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

Being jailed for Charity

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent

Monday, April 30, 2012

My position at the Chamber has finally become a problem. I will be locked up as a result of my Chamber activities. I confess that this is a bit embarrassing but I feel that it is time that the public know the truth. I have chosen to use this column to seek your support for my actions. One of our Chamber members has called me out and I could not run, hide, or avoid my civic responsibility. This Friday, May 4th I will be locked up.

Omega Partnership will convert their office at 133 West Davis Street in Culpeper to a jail. The office will be divided into four jail cells and host public officials,  religious leaders, business leaders, fitness leaders, and other assorted individuals for eight hours. When in jail the subject will have a choice, stay in jail or call friends and family for bail…. Bail is set when you arrive and it will be up to each leader’s network to pay their bail and get them out of jail. This could be interesting considering the list of characters that are volunteering.

If rumor is correct. WJMA will be broadcasting live from 133 West Davis Street to help one of their own get out of the pokey. I hear that her bail will be set especially high considering that her air time should draw many supporters.

Omega Partnership’s fund raiser is impressive. Jeanie Raven has pulled together a strong Board of Directors to help fill a need in the community. The 501c3 is a bridge between those who often have nowhere else to turn for food, shower, clothes, housing, and jobs. The organization is ready to assist when there are no other options for individuals or families in need. The Christian organization uses biblical principles to serve our community. In addition to local service, Omega Partnership serves global needs with service on mission trips around the world.

I need your help on Friday May 4th from 12-1 PM. I will be calling out, reaching out via Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In to ask for your support in setting me free. Pledge or donate during 12-1 PM and mention that you read this column and that you would like to bail me out. You can physically come to 133 West Davis Street or you can go to the website at OmegaPartnership.org and click on the donate button. I will be most grateful. More importantly, those that need your help will receive the help that they need from those committed to such needed service. It is difficult to say “that but for the grace of God there go I”, and yet it is a humbling truth.

Join me in support the mission of Omega Partnership on Friday May 4th. Call the Omega office at 540-317-5383 and say… Hello, I would like to bail Jim Charapich out this Friday… PS. Paying to keep me there is not an option… 

Jim Charapich CEO/President
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Community Guide another milestone

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 

Monday, April 23, 2012

It seems that Culpeper is destined for awards and the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is another milestone on our journey. Thanks to the Culpeper Star Exponent and their staff for entering our Community Guide in the Virginia Press Association competition. The Culpeper Star Exponent won 1st place in magazines/slick publications for the 2011 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide.

The Chamber is especially proud of the publication since it is all about our local businesses, produced by the local team at the Culpeper Star Exponent. Who better to know and reflect local business, community attributes, and special character than journalists that live and work here?
The guide is a special publication developed as a benefit to the Chamber members in showcasing their business to the community. The Star Exponent went an extra step in making the publication especially valuable. They took over the distribution of the publication. This is very beneficial to advertisers for the publication since they are assured that the publication is replenished with the best visibility at key distribution points.

The guide is available at the Chamber office/ the Depot for those interested in knowing about local business. The business listing directory is one of the most popular information sources requested regarding Culpeper. The guide is also distributed to local hotels, retail locations, and realtor offices for those seeking to learn about Culpeper. It serves as a very important welcome to those interested in making Culpeper home.

The Culpeper Star Exponent has also made it easy to advertise in the publication. Their staff has made themselves available to work with the business community in finding the best place for their advertisement in the publication. The advertisement placements in the publication have been refined again this year for the 2012 issue to allow ad placements alongside of the subject matter that their business most effectively compliments. This space is of course limited.

The cover of the publication is always a spirited debate to reflect a unique time in our community. With the sesquicentennial commemoration of Civil War Battles in Virginia including many in Culpeper County, we chose to reflect this in our cover. Linda Hall, In the Light Imaging Photography won the favor of the committee developing the publication. A special thanks for her contribution to our success. I would also, like to thank all of those who submitted articles and photographs for the publication. This is truly a community guide in that we invite community leaders to contribute articles on their subject matter expertise.

We are proud of the accomplishment, and with any success related to Culpeper, there are many that make it possible. This award is a reflection of our corporate spirit. It is a reflection of the great things that we can do together as a community. Though the award is largely a reflection of the excellence, lead by the CSE team. I am confident that the content, which reflects who we are, contributed significantly to the warmth attracting the 1st Place Award.

Well done Culpeper!!! Congratulations!!! Thanks Culpeper Star Exponent!!!!

Look for the 2012 Issue at CulpeperFest June 7th.


Jim Charapich, CEO/President
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce

Intensive Re-entry Program

“We don’t hire people because they are ex-offenders,
we hire people because they’re most qualified,”
in the February 2012 edition of HR Magazine in an
article by Eric Krell, “Consider the Risks –
And Rewards – of Hiring Ex Offenders. 

“It takes courage to grow up. It takes thought to make a change. Willpower, dignity, growth, and strength play a major role in life. You have to know yourself, who you are, and what you stand for. You are your own best friend as well as your own worst enemy…. We are the Cognitive Community”, a powerful quote from the Intensive Re-Entry Program brochure at Coffeewood Correctional Center. 

Phase II of the Re-Entry Program is called Cognitive Community & Release Preparation, and is implemented in the final 6 months of an offender’s term. The program is further described as “the stepping stone in the returning citizen’s release process.”  Among the components of the program during the twenty-four weeks is a proactive career readiness training.

In addition to the Intensive Re-entry Program, Coffeewood Correctional Center also trains the inmates in several vocational skills. They are trained in forms of Optometry, small engine repair, and floor covering installation. These are skills that can make them more marketable as they return to the workforce.

Have you considered hiring an ex-offender? Though there are legal, practical, and risk issues to consider, there are ways to reconcile these with great results. Mark Washington, HR Director for the City of Austin, put it well, “We don’t hire people because they are ex-offenders, we hire people because they’re most qualified,” in the February 2012 edition of HR Magazine in an article by Eric Krell, “Consider the Risks – And Rewards – of Hiring Ex Offenders. He goes on to say, “The more productive and employable we can make all of our citizens, the more they can provide to the society they live in.”

We have hosted two speakers from Coffeewood Correctional Center at Culpeper Chamber meetings over the past few weeks. The issue of re-entry employment is always a sensitive subject. There are many questions and sometimes no “certain” answers. However, the need for a business to be aware of the opportunities to give a person a second chance is what community is all about. Many of those re-entering the workforce will not want to locate in Culpeper. However, there are a number that will come back to Culpeper to live, in hopes of restarting their lives. Having a job is a vital part of success.

The workforce specialists at Coffeewood Correctional Center are reaching out to the business community in hopes of establishing partnerships. The Center will be hosting upcoming job fairs. If your business is interested in finding out more about job candidates, please contact Coffeewood Correctional Center in Mitchells, Virginia for more information. Ask about participating in an upcoming job fair to support the re-entry program.

“It takes thought to make a change” – we can make a change one job at a time, allowing willpower, dignity, growth, and strength to play a major role in the life of an ex-offender through job success.

What is going on with social media?

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 

Monday, March 19, 2012

What is going on in Social Media today? Who can keep up with the subject? Keeping up with Facebook timelines, Google +, and Twitter are the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Despite the daunting sight of the security questions and options, the lure can be too much to bear. The idea of connecting with associates, companies, and special deals produce an irresistible gravity.

The underlying implications bring a shift towards the need for fast internet. However, the need for fast internet is really becoming a need for fast mobile internet. This may require that a signal needs to have a boost in reception with a “Hot Spot” device. There are fundamental requirements for these to work properly, and yet they can produce a significant increase in the data capacity for phones nearby.

The convergence of social media and fast mobile internet are like chocolate and peanut butter. The combination is too good to be true. We live in the greatest time in history. Our opportunity to connect to information is unprecedented. Our ability to produce information is exponential. We are only limited by our human ability to filter the information for our best use.

As “Digital Immigrants”, those over 35 did not grow up in the digital revolution of cell phones. We remember the rotary phones and the need to stop at a pay phone to make a phone call. Our “Digital Natives” – those who think of an I-Pod as an extension of their ears, have had to discern how to decipher the pace of information intuitively. The pace of information, access to information, and need to filter information is here to stay, much like CD’s replaced the cassette, and I-pods replaced CD’s, and now, smart phones have replaced them all.

As business, it is essential to recognize the new environment. It is also, critical that we adapt our plans to include some of the basics of the new ecosystem. We need to adapt our websites to be first “Mobile Friendly”, “Ipad Friendly”, and finally desk top friendly. The number of mobile users will increase not only domestically, but globally. Business cannot ignore social media as “an option”. Credibility, validity, and visibility will depend on business savvy in mobile environment.

There are no guarantees that this is risk free. In addition, as with anything new or unfamiliar, good business practice demands a risk mitigation strategy. The new world of mobile, social and internet are no exception. Nonetheless, there is reward to those that address the risk with prudent judgment.

The exciting part of this fast paced shift is that opportunity is about learning, adapting, and profiting. This is what business is good at. The digital language can be learned and demystified for those digital immigrants. The digital natives need guidance and maturity.

Placed in this context, nothing has really changed. We are simply encountering change, a constant in business. Learn, adapt, and profit.

Jim Charapich, CEO/President

Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce