Paying attention to govt. is our right, duty

Published November 29,2010 in the Culpeper Star Exponent

“Our destiny is in our hands” is a common quote. Yet, The phrase makes me think about our uncommon opportunity to shape our future. I say opportunity, but is it really our obligation to our children to shape our future? Our Democracy was established by those who held our right to a voice in Government, worthy of defending with one of our most precious resources, the lives of our soldiers. Thus as a sacred honor, we have the opportunity, right, and obligation to pay attention to what happens in our Government and express our views thru the orderly process of working with our elected officials.

On December 2nd, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will host our Virginia Senator, Edd Houck, and Delegate, Ed Scott to hear from you the community regarding your organization’s needs, concerns, and legislative ideas. The Legislative Breakfast is a long standing service that the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce provides to members and to the community. This allows our elected officials to hear from many voices in one meeting that may not otherwise be feasible. Senator Edd Houck and Delegate Ed Scott will be able to take the information that they glean from the Legislative Breakfast to consider as they represent us in the Virginia General Assembly. The General Assembly convenes on January 12th in Richmond. As we know, the state and local budgets are being stretched due to the effects of a tough economy. It is up to us to make the case for support or supporting legislation for our needs. Our representatives are skilled legislators, with established experience in advancing opportunities for their constituents when possible. Click here to register now

The meeting will be held at the Country Club of Culpeper, breakfast begins at 8 AM and presentations start at 8:30 AM. We will be taking prewritten outlines (required and subject to approval) from those interested in speaking thru 5 PM, Tuesday November 30th. The meeting is open to the public with pre-registration and payment ($20 per person including breakfast). Register at CulpeperChamber.com or in person at the Culpeper Chamber office at 109 S. Commerce Street – The Depot.

If you are interested in understanding more about the legislative process in Virginia, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce members, thru the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, are invited to attend Chamber Day at the Capitol on January 26, 2011. Join the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce as a member, mark your calendar, and join us in Richmond to hear from and interact with State Government in person for a rewarding experience.

"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." ~  Maya Angelou

Jim Charapich, President/CEO Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce

jcharapich@culpepervachamber.com

Help the United Way this Holiday

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent on November 15, 2010

The holidays are approaching and our hearts and minds turn toward family and friends. We often take time to celebrate our thanks for our founding heritage while looking forward toward a new year. Many of us reflect upon our faith and find a peace and understanding toward renewed strength for service to our calling and purpose.

However, there are many who are wondering where they will find a Thanksgiving meal. They are wondering how they will heat their home this winter. They may be asking how they will be able to provide the traditional gifts for their loved ones this year.

Our economy has forced many to stretch their resources to limits never felt before. Despite the slow economic recovery, high foreclosure statistics, and local unemployment figures, there are those ready to rise to the call to help others in need. Culpeper is especially unique in this regard. We have a strong woven fabric of support on many levels.

Our Non-Profit, Government, and Church support organizations work with diligent care to secure the volunteers, funding, and other resources providing help when needed. In addition, it is amazing, quite moving, and ultimately inspiring to see the business community in Culpeper offer their support. They are asked to give for many reasons and for many causes. Their generosity is a bright strength in our community.

There are opportunities for each of us to help. If you would like to be a part of the bright strength of service in Culpeper during this holiday season, there are many opportunities…

First, one of the best places to find out about volunteer needs and opportunities is http://piedmontunitedway.org/volunteers.htm. Check it out.

Next, if you want to be a part by making a financial contribution to those in the most need or in a special venue that you would like to support, the Piedmont United Way Office is a great resource. They work with over 50 local organizations to provide support thru United Way contributions.

Finally, the United Way Campaign set a $500,000 goal this year. Their Campaign Team is ready to meet with you and your business associates to set up an easy payroll deduction program or one time contribution. Join the United Way Team today and make this holiday season a brighter place.

"With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own." ~ John F. Kennedy

Best regards,
Jim Charapich
President & CEO
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Center

Chamber focused on jobs in area

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent on November 8, 2010

The Agenda for the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will continue to move forward in November and December. We are focused on jobs and the 2011 Legislative Agenda in Richmond. In order to do this we have set dates for 2 key events. The first event is a visit from Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

The Lieutenant Governor has been named as the Chief Jobs Creation Officer in the McDonnell Administration. In order to bring this message to our area, the Regional Chambers of Commerce including Orange, Madison, Fauquier, and Culpeper will jointly host the Lieutenant Governor to speak about jobs and job creation in Virginia.

According to a recent update from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Governor's Commission on Economic Development and Job Creation released interim recommendations to support job creation in Virginia. Some of the suggestions were as follows: Establish an Emerging Technology Fund, Develop a Tourism Development Grant Program, Transform Academic Institutions into Economic Engines, Do More to Support Small Business Growth, Train Workers for Virginia Businesses, Improve the Coordination, Efficiency and Responsiveness of Government, and Develop More Effective Business Recruitment.

Join us at the Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper on Friday November 19th for a luncheon to hear more. The link for registration is found on the Culpeper Chamber website at CulpeperChamber.com click here to REGISTER NOW. Dr. Jeanne Wesley Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Relations at Germanna Community College will offer a welcome to the Germanna Daniel Technology Center. Delegate Ed Scott will also be on hand to introduce the Lieutenant Governor and add a few comments about our local economy.

Our next event is the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Breakfast held at the Country Club of Culpeper. We offer local businesses and organizations the opportunity to address our state representatives regarding important issues for consideration as they plan their agenda for the General Assembly which convenes on January 12th 2011. We are fortunate to have excellent leadership in Richmond. REGISTER NOW According to his website, Senator Edd Houck was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 1983. Senator Houck currently serves on the Finance, Education and Health, Transportation, Rules, and the General Laws and Technology committees. Beginning in the 2008 General Assembly Session, he became Chairman of the Senate Education and Health Committee and the Senate Finance Committee's Health and Human Resources Subcommittee. As the son of a small businessman, Edd Houck was raised to appreciate the values of hard work and diligence.

In addition, according to his website, Delegate Ed Scott serves on the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources, General Laws, Transportation, and Science and Technology Committees. In the 2008 session, Delegate Scott was appointed to serve as chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee dealing with DMV, titling, registration, and insurance issues. Delegate Scott is known for bringing a business perspective to his work as our Delegate. He understands the budgets of small businesses and the consequences of government regulation.

Join us for the 2010 Legislative Conference & Breakfast Thursday, December 2, at 8 AM, presentations begin at 8:30 AM. Go to CulpeperChamber.com for details and registration.

Your Chamber – Your Business – Our Future - Join Us.

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

Much in store at 96th Annual Banquet

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent on November 1, 2010

Croftburn Farms, Old House Vineyards, and Belmont Farms Distillery are just a few of the special features that we have in store for you at the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce’s 96th Annual Banquet to be held at Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center Thursday, Nov. 4.

Croftburn Farms was the recipient of the Agribusiness of the Year Award for 2010 from the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. This fits our mission to buy as many of the products used from local sources and members. I am proud to say that we will be serving Croftburn Farms Beef in the main dishes this year. I can’t wait to try the dishes created by Kitchen Gourmet Catering that include the Croftburn Farms Beef.

Our banquet will be moderated by Todd Brown of Brown Harris Investments. Knowing Todd, this is going to be a great evening. Come early to develop your strategy for bidding on the silent auction items. You can find some of the silent auction items displayed on the Chamber website ChamberBanquet.com. Or go to our Facebook page and click on the “Like” button for Chamber updates. There is still time to get your silent auction item in for the banquet.

Our guest speaker this year is from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Bobbi Walker will provide some great ideas with a mix of humor about customer service. I heard Ms. Walker speak at a Virginia Chamber of Commerce Executives meeting last year. We booked her early as she is in high demand having spoken at many of the Chambers of Commerce events around the state. Ms. Walker has also provided support to Germanna lending her insights at the Workforce and Community Education Advisory meeting that we attended in June. You will be uplifted and inspired by her message.

The Award recipients this year will be very interesting. We have had many names and businesses submitted in each category. The awards to be given are Non-Profit of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Most Improved Business Location, Small Business Person of the Year, The L.B. Henretty Award, and a new award this year – Business of the Year. The selection committee individuals were given 3 votes for their top choice, 2 votes for their second choice, and one vote for their third choice. When all of the votes were tallied – our 2010 recipients were identified. You will want to be there to see the recipients announced.

Great food and refreshments from local, world renowned producers, entertainment from a world class speaker, recognizing super stars in our local economy, sensational silent auction items, and a once-a-year networking event…..

Your Chamber – Your Business – Our Future - Join Us

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