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.