It's Good Business to Invest In Yourself!

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 31, 2012

Jim Charapich

Invest in yourself this year. The best deal in Town is at your finger tips. The health care issue is coming at us like a freight train.  The messages that are encouraging food, health, and life choices are overwhelming. The messages vary from indulgence to weight loss.The bottom line is that it is no longer acceptable to be passive about your health.

With many of the decisions that we face, top on the list are often financial ones. I suspect that the health care industry is moving towards rewarding individuals for healthy choices while holding the same responsible for poor decisions. The transition in the health care industry seems confusing and yet there are a few things that appear universal.

First, our choices often determine outcomes. Proverbially, if we do the same thing and expect different results, our expectations will likely be disappointing. Make a decision to find solutions to the challenges that you face and gather the proper research from professionals in your life… Doctors, Health Professionals, Fitness Trainers, and others related to your health goals. We live in the greatest time ever to research solutions to our health goals.

Second, with your research in hand, set goals. Goal acronyms can help, such as S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Framed. It is important to do your research and use the research to set SMART goals. Goals are more about the journey than the end result. Having the goal in sight is important and exciting to achieve, however, the day to day small victories are especially motivating. Consider using smart phone apps for measuring and tracking your progress.

There are many options for basic fitness measurements such as calorie counting apps. Some of these apps also allow for calorie burn inputs for exercise. This is like having extra credit to work with in achieving your goals. Exercise can be fun when you know that you are getting extra credit for calories by tracking your exercise.

Finally, if your research allows, consider adding an element of competition to the fitness fun. There are many options here. One of the best local opportunities to compete with “yourself” is the Drop It program offered by the Culpeper Regional Health System. The Program will kick off in late January and offers an abundance of guidance in helping choose healthy lifestyles. Also, consider joining a fitness class to join others in fitness fun and accountability.

If you like competing with others, then consider signing up for a race. Again, using your research, choose a race like a 5K to begin with or something else that is consistent with your research goals. Careful here, signing up for a 5K can be a gateway, once achieved it can lead to a greater hunger. A hunger for a 10K, a Triathlon, a Century, a Marathon, or an Ironman… Today is a great day to sign up for the best race deals since most race prices go up after January 1st. Check out options at SetUpEvents.com, Active.com, or RegAthlete.com to name a few.

Merry Christmas Culpeper!!!

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 24, 2012

Jim Charapich

Merry Christmas, clearly, warmly, sincerely, compassionately, and deliberately are the heart of the many greetings that I have heard this season. As I grow younger, it is ever more important to filter out the noise and hear the signals worthy of attention. Scripture puts it well in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.” (AJKV)

The heartfelt goodwill greetings of friends, associates, and neighbors this holiday season have resonated like a finely tuned instrument. As I have been in the shops and restaurants of Culpeper, I have found the mood warm and gracious. Some of this has to do with the holiday spirit. Some of it has to do with a steady local economy. Most of it, in my view, is a realization that we can make a difference in making our home a better place. One person at a time, one conversation at a time, one hand shake at a time, one smile at a time… As Brian Tracey says “if it is going to be, it is up to me.”

We were all moved by comments from Lisa Peacock, Director for the Department of Human Services, a few weeks ago. Her heartfelt comments to our legislators as they prepare for the 2013 General Assembly, paraphrased…”consider the needs of the community, they are not dollars in a budget, they are real families, real faces, real needs.” It takes an angelic leader to see the needs in such warm tenderness and to deliver the message with the clearest of heart… love.

Within the greetings for Merry Christmas, I also hear a confidence. There is a sense of optimism. This was most evident in the Grand Illumination of the State Theatre Marquee. The struggle through a tough economy with a persevering faith in the promise of an artistic renaissance in Culpeper is powerful. The lighting of the marquee was like placing the star at the top of our Community Christmas Tree, celebrating a very special gift.

With some expressions of Merry Christmas this season, I have heard a release from past hurt, a release from the things that hold one back, a release to hear a message that is bright and free from the noise and confusion.

Today, Christmas Eve, is a special time. We welcome the visit from Santa, delivering gifts representing a heartfelt best to loved ones on Christmas morning. However, the gift delivered in the many Merry Christmas greetings that I heard this season, prepares me for the celebration of Christmas morning, knowing that this “Merry Christmas” will last a lifetime.  

Merry Christmas Culpeper!!!

Valuable Principles for Business, for Life

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 17, 2012

Jim Charapich

Forgiveness, Thankfulness, and Mutual Respect are a recipe for peace during this holiday season. The pace of life can consume us in ways that try to restrict us from the solid footing of these principles. In today’s world of social media, we are often set adrift in interpreting words and phrases with meaning in the context of our all important perspective… And yet there is always more to the story.

As I heard recently in characterizing relationship disagreements… there is Her view, His view, and then there is the truth. The holidays are a time to allow yourself the freedom to embrace these principles… if for no other reason than you simply choose to do so… There is no argument against such sincere choices.

This discussion seems out of place for a business discussion. Why, because business is supposed to be about strength, profits, and goals… However, what value do they have unless they are enriched with the principles that are at the core of our nature? The better question is Why Not…

We are in a walk through this moment in time. The people and places are gifts given exclusively to us as travelers in this time and place. What is the true value of our efforts? What is the lasting gold in these experiences… Memories, Relationships, Good Will… Peace…

There is always the little devil on the other shoulder reminding us of the reasons to hold on to the hurts, pains, and transgressions… Where do they lead…

 Business principles… strength to forgive, profits from good will, and goals to serve as examples for those watching… As business leaders our opportunity to lead our community to greater prosperity is built on a strong foundation of such everlasting principles. One kind deed may be all that it takes to release a lifetime of good will and friendship.

I write this in memory of our dear friend Pennie. She was a faithful Chamber volunteer, generous kind spirit, selfless, inspiring others to see a bit of sunshine in every day. Penny passed away from a rapid form of cancer a few weeks ago. RIP Pennie – we will always remember the principles that you lived so well.

The "Shop Local - Support from Local Shops" Circle

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 10, 2012

Jim Charapich

They call “Black Friday” because that is the day that retailers go into the “Black” or turn a profit for the year. Yes, Black Friday is behind us, but the fact that a retailer’s success is largely determined by their success this time of year is important to recognize.  

As a community; schools, non-profits, and other organizations… we count on the generosity of our businesses during the year for donations to our many fund raisers. We use the items that they donate for prizes, silent auctions, and special rewards. Our businesses are asked daily for such donations and they deliver.

What does this mean to the community? Many of the donations go to help fund critical safety net services, educational resources, and for the needy. Public funding for the safety net is stretched only so far. Business donations are exponentially leveraged by the volunteer efforts of non-profits, fire & rescue, and schools.  

Knowing the generosity of our local businesses throughout the year, understanding the importance of their support to the quality of life in Culpeper, and that this time of year is vital for their success…. There is but one thing that keeps the system going in full circle. The cause and effect of this one thing is obvious and yet sometimes elusive unless we are reminded of the importance of these relationships.

The importance of supporting local business this time of year is critical. It is easy to forget the favors done during the year. Things are busy and we are creatures of habit. In fact we often search high and low for the best deal as we search for gifts to give.

However, our purchases are more than gifts for those that we hope to please on Christmas morning. Our purchases can also be gifts that give throughout the year. Our purchases are the very life of our local economy. The investment in our local small business through your purchases gives us the means to invest back into the community during the year; thus, keeping our safety net strong. Without a vibrant local economy our safety net would not have the resources to meet the needs that we face.

At this time of year when our businesses need you the most, at the time of year when you are spending for gifts and celebrations, consider investing your dollars in local small business. I have had more people tell me this year that they were able to purchase all of their gifts in Culpeper for their holiday giving. They say it with pride and satisfaction.

If you are a non-profit, school resource developer, or service organization please get the link to this article and send it to all of your volunteers. Please send the word out today. Support our local business, Yes the over used and yet critical cliché… “Buy Local” really does mean something. It means that when you walk into a business next year and ask for a support item, you will know that you supported them this holiday season in the spirit of making our safety net stronger.

Moving Forward Into 2013

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 3, 2012

Jim Charapich

The Culpeper Chamber will be a New Chamber on January 1^st. We are new every year! I would like to welcome the new Board Members that were appointed for an exciting 2013. Welcome Tom Boyd – ReMax Crossroads, Chris Ward – Maloney & Ward Insurance, and David Lochridge – Fantastic Sam’s; thank you for your volunteer efforts in helping to guide the Chamber to fulfill our mission.

Our mission is to be the voice of the business community working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development. We have helped cultivate the vibrant economy in Culpeper since 1915. I find a great deal of satisfaction in seeing the names of leaders in Culpeper as a part of the Culpeper Chamber history.

As I look back over the year. I find so many achievements. We have leveraged our member investment in the Chamber for significant returns. What have we done…. One of the most significant is the result of the advocacy with the Town & County in consummating the Water & Sewer Agreement. In the process of this agreement, we were at the table advocating the reduction of BPOL. We were successful in working with the Town to reduce BPOL by 20% this year. Every business in Town received an immediate return on their investment in the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. We are mindful that there is more work to be done in working with the Town to reduce BPOL further. Please join us in this effort.

In addition, our members gain a great deal of visibility online through our web presence. This is not easily replicated. Our content, blogs, social media, and other information have been circulating in cyber space for years… All of which offer a broad and robust visibility in search results for the Chamber. Though this is not new, we have been a leader in online benefits. Our registration process, event management, and communication channels have developed with a strong team to deliver a trusted service to our business community. 

The net result for us this year is that we have grown 100 members organically through word of mouth; bringing our total membership count to over 570 members to date.  We work closely with other Chambers around the Commonwealth to benchmark our efforts with those of both large and small Chambers. One idea that came out of our State affiliation was the Women’s Business Networking Lunch. We had nearly 100 attendees for the first luncheon with plans to add two more this year.

All of this requires staff and a lot of volunteer time. We have built a solid, successful, and very thrifty organization. Our driving philosophy is to deliver relevant and meaningful value to our members and their associates.

We have some very new and interesting ideas to develop for 2013… Of course… what else would a good business be doing! Find out more about joining the network to expand your business opportunities. Contact the Chamber office at 540-825-8628 or go online atwww.CulpeperChamber.com .

Virginia Economic Summit This Week

Posted: Monday, November 26, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 2:40 am, Mon Nov 26, 2012.

Business Monday: Jim Charapich

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce will kick-off Blueprint Virginia: A New Strategic Plan for Virginia this Thursday as a part of the 2012 Virginia Economic Summit. The Summit “Preparing for a Brighter Future” is the 3^rd Annual Summit by the Virginia Chamber and will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center.

The conference speakers include Senator Mark Warner, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (2004-2011), Dr. Larry Sabato – UVA Center for Politics, and Mark Vitter – Senior Economist, Wells Fargo. The Virginia Chamber has assembled an excellent bipartisan set of thought leaders to inspire solutions toward progress across the Commonwealth.

The “Blueprint” is a strategic process to create a long term plan for Virginia. There are several areas of focus in the blueprint. 1) Developing the transportation infrastructure for a competitive economy. 2) Increasing educational achievement and workforce readiness. 3) Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. 4) Strengthening and expanding Virginia’s business climate. 5) Promoting regional cooperation. 6) Ensuring energy security. 7) Delivering quality, cost-effective healthcare.

Collaboration with local Chambers of Commerce in developing the plan along with business associations, business and industry leaders, and business organizations across the Commonwealth is significant. Local Chambers offer access to the pulse of Virginia’s business climate. Virginia’s strong network of local Chambers has been actively working together for 25 years and in partnership with the Virginia Chamber. Chambers of Commerce offer a unique voice in supporting progress as a result of their broad composite business membership from local communities.

In order to preserve Virginia’s recognition for being among the best states to do business, it is essential that we remain focused on the priorities that will set the table for future prosperity. As we face the potential “Fiscal Cliff” with looming Sequestration, supporting the efforts of the Virginia Chamber and local Chambers has never been more important. The safety net that provides our quality of life, government services and leveraged non-profit services, is largely dependent on a vibrant economy.

For more information about the Virginia Chamber of Commerce 3^rd Annual Economic Summit and the Blueprint for Virginia go to www.VAChamber.com. Join the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce in supporting the efforts to “Prepare for a Brighter Future”.

Five New Business Trends

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

November 12, 2012

Jim Charapich

There are so many things that went right about the Culpeper Chamber Banquet last week. We are a vibrant business community and when we come together to celebrate our achievements great things can happen.

As predicted, Aneesh Chopra, our keynote speaker, was inspirational. His depth of knowledge in business, entrepreneurship, and government are unique. His role under President Obama and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine could have led to expressed partisan views. It was very powerful to hear of his bipartisan appreciation for some of the work of Governor McDonnell, Congressman Eric Cantor, and Senator Mark Warner. This was a perfect message, putting the politics of the election behind us, and focusing on the bright collaborative opportunities that we have before us.

Mr. Chopra offered five trends pointing to future opportunities in business development. Trend #1 Digital Infrastructure – Wireless, “Gig” networks are a key to unlocking future growth. Trend #2 – “Crowdfunding” – a new word describing an innovative non-traditional way to channel venture capital investment to entrepreneurs using the internet. Trend #3 Big (Open) Data – Use of data to identify threats, opportunities, and trends. Trend #4 Smarter Manufacturing – Democratizing access to mod & simulation techniques for small and medium enterprises, increasing the rate of innovation. Trend #5 – STEM for All – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are the building blocks of innovation. Including STEM as a part of workforce training beyond K-12 supports adaptive economic growth opportunities.  

The discussion about STEM and work force were fitting as we sat in the Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center. Mr. Chopra showed a recent analysis of the wage difference between a tradition Associates degree oriented towards a Bachelor’s Credit vs. Occupational / Technical training. The wage difference was 30% more for the Occupational / Technical fields. Culpeper is perfectly positioned to support workforce training for higher paying jobs through the resources of Germanna.

Finally the Awards presentations were an example of why our business community is so impressive. The excellence in community support, customer service, business development, technology advancements, innovation, training, and an ever present interest in continuous improvement make Culpeper a great business ecosystem.

By all accounts, this was one of our best annual banquets - sold out at over 320 tickets, a powerful world class message, great networking, amazing food (by Kitchen Gourmet)…. If you missed it go to CulpeperMediaNetwork.com and watch the internet broadcast.

Thank you to the Members of the Chamber of Commerce, Our Sponsors, and the dedication of our Board of Directors for your vision in making Culpeper a great business community.

Be sure to make your vote count

By: Business Monday - Jim Charapich | Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: November 05, 2012

 Updated: November 05, 2012 - 12:00 AMThe Elections for 2012 are tomorrow and we all have a responsibility to vote. This responsibility comes from a long tradition in our country of expressing your views by vote. We are all aware of the sacrifice that we have borne and continue to bear as our armed forces dedicate themselves to protecting this precious freedom.

I hear individuals from time to time suggest that their vote does not count and that they do not plan to vote. Of course, the very freedom that we have to vote provides for the same freedom to those who choose to abstain. It is unfortunate that there are those who do not observe their right to vote with same importance as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve it.

In addition to voting, we have a responsibility to be an informed voter. There are many issues to be determined this election. As voters we are tasked with finding the information that is important to discern our choices for representation. I find that in business the most risky people are “those that do not know what they do not know”. As voters, we are responsible to know what we need to know to make an educated decision.

Our Candidate Forum for Culpeper Board of Supervisors Salem District and Commonwealth Attorney was held at the Reva Volunteer Fire Station last Thursday. I was very pleased that there were more than 150 in attendance. The voter engagement was excellent. If you are interested in seeing the forum you may find it at CMN.PEGCENTRAL.COM or you may also find the event on your local Comcast or Verizon - Culpeper Media Network Cable Channel.

There will be two Constitutional Amendments to consider on the ballot. According to Mary Dale, Chair, Culpeper Electoral Board, voting can take an average of four minutes if you are not familiar with the amendments and choose to read them. This can slow voting down at the polls substantially as it normally takes about 90 seconds to vote. If you would like to be more informed about the constitutional amendments go to http://www.culpeperchamber.com/  and click on the link “Proposed Constitutional Amendments.”

Make plans to vote on Tuesday Nov. 6, and make sure that your vote counts….

Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at jimc@culpeperchamber.com.

Chamber will host candidates forum

By: Business Monday - Jim Charapich | Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: October 29, 2012 Updated: October 29, 2012 - 12:00 AM

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will host a candidates forum for the Culpeper special election candidates. The forum will be held Thursday at the Reva Volunteer Fire Station in the Salem District. We will host both candidates for the Board of Supervisor’s Salem District seat as well as the candidates for the Commonwealth Attorney’s race.

The Chamber of Commerce invests a great deal of time and resources to facilitate such forums. Since this is a special election, the forum was recommended in committee on September 19 for Chamber board consideration. The Chamber board of directors subsequently agreed to move forward with this forum at their monthly meeting on September 25.

Candidates were provided with the questions for the forum on Friday morning. They will be given approximately two minutes each to answer each question. The questions were submitted for consideration by members of the Chamber of Commerce. The moderator will be given flexibility to ask follow up questions. We plan for each set of questions for the two races to take approximately 30 minutes. The forum is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and end at 8:30 pm.

In addition, we have invited Mary Dale, Chair, Culpeper Electoral Board to review the constitutional amendments being considered on the ballot.

Seating is limited. Coffee will be available (a $1donation is suggested) from the Reva Volunteer Fire Station.

We are very grateful for the hospitality of the RVFS in opening the facility for the forum. Please consider a generous donation for their ever present and vital volunteer service to the community. We are also very grateful to the Culpeper Media Network for being available to film the event for publication via their network channels.

Please mark your calendars for Nov. 6 and remember to vote. A right founded in the priceless spirit of our heritage.

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

Made in the Piedmont: Culpeper is moving to be Green2

By Jim Charapich

© Culpeper Times

Could “Green” be Green$?

Yes if you ask local business. What are some of the local green initiatives in business? Can it be profitable? I met with several businesses to find out the answer to these questions.

I ventured into this discussion cautiously thinking that there would be passive interest in the subject. I was pleasantly surprised that local businesses were as interested in the profitability of “Green” thinking as they are about environmental stewardship. We live in an amazing area. The rural Piedmont at the foot hills of the Blue Ridge has quick access to several major markets in Virginia, making Culpeper a sought after location. The businesses that I spoke with are conscientious of preserving the natural character of our community, while providing jobs to the local economy.

What are some of the initiatives described by local business? Power usage savings is a major issue. They are very interested in finding ways to save power. This includes conservation policies as well investments in green technology.

Investing in energy efficient lighting is a growing opportunity. Lighting options today are advanced enough for mid to large facilities to realize a respectable ROI on lighting change outs. According to Ken West of Independent Lighting Corporation in Culpeper, “certain lighting environments can save up to between 50 percent and 60 percent on power consumption of outdated lighting. In addition, cleaner and improved spectrum lighting colors can improve productivity while also reducing employee absences. The power savings can be tens of thousands of dollars per year depending on the size of the facilities.”

In addition to lighting, many companies are choosing to use “Cloud” computing to reduce power costs. It was very surprising to me that a significant amount of power is used in large computer processing environments. It makes sense that optimized computing environments would include bulk purchasing of power. This allows for more efficient energy use while delivering a competitive solution for computing resources.

Another interesting evolution for business to be more “Green” is in the use of water. One of our major employers offers fresh filtered water dispensers on the floor of the plant facility. At one time they were providing bottled water in small containers. The waste removal was tremendous in water bottles alone. They migrated to the large bottled water in drinking stations reducing the numbers of small plastic bottles but still labor intensive. Now, they simply have the town water connected to an Ion Filtration System that produces clean, filtered, hot and cold water on demand. The labor savings from moving empty large bottles was tremendous and the filtered water quality is excellent. According to Craig Jebson of Country Water Systems in Culpeper, “these water filtration systems can be an easy installation for office environments as well as for the plant floor.” Fresh cold filtered water on demand is another enhancement to the employee health & productivity.

Finally, we are all aware of the need for recycling. Recycling may include collecting scrap metal to be resold to scrap dealers like Wise Services & Recycling, Culpeper Recycling, and Updike Industries in Culpeper. Recycling may also include securing the services of local recycling companies like Culpeper Curbside Recycling who provide residential and office pick up of recycling materials.

Today 'Green' is Green. You might even say that business in Culpeper is Green2 as they approach smart solutions for their business and our environment. In an effort to bring more attention to Green initiatives The Chamber will be partnering with Cintas to hold a community “Shred Fest” on Saturday, November 10. Bring your paper to the Cintas location at 555 James Madison Highway in Culpeper from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and they will shred your documents for free. Cintas offers secure shredding for business. They can even provide remote camera viewing at the time of shredding to show that the documents have been shredded.

Green is good. Join the movement in Culpeper to be Green2.

Jim Charapich is President and CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. 

Hampden-Sydney president speaks to students

By: Business Monday - Jim Charapich | Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: October 22, 2012

I often write about the unique relationship that our business community has with the educational system in Culpeper. This was once again confirmed on Friday morning as over 35 local business and public organization professionals assembled to meet with the sophomore and senior classes of the Culpeper County School System.

This year we were especially blessed to have Dr. Howard, President of Hampden Sydney College join us to speak to the students. Dr. Howard, one of the youngest college presidents in the country was able to connect with the students on many levels in a 30-minute discussion about his “Five B’s”. There are no words to describe his powerful message. Be Yourself, Be Humble, Be a Leader, Be Courageous, Be the Future that you want to see, plus anecdotal stories to inspire the students outline his comments.

The students followed the Dr. Howard session with 30 minutes at the Career Expo. Our businesses noticed a difference this year. Coming from such a powerful presentation about personal responsibility and achievements set the stage for attentive discussions with local business leaders. We try to improve this program each year and this year will be hard to surpass.

Our business areas of expertise included global high tech, Advanced Manufacturing – Euro Composites & Cintas Corporation, banking – Wells Fargo & Virginia National Bank, accounting – Yount Hyde & Barbour and Nicholas Jones, Federal Aviation Administration, local government – Town of Culpeper, Library of Congress, local law enforcement – Culpeper Sheriff’s Office & Culpeper Town Police, Culpeper Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Virginia State Police Special Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Culpeper Star-Exponent, Culpeper School of Cosmetology, Culpeper Regional Health System, Powell Wellness Center, Library of Congress, Culpeper Times, branches of the US Armed Forces, Culpeper Farmers Coop, Virginia Tech Extension Office, veterinary services, Germanna Community College, agribusiness – Blue Ridge Growers, Real Estate & Construction – ReMax Cross Roads / Jim Gearing, retail – Petersen Jewelers, and Rappahannock Electric. Thank you to these organizations for your extraordinary support for advancing academic excellence in our schools.

Randi Richards Lutz – Career & Technical Education Director for Culpeper County Schools worked with administrators and teachers to bring the students to the expo. She and associates worked until 11 p.m. on Thursday evening to have the gymnasium ready for the expo on Friday morning. Their commitment to advancing opportunities for the students of Culpeper is commendable. I am very proud of our school system for their diligent, unwavering, and passionate work to deliver education to our work force of tomorrow.

When we can reflect on a day and know that we have changed lives. When we can stand at the end of the day and know that today was better than last year. When you can see that the talent and passion of our generation was passed along to hundreds of the next generation. Not only do we feel accomplished as business professionals, but now we know what it is like to be a teacher. Thank you to our educators for your excellence.

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

Lead Culpeper delivers valuable results

By: Business Monday - Jim Charapich | Culpeper Star Exponent 
Published: October 15, 2012

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/oct/15/lead-culpeper-delivers-valuable-results-ar-2283229/

Lead Culpeper continues to deliver valuable results to our members. Our group was invited to the Culpeper Regional Health System offices last week to understand the role that CRH plays in the leadership of our community.

Our group was treated to presentations from several of the key leaders of Culpeper Regional Health System. President and CEO of the Culpeper Regional Health System, Lee Kirk, welcomed the group and gave an overview of the organization. My take away from his comments is that health care is a local business and we can make a difference locally in helping to solve some of the issues. A good example of this is the “Drop It” program that is held each winter to encourage a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and healthy choices. With nearly 1,800 taking the challenge each year, the total weight loss recorded for the last three years was 10,248.84 pounds. This is a remarkable achievement and great example of community leadership for our group to understand.

We followed the morning presentations with a tour of the Powell Wellness Center, PWC. As part of the CRH System, PWC has both a rehabilitative center as well as a fitness facility. For a health system to have an integrated fitness facility demonstrates another aspect of excellent leadership, since a small percentage of health systems have this benefit nationally. A big part of the health care reform discussion relates to preventative health care. Fitness facilities play an increasingly important role in solving our proactive health care issues.

We were fortunate to have a tour of the Culpeper Free Clinic where we were given a presentation and tour of the facility by Norma Dunwody, the clinic director.

Dunwody commented that she had volunteered for over 15 years at the Free Clinic before taking the role as director. She further discussed how important the free clinic is to have as a safety net for our community. Many of the workers in our community have received help at the free clinic allowing them to maintain jobs as productive parts of the local work force. Asked how her budget was funded, she described private donations, business contributions, and fund raising activities. There is a clear demand for these services especially due to the economic times. This is another example of leadership at its best for our group to see.

Finally, we were given a briefing on the status of mental health issues in the community. We met John Waldeck at the RRCSB Behavioral Health Services facility on the CRH campus. Passionate about helping those with mental health and substance abuse issues, Mr. Waldeck described the increasing demand for service in light of the ever increasing pressure for funding. The collateral impact to the community for delayed or diminished services could be very detrimental and burdensome. This was an eye opening visit for our leaders as they considered coworkers, friends, or family members that have suffered in these areas of need.

I can only be reaffirmed in our mission at the Chamber of Commerce as a result of our day. The safety net in our community is supported by the revenues of our economic circumstances. A robust economy enables a strong safety net. Our Lead Culpeper group will see economic development in a different light, as a strategic partner in a healthy quality of life for our community.

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

Professional Women's Luncheon Oct. 25

By: Jim Charapich 

The Culpeper Business Women’s Group has partnered with the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce to offer the First Annual Professional Women’s Luncheon on Oct. 25. The keynote speaker is Carolyn Norton Schmalenberger owner of Norton Yacht Sales, Deltaville. “No-Guilt – Aiming for the Top” is the topic of the luncheon.

According to Debbie Stohlman, Operations Manager at the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, “There are real challenges for women to balance traditional roles while managing a professional career. We wanted to facilitate networking opportunities to support women’s professional development.”

The Culpeper Business Women incorporated in January of 2010. "As members of the Chamber of Commerce, they were the natural organization to reach out to in partnering for such an event” commented Ms. Stohlman. “Martha Snider, Membership Coordinator for the Culpeper Chamber, and I have wanted to organize this type of event for some time. Why reinvent the wheel… we have a great member to partner with.”

The event has gained a lot of attention. We are pleasantly surprised that the corporate sponsorships sold out so quickly. Thank you to Ameri Care Plus, Farm Credit and Country Mortgages, Home Instead Senior Care, It’s Up to You Fitness LLC, Pepperberries, Petersen Jewelers Inc, Shear Artistry, and Wakefield Country Day School for your support.

The keynote speaker is a great example of a successful professional woman. Her depth of experience, demonstrated success, and community service are remarkable. Some of her recognized achievements listed on her website (www.NortonYachts.com) bio are:

Recipient of Darlene Briggs Award for Excellence among Women in the Marine Industry in 1999.

Recipient of the Top Sales Award for Hunter Marine at the Annapolis Boat Show in 1999, 2000, and 2001

2008 YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award

Past Regional Advisory Board Member of EVB Bank

Recipient of 2009 National Chairman’s Citation Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by Gary Jobson, May 6, 2010

2011/12 VA Marine Trades Association, President

Recently, Carolyn completed Yoga Instructor Certification.

The event is open to Chamber members and non-members. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Go to CulpeperChamber.com to register for the Professional Women’s Luncheon Oct. 25, from  11 a.m. to  1 p.m. at the Country Club of Culpeper.

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

Annual Chamber Banquet Nov. 8

By: Business Monday - Jim Charapich | Culpeper Star Exponent 
Published: October 01, 2012

We continue to deliver value to our customers and to the community. When it comes to business, we are shaped by the free market. We do not have the luxury of resting on our laurels. We are constantly driven by the question – how can I serve my customers better? Sometimes we are even recognized for our efforts and achievements. Though, as a business we do not seek such recognition, we are often pleasantly surprised when it comes our way.

The Culpeper Chamber would like for you to join with us in recognizing outstanding achievement in our community. We offer an opportunity to provide nominations for us to consider in several categories of achievement for local business excellence. We will then recognize the businesses, organizations, and owners at the annual banquet Nov 8.

The award categories are as follows: LB Henretty Award, Business of the Year, Most Improved Small Business Location, Small Business Person of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and the Non-Profit of the Year. The criteria and nomination forms may be found at the banquet webpagewww.ChamberBanquet.com.

This will be the 98^th annual banquet for the Culpeper Chamber. Our history of service to the community can be well described by pointing out a few of the names on the list of past Chairmen of the Board of Directors: JL Fray 1915, Giles Miller 1939, T.I. Martin 1941, Wert Hurt Sr. 1945, John Yowell , Jr. 1953, J. Carlton Clore 1963, L.B. Henretty 1965, D. French Slaughter, Jr. 1967, Waller Jones 1971, W. Robert Jebson 1977, J.R. Yeaman III 1981, Daniel Peacock 1986, Jere Willis III 1990, T.I. Martin, Jr. 1992, Lee Kirk 2002, Win Carithers 2007 and 2008, and Raven Yates 2012… to name a few.

I encourage you to register early this year as I expect the Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center capacity will be sold out. We will have a very important dignitary as our keynote speaker, Aneesh Chopra – Former Chief US Technology Officer and former Virginia Secretary of Technology.

"After an incredible three years as the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer," White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra said in a statement, "I am returning to my home state of Virginia to continue my work using innovative new technologies and platforms to improve health care, education and energy and to grow the jobs and industries of the future."

Mr. Chopra worked to advance the President’s technology agenda by fostering new ideas and encouraging government-wide coordination to help the country meet its goals from job creation, to reducing health care costs, to protecting the homeland. In 2011 Chopra was named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. In 2008 Chopra was listed in Government Technology magazine’s Top 25 in their Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers issue.

We look forward to one of the best banquet events so far. Register today at www.CulpeperChamber.com.

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

Educational Resources Support Our Local Economic Stability, Growth and Success

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 24, 2012

Jim Charapich

“I continue to be amazed at Culpeper” were the comments from the Lead Culpeper 2012 group last week. We have covered a lot of ground in introducing the leadership class to various aspects of Culpeper.

Last week our session was on Education. We asked Dr. Johnson to open the session with a discussion about public education. She immediately earned the admiration and respect of the emerging leaders. There is a lot more to educating Culpeper students than SOLs. There is a balance between experiential 21^st Century learning, and the ability to perform on standardized tests. We are fortunate to have the leadership in our schools to develop the best strategies for our students.

Former Chairman of the Culpeper County School Board, George Dasher followed Dr. Johnson with a discussion about his experience as a School Board member. He spoke from the perspective of a career business professional. His project management and engineering background were evident in his experiential assessment. Our leadership class felt a transformation from preconceived notions to a revelation of the extraordinary talent of our educators in today’s complex system. Ask Mr. Dasher about Blueberry Ice Cream some time. The story will bring a certain “ah ha” moment worthy of repeating often.

The afternoon was built to address higher education offered by Germanna. With presentations by Germanna’s President Dr. Sam, VP Jeanne Wesley, and Kim Rodenberg, the class was again left with the sense that we are very fortunate in Culpeper. To have a community College in Culpeper is a big part of creating new jobs. Companies looking for a place to locate consider a Community College as essential for continuous training of their workforce.  The real take away from the Community College discussion, is that it enables a culture of life-long learning in the community. A progressively educated workforce is one of the most important components to economic prosperity.

Finally, to pull it all together, the group heard from two of our most inspiring champions of education: Chuck Gyory, President, and Mike Dale, Vice President, of Career Partners, Inc. Career Partners works in a unique way to bring educational focus on wealth creation to Culpeper High School students. The program is called E Squared, or Entrepreneurial Energy. As they put it so well, Entrepreneurial Energy is what Drives America. Regardless of the area of interest that a student may excel in… music, science, technology, engineering, math, etc…learning how to take an idea or a talent and turn it into wealth supports life-long success. In fact, it is through wealth creation that individuals are able to support the community they serve in exponential ways. Needless to say – our leadership class was very impressed with the E Squared Program, volunteering to help as the program rolls out in January of 2013.

At the end of the day I polled the class, “So, What are our opportunities in Education?” Hands went up with a variety of thoughts. Success…. An engaged group of thought leaders are emerging, built on the foundation laid by such great leaders as Dr. Johnson, George Dasher, Dr. Sam, Jean Wesley, Kim Rodenberg, Chuck Gyory, Mike Dale, and so many others in our community.