Looking Back, and Looking Forward

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 29, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Where did this year go?  Certainly I am not the only one asking that question - the more ‘experience’ I earn, the faster time flies!  I took a look back at 2014 and smiled proudly at the accomplishments the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce achieved over the past 12 months.

With the turn of the calendar to 2014, Chamber staff and the Board of Directors set the plan into motion for the organization’s move to a permanent location - a first in the history of this chamber. Our Sperryville Pike home required a transformation from residential to commercial.  With a lot of help and support along the way, we were able to occupy our new offices by summer’s end.  I truly believe this building will long stand as a testament to Culpeper’s strong and diverse business community.  History will prove this relocation to be a bold and wise investment for the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.    

The weather played havoc with a few events and programs this year.  We were forced to cancel the Professional Development Conference because of snow, the Professional Women’s Breakfast had to relocate due to heavy rains, and our move out of the Depot was delayed as a result of several weather related slow-downs in construction. However, beautiful days were enjoyed for CulpeperFest in June and the Pepper Open in September.

The highlight of the chamber calendar is always the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.  This year’s 100th anniversary celebration made it especially exciting.  The evening’s focus on the organization’s history gave attendees cause for reflection on the good work this organization has helped facilitate over the past century. It was clear that many community and business leaders used their skills to advance the economic prosperity of Culpeper.  As the saying goes, “It is amazing what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”  

As we ring in 2015, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce remains committed to serving the membership and business community at large.  Events and programs are being planned with the aim to educate and communicate with our members and, if necessary, advocate on their behalf regarding business related issues. If you are interested in joining the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, consider this your invitation.  Stop by our new office and we will be happy to help you connect, grow and prosper.

The chamber staff and board of directors wish you and yours a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  

Lead Culpeper Finishes With Success

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 22, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Lead Culpeper 2014 is beginning to wrap up its 10 month program.  An engaging class of 15 business and community leaders began their journey earlier this year. In mid-April they gathered at Verdun Adventure Bound for a 2-day program introduction where they were presented various challenges, obstacles and problem solving situations.  Each task was designed to improve awareness of their individual leadership style.

The December session looked at the role of volunteerism, non-profit organizations and how they contribute to the overall health of a community.  Non-profit groups working in the social sector provide lifelines to our most needy residents by providing food, shelter, and various services with resources typically not available to local governments.

In the spirit of the season, Lead Culpeper 2014 participants volunteered a few hours at the Culpeper Senior Center and Manna Ministry. They seemed to be moved by the experience of seeing so many appreciative faces that were happy for a warm meal, companionship, and sanctuary.  Most of us take for granted the food in our pantries and fellowship at our dinner tables but for many residents in our little community, this isn’t the norm - loneliness and hunger are frequently at their doorstep.  We continued our session with a visit to the Culpeper Food Closet, where Dick and Barb Rosica gave us a history of this long standing mission.  Rooted in faith-based outreach, the food closet began as just that - a broom closet that held stores of food to feed the hungry.  As the need grew so did the ‘closet’.  

The day concluded with a panel discussion with Cheryl Carter, of Culpeper Housing and Shelter Services, Chris Miller, from Aging Together, and Karen Brown, representing Services to Abused Families (SAFE).  By sharing their agency's mission and vision with the group, the Lead Culpeper 2014 class gained keen insight into the challenges confronting non-profit organizations.  Funding shortfalls and right-sized volunteer pools were common concerns to these social needs organizations.  Because of the broad experience base of Lead Culpeper 2014 participants, several ideas to improve the visibility and resourcing of Culpeper's non-profits quickly surfaced.

The Lead Culpeper 2014 program is really about "self-actualization" that strives to help, albeit in a small way, business and community leaders reach their fullest potential.  This year's convening may have commenced with personal leadership awareness but is ending with clear examples of how individual effort and talent combine to contribute to the overall quality of life and business climate in Culpeper.  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce's investment in this program is not simply an investment in our leaders. In addition to personal growth of the participants, I am convinced the region will see a continuing return on this investment as well.

Do You Have Any Mulligans to Offer?

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 15, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

My grandfather always wanted me to learn the game of golf.  As an avid golfer and owner of a cigar factory, he believed most business was conducted on the course. I didn’t take to the links too well, mainly because of its interesting language - Birdie, Bogey, Eagle, and Mulligan, to name a few.  Their definitions aren’t apparent at first glance.    However, I do enjoy the explanation of ‘Mulligan’ - simply put, it’s a ‘do-over’! Mulligans are a fun element offered at the Chamber’s Pepper Open. For a small fee, we allow players another shot from the tee when the first one wasn’t too successful.  It’s a popular item for obvious reasons!

How nice would it be if the real game of life had Mulligans  Whenever something was said or done that didn’t go as well as expected, we could use a mulligan for a ‘do-over’.  All would be forgotten and forgiven.  This wishful-thinking thought came to me during a recent meeting of the New Freedom  Reentry Council.  This council brings together law enforcement, Culpeper Human Services, Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services, the Culpeper Career Resource Center, Child Support Enforcement, various nonprofits and faith-based groups, the business community, along with probation offices and others to coordinate pre- and post-release services, with the previously-incarcerated person and the correctional center/jail.  Together, they work to identify re-entry barriers and develop methods to address them; improve collaboration and coordination of re-entry transition services; establish partnerships to promote jobs; promote re-entry strategies for juveniles and adults; and participate in the development of the state reentry strategic plan.    

The challenges presented to re-entrants  are numerous.  Upon release they may find

themselves homeless, unemployed, lacking sufficient transportation, and involved in

strained family relationships.  Without adequate safety nets in place, they often repeat bad behaviors and find themselves back behind bars.  This becomes a financial and societal burden on our community. As an organization that works to ensure a healthy environment for economic development, the chamber of commerce appreciates our seat at this table.  We are working to connect the dots between recidivism, its prevention through adequate safety nets, and businesses willing to offer mulligans to ex-offenders reentering their community.  This multi-faceted issue deserves candid and open conversation.  We’re listening - what do you have to say?  Do you have any mulligans to offer?

Local Concerns are Heard at Legislative Breakfast

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 8, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Legislative Conference & Breakfast this past Wednesday.  The Chamber's unique format offers our state elected officials the opportunity to hear from representatives of various agencies and community stakeholders regarding concerns and issues for consideration in the upcoming General Assembly.

According to the Virginia General Assembly website, Virginia’s General Assembly is a legislative body comprised of “citizen legislators,” elected representatives that serve in a part-time capacity meeting full-time responsibilities.  In other words, they typically have professions and employment other than the work of their elected position.  I am certain each delegate and senator sought their office fully aware of the responsibility load and time commitment required.   As citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, irregardless of which side of the aisle you may sit, we can all be thankful for these ordinary people.  Their willingness to serve merits our appreciation.

Budgetary challenges were common themes delivered by participating agency representatives during their presentations to the legislators.  However, it is important to note that despite the reported resource shortfalls, agencies were also eager to highlight success. This was not to paint an ‘all is good’ picture as participants all recognize that state dollars are limited, but rather communicate to the legislators that while fiscal challenges remain, the Commonwealth generally seems to be on the right track.

There appears to be a realization that Virginia is in a new economy - one not so dependent on Federal dollars. Accordingly, the Commonwealth of Virginia will need to continue to attract new business and work to develop and strengthen the workforce.  These are definitely attainable and sustainable goals.

Senators Hanger, Reeves and Vogel, along with Delegates Scott and Webert, all echoed the same sentiment - be upbeat, be engaged, and stay informed.  They recognize the difficult fiscal decisions that lie ahead.  Help them chart the best course forward by participating in the process. Our representatives need your input to make the best possible and informed decisions.  To stay up-to-date with the 2015 General Assembly visit virginiageneralassembly.gov.  

The Meaning Behind the Mission Statement

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 1, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

Since taking my first step on my Chamber of Commerce career path, I’ve been interested in the history of these unique business organizations. I recently began reading “The Magicians of Main Street, America and its Chambers of Commerce, 1768-1945”, written by Chris Mead, Senior Vice President, American Chamber of Commerce Executives.  I’m in heaven - yes, call me a chamber nerd.  Mead’s book chronicles the influential role chambers of commerce have played in their respective communities.  It’s the history of America written from the perspective of business.  It’s fascinating!

My biggest takeaway so far is business folks get things done!  That shouldn't be such a huge surprise since that attribute is the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit.  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce has many members that fit this description and they use this business organization as an avenue for positive community achievement.  It is not the work of one, but the work of many.

The business of chambers of commerce are principally the same across our great country. Most mission statements contain the words ‘voice of the business community…”  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is no exception.   Our mission statement reads, “The voice of the business community, working to promote, build and support the most effective climate for economic development.”   

This mission is broad and could be considered lofty at times, especially the words, “The voice...” Whose voice, exactly?  It’s not the voice of chamber staff or even the chamber’s board of directors - it’s your voice, your statement.  The chamber leadership is committed to listening to the membership and community at large regarding issues you may deem important. Your input will contribute to a unified and strong articulation of issues relevant to business and economic stability.

We want to hear from you.  What do you need this business organization to say?  We’re listening because together we can get things accomplished!