Helping the homeless

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent
Monday, December 19, 2011

The article in the Star exponent on Friday about the homeless led me to think about solutions. I read with great sadness that there would be a mom with 3 children sleeping in her vehicle with no heat.  I did some quick research with the help of the Small Business Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Here are a few opportunities to help:

“In this season of giving and tax planning, these two opportunities can combine to leverage our support for the organizations that support the people most in need.  The Virginia Department of Social Services has a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) that emphasizes partnerships between the private and public sector to assist the economically deprived.  This program could multiply your contribution up to three times.  A simple example would be that one donates $1,000 to a NAP eligible organization.  You will receive a federal charitable deduction for the $1,000 resulting in a $300 tax benefit, depending on your effective tax rates.  Virginia will provide you with $400 credit (40% of the donation) toward your tax.  That potentially results in a $1,000 contribution with a net out-of-pocket investment of $300”, according to Chris Pearson, CPA at Yount, Hyde & Barbour , PC.  

Culpeper Community Development Corporation, run by Sam Aiken, a homeless shelter in Culpeper is listed in the NAP program of approved organizations. The program details can be found at the following state website: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/community/nap.cgi”. Giving to the CCDC is an easy way to make a great impact this holiday season.

Later, Tripp Butler sent Jack Garber, Director of the Piedmont United Way to talk with me about the issue. Jack described the network of volunteer support that is in place in the community. The Culpeper Ministerial Association, Food Closet, Culpeper Department of Human Services, Salvation Army, Piedmont United Way, and many other partners work together to provide shelter to the homeless from the Sunday after Thanksgiving to the first Sunday in April.

The Culpeper Homeless Consortium (my name for the group) has found shelter for up to 28 per night with the capacity for a few more. They provide food and a warm place to sleep while being managed by a coordinated group of volunteers. Amazingly, the consortium has also opened it arms to those in Orange that need shelter as a result of the closing of the Orange homeless shelter. 

An important part of the consortium is the Piedmont United Way. The PUW provides service in coordinating the needs among Non-Profits, Government Agencies, and Business to eliminate redundancy while optimizing the use of funds. They are also a very good resource to help ensure that the needs are valid. The Piedmont United Way is a critical part of keeping our safety net-work strong.

If you would like to donate, volunteer to help, or even provide a meal, contact the Piedmont United Way at 540-825-7569. In addition, an easy phone number to remember if you know of someone in need (non emergency) is “211” which reaches a phone center and coordinates services throughout Virginia.

Jim Charapich CEO/President
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce

Surving and thriving in this economy

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent
Monday, December 12, 2011

I attended the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit a few weeks ago. The subject of the conference was “The Role of the Federal Government in Virginia’s Economic Prosperity”.  The speakers were impressive, former Governor’s  Kaine and Allen (both candidates for the US Senate in 2012) Congressman Forbes (R-VA-4th District), US Secretary of Transportation LaHood, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Connaughton, and President of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce – Barry Duvall, each very engaging regarding the Virginia Economy.

However, I was most struck by a presentation by Dr. Fuller, Director - Center for Regional Analysis, School of Public Policy, George Mason University.  His presentation was direct and showed statistical analysis of the Federal Budget’s impact on Virginia. Dr. Fuller stated that Virginia gains the most benefit from federal procurement. We have recently surpassed California as the number one state for federal procurement dollars spent. This is not surprising considering our proximity to Washington DC. In addition, he showed that federal procurement in Virginia grew an average of 10.7% per year from 2000 – 2010, and from just over $20 Billion to almost $60 Billion during this time.

According to Dr. Fuller, Virginia is 4th in Federal Wages & Salaries after Texas, California, and DC with just over $20 Billion in Federal Wages & Salaries. Consider that for each federal job, there are a correlative number of private sector service and support jobs. Thus, for any federal job lost, there would be private sector jobs impacted as well.

As beneficiaries of federal procurement and federal jobs, Virginia is equally vulnerable to federal budget cuts. As we consider the potential budget reductions in Washington, hoping for fiscal responsibility, Virginia will potentially see a significant economic impact. This seems even truer for Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads MSA. The numbers are sobering and motivating.

The “Silver Lining” for Culpeper… As Federal Agencies and Government Contractors look for ways to cut costs, Culpeper is a strategic solution. One of the candidates in the recent election for the Virginia General Assembly alluded to the solution for transportation being high speed internet as well as roads, enabling business from virtual locations. Though he was not suggesting Culpeper, he described it well. Our robust internet infrastructure offers business and government an opportunity to locate and conduct business in a rural setting with a high quality of life, while reducing the cost of operations.

In addition, our proximity to Washington is close enough to take Amtrak into DC for a quick meeting while returning that same evening. Our 5000’ runway Jetport is perfect for most business and government small jet travel.

Culpeper as a “Micro Economy” has stood alone in many ways with regard to employment due to a healthy diversity of business. With Manufacturing, Professional Services, Hospitality, and Retail Industries, Culpeper has been able to weather the economic intervals with resiliency.

The time for “The Culpeper Solution” is now… current inventory of homes at very attractive values, infrastructure in place, strategic proximity to DC, healthy quality of life, and business friendly environment. Those who realize this sooner than later will secure the benefits.

Jim Charapich, CEO/President
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce

Comparing countries



Explore China with the
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

I continue to hear discussion in many forums about China, some from federal representatives, some from state representatives, and some from local leaders. There is a constant comparison with the US and China on many fronts.
When we talk about education, we are asking, what is China doing? Some are intimidated by the statistics indicating China is producing students advanced in the STEM subjects. This is a matter of debate. Nevertheless, we as a community and as a country are challenged to be better than we are by such comparison.

When we talk about economic development, we are asking, what is China doing? We hear about their booming economy. They are consuming significant resources in the development of new bridges, high speed rail, and new airports. This reminds me of America circa the 1950’s.

When we talk about National Defense, we are asking, what is China doing? Last week, I heard a US Congressman describe the growth of the Chinese Naval fleet compared to our growth. We need to be mindful of our need for national security as we consider defense cuts.

There are many more issues to consider when we think of our relationships in the global economy. China is arguably, has a significant influence on American interests and yet I find it interesting that many have not taken time to visit this interesting country. One of the best ways to understand this very influential global force is to visit.

As most of you are aware, I had the opportunity to travel to China in March and my knowledge of our friends in China continues to grow with each book, article, and news story that I hear. The layers of history, social issues, business relationships, and global events seem to point to our emerging global partner. However, no amount of reading or research can replace an immersion into their culture.

Thus, The Culpeper Chamber has arranged a very attractive opportunity for those in our area to take advantage of a great deal. Travel to China, visit 4 major cities, and experience many of the bucket list sites that you have heard so much about (such as the Forbidden City & the Great Wall) next April. This is a great gift for your friends and family as you consider the a holiday gift or wish list.

Carefree Cruise (Janet Driggers) and Battlefield Travel (Cheryl Clear) are working with the Chamber to arrange bookings for the Trip. Payment for the trip is due mid December in order to secure the best pricing. Our local travel agents (Chamber Members) are very excited to offer this as this is one of the best values to explore China.

Contact Battlefield Travel or Carefree Cruise to book a reservation, or go to CulpeperChamber.com for more details. I am confident that you find this trip as enlightening as I did. Understanding our world influences, is critical to advancing our opportunities locally and globally. 

Jim Charapich, CEO/President Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce