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...