UVA-CRH Merger Essential for Community Health

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

July 21, 2014

Jim charapich

As Americans we are in the midst of a significant shift in health care reform. Federal laws have mandated much of the change. Regardless of one’s view of these changes, our healthcare system was moving in an unsustainable direction. Health Care costs were increasing for employers and individuals. Healthcare facilities faced lower revenues from reductions in Federal reimbursements.

The result of this confluence produced almost crisis conditions in resolving the healthcare options on both the patient and the provider side of the equation. In order to survive, independent health systems are forced to look for strategic partnerships to survive. In some cases, survival is not possible and hospitals are forced to close. The failure of the Virginia General Assembly to support Medicaid Expansions placed many hospitals in Virginia at risk of closing. This is especially devastating to communities that are just hanging on economically. The loss of a hospital significantly reduces the recruitment possibilities for new business.

When the Culpeper Regional Hospital initiated the partnership with the University of Virginia Health System in 2009, Culpeper gained access to resources that have proven essential for community health. The announcement last Monday by Dr. Shannon, Vice President of Health Affairs for the University of Virginia Health System, that the CRH and UVA partnership would expand making the University of Virginia Health System majority owner of the Culpeper Hospital, our community was invited to come to the meeting for comment.

The questions ranged from help with specific appointments to clear support from the community for the expanded partnership. One speaker pointed out that this was a decision for survival. During the hour long presentation there were several goals described by the joint Health System leadership. The leadership of Dr. Shannon was evident in his vision for the health system to deliver the “Right care to the right patient at the right place, on time and without defect”.

An excerpt from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” came to mind as Dr. Shannon described his visions for the health system. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” There is a temptation to try to cut our way to future success, however, rather than cut the way to profitability, the commitment to the region is to focus on quality of health outcomes, preventative care, and eliminating waste. A road perhaps less traveled, and yet, a road more noble in securing our community health.

Our quality of life in the region, combined with the University of Virginia brand and resources, will be a magnet for healthcare professionals in choosing Culpeper as a place to build their careers. Congratulations to the leadership teams at the Culpeper Regional Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System. We look forward to your continued leadership enhancing health care and quality of life in our community.

Local Business and Community are Interlinked

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

July 14, 2014

Jim Charapich

Who are our customers and what do they want? The simple question drives our economy. Businesses that keep this question in the forefront often find the benefits in increased profits. In addition to business, the same can be true for communities. July is Independent Retailer Month and in many ways the independent retailer and independent businesses in general are the heart and soul of a community. They are also known for being significant job creators.

As we consider the economic equation in our community, support for independent business is a win - win when it comes to revenues. The related tax revenues support local schools, local government, and local charities. Commonly circulated formulas suggest that a dollar spent locally turns in the local economy 5 times. In addition, as businesses grow locally they can expand into other geographic areas exporting goods and services while delivering revenues back into our community.  

It is normal to answer the question “who are our customers and what do they want” as a business. However, as a community, the question is sometimes lost in our daily habits to meet our needs. Local business is at the center of the balance that offsets residential real estate taxes by producing sales tax, meals tax, admissions tax, and the unfair BPOL tax revenues in it’s place. Our buying habits answer the question, who is our customer, as a community. Buy online to save a few cents, and the community loses the sale. Buy in a neighboring county, a neighboring state, or a neighboring country and our community loses the sale. Who loses? Our school students, our road maintenance, our law enforcement, our resources to provide fresh clean water, our parks and recreation services, and the list goes on.

Having a vibrant network of local business in our community helps to preserve our quality of life. They provide the products and services that allow convenience and selection when it comes to serving our needs. As we consider ways to reduce taxes and improve our quality of life, consider your buying decisions. We are fortunate to have the freedom to decide which businesses to support. Ironically, local business are our customers as a community, support them and they will return the investment many times.

Partnership: The Culpeper Air Fest Foundation and Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

July 7, 2014

 

As we conclude this weekend’s Independence Day festivities, we now turn our attention to an upcoming event which allows us to further honor those who helped secure the patriotic streets of the great nation that we live in- our Veterans.  Be sure to add October 10th and 11th to your calendar, as it will be a weekend to remember with the 15th Annual Culpeper Air Fest- “The Best Little Airshow in the East”.  The Culpeper Air Fest Foundation is pleased to partner this year with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in order to honor veterans and celebrate aviation in a way that proves to be anything but “little.”

 

The Friday prior to this year’s airshow will feature the Potomac Flight- “An Historic Flight Over Washington D.C. Honoring our Nation’s Veterans”.   The Potomac Flight is a never-before-seen large formation flight of North American T-6 Texans - a WWII era aircraft. The flight, organized by Culpeper Air Fest’s own- Michael Ginter, will launch from Culpeper Regional Airport and soar in formation down the Potomac River- over Arlington National Cemetery and over the Pentagon. The flight is in honor of Disabled American Veterans and is a fitting tribute to the services and sacrifices that veterans have made for our freedom.  Imagine the combined roar of the engines as everyone looks to the sky and sees the legacy of American Airpower in formation once again.

 

For the thrill seekers who want to do more than just view the formation flight, a limited number of opportunities to sit in the back seat of this historic warbird may be available. For those who wish to support this once-in-a-life-time flight, you may wish to sponsor a seat for yourself or underwrite the opportunity for a deserving veteran.  While the opportunity will need significant support, it is a rare chance to actually take part in one of the most unique events in all of aviation. 

Saturday’s Airshow is a free event that is sure to thrill spectators with performances by historic warbirds, vintage aircraft, aerobatic performances and headlined by the world’s ONLY civilian-owned-and-operated Sea Harrier jump jet, which can take off and land like a helicopter yet flies at near-supersonic speeds. Other performers include the Flying Circus, ChefPitts Airshows, B-25 Mitchell Bomber “Panchito”, T-28 Trojan Horseman demo and introducing Jason Flood and his Modified Pitts S-1S; the RED GHOST. 

 

For more information about the Culpeper Air Fest and the Potomac Flight please visit www.CulpeperAirFest.com.  If your organization would like to gain strategic prominence at the event, the Culpeper Air Fest Foundation is now accepting sponsorship commitments. For the latest updates and news be sure to follow Culpeper Air Fest 2014 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with hashtag  #CulpeperAirFest.