Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development

Culepeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

March 25th, 2013

Congratulations to the former Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development on the name change. The new branding for the regional economic development powerhouse is Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development - aka CVPED. (http://www.centralva.org/ ) The name change is indicative of the “New Normal” commented Martin Briley, President & CEO of the Virginia Partnership for Economic Development during the new brand unveiling last week at the UVA Research Park in Charlottesville. He went on to say that the new branding equals a better voice in the global economy. Thomas Jefferson is a name that is claimed across the USA by communities for various reasons. The name did not clearly set us apart suggested Helen Cauthen, President and CEO of the newly named CVPED. Now when we show up on the radar for business opportunity - there is no doubt where we are.

Virginia Secretary of Trade and Commerce, Jim Cheng, in speaking at the unveiling, noted that Virginia is a strong brand globally. Most international business prospects can complete the phrase, Virginia is for … Lovers. We have a strong brand and the new name of CVPED will bring more attention to the Central Virginia area. Secretary Cheng also noted that 85% of the global purchasing power is outside of the USA. This points to opportunity to export products from our strategic regions in the Commonwealth. We have the assets to make this happen with strong air, rail, and sea port access. The new branding supports the  message that Virginia is the best state to do business.

CVPED under new leadership by President & CEO Helen Cauthen has made great strides in connecting the opportunities offered in our region. . In her brand unveiling presentation, Ms. Cauthen mentioned that she will be making presentations to groups around the country in the coming months promoting our region. The story of Central Virginia is rural quality of life, ready infrastructure, and adaptable skilled workforce. These are all components for consideration as employers evaluate locations. However, they all point to a more important measure. During a recent presentation by Frank Bossio, Culpeper County Administrator, he dialed in the real interest of business with regard to location. He pointed to “Quality of Work” as the real interest of business in locating and growing a business.

Culpeper, located on the northern end of the CVPED footprint is an important part of the story. Our business friendly environment, comprehensive infrastructure, and  passion to preserve our agricultural heritage creates a unique environment in delivering the newly coined term “Quality of Work”.  We are very pleased to be a part of the new branding. Central Virginia, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a beautiful place in many ways. Thank you to the Board of CVPED for your leadership in moving Central Virginia forward.

 

Highlights from the State of the Chamber - State of the Community

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

March 18th, 2013

Highlights from the State of the Chamber - State of the Community - Friday March 15th:

A community network can be difficult to see. The daily activities to “Move Culpeper Forward” requires that community leaders work together as public, private, and institutional sectors. Lisa Peacock, Director of Culpeper Department of Human Services put it so well “ We are interdependent, and our success going forward will rely on our ability to leverage resources through collaborative efforts.”  The relationships forged through years and even decades are a rare and treasured asset to a community. Those who have only known life in large population areas may not be able to see the rich heritage of such a network. However, today’s speakers confirmed that Culpeper stands tall as a community with a strong network, founded in traditional values, with a constant energy to be the best.

Dave Durr, Chairman of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce pointed out that we are on the way to 600 members, a new milestone.  Anthony Clatterbuck, President of the Fire & Rescue Association described that the 11 departments servicing our area handled over 6000 calls last year supported by some 600 volunteers. Chris Hively, Culpeper Town Manager shared the recent success of the Town in locating an additional source of groundwater that could supply 2 million gallons per day.

Culpeper County Administrator, Frank Bossio, offered discussion about the digital environment and our need to be progressive. The statistics described in the presentation pointed to the need for advancing digital sophistication as a community. Dr. Johnson, Superintendent, Culpeper County Public Schools offered a very dynamic presentation showcasing our progress in contemporary education. Culpeper students are graduating at a rate higher than the state average thanks to the passionate investment of our educators.

John Marshall, VP & General Manager Bingham & Taylor shared the observation that our local workforce is a strong asset to our community. We have the resources to be adaptable in competing globally. Walt & Terry Cheatle, Trigon Homes, LLC - Century 21 New Millenium described the local housing conditions. Things are looking up, Inventory is low and appraisals are moving up. Jeffery Mitchell, Owner, Culpeper Cheese Company recognized the opportunites to leverage technologies enabled by smartphones in order to bring more consumers to Culpeper... especially those that are residents of Culpeper. We were fortunate to have a representative from the LIbrary of Congress, Packard Campus, to share with us the May 2014 plans for an Audio Visual Festival in Culpeper. Plus he reminded the audience that we have free movies shown every week at the LOC campus in Culpeper.

Lee Kirk, President & CEO Culpeper Regional Health System noted the recent “A” in the National Leapfrog Hospital rating survey. Dr. Sam, President of Germanna Community College shared that the need for knowledge workers is growing. Germanna Community College is perfectly positioned to help educate our workforce, fueling our economic vitality.

Ed Dalrymple, President Cedar Mountain Stone, shared insights about the Transportation Bill awaiting approval by Governor McDonnell. Delegate Ed Scott, concluded the comments by offering a summary of the legislative efforts in the 2013 Virginia General Assembly. The big issues are long term funding for transportation and health care reform.

Whew.. I am so impressed with our community. The positive thinking and dedication of our leadership is impressive. “Move Culpeper Forward” of course, it part of our culture...

State of the Chamber 2013

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

March 11, 2013

The State of the Chamber - State of the Community luncheon is planned for this Friday at the Country Club of Culpeper. The Culpeper Chamber hosts the annual event for our business community to hear from area leaders on important issues. The format has grown to be one of the most popular events of the year.

In addition to the snapshot of the current state of the industry that will be covered by each speaker, we have asked them to add their view about what they see as ways to “Move Culpeper Forward”. The pace of the event is always fast and interesting since the speakers have 3-5 minutes to give their updates and insights. It takes talent to bring the heart of an industry into focus in 3-5 minutes, and thus our speakers are challenged to provide the most interesting information.

Our line up for the program include: David Durr General Manager Culpeper Farmers Coop & Chairman of the Board for the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Clatterbuck - President Fire & Rescue Association, Chris Hively - Culpeper Town Manager, Frank Bossio - Culpeper County Administrator,  Dr. Bobbi Johnson - Superintendent Culpeper County Public Schools, John Marshall - General Manager Bingham & Taylor - Major Industry,  Walt & Terry Cheatle - Trigon Homes, LLC - Local Housing, , Jeffery Mitchell - Culpeper Cheese Company - Local Retail, Greg Lukow - Library of Congress Chief MPB&R,  Lee Kirk - President & CEO Culpeper Regional Health System, Lisa Peacock - Director Culpeper Human Services, Dr. Sam - President Germanna Community College - Workforce and Community Education, Ed Dalrymple - President Cedar Mountain Stone - Transportation, Delegate Ed Scott - Virginia General Assembly 2013 Update, and Jim Charapich - President & CEO Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.

State of the Chamber is a way for businesses to gain an understanding of our community in helping to support good decisions for the direction of their business. In addition, there are often needs and opportunities for business to take advantage of and revealed in the course of the presentations. The variety of perspectives usually build on each other, with speakers referring to each other as they illustrate the collaborative linkage of relationships necessary to "Move Culpeper Forward".

Join us for the State of the Chamber - State of the Community Luncheon Friday March 15th - for this multifaceted gem of knowledge from our community leaders. Register today at www.CulpeperChamber.com

Culpeper's Silver Lining

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

March 4, 2013

Jim Charapich

Normally I stay focused on the positive aspects of our community. However, I am going to take a break from being positive to address a concern that I have for our economic vitality. The scale of our community allows us to be very sensitive to subtle changes in the business ecosystem. This past week I noticed what seemed to be a change in the attitudes of local business leaders.

The changes in Washington do not usually show up on the radar quickly. However, our proximity to Washington leaves us more vulnerable to the effects of the fabled “Sequestration”. Whether there is truth to the “Cliff” or not, consumer confidence is affected by the avalanche of media coverage and the spectacle in Washington. Many of our businesses rely on the traffic from the Washington Metro Area to support sales for restaurants, hotels, and retail shops in Culpeper.

 
In addition, the impact of health care reform is beginning to take root. With businesses considering how to reposition their workforce for 30 hours or less in order to avoid paying for health care benefits, the business outlook is cautious. Health care benefits can add significantly to the cost per employee and thus the business is faced with the dilemma of lowering hours, increasing employee count, or raising prices to cover the cost of healthcare. Who wins in this equation? Consumers pay more, businesses overhead goes up, and the economy is in a “cautious mode”. Washington has dealt us a challenging hand and yet I see a silver lining for Culpeper in the midst of this cloud of government imposed snow.

If sequestration and healthcare reforms force costs and prices upward, then business and consumers will look for ways to save. Beltway contractors that are supported by government spending will need to find cost reduction solutions that preserve their ability to do business and make a profit. They will also need to consider their employees quality of life and their ability to keep employees in the escalating cost environment. Consumers will look for locations to escape Washington for easy getaways. They will seek local venues for day or weekend trips rather than traveling to distant more expensive locations.

 

 

The answer of course is right in the NoVa back yard, Culpeper, VA. The business friendly environment is perfect for government contractors to have access to Washington via car, rail, and air. Our area has the infrastructure to support even the most robust uses of power. The fiber infrastructure for high speed data is world class. The Culpeper Regional Hospital is part of the University of Virginia Health System, allowing for access to state of the art health care technology in a friendly rural setting. In addition, the emerging fitness community here is leading the way in a cultural shift to preventative health care with strong outdoor cycling, mountain biking, running, and strength training communities. 

The quality of life at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is like being in a small town at the foot of the Italian Alps – fine food, local wine, unique shopping experiences, and the fresh air to enjoy them all. Our strategic opportunities are at hand.