Make 2014 your Healthiest Year Yet

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

December 30, 2013

With the healthcare issue bouncing a midst the partisan divide, the bottom line appears to be that it is no longer practical to be passive about your health. It is up to us to be on guard for commercial messages related to food, health, and life choices. They can be overwhelming and vary from extremes of inviting indulgence to fantasy weight loss theories.

I sense that the healthcare industry is moving towards rewarding us for healthy choices while holding individuals responsible for poor decisions. The transition in the healthcare industry seems confusing and yet there are a few interesting thoughts to consider.

First, our choices often determine outcomes. Proverbially, if we do the same thing and expect different results, our expectations will likely be disappointing. This year, make a decision to find solutions to the fitness challenges that you face and gather the proper research from professionals, Doctors, Health Professionals, Fitness Trainers, and others related to your health goals. We live in the greatest time in history to research solutions for our fitness goals.

Second, with your research in hand, set goals. Goal acronyms can help, such as S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Framed. It is important to do your research and use the research to set SMART goals. Goals are more about the journey than the end result. Having the goal in sight is important and exciting to achieve.  However, the day-to-day small victories are especially motivating in advancing your efforts.

 

There are many options for basic fitness measurements such as calorie counting apps. Some of these apps also allow for calorie burn inputs for exercise. Also, consider the latest tracking wristbands w/ apps to keep you on track. Fitbit, Up, and Fuelband are three of many emerging products commercially available. Exercise can be more fun when you know that you are getting extra credit for calories by easily tracking your exercise.

Finally, if your research allows, consider adding an element of competition to the fitness fun. There are many options here. One of the best local opportunities to compete with “yourself” is the Drop It program offered by the Culpeper Regional Health System. The program will kick off in January and offers an abundance of guidance in helping choose healthy lifestyles. Also, consider signing up for a fitness class to join others in fitness fun and accountability.

If competition is motivating for you, then think about signing up for a race. With your research in mind, choose a race like a 5 K to begin with or something else that is consistent with your researched goals. Careful here, signing up for a 5 K can be a gateway, once achieved, it can lead you to ask the question - what next…. possibly a 10 K, a Triathlon, a Cycling Century, a Marathon, or an Ironman… Today is a great day to sign up for the best race deals since many race prices go up after January 1st. Check out options at www.Active.com, www.setupevents.com, or drop by the Bike Stop in downtown Culpeper to find out about the local trails and outdoor cycling events. Make 2014 your healthiest year yet. Carpe Diem.

Amazing Culpeper

Business Monday

Culpeper Star Exponent

Jim Charapich

December 23, 2013

I was walking up Davis Street from the Depot as the wind drifted mildly toward me from the west. One of the local restaurants uses as wood fired oven for special dishes. The smell of the seasoned wood burning was reminiscent of what it may have been like throughout the decades along the same route. I have seen pictures of the streets, full of mud and horse drawn carriages. The images were showing the buildings in much the same place as they were during milestones in our colonial and civil war era history.

The restaurant owners and shop merchants were busy in their place of business. The street was full of customers with packages in hand to and from the restaurants. Shop owners have decorated the windows with the style and charm that would rival 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive. Yet, thankfully, this is Culpeper, a small town in rural Virginia.

 

The view from Davis Street to the west is like seeing a scene from a National Geographic magazine cover with the Piedmont - rolling hills - leading to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a common reason that so many come from Northern Virginia and Washington DC to visit loved ones here, taking time to dine, shop, and play. I wondered which movie star would be spotted and tweeted about this holiday season. We often have celebrity sightings in Culpeper. The word travels fast today with the local tech savvy entrepreneurs working out of the vogue coffee shops.

I actually felt like I was in the opening scene of an epic Spielberg movie, waving to the shop owners and friends on route to the County office building a few blocks away. So much is in walking distance and it was a great day to take in the sights. I could end my comments here with the picture of a vibrant community during the holidays that is renowned for such attributes.

However, my favorite part of the afternoon was taking the time to introduce one of our government leaders to a local college student. The student was interested in understanding local government. He is currently studying government in a well-known Virginia University.  The leader took some 90 minutes of his time to give a young eager mind experienced views of the variables of local government. With the backdrop of an American flag, I watched as years of tempered leadership were being valued and acknowledged by a student preparing for public service.

There are few words and yet volumes of words that could describe the quality of life in Culpeper. What an amazing place to be. We hear the name Norman Rockwell and think of treasured moments in time, displayed for others to see. Culpeper is a rich work of art, celebrating the gift of today, valuing the lessons of the past, and thankful for the bright opportunities ahead.

Merry Christmas

                                               

Supporting Culpeper Supports You

 Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

Monday December 16, 2013

 

I had the pleasure of meeting with Dewey Cashwell, the new Culpeper Town Manager, this week. I was especially impressed with one of his comments. Though the context was different, I will borrow a quote from him to illustrate an important issue to consider. “People of good will come together and do the right thing given the opportunity.”

As a community; schools, non-profits, and other organizations… we count on the generosity of our businesses during the year for donations for our many fund raisers. We use the items that they donate for prizes, silent auctions, and special rewards. Our businesses are asked daily for such donations and they deliver.

What does this mean to the community? Many of the donations go to help fund critical safety net services, educational resources, and support for the needy. Funding for the public safety net is stretched only so far. The support of the non-profits, fire & rescue volunteers, and schools is exponentially leveraged through business donations.  

Knowing the generosity of our local businesses throughout the year, understanding the importance of their support to the quality of life in Culpeper, and that this time of year is vital for their success…. There is but one thing that keeps the system going full circle. The cause and effect of this one thing is obvious and yet sometimes elusive unless we are reminded of the importance of these relationships.

 

The importance of supporting local business this time of year is critical. It is easy to forget the favors done during the year. Things are busy and we are creatures of habit. In fact we often search high and low for the best deal as we search for gifts to give.

However, our purchases are more than gifts for those that we hope to please on Christmas morning. Our purchases can also be gifts that give throughout the year. Your purchases are the very life of our local economy. The investment in our local small business through your purchases gives us the means to invest back into the community during the year; thus, keeping our safety net strong. Without a vibrant local economy our safety net would not have the resources to meet the needs that we face.

At this time of year when our businesses need YOU the most, at the time of year when YOU are spending for gifts and celebrations, consider investing your dollars in local small business. I love hearing friends tell me that they were able to purchase ALL of their gifts in Culpeper for their holiday giving. They say it with pride and satisfaction.

If you are a non-profit, school resource developer, or service organization please get the link to this article and send it to all of your volunteers. Please send the word out today. Support our local business, Yes, let's transform the over-used phrase "Buy Local" to what we really mean - "Buy Culpeper." It means that when you walk into a business next year and ask for a support item, you will know that you supported them this holiday season in the spirit of making our safety net stronger. Buy Culpeper for a stronger Culpeper.

Opportunities for Business to Connect and Shape the Local Workforce

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 9th, 2013

Jim Charapich

Workforce Update: The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Culpeper Career Resource Center and the Piedmont Workforce Network, continues to develop opportunities for business to connect and shape the local workforce. There are currently two projects that are a priority.

The first and ongoing project is to connect the Workforce Investment Act program with business. The program offers support for specific qualified candidates to intern for a business with relevant job openings. The candidates skill sets can range from highly skilled professionals to basic office support and anywhere in between.  What is in it for business? There are intern dollars available to support the candidate for a short term in the job. In addition, there are may be financial aid for job skills training.

Here are a few examples of job candidate skills that are available for job openings today. For example one candidate is currently training in web design and has additional skills in Social Services Counseling, Real Estate,  and Administration. There is one candidates with a Finance background and another with  Accounting skills. Another two candidates have skills in Networks,  IT, & Electronics. If you are a business and are interested in finding out more about the program and available candidates resumes, contact the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce office at 540-825-8628.

The second project that we have recently completed is a Webinar regarding the newly improved Virginia Employment Commission website. The webinar is SHRM approved for 1.5 hours of continuing educational credits through Germanna Community College Center for Workforce and Community Education. The labor pool is shrinking and the need for skilled workers is increasing. The VEC website is a free and valuable resource for business in the hiring process. The Webinar will help business owners and human resource professionals understand the power of this time saving tool.

The Free Webinar : Partnering with the Virginia Employment Commission : Workforce Connection - For Business Owners and HR Professionals is available for viewing at http://www.ccrc-jobs.com/employers.cfm . For job seekers go to http://www.ccrc-jobs.com/ for robust resources in local job searches.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will continue to work to help to connect workforce opportunities with business. Our workforce is a vital part of our economic prosperity.

 

Participate and Make a Difference

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 2, 2013

Jim Charapich

 

Want to know about the hot issues of the day? The Culpeper Chamber will host the Annual Legislative Breakfast this Friday, December 6th at the Country Club of Culpeper. The purpose of the event is to offer our community the opportunity to express their needs to our representatives of the Virginia General Assembly. Our representatives are able to hear from a wide variety of speakers in preparation for their legislative priorities in the 2014 Session. Confirmed to be in attendance are Delegate Ed Scott, Delegate Michael Webert, and Senator Bryce Reeves. Invited and pending confirmation are Senator Emmett Hanger and Senator Jill Vogel.

We invite those interested in speaking at the event to register at the Culpeper Chamber website. In order to help our representatives fully prepare for the breakfast, we ask that those interested in speaking provide a summary of comments no later than Noon - Thursday, December 5th. Speaking opportunities are limited to 5 minutes and are subject to approval by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. The breakfast is open to the community with paid pre-registration at www.CulpeperChamber.com.

In years past we have had speakers on subjects including Education, Health Care, Library, Transportation, Human Services, Museum, and Elder Care Issues. Each year is different as the economic and social needs change. However, the passion for making our community better is ever present. Virginia is known world wide as a great place to do business, as is Culpeper. Our job as a community is to work with our representatives to ensure that Culpeper continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. Join us on Friday, December 6th for the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. Listen, Network, and or Speak to make a difference.