to 25 people.

To Register: Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org This one-hour brown-bag session offers a chance to get practical business tips and to network with other small business owners and managers.

Excel topic of February Business 101 seminar

MARCH 28 RIBBON CUTTING Friday, 4 p.m., at Culligan Water Conditioning MARCH 29 STEM SUMMIT Saturday, 10 a.m., at UMW’s Anderson Center APRIL 1 FREDERICSKBURG ROUNDTABLE Tuesday, 8 a.m., at Hyatt Place Fredericksburg APRIL 2 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Wednesday, 3 p.m., at the Chamber office APRIL 3 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, 5:30 p.m., at Community Bank of the Chesapeake APRIL 4 RIBBON CUTTING Friday, noon, at Hartwood Photography APRIL 10 RIBBON CUTTING Thursday, noon, at Children’s Hospital ARPIL 11 BUSINESS 101 SERIES Friday, 8 a.m., at the Chamber office

University of Mary Washington’s Gail Brooks led a discussion on Excel at February’s Business 101 seminar.

University of Mary Washington Prof. Gail Brooks, Ph.D., talked spreadsheet management during Access/Excel 101, the February installment of the Business 101 Series co-sponsored by the Chamber and UMW. The next seminar will take place at 8 a.m., March 21 at the Chamber office. Lynn Richardson, Ph.D., will lead the session, entitled Leadership 101.

On the third Friday of each

month, faculty from UMW’s College of Business facilitates a two-hour session on a specific business topic, providing specific takeaways for each attendee that can easily be implemented in today’s fast-paced business environment.

T he price for attending a single session is $15. Go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org or call (540) 373-9400 to register. Seating is limited to 25 participants per session.

march, 2014 • ChamberLink

Non-Profit Corner Doctor Yum Project helping children, parents make healthy eating choices In 2011 Fredericksburg pediatrician Dr. Nimali Fernando started a website, doctoryum.com, as a kid-tested recipe and parenting resource for her patient population where childhood obesity and dietrelated illness seemed to a growing and insurmountable problem.

This website and social media presence soon gained a local and national following and grew to a bigger project of teaching a healthy lifestyle to the greater community.

In 2012, Dr. Fernando and her husband, Daryle Darden, also a local physician, started the Doctor Yum Project.

The mission of this 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization is to foster wellness and decrease childhood obesity through education, action, and advocacy.

The organization’s mission is to: • engage children, families and the greater community • create a wellness-centered culture • impact obesity and lifestylerelated illness • promote a healthy lifestyle using social media and technology For the past year the Doctor Yum team has developed kids cooking classes, grocery shopping tours, a cooking club and preschool nutrition prog ram, among many other outreach efforts aimed at bringing better health to the Fredericksburg Region.

The kids cooking classes focus on preparation and exploration of seasonal, plant-based dishes, and often feature local produce.

Children are taught nutrition concepts, are offered tastings of a fruit or vegetable of the day, and are given cooking skills to prepare recipes. We encourage kids to try food by stamping a “food passport” with some of the dishes they prepare, along with the recipe’s country of origin.

T h e p r e s ch o o l c u r r i c u l u m

was authored by Dr. Fernando and Melanie Potock, a nationally r e c o g n i z e d s p e e ch l a n g u a g e therapist specializing in childhood feeding issues. The curriculum gives preschool teachers the tools to teach nutrition concepts and prepare healthy snacks with their students using music, preschool developmental skills and more.

We are in our pilot year in eight area preschoolers involving more than 200 preschoolers and their families. With community support, we hope to be able to offer our curriculum to at least 20 more Fredericksburg-area preschool classrooms in the fall of 2014.

The cooking club is encourages families to cook more and learn to make easy, seasonal recipes. We have more than 100 member groups, some of which are families, work groups, mothers groups, running clubs and more. Sign up is free and gives members access to seasonal recipe collections. Member groups can cook recipes to share with each other socially or cook and save recipes for their families for busy nights.

We are proud to debut our very own home, the Instructional Kitchen for the Doctor Yum Project at 10482 Georgetown Dr. in Spotsylvania.

Cooking classes at this bright, exciting, multi-media teaching kitchen will begin in March. Our first class, Doctor Yum’s Pajama Party, is for kids ages seven-12 to learn how to make healthy breakfast recipes (all while wearing their pajamas!).

This spring our instructional kitchen will also feature an outside teaching garden for families to learn the joy of growing food.

More about volunteer opportunities and classes can be found at www.doctoryum.com.

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Financial Corner Time for Transition – Pre-College Plans

By Nicole Cole Most families get overwhelmed with the major life transition of sending their children to college. If you have kids of any age, you’ve probably figured out by now that college planning is a much longer, more stressful, and more complicated family process than what any of us who graduated from college a couple – or a few – decades ago ever dreamt it would be.

Here are a few things to think about, wherever you may be in the college process: Engage your kids in college conversations – For most, college is merely a four or five-year step that helps guide them for the next 40 years, so it only makes sense to have dialogue that helps make this connection for your kids.

Plan some road trips – Nothing can beat setting foot on the campuses themselves. It’s the feel, the smell, the look that goes with the class sizes, placement rates, quality of programs etc. that you want to consider.

Doing this early and often will help your son or

daughter really begin to define what they are looking for in a college.

Find out your EFC – So that you are not caught off guard by this number and so that you have ample time to possibly improve your family’s Expected Family Contribution, you should get an estimate of your number as early as possible in this process. The College Money Team can help you create this estimate.

Begin to assemble your team – Your team can and should consist of a financial professional, a tax professional, a guidance counselor, a college planner, and a college test prep expert.

There are many steps to the college journey; these are just a few to get you started. The sooner you start, the better off you will be. What better time than now!

Nicole Cole is a College Planning Specialist and the founder of the College Money Team. Contact her at nicole@ collegemoneylady.com or (540) 318-0007. For more information, go to www.thecollegemoneyteam.com.

Planning your retirement – Could you retire now?

Presented by Scott Mason & Jack Farrington A comfortable and secure retirement is every worker’s dream, yet for many people, thinking about it can be overwhelming.

Retirement is a goal to be relished, and the key is to be prepared.

Answering these questions can help you figure that out.

• How do you want to spend your retirement? – If you haven’t started to think about it yet, now is the time to figure out how you would like to spend your days in retirement. Will you be travelling?

Playing g olf ? Volunteering your time? Maybe start your own business? Having a clear vision will assist in calculating

the finances you will need to live comfortably while enjoying your days in retirement.

• Have you created a retirement plan? – With advances in technology and medicine, Americans are living longer. According to the Social Security website, the average life expectancy for a man turning 65 today is 83, and for a woman it is 85.

This is an optimal time to meet with a Financial Advisor who can assist in building a diversified portfolio designed to help provide for longterm growth while keeping pace with inflation. Do not forget to budget for increasing health care costs.

• Will you outlive your assets? – Social Security is your first line of defense against outliving your savings as your payments will continue for

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the rest of your life, however, you may want to consider delaying taking payments until age 70 to receive 76 percent more than if you collect at age 62. Paying off your mortgage prior to retiring will eliminate one of your largest monthly bills and allow you to tap into your equity in cases of emergency. Talk to your advisor about what percent of your savings you can withdraw annually during retirement. Disciplined investors may be able to gradually draw down their savings in a way that will likely last as long as they live.

Achieving the dream of a comfortable, secure retirement is much easier when you plan your finances. Engage your spouse to envision how you each plan on spending your later years and how you will finance your activities.

Deciding together now will make you both happier in the long run.

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors Scott Mason and Jack Farrington in the Fredericksburg office at (540) 370-0441 or scott. mason@ml.com. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Cor poration. MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products are not FDIC Insured, are not bank guaranteed and may lose value.

8

ChamberLink • march, 2014

Business Tips

Five Myths about Long-Term Care Planning

By Evan H. Farr Long-term care planning involves developing your strategy and making decisions now for how you will handle things later should the need arise for assisted living or nursing home care. Long-term care planning includes strategies for paying for long-term care services without draining your hard-earned life savings.

To adequately prepare for such a necessity, people need to discard the top five myths that may be keeping them from planning for longterm care (LTC), and then develop strategies they and their loved ones can prepare for the future.

Myth 1: It’s too soon or too late for me to plan for LTC The best time to create your LTC strategy

is after age 50 and before you actually need LTC. However, even if you are already receiving LTC services, there are still dozens of asset-protection strategies that can legally protect assets and obtain vital benefits such as Medicaid and Veterans Aid and Attendance.

Myth 2: Medicare will pay for my LTC Medicare does not pay one penny, ever, for LTC services. Medicare pays for hospitalization and short-term rehabilitation. Most short-term rehabilitation takes place in a nursing home, which is why so many people mistakenly think that Medicare pays for LTC. But short-term rehabilitation is a continuation of health care, and is not LTC. Myth 3: LTC doesn’t cost that much Long-term care is more expensive than most people think, and without proper Medicaid planning, you will be responsible for paying

out of your own pocket for the care you need. Nursing homes in Northern Virginia cost $8,000-$12,000 per month. For typical middle-class people who pay out of pocket, these costs will most likely drain all of their hard-earned assets pretty quickly.

Myth 4: My current home is the best place to age In thinking about LTC, it is important to consider where you will live as you age and whether your place of residence can accommodate your needs should you become unable to fully care for yourself. Whether your home is “aging friendly” depends on its condition and whether it can be modified for someone with limited mobility. Another option is to move to a community or facility that is more supportive of LTC needs.

Myth 5: My family will take care of me

Unpaid family members are the most common source of LTC help, but they may not be able to provide all the care you need, and they may not be able to be there every hour of the day. Nobody wants to wind up in a nursing home, but it is a needed reality for more than 40 percent of adults over the age of 65.

Don’t let these myths stop you from planning for your future and for your loved ones. Make an appointment with an experienced elder law attorney today.

Evan Farr is a Certified Elder Law Attorney in Fredericksburg and Fairfax, and can be reached at (540) 479-1435 in Fredericksburg or (703) 6911888 in Fairfax. If you have Elder Law questions you’d like to have answered in future columns, please send them to evanfarr@farrlawfirm.com.

Be ready to pay price for achieving business goals

By Dwayne Baptist Many people’s business goals look like their New Year’s resolutions – inspirational but not ver y instructive.

Suppose you want to grow your business revenue 15 percent this year. That is a great idea, and the start of a goal. You can even measure it.

However, if the plan for execution is, “I will do whatever it takes,” you will have a hard time accomplishing it.

The steps to achieving any goal – business or personal are: • Decide exactly what you want • Create a burning desire to achieve it • Take Focused Action to accomplish it Deciding exactly what you want is not simply deciding that you are going to increase your revenues by 15 percent. You can do that many ways, some of which might cost you more than the 15 percent increase will generate.

Developing a written plan for your goal creates the clarity needed to take Focused Action. Some feel that too much planning limits their freedom to pursue emerging opportunities.

Actually, the opposite is true.

Detailed planning forces you to get specific and to weigh options and alternatives. It helps you see risks and traps.

Are you considering expanding your line into a new niche? Does that niche even want what you have to sell? Just asking that question could save you countless hours of fruitless activity in some situations.

A written plan establishes what you value as you pursue your goal.

This makes your plan a yardstick by which you can measure any emerging opportunities to see if they really are worth the cost of changing course.

Now that you have decided exactly what you want, how do you create a burning desire?

You begin by getting beyond what you want and focus on why you want

it. In my book “5 Secrets of Goal Setting,” I teach a process for setting goals that focuses on why you are pursuing your goals.

Why do you want to increase sales by 15 percent?

You will not do it for the sake of chasing a number. You chose the goal for a reason. Perhaps the profits will fuel a lifestyle improvement or college for your kids. Maybe it will allow you to support specific causes important to you.

Whatever it is, creating a burning desire to see it made real will keep you moving.

Once you know why you want your goal, you must keep that in front of you all the time. Steel man Charles Schwab motivated an entire mill to increase productivity.

At the end of a shift, he asked the leaving crew how many pours they made. They said two. Taking a piece of chalk, Schwab drew a large “2” on the walkway next to the time clock.

The incoming crew asked about the

“2”. At the end of the shift a “3” had replaced it. Shortly thereafter, it became a “4”, then a “5.” Pride drove these shifts because they had their goal solidly in front of them.

This story illustrates the third tool for creating a burning desire – The workers took Focused Action. The mill crews had always been taking action, but the chalk numbers gave them a measure to review.

Action becomes Focused Action when we measure it to see whether it was effective, based on our plans.

Why do people avoid this step?

Failing to review is a form of procrastination.

When things are going well, p e o p l e d e ve l o p c o n f i d e n c e and, sometimes, complacency.

Complacent procrastination justifies skipping reviews declaring them an unnecessary waste of time and resources. When things are not going well, people begin to fear for the worst. Afraid of what they might find, they procrastinate in hopes that

things will improve.

Creating a new understanding of the role of review is critical to harnessing it into Focused Action.

Instead of looking at it as a place of judgment, where rewards and punishments are meted out, focus on what is happening and why.

Adversity produces Opportunity.

Progress exploited becomes Explosive Growth. Neither is possible if you do not review and seek them out.

Deciding exactly what you want, creating a burning desire, and taking Focused Action take time and resources. However, the investment will allow you to reach your goals more quickly, providing you the time and resources to pursue additional opportunities for your business and your life.

Dwayne Baptist is a military veteran, executive, coach, motivational speaker and founder of Dwayne Baptist & Associates. He can be reached at (703) 622-5282.

Webpage design in 2014 – What to expect

By Alexander Mabin For the average consumer, the concepts of using a phone book to find contact information or a catalog to place a product order have long disappeared.

Websites have become the go-to place for information and allow companies to maintain leverage in today’s business world. Businesses that fail to harness the marketing power of a superbly designed, aesthetically pleasing, and up-to-date

webpage are placing themselves at a huge disadvantage in today’s cutthroat market.

The world of webpage design experiences notable trends from year to year and in order to maintain a competitive advantage, businesses must be in the know about “what’s hot” in the world of web design.

For 2014, be on the lookout for: • simplistic layouts and color schemes • “Flat design” to portray graphics

•

responsive webpages

Less is more – The value of simplicity Simplistic color schemes and basic yet functional layouts have taken center stage in web design.

With so much information floating around the Internet, keeping things simple helps individuals weed out stylistic clutter and access important information. In addition to flat design, a major player in today’s simplicity trend, websites are using

features such as slide out menus and minimal text with a greater focus on images to keep things short, sweet, and succinct.

Flat Design vs.

Skeuomorphism The concept of “flat design,” a minimalistic way to portray graphics, has recently gained popularity and directly contrasts the design style of “skeuomorphism.” Skeuomorphism aims to bring ordinary objects to life through the use of shadowing and

3-D techniques while flat design takes a more symbolic approach by representing graphical objects simplistically.

The differences between the two design approaches are easily obser vable in comparing the look of Apple’s iOS6 and iOS7 software. iOS7, which was released in September 2013, uses flat design to portray Apple icons functionally and honestly as opposed to ios6, whose skeuomor phic design Continued on page 16

march, 2014 • ChamberLink

Business After Hours – Home Instead Senior Care

Get your tickets now for Next Generation’s Reverse Raffle The Next Generation of Business Leaders will hold its second annual Reverse Raffle at 7 p.m., Friday, March 7 at the Fredericksburg Country Club.

Proceeds from this event will help fund the Next Gen’s Made in FredVA project later this year.

The goal of the project is to encourage the creation of new businesses in the Fredericksburg Region. It is similar to the “Shark Tank,” which runs on ABC and features entrepreneurs attempting to win start-up capital from established business people.

The Next Generation project will give high school seniors and college students a chance to submit business start-up plans in writing.

Following a review of the written proposals, those who have offered the most viable ideas will publicly present them sometime in the autumn. A panel of successful

business people will pick a winner, who will receive cash to help launch his or her idea.

Raffle tickets are $125 and will include food, an open bar and a shot at winning $5,000. A maximum of 150 tickets will be sold. To purchase tickets, contact Whitney Watts at whitney@fredericksburgchamber. org or contact any member of the Next Generation’s board of directors.

You could see your ad here in color After you shake hands at a Chamber event, solidify that contact by placing your ad in ChamberLink, the Chamber’s award-winning publication.

That’s the way to help you get that extra piece of business which makes your membership so important.

Call Carla at 540-709-7061 • Steve at 540-709-7288 • Charlene at 540-709-7075 • Elizabeth at 540-709-7076

Home Instead Senior Care hosted an intimate Business After Hours on Feb. 6. Attendees networked, shared some laughs and enjoyed excellent refreshments.

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

Focus on ...

2014 Tax Season Recent tax law changes business owners need to know

By Carol Irwin, CPA One of the most commonly quoted sayings about taxes is one by Benjamin Franklin, who declared that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

Although taxes are a certainty, Franklin never said anything about the certainty of tax rules. This is particularly true in 2014 when many small business owners and individuals face a changing legislative and regulatory landscape.

As small businesses get ready to file their 2013 tax returns and start business planning for 2014, let’s take a look at some of the more important changes that they will face.

Tangible Property Regulations and Depreciation The IRS issued long-awaited regulations in September 2013 on the tax treatment of amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property.

The regs explain when those payments can be deducted, which confers an immediate tax benefit, and when they must be capitalized.

Compliance with the labyrinth of rules in the final regs will challenge virtually every business.

The good news under this provision is that taxpayers may be able to deduct any single item, the cost of which does not exceed $500 per invoice or item (certain other taxpayers may qualify for a higher $5,000 threshold). In order to take advantage of this “de minimis safe harbor,” taxpayers must have a written policy in place at the beginning of the tax year and must make an election on their tax return.

Under another new rule, small business taxpayers may elect to expense improvements to a building if the total amount paid for repairs, maintenance and improvements does not exceed the lower of $10,000 or 2 percent of the unadjusted basis of the building. These regs must be followed for tax years beginning in 2014, but taxpayers may choose to follow a selected provision on their 2013 tax returns.

For 2013, small businesses are able to take advantage of a $500,000 Section 179

deduction when purchasing qualified new assets. They also have the option to expense 50 percent of the cost of new assets under bonus depreciation rules.

Starting in 2014, the limit as it currently stands drops back to its old level of $25,000.

In addition, bonus depreciation will no longer be available in 2014. These changes could have a substantial impact on some taxpayers.

Healthcare Given the media focus over the last year, small business owners are certainly aware of the various changes and penalties related to the Affordable Care Act. However many are still struggling to understand the complex rules and how it will affect their bottom line.

Small business owners are generally not required to offer insurance to their employees under the Act. However those that chose to do so will need to comply with reforms that take effect in 2014. Employers with more than 50 full-time equivalents could face significant penalties starting in 2015 if they fail to provide affordable essential health coverage to their employees. A few months ago, the reporting and enforcement of the Employer Shared Responsibility provision was delayed until 2015, but employers should not hold off thinking about this until 2015.

They need to use 2014 to help determine their applicable large-employer status and ensure that appropriate tracking of employee hours begins in 2014.

Lastly, the small business tax credit for employers that offer health insurance coverage will also change in 2014. The credit will be limited to health plans offered through a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace and increases from 35 to 50 percent.

option for some, it will still benefit many to continue to track actual office expenses.

Home office deduction For tax years starting in 2013, the IRS announced a new optional method to determine your home office deduction that will no longer require the tracking of actual expenses. The maximum deduction under this safe harbor is $1,500 based on a maximum 300 square foot office space. Although this might be a good

Standard mileage rate The standard business mileage rate is 56.5 cents per mile for 2013, up 1 cent per mile from the allowance that was applied in 2012.

The rate drops to an even 56 cents for 2014.

Remember that you can deduct the cost of parking and tolls in addition to the mileage allowance.

Question: Must a partnership or corporation file a tax form even though it had no income for the year?

Answer: Partnerships and corporations have different standards for filing an income tax return.

A domestic partnership must file an income tax form unless it neither receives gross income nor pays or incurs any amount treated as a deduction or credit for federal tax purposes.

A domestic corporation (including a Subchapter S corporation) must file an income tax form whether it has taxable income or not.

Question: How do you determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor?

Answer: The determination can be complex and depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. The determination is based on whether the person for whom the services are performed has the right to control how the worker performs the services. It is not based merely on how the worker is paid, how often the worker is paid, or whether the work is part-time or full-time.

Understanding these provisions and the recent tax law changes can be a daunting task to any small business owner. Those business owners who surround themselves with a strong support team - by doing their research and talking with their CPAs, payroll advisors and insurance brokers - will be in the best position to take advantage of these new laws.

Carolyn Irwin, CPA, is Tax Manager for PBMares, LLP. There are three basic categories of factors that are relevant to determining a worker’s classification: Behavioral control (whether there is a right to direct or control how the worker does the work); Financial control (whether there is a right to direct or control the business part of the work); and Relationship of the parties (how the business and worker perceive the relationship).

Find the answers to other FAQ at www.irs.gov.

march, 2014 • ChamberLink

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Changes await individual taxpayers during 2014 filing season

By Elaine Farmer It’s tax time again! These are often dreaded words especially this year if you have talked to your friends and neighbors and they have a lost and haunted look after they visited their tax advisors.

We have lived for about a decade under the Bush tax cuts, which have been extended from time to time as they were scheduled to expire and now it’s “taxmageddon.”

We have now mingled healthcare reform into our tax system with IRS at the gate, and we have added new taxes that can have a dramatic effect on investment income and wages for higher income earners.

In addition, tax rates are higher and those obscure deduction reductions or eliminations equate to tax rates higher than advertised. Favorable capital gain rates have been slammed for many people going from 15 percent to 23.8 percent unless you trip into the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which could land you rates of 26-28 percent. The bottom line is that many people will be paying higher income taxes.

The “new” taxes kick in for taxpayers as follows: • Additional Medicare tax on earned income including self-employment income – increases by 0.9 percent for earned income in excess of $250,000 for married filing joint taxpayers (MFJ); $150,000 for married filing separately (MFS) and $200,000 for any other filing status.

• Additional Medicare tax on net investment income (NIIT) – applies to net investment income in excess of $250,000 for MFJ; $125,000 for MFS and $200,000 for other filing status.

A note as you prepare to file in 2014: The NII tax can appear to the unsuspecting taxpayer who has a one-time large capital gain.

Understand that there are twists and turns with these new taxes; therefore, comprehending the rules is very important.

It does seem apparent that the tax increases are geared to higher-income taxpayers; however, there is no consideration as to cost of living where you live or one-time events that may raise your tax bracket.

Retirees that receive investment income from traditional sources and rents may need to regroup and consult with their investment and tax advisors.

Another slippery slope is dealing with the Affordable Care Act for small employers.

There are rules that do affect small employers with less than 50 employees. If you are in this category, you are most likely going between your insurance advisor and your tax advisor to get answers. Some answers are not readily available and some regulations are not as yet published.

If you are an employee with a Flexible Spending Arrangement, you may find that you have new lower limits.

Small business owners need to evaluate not only their choice of entity for operating their business but some of the tax rules that could create a snare if audited. Document your travel and entertainment expenses; consider a tax advisor that works with small businesses; tax plan during the year; and keep accurate books and records during the year.

Get Prepared!

We are in filing season so if you have not yet visited with your tax advisor and have not tuned into the media about tax increases, you may be in store for an unsettling surprise.

Even more important this year is to be organized and use your tax professional’s time wisely.

Most tax professionals will work hard for you but they are not in charge of the tax laws and for them to do the best by you, organize your documents; use questionnaires/organizers supplied by your tax advisor; review your tax return once completed; and request an extension to file your return if you are NOT prepared. Keep in mind that an extension is not an extension to pay your tax so you will need to estimate your liability as accurately as possible and pay up when you actually file your tax return.

If you are in the tax brackets to which the new taxes and rates will most likely apply, visit your tax advisor during the year for a “check-up.” If you are a small business owner, find out Question: Is the mortgage interest and property tax on a second residence deductible?

Answer: The mortgage interest on a second home, which you do not rent out during the taxable year, is generally deductible if the interest satisfies the same requirements for deductibility as interest on a primary residence.

If you rent out the residence, you must use it for more than 14 days or more than 10% of the number of days you rent it out, whichever is longer.

• The combined limitation for mortgage interest on your primary and secondary residence is $1,000,000 for acquisition

what the Affordable Care Act means to you, consider timing of capital purchases and the type of entity you are operating in for your small business.

If child credits are important to you, know the changes you will be seeing with any reductions.

If you have a change in status due to marriage, death of a spouse or divorce, check how that

affects you. There are tax traps for many people to consider because the traps are not reserved for only the high-income, wealthy taxpayers. Planning and awareness are important regardless of your income level.

Elaine Farmer, CPA, CSEP, is a partner with Bowling, Franklin & Co., LLP.

indebtedness and $100,000 for home equity indebtedness.

• Real estate taxes paid on your primary and second residence are generally deductible.

• Deductible real estate taxes include any state, local, or foreign taxes based on the value of the real property levied for the general public welfare.

• Deductible real estate taxes do not include taxes charged for local benefits and improvements that increase the value of the property, such as assessments for sidewalks, water mains, sewer lines, parking lots, and similar improvements.

Question: Is interest on a home equity line of credit deductible as a second mortgage?

Answer: You may deduct home equity debt interest as an itemized deduction, if all the following conditions apply: • You pay the interest in the tax year • The debt is secured with your home • The home equity debt is limited to the fair market value of the home reduced by home acquisition debt, up to a total of $100,000 ($50,000 if filing as married filing separately).

Find the answers to other FAQ at www.irs.gov.

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

Business After Hours – Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District

In King George Income-producing property, Zoned C-2 fronting on US 301/James Madison Pkwy. in King George For service station - now an auto repair garage.

Income producing property, Zoned C-2. Property fronts on Rt. 301 / James Madison

For More Details Call:

7947 Kin King Geor Income producing property, Zoned C-2. Property fronts on Rt. 301 / James Madison Parkway.

540-7

Ella Hubbard For More Details540-379-3056 Call:

Chamber members enjoyed a Mardi Gras-themed party at the Feb. 20 Business After Hours hosted by Courtyard by Marriott. Area businesses set up display tables and a number of restaurants provided a variety of excellent food. Several raffle prizes were given away and a few brave souls even hit the dance floor.

Ella Hubbard

540-379-3056

7947 Kings Highway King George, VA 22485 540-775-6555

Income producing property, Zoned C-2. Property fronts on Rt. 301 / James Madison Parkway.

march, 2014 • ChamberLink

Business BRIEFS REC taps Young, Hairfield for promotions Rappahannock Electric Cooperative has promoted Ernest Young, Jr. to director of operational and construction services for the cooperative. He previously served REC as the systems operations supervisor for two years. Mr. Young will be responsible for the operation of REC’s dispatch center, negotiation of overhead and underground contracts and coordination of mutual aid for major outages.

He graduated from Bowling Green High School. In his many years with the cooperative, he has served in a variety of roles including meter reader, apprentice lineman, first class lineman, lead lineman, duty supervisor, general foreman and systems operations supervisor.

Active in his community, Mr. Young has volunteered in numerous school activities and is a member of Round Oak Baptist Church.

REC has also promoted Ricky Hairfield to director of operation and construction for its Bowling Green district. Mr. Hairfield previously served REC as a general foreman for three years. He will be responsible

Ernest Young, Jr.

Ricky Hairfield

for the management and activities in the warehouse, vehicle shop, and line department in the Bowling Green district.

Mr. Hairfield graduated from Spotsylvania County High School and from the Columbia Institute of Technology. In his numerous years with the co-op, he has served in many roles, including meter reader, apprentice lineman, first class lineman, duty supervisor, lead lineman, line foreman and general foreman before becoming a director.

Active in his community,

Mr. Hairfield has worked with the Caroline Community Club, Caroline County Little League and volunteered for several activities at Fredericksburg Christian School.

REC provides electric service to more than 158,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, the co-op 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. For information about REC go to www.myrec.coop.

New Member Orientation Come learn to get the most from your Chamber membership at New Member Orientation When: 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 2 Where: Chamber office, 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Cost: No charge to attend

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Environmental Business Journal honors Marstel-Day The Environmental Business Journal has awards its Gold Medal honor to Marstel-Day, LLC in recognition of its business growth.

The Journal has also awarded the firm its new “practice area” award for AF-community partnering.

The Gold Medal Award lauds Martel-Day for achieving nearly 40 percent growth in revenue during 2013, opening three new offices, and adding multiple new clients. Revenue totaled $17 million in 2013, reflecting 97 percent growth from $8.6 million in 2010 revenue.

New clients for Marstel-Day included: the U.S. Coast Guard (providing NEPA policy support to the regulatory branch); the Army Regional Environmental and Energy Office (providing on-site support in the DOD regional environmental coordinators offices managed by the Army); the Veterans Administration (supporting VA NEPA studies); the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (to study issues associated with the siting of renewable energy developments); and, the Army Chief of Staff for Installation Management (managing the Army’s energy and water use reporting system).

During 2013, the firm’s staff grew by 25 percent. In 2013, MarstelDay opened new office locations in Annapolis, Colorado Springs, and

San Antonio, a 50 percent increase in cities in which the company has an office presence.

The New Practice Area Award recognized Marstel-Day’s creation of a practice supporting the Air Force in developing policy for and implementing a newly established legislative authority. This new authority allows government services to develop partnerships between installations and sur rounding communities.

Marstel-Day supported the Air Force in bringing this collaborative process to nine installations, which brought together leaders of businesses, civic associations, g o ve r n m e n t , e n v i r o n m e n t a l organizations, the military, and other stakeholders to explore the possibilities for cost savings and mutual benefits, many of which also have environmental benefits such as energy and water-use reduction.

Many ideas emerged in each of the individual communities, and community-installation committees developed these ideas into a workable list of “can do” items such as combining recycling programs, sharing waste-management facilities and operations, sharing recreation, healthcare, and other functions, and providing for shared community/ airmen training.

RACSB wins CARF Accreditation The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is pleased to announce it has received its seventh consecutive three-year accreditation from CARF International.

RACSB voluntarily invited the CARF surveyors to evaluate how well RACSB behavioral health services meet international standards for quality during a visit from Nov 18-20, 2013.

This achievement is an indication of RACSB’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served.

“RACSB seeks this accreditation voluntarily in an effort to make the agency better,” said Executive Director Ron Branscome. “I see it as an opportunity to challenge our staff to improve upon our quality services. I am proud of the work of the RACSB staff and of this accomplishment.”

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows RACSB’s substantial conformance to CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer-review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

CARF has accredited RACSB for the following programs: • Case Management/Service Coordination: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Adults)

•

Case Management/Service Coordination: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) • Community Housing: Mental Health (Adults) • Community Integration: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Adults) • Crisis Stabilization: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Adults) • Court Treatment: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Adults) • Court Treatment: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) • Outpatient Treatment: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Adults ) • Outpatient Treatment: Integrated: Alcohol and Other Drugs /Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) • Supported Living: Mental Health (Adults) CARF-accredited programs reflect practices that are based on standards of quality and accountability to ensure the highest industry standards possible. Using the standards as a foundation for business and service delivery practices, an organization can greatly reduce the common risks involved in providing rehabilitation and human services.

Because CARF accreditation is designed to demonstrate

a provider’s conformance to nationally and internationally accepted standards, accreditation can significantly reduce governmental monitoring, help to streamline regulation processes, and assist payers in determining a provider’s conformance to outcomes and performance standards.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body that works to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities, it established consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. To learn more about CARF, visit www. carf.org.

For additional information, please contact Jane Yaun, RACSB Quality Assurance Coordinator, at (540) 940-2308 or jyaun@ racsb.state.va.us.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) 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. To learn more, visit www.racsb. state.va.us.

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

Business BRIEFS Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer to manage Quarles warehouse

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer has been selected by Quarles Associates Limited Partnership for the property management of Quarles Warehouse, a 40,000 square foot industrial property located at 101 Juliad Ct. in Stafford County. The portfolio manager is Ann Allen of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Fredericksburg office. Sharon E. Schmidt, also with Thalhimer, is exclusive leasing agent for the property. Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer manages more than 22,225,000 square feet of commercial real estate properties in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and more than 5,200 multifamily units.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer reports leases Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer Nelson and Mike Degen handled is pleased to announce the following the lease negotiations. recent lease transactions in the • Salvador Machula and Sal Fredericksburg Region: Bojorquez – 7,200 square feet • Radley Imports – renewal for storage lot in Falmouth Industrial 24,000 square feet in McK Park at 96 Truslow Rd. in the City Business Park at 3010 Mine Rd. of Fredericksburg. Virgil Nelson in Spotsylvania County. Virgil and Adam Nelson handled the Nelson, CCIM, handled the lease lease negotiations. negotiations. • Aver y Ballet, LLC – 5,772 • TriCounty Sports – 12,000 square feet at 11812 Main St. square feet in Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Center C Building at 11812 Nelson handled the lease Main St. in Spotsylvania County. negotiations.

Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson • VIP Medical, Inc. – 5,250 square handled the lease negotiations. feet in Stafford Industrial Park • C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m o f at 1127 International Pkwy. in Richmond – 11,999 square Stafford County. Virgil Nelson feet in Eagle Village at 1245 and Adam Nelson handled the Jefferson Davis Hwy. in the City lease negotiations. of Fredericksburg,. Virgil Nelson • R a p p a h a n n o c k G o o d w i l l and James Ashby, IV handled the Industries, Inc. – an additional lease negotiations on behalf of 4,544 square feet for a total of the landlord.

6,944 square feet leased for a • Lucky Line Motors, Inc. – regional warehouse in Old Silk short-term renewal of 10,800 Mill at 107-D Woodmark St. square feet at 202 Freedom Ct. in Orange. Berkley M. Mitchell in Spotsylvania County. Virgilms handled the lease negotiations.

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• Johnson Roofing Systems, Inc. – renewal for 3,000 square feet in Longwood Business Center at 230 Industrial Dr. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • John Jewell – renewal for 2,200 square feet in Fredericksburg Center C Building at 11812 Main St. in Spotsylvania County.

Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • GNC – 1,664 square feet of retail space in Eagle Village at 1137 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in the City of Fredericksburg. James Ashby,

IV and Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord. • Yau Zhao – 1,563 square feet for a massage studio at 305 Hanson Ave. in the City of Fredericksburg. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • Xingang Mao – 1,500 square feet of retail space for a massage studio at 4415 Plank Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • A b e r n a t h y C o n s t r u c t i o n

Corporation – 1,500 square feet at 3106 Mine Rd. in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson and Wilson Greenlaw, CCIM, handled the lease negotiations. • Wawa – renewal for 1,500 square feet in Fred II Warehouses at 4919 Trade Center in Spotsylvania County. Virgil Nelson handled the lease negotiations. • James Bakos – renewal for 1,500 square feet in Falmouth Industrial Park, LLC at 96 Truslow Rd. in Stafford County. Virgil Nelson and Adam Nelson handled the lease negotiations.

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march, 2014 • ChamberLink

15

Business BRIEFS

Dominion Virginia Power donates to Stafford legacy film

Stafford County’s 350th Blue Ribbon Anniversary Committee and Dominion Virginia Power are pleased to announce that Dominion has donated $25,000 to Stafford’s 350th Anniversary campaign. The donation is planned for the special “legacy film” that will capture Stafford’s central role in American history.

“Dominion Virginia Power’s generosity will significantly enable us to preserve and share Stafford’s unique history in the building of our great nation,” said Harry Crisp, chairman of the 350th Blue Ribbon Anniversary Committee. “This film will allow us to continue our anniversary celebration beyond 2014, so that future generations will learn how important Stafford’s people and places were in our nation’s history.”

Cessie Howell, a member of the committee, has championed this film from the very early planning stages of the 350th anniversary celebration, especially for the many benefits it will offer to school-aged children.

“We need to share Stafford’s history in our schools, and make it a part of our curriculum, so that our children will be knowledgeable about the contributions Stafford has made to American history and be proud to be a citizen of this special community,” she said.

The goals of the film include: • c a p t u r e t h e s t r u g g l e s , perseverance, and accomplishments of Stafford’s people • provide new understanding and appreciation among current residents and visitors to the

county of the importance of Stafford’s central role in American history • convey the periods of struggle and perseverance, followed by great accomplishment leading to the vibrant and modern place in which we live and work today • provide a visual living history of the county’s residents extending over four centuries and tell this important story through narration and historical photos.

The film will be available to Stafford County Public Schools for incor poration into their curriculum and also to the Stafford Office of Tourism and Economic Development for promotional use. An anticipated 5,000 copies of the film are planned for a first run for distribution to residents and educators. This project is still accepting sponsors. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of Stafford’s 350th anniversary legacy! For more information, contact Joanie DeShazo at (540) 658-4159 or at jdeshazo@ staffordcountyva.gov.

Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Ron Christmas, USMC (Ret.), more than $813,000 has been raised toward the goal of $1 million for the 350th Anniversary campaign.

Many businesses, civic organizations, families and individuals have already contributed to this great celebration.

This includes a mix of cash donations, in-kind gifts, and pledges.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in a community-wide celebration that will leave a lasting impression on

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg receives Dojiggy grant Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAF), Fredericksburg’s oldest non-profit mental health organization, has been awarded a grant from Dojiggy, a fundraising software company. Through its “Giving Program,” Dojiggy selected only five non-profit organizations and charities that met the criteria to earn a $1,000 2013 Dojiggy grant.

Dojiggy’s “Giving Program” donates a percentage of its profits to charities and non-profit organizations. The company believes that social consciousness is the responsibility of every company and individual in helping to make the world a better place.

“Mental Health America of Fredericksburg is proud to

Representatives of Dominion Virginia Power (l-r) – Jim Beamer, James Beazley and Dan Weekley – recently presented a check to Cessie Howell with Stafford County’s 350th Blue Ribbon Anniversary Committee. The donation will help finance a film recounting Stafford’s past and giving a preview of its future. all of our residents, young and old alike,” General Christmas said. “I am especially excited about and hopeful of receiving contributions or sponsorships to support this important initiative which opens a whole new world for our young children, whose curiosity and eagerness to learn invite innovative and entertaining education programs.”

Stafford’s anniversary celebration beg an Jan. 4 at the Stafford Marketplace. More than 4,300 people showed up to launch the party of the centuries. The next major event to celebrate Stafford’s 350th anniversary is the Founders’ Day Parade on

May 3, which will begin at Stafford Hospital and end in Stafford’s firstever “History Square” outside of Brooke Point High School. The History Square will run on May 3-4, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Other major events include: June 25 – Celebration Stage Opening will take place at Pratt Park and will provide a lasting legacy and permanent location for programs, events and performing groups.

October 18 – Wings and Wheels will take place at the Stafford Regional Airport to commemorate Stafford’s proud military heritage with flight demonstrations, military exhibits, and a motorcycle and

receive the 2013 Dojiggy grant as it will help in our goal of improving mental health in the community,” said MHF Executive Director Lynn DelaMer. “MHAF exists to improve people’s mental health and wellness through education, advocacy and supportive services. As we continue to raise awareness that mental health is fundamental to everyone’s overall health, the grant will greatly help in these endeavors.”

Through its web site, Dojiggy invited non-profit community organizations and charities to provide a 100-word description about their work in the community in order to vie for a grant.

To be considered, organizations also had to provide proof of their non-profit status operating in the U.S. or Canada; have an operating budget of less than $1 million; and demonstrate a need for financial support.

As part of the award, Dojiggy has featured MHAF’s name and profile on the 2013 Grant Recipients page of its web site.

Founded in 1955 by local citizens, MHAF is Fredericksburg’s

antique car show.

November 1 – Trail to Freedom Tour/Rowser African-American History Wall Opening will explore and honor the African American story in Stafford through a tour that commemorates the lives, strengths, personal stories and strug gles of Stafford’s African American citizens.

For more information on these and other activities, go to www.

Stafford350.com. Additional information can be found on facebook at Stafford County 350 Anniversary, Twitter @StaffordCo350 or by emailing info@stafford350.com.

oldest non-profit mental health organization and provides services such as Mental Health Referral & Information Services (HelpLine); Depression, Bipolar & Survivors of Suicide Support Groups; Senior Visitors program; lending library; and public education and advocacy at community, state and national levels.

All money raised by MHAF is spent for mental health services and needs in the community. MHAF programs receive no state or federal funding and are provided free to the citizens in the community. Out of every dollar donated, 93.8 cents goes directly to help people facing mental health challenges in the Fredericksburg Region.

To view the 2013 Dojiggy award recipients, visit www.dojiggy. com/app/about/giving.cfm. For more information about MHAF and to participate, donate and become a supporter for the Seventh Annual Walk for Mental Wellness on May 3, visit www.mhafred.org, email mhafred@mhafred.org, or call (540) 371-2704.

Looking for past issues of ChamberLink? • Find ChamberLink online at www.journalpress.com

16

ChamberLink • march, 2014

Business BRIEFS

Business Tips from Chamber members Continued from page 8

Taskforce Staffing celebrates three decades of service The team at Taskforce Staffing, Inc. is commemorating 30 years of serving the employment needs of businesses across the Fredericksburg Region.

Since its founding in 1984, Taskforce has offered quality staffing for a variety of Central Virginia businesses, providing outstanding service to both the employees placed and the businesses staffed.

“We are so happy with what we have been able to accomplish over the past 30 years,” said Kim Weber, the firm’s CFO. “Our mission is to help businesses throughout the area not only survive but thrive. To do that, they need the best employees possible, and Taskforce is ready and able to help them find the right people.”

The firm offers a variety of services including short- and long-term temporary placements, temporary-to-hire places, direct-hire placements and customized payrolling. It fills the staffing needs of businesses ranging from light construction to bookkeeping to IT/computer.

In addition, Taskforce gives back to the community by supporting organizations including Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank and Hope House.

“We have truly been blessed with so many wonderful business and ✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝❑◗❅❒▼❙◆❉❏❐✻✽✼ community partners, and we thank all of them for their support,” stated Dorrie Chason, the firm’s Business Development Manager. “We look ❁▲❁▲❄❁▲❄❆❇❈❊❋●✛→❚❘❃❖❂■❍✌✎✏ forward to serving this region for many more years.”

To mark its 30th anniversary, Taskforce Staffing is offering all Chamber members a 30 percent discount on contractual hours for temp-to-perm position orders that are placed throughout 2014!

For more information and to take advantage of this offer, call (540) 785-6666.

MARCH BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, March, 13, 5:30 p.m., at PNC Bank – Fall Hill Avenue APRIL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, April 3, 5:30 p.m., at Community Bank of the Chesapeake

portrayed graphics realistically and ornately.

Andrew R. McRoberts

W. Ashley Burgess

Burgess, McRoberts elected shareholders of Sands Anderson W. Ashley Burgess and Andrew R. McRoberts have been elected shareholders of the Sands Anderson PC law firm, according to firm president L. Lee Byrd.

“Ashley and Andrew are excellent attorneys and strong team players.

Each possesses the positive attributes we require of shareholders of the firm,” Mr. Byrd said. “We’re very proud that Ashley began his career at our firm as a summer associate and has steadily built a prosperous practice as a member of the Business Group.

Andrew successfully transitioned to our Government Group after many years of service in the public sector.

His practice has enjoyed significant and sustained growth since he joined our firm.”

Mr. Burgess earned his law degree at George Mason University School of Law, where he was research editor of the George Mason Civil Rights Law Journal. He is a graduate of James Madison University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude. As a member of the Business Group, he focuses his practice on business formation and transactions, bankruptcy law, and creditors’ rights, as well as business litigation. He represents individuals and businesses in state and federal courts across the commonwealth.

Mr. Burgess is listed as a “2013

Super Lawyers Rising Star” in bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights and in Virginia Business’s 2013 Legal Elite for business law.

Mr. McRober ts ear ned his law degree at the University of Richmond’s T. C. Williams School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William & Mary. As a member of the Government Group, he focuses his practice on land use and zoning, subdivision, real estate, tax assessment, special service districts, and litigation for local governments across Virginia, as well as for private clients. In 2012, Mr. McRoberts was awarded the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia’s highest honor – the Edward J. Finnegan Award for Distinguished Service.

Founded in 1842, Sands Anderson has 70 lawyers practicing in its five offices in Richmond, Christiansburg, Fredericksburg, and McLean, VA, and Raleigh, NC. For 2013, the firm is ranked 11th in the Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s annual listing of the state’s largest law firms. Sands Anderson provides a full range of legal services to corporations and businesses, healthcare providers, financial institutions, state and local governments, the insurance industry, and individuals. For more information, visit www.sandsanderson.com.

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Responsive Web Development: A focus on mobile In today’s fast-paced world, people have the capability to access the Internet from phones, tablets, or other portable devices.

Webpages can no longer be designed with the assumption that they will be accessed from a full-sized computer, which led to the concept of responsive web development. This concept evolved out of necessity; webpage content that is of appropriate size and specificity for a desktop may not function well with a cell phone.

Responsive web development remedies this problem by automatically detecting the method through which you are accessing a webpage and adjusting text size, font, color, or content accordingly to best complement your device.

Designing a web page that is both appealing to the eye and provides viewers with readily accessible and pertinent information is no easy feat. While the design of your webpage is a personal preference, you may find it advantageous to employ some of the key trends in webpage design for 2014 that focus on simplicity and functionality.

Alexander Mabin is executive vice president of Agency MABU, a fullservice marketing and communications firm located in Fredericksburg.

MABU provides website development, Internet marketing, graphic design, writing and strategic planning services to a wide variety of clients throughout the nation. To learn more, visit them at www.agencymabu.com, via email at amabin@agencymabu.com or by calling (540) 370-0030.

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march, 2014 • ChamberLink

Spotsylvania Roundtable

Matt McLauren of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership talked about the business climate at February’s Spotsylvania Roundtable. Joining him were Roundtable Chair Dorrie Chason(center left) and(l-r) Mary Kulesa and Heather Krause with event sponsor Arista Real Estate.

Matt McLaren with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership discussed the mechanics of luring new businesses to the commonwealth during the Feb. 4 Spotsylvania Roundtable.

Arista Real Estate sponsored the breakfast meeting.

The next Spotsylvania Roundtable will

take place May 6 at WyteStone Suites of Fredericksburg, 4615 Southpoint Pkwy.

The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. The cost includes breakfast. Nonmember guests may attend one time for $20. To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend

the quarterly Spotsylvania Roundtable meeting, especially those businesses located in Spotsylvania or that have business interests in that part of the region.

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

Stafford Roundtable Cathy Yablonski, administrator for Stafford Hospital, will give an update on the hospital at the March 4 Stafford Roundtable.

Peoples Community Bank will sponsor the meeting, which will take place at Fairfield Inn and Suites – Quantico-Stafford, 2784 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The cost of attending is $12 for Chamber members who pre-pay and $15 for members who pay at the door. Non-members may attend one time for $20. The cost includes breakfast. To register, go to www. fredericksburgchamber.org.

Contact Sheri Kroskie at sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org for sponsorship information.

Any Chamber member is welcome to attend the quarterly 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.

Next Generation Happy Hour

The Next Generation of Business Leaders hosted a happy hour on Feb. 19 at Castiglia’s.

Attendees talked business in a relaxed atmosphere.

March Networking Opportunities March 4 Stafford Roundtable March 5 Mid-Week Motivation March 7 Next Generation Reverse Raffle March 13 Business After Hours March 18 CNEW Luncheon

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

CNEW Luncheon

Chance Brown(left) and Kenny Brown(right), co-owners of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival, spoke at February’s Mid-week Motivation. Joining them was Next Gen Chair Carter Fitch.

Mid-week Motivation Kenny and Chance Brown with Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival talked about the challenges and thrills of starting a business at the Next Generation’s Feb. 5 Mid-week Motivation.

The next Mid-week Motivation will take place at noon, March 5 at Ristorante Renato, 422 William St. The cost is $18 for Next Generation members, $24 for the general public.

Please go to www.fredericksburgchamber.org to register.

Mid-week Motivation is a monthly professional development luncheon featuring local business leaders who share business tips and their life experiences with the Next Generation of Business Leaders.

The Next Generation provides opportunities for the Fredericksburg Region’s young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 to engage with the community through professional development, civic outreach and social/business networking.

Chris Muldrow, founder of Rambletype, offered tips for digitally marketing a business at February’s CNEW Luncheon.

Chris Muldrow, founder and president of Rambletype, led a discussion on digital marketing at the Feb. 18 CNEW Luncheon.

Make plans now to attend the March 18 CNEW Luncheon at the Fredericksburg Country Club. The centerpiece of the event will be the annual Vendor Fair. About 30 local businesses will set up booths. This is a great opportunity to connect with your peers in the business community and forge the relationships that your company needs to succeed.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members, $30 for the general public. To register, go to www.fredericksburgchamber. org or call (540) 373-9400 by Friday, March 14. For more information, contact Sheri Kroskie at (540) 373-9400 or sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org.

William Houck with the U.S. Small Business Administration makes a point about the intricacies of international trade at the Feb. 12 Exporting Workshop.

Exporting Workshop Ribbon Cutting – Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Woody Van Valkenburgh, CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, snipped the ribbon at a Feb. 21 ceremony marking the opening of RGI’s new Harrison Crossing store, located at 7101 Harrison Rd. The store is one of 12 throughout the Fredericksburg Region that offers shoppers excellent deals on a variety of items, while providing job opportunities, particularly to those who face barriers to employment.

As the global marketplace continues to expand, even small businesses must look to exporting in order to increase annual sales.

The Chamber gave members a chance to learn some of the fundamentals of exporting at a special Feb. 12 workshop.

Chris Zobel and William Houck of the federal Small Business Administration gave an overview of international trade basics. The discussion included information about locally available international trade resources.

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march, 2014 • ChamberLink

19

Listen to Business Link, Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WNTX 1350 AM

Business Link

GUESTS AND TOPICS FOR BUSINESS LINK Date/Time: March 01 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on Germanna Community College Guest(s): Dr. David Sam, president, Germanna Community College Date/Time: March 08 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on Fredericksburg Christian Schools Guest(s): Rick Yost, superintendent, Fredericksburg Christian Schools Keeping your pets healthy was the topic of the Feb. 1 edition of Business Link. Dr. Kathy Kallay, founder of Four Paws Animal Hospital, dropped by to offer pet care tips.

Fred Wellman, founder of ScoutComms, appeared on the Feb. 8 show to talk about his company’s work on behalf of veterans’ organizations.

Date/Time: March 15 – 9 a.m.

Topic: Update on University of Mary Washington Guest(s): Rick Hurley, president, University of Mary Washington Date/Time: March 22 – 9 a.m.

Topic: STEM 16 Summit Preview Guest(s): Brian Moon of FredTech

Cathy Yablonski, administrator of Stafford Hospital, discussed the hospital’s five-year anniversary on the Feb. 15 edition of Business Link.

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Chamber President Susan Spears and Chamber Board Chair Mike Fidgeon gave a preview of the State of the Chamber event during the Feb. 22 program.

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ChamberLink • march, 2014

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