LEAD Virginia - Shenandoah Valley

Culpeper Times

Piedmont Horizons - Jim Charapich

Lead Virginia - Shenandoah Valley

June 2013

Lead Virginia is an amazing opportunity to understand our state. “The program is designed to challenge preconceived perceptions and invite evaluation through a focus on present realities in each of the regions. Participants increase their knowledge and understanding of issues and build the social capital necessary to LEAD VIRGINIA forward. The program broadens the perspectives of participants, thereby expanding their capacity to collaborate, manage conflict and lead in changing environments.” - Lead Virginia.

 

We toured the Shenandoah Valley as the third of seven sessions in the program. The opening day of this session was at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in a very dynamic City of Staunton. The boutique hotel was renovated as part of a public private partnership with the City of Staunton. The development led to a vibrant business, arts, and culture environment in the heart of the city. Many of our group attended an evening show at the world famous American Shakespeare Theater's Blackfriar's Playhouse, strategically adjacent to the renovated hotel.

Our speakers ranged from school and hospital system presentations to the statesmen of economic development. When it comes to economic development, the Shenandoah Valley is a bold example of progress. Their “Go For It” mentality was a reminder of the American spirit that built our great Commonwealth. The results of leadership among the thirteen counties and twelve cities of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership for Economic Development was impressive. They have developed a collaboration that enables a very competitive strategy in global economics. Their ability to develop public land for recruiting companies makes a strong statement to companies interested in locating on the Route 81 corridor that they are ready for business.

We were treated to a tour of two small business locations that have created special products in very competitive industries. The craft beer industry is growing in Virginia. We toured the Devils Backbone Brewing Company, just outside of Lexington VA in Nelson County. The facility is spotless clean with an energetic and talented staff. We were given the 411 on brewing their special products and how they are planning expansions due to high demand. What a great example of entrepreneurship. The second location that we toured was the Mt. Crawford Creamery. There are only two creameries of this type in the Commonwealth. I consider this a “Craft” milk producer. They milk the cows, pasteurize the milk, and offer it for sale right on site in Mt. Crawford. The chocolate milk is amazing and very popular since opening the retail sales store in May of this year; another story of entrepreneurship and investment in the Shenandoah Valley.

There is another underpinning to the economic success of the Shenandoah Valley’s prosperity, the role of higher education. The influence of the major universities are threaded throughout the business environment. However, most impressive was the role of Blue Ridge Community College. The team at BRCC are at the table in recruiting efforts with a full set of resources for business. This is especially true in new environment of high tech manufacturing. The needs of business for an adaptable workforce is critical to regional economic success. The Shenandoah Valley has attracted high tech manufacturing companies seeking a quality workforce by setting the example of successfully supporting existing business sustained growth. This was evident in our visit to Carded Graphics, a company success story niche'd in the very competitive business of specialty packaging.

Finally, we were treated to dinner at Ms. Shank’s home in Dayton, VA, all 56 of us. Yes, this was literally her home. She and her family served us a hearty home cooked Mennonite supper. I mention this because at the heart of the Shenandoah Valley is a cultural foundation of work ethic, education, and self reliance. Ms. Shank’s hospitality looked effortless, felt like home, and yet left some 56 of us very satisfied. She had just published a cookbook full of her recipes. I could envision a second book on customer service.

I was honored to tour this part of the Commonwealth, strengthened in seeing the humble fortitide of great leaders, tempered by time and experience. I was also inspired by their ingenuity in deploying resources so successfully.

Culpeper Summer

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

June 24, 2013

Summer officially began on Friday. Our family and friends are usually on the move for the summer to and from home on the way to the beach, mountains, lakes, and streams. We are fortunate to have all of these venues in Virginia and many of them very close to us in Culpeper.

The lakes, streams, and mountain vistas in Culpeper are inviting. In fact many come to Culpeper to live for those very reasons. However, we are much more than our natural beauty. I was asked by a friend living in Charlottesville: what is there to do in Culpeper? My favorite question!!!

Let’s start with the Library of Congress Packard Campus in Culpeper. Would you like to enjoy a free movie on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening in a comfortable theatre with world class sound and projection technology? For information and reservations call 540-827-1079 x79994 Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM (except holidays). For example - this Thursday, James Cagney and Bette Davis in “ The Bride Came C.O.D.” or on Saturday, a 1933 double feature showing. Shows begin at 7:30 PM.

The latest and most exciting highlight in Culpeper is the newly renovated State Theater on Main Street. The range of theater, music, and film are robust. I am looking forward to The Tour De France - Opening Day: Live in HD on June 29th on one of the largest screens in Central Virginia. Check out the website www.CulpeperTheatre.org for your favorites throughout the week.

Naturally, dinner, shopping, and a show are a perfect combination for an afternoon / evening in Culpeper. The dining options are well known with many farm to table options. We are largely an agricultural community, making these dining options especially unique and attractive.

The Brandy Station Foundation is offering a tour series surrounding the Battle of Brandy Station. Go to www.BrandyStationFoundation.com for details. You may want to check out the HITS Commonwealth Showday National Horse Show in July at HITS Commonwealth Park www.hitsshows.com. Or if you are looking for that Home Town Fourth of July Celebration. The celebrations start with the Freedom 5K run around town, followed by activities all day, a classic parade, and the annual fireworks at Yowell Meadow Park.

What is going on in Culpeper.... good question. Invite your family and friends to join us this summer. Plan your “Staycation” today. Stop by the Depot for more information or go to www.VisitCulpeperVa.com for more ideas.

Found Your Gateway?

Culpeper Star Exponent

Jim Charapich

Business Monday

Publication June 17, 2013

Gateways to fitness are abundant. I was reading a FB post from a fellow Spinning instructor and she was so excited to be substituting for another instructor for a sunrise class at 4:30 am. Wow, I do not know where in the world a 4:30 am class qualifies as “Sunrise”. I would rename this the commuter class for those who want to ride and then drive. Nonetheless, there must be a demand for a class at that hour? There are gateway’s to fitness almost 24 hours a day today.

I like the phrase gateway to fitness because that is what happened to me. I was working out at Gold’s many years ago and the Spinning instructor asked if I would like to take his class. I said sure, and I was hooked. Almost 10 years later, I have the highest certification as a Spinning Instructor. I teach three classes per week. A 5:15 am class at Gold’s on Wednesday’s and at 5:45 am on Monday and Thursday at Powell Wellness Center. I have also taught classes at the Sport and Racquet Club. Spinning was my gateway to my fitness.

I had no idea that the momentum would lead to a progressive hunger to understand my fitness. As I look for the fountain of youth in growing older, a fitness lifestyle has become a top priority. Just when I thought that I had fitness under control as a Spinning Instructor, I was challenged to try something that would take me to a new level. I tried my first Triathlon in the summer of 2009. Ok, so I did not have fitness under control. Not even close. There were a lot of men and women in my age group that were in really good shape. I finished my first race, but I had a new set of goals. I wanted more fitness. Adding the swim and run to my comfortable bike routine was a new challenge.

It turns out that there was an emerging Triathlon, running, and cycling community in Culpeper. The energy of being a part of the local fitness culture was just what I needed. It did not matter where I was, there was always someone talking about their last race, next race, or some new training that they were trying. In Culpeper alone, we have several well managed 5k runs, mountain biking almost year round, two Triathlons in August, and a Cycling Century developed by Culpeper County Parks and Recreation.

Now as I teach my classes, many of the students show up in class with their newly earned jersey from the last race. If you are involved in amateur sports, you know that it is all about wearing the shirt after the race. I have received certificates, medals, socks, hats, backpacks, etc. Nothing is better than wearing the race shirt to the gym the week after the race.

I have some really big goals for this year and I can’t wait to see where they will lead. A fitness culture is contagious. Found your gateway?

Thank you, Culpeper!!!

Culpeper Star Exponent

Jim Charapich

Monday June 10, 2012

Thank You Culpeper!!! CulpeperFest was outstanding. The community event is always full of stories to shape our local CulpeperFest legacy. This year was no exception, as we had our customary rain storm greet us and decide to stay for the evening. . Fortunately, rain is part of CulpeperFest lore, and we got right to enjoying the tastes, sights, and sounds of CulpeperFest, rain and all. Our business community was founded in agribusinesses. I love to say that we an agribusiness community and we are Pro-Rain!!!

 

As I spoke with Laura Rogers, the Chairman of the CulpeperFest Committee after the event, she said “I am always amazed at our volunteers. They make this annual event so special. They are just great.” I would like to say a big THANK YOU to our many special volunteers and those that donated goods and services to make CulpeperFest so successful.

Our event was also blessed with a significant number of sponsors. In all there were over 65 sponsors and over 50 sponsor banners on display. We are so appreciative of our sponsors. They are committed to the community in many ways. It is our honor to serve you and we are very appreciative of your support. I want to extend a special thanks to our Grand Champion sponsor – The Culpeper Star Exponent.

Thanks to the CulpeperFest Committee for your many hours which began in January to plan this years’ event. Thanks to Harmany DJ’s for the sounds that kept us entertained, your wireless system made the event exceptional. Thanks to the many businesses that set up displays – your creativity is super!!! Thanks to Germanna Community College for the wonderful hospitality, the venue is excellent. Thanks to Shawn’s Barbecue for the fantastic tastes, your team is amazing. It is great to know that we can experience your barbecue year round at your new restaurant in Culpeper.

Now“Save the Date” June 5^th, 2014 on your calendar for the 33rd Annual CulpeperFest. We already have a few big ideas for next year in the works.

New Community Guide Showcases Culpeper Business and Quality of Life

CSE

Jim Charapich

Business Monday

Monday June 3, 2013

It is here… the 2013 Community Guide. It is hard to believe that three years have gone by since the introduction of the new partnership with the Culpeper Star Exponent to facilitate the production of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide.

As you know the first 2011 issue was introduced at CulpeperFest. Since the unveiling, the Culpeper Star Exponent has won awards in the magazines/slick publications category for the 2011 and 2012 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide. These are impressive accolades that we are very proud of. When you see the 2013 guide you will know that we took the best of the last two years and made 2013 the best yet.

The guide is a quality of life publication. We use the guide to tell the story of Culpeper from Education to Life & Leisure, we are proud of our community. The publication makes its way to hospital visitors, realtors packets for relocations, and local hospitality venues to name a few.

Most importantly, the guide is a directory of Chamber of Commerce businesses. We are all very interested in supporting local businesses that support the local community. By supporting Culpeper Chamber of Commerce businesses, you are supporting our local economy. Our members are actively engaged in supporting the mission of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce - To be the voice of the business community working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development.

I am proud of the work of the Chamber in our community. We have come together to support each other and the community bridging the economic challenges with a remarkable spirit of optimism. The Community Guide is a good example of this effort. We chose to use local resources to facilitate the guide with a special knowledge of our local community. Thus, we are able to tell the stories of our community spirit with depth and rich color.

Stop by the Culpeper Star Exponent Booth at CulpeperFest for your hot off the press 2013 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide. Hand a copy to friends and family visiting the community. Put a few in your lobby to tell the story of Culpeper with amazing pictures and descriptions. Support the advertisers that support the publication that is so meaningful to our success. Make it a point to support the member businesses of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.

CulpeperFest will take place at Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center this Thursday from 4 PM - 8:30 PM. We will begin serving food at 4 pm this year rather than waiting until 5 pm as in years past. So come early and enjoy the food and fellowship. Our spaces under the BIG tents sold out early this year, a great indication of another super event. Tickets are on sale at the Depot, CFC Farm & Home Center, and at Shawn’s Barbeque (guess what is included in the ticket purchase!!!). Advance ticket purchase is required. Go to www.CulpeperFest.com for more information and “Like” our CulpeperFest page on Facebook for the latest updates.