Culpeper is a Confluence of Influences

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 16, 2013

Jim Charapich

Culpeper is a confluence of influences. Our Community is mixed with 1/2 of the workforce seeing NOVA as the center of the universe and the other 1/2 with Culpeper and or points south, east, and west as major influences.

The VEDP - Virginia Economic Development Partnership sees Culpeper as part of Central Virginia (as does the Virginia Tourism Corporation). Therefore, we are often linked to Charlottesville. To demonstrate this we are included in the Regional Economic Development efforts of the Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development. In addition, the Piedmont Workforce Network serves Charlottesville (Planning District 10) and surrounding counties together with Culpeper (Planning District 9) and surrounding counties. Therefore we are sometimes considered a northern part of the Charlottesville economic development environment. We do work to collaborate and differentiate our unique qualities as opportunities avail themselves.

In addition, from an historic perspective, we are often associated with Fredericksburg as a result of the Civil War battles that linked events to Culpeper. Culpeper was the most marched upon county in the Civil War partially as a result of the strategic geographic boundaries of the Rappahannock River to the North and the Rapidan River to the South. It is quite meaningful to take a tour of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield and finish the tour in downtown Culpeper. The resulting impression of the North / South ebb and flow impact on Culpeper is emotionally indelible.

To further our eastward identity - We are the western-most part of the Germanna Community College System footprint. The Germanna campus system begins in Culpeper, and goes east to Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. Thus, our training and community adult education is drawn eastward.

Culpeper is also a strong agricultural community, as a result we a associated with agricultural business in surrounding counties as well as the major influences of the agricultural enterprises in the Shenandoah Valley to the west.  

Our identity can be pulled North, East, South,. and West on any given day depending on the reference point of the conversation. To make a final illustration of this point - Culpeper was recently redistricted for State elections. We have three Senators, one from the Shenandoah Valley, one from Fauquier, and one from Stafford. We also have two Delegates, one from Madison and one from Fauquier.

The confluence of influences produces a diversity and strength that makes Culpeper unique and vibrant.