Young Professionals contribute in many ways

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, May 21, 2012

The Young Professionals Group (aka - YP’s) at Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is a meaningful networking group of dedicated, young professionals ranging in age from 25 – 40 (ish). The mission of the group is to create a platform for members to build relationships, develop professionally and contribute to the local community through specific activities. The group has over 50 members and continues to develop ways for YP’s to benefit from the growing network of young leaders in our region.

The Young Professionals contribute the business community in many ways. The Chamber has appointed several YP’s to the Culpeper Chamber Board of Directors in recognition of their leadership toward securing the future vitality of our business community. We also recognize one YP each year as the Young Professional of the Year. Many of you remember that Jon Krawchuk was awarded the designation at the Annual Banquet in 2011. This is an increasingly difficult award to fill considering the field of great YP leaders.

A congratulations to the YP’s on their successful fund raiser for the Culpeper Food Closet. The group holds an annual bowling tournament to raise funds for a special need in the community each May. The tournament held last Tuesday, raised over $3000 and over 500 lbs of food for the local food closet at a time when demand for such support has increased.

The tournament began in 2010 raising $1,500 for the March of Dimes. In 2011 the YP’s raised $2,700 for the Scott Fisher Foundation. In 2012, the tournament raised another record amount. It is not surprising that the tournament “sells out” every year with such a great focus on giving back to the community.

The Tournament sponsors reflect the strength and diversity of the YP’s. The group wishes to thank the sponsors of the event:  Terremark, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, The Scott M. Fisher Foundation, Association of Social Work Boards, Union First Market Bank, Tuesday Noon Leadshare Group, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and Yesterday Reclaimed.  
And a special thank you to Ed’s Awards and Engraving for donating the coveted trophies and to Yesterday Reclaimed, Mountain Run Bowling Center and Culpeper Media Network for their generous donation of auction items.   Thank you to Green Roost, Donald Rice Tire and Auto, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., Second Floor Yoga and Wellness, Main Street Hair Salon, Satha Distribution, Gold’s Gym, and the members of Tuesday Noon Leadshare,  for their door prize donations.

For more information on joining the Culpeper Chamber Young Professionals, contact Debbie Stohlman at the Chamber office @ 540-825-8628. Go to the CulpeperChamber.com to find YP events on the Chamber event calendar.  The next big event will be the Crab Feast in September at Verdun.

If you are looking for the next big thing at the Chamber go to CulpeperFest.com. Invite your associates, friends, and family for the celebration of the year. We look forward to seeing you on June 7th.

CulpeperFest set for June 7



Photo courtesy of Studio C Photography

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent

Monday, May 14, 2012

Here we grow again!!! It feels great to wander thru the big tents, smell the barbeque, entertained by familiar sights and sounds. Yes, CulpeperFest will open on June 7th at 4 pm at the Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center. We are expecting record crowds this year with Culpeper County Public Schools out early. In addition, we also are inviting the public school teachers, students, and families to enjoy the celebration of local business with us this year.

We are in a constant journey to improve and out do the year before in some special way. This year, in addition to the classic  CulpeperFest cuisine of Pork BBQ, Beef Brisket, Fried Catfish, Hot Dogs, and plenty of sides, we have added a few things. Shawn’s Smokehouse BBQ will introduce their Caribbean Mango Glazed Chicken and Shawn will showcase his famous BBQ Ribs…. Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself enjoying the BBQ, mmmmm just imagine that delicious aroma...

Had your share of fine fixins…. Head over to the Bruster’s Ice Cream station. They have not announced the CulpeperFest flavors yet. Thinking of the possibilities is Jamaica’n Me Crazy – ooops – I may have giving away a flavor?

For the Kids we are planning to have the moon bounces and back by popular demand we plan to have the Clydesdales pulling the wagon rides. This is a picture perfect opportunity for you and your family.

We have a few surprises under the big tents this year. Culpeper Regional Health System will have a full tent with a special theme. They are always good for a “fit”ing experience…. I look forward to their creative enthusiasm on display.

As we introduced last year, Chamber member businesses will be able to sell items at the event. This has been a big hit. Both businesses and our guests have enjoyed the benefit of the special deals and promo items filling many a bag. Bring cash or credit card – many merchants will have remote credit card transaction capabilities.

We will have a few opportunities to win back your ticket purchase and then some. This year we will have a “BIG” 50/50 raffle. You must be present to win so bring your cash and join in the fun. We have another fun game in mind that has to do with dropping ducks?  You will understand when you see it. You may win “BIG” on this as well.

The Culpeper Star Exponent will roll out the new 2012 Community Guide. Save your 2011 copy as it may be valuable as the 2011 VPA award winner.  We are hoping for greater things from the 2012 Guide. Get yours “hot-off” the press first at CulpeperFest and be sure to support the Culpeper Chamber Member Businesses listed in the directory. This is the best way to ensure that you are supporting local business.

Go to CulpeperFest.com for ticket information. We kept the price of tickets low again this year. We want you to come out and enjoy the event. The more that we have the better!!! Booth spaces are available. Register to sponsor the event and gain special benefits. See everyone on “beautiful” June 7th

Jim Charapich, President/CEO
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

21st Century learning

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent

Monday, May 7, 2012

21st Century learning is an important gateway of preparedness for our K-12 students to succeed in today’s work place. How will our students fare in the global market place? This is a tough question and yet our educational system led by a great group of educators has chosen a proactive approach to this question.

I had the privilege of attending the E Squared Semi Final competition on April 19th. The students were exceptional. The teams showed impressive mastery of the 21st century learning skills that will set them apart in the competitive market place. The level of preparation in developing their business plans demonstrated that they are able to grasp the business principles that enable wealth creation as entrepreneurs.

The website P21.org describes 21st Century learning skills as four basic C’s of skill sets. They include critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication skills, creativity and innovation skills, and collaboration skills. As the educators approach each season of E Squared competition they are very aware of the exponential benefits that the four C’s will bring to the students. Our school system is leading the way in 21st century education through the continual improvement process of enhancing the E Squared Program.

It is natural for the educators to collaborate for the best interest of the students. This is certainly true in the Culpeper County School System led by Dr. Johnson. However, It is exceptional for the educators to team with local business to support educational passion. E Squared has awakened a unique community spirit in education. There is a real desire to collaborate as educators, business, and government to create the best learning opportunities for our students.

Another aspect of exceptional learning is “Project Based Education.” E Squared has enabled such learning as a part of the course curriculum for the E Squared students. Students are given the opportunity to develop a business to be pitched to a “Faux VC Board” of local business leaders. The project involves over 60  professionals from the business community including approximately 15 who work  directly with the students and educators to develop viable businesses conceived and built by student teams. I would characterize the program “Prism Learning.” The students are encouraged to look at the project from many angles, looking for the best solutions. The prism of endless options tempered with the reality of fiscal profitability makes the program a true 21st Century educational experience.

The program development has been led by a dream team of Chuck Gyory, Mike Dale, and Randi Richards-Lutz. The three are a braided chord of strength at the center of the Career Partners, Inc. Board of Trustees support for the program. They have enlisted the talent and support of educators and the largest corps of business support so far for the 2012 competition.

Join us on May 10th from 8 AM – 1 PM at the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Room to watch six teams compete for the $5,000 per student scholarship fund in the Final 2012 Competition. Or, tune into the live stream broadcast from Culpeper Media Networks Comcast Channel 10.

Jim Charapich, President/CEO
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce