What's up at the chamber?

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 7/25/2011

What is going on at the Chamber? That is a question that I am frequently asked. Naturally, I have an inventory of what we have on the schedule. However, the months ahead seem busier than usual at the Chamber and for good reason…

First we have elections coming up this November for local and state positions. We are planning a candidates forum breakfast for local elected officials to be held on October 21st at Germanna. We are also planning a state level candidates forum. With redistricting, Culpeper is now represented by three Senators and two Delegates. We plan to have a breakfast forum for state candidates on October 7th at Germanna as well. Please save the date for these and look for registration information at CulpeperChamber.com.

We will host the Chamber Annual Business Industry & Education Day at Culpeper High School on August 19th. This allows our businesses to welcome the teachers to another year and offer information about our local products and services. Register at the Chamber website.

The Pepper Open is one of the premier golf tournaments in the area. The event has grown year after year and we already have half of the foursomes filled. The event is on September 26th. We have a special “gift” for the participating golfers this year, a must have…. Space is limited so sign up early to take advantage of this networking opportunity.

We are working on several “Media Marketing Seminars” with our local marketing partners for the fall. The programs are designed to develop marketing efforts that reach beyond Culpeper... in time for the holiday season. This is powerful and important to stimulating sales for local business. Keep an eye on the Chamber website for registration information.

On September 1st Leo Liu will be at Germanna at 5:30 PM to talk about the China trip in April of 2012. He is the owner of Citslinc International and will be able to answer your questions about the Culpeper to China Trip. You will want to be there.

Mark your calendars for the evening of November 3rd. We will bring together another exciting Annual Awards Banquet this year. Get your silent auction items in early for more visibility. We plan to build anticipation with web postings of your items before the banquet. Make sure to bring your out of town associates to the banquet. Our business community is vibrant and impressive. This is one of the best places to meet and greet some of the sharpest minds in Virginia…

Explore China!

 Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 7/11/2011

What is on your bucket list? Would it be to parachute out of an airplane, bungee jump from a cliff, or perhaps something more practical. Have you considered taking a trip to China? The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce in coordination with Battlefield Travel, Carefree Cruise and Travel, and Citslinc International, Inc are offering an opportunity to travel to China for a 9 Day All Inclusive* trip to several major cities. The trip includes bucket list stops such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the famous Tien An Men Square, and much more. Visit major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou for an unforgettable China experience. The sights, sounds, and feel of China are waiting for you.

We hear that China is one of our largest global partners. We also hear that China is one of our largest competitors. Which is true? According to a presentation by the American Embassy during my trip this past March – China is the #1 Market for vehicles at over $110 Billion. China is #1 in internet users at 457 million. They also have 303 million mobile online service users. China consumes 40% of the world’s coal, 50% of the cement, 33% of the steel, and 43% of the iron ore. These figures illustrate why China is the world’s 2nd largest economy. China is the US’ #1 export market at $91 B. In addition, a trend that was especially interesting to me is that today 5% of population is considered “middle class”. The trend indicates that this figure will grow to 45% by 2020. Will there be in increase in consumer spending in China in the near future???

The facts and figures about China are most fascinating when you see them first hand as you travel the cities and countryside. Our economies are more closely connected than you might think. Why not see for yourself what all of the BUZZ is about? Join us on Tuesday, July 19th at 5:30 PM at Germanna for a presentation “Explore China – It is closer than you think”. I will be accompanied by Janet Driggers of Carefree Cruise and Travel as well as Cheryl Clear of Battlefield Travel to help you with questions about travel arrangements.

We will introduce you to an opportunity to go to China in April of 2012 for an amazing value. If you miss the meeting on Tuesday night, register to join us at the RAVE lunch on July 20th at Foti’s in down town Culpeper for a brief recap of the trip. We will have the owner of Citslinc International joining us on September 1st as well for another introduction to China trip Q & A. Citslinc has been offering trips to China thru hundreds of Chambers of Commerce throughout the US. The trip is open to all and we encourage anyone interested to join us for our “Explore China” meetings. For more information go to CulpeperChamber.com and call Carefree Cruise & Travel @ 540 547-4500 or Battlefield Travel @ 540 825-1393. What is on your Bucket List?

Exercise your right to be fit

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 7/4/2011

 

As you read this I will probably be running the Freedom 5 K at the Powell Wellness Center as a part of today’s 4th of July celebrations. Our community has embraced fitness as a core value in developing many events. We will have the Triathlon at Mountain Run Lake on July 30th and July 31st. We have the 4th Annual Culpeper Cycling Century developed by the Culpeper Department of Parks and Recreation and held on October 1st.  These are just a few of the organized activities surrounding fitness and healthy lifestyles promoted in Culpeper.

As I was leading my indoor cycling class last week, it occurred to me that fitness is a lot like freedom. Both can be taken for granted until they are taken away. They can both slip away one day at a time until they are gone. Neither freedom nor fitness is free. Both require diligent work to preserve and protect in our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

We do a great job in Culpeper of inspiring both freedom and fitness. As I spoke to a men’s prayer group a few weeks ago I was challenged to consider spiritual lessons of leadership for business. One of the principles that I shared was “Be Fit”. We as humans are designed to be fit. We are happier when we are fit. We demonstrate happier characteristics when we are fit. Fitness can be freedom!!

As citizens of the USA we are also established in freedom. That means that we are “Free to be Fit”, our choice because we are free to choose. I know local athletes that have developed as athletes later in life, never having been an athlete in High School or College. They are some of the most inspiring! I see those like me who were very successful in earlier years only to rediscover the benefits of fitness later in life. There is nothing like feeling very fit. Getting to an excellent fitness level is much like flying. It takes more work to get the plane off of the ground. Once the plane is in the air, maintaining altitude takes less work.

Why fitness message on the 4th of July? Personal Freedom!! We often have a few minutes to reflect during the 4th of July. We get wrapped up in our jobs and the extra day is a time for family, friends, and celebrating our freedom. It can also be a mid-year assessment of your new years’ resolutions. My experience is that New Year’s resolutions are forged in January and forgotten by July. As you may recall an earlier column where I challenged you to consider New Year resolutions by establishing your “WHY” to keep you on track. What are your “Why’s” for fitness?

Freedom 5 K says it all, an appropriate way to kick off the July 4th celebration. “Freedom to be Fit” is a life long journey. Consider the benefits, consult the professionals, and establish a plan. Exercise Your Freedom!!!