FXBG Regional Chamber Business Magazine

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL BUSINESS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

THE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION

Volume 3

DESIGNING WOMEN Making it Work

Issue 1

Fredericksburg Reg 6th Annual

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Summit

Th to

At this year’s STEM cutting edge STEM

Join us for the 2017 STEM Summit!

Preparing and Ins

School or Non-Profit GroupsContact: Brenda Conway: bconway@spotsylvania.k12.va.us

Michelle Smith & Beth Webb

co-owners of Webb Smith Interiors a full-service interior design business

Conversation with J.R. Flatter 2017 Chairman of the Board of Directors

Millennials Next Generation of Leaders & Employees

Gubernatorial Election In Virginia

«Business» «Last Name» «Address Line 1» «Address Line 2» «City», «State» «ZIP Code» «Endorsement Line»

«IM Barcode» 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240 Fredericksburg, VA 22401

T«Tray Number» «Sort Position»

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From the President

The New Year Brings Signs of Hope and a Fresh Start The mission of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is to build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment.

By Susan Spears For many years now businesses in our region have struggled: first, we had the Great Recession, which let’s face it, we still haven’t fully recovered from. This horrible business-killer was followed by sequestration, which caused significant economic losses for Virginia.

All throughout, burdensome federal regulations have grown to such heights that business owners would rather walk away than keep fighting to keep their doors open. Entrepreneurial dreams never take flight; educational certifications are just out of reach for individuals trying to make ends meet.

2017 Board of Directors:

Officers: Chairman J.R. Flatter Flatter & Associates Vice Chairman: Adam Fried Atlantic Builders, Ltd.

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

And yet as we enter this new year, I see signs of hope. New businesses are starting up; areas of our region are undergoing revitalizations. Our friends in the financial sector are seeing more stability and are even reporting modest increases in activity. Virginia is ever so slowly starting to diversify it’s economy away from federal contracting. Does this mean that all is rosy and a boom has begun? No…but these signs do give us hope for the future.

To that end, the chamber’s mission is to build relationships and create competitive advantages for a healthy business environment. That means doing everything in our power to help you, our loyal customers, succeed. We do this in part through the variety of networking and educational events and partly through marketing opportunities available only to chamber members. We also represent you when we meet with government officials at the local, state and federal levels to enact policies that make it easier for businesses to expand and hire new employees. Our RTAC (Regional Transportation Action Committee) made great strides for desperately needed transportation improvements that affect us all. You may never attend an event, but you can rest assured that your membership investment is working hard for you.

As 2017 gets underway, I am more confident than ever about the future of our economy, and our wonderful community. The chamber staff and board of directors are eager to work with you to make this a prosperous New Year. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get started. Let’s go!

Immediate Past Chair: Bill Hession Lockheed Martin Treasurer: Shawn Sloan The Media Partners, LLC President & CEO: Susan Spears Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

Directors: Brian Baker, UMW Center for Economic Development Michelle Caldwell-Thompson, CTI Real Estate Kevin Dillard, LifeCare Medical Transports Rob Dodd Jr., DLR Contracting Inc. Janel Donohue, Rappahannock United Way Kevin Fastabend, Virginia Partners Bank Mike Fidgeon, Pathways Eric Fletcher, Mary Washington Healthcare Paul Giambra, Quarles Petroleum, Inc. Ron Holmes, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Stacy Horne, Allstate Jeremy McCommons, Foundation Companies Deirdre Powell White, DPW Training & Associates

Legal Counsel: Margaret Hardy, Sands Anderson PC

Chamber Staff: Susan Spears, President & CEO Whitney Watts, VP of Member Services Michele Dooling, Dir. of Finance & Human Resource Diane Zumatto, Military & Government Affairs Director Dawn Haun, Communications Manager Sheri Wikert, Member Services Manager Stacey Madigan, Executive Assistant Stacey Hicks, Office Manager Desiree Suggs, Membership Account Executive Sara Branner, Member Services Coordinator

On the cover…

Local interior designers Michelle Smith (left) and Beth Webb are business partners named Webb Smith Interiors. Photo by Dawn Haun

inside WELCOME

A publication of Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Editorial: Dawn Haun Printing & Mailing: Stafford Printing www.staffordprinting.com FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ESTABLISHED 1916.

540-373-9400 • www.fredericksburgchamber.org • Fax: 540-373-9570 • Located: 2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

3 President’s Message 4 The New Chairman

FEATURES

5 Generations 9 Webb Smith Article

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

COLUMNS

10 Made in FredVa Winners 13 Legislative Update

NEWS

18 New in Housing 23 Next Gen Awards

Fredericksburg Regional Business

NEWS

27 Ribbon Cutting 29 New Members

NEWS

30 Member News 35 Calendars

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The New Chairman J.R. Flatter appointed Chamber’s Chairman of Board of Directors J.R. Flatter began as the 82nd Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors this month. He joined the board three years ago and served as Vice-chair in 2016.

By Dawn Haun The first time I met Dr. J.R. Flatter was at the Chamber’s Legislative Forum in 2015, about two months after I started the position of communications manager at the Chamber. He introduced himself, shook my hand, and warmly welcomed me to the Chamber. I felt as if I had just met a celebrity because, in most of my training and learning about our members, J.R.’s name seemed to come up regularly.

Still, I was nervous about the interview with J.R. as he shadowed me into his renovated firehouse office building on Princess Anne Street in downtown Fredericksburg.

Once again, he offered a warm greeting. My nervousness quickly changed to intrigue as he started to tell me about strategic plans for the board of directors, his business, and passion for family.

Family and business go hand-in-hand J.R. and his wife Alicia co-founded Flatter & Associates in 2002. The business was based in Stafford County. They provide support service solutions for the government and commercial partners.

The business has evolved into an intergenerational company with three of their four children working there. Brittany Chiang, Flatter’s daughter, serves as the Chief Financial Officer. Also, Alexandria, Lucas, and Oliver Chiang (son-in-law) work in the company. His son Jacob serves as a Director on the company’s board of directors.

Flatter is a fan of nepotism.“It’s great for many reasons,” says Flatter.

“The business itself; the ability to make decisions as a family; and it makes things less complicated. We all contribute strategically, and the others on a daily basis.”

Service in the U.S. Marines for 22 years Flatter grew up on a small dairy farm in Washington State. He joined the U.S. Marines in 1980,­rising from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant 4

before receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and eventually retiring as a Major.

Throughout his military career, he knew when he retired he would start his own business. Fortunately, he started right out of the gate with a 90-day government contract, which rolled into something longer and continued for 15 years. “I was a babe in the woods,” admitted Flatter. “I had no idea what I was getting into. I was naïve in the market I was entering. Government contracting was a different business model, it was a steep learning curve, and still is 15 years later.”

Flatter compares starting a business to learning how to drive. “Just jump in and drive and hope you have enough knowledge not to hurt anyone while going through the process,” he said.

“But even after driving for more than 40 years, I still pull out in front of people, make turns too fast. It’s a lifelong learning engagement. I have tons of scars on my back just like all who run a business.”

The company is in a growth and transition period since winning several large contracts recently. This growth means they will have to change their business model. They will no longer be a small business, which Flatter says is a good thing. “We are reinventing our services, strategy, and leadership,” he said. “I will be a full-time Chairman; making Brittany Chiang our CEO; with Oliver Chiang and Jeff Covino serving as Division Presidents.”

Characteristics of a leader Flatter is one of the facililtators for the Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program. In this capacity he works with Dave Corderman, Ph.D., Senior Partner of Academy Leadership Associates, and Chamber President Susan Spears, to deliver the nine-month program. “It’s getting stronger every year; and it’s great to watch the maturation of the fellows over the nine months,” says Flatter.

“The depth of the program’s influence across our community is amazing.”

Fredericksburg Regional Business

Dr. J.R. Flatter Education: He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington; a Masters of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School; and a Ph.D. in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership Development – from The George Washington University.

Favorite quote: “Everyone that I meet is wiser than I, and that I learn from each of them.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Most proud accomplishment: “Quite literally is my four children and my wife of 32 years. It’s satisfying to see who they have become and where they are heading.”

Challenges of a leader today: Customizing the appropriate leadership engagement methods for each individual and group we are leading to ensure the greatest achievements from each.

There are many characteristics and styles of a good leader. One distinctive standout of Flatter’s is ‘the Courage Competency.’ “To be a leader, you volunteer to step in front of others and say ‘follow me’ which takes courage,” says Flatter. “To make the decisions knowing it will be beneficial for others Continued to page 14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Feature

Intro to Six Living Generations

By Dawn Haun

before or after.

The generations and life stages have always been confusing to me, and intriguing.

These are clues that show where and when to begin connecting and influencing people of different ages. This could be based on factors such as the age of your parents, if you grew up in an urban or rural environment, affluence, education and more. Or if you were raised in a military household which can change your generational identity.

I’m on the edge of two generations: The baby boomers and the Gen X. I acknowledge to being a ‘second subset,’ baby boomer. Yes, apparently there are two sets: the 60s and 70s and the 70s and 80s, even though baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. Confused yet?

The first set of the 20-year span of baby boomers was the 60s and 70s that are described as ‘the save-the-world revolutionaries.’ The second set is the 70’s and 80s known as the ‘party-hardy career climbers or Yuppies.’

There are six living generations now. Each generation are groupings of people who help us to see them and the world differently—and more clearly.

So where do the generations begin and end?

The Center for Generational Kinetics numerous research studies have found, the birth years listed below are the general beginning and ending years for each of the five generations: • Gen Z, born 1996 to present • Millennials, born 1977 to 1995 • Gen X, born 1965 to 1976 • Baby boomers, born 1946 to 1964 • Traditionalists, born 1945 and earlier It is interesting to know that you can be born within three years on either side of the beginning or ending of a generation and have all the characteristics of the generation

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Who determines the characteristics of a generation?

The Center for Generations Kinetics uses research and data information from brands, employers, industries and public information to uncover global generational trends and findings. All of this collective data is used along with the years of birth, geography, parenting philosophy, technology and economics.

An example of findings for baby boomers generation is their parenting philosophy. “We want it easier for our kids than it was for us.” This created the next generation of Millennials to have a feeling of entitlement. They have been told that they are special, and to expect the world to treat them that way. Heck, they would receive a trophy just for being on a soccer team.

Millennials do not live to work, they like a relaxed environment and need hand holding and accolades. This generation has had computers all of their life. They rely on the internet for information and socially. This brings a character likeness of assertive and condescending, especially if they are not given access to information.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

Continued on next page

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Feature Continued from previous page

Personality traits of Gen Y Millennials

Changes will be made.

As we slip more into the digital world, new research discoveries will change the already determined characteristics of the past generations, and will shape the future ones.

Looking ahead, the latest group determined are Generation Z, born after 2001, which has the largest number of births, outnumbering the baby boomers.

I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by this fact and still confused about generations coming and going. I will simply describe new generations in an old-school description: “I don’t understand this new generation of kids. We never acted or talked like that.”

References: Studies of Dr. Jill Novak, Univ. of Phoenix, Texas A&M Univ.; The Center for Generational Kinetics.

Contact Stafford Printing for information on advertising and inserts in Fredericksburg Regional Business

howen@staffordprinting.com

659.4554

• Born between 1981* and 2000*.

• Aka “The 9/11 Generation” “Echo Boomers” America’s next great generation brings a sharp departure from Generation X. • They are nurtured by omnipresent parents, optimistic, and focused.

• Respect authority.

• Falling crime rates. Falling teen pregnancy rates. But with school safety problems; they have to live with the thought that they could be shot at school, they learned early that the world is not a safe place.

• They schedule everything.

• They feel enormous academic pressure.

• They feel like a generation and have great expectations for themselves.

• Prefer digital literacy as they grew up in a digital environment.

Have never known a world without computers! They get all their information and most of their socialization from the Internet.

• Prefer to work in teams.

• With unlimited access to information tend to be assertive with strong views.

• Envision the world as a 24/7 place; want fast and immediate processing.

• They have been told over and over again that they are special, and they expect the world to treat them that way.

• They do not live to work, they prefer a more relaxed work environment with a lot of hand holding and accolades.

Reference: The Center for Generational Kinetics

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Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Feature

The Millennials – A new generation of employees

By Dawn Haun

Gen-Y describes their generation as driven, passionate, and ambitious.

Millennials have a very different outlook on what they expect from their workplace experience. Millennials are well-educated, masters in digital communication, self-confident, able to multi-task and have plenty of energy. They have high expectations for themselves and prefer to work in teams. Millennials seek challenges, yet lifestyle balance is most important to them.

Move over baby boomers. . . the millennial generation, also known as Gen-Y, includes births from 1982 – 2000. They are the generation everyone’s talking about – for all kinds of reasons. They’re often highlighted in the media for their social-media obsessions, hipster beards and stocking caps.

But take notice, they are grownups and entering in the workforce, all 2.5 billion of them, making them one of the biggest targeted audience.

But are the Gen-Y employees mature enough and have the mindset to take over in the business world?

Baby boomers are currently the largest generation of active workers. Boomers identify their strengths as organizational memory, optimism, and their willingness to work long hours.

This generation grew up in organizations with corporate bosses, rather than flat management structures and teamwork job roles.

Millennials – the most misunderstood generation Headline comments about Millennials refer to today’s youth as lazy, ignorant, and selfish. Also, self entitled, crybabies, and disconnected. But maybe these generalizations are ambiguous and a stereotype for all generations as they too were coming of age.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

They are the largest age group to emerge since the baby boom generation, and in the next 20 years as this workforce grows, employers will need to make major adjustments in their recruitment models, taking into account the generational differences between baby boomers and millennials.

Motivating, engaging and retaining people will become priorities for managers and human resources professionals.

The Millennial difference Millennials are creating a change in how work gets done as they work more in teams and use more digital technology.

For them, it’s all about passion, purpose and values: these have to line up, both in their roles at work and at home.

Millennials have entrepreneurship in their blood: they tend to be more comfortable initiating their own ideas than following a traditional top-down structure.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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Feature Continued from previous page

Employers will have to carefully consider what strategies they will use to cultivate and retain valuable millennial employees now and into the future.

While many businesses are touting friendly workplaces with flexible schedules and transparent salaries in order to lure talent, they may need to offer more career focused perks instead for Generation Z/Millennials.

Yet the biggest obstacle will be retaining these employees.

Any company is susceptible to losing talent if these employees aren’t engaged in the work they do or feel committed to the organization they work for.

Millennials want a coach, not a boss.

According to a research by Forbes, millennials don’t feel that they work for their organization rather they work with it, and they want their employers to act accordingly. The study revealed that they expect greater accessibility to leadership.

They are looking more for mentorship than their pink slips.

Creating an environment where millennial employees feel supported and valued generally leads to productivity, valuable relationships, and engagement, both of which will translate to company loyalty.

In contrast, the Baby Boomer Generation feels there are

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no shortcuts to success. They represent a sense of history in their field, and can be viewed negatively by their younger counterparts. Baby boomers were raised on the brick-andmortar thought on productivity: if you’re at your desk, you’re working.

Differences occur with Gen-X and Gen-Y on acceptable work-life balance, quality of work vs. quantity of work, and most of all, flexibility. Boomers prefer to have staff in the office, face-to-face, every day. Millennials prefer an equal work-life balance, flexible hours, work-from-home options, and mobile technology to support their professional lifestyles.

Since today’s business environment is multi-generational, many challenges will naturally arise, but this type of diversity can also bring unexpected benefits to the blended workforce.

Recognizing and tapping into the history, experience, and wisdom of the boomer generation is a great component for transferring knowledge and team building, while millennials can work with boomers to realize greater efficiencies with mobile and digital technologies. The workplace of today is an historic, blending of culture, knowledge and experience that we may not see again for decades to come.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Feature

Making it Work Two local designing women partner to create a unique interior design business

By Lisa Freeden, Contributing Writer Men and women alike have sustained their momentum during challenges of careers while staying connected to their families. Some are successful at both, but the added challenges of our 21st century world are making it harder to manage both.

Two local entrepreneuring women decided to design their own solution by combining their passion for interior design and raising a family.

Michelle Smith and Beth Webb are partners in Webb Smith Interiors, LLC of Fredericksburg, an interior design company that specializes in office and home spaces.

It’s a challenge to manage a career and a family. “There aren’t many bosses that allow the flexibility needed to be with families and meet the career goals the business expected, so we started our own company to have that flexibility,” said Michelle. “We made a perfect combination.”

Their story and advice reflect three main themes: defining success for yourself, building support networks at work and at home, and collaborating with your partner.

They first met at Spotswood Baptist Church several years ago. The ladies clicked right away once they discovered they shared a passion for interior design. Beth holds a degree in interior design and worked 19 years at an architectural firm. Michelle’s resume includes business management and real estate sales, which enables her to help

clients make design selections that will increase the value of the home.

Michelle explained, “If someone is planning to sell their home in the next five years, the selections they make now should be what purchasers would be attracted to. For instance, if a client has a unique taste -that’s greatbut if they’re going to sell, we encourage them to choose styles that have a universal appeal.”

Webb Smith Designs opened their office in the Bowman Center two years ago. Their first commercial client was LifeCare Medical Transport, who’s office they designed from start to finish.

“The plans were in place, so the first meeting was with the architect and contractors to decide the type of exterior finishes,” said Michelle. “We made selections of exterior stone, interior door hardware, furniture, and lighting. There are private office spaces, billing offices with work stations and internet stations for visitors and employees.”

1- The lobby design for LifeCare Medical Transport.

2- Playhouse under staircase.

3- Rustic dining room design.

4- Traditional master bedroom design. Submitted photos

More recently, the partners are working with Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors (FAAR), who are expanding their office building by adding a lower level. “Right now we’re in the process of making their design selections and developing a style,” Michelle said.

In order to determine a perfect interior design space, Michelle and Beth start by evaluating the function or purpose of the space and how it is currently being used. Next, they collaborate to create the perfect style based on the client’s tastes.

Beth and Michelle are close friends as well as business partners. Dawn Haun photo JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

The company uses a design technology to help the client visualize the room layout. Michelle explained, “We take the dimensions and

Fredericksburg Regional Business

implement the scale of the furniture and create a 3D rendering that walks clients through the entire space. Its a huge advantage for people who have a hard time visualizing their space.”

As many people are aware, choosing the right color of paint can be difficult.

Webb Smith uses paint palette selections on-site because interior lighting changes color tremendously. “One of the most difficult colors to choose is gray because it can turn purple very easily. In one house it might look like the perfect gray, but in another house, it will look lavender,” said Michelle.

Occasionally, they will deal with a Continued on next page 9

Feature

For those that need to define their style, Webb Smith’s website has a convenient drop-down menu for style options: traditional, rustic, coastal, modern, and French Country.

In addition, Webb Smith offers three service options. Full service provides a complete, start-to-finish unique space.

They make the purchases, install furnishings, and schedules with contractors. For the DIY customers, they offer guidance on color and furnishing and where to buy; or advice on the perfect palette of colors to make spaces flow together.

The most rewarding part of the job for Michelle and Beth is the ‘big reveal’ of the newly designed home space. “It is just so exciting to see people fall in love with their home again,” said Michelle. “They are so excited they sometimes cry. ”

Future goals for Webb Smith include designing a restaurant in downtown Fredericksburg. “We have the greatest ideas for that and can’t wait for the opportunity,” they said.

Michelle and Beth agreed on their business motto ‘Family always comes first.’ An advantage of their partnership is their backup for each other when a family commitment arises.

Both feel blessed to love what they do, love the flexibility, and take pleasure in helping their clients enjoy their new spaces to live and work.

At a Glance: ‘Designing to Make You Love Where You Live!’

11903 Bowman Drive, Suite 106 Fredericksburg 22408 (703) 928-0462 www.webbsmithdesigns.com

By Scott Richards, Contributing Writer The internet has become an integral part of our lives. We get most of our information online, socialize and even shop online. Can you imagine your life without it?

Facebook and Twitter inundate us with electronic billboard advertisements. If you do click on advertisements, you’re directed to a website, usually for more information about the businesses or their products. But what about those who don’t follow to the website? And how current is the information on the internet?

In Fredericksburg, a new business has started, Hapcast, is about businesses promoting their sales and events. HapCast’s three partners—founder Charlie Kaiman, chief operating officer Steve Labrador and chief executive officer Kris Carter to go beyond what most social media sites have to offer from a business perspective.

The businessmen pitched their business plan at the Made in FredVa competition which is organized by the Next Generation of Business Leaders, a program of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and were awarded the People’s Choice Award.

Hapcast is an application that provides consumers with information (messages called Haps) centered on timesensitive and location-based data. The idea behind businesses advertising on Hapcast is quite simply, to be a ‘digital sandwich board’ to the general public displaying the most up-to-date information. Food trucks that are at different locations or gas station tracking fluctuating gas prices could keep the public updated on the lowest prices. The application would be an excellent source of communication for churches and other nonprofits to announce upcoming events.

The founders and developers of Hapcast have made this location-based online app for the consumer to use free. There 10

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is no need to follow business’s website and doesn’t require a subscription. The core service is free to both the consumer and the business.

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controlling or nervous client. “We usually win them over,” says Michelle. “But there is a lot of trust and handholding in the process. We update the clients in stages of the project so they gain trust in Webb Smith to produce a space they will love.”

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Labrador offered the following example of how this works: A retail clothing outlet purchased a number of Chino pants and now realized he over order. The clothing store would put out a Hap, of a special sale on the extra pants making it last for several days. Viewers looking for clothes would sign on to Hapcast for clothing. While looking through the different stores listed, they could find the sale on the Chinos. In addition, the store would be able to add a counter on the Hap and display the inventory left. This would save a trip to the store if all the sale pants had already been sold.

Besides listing the clothing and sale price, there are directions and GPS reading to the store. Handy if a flash sale or special event was being held.

Businesses can post multiple Haps, depending on the specifics of what the message was.

In addition, there is no minimum time the Hap would have to be posted. Hapcast is not tied to internet algorithms that try to fit the consumer with the best fit.

Businesses are able to post their Haps and allow the customer to decide what the best fit is.

For more information or to be a Hap sender or a Hap user, you can download the app and follow the instructions on their website hapcast.com.

Scott Richards is a freelance writer living in Caroline County, owner of Loch Haven Vineyards.

He is a wine columnist for the Fredericksburg Front Porch.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

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Feature

Made in FredVa Winner:

By Scott Richards, Contributing Writer On February 3, 2015, near Valhalla, New York, a commuter train collided with an SUV that was stuck between the gates on the tracks, killing a mother of three, five passengers in the automobile, and injuring fifteen others. The SUV was pushed 800 feet and destroyed. Also lost were two train engines weighing 87 tons each. The township was all but closed down for a week before the clean up could be completed and rail transport continued as the tracks were damaged and the engines and damaged cars had to be removed from the rail by the railway company.

grade level railroad crossings. Prior to the Valhalla accident, Worthey was dismayed at the inadequacies of safety measures that are at railroad crossings. Since then, he has W IN N E R! been developing an intellectual concept designed to improve safety in these situations. In addition to building the company around the concept, patent protection has been applied for and is pending.

The system proposed by Worthey is based on a sensory system at the crossing that remains dormant until the train causes the gate to begin lowering. When activated, the sensors will give the engineer a warning that something lies on the track ahead. Another variation that is also being developed will allow the sensory device to be connected to the braking system of the engine, so that when the sensor picks up an object on the track, the brakes will be applied electronically, taking out the reaction time of the person operating the engine.

Pictures and recordings of the incident will be added as well.

Currently, the investigation has cost in excess of $14 million dollars with no payout in sight. In 2008, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was charged with improving railroad safety under the Positive Train Control (PTC) of 2008.

This mandate, along with the understanding of how much these accidents cost the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), has long been a thorn in the side of railroad companies when accidents occur. It was reported railroad companies have issued post accident statements expressing their dismay that an accident happened and the desire to find ways to stop this sort of thing from happening, but little Car v. Train: Officials investigate the scene of an accident has been done.

The concept of a sensor driven warning system has a wide effect on the community, from areas not having to deal with the loss of services to saving the rail road companies exorbitant insurance premiums based on the cost of pay outs when accidents happen in Theodore on March 28, 2010. Thomas Dalton, 44, died and having to replace expensive Safety at a railroad crossing as a result of injuries sustained in the wreck. Records show equipment lost or damaged. is paramount with the warning he had previously been convicted of trying to beat a train. for both the train and the traffic Dalton ignored the flashing warning lights as he steered his According to Worthey, the expense faced by the individual is crossing the greatest deterrent to 1996 Chrysler New Yorker around the lowered signal arm more than replacing a destroyed accidents. While gates provide a just after 6:30 p.m., according to a news release from the automobile. The loss of loved warning to the vehicular traffic at Mobile Police Department. ones and the trauma of these the crossroads, too often collisions experiences present are immeasurable. This product will take occur when drivers either ignore the warning, or get caught care of ninety per cent of the accidents caused by the human in between the gates, as was the case in Valhalla, NY. Human error of all involved. error was said to be the greatest cause of accidents.

Anthony Worthey, CEO, of Stafford, found the accident particularly disturbing and started the company TrakSafe T Inc to work toward minimizing accidents and collisions at all

TrakSafe T business members pose with and NextGen leaders after winning the MFVA competition. Dawn Haun photo JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Utilizing years of experience in IT, Worthey envisions a series of sensory devices interconnected so if a sensor in a location goes down, notice will immediately be sent to the proper authorities and a contractor can be dispatched immediately.

Cost of a system at a graded crossing will be 70-80 thousand dollars, a figure than includes maintenance. The cost will fall upon the municipality, but will be far less than the cost of an accident. Given the number of rail road accidents annually, a system that will affect a large percentage of them will save everyone involved not just money, but grief, worry, time and the shut down of the rail way systems caused by collisions.

The work to date done by Worthey has been has been awarded the Grand Prize of $10,000.00 in the Fourth Annual Made in FredVa Business Plan competition sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Next Generation of Leaders. Funds awarded will be used to build a prototype to display at trade shows and to municipalities.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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News

Working with Millennials By: Lynn Richardson Do you have millennials working in your organization? If so, these thoughts should resonate with you. If not, you are in for a world of change as they enter your workplace!

What, you say, is a millennial? A millennial is someone born between 1980 and 2000. Many of you are parents of millennials; you will recognize the attitudes and behaviors this group exhibits.

Today there are 53.5 millennials in the workforce. By 2025, 75% of employees will be millennials. So if you have not begun strategically thinking how you recruit, train and retain this future workforce, now is the time to start!

They are different than previous generations.

According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey, this group is most concerned with opportunities for career progression (they want to be a VP in three years!). The second most important job attribute is competitive wages, then training and development opportunities, then benefits packages.

They want to work for organizations that engage them and that have a social commitment. Business Insider reports that 90% of this generation’s purchasing decisions are influenced by a company’s social commitment. Does your company HAVE a social commitment? And, if so, does anyone (outside of your organization) know that you have it and/or what it is?

This generation expects feedback more often than at the annual performance review. They want to know that they are having an impact and making a contribution. And if they do not get the feedback and/or believe they are contributing, they will look for another job.

Dr. Lynne Richardson

If we surveyed your organization, what would we find?

Would, as a recent Gallup survey found, we learn that onehalf of your employees would not recommend their employer to their peers? Would we learn that only 13 percent of your employees feel “highly engaged?” If that’s the case, no wonder there is a high turnover rate among millennials.

When I think of many of the traditional companies, I am concerned about their futures as millennials swamp the workplace! This group of talented workers will flock to those companies that don’t say, “This is the way we’ve always done things.” Look at Google and Apple. Because they don’t have the longevity that many organizations do, they are not bound by history. They adapt to the needs of the workforce.

How do millennials expect to work? They expect flexibility and to use technology. Why go to the office when you can work anywhere with your laptop? So expecting everyone to be in the office, say, from 9-5 does not compute to them. They see work as a ‘thing,’ not a ‘place’ and want the company’s focus to be on their productivity (did you get the job done?) vs. the hours in the office.

Take a good look at your organization. Are you changing to attract millennials? Are you willing to be flexible regarding work hours and where your employees work? Are you stuck with formal feedback systems that are not working for you any longer? Is there a high turnover rate among young people? It may be that you are not adapting to the needs of this generation. If that’s the case, I recommend you begin thinking about becoming the kind of organization that attracts millennials. You know that the Baby Boomers are retiring…

They also expect socialization and team building at work.

As one millennial I know said, “Work should be fun.”

Lynne Richardson is the dean of the University of Mary Washington’s College of Business and a marketing professor.

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Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Legislative Update

Virginia’s Gubernatorial Race Will Be Closely Watched by the Country

By Diane Zumatto, Government & Military Affairs Director If you thought you were done with election drama, think again. Because Virginia is one of only two states (the other being New Jersey) that will be holding gubernatorial races in 2017, so there’s plenty more fun yet to come.

Ed Gillespie

According to the Associated Press, President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise victory upended Virginia politics. It weakened the star power of the state’s top Democrats and turned the political controls of the already-in-progress 2017 gubernatorial race upside down.

So who’s running for Governor next year? Here’s a very brief summary -

Corey Stewart

On the Republican side alone, there are three candidates including: • E d Gillespie, the former Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Counselor to President George W. Bush’s administration; • Corey Stewart, is serving his fourth term as At-Large Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Prince William County; and

Frank Wagner

• State Sen. Frank Wagner, a U.S. Navy veteran, served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1992–2000, when he was elected to the Senate to represents the 7th district.

On the Democratic side there should be much less drama as there is only one candidate in the running:

Ralph Northam

• Ralph Northam, a U.S. Army Veteran, currently serves as Lieutenant Governor, is a former State Senator, and a practicing physician.

General Assembly Session As this will be an odd-numbered year, the GA will begin meeting on January 11, for a fast and furious 30 days, with the option to extend the annual session for up to an additional 30 days. What issues will be taken up during the 2017 General Assembly (GA) session? The top three issues to be addressed by the GA are most likely going to be: the budget; economic development; and transportation.

Budget: There have been budget shortfalls for the past two years: $1.2 billion in 2016 and $280 million in 2015, so you can see why this will be a critical issue for the state going forward.

During an October interview on the budget shortfall, Governor McAuliffe made a couple of telling remarks, “I’ve told everybody, we’re not going to touch education” and JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Economic development initiatives are off the table. “Any of the things that will help grow and diversify the economy, we have to keep in our budget,” the Governor said.

It appears, however, that the Governor may not be sparing the higher education budget at least, because in early November, his administration warned higher education officials to expect a 7.5 percent reduction in their state appropriations beginning July 1st.

And even though it appears that the 2016 year-end budget crisis lessened a bit due to a couple of months of increased tax revenues, the budget will continue to be a strong focus for the General Assembly.

Economic Development: Since both the budget and economic development issues are tightly intertwined, it should come as no surprise that, following November’s release of a highly critical report by the Virginia General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, Gov. Terry McAuliffe plans to introduce legislation which promotes and supports economic development in Virginia. The proposed legislation would increase gubernatorial authority, as well as agency oversight and accountability.

Virginia’s economic growth has been relatively flat over the last couple of years and without some creative thinking and strategic planning, it will remain at that level and eventually begin a slow decline. Neither scenario is good for the business community or the state.

Transportation: While a number of important transportation improvements have been made, our region will always be behind the power curve. When you realize that the Fredericksburg region is strategically situated at the mid-point between, Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital and Richmond, the capitol of Virginia, you get a sense of the critical nature of the situation. Additionally, we are also home to a number of critical military installations, for these reasons, as well as the fact that I-95 is the main North-South thoroughfare on the Eastern Seaboard, the I-95 corridor is essential for travel, commerce, and national security.

More than 47 miles of I-95 serves the Fredericksburg region, carrying approximately 120,000 cars per day. Despite previous improvements, our region is still a major choke point for all transportation activities along the I-95 corridor.

This not only negatively impacts local businesses and residents, by drastically lowering their quality of life and ability to do business effectively and economically, but also severely hinders our ability to attract diverse, new businesses and families. This year alone, our region and the Commonwealth have lost out on numerous business prospects and manufacturing projects because of the congestion to the immediate north of us.

Given this, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber expressed support for five regional priorities in the most recent round of Smart Scale, including: 1. I-95 NB at Rappahannock River

Fredericksburg Regional Business

Continued to page 18 13

J.R. Flatter Continued from page 4

but not for all. This characteristic is followed closely by humility, leadership is a position of privilege and you have to remain humble in that position.”

Robust plans and challenges for the Chamber The Chamber board has a strategic plan for 2017 which includes strategic goals, operational objectives, and budget planning. “The board is amazing now,” said Flatter. “Every member is engaged in various Chamber activities. Nothing is rubber stamped.”

The board has challenges and decisions to make this year.

According to Flatter, it is important to “socialize and communicate where we are headed so there are no surprises.” The newlyelected vice-chair of the board, Adam Fried, CEO of Atlantic Builders, will lead efforts for stronger community engagement, membership retention and investments. This engagement will ensure the staff continues to meet members’ needs. “We fully expect the budget requirement in the next couple years to grow and activity to meet that growth,” said Flatter.

The Chamber’s membership fluctuates monthly and retention is a priority for the board. Flatter commented that this is a multifaceted challenge. “If we deliver value, we would expect to retain members, but of course, there is still a need to communicate the value of the Chamber to existing members and to those who are not aware of all we do. I am confident we’re going to be successful there,” said Flatter.

“The decisions we make now will impact our future growth, so decisions must be thoughtful and purposeful.”

I left the interview with Dr. J.R. Flatter knowing that together, the board and staff will continue to guide the Chamber towards another epic year.

New Board Member - Kevin Dillard President/CEO, LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. A lifelong resident of the Fredericksburg area, Kevin co-founded LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. in the region in 1994. Today, LifeCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare transportation services in Virginia employing close to 500 employees throughout the Commonwealth with a commitment to excellence in clinical care, customer satisfaction, quality assurance, industry safety, and community partnership.

Kevin serves on numerous EMS board and is a member of the Virginia Legislative Affairs Committee and the Chamber’s Regional Transportation Action Committee.

With a strong commitment to the community, LifeCare participates in many Chamber events, as well as community events and EMS standby services throughout the Commonwealth.

Kevin is a 2016 Leadership Fredericksburg graduate.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mary Washington College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Averett College.

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Kincheloe named Germanna Community College Education Foundation Philanthropist of the Year Connie Kincheloe, a longtime member of the Germanna Community College Educational Foundation (GCCEF) and former chairwoman of the State Board of Community Colleges, was honored as the GCCEF’s 2017 Philanthropist of the Year. The award was presented Friday, November 18 at the Culpeper Center & Suites.

Kincheloe has played an important role in developing new partnerships within Germanna’s service area through her work as a member of the Culpeper Regional Hospital Board of Trustees, University of Virginia Medical Center Operating Board and Virginia Hospital Association Board.

“It’s really humbling to be honored for something that means so much to me,” Kincheloe told the crowd at the award presentation. “I have a passion for Germanna. And I have a passion for the Virginia Community College System.

And I have a passion for the mission of community colleges.”

Germanna President David A. Sam lauded Kincheloe for “having the passion, intelligence, heart and willingness” to exercise her influence, use her energy and to put all that she has on the line for other people.

Staunch Germanna supporter and GCCEF Board member Joe Daniel said: “You will never find anybody who will dedicate as much time and energy to a project as Connie will. She cares about people. She cares about students across the Commonwealth. She cares whether people are able to achieve their life goals.”

“She has served the entire commonwealth and VCCS and is universally respected and admired,” Sam said. “She always has the greater good in mind, seeking to open new doorways for countless students. Even when some students did not believe in themselves, she has always believed in them and has taken action to help them find and achieve their dreams.”

Connie Kincheloe talks with Germanna students the presentation event in Culpeper.

Nominations accepted for 2016 Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year Members have until January 17, 2017 to nominate a business or businessperson for the 2016 Chamber Awards which will be awarded at the Chamber Awards and Gala on January 27.

The Gala held at Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center is the largest and most attended event. Ticket are available for purchase, and early bird discount ends on December 31.

Nomination forms and tickets can be purchased online: fredericksburgchamber.org

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Trailblazer Spotlight

Tax Reform is Top Priority in 2017

By Carolyn Irwin, CPA The end of the year is important for so many reasons: spending the holidays with your family, starting fresh with New Years’ Resolutions, and of course…tax planning!

Implementing year-end tax strategies always presents unique challenges and opportunities, but especially when there are strong Carolyn Irwin, CPA uncertainties surrounding the tax policies of a new administration. To help navigate some of these uncertainties, let us take a look at what is currently known about any upcoming potential tax reform.

Expect tax reform to be high priority in 2017. With Republicans controlling both houses of Congress and the White House, tax reform taking priority in 2017 is virtually assured. Both President-elect Trump and the House Republicans have put out fairly detailed blueprints of how they would like to reform tax laws, with some differences but many similarities. The clear common belief is that tax reform is critical if the economy is to grow, so expect to see action – probably significant action – early next year.

Individual tax reform will focus on lower tax rates, but at the expense of some lost deductions and credits. Trump and the House Republicans have identical proposals when it comes to individual tax rates (12 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent), and both plan to repeal the alternative minimum tax, but have differing ideas of reducing or eliminating deductions.

For example, Trump has proposed a $200,000 cap on itemized deductions for married couples and the House Republicans have proposed eliminating all deductions except charitable contributions and mortgage interest expense.

Capital gains and the estate tax will both also likely see major changes. Both Trump and the House Republicans would eliminate the 3.8 percent tax on net investment income while the House Republicans also want to reduce capital gains rates to 6 percent, 12.5 percent and 16.5 percent. Both want to eliminate the estate tax but, interestingly, Trump wants to tax the value of appreciated property above $10 million in an estate at death.

The bottom line is that exactly which proposals will make it into legislation and be signed into law is uncertain, but major changes are practically a sure thing. If it looks like you could be eligible for lower income tax rates next year, it may make sense to accelerate deductible expenses into 2016 (when they may be more valuable) and defer income to 2017 (when it might be subject to a lower tax rate). If you are expecting a large capital gain, it may make sense to postpone the gain into 2017 in the hopes that a lower capital gains rate will be in effect and the net investment income tax could be repealed.

Especially in times of uncertainty and change like this tax year-end, it may be especially beneficial for taxpayers to meet with their tax advisors who can run different scenarios to see how these potential changes will impact their tax liability.

Carolyn, a tax manager with PBMares, LLP, is based in the Fredericksburg office and has a broad array of tax and consulting expertise in serving businesses and individuals. She enjoys helping clients work through the complexities of the tax regulations and assisting them in minimizing their tax liability and planning for the future. Carolyn is a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fredericksburg class of 2016.

BCI wins green business award Dahlgren-based government contractor BCI—Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc.—is the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s green business of the year.

The award and $1,500 was presented at the annual Marstel-Day Green Gala.

The yearlong business competition includes workshops and events centered around “greening your business” and culminates in awarding the participant who made the biggest impact.

Participants were required to earn points throughout the year for completing green tasks such as tracking their current water, energy, and transportation usage; reviewing energy reduction methods, replacing lighting with energy-efficient LED bulbs, all with an eye towards greater efficiency. These efforts also helped bring awareness to participating businesses and their employees about sustainable actions they could take to conserve resources and save money.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

The second place winner was Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg who received $500 to continue greening their business.

#GreenBiz2016

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2016 Green Business

CHALLENGE

The Green Business Challenge was open to local businesses and organizations that competed in six categories: energy, leadership, purchasing, transportation, waste management and water.

The Chamber is preparing for the 2017 Green Business Challenge and is seeking businesses to both sponsor and participate. For more information, contact the chamber office at 540-373-9400.

Thank you to the title sponsors: Marstel-Day and Stafford Printing; and the silver sponsors: Germanna Community College and REC.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

15

IT Solutions

By Dawn Haun Today’s lifestyle allows people to be connected at all times. With digital devices, you can browse the web, shop online, or work anywhere you want.

Although it is convenient, this routine has implications on your health, especially to your eyes.

Digital eyestrain is now a common problem. Eye and vision problems are reported in more than 70 percent of computer workers, according to the American Optometric Association. Headaches, eye pain, redness, watering, double vision and loss of focus are all associated with digital eyestrain.

Digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after long exposure to a digital screen including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and cell phones, but does not appear to cause long-term harm, eye disease or damage to the retina.

According to The Vision Council, on average, nearly nine in 10 adults spend more than two hours each day using a digital device, with one in 10 people spending at least three-fourths of their waking hours on a digital device. This constant exposure to technology is a shock to our eyes.

It is not uncommon to start experiencing symptoms after spending two or more hours staring at a device, or more realistically, multiple devices. In fact, on average, 75 percent of people who use two or more devices simultaneously report experiencing symptoms of eye strain compared to only 53 percent of people who use just one device at a time.

Millennials are affected because they tend to multi-screen; middle age people are affected because they are starting to face hormone changes and eye changes, which affect tear production and focusing close up; even children are facing issues from all that screen time.

Blue light interferes with our internal sleep and awake clock. This lighting triggers the suppression of melatonin in the brain, keeping us awake. This tells us when we are tired or should be awake making it more difficult for a good night’s rest and REM sleep.

Turn off your devices one to two hours before going to bed to trigger the release of melatonin, giving it a chance to increase just before dozing off into deep sleep.

Just like people need different pairs of shoes for different occasions, there is also a need for different, specialized lenses for various vision needs. The optical business has developed lenses to protect eyes from blue light, glare and other devices. Some of these glasses can be purchased online at Amazon.com.

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Fredericksburg Regional Business

Computer Eye Strain: 10 Steps for Relief With so many of us using computers at work, computer eye strain has become a major job-related complaint. Studies show that eye strain and other bothersome visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 percent of computer workers.

These problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to minor annoyances like eye twitching and red eyes.

Here are 10 easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of computer eye strain and other common symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS):

1. Get a comprehensive eye exam.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), computer users should have an eye exam before they start working on a computer and once a year thereafter.

During your exam, be sure to tell your eye doctor how often you use a computer at work and at home. Measure how far your eyes are from your screen when you sit at your computer, and bring this measurement to your exam so your eye doctor can test your eyes at that specific working distance.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

IT Solutions 2. Use proper lighting.

Eye strain often is caused by excessively bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting. When you use a computer, your ambient lighting should be about half as bright as that typically found in most offices.

Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your computer monitor or screen so windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind it.

Many computer users find their eyes feel better if they can avoid working under overhead fluorescent lights.

If possible, turn off the overhead fluorescent lights in your office and use floor lamps that provide indirect incandescent or halogen lighting instead.

3. Minimize glare.

Glare on walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on your computer screen also can cause computer eye strain. Consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor and, if possible, paint bright white walls a darker color with a matte finish.

Again, cover the windows. When outside light cannot be reduced, consider using a computer hood.

5. Adjust your computer display settings.

distance from the computer screen.

Adjusting the display settings of your computer can help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Generally, these adjustments are beneficial:

Another cause of computer eye strain is focusing fatigue. To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds. Some eye doctors call this the “20-20-20 rule.” Looking far away relaxes the focusing muscle inside the eye to reduce fatigue.

8. Take frequent breaks.

Brightness. Adjust the brightness of the display so it’s approximately the same as the brightness of your surrounding workstation. As a test, look at the white background of this Web page. If it looks like a light source, it’s too bright. If it seems dull and gray, it may be too dark.

Text size and contrast. Adjust the text size and contrast for comfort, especially when reading or composing long documents. Usually, black print on a white background is the best combination for comfort.

Color temperature. This is a technical term used to describe the spectrum of visible light emitted by a color display. Reducing the color temperature of your display lowers the amount of blue light emitted by a color display for better long-term viewing comfort.

For computers running on a Microsoft Windows operating system, display settings can be adjusted in Control Panel. For an Apple computer, display settings are found in Systems Preferences (in the Applications folder in Finder).

6. Blink more often.

4. Upgrade your display.

Blinking is very important when working at a computer; blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation.

If you have not already done so, replace your old tube-style monitor (called a cathode ray tube or CRT) with a flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD), like those on laptop computers.

When working at a computer, people blink less frequently — about onethird as often as they normally do — and many blinks performed during computer work are only partial lid closures, according to studies.

When choosing a new flat panel display, select a screen with the highest resolution possible.

To reduce your risk of dry eyes during computer use, try this exercise: Every 20 minutes, blink 10 times by closing your eyes as if falling asleep (very slowly). This will help rewet your eyes.

Finally, choose a relatively large display. For a desktop computer, select a display that has a diagonal screen size of at least 19 inches.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

To ease eye strain, make sure you use good lighting and sit at a proper

Fredericksburg Regional Business

7. Exercise your eyes.

To reduce your risk for computer vision syndrome and neck, back and shoulder pain, take frequent breaks during your computer work day.

With our constant exposure to digital devices, the document reveals that not only young adults, but children and older folks, too, are experiencing symptoms like eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and pain in the neck, shoulder and back.

9. Modify your workstation.

If you need to look back and forth between a printed page and your computer screen, this can cause eye strain. Place written pages on a copy stand adjacent to the monitor.

Light the copy stand properly. You may want to use a desk lamp, but make sure it doesn’t shine into your eyes or onto your computer screen.

Improper posture during computer work also contributes to computer vision syndrome. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height.

10. Consider computer eyewear.

For the greatest comfort at your computer, you might benefit from having your eye care professional modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses. This is especially true if you normally wear contact lenses, which may become dry and uncomfortable during sustained computer work.

17

Housing

What’s ahead in 2017 for housing?

By Virginia Business The 2017 national real estate housing market will be a year of slowing, yet moderate growth, set against the backdrop of a changing composition of home buyers and a post-election interest rate jump that could potentially price some first-time buyers out of the market, according to a forecast from realtor. com.

The forecast says the market is expected to slow compared to the last two years. Home prices are anticipated to increase 3.9 percent, and existing home sales are forecast to rise 1.9 percent to 5.4 million homes. Interest rates are expected to reach 4.5 percent because of higher expectations for inflationary pressure in the year ahead.

Realtor.com is forecasting the homeownership rate will stabilize at 63.5 percent after bottoming at 62.9 percent in 2016.

New home sales are expected to grow 10 percent, while new home starts are expected to increase three percent. The forecast is based on GDP growth of 2.1 percent, a 2.5 percent increase in the consumer price index and unemployment declining to 4.7 percent by the end of the year.

Before the November election, demographics and an improving economy were laying the foundation for a substantial increase in first-time buyers in 2017. However, because of mortgage rate increases during the past few weeks, realtor.com predicts first timers will face new hurdles as they navigate the qualification and buying process.

“We don’t expect the outcome of the election to have a direct impact on the health of the housing market or economy as we close out 2016. However, the 40 basis points increase in rates in the days following the election has caused us to increase our interest rate prediction for next year,” Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com. said in a statement.

Gubernatorial Race in Virginia Continued from page 13

2. VRE Brooke and Leeland Station Improvements (Stafford) 3. Rte 610 Direct Connect Ramp to the 95 Express Lanes and Mine Road Park and Ride Lot Expansion (Stafford) 4. New 300 space Park & Ride Lot for Rte 3 East (Stafford) 5. Twin Lake/Kensington Bike and Pedestrian Connector (Fredericksburg) Keep in mind that not all Transportation issues are legislative ones; many like the ones listed above are policy issues. Rest assured that these and all other issues of importance to the regional business community, whether legislative or policy, will be closely monitored and acted on when appropriate in the year ahead.

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Top housing trends for 2017 The 2017 forecast from the online real estate source operated

by News Corp. also predicts the top five housing trends of 2017.

1. Millennials and boomers will dominate the market -- Next year, the housing market will be in the middle of two massive demographic waves — millennials and baby boomers — that will power demand for at least the next 10 years. Although increasing interest rates have prompted realtor.com to lower its prediction of millennial market share to 33 percent of the buyer pool, millennials and baby boomers still will comprise the majority of the market. Baby boomers are expected to make up 30 percent of buyers in 2017. Since they’re less dependent on financing, they are anticipated to be more successful when it comes to closing.

2. Midwestern cities will continue to be hotbeds for millennials — Midwestern cities are anticipated to continue to beat the national average in millennial purchase market share in 2017 with Madison, Wis.; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Neb.; Des Moines, Iowa; and Minneapolis leading the pack.

3. Slowing price appreciation — Nationally, home prices are forecast to slow to 3.9 percent growth year over year, from an estimated 4.9 percent in 2016. Of the top 100 largest metros in the country, 26 markets are expected to see price acceleration of one percentage point or more with Greensboro-High Point, N.C.; Akron, Ohio; and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Md., experiencing the largest gains.

4. Fewer homes on the market and fast moving markets-- Inventory is currently down an average of 11 percent in the top 100 metros in the U.S. The conditions that are limiting home supply are not expected to change in 2017. The median age of inventory is currently 68 days on the market in the top 100 metros, which is 14 percent —or 11 days — faster than U.S. overall.

5. Western cities will continue to lead the nation in prices and sales — Western metros in the U.S. are forecast to see a price increase of 5.8 percent and a sales increase of 4.7 percent, much higher than the U.S. overall. Realtor.com’s 2017 top five housing markets based on price and sales gains are PhoenixMesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.; Los Angeles-Long BeachAnaheim, Calif.; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Mass.N.H.; Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, Calif.; and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

A Word of Advice The Value of a Good Tenant or Buyer’s Broker

By Ben Keddie Almost all landlords and sellers of commercial buildings will retain the services of a commercial real estate (CRE) specialist to deliver the best possible results. Alternatively, too many buyers and especially commercial tenants do not engage the services of a broker. Why not?

The landlord and seller of these buildings, regardless of their commercial real estate acumen, will engage the broker to not only help them to position and market their property to tap into their local knowledge of comparative properties that have sold, to whom, when and for how much. Once negotiations for the property begin, a qualified broker can then parlay that experience and knowledge to more effectively negotiate both the economic terms of the deal as well as the finer points, limiting the liabilities and obligations of the property owner.

Certainly, the services of a good broker will save the owner time but more importantly will help to increase the owner’s income, decrease their expenses and time on market and protect their overall interests.

Most buyers and tenants of the commercial property, only engage in the process of acquiring property every few years, or in many cases, less frequently than that. Selecting the right property for your needs, then negotiating the best overall deal while not being armed with the best tools and information puts that buyer at a distinct disadvantage. A business’s location is often either the largest or second largest annual expenditure with multi-year commitments accounting for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars worth of liability.

The goal of a good tenant representative is to reduce your real estate costs and risks while maximizing the flexibility and productivity of your workplace. They should help to balance your business and financial objectives with your real estate requirements inside of the market. Once they have identified and properly assessed your needs, goals, and abilities, they design a strategy that accomplishes those goals according to prescribed timelines and budgets.

Some tenants and buyers would assume (incorrectly) that the primary function of a broker representing a tenant or buyer is to actually find the property for them. More often than not, a client has been thinking about a potential acquisition or relocation for months. During that time, as they are driving through town or perusing the Internet, they are scouting out options. Often times a client knows where they want to go before officially beginning the process.

Therefore, the broker adds value to the transaction first by knowing what is happening in the market, especially as it pertains to a particular property or type of property. They will know or be able to find out what the market prices are for the property and what concessions (rent abatement, tenant improvement allowances, etc) a tenant or buyer should expect to receive as an inducement. They can also negotiate the other terms of a potential transaction that are somewhat less traditional such as rights of the first opportunity or refusal to purchase, expansion and contraction options, exclusive use provisions, sublease/assignment rights, renewal and termination options.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Further, a good broker should be adept at financial analysis and be able to compare the true costs of occupancy for different spaces under consideration accounting for variances in size including the differences between rentable square footage vs usable square footage, rental amounts and terms, rent abatement periods, additional expenses such as repairs, utilities, janitorial, and common area expenses. Often times, the face rental rate is only a portion of the actual annual occupancy expenses.

Ben Keddie, Managing Broker & Vice President of Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite

Once the lease/purchase offer is agreed to, while a great broker can not replace a good attorney, they can certainly assist in negotiating and explaining the “fine print” of the contracts such as insurance requirements, default provisions, subordination clauses, etc.

And while the fee a good broker receives in a successful transaction is typically repaid many times over through the decrease in expenses and risks to the tenant, the property owner almost always pays their fee. More often than not, if a tenant or buyer is unrepresented, the owner’s representative might receive a slight increase in their fee, but typically, the commission savings are retained by the Owner, and not passed along as saving to the tenant or buyer.

Likely, you wouldn’t defend yourself in court in any type of litigation. You should hire an attorney that specializes in that particular aspect of the law and pay them by the hour, win or lose, to best represent your interests. So as a customer with infrequent experience and exposure to an ever-changing marketplace, why would you not engage the services of an experienced commercial real estate broker to look out for your interests who only gets compensated if you get what you want?

Ben Keddie is the Managing Broker & Vice President at Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite

Support the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

by Advertising in this Magazine.

Call 659-4554 or email howen@staffordprinting.com

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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Non-Profit Highlight

by Linda Hill, Exec. Director of Open Hand of Fredericksburg

field trips to explore careers and colleges, and conversations with caring adults.

“My child needs a job,” says most parents of a typical teenager. Parents are expressing a desire for their child to make some spending money but also develop good work ethics, life skills, and work experience to help them be successful.

STARS is provided during the school year as a required component of the Virginia High School–based GED programs through a contract with James Monroe High School. It’s purpose is to teach job readiness and life skills training through classroom instruction, career exploration field trips, and character education.

Getting that first job as a teenager and staying in the workforce can be a daunting task, especially teens who are socio-economically disadvantaged. This is the reason Open Hand of Fredericksburg was incorporated on December 17, 2004, as a community development nonprofit—to help teens secure their first job, layout a plan for their future, and develop the skills to sustain future employment.

Eighty-five percent of Open Hand clients are under-resourced high school students in Planning District 16, which includes the City of Fredericksburg, and the counties of King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

These high school students qualify to receive free or reduced lunches at school, based on the household income. The other 15% of our clients are high school students who are not economically disadvantaged but are recommended by local agencies as under-resourced. For example, they might lack confidence, have absentee parents, have parents with limited education, or have parents with limited English proficiency.

Since its inception, Open Hand has successfully demonstrated its ability to prepare youth for the working world.

Through its summer internship program, more than 135 students have received meaningful work experience and needed income. Through contracts with James Monroe High School, more than 100 high school students have received workforce readiness and life skills training. Many community partners have collaborated with Open Hand by employing students, serving as an intern host site, teaching workshops, making career presentations, serving as volunteer mentors or job coaches, donating food/supplies, or making financial contributions.

With a career goal of owning her own design shop, Zaire Hamilton interned with Ladyburg Apothecary.

Open Hand is pleased to announce that we have been approved for full United Way Membership effective January 1, 2017.

Local businesses and individuals who would like to make a difference in the life of an under-resourced student should contact Open Hand for more details.

Elizabeth Cardoza got a glimpse of being a teacher during her internship at Stafford Junction.

Open Hand has two programs that provide for these needs, Graduates Reaching an Accessible Destiny (GRAD) and STARS. The GRAD program acceptance is based upon the student’s career goals.

Students are required to go through an application and interview process in the spring. Open Hand identifies internships at local businesses or nonprofit agencies.

In the summer, students selected will work up to 120 hours for more than seven weeks at an hourly rate above minimum wage. In addition to the internship, students participate in setting career goals, work on a community service project, workshops to develop work and life skills, 20

Tedo Bulatindo completed his internship at Obsidian Solutions Group, where he gained experience towards his career goal in computer networking and architecture.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

News Freehling brings experience, established relationships to the position

By Fredericksburg Economic Development Fredericksburg’s new Director of Economic Development and Tourism Bill Freehling brings well-established, positive relationships with area businesses, realtors, investors and developers to the job, according to City Manager Tim Baroody in announcing Freehling’s selection.

“Bill has lived and worked in our community for more than 12 years. He understands that more is going to be demanded of our Economic Development team, with a stronger emphasis on business attraction and tourism advancements, and is prepared to move out on all fronts,” Baroody said.

Freehling replaces Karen Hedelt, who retired in July. He joined the City’s Economic Development Department team as Assistant Director of Economic Development in 2014 after a 10-year career with The Free Lance-Star. There, he covered the business beat and started the highly acclaimed Fredericksburg Business Insider daily e-newsletter. “Bill is a team player and a great asset to our regional economic development team.

He knows the City’s commercial inventory/parcels better than anyone, and can hit the ground running from day one in his new role,” said Curry Roberts, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance.

Freehling and his team in the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are tasked with business attraction, retention, expansion, promotion and drawing visitors to

Fredericksburg, helping grow the City’s tax base.

“Building on good foundations and recent economic development successes, Freehling is charged with working collaboratively with City Bill Freehling, new Director of departments to advance Fredericksburg Economic Development. quality commercial projects that live the City Council’s vision,” Baroody said.

Freehling, who resides with his wife and children in downtown Fredericksburg, earned his BA from Wake Forest University and his Masters of Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also working to complete his credentialing with the International Economic Development Council, the nationally recognized standard of excellence. in the economic development profession. “I am humbled by this appointment and stand ready to do everything I can to help Fredericksburg capitalize on its unlimited potential,” Freehling said. “My family and I have grown to love this community, and I am so excited to have this opportunity to both advance upon what we have in place and preserve what makes us great.”

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21

CNEW Award CNEW Holiday and Awards Presentation

Whitney Watts, VP of Member Services presented the Laurie Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award to Stephanie Lyles of NSWC Federal Credit.

Stephanie Lyles of NSWC Federal Credit Union was the recipient of the 7th Annual Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award. This award is given in memory of Wideman.

The recipient must be an independent, energetic spirit as well as ready to act in business and in the community, and lead with values of the highest level of integrity and honesty. Whitney Watts, VP of Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “Stephanie puts her whole heart and soul into her community, her work, and her family. She voluntarily chooses to Stephanie Lyles with award. Photos by Dawn undertake a service or duty and Haun make a difference.”

Stephanie Lyles was surprised to be the recipient of the 2016 Laurie Wideman Enterprising Woman’s Award.

Pictured with Stephanie Lyles is left: Lisa Wescoat, 2011 recipient, and Andie McConnell, 2015 recipient.

Local Radiology Group Again Ranked One of Largest in US For the third straight year, Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) has been recognized by Radiology Business Journal as one of the nation’s 100 largest privately owned radiology practices. The journal announced its 2016 “Radiology 100” ranking in the October/ November issue.

RAF ranked 90th based on the number of fulltime-equivalent (FTE) radiologists on staff – 30.

The number of other FTE employees, 50, was also factored in, since four other practices on the list had the same number of FTE radiologists, according to the magazine’s selection criteria.

CEO Ed Swager noted that the group’s size enables it to 22

provide referring physicians and patients with 24/7 local radiology coverage and the expertise of all major radiology subspecialties.

Dr. David L. Glasser, president of RAF and a board-certified, fellowship-trained diagnostic radiologist, explained, “A local radiologist is available for consultation, regardless of the time or day, whenever a referring physician has a question about a patient’s imaging study.

Our radiologists also include specialists in body imaging, breast imaging, cardiac imaging, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, and other fields. That means we can provide services locally that are often found only at major medical centers.”

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Chamber announced 2016 Top 10 in the Next Gen Ten Fredericksburg area young professionals were honored for their community contributions and professional accomplishments at a December 2016 event. The Top 10 of the Next Gen annual awards are presented by the Chamber’s Next Generation of Business Leaders group.

The 2016 Top 10 of the Next Gen are left to right: Kim McClellan, Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors; Catherine Sullivan, Monkees of Fredericksburg; Johnna Hetrick, Twilla & Co; Landon Davis, Parrish, Snead, Franklin & Simpson; Amy Horne, Stafford Co. Public Schools; Casey Silversmith, Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center; Bryan Hofmann, Friends of the Rappahannock; Taylor Gehring, Capital One; Brooke Miller, Long & Foster Realtors; and Matt Giese, Dependable Global Solutions.

www.fredericksburgchamber.org

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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MAC Report to the Community

Military Affairs Council

Major General Timothy P. Williams

The Military Affairs Council (MAC) of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a year-end Military Report to the Community on November 29.

Major General Timothy P. Williams, Adjutant General of Virginia was the keynote speaker. Briefs were provided by local Base Commanders: CAPT Mary Feinberg, Naval Base Dahlgren; Mr. Pete Sun, Fort A.P. Hill; COL Joseph Murray, Marine Corps Quantico; and CPT Chandler Pearson, Virginia Army National Guard (Fredericksburg unit).

From left: Col. Rick Moseley, Col. Joseph Murray, Capt. Gus Weeks, Capt. Mary Feinberg, Major General Timothy Williams, Pete Sun, and Cpt. Chandler Pearson. Photos by Dawn Haun

PANCAKES PANCAKES and and

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Thursday, December Thursday, 8, 2016 December 8, 2016 Chamber members had the 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

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Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Country Club,Country Club, from our delegates about the

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opportunity to meet and hear

11031 Tidewater Trail, 11031 Fredericksburg Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg

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issues that will be important to the regional business community More information: More information: during the 2017 General P: 540-373-9508 P: 540-373-9508 Assembly session.

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Speaker of the House Bill Howell, Del. Bobby Orrock, Del. Mark Dudenhefer, and Del. Mark Cole addressed specific legislative priorities of the Chamber and answered questions from guests.

Photos by Dawn Haun

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Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Call Stafford Printing for help with your Marketing Campaign.

Call 659-4554 or email howen@staffordprinting.com 24

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

D

States with the happiest and unhappiest workers Are you happy at work? If you live in Hawaii, West Virginia or Maine, you probably answered “yes!” Pulling together data from more than 250,000 workers across the U.S., career discovery platform Sokanu uncovered the happiest and unhappiest states.

The happiest people were found all across the country -Hawaii, West Virginia, Maine, Nevada and Kansas take the cake for highest employee satisfaction states, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, Rhode Island and Vermont came in at the bottom with the most unhappy employees.

These states better step up their game. Workplace satisfaction is fundamental to a person’s overall wellbeing.

People tend to shy away from employers or career paths that don’t offer work-life balance.

Creative jobs such as film directors, athletes, DJs, choreographers and video game designers tend to have higher levels of satisfaction, compared to work as a debt collector, postal clerk, janitor or lab technician.

To find out what states foster the happiest and unhappiest employees, check out Sokanu’s infographic below.

Game Changer $15,000 Winner The Chamber held its first annual Game Changer a $15,000 college tuition raffle. It was awarded as a Virginia 529 college savings account. The drawing was held on December 22 at the Chamber office. The winning number was purchased by the Silver Company. Owner Jud Honaker donated the ticket back and requested a redraw for another winner. The second number drawn was purchased by Brad Repp, who was thrilled with winning the scholarship because his daughter will be attending college this fall. Thank you to everyone who participated by selling and buying tickets, and best of luck to next year’s winner.

Pictured left to right: Sarah Garnett, a sophomore at UMW drew the winning number along with Susan Spears, Chamber President & CEO.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Margot Lee

Shetterly

Reception, lecture, and book signing with the author of Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, our community-wide Rappahannock Reads selection.

Saturday, March 4 3:00–5:00

Special Edition for Young Readers!

Headquarters Library

1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg

RAPPAHANNOCK READS

For more information on Rappahannock Reads and related CRRL classes and events, visit librarypoint.org/rappahannockreads.

This Rappahannock Reads event made possible by community sponsors: UMW Libraries; Fredericksburg Savings Charitable Foundation; Stafford County Branch NAACP; Holeman Enterprises, LLC; CTI Real Estate; Fredericksburg Area Alumnae Association Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Singleton Enterprises, LLC; and Nathaniel Singleton, Jr.

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Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

News

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Ceremonies

Aquia 15 Apartments

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Pictured left to right: Rick Colvert, Chris Mckee, Tom Johnston, Deirdre White, Chamber Board of Director, and Taylor Franklin

Rick Cobert, Daman Hoar, Beverly Redler, Michael Bachman, David Schenaker, Braxton Martin, and Janel Donohue, Chamber Board of Director

Beecroft Orthodontics in Spotsylvania

Walmart Superstore at Southpoint

Chamber Board of Director Kevin Fastabend welcomed Dr. Matt Beecroft (with scissors), and the office staff, to their new location.

Chamber Board of Director Mike Fidgeon (left) was on hand to celebrate with the Walmart Southpoint managers and staff at their reopening.

Sky Zone

Mary Washington Healthcare’s Cardiac Hybrid Unit

Cory Smith is surrounded by staff, friends, family, Chamber Board of Director Stacy Horne and Fredericksburg City Vice Mayor Billy Withers at the ribbon cutting.

Attendees included Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears, Chamber Chairman of the Board of Directors J.R. Flatter, Congressman Dave Brat, Dr. John Cardone, Dr. Alex Na, Dr. Harish Chandra, and Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw.

Grand Opening for Cardinal Village Assisted Living Pictured left to right: Stacy Horne, Chamber Board of Director; Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus; Amber Maiden, Business Office Manager; Linda George, Director of Life Enrichment; Shelly Ford, Director of Nursing; Diana Bright, Executive Director; Grace Draper, Director of Sales and Marketing; and Gary Skinner, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisor.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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We’re a Team with One Goal: To Celebrate Your Brand and Elevate Your Economic Well-Being

www.staffordprinting.com howen@staffordprinting.com 659-4554

Welcome New Members

Welcome

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes the newest members of the Chamber family.

Be a good partner – remember them when you do business.

6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company

Chick-Fil-A – Fredericksburg

Joanna Harkins 1140 International Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (540) 365-9056 www.6bgbrewingco.com admin@6bgbrewingco.com Breweries

Josh Gaita 4220 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 786-1131 www.Chick-fil-a.com Restaurants

Chick-Fil-A – Spotsylvania Towne Centre

Insurance SuperStore Center

Apex Data Systems Inc.

Chuck Steppe 8020 Spotsylvania Mall Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 786-6448 http://chick-fil-a.com Restaurants

Adamma Malik 3205 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 300-2995 Financial Services

Jarrell Properties, Inc.

Chick-Fil-A – Southpoint

Ernest Hoch 1005 Sohia St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 899-3825 www.jarrellinc.com Real Estate Developers

Jim Shinn 2217 Princess Anne St. # 209-1| Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (571) 228-3349 www.apexdatasys-inc.com apexsolutions@apexdatasys-inc.com IT Support Services

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group Brian Brooks 1008 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 642-0331 www.atlanticbay.com/brianbrooks Mortgage Company

Avery Hess Realtors Pat Kline 744 Warrenton Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (540) 373-9300 www.averyhess.com pkline@averyhess.com Real Estate

Calypso Kennels Lori Hayes 14 Enterprise Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (540) 720-0050 www.calypsokennels.com Woof@calypsokennels.com Pet Supply Shoppe/Grooming & Boarding Kennels

Cardinal Village Grace Draper 4621 Spotsylvania Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 898-1900 http://seniorlifestyle.com/cardinal-village Retirement Home - Independent & Assisted Living- MEMORY CARE

Chick-fil-A – Central Park Todd Fleming 1698 Carl D. Silver Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 786-7979 www.chick-fil-a.com Restaurants

Chick-fil-A – Celebrate Virginia Tom Abbot 1094 International Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (540) 752-0061 www.chick-fil-a.com Restaurants

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Paul Jany 9900 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 834-4199 www.chick-fil-a.com Restaurants

Digital Doc George Andrews 4701 Plank Rd. Suite 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 710-7600 www.digitaldocrepair.com Computers- Services/Systems

Fredericksburg Field House, Inc. Gary Blakesley 3411 Shannon Park Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 361-4717 www.fredfieldhouse.com admin@fredfieldhouse.com Recreational Facilities

G. Cubed Technology, Inc. Vernon Green 1320 Central Park Blvd.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 892-8721 www.gcubedtechnology.com IT Support Services

Hematology Oncology Associates of Fredericksburg - Drs. Mauer, Menachery, Vaughn, Schlesinger, Whitehurst Ginnie Storage 4501 Empire Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 371-0079 www.hoafredericksburg.com vstorage@hoafredericksburg.com HealthCare

Heritage Hall -King George Nathan Yowell 10051 Foxes Way King George, VA 22485 (540) 775-4000 www.heritage-hall.org info@americanhealthcare.com Healthcare

Fredericksburg Regional Business

Hyperbole

John Sims 319 Braehead Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 424-7653 http://myhyperbole.com Marketing and Advertising

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, LLC Alan Gourlay 62 Settlers Way Stafford, VA 22554 (540) 845-4510 agourlay@jdog.com Moving & Storage

RightNow Plumbing Brian Kerns 11047 Pierson Dr. Suite J Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 479-2219 www.plumbingrightnow.com Plumbing

Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) Rev. Dr. Aaron Dobynes 801 Sophia Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 373-8701 www.shiloholdsite.org secretary@shiloholdsite.org Churches

Sullivan Auto Trading, Inc. Donald Sullivan Jr. 95 South Gateway Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (540) 654-5200 www.sullivanautotrading.com will@sullivanautotrading.com Automobile Dealers

Wind Up Bird Sandra Fediwitz 305 Prince Edward St Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 388-7852 lovewindupbird@gmail.com Food Service

Wine and Design Stafford Ashley Thompson 556 Garrisonville Rd., Suite 206 Stafford, VA 22554 (540) 628-2098 www.wineanddesign.com/stafford Entertainment

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Spencer Devon Brewing receives state tourism grant RACSB Director of Community Support Services to Retire after 32 years Jim Gillespie, Coordinator of Community Support Services at RACSB will retire on Nov. 30 following a 32-year- career.

Gillespie has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illness for more than 40 years.

The Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority provided a matching $27,000 grant, which was approved in June pending the state money.

Gillespie started working at Rappahannock Rehabilitation Facility (now Rappahannock Goodwill Industries) in 1979 and later at RACSB Jim Gillespie as Community Support Services Director.

Throughout his career at RACSB, the agency grew from serving hundreds of people to serving more than 10,000. Gillespie oversaw the creation of the Crisis Stabilization Program and the Program of Assertive Community Treatment. He also helped grow RACSB’s early intervention services, residential services for people with intellectual disability and mental health concerns and the day support programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Flair Communication President, Debby Girvan Wins National Award for Web Design Excellence Debby Girvan, President of Flair Communication was awarded a 2016 Clarion by The Association for Women in Communications. Her design and development of a new website for the Marine Corps Aviation Association www. flymcaa.org were the top entry in the category of “Online Media, New Website, Annual Budget of $15,000 or less.” This year’s competition drew entries from 24 Debby Girvan states and three countries.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library receives Four-Star Rating for Third Year Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has earned the Library Journal four-star Star Library rating for the third year in a row. CRRL has received a star rating every year since Library Journal began publication of the Index of Public Library Service nine years ago. This year, CRRL is one of only three Virginia libraries to receive a star rating. The Library Journal index groups U.S. public libraries by operating expenditures and then rates on physical materials circulation, electronic circulation, branch visits, program attendance, and public computer use. The 2016 Library Journal index is based on Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) data for FY14. Kathryn Miller, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees congratulated CRRL Director Martha Hutzel, saying “CRRL continues to set the bar for public libraries in Virginia.”

30

The Virginia Tourism Growth Fund approved a $27,000 grant to the project, announced at an event at the George Street brewery and restaurant.

Spencer Devon owner Shawn Phillips wants to build a 2,000-square-foot beer deck on the vacant lot at 823 Caroline St., between Wally’s Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe and Bangkok Cafe.

He estimates the deck, with construction, furniture, expanded service and below-deck cooling and storage, will cost about $200,000.

Using the lot as a beer deck allows Spencer Devon to have Caroline Street access, and Phillips said people will be welcome to bring food from elsewhere to come together with the community over a beer.

The growth fund, a program of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, was established earlier this year to grow tourism development projects in Virginia.

Eligible projects include new or expanded facilities or products designed to attract travelers to the Commonwealth.

Craft breweries are now a $1 billion industry in Virginia due to “risk takers like Shawn,” said president and CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association Brett Vassey, who also oversees the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. (fred.com)

Stafford County selects Tom Foley as new County Administrator Thomas C. Foley, who has been serving as the County Executive in Albemarle County, will take over for Interim County Administrator Doug Barnes on Feb. 1, 2017.

Barnes took over for former Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello, who left Stafford in August to become deputy county manager in Henrico County.

Foley was the County Executive in Albemarle County in 2011.

Before that, he was the assistant for 11 years. He also served as County Administrator in both Caroline and Cumberland counties. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University.

During Foley’s time at Albemarle County, Albemarle received its third ‘AAA’ bond rating, making it a triple ‘AAA’ rated community. ‘AAA’ is the highest bond rating given to localities, allowing those communities to borrow money for projects at lower rates and freeing up money for other services. Stafford has two ‘AAA’ ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch and is aggressively pursuing a third with its responsible and accountable financial practices.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Poet’s Walk of Spotsylvania sold, now named Cardinal Village

The Free Lance–Star earns Farm Bureau’s top award

An assisted-living facility in Massaponax for people with memory impairment has been sold, is operating under new management and has been renamed.

“On The Farm,” a six-part Free Lance– Star series about agriculture in the region, has won the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s top honor in its annual Journalism Awards competition.

S-H Mid-Atlantic Propco-Spotsylvania LLC purchased threeyear-old Poet’s Walk Spotsylvania for $23,526,315 in September from Spotsylvania Senior Real Estate, LLC, a division of Silver Cos. It is located at 4621 Spotsylvania Parkway near Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Senior Lifestyles now manages Poet’s Walk Spotsylvania, which has been renamed Cardinal Village. It also manages Chancellor’s Village, an independent and assisted living facility located at 12100 Chancellors Village Lane in Spotsylvania County.

Cardinal Village was the first Poet’s Walk facility that Silver Cos.’ senior living division built. There are now three, including one in Fredericksburg, plus two in Texas. Five more are under construction, including one each in Warrenton and Leesburg, and several more are in the approval process.

SimVentions named Best Place to Work 5th Year in a Row SimVentions, Inc. was named as one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in Virginia on the annual list created by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group. This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor 100 best places of employment in Virginia, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce, and businesses.

SimVentions corporate headquarters is located just outside of Fredericksburg in Stafford County, with additional offices in King George and Virginia Beach. The business develops systems engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity engineering, and modeling and simulation, program and acquisition management, and training solutions to armed services.

The criteria to be eligible are: Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity; Be a publicly or privately held business; Have a facility in the state of Virginia; Have at least 15 employees working in the state of Virginia, and must be in business a minimum of one year.

“SimVentions is excited to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia for the fifth year in a row,“ said Larry Root, CEO of SimVentions. “We believe it is our servantleadership style alongside our commitment to our core values that provides us ‘the heartbeat of success’ as we seek to serve God and Country.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Virginia. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking which will be announced on February 2, 2017, at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

The newspaper received the 2016 Ishee–Quann Award for Media Excellence, which recognizes the best of all print, radio and television entries.

For the second year in a row, The Free Lance–Star also captured the Members’ Choice Award, which honors media nominated

by Farm Bureau members and selected using the same criteria as other categories.

Published in July, the newspaper’s series looked at the measures some farmers are taking to stay on the farm, such as hauling equipment to 10 different counties, as acreage devoted to fields and pastures diminishes. The series also looked at those striving to get on the farm for the first time, agritourism and the farm-to-table movement.

Reporters Kristin Davis, Cathy Dyson, Vanessa Remmers and Amy Flowers Umble collaborated to plan, develop and write the series. Photographers were Peter Cihelka, Dave Ellis, and Suzanne Carr Rossi; editors were Jonas Beals and Katherine Shapleigh; and designers were Gail Choochan, Amanda Montag and Karen Wonsik.

Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation Awards $18,971 in Grants in 2016 The Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR), has awarded $18,971 in grants for 2016.

These grants support local non-profit organizations that help individuals and families secure quality, affordable housing.

The Foundation made the following specific grant awards: Beauty for Ashes Women and Children’s Home, $2,000; S.E.R.V.E., $750; Loisann’s Hope House, $2,381; Mary’s Shelter, $5,000; Homes for Our Troops, $1,250; Thurman Brisben Center, $5,320, and Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, $2,270.

The REALTORS® Foundation raises money from within in the FAAR membership and thanks to all the realtor® and affiliate members who have supported theirs throughout the year.

Dillard Alarm Company receives service and dealer awards Troy Dillard, President, and CEO of Dillard Alarm received the 2016 Community Service Award at the Honeywell Connect 2016 Convention and also recognized as a Honeywell Platinum Dealer.

Jerry Camarillo Jr., sales account representative at Dillard Alarm received the 2016 Sales Person of the Year Award for outstanding commercial sales in 2016.

Fredericksburg Regional Business

31

ScoutComms moves to larger space in Fredericksburg

Hoch named Chief Operating Officer at Jarrell Properties

Fredericksburg-based ScoutComms, Inc. has moved its headquarters from 1210 Princess Anne St. to 521 Sophia St., nearly doubling its square footage as the company grows.

Jarrell Properties Inc. announces that Ernie Hoch has joined as their Chief Operating Officer. Jarrell Properties, Inc. is a mid-sized real estate development company based in Fredericksburg and serving central and northern Virginia. The company has been involved in the development of dozens of communities and over 4,000 lots, along with thousands of feet of commercial and industrial projects.

“The last year at ScoutComms has been our most rapid expansion in the history of the firm,” said CEO and founder Fred Wellman. “We doubled in employees and nearly doubled in revenue in one year. So, we decided to double down on Fredericksburg and move further into the historic district with a building all to ourselves, on the river, that allows us to grow for the foreseeable future.”

Now 6 years old, the company’s recent growth prompted the addition of four full-time employees and the move.

“We’re often asked about why we stay in Fredericksburg in spite of most of our clients being in D.C. or across the country,” Wellman said. “Fredericksburg is our home and we aren’t looking to leave, ever.”

RACSB announces new director Jane Yaun to take the reins on July 1, 2017 The Rappahannock Area Services Board announced the new executive director who will succeed outgoing executive director Ronald W. Branscome, who will retire on June 30, 2017.

Jane Yaun will begin as director on July 1, 2017. She was an internal candidate, selected after a six-month search.

Hoch was the County Administrator in Culpeper and Madison, Virginia and prior to that had over 20 years’ experience in real estate and property management. Ernie began his career in New York City and was Branch Manager for ABM.

Capital Ale House Donates $6K to Fredericksburg Main Street For the fourth consecutive year, Capital Ale House Fredericksburg donated a portion of its Downtown Fredericksburg Oktoberfest proceeds to Fredericksburg Main Street.

Capital Ale Owner Matt Simmons, General Manager Jordan Hanks and Director of Marketing Amy DuFour presented a check for $6,607 to Fredericksburg Main Street board members Mike Carmody, Ben Wafle, Brian Lam, April Peterson, DD Lecky, and past president Scarlett Pons.

“This money will be used towards Main Street’s budget, which includes projects such as planters, Face the River, branding, and holiday marketing, to name a few,” said Fredericksburg Main Street Executive Director Ann Glave.

Photo: Back row l to r: Ann Glave, Mike Carmody, and Ben Wafle; Middle Row: Brian Lam, April Peterson, and Matt Simmons. Front row: Scarlett Pons, DD Lecky, Amy DuFour, and Jordan Hanks.

Jane Yaun

Yaun began working at RACSB in 1988 after graduating from Mary Washington College. She started her career as a residential counselor and later headed many programs in the organization.

Yaun also worked for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, analyzing policies that affected mental health services. She returned to RACSB in 2008, serving as the Quality Assurance Coordinator and later Deputy Executive Director.

Yaun will take over the helm of an organization that served more than 10,000 individuals and a staff of 600.

Yaun resides in the City of Fredericksburg with her 9-year-old daughter, Kate.

Former bank building in Caroline sells The former Union Bank & Trust branch at 18121 Jefferson Davis Highway in Ruther Glen has sold to a real estate investor.

The 5,630-square-foot property was purchased for $574,200.

The bank was a former StellarOne and closed after that financial institution merged with Union.

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Fredericksburg CPA Sam Foltz Receives Thomson Reuters’ Innovation Award Sam Foltz, the owner of Fredericksburg-based Foltz & Associates Certified Public Accountants, received a 2016 Customer Superstar award at the Thomson Reuters 36th annual SYNERGY Users’ Conference for tax and accounting professionals. Foltz was awarded The Innovation Award, recognizing the firm that did the most in the last year to innovate and grow its business.

In the last year, Foltz & Associates implemented new accounting technologies that allowed the firm to increase efficiencies and product offerings without adding new staff. “As a result, the practice experienced client base grown by as much as 45 percent in one division over a nine month period,” Foltz said. “Our efficiency rating grew by about 35 percent.”

Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

RACSB awarded highest-level award The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board received another three-year accreditation from CARF International. RACSB was evaluated by CARF surveyors and met the international standards for quality. This is the highest level of accreditation awarded.

This is the eighth consecutive three-year accreditations for the organization.

“RACSB seeks this accreditation voluntarily as part of efforts to provide the best possible services to the community,” says Ron Branscome, Executive Director of RACSB. “I’m proud of this accomplishment—and of the dedicated RACSB employees who help individuals with behavioral health challenges.”

Spencer Devon Brewing Earns Great American Beer Festival Bronze Medal Spencer Devon Brewing earned the bronze medal for its Sunken Road Belgian-Style Blonde Ale at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in October 2016. Spencer Devon Brewing is the first brewery to bring home a GABF win for Fredericksburg, said owner Shawn Phillips.

Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism Welcome New Director Bruce Register has been hired as the Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism Director. Register comes to Stafford County with more than 20 years of local government economic development experience in Hillsborough and Collier counties in Florida. His experience includes organizational management, policy development and fiscal administration of His experience includes organizational management, policy development and fiscal administration of state and local incentive programs and grants, business recruitment, streamlining permitting, stimulating redevelopment and partnering collaboratively with other economic development agencies. Register also played key roles in landing many economic development projects.

Hirschler Fleischer awarded 2016 Law Firm of the Year Hirschler Fleischer has been recognized as the “2016 Law Firm of the Year”

by The M&A Advisor. The firm was selected for the award by an independent panel of industry professionals.

www.fredericksburgchamber.org

Dr. Kevin P. Bartram, Music Director

An Evening with

Kristin Chenoweth Saturday, March 18, 2017 7:30 p.m. • Dodd Auditorium Ticket sales begin Monday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.

umwphilharmonic.com • 540/654-1324 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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Chamber President and CEO receives the Patricia Metzger Award

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Susan Spears received The Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award at the 23rd annual University of Mary Washington (UMW) Leadership Colloquium on November 3, 2016.

The Metzger Award is awarded annually since 1999, “recognizes individuals who uphold high standards in their personal and professional lives while fulfilling a career goal of significant stature.” It is given in memory of Patricia Lacey Metzger, a UMW professor and a founder of the Leadership Colloquium.

Spears has served as chamber president since 2010. She is also Executive Director for Leadership Fredericksburg and serves on the boards of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, University of Virginia Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Families of the Wounded Fund - Fredericksburg, and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, among others. She was appointed by City Council to serve on the Fredericksburg Memorials Advisory Commission.

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Fredericksburg Regional Business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

CHAMBER EVENTS

Through February 2017

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

10th – Fredericksburg Roundtable, 8:00 am, Central Park Corporate Centere, Speaker: Dina Vales, Topic: “Tips to Achieve Wellness”

2nd – Ribbon Cutting, 4:00 pm, Atlantic Bay Mortgage 10008 Southpoint Parkway Suite 101

17 – CNEW, 11:30 am, Fredericksburg Country Club, Speaker: Naomie Murdoch, Topic: “Wellness at Work”

23rd – Business After Hours, 5:30 am, Courtyard Marriott Fredericksburg, It’s Mardi Gras Time at 620 Caroline St.

17th – Ribbon Cutting, 4:30 pm, Avery Hess Realtors, 11019 Leavells Rd

25th – STEM Summit, 10:00 am, Massaponax High School, 8201 Jefferson Davis Hwy.

th

27th – Annual Award & Gala, 6:00 pm, Fredericksburg Expo Center

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Saturday, February 25 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Massaponax High School

6th Annual

The 2017 STEM Summit is a one-day event designed to bring together students, teachers, public officials & businesses from the Fredericksburg region to see STEM in action.

Summit Join us for the 2017 STEM Summit!

At this year’s STEM Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to not only talk about cutting edge STEM technology, but will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most exciting STEM-related booths in the region!

Preparing and Inspiring Today’s Learners and Tomorrow’s Leaders

School or Non-Profit GroupsContact: Brenda Conway: bconway@spotsylvania.k12.va.us

Businesses- Contact: Sheri Wikert sheri@fredericksburgchamber.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 540.373.9400

To register online and to learn more about these events as well as events scheduled throughout the year, visit www.fredericksburgchamber.org or call 540-374-9400

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours in 2017?

Reserve a date, contact Sara Branner, Member Services Coordinator, sara@fredericksburgchamber.org.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Fredericksburg Regional Business

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(540) 899-2265 • www.VirginiaPartnersBank.com •