Chamber Day at the Capitol

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

February  2, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Beginning before sunrise this past Wednesday, members of the “Lead Culpeper” class boarded a bus and headed to Richmond to participate in an annual event hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, “Chamber Day at the Capitol”.  The wheels on the bus went ‘round and ‘round as the group made the trek to Richmond which was to be the final stop on the journey the Lead Culpeper Class began a year ago.

At the 2015 convening of “Chamber Day at the Capitol”, leadership representatives from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, local chambers of commerce, and the general business community, had the privilege of hearing from several elected officials regarding key business issues facing the 2015 General Assembly session.  It is my hope that this body of elected officials received a message as well - the business community stands strong in its desire for Virginia to remain competitive in a global economy. “The collective voice of Virginia’s business community is essential in matters of economic competitiveness to ensure Virginia is the best place to live, work, and to do business” says Barry DuVal, President/CEO of Virginia Chamber of Commerce.   This final session was the perfect capstone for our Lead Culpeper participants. It was made clear to all in attendance that local and state economies are interdependent.  Policy changes made at any level of government have far reaching effects.

Our Lead Culpeper 2014 participants now have a complete picture of the workings and intricacies of our town, county, region and state.  They are ready to be a ‘collective voice’ to ensure Culpeper maintains a good quality of life for its residents and businesses.

Congratulations to the Lead Culpeper Class of 2014; Mike Breitenbach, Germanna Community College; Jaci Bennett, PDP Group, Inc.; Ashely Carter, UVA Culpeper Hospital; Ed Dunphy, CFC Farm & Home Center; Keith Farrish, Saddle Ridge Farm; Honore Hastings, Verdun Adventure Bound; Heather Houchens, Nicholas, Jones & Co., PLC; Sophie Hudson, Kash Design; Jennie Locsin, Nicholas, Jones & Co., PLC; Tom Spargur; Bobby Stakes, Yount, Hyde & Barbour, PC; Cathy Weaver, Virginia National Bank; Kristen Dowell; Sheila Lyles, Pepperberries; Patrick Mulhern, Town of Culpeper.

The next session of Lead Culpeper kicks off in spring 2016.  If you are interested in participating in this dynamic program, contact me at debbies@culpeperchamber.com.  

Chamber Membership is a Positive Perception

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

January 26, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Late in 2012, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), commissioned The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, to conduct a national survey* to measure the impact of chamber membership upon businesses.  The findings weren’t a surprise to those in the “chamber world”, but it did provide these organizations with relevant and useful data.

Summarizing the findings, the survey affirmed that chamber membership does indeed affect consumer perception-- in positive fashion.  The data indicated that customers had an enhanced perception of businesses which were active in their local chamber of commerce. Those surveyed felt that these businesses were very likely to be customer focused, reputable, deliver quality goods and services, and recognize the overall importance of community involvement.  Quite often the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce receives feedback from members that while anecdotal, serves to reinforce the findings of the 2012 survey.  

The image that customers (and potential customers) have of businesses is a complex blend of both tangible and intangible factors - and chamber membership could be one of those factors.  Do you believe that your marketing toolbox is complete or could it be tweaked to become more effective?  I can assure you that here at the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce we are always looking for new ideas or ways to hone existing processes and improve our effectiveness as advocates for  the business community.  In reality, our “business” also benefits in much the same manner as do our members from Chamber-related activities and programs.

If you are already a member of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, I want to express my deep gratitude for your membership. I see it as a statement of your commitment to business in our region and fully recognize it as an investment in your business.  It is the Chamber’s responsibility to help you realize a return on that investment; a duty we do not take lightly.  You can remain confident that the board of directors and chamber staff is working very hard to ensure our operations are efficient and relevant to you--our customers.

If you are not yet a member of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, I encourage you to consider the findings of the survey I mentioned in the opening paragraphs.   Please feel free to contact me or Martha Sanford at 540-825-8628 (email marthas@culpeperchamber.com) so we can play an effective role in your business strategy.

*If you would like to read highlights, or the entire Schapiro survey, you may access it here:  http://www.culpeperchamber.com/chamber/join.asp .

Evaluation and Improvement

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

January 19, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

January has arrived and with it colder temps, post-holiday diets, and football, football, and more football.  I am just about football-ed out!  I thoroughly enjoy the sport and find it a perfect excuse for extended sitting (AKA napping) in front of the flat screen.  I also enjoy the theatrics of it all, especially the on-air broadcast personalities.

Whether it be the pre-game talking heads, the play-by-play booth announcers, or the post-game "Monday morning quarterbacks", I find their profession fascinating.  Yet, I wonder if the subjects of the endless banter find it as interesting?  Owners, coaches, and players must have very thick skins to endure the sharp criticism which often accompanies the fame, praise, and glory.  I wonder if the old axiom "praise in public but criticize in private" really applies to those in the limelight of athletics? How do professional athletes handle this aspect of their professions? Does it spur them on to better performance or weigh them down with frustration and aggravation? I wonder how our businesses would fare under such high-visibility scrutiny where a broadcaster announced or provided commentary on each strategic move or management decision!

For many businesses, January also kicks off (pun intended) the employee performance appraisal cycle.  While I am not an "HR Professional", I am somewhat familiar with the concept of "360 degree evaluations" where members of the same work group provide performance feedback to each other in a non-traditional manner.  While this might require some measure of "thick skinned-ness" for all participants, if the process is done properly, it can be very beneficial for a work group.  Who knows, maybe it will spur you or a co-worker on to even higher levels of achievement and productivity. If you are not already doing so, perhaps consider the inclusion of your customers in a feedback process through the use of surveys or comment cards. Clearly, their feedback is paramount.

This full circle type of evaluation can also be directed inward toward ourselves and our businesses. Are we providing the best possible service to our customers, and leadership to our employees? Are there opportunities for us to tweak business plans to help grow our businesses and improve bottom lines?

January is always the time for resolutions. One really needs to know where one is, before charting a path for change.  Stop, take a minute or two and critically analyze the performance of yourself and your business with that same levels of “thick skinned-ness”....seek continuous improvement and you will find it.

Gotta Work, But Dad Needs Me!

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

January 12, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Hurricane Katrina devastated my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday, August 29, 2005.  My late father-in-law, Morris Stohlman, who was 91 years old at the time, lost everything--except his life--on that fateful day.  With that opening, you may be thinking that this week's column will be somber...but it isn't!  Katrina actually led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my life - my husband and I become his caregivers.

Christiane Miller, Executive Director of Aging Together, spoke at the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast.  She stated, “80% of the care of older adults and people with disabilities is provided by family members.  That’s the equivalent of approximately six billion dollars in services annually.  Nearly 44 million unpaid caregivers provide assistance to older adults.  Three quarters of them are in the workforce.   For business, the costs of employees with caregiving responsibilities are extensive. The consequences include employee absenteeism and presenteeism (present on the job but not performing up to par), arriving late, leaving early, taking a leave of absence, choosing early retirement, turning down promotions, or taking a less demanding job.  Additionally, workers who are family caregivers have more health problems than non-caregivers, significantly increasing the price tag.  Across the United States more and more businesses are recognizing what’s going on with their employees who are family caregivers.  And they are taking steps to support them.  In part because it’s a good thing to do.  And in part because it’s good business. Research shows that providing support, ranging from simple information and referral to more substantial options, such as counseling, respite care, education and training for caregivers, can reduce the negative health and work-related effects of caregiving and improve overall employee productivity.”

If you are an employer, chances are you may have someone on your staff who is a family caregiver.  Since these situations are often complex, there may be new and/or specialized personnel support programs available. Aging Together is hosting a casual breakfast gathering on Thursday, January 22nd, 8am at Culpeper Cheese Company on E. Davis Street to present information to businesses about programs and services available to family caregivers. Quoting Chris Miller, 'Aging Together has always maintained that a community that plans for the needs of its older citizens ultimately benefits people of all ages.  This holds true for businesses supporting employee caregivers as well.  The policies and resources that benefit them will also boost productivity and reduce turnover among employees with everyday stresses and chronic illnesses', says Ms. Miller. 

I believe Ms. Miller's thoughts are spot on. My husband and I were both very fortunate to have understanding and supportive employers during our caregiving days.  It afforded us the needed flexibility to balance work/life while delivering the best possible care to my father-in-law.

I personally invite you to attend this informative program.  Call our office at 540.825.8628 or email me at debbies@culpeperchamber.com if you plan to attend.

Come Out and Meet Us!

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

January 5, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

The first full day back to work after the long holiday season is usually a rough one - at least for me it is. My routines get completely out of whack beginning in November.  By the time the calendar turns to January, I am ready for normalcy to return.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is getting back to a normal routine quickly with two membership mixers scheduled for January. Rappahannock Media and Culpeper Times is hosting their event on Thursday, January 8th and Culpeper Auto Parts, Inc/NAPA Auto Parts, Inc. is sponsoring their business after hours on Thursday, January 15th.  These types of gatherings are very popular with our members.  The casual setting allows attendees to step out of digital networking with a face-to-face meet and greet.  It seems the more ‘virtual’ our networks become, the more necessary it is to get acquainted with potential clientele through a genuine handshake and real conversation.   

Networking doesn’t always come easy.  For many it feels awkward and intimidating with flashbacks to their first high school dance!  With practice and determination, you can develop this skill and add it to your business growth toolbox.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Everyone is there for the same reason - to make business connections.  They want to meet you just as much as you want to meet them.
2. Create your own personal tag line! When someone asks what you do, respond with something that will pique their interest and make them want to know more about you and your profession.  Stay away from replying with your position title!
3. Smile and be approachable.  Wallflowers didn’t get asked to dance in high school and they don’t make business connections either!
4. Bring a colleague or ask chamber staff to introduce you to an ambassador that will help you get acquainted.

If you master this essential professional skill, your business will reap the benefits of connections, growth and prosperity.   The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Membership Mixers are reserved for members only, but if you have an interest in joining this organization, we will extend you a one-time invitation for these networking events.  We simply ask that you contact our office to let us know you’d like to attend.  If you join the Culpeper Chamber within 60 days of attending, the $10 guest fee will be credited to your dues.  

People want to do business with people they know. The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce has many opportunities for you to meet your future customer.  Join us in 2015!