A "howling" good time at Chamber Banquet

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, October 31, 2011

We have shortened the program by eliminating the announced descriptions of the silent auction & winners by our emcee. We will be showing the winning auctions at the item tables and at the end of the program on the overhead in combination with a picture collage of the years’ activities. We have a very photogenic membership. You will want to see this. We are also promoting the silent auction donations thru our very visited Chamber website prior to the program. Get a preview and be ready to bid for your favorite items. I understand that we have some great items again this year…. Check it out. Get your silent auction items in early for the best visibility.

The annual awards are always a highlight of the evening. You will want to be there to hear our “very cool” emcee announce the recipients for the Young Professional of the Year, Business of the Year, Most Improved Business Location, Small Business Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and the most prestigious of the awards, The L.B. Henretty Outstanding Citizen of Culpeper Award. I am always impressed with the nominations. The selections are very challenging and we are extremely proud to honor excellence in business at all levels.

Our speakers this year will deliver an entertaining discussion about something near and dear to all businesses. Yes, Speakers, plural. We have a speaking team that will keep our attention. I will not let the surprise out too early. However, just know that you will enjoy our speakers…. and their message.
Wow – sounds pretty good so far…plus, Kitchen Gourmet will cater the event. You know them for their quality and creativity. This year will be no exception! Are you ready to try their delightful selections!
Ok, so far we have great food, super entertainment, and exciting, drum roll please, awards for excellence in business, and fantastic silent auction items. What else could you ask for….

There is more and we have a few additional surprises. I wish that I could tell you about them.  However, they cannot be described adequately with words… You will need to be there to see them / experience them first hand… yes, can you feel the suspense building…

Join the fun and network with the best.  Tickets are on sale at CulpeperChamber.com or come by the Chamber Office at 109 S. Commerce St. in Downtown Culpeper @ the Depot.http://www.culpepervachamber.com/chamber/AnnualAwardsBanquet.asp

Ribbon Cuttings at the Chamber

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, October 17, 2011

Ribbon cuttings have been a long standing tradition for Chambers of Commerce. This is a way to celebrate grand openings, milestones, and new improvements for our members. Considering the economic environment and the “News Normal” about the sluggish economy, we have seen a healthy pace of new and improved businesses, Culpeper’s “New Normal”. Our schedule for ribbon cuttings over the past few months has been impressive.

In addition to celebrating the new and improved business, another benefit is being introduced to other chamber members and to the general public. Our ribbon cutting at Croftburn Farm Market last week was a good example of such an event. Their concept of “farm to table” locally is not new, it is however, a welcome addition to our businesses in Culpeper. It is a reflection of the agricultural heritage in Culpeper with an extension to a retail storefront.

I was impressed with the unique, farm fresh, and affordable meats. The owner, whose family has run Croftburn Farms for decades, has created a place that is inviting and exciting. As I spoke to the management of the store, I was also excited to learn about the plans to integrate other local farm products to their offerings. An interesting aspect of agribusiness is that there can be limited supplies of certain special products and thus, the adventure of shopping has an element surprise in addition to the consistent Croftburn Farm products. One of my favorite samplings was the Croftburn Farm Pepperoni, the best that I have ever tasted and it is made in Culpeper. Want to dress up a pizza. This was a wow ribbon cutting. Croftburn Market is located next to Bruster’s just off of Route 29 on Route 666. Check it out.

Our schedule for ribbon cuttings for the past few months has included PhyHealth Sleep Care, Union First Market Bank, JC Penney, Blue Ridge Produce, Ed’s Awards & Engraving, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Shear Secrets, Wine Trail Homes, LLC, Omega Partnership, Wells Fargo, Koller Financial Services, Library of Congress – Gateway to Knowledge, Applied Science Fitness Studio, Mullins Investment Services, LLC and Croftburn Market. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to these Chamber members.

Upcoming ribbon cuttings include Spring Leaf Financial Services, KK’s Printing & Stationary, and Carter’s Accounting & Consulting, LLC. Go to CulpeperChamber.com for times and locations.
Considering that our “New Normal” in Culpeper is very positive, we need to beware of the “News Normal” which is sometimes not as positive. Plug into the benefits of the local business network, there is always something exciting going on at the Culpeper Chamber.

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