Looking Back, and Looking Forward

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 29, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Where did this year go?  Certainly I am not the only one asking that question - the more ‘experience’ I earn, the faster time flies!  I took a look back at 2014 and smiled proudly at the accomplishments the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce achieved over the past 12 months.

With the turn of the calendar to 2014, Chamber staff and the Board of Directors set the plan into motion for the organization’s move to a permanent location - a first in the history of this chamber. Our Sperryville Pike home required a transformation from residential to commercial.  With a lot of help and support along the way, we were able to occupy our new offices by summer’s end.  I truly believe this building will long stand as a testament to Culpeper’s strong and diverse business community.  History will prove this relocation to be a bold and wise investment for the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.    

The weather played havoc with a few events and programs this year.  We were forced to cancel the Professional Development Conference because of snow, the Professional Women’s Breakfast had to relocate due to heavy rains, and our move out of the Depot was delayed as a result of several weather related slow-downs in construction. However, beautiful days were enjoyed for CulpeperFest in June and the Pepper Open in September.

The highlight of the chamber calendar is always the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.  This year’s 100th anniversary celebration made it especially exciting.  The evening’s focus on the organization’s history gave attendees cause for reflection on the good work this organization has helped facilitate over the past century. It was clear that many community and business leaders used their skills to advance the economic prosperity of Culpeper.  As the saying goes, “It is amazing what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”  

As we ring in 2015, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce remains committed to serving the membership and business community at large.  Events and programs are being planned with the aim to educate and communicate with our members and, if necessary, advocate on their behalf regarding business related issues. If you are interested in joining the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, consider this your invitation.  Stop by our new office and we will be happy to help you connect, grow and prosper.

The chamber staff and board of directors wish you and yours a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  

Lead Culpeper Finishes With Success

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 22, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Lead Culpeper 2014 is beginning to wrap up its 10 month program.  An engaging class of 15 business and community leaders began their journey earlier this year. In mid-April they gathered at Verdun Adventure Bound for a 2-day program introduction where they were presented various challenges, obstacles and problem solving situations.  Each task was designed to improve awareness of their individual leadership style.

The December session looked at the role of volunteerism, non-profit organizations and how they contribute to the overall health of a community.  Non-profit groups working in the social sector provide lifelines to our most needy residents by providing food, shelter, and various services with resources typically not available to local governments.

In the spirit of the season, Lead Culpeper 2014 participants volunteered a few hours at the Culpeper Senior Center and Manna Ministry. They seemed to be moved by the experience of seeing so many appreciative faces that were happy for a warm meal, companionship, and sanctuary.  Most of us take for granted the food in our pantries and fellowship at our dinner tables but for many residents in our little community, this isn’t the norm - loneliness and hunger are frequently at their doorstep.  We continued our session with a visit to the Culpeper Food Closet, where Dick and Barb Rosica gave us a history of this long standing mission.  Rooted in faith-based outreach, the food closet began as just that - a broom closet that held stores of food to feed the hungry.  As the need grew so did the ‘closet’.  

The day concluded with a panel discussion with Cheryl Carter, of Culpeper Housing and Shelter Services, Chris Miller, from Aging Together, and Karen Brown, representing Services to Abused Families (SAFE).  By sharing their agency's mission and vision with the group, the Lead Culpeper 2014 class gained keen insight into the challenges confronting non-profit organizations.  Funding shortfalls and right-sized volunteer pools were common concerns to these social needs organizations.  Because of the broad experience base of Lead Culpeper 2014 participants, several ideas to improve the visibility and resourcing of Culpeper's non-profits quickly surfaced.

The Lead Culpeper 2014 program is really about "self-actualization" that strives to help, albeit in a small way, business and community leaders reach their fullest potential.  This year's convening may have commenced with personal leadership awareness but is ending with clear examples of how individual effort and talent combine to contribute to the overall quality of life and business climate in Culpeper.  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce's investment in this program is not simply an investment in our leaders. In addition to personal growth of the participants, I am convinced the region will see a continuing return on this investment as well.

Do You Have Any Mulligans to Offer?

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 15, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

My grandfather always wanted me to learn the game of golf.  As an avid golfer and owner of a cigar factory, he believed most business was conducted on the course. I didn’t take to the links too well, mainly because of its interesting language - Birdie, Bogey, Eagle, and Mulligan, to name a few.  Their definitions aren’t apparent at first glance.    However, I do enjoy the explanation of ‘Mulligan’ - simply put, it’s a ‘do-over’! Mulligans are a fun element offered at the Chamber’s Pepper Open. For a small fee, we allow players another shot from the tee when the first one wasn’t too successful.  It’s a popular item for obvious reasons!

How nice would it be if the real game of life had Mulligans  Whenever something was said or done that didn’t go as well as expected, we could use a mulligan for a ‘do-over’.  All would be forgotten and forgiven.  This wishful-thinking thought came to me during a recent meeting of the New Freedom  Reentry Council.  This council brings together law enforcement, Culpeper Human Services, Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services, the Culpeper Career Resource Center, Child Support Enforcement, various nonprofits and faith-based groups, the business community, along with probation offices and others to coordinate pre- and post-release services, with the previously-incarcerated person and the correctional center/jail.  Together, they work to identify re-entry barriers and develop methods to address them; improve collaboration and coordination of re-entry transition services; establish partnerships to promote jobs; promote re-entry strategies for juveniles and adults; and participate in the development of the state reentry strategic plan.    

The challenges presented to re-entrants  are numerous.  Upon release they may find

themselves homeless, unemployed, lacking sufficient transportation, and involved in

strained family relationships.  Without adequate safety nets in place, they often repeat bad behaviors and find themselves back behind bars.  This becomes a financial and societal burden on our community. As an organization that works to ensure a healthy environment for economic development, the chamber of commerce appreciates our seat at this table.  We are working to connect the dots between recidivism, its prevention through adequate safety nets, and businesses willing to offer mulligans to ex-offenders reentering their community.  This multi-faceted issue deserves candid and open conversation.  We’re listening - what do you have to say?  Do you have any mulligans to offer?

Local Concerns are Heard at Legislative Breakfast

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 8, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Legislative Conference & Breakfast this past Wednesday.  The Chamber's unique format offers our state elected officials the opportunity to hear from representatives of various agencies and community stakeholders regarding concerns and issues for consideration in the upcoming General Assembly.

According to the Virginia General Assembly website, Virginia’s General Assembly is a legislative body comprised of “citizen legislators,” elected representatives that serve in a part-time capacity meeting full-time responsibilities.  In other words, they typically have professions and employment other than the work of their elected position.  I am certain each delegate and senator sought their office fully aware of the responsibility load and time commitment required.   As citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, irregardless of which side of the aisle you may sit, we can all be thankful for these ordinary people.  Their willingness to serve merits our appreciation.

Budgetary challenges were common themes delivered by participating agency representatives during their presentations to the legislators.  However, it is important to note that despite the reported resource shortfalls, agencies were also eager to highlight success. This was not to paint an ‘all is good’ picture as participants all recognize that state dollars are limited, but rather communicate to the legislators that while fiscal challenges remain, the Commonwealth generally seems to be on the right track.

There appears to be a realization that Virginia is in a new economy - one not so dependent on Federal dollars. Accordingly, the Commonwealth of Virginia will need to continue to attract new business and work to develop and strengthen the workforce.  These are definitely attainable and sustainable goals.

Senators Hanger, Reeves and Vogel, along with Delegates Scott and Webert, all echoed the same sentiment - be upbeat, be engaged, and stay informed.  They recognize the difficult fiscal decisions that lie ahead.  Help them chart the best course forward by participating in the process. Our representatives need your input to make the best possible and informed decisions.  To stay up-to-date with the 2015 General Assembly visit virginiageneralassembly.gov.  

The Meaning Behind the Mission Statement

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

December 1, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

Since taking my first step on my Chamber of Commerce career path, I’ve been interested in the history of these unique business organizations. I recently began reading “The Magicians of Main Street, America and its Chambers of Commerce, 1768-1945”, written by Chris Mead, Senior Vice President, American Chamber of Commerce Executives.  I’m in heaven - yes, call me a chamber nerd.  Mead’s book chronicles the influential role chambers of commerce have played in their respective communities.  It’s the history of America written from the perspective of business.  It’s fascinating!

My biggest takeaway so far is business folks get things done!  That shouldn't be such a huge surprise since that attribute is the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit.  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce has many members that fit this description and they use this business organization as an avenue for positive community achievement.  It is not the work of one, but the work of many.

The business of chambers of commerce are principally the same across our great country. Most mission statements contain the words ‘voice of the business community…”  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is no exception.   Our mission statement reads, “The voice of the business community, working to promote, build and support the most effective climate for economic development.”   

This mission is broad and could be considered lofty at times, especially the words, “The voice...” Whose voice, exactly?  It’s not the voice of chamber staff or even the chamber’s board of directors - it’s your voice, your statement.  The chamber leadership is committed to listening to the membership and community at large regarding issues you may deem important. Your input will contribute to a unified and strong articulation of issues relevant to business and economic stability.

We want to hear from you.  What do you need this business organization to say?  We’re listening because together we can get things accomplished!    

Annual Legislative Breakfast

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

November 24, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legislative Breakfast on December 3rd, at Germanna Daniel Technology Center. We begin the program with breakfast at 7:30am and presentations promptly start at 8:00am.  This event gives you, as a representative of an organization, agency or business, the opportunity to present positions to our elected state officials. Culpeper’s senators and delegates welcome this format and use the information presented to plan for the upcoming General Assembly.

Culpeper County benefits from the representation of 3 senators and 2 delegates; Senator Jill Vogel, 27th District, Senator Bryce Reeves, 17th District, Senator Emmett Hanger, 24th District, Delegate Michael Webert, 18th District, and  Delegate Ed Scott, 30th District.  We are pleased to announce each will be present to listen to your comments and requests.  

It is not often that the public has access to the eyes and ears of our state leadership in the same place, at the same time, all listening to the same messages and pleas.  This unique opportunity is open to chamber membership and the public. The fee to attend, which includes breakfast, is $30 while members of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce are offered the benefit of a discounted rate of $20.

If you have an interest in making a presentation to our distinguished panel, please advise us when you make your reservation. You will be asked to submit a copy of your presentation to  the Chamber office by Noon, Monday, December 1, 2014.  We simply ask that comments are directed to issues appropriate for the General Assembly.

Advance registration is a requirement.  You may let us know you will be attending by registering at www.culpeperchamber.com or call Linda Dodrill at 540-825-8628 x16.

This is your chance to be heard by our state representation and to hear what your neighbors and colleagues deem to be relevant issues.  Consider this your invitation to join us.  Help fill the meeting room as a show of interest and concern for what will take place at the 2015 General Assembly.

Small Business Saturday, #ShopSmall

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

November 17, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

For the past few weeks, my daughter and I have been planning our Thanksgiving menu.  Our nightly phone conversations have been dominated by discussions of recipes, grocery shopping strategies and duty assignments.  Our husbands simply roll their eyes because they know the story all too well - our menu never changes.  Year after year, we go through the process of seeking new recipes, selecting old family favorites and vowing to trim down the quantity of food we prepare for our small family of 6.  We can point to any menu item and tell you the tale of why it continually graces our Thanksgiving table.  Its all about tradition!

Our holiday traditions don’t stop at the dinner table.  We make sure we have a Thanksgiving edition of the Culpeper Star Exponent and other local newspapers, so we can study the sales, events and holiday happenings in Culpeper.    Then we make our lists and check them twice to make sure all is right and nice!   On Black Friday morning, we set our alarms for o’dark thirty to begin our day of shopping sales with the masses.  Our husbands continue their eye rolling but are very glad to stay home with the kids.  Its our tradition!

This year, my daughter and I are starting a new tradition!  Saturday, November 29th is “Small Business Saturday” and we plan to #ShopSmall all around the neighborhood!  In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday with the goal of helping businesses get more customers.   Many small businesses in Culpeper are planning to participate with sales, promotions and giveaways.  Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. and the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce have teamed-up to promote this initiative through a special ad section in the Thanksgiving edition of the Culpeper Star Exponent.     

You will be able to shop ‘til you drop, eat ‘til you pop and get a new ‘do (hairdo that is!) while supporting our local small businesses that have contributed so much to the local economy and our quality of life.  This is our opportunity to be there for them - they have been there for us all year by supporting numerous community events and activities.  It’s the fourth quarter, 6 weeks to go, let’s push our businesses into the ‘black’ with this #ShopSmall celebration.   Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 29th, #ShopSmall Culpeper - make it your tradition!

One Hundred Years In The Making...

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

Publication date:  November 10 , 2014

By:  Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

It has been a century in the making!  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce came together for its 100th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.  The grand celebration was held last Thursday at Germanna Daniel Technology Center.   In anticipation of this special occasion, the dining room was filled with a capacity crowd eager to honor the organization’s rich heritage.  

The event planning committee began preparation more than a year ago.  They were united in their vision of presenting the Chamber’s story.   A story spanning 100 years can be difficult to capture.  With the focused determination and tenacity of Tom Boyd, Jonathan Krawchuk, Win Carithers and David Durr a short documentary film highlighting the organization’s  accomplishments, collaborations and partnerships was produced and presented that evening.  The film showcased the parallels of the Chamber’s history and that of our community.  The seeds of this business institution were planted shortly after the Civil War.  By 1914, a group of community business leaders formally chartered the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.

One could not help but be proud of this chamber’s legacy. It is with renewed vigor and commitment, that our 2015 Board of Directors looks forward to opening the door on the next century of service.  The organization is poised to remain a synergistic force in the facilitation of a platform for positive growth, economic vitality, and a vanguard educational system.

Congratulations to the recipients of the chamber’s prestigious annual awards;  Kelsey Carlson, Young Professional of the Year; Al Esh, Entrepreneur of the Year; Cintas, Large Business of the Year; The Free Clinic of Culpeper, Non-profit of the Year; The Ole Country Store and Bakery, Small Business of the Year; Sophie Hudson, 2014 Chairman’s Award; Gary Lee, L.B. Henretty Memorial Outstanding Citizen of the Year.   Thank you for your dedication and service to Culpeper.    

A debt of gratitude is due the event planning committee:  Laura Grigsby, Joann Durr, and Tom Boyd along with staff members Martha Sanford and Linda Dodrill.  Thank you for making this celebration a memorable one.  A special shout out to Culpeper’s own Jonny K, Station Manager, Culpeper Media Network, for the countless hours he spent on the production of the documentary film.    

And the Nominees Are.....

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

November 3, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

Oh, what a party it’s going to be!  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is holding its 100th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet this Thursday, November 6th at Germanna Daniel Technology Center. This centennial gala is shaping up to be a grand celebration of the organization’s accomplishments and contributions to Culpeper.  Following our delicious meal and the telling of the Chamber’s story, the evening will culminate with presentations of business and individual awards - always a high point of the evening.

Historically, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce recognizes businesses and individuals for their leadership, integrity, contributions to our community and Culpeper’s economic vitality.   We have received an unprecedented number of nominees in all categories.  Certainly a positive indicator of the vibrancy of Culpeper.  Thank you to everyone that submitted a nomination.  The Selection Committee was given an arduous task of narrowing down the lists of deserving nominees to one recipient for each category.  It was a responsibility they did not take lightly.  

We are pleased to announce the following nominations for the business categories -

Nominated for Large Business of the Year (50 or more employees) are Cintas, Epiphany Catholic School and Home Instead Senior Care.  Nominees for Small Business of the Year are Shear Artistry, Harriet’s General, Culpeper Salvage, Association of Social Work Boards, Ole Country Store and Bakery, RE/MAX Crossroads, Atheneans, The Pharmacy of Culpeper, Counseling Interventions, Top Shelf Cleaning Services, Integrity Automotive, MedExpress Urgent Care, Appleton Campbell, White Dove Studios, Clevenger’s Corner Veterinary Care, Culpeper Petroleum Cooperative - Southern States and Healthy Steps.   Nominees for Non-profit of the Year are Options, Epiphany Catholic School, Culpeper  Renaissance, Inc., Friends of the Culpeper County Library, Culpeper Regional Hospital, Omega Partnership, Cornucopia Volunteer Farm, Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, The Free Clinic of Culpeper, Praise Communications, Inc. WPRZ 88.1 - FM, Culpeper Food Closet, Soap Box Derby of Culpeper and Hospice of the Rapidan.

Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and the L.B. Henretty Memorial Outstanding Citizen of the Year will each recognize one person for their specific contributions.  These categories received a record number of nominees as well.  Another daunting task for the Selection Committee.

Congratulations to all nominees!  We trust you are honored to have been acknowledged as a business or organization that exemplifies the outstanding qualities worthy of recognition.  

Small Business Saturday

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

October 27, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

‘The only certainty in life is death and taxes’, was a constant statement made to me by my father during my teen years. I am certain my dear old dad was trying to teach me a life lesson of independence but all I heard was the death part which totally freaked me out.  Taxes meant nothing to me at the time.  Oh, how blissfully ignorant I was!

This article is not an attempt to extol the virtues or non-virtues of taxation but rather a supportive argument for spending your hard earned dollars locally.   It goes without saying, tax revenue is necessary for the support of roads, infrastructure, libraries, law enforcement,  schools and parks.  Without these amenities the quality of life in our community would suffer.  Tax revenue in Culpeper County and the Town of Culpeper come from many sources.  Let’s focus on sales tax revenue because we all have reasonable control on where we spend our dollars.  

In Virginia, the general sales tax rate is 5.3%.  For every dollar spent in Culpeper on taxable goods or services, 5.3 cents is collected from the consumer and paid by the business to the Commonwealth.  The Commonwealth in turn sends 1 cent back to Culpeper.  According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, Culpeper’s sales from August 2014 generated $611,710.56 in tax revenue for our community.  That is a lot of pennies!  You as a consumer and resident can easily have a positive effect on this figure - simply choose to spend more of your dollars in Culpeper.  As long as you are in Virginia, you will be paying the 5.3% sales tax - why not spend it locally?  It just makes good ‘cents’!

With the holiday season fast approaching, consider this concept.  Direct more of  your holiday dollars to Culpeper businesses.  Not only will your tax dollars come back to our community, but you will be supporting the many businesses that create our unique quality of life.  From the corner gas station and grocery store, to Culpeper’s  retailers and restaurants, both small and large - the dollars you spend in Culpeper are directly related to the tax revenue that comes back to our community.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. will be promoting and supporting Small Business Saturday on November 29th - a program founded by American Express to help small business owners get more customers and to encourage people across the country to support small, local businesses.  The program had its start in 2010 and is now  a holiday shopping tradition. Many local businesses will be participating. It will be the perfect time for you to start directing your dollars to our local businesses.     

      

Ribbon Cutting at Open House

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

October 20 , 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is always excited to host a ribbon cutting celebration for any  of our members.  It is a symbolic gesture signaling a new beginning - an opening of a new business, a milestone anniversary or a new location.  

This past Thursday, the tables were turned as the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, hosted its own ribbon cutting.  Our new location on Sperryville Pike gave us a reason to celebrate.  The Chamber’s doors were open all day to allow members and the community to get a peek at the results of this year long project.  

(photo credit: Vincent Vala/Star-Exponent)

We would be remiss if we did not recognize the many members that generously donated to our festive occasion.   Thank you to Randy’s Flowers and Endless Creations Flowers & Gifts for the beautiful floral arrangements throughout our offices.  Thank you to the following members for the delicious food served throughout the day; Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Atheneans Restaurant, The Ole Country Store, Radishes and Roses Cafe & Catering, Moving Meadows Farm, Luigi’s Restaurant, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shawn’s Smokehouse BBQ, Pancho Villa Restaurant and the Culpeper County Public Schools Culinary Arts Program.     

The Chamber staff and Board of Directors wish to thank all the members, family and friends that joined us for our day of celebration.  We are proud of this accomplishment and appreciate your support and enthusiasm.

With our symbolic cutting of the ribbon, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce renews it commitment to be ‘the voice of the business community, working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development’.  We look forward to continuing this mission as we enter our next century of service.  

Another Jewel in Culpeper’s Crown

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

October 13, 2014

By:  Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

Throughout this year’s Lead Culpeper program our participants have been introduced to many facets of Culpeper.  The sessions are designed to offer a unique perspective on our community with an emphasis on economic development and quality of life.   This column has served as a diary of the group’s journey, highlighting the many ‘wow’ moments along the way.

Our most recent gathering was hosted by our healthcare community - the newly named UVA Culpeper Hospital.  While the day’s activities centered around the plethora of services offered and the recent merger with the University of Virginia Health System, the one big takeaway of the day was passion.

The session’s agenda was full - each minute carefully allocated so our participants would not miss out on any aspect of this wellness-centric organization.  Each person that stood before us spoke with passion and dedication regarding their role in serving the health needs of Culpeper.  We could not help but find comfort in knowing that Culpeper is in good hands.  

This enthusiasm and zeal was expressed from the top down.   Greg Napps, CEO, UVA Culpeper Hospital, opened our session with a presentation of facts and figures - certainly important in laying the day’s ground work.  Adding to that, he wrapped up with a leadership lesson on setting your personal moral compass and using it to guide you through difficult decisions.  

And so began our day...person after person passionately sharing the mission of their department’s role.  From volunteers to department heads, to physicians and administrators and board members - the message was clear - they are here to serve Culpeper’s health needs and they love doing it.

Rest easy, Culpeper.  UVA Culpeper Hospital is here to stay.  They are committed to our community; they are committed to serving your family; they are committed to serving you.  And their commitment is personal and passionate - what more can we, as a community, ask for?    

UVA Culpeper Hospital - another jewel in Culpeper’s crown.

Chamber as a Business Opportunity

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

October 6, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

 

If you have ever listened to someone speak about their personal or professional success, or have the habit of reading biographies or even historical fiction, there seems to be commonalities on the road to their successes.   Most often there is a defining moment that propelled them to attainment of goals and ultimate success.  Whether these moments were chance meetings, casual conversations with peers or simply life experiences, these moments can be easily described as opportunity.  

 

In closer study of successful people you quickly see that they each recognized opportunity and seized the chance to use it to their full advantage.  If opportunity showed up as a large blinking neon sign saying “Here I am!”, the path to success would be much less bumpy. Sometimes it means being in the right place at the right time, and recognizing that you are in the right place at the right time!  In other words, create your own opportunities.

 

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is in the business of opportunity creation.  This business organization offers its members a benefits package specifically tailored to help pave a path to success.  Our many networking functions bring you face to face with the business community - people still want to do business with people they know.  The Chamber offers a robust online presence for all members - membership improves your online search rankings.  Our many committees and councils offer members the chance to become involved through volunteerism.  

 

Sponsorship packages can be a perfect complement to your business marketing strategy - they increase your company’s visibility to a wide and varied audience.  Whatever size business you are, the Culpeper Chamber has programs, events and marketing tools to fit your needs.  Create your own opportunities through membership in the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.  

 

The late, great comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”  Let the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce be your door - all you need to do is open it and Opportunity will welcome you with open arms.

 

 

Do you know any ordinary SuperStars?

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Business Monday

September 29, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is deep into planning our 100th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.  The November 6th celebration will focus on this organization’s history and the role it plays in making Culpeper an attractive place to locate a business, raise a family or simply visit.  

The mission of this Chamber is to be “The voice of the business community working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development.”

It seems we’ve managed to obtain this goal since we began in 1915.

Obviously there have been countless leaders and ordinary citizens that championed numerous causes and issues and made difficult decisions along the way.  It is easy to look back through time to get a clear picture of the many that were instrumental in moving our community forward.   But that picture isn’t quite so clear when you look at the here and now.  Why is that?  Could it be so obvious that it escapes our everyday notice?  Trust me, there are folks out there making Culpeper a better community for business, family and recreation.

The Chamber recognizes these ordinary Superstars each year at our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet - its the highlight of the evening, especially in this, our 100th year.

And who are these ordinary superstars?  You tell us!   It could be the local business, large or small, that demonstrates growth, integrity, innovation, community engagement, volunteerism, customer service, and workforce development. It could be an entrepreneur that  willingly accepts the challenges of entering the business world in exchange for the potential benefits thereof.   Do you know a young professional that demonstrates creativity, innovation, character, consistency, and excellence in their field?  Do you have a soft spot in your heart for a non-profit organization that may offer a breadth and/or depth of services that improve the well-being of the community?  What about that certain person that consistently gives freely of himself or herself for the betterment of Culpeper?

If any of those questions bring a superstar to mind, please take a moment of your time to nominate them for one of the Chamber of Commerce awards - Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year or the prestigious L. B. Henrelly Memorial Citizenship Award.

It’s easy…go to www.CulpeperChamber.com/Awards    Go ahead….do it!

Culpeper has A Robust Education System

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Business Monday Article

September 22, 2014

Debbie Stohlman, Acting President/CEO

Last week our Lead Culpeper participants were immersed in Education.  The group started the session at Eastern View High School.  It was deja vu for many and a distant memory for others. The session began  with a presentation by Dr. Bobbi Johnson, Superintendent, followed by a tour of the facility by Randi Richards-Lutz, Career and Technical Administrator.  The general take away was “Wow, they didn’t have this when I was in high school!”  A few of us were ready to sit in on a class or two.

We boarded a school bus to make our way to Pearl Sample Elementary.  Kristin Williams, Principal, and Assistant Principal, Andrea Kilby, welcomed us into their school.  We were treated to lunch and a very informative talk from Greg Beamer, Director of Food Services.  He spoke of the challenges faced with feeding the school population and remaining within the guidelines set forth by the National Lunch Program.  Our meals were tasty and nutritionally balanced. While we ate, scores of young children paraded by our group.  Their little faces seemed happy and eager to learn.  Our tour of Pearl Sample took us past rows of neatly hung backpacks and walls lined with students’ works of art.  It was a happy place - a setting conducive to learning.

Upon our return to EVHS, Chuck Gyory and Mike Dale spoke to us about Career Partners and the program E Squared.  The importance of the collaboration between business and education created by this long standing program, demands recognition.  Many volunteer hours have been given in the development of E Squared - a program designed to take a team of students through the process of successful entrepreneurship.  E Squared alumni, Emily Ray and Mitchell Luckinbill, spoke to us about the demands of the curriculum and the rewards of completion.  It was refreshing to hear young adults speak so articulately and passionately.  

We concluded the session with presentations from Germanna Community College’s Dr. Ann Woolford, VP of Academic Affairs & Student Services, and Ben Sherman, Business & Career Coordinator.  Both spoke on various programs offered through Germanna, all with the goal of offering affordable secondary education and workforce development training opportunities for our businesses.

Culpeper is fortunate to have this robust education system.  It is poised to offer our residents many opportunities and choices for education.  Education is the lifeblood of a community.  It may be cliche to say the future is in their hands - but how else can it be described?  Without a stellar education system, our chances to attract business and industry are diminished.  It is important that we all recognize the need to support our educational system and the educators.  After all, they are our first line of defense for a healthy future.