Ribbon Cuttings at the Chamber

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, October 17, 2011

Ribbon cuttings have been a long standing tradition for Chambers of Commerce. This is a way to celebrate grand openings, milestones, and new improvements for our members. Considering the economic environment and the “News Normal” about the sluggish economy, we have seen a healthy pace of new and improved businesses, Culpeper’s “New Normal”. Our schedule for ribbon cuttings over the past few months has been impressive.

In addition to celebrating the new and improved business, another benefit is being introduced to other chamber members and to the general public. Our ribbon cutting at Croftburn Farm Market last week was a good example of such an event. Their concept of “farm to table” locally is not new, it is however, a welcome addition to our businesses in Culpeper. It is a reflection of the agricultural heritage in Culpeper with an extension to a retail storefront.

I was impressed with the unique, farm fresh, and affordable meats. The owner, whose family has run Croftburn Farms for decades, has created a place that is inviting and exciting. As I spoke to the management of the store, I was also excited to learn about the plans to integrate other local farm products to their offerings. An interesting aspect of agribusiness is that there can be limited supplies of certain special products and thus, the adventure of shopping has an element surprise in addition to the consistent Croftburn Farm products. One of my favorite samplings was the Croftburn Farm Pepperoni, the best that I have ever tasted and it is made in Culpeper. Want to dress up a pizza. This was a wow ribbon cutting. Croftburn Market is located next to Bruster’s just off of Route 29 on Route 666. Check it out.

Our schedule for ribbon cuttings for the past few months has included PhyHealth Sleep Care, Union First Market Bank, JC Penney, Blue Ridge Produce, Ed’s Awards & Engraving, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Shear Secrets, Wine Trail Homes, LLC, Omega Partnership, Wells Fargo, Koller Financial Services, Library of Congress – Gateway to Knowledge, Applied Science Fitness Studio, Mullins Investment Services, LLC and Croftburn Market. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to these Chamber members.

Upcoming ribbon cuttings include Spring Leaf Financial Services, KK’s Printing & Stationary, and Carter’s Accounting & Consulting, LLC. Go to CulpeperChamber.com for times and locations.
Considering that our “New Normal” in Culpeper is very positive, we need to beware of the “News Normal” which is sometimes not as positive. Plug into the benefits of the local business network, there is always something exciting going on at the Culpeper Chamber.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at jcharapich@culpepervachamber.com.