The Advocate Winter 2019

THE ADVOCATE

A Digital Publication of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Issue 01, Winter 2019

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

2018 Annual Banquet and Award Ceremony

This year’s Annual Banquet and Award Ceremony was held at Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center on January 3, 2019. The event, presented by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, United (operated by SkyWest Airlines) and Appeal Production, brought together business and community leaders and gave Chamber staff the platform to recognize our collective achievements of 2018, and celebrate our business and community leaders.

The 2018 Chamber Board Chair, Joel Shank, thanked past and present individuals who served on the Board of Directors. Recognizing all out-going Board Members: Chris Rooker, Chiedo John, Ryan Waid, Debbie McCraw, John Stonebraker, Heather Ream and Greg Godsey. Greg Godsey and Heather Ream received special plaques for their extended service on the Board of Directors. A motion was also accepted to welcome the following individuals as Directors for the 2019-2021 term of office: Umar Ali, First Bank & Trust Company; Kelly Blosser, Riddleberger Brothers; Andrew Friedman, Cargill; Quinton Callahan, Clark & Bradshaw, PC. Lisa Shull, Explore More Discovery Museum and Cheryl Kirby, Union Bank & Trust, were also recently appointed to fill two unexpired terms on the Board.

· Business Person of the Year · Judith Trumbo,

Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community · Diversity Business Leadership Award · Wilhelmina Johnson · Community Champion of the Year · Charles Hendrick,

The Gaines Group, PLC · Entrepreneur of the Year · Mira & Kristo Papa,

Rocktown Kitchen · Farm Family Steward of the Year · Thompson Family,

Roundhill Poultry, LLC · Ambassador of the Year · Scott Price, SaveUpon LLC, Hometown Value Magazine,

Harrisonburg Harmonizers

This was the inaugural year for the Diversity Business Leadership Award. The award winner, Wilhelmina Johnson is a pillar in our community and beloved by all those who she has touched.

L to R: Frank Tamberrino, Judith Trumbo, Wilhelmina Johnson, Additional highlights of the Annual Banquet can be found Charles Hendrick, Mira & Kristo Papa, The Thompson Family, and on the Chamber’s website or by clicking here. Thanks to Joel Shank Appeal Production for the video production of all the award winners’ acceptance speeches.

From left to right: Frank Tamberrino and Scott Price

From left to right: Wilhelmina Johnson, Chris Jones, Joel Shank and Frank Tamberrino

LEAD

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ADVOCATE

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NETWORK

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PROMOTE

The Chamber’s Success is Attributable to YOU! Dr. John Downey Board Chair 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS DR. JOHN A. DOWNEY, Chair, Blue Ridge Community College*

My first month as the Chair of the HarrisonburgRockingham Chamber of Commerce has already left me in awe of the contribution that members like you make to continuously improve the Chamber’s impact in the Valley.

I attended our first Business After Hours of the new year, which highlighted 28 of the impactful non-profit organizations that serve the Harrisonburg and Rockingham region. Meanwhile, the Chamber’s Leadership Program participants visited the Virginia General Assembly and met with our local delegates and senators who work hard to serve the business community through their legislative initiatives. These events, along with the annual banquet, regional business council meetings, and a variety of other committee meetings help to promote within me an incredibly optimistic outlook for the coming year.

We can never lose sight that it is our collection of individual memberships that foster the success of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and I want to encourage each of you to stay engaged in the compelling work we do to support local business. In partnership with the State Chamber and other regional Chambers, we collectively create a better Shenandoah Valley. That’s why we need you! Your ideas, your support, and your engagement makes a difference far beyond what we can even imagine!

All of the great events of the Chamber wouldn’t be possible to implement without the outstanding staff at the Chamber. Frank, Trent, Sara, Sheena and Carlie deserve our appreciation for the hard work they do each and every day. 2019 promises to bring even more exciting events in support of local business and industry. Come help us and get involved!

John

JOEL SHANK, Past-Chair, Dynamic Aviation Group, Inc. * FRANK ONCKEN, Chair-Elect, Skyline Roofing* ERIC BARKEY, JS Replogle & Associates, LLC DWIGHT BURACKER, PBMares, LLP* KELLY BURKHOLDER, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.Burkholder & Associates ANDY VANHOOK, Appeal Production UMAR ALI, First Bank & Trust Company KELLY BLOSSER, Riddleberger Brothers ANDREW FRIEDMAN, Cargill QUINTON CALLAHAN, Clark & Bradshaw, PC SALLIE WOLFE-GARRISON, Rockingham County LISA SHULL, Explore More Children’s Museum CHERYL KIRBY, Union Bank & Trust JEFF HILL, Local Chop & Grill House CHRISTOPHER JONES, City of Harrisonburg SCOT LILLY, Farm Credit of the Virginias LINDSAY LOPEZ, Advantage Physical Therapy DR. MELISSA LUBIN, James Madison University* ERIN OVERSTREET, Gray Television KYLE O’BRIEN, Town of Broadway JONAH PENCE, Farmers & Merchants Bank DONNA PREZIUSO, American National Insurance* COURTNEY ROGERS, Immerge Technologies, Inc. MATTHIAS SMITH, Massanutten Resort SKIP WEAKLEY, LD&B Insurance & Financial Services* VAUGHN ZEPP, LSC Communications * Executive Committee Members

CHAMBER STAFF FRANK TAMBERRINO · President and CEO CARLIE FLOYD · Administrative Assistant TRENT TURNER · Manager of Finance & Administration SARA WITTIG · Director of Marketing & Communications SHEENA ARMENTROUT · Director of Membership & Investments

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Dr. John Downey & Joel Shank

Let’s Avoid: Reputation•Success•Complacency Frank Tamberrino President and CEO

Much has been written on Virginia winning half of Amazon’s HQ2 (east coast headquarters). The January issue of Virginia Business magazine has a cover story on “The Impact of Amazon”, which is a good read. Why is that project important to us? If we get any benefit in the Shenandoah Valley, it will probably be from Virginia’s higher education institutions turning out more tech savvy graduates, some of whom will stay here or relocate to Harrisonburg, and we may see more residents in Northern Virginia selling their homes, cashing out and moving here. In the bigger picture, however, it elevates Virginia’s reputation for business, which benefits all corners of the Commonwealth, and the City, County and region should be ready to take advantage of that.

But, turning to the back pages of that same issue of Virginia Business, Editor Robert Powell admonishes “No victory lap after winning Amazon marathon”. The point of the column is that Virginia had a great business reputation, enjoyed a growing economy, landed some key economic development projects and hit the top rankings in all of the national business magazines. Reputation followed by Success. Which was then followed by a period of Complacency, or as Mr. Powell quoted “People think, since everything is going so well, they don’t need to do anything.” Since I was doing economic development in Florida and Tennessee during those times, my take is a little different. Basically, everyone else stepped up their game, became more aggressive, more innovative and more successful, putting more money into infrastructure and jumped over Virginia, which was just coasting at that point, in the rankings.

We have a great reputation in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and across the Shenandoah Valley, of working together. People continue to move into the area. Our unemployment rate is low by any standards. New housing and retail developments are obvious signs of growth and economic prosperity. But…..

Are we as a community as economically competitive as we once were or now need to be? As a community, are we as aggressive as we need to be? This community has been the standard bearer for the Shenandoah Valley, but is the gap closing? The Chamber has purposefully enhanced our reputation and prestige around the state, but can we better leverage that from a business development perspective?

Back in 2009, the community was engaged in the Vision2020 process. The four pillars of a successful community were identified as: Community Leadership Development; Community Economic Competitiveness; Business Vitality & Entrepreneurship; and World-Class Education and Workforce. Work was initiated on elements of each of these pillars and we can talk about those successes. However, a lot has changed in the past ten years. Perhaps it is time for the Chamber and the community to do a little introspection and forward thinking again. We want Reputation and Success to be a continuous process for the community, and never get to that Complacency stage. We have so many great assets and opportunities in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, let’s continue to take advantage of them.

Frank

2019 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Your Chamber relies heavily on the support of member businesses for sponsorships throughout the year. From breakfast meetings like the Post-Session Legislative Breakfast to large-scale events like ValleyFest, there are many opportunities to be involved. Sponsorship is a great way to gain exposure among fellow members and the public, as well as showing your support of the community. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming opportunities, please contact Sara Wittig at sara@hrchamber.org or (540) 434-3862 x 108.

Click here to view the 2019 Sponsorship Packet.

The Advocate is a quarterly publication of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. The information published in The Advocate are opinions of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. © 2019.

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Your Opportunities for 2019 Through leadership, advocacy, networking and promotion your Chamber offers the tools to help your business and our community succeed and grow. We look forward to continuing our second century of building our community together.

Lead

We are the voice of business in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and play a leadership role in the community's economic well-being. Be a leader through the following Chamber-led programs: Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony · Business Smarts Educational & Professional Development Classes · Economic Outlook Breakfast · Member Success Orientations · Member Services Committee · Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham · BOLD - Building Optimal Leaders by Design

Advocate

We make your voice heard and your opinion known on public policy issues at the local, state and federal levels.

Advocate for your business through the following Chamber-led initiatives: Public Policy Committee · Pre and Post-Session Legislative Breakfasts · Presidential Address · Candidate Forums

Network

We provide numerous opportunities for you to meet people you need to know - potential customers, partners and collaborators. Network through the following Chamber-led programs and events: Business After Hours · Business at Breakfast · Connections · Golf Tournament · Speed Networking · Ambassadors Committee · Regional Business Alliances · Shenandoah Women's Alliance · Aging in Place Roundtable · Event Planning Committees · Hospitality Committee · Diversity Business Council

Promote

Increase your visibility in the community through your member business listing, event sponsorships, advertising opportunities, Chamber website features and more including the following: ValleyFest · Community Profile & Membership Directory · The Advocate · Shop Local Holiday Campaign · Chamber Website, Blog and E-Newsletter · Ribbon Cuttings, Groundbreakings and Open Houses

2019 Annual Events

Annual Banquet · January 3 Economic Outlook Breakfast · TBA Post-Session Legislative Breakfast · Spring ValleyFest · May 25 Presidential Address · August 12 Golf Tournament · Summer/Fall Connections 2019 · October 17 Pre-Session Legislative Breakfast · Winter Shop Local Holiday Campaign · Winter

Business After Hours

January 17 · Non-Profit Roundtable at DoubleTree by Hilton February 21 · Bluestone Vineyard March 21 · Commonwealth One FCU April 18 · The Spa at Massanutten May 2 · PBMares, LLP June 20 · Broadway Hometown Partnership July 12 · The Reserve at Stone Port August 8 · Blue Ridge Bank September 19 · The Community Foundation October 17 · Connections 2019 November 1 · Brix & Columns Vineyard

Monthly Events: Business Smarts Educational & Professional Development Classes, Ambassador Committee, Member Services Committee, Public Policy Committee, Regional Business Alliances, Aging in Place Roundtable, Diversity Business Committee, Member Success Orientations Quarterly Events: Business at Breakfast, Leadership Smarts, Shenandoah Women's Alliance, Speed Networking

Register for all events on our events calendar: chamber.hrchamber.org/events/calendar P|4

2019 by the Numbers... So Far

1

14

Ribbon Cutting

2

Featured News Releases

Business Smarts Educational Sessions

14

Ambassadors

2

6,328

9

7

Business After Hours

Business Council Meetings

Social Media Followers

New Members

As The Advocate goes to electronic press, the two bills (SB 1716 and HB 2718) crept forward, but funding options had been removed and VDOT is being directed to keep studying how to make I-81 safer and have traffic flow more smoothly. Senator Obenshain and Delegate Landes deserve a lot of credit for putting something out there in December. Obviously, there wasn’t buy-in from all affected economic sectors, but last year’s VDOT study and hearings have put more attention on I-81 than it has had in the past. And VDOT officials now understand that I-81 is not like other Interstates in Virginia, and their proposed improvements were targeted and well thought out.

Where do we go from here? Barring some unforeseen agreement to move forward, businesses along the I-81 corridor will have additional opportunities to provide input and preferences this year to VDOT. This will most likely include funding options that people can live with. The Improve-81 Chambers coalition has raised the awareness and profile of I-81’s economic importance to Virginia. Our Chamber members responded to the recent legislative Call To Action. The future has not been written yet. But, one thing that is certain is that “doing nothing is not an option” for the economic well-being of this part of Virginia. Stay involved and voice your opinion.

The Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham Class took their annual trip to Richmond in January.

Pictured: Delegate Tony Wilt took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the Leadership HR members.

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2019 Long-Time Member Recognition 50 Years: Pet Dairy, C.L. Custer, LLC., Clark & Bradshaw, PC, Loomis Wealth Management, LLC.,Truck & Equipment Corporations, SunTrust Bank 45 Years: Massanutten Technical Center, Econo Lodge- Harrisonburg 40 Years: Bridgewater Retirement Community, Valley Mall Management Office 30 Years: Massanutten Property Owners Association, Office Products, Inc., United Bank, Waste Management 25 Years: Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Total Technology Management, Kate’s Natural Products, Inc., Blackwell Engineering, PLC., Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center, Massanutten Regional Library 20 Years: Hampton Inn-Harrisonburg, Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, WoodmenLife, APB Management (McDonalds), Extinguisher Sales & Service, LLC., Wal-Mart Store #2807, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS, Water Works Water Treatment, Inc., Motel 6 15 Years: LSC Communications, Earman & Associates Travel, Inc., Ragtime Fabrics, Explore More Discovery Museum, Vision Technology Group LLC., Sentara RMH Wellness Center, AVA Care of Harrisonburg, Blue Ridge Architects

From left to right: Frank Tamberrino, Matthew Sunderlin - Clark & Bradshaw, PC., Lisa Shull - Explore More Discovery Museum, Todd Chapman - United Bank, Vaughn Zepp - LSC Communications, Mike Wittig - Blue Ridge Architects, Joel Shank.

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Connect with New Members Planning for an upcoming project or program? In need of a local business service resource? Connect with new members below and discuss how you can partner together. The following new members have joined your Chamber since November 2019.

Armstrong's Auto Sales Inc - Travis Armstrong Independent Used Car Dealer - The all new Armstrong’s Auto Sales brings you a different way to buy a vehicle! They have priced their vehicles at the lowest prices in a 150 mile radius and the price you see is the price you pay—no hassle, no haggle. All of the vehicle information is displayed on the windshield for you to see for complete transparency. This includes the year, make, model, price, options, additional fees, even mpg! You’re welcome to check out their lot 24/7. All at the new Armstrong’s Auto Sales!

1381 North Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | 540-434-2277 | https://www.armstrongsautogroup.com/ Armed Forces Recruiting Center (Army) - Jessica Jarnigan United States Army Recruiting Center recruiting qualified prospects to join the Army or Army Reserve.

1645 Reservoir St Suite 130, Box 4, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-434-6691 | http://www.goarmy. com/ Dynamic Home Solutions, LLC - Matthew Rescott Dynamic Home Solutions helps home-owners that cannot sell their home due to unforeseen circumstances to make it happen. If you need to sell, they can make it happen, no matter the obstacles. They are invested in Dynamic Home Solutions for one reason: to care for people. They are solely interested in finding the best option for you. If that means finding a different, better avenue for you to go with your home, they will encourage you to do so! Dynamic Home Solutions only wants what is best for you – if that means listing your property with a realtor, or even selling at a later time, they will tell you their best analysis of the situation. If they are not your best option, they will always point you in the right direction!

337 East Beverley Street, Staunton, Va 24401 | 804-832-6119 E-N Computers - Trina Wiley Need managed IT Services? E-N Computers will treat you to total IT Peace of Mind. Fully responsible IT services that unlock your business value: Solutions, IT Consulting, Projects, Emergency Repair, IT Staff Support.

45 Newman Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-476-4637 | https://www.encomputers.com/ Ford-Byrd Consulting, LLC - Zanetta Ford-Byrd Ford-Byrd Consulting, LLC serves nonprofit and church organizations to provide the most current insights and strategies catered to the mission and vision of each agency.

1115 Nathan Hale Court, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | 434-607-5061 | https://www.fordbyrdconsulting. com/ P|8

Connect with New Members HERR & CO INC - Jim Herr Virginia Class A general contractors serving Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and surrounding areas providing full service construction services. Their expertise is custom contracting in both residential construction and light commercial projects.

141 Bruce Street, Suite 202, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-820-4149 | https://www.herrinc.com/ Horizons Edge Sports Campus - Jeff Flemmang Opening in August of 2019, Horizons Edge Sports Campus is set on 50 acres and includes an 89,000 sq. ft. indoor facility with 4-basketball courts, 6-volleyball courts, and a multipurpose 200’ x 100’ indoor turf field to play soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and other sports. Outdoor facilities will include a multi-sport 120 yd. x 60 yd. lighted turf field. Adjacent to Horizons Edge’s field house, the campus offers residential housing for up to 150 people and a lodge with a full-service kitchen, a dining area that serves 150, and meeting rooms that will host corporate events and youth camps, among other activities.

325 Cornerstone Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | 540-574-3548 | http://www.horizonsedgeva.com/ Kawneer, An Arconic Company - Trevor Elliott Kawneer is a manufacturer of architectural aluminum systems and products for the commercial construction industry.

9986 Spotswood Trail, McGaheysville, VA 22840 | 540-289-1414 | http://www.kanawhastone.com/ Lisa Houff Photography - Lisa Houff Do any of these sentiments resonate with you? You hate having your picture taken, but you just want to have fun and feel pretty... You need a dynamite headshot for your website that reflects your brand... Photographic wall art, framed prints, and albums belong in your home... Dancing reflects the joy of life, and needs to be photographed... Candid shots of spontaneous family moments make for incredible memories... It's important to create work that matters. Your life matters! Let's document it!

Lisa Houff Photography solves people’s photography dilemmas with no-pressure, sophisticated, and whimsical photo and video sessions to transform lives.

5432 Beaver Creek Road, Bridgewater, VA 22812 | 540-271-4764 | http://www.lisahouffphotography. com/ Steve Gregory DJ/MC - Steve Gregory Professional Crowd Pleasing Entertainment - Mobile DJ/Karaoke for Corporate Events, Weddings, and Life Celebrations (Anniversary, Birthday, Class Reunion). Steve Gregory combines his love of people and music with his unique gift of hosting to ensure all attending feel special and have a memorable, fun time! He brings Life to the Party!

912-346-7444 | https://www.stevegregorydj.com/

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Early Bird Tickets $20 | March 15 - April 13 Advance Tickets $25 | April 14 - May 24 Designated Driver | Under 21 Years Old $10

Sponsorship Opportunities for ValleyFest19 Volunteer Opportunities

MAY 25, 2019 | NOON - 7 PM

ON THE SLOPES OF MASSANUTTEN MUSIC + BEER & CRAFT BREWS WINE TASTING + ART VENDORS + FOOD VENDORS TICKETS + DETAILS = https://www.valleyfestbeerandwine.com

Kickoff Party & Giveaway Party | March 15, 2019 At Massanutten Base Camp | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

There will be a pair of tickets given away every 30 minutes with a Grand Prize of a combo pass for a day at the Water Park, Ski or Golf at Massanutten Resort and a pair of ValleyFest19 General Admission tickets.

ValleyFest19 Sponsors:

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