Local Arts, Culture and Tourism Stay-cations

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Business Monday

June 16, 2014

Jim Charapich

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 met on Wednesday for a “Fam Tour” of Culpeper. Lori Sorrentino, Director of Tourism, organized this busy day for our Lead participants. Tourism is an important economic engine in our community. The day's activities gave the group a glimpse of our tourism assets and how these work to enhance our quality of life. What is a Fam tour? ”Fam” is tourism-speak for familiarization.

We often hear of stay-cations in thinking about summer plans. The Lead Culpeper group took time to get ahead of the summer crowds in touring some of Culpeper’s highlights. The session began with a presentation by Kelsey Carlson, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. Board President. This was followed by the first tour of the day, given by Lee Langston-Harrison.

The tour of the Museum of Culpeper History is simply amazing. Ms. Langston-Harrison offers a depth of knowledge about the history of Culpeper that is unmatched. Her announcement that Culpeper is the largest repository of dinosaur tracks in the USA (with a real track in the museum), to the Early Native Americans’ use of displayed whalebone found along the Rapidan River basin, were just the beginning. Her ability to drop names that have been a part of Culpeper are a who's who of historic figures, a great place to begin the day for our new leaders.

The group departed from the Depot on the trolley for more adventure. The next stop was Belmont Farm Distillery, where they observed the process for making legal moonshine. Thanks to Mr. Chuck Miller for his Virginia hospitality. The group then headed up to the Mt. Pony Signal Station. Thanks to Zann Nelson for the wonderful history of Mt. Pony's role in the Civil War. This was followed by a tour of the Library of Congress. The story of Packard Foundation donation of this facility to the nation is significant. Media preservation is a skilled and unique talent that is largely centered right here in Culpeper. What a great opportunity to see the technicians in action. We all have the benefit of seeing the results of their work on any given weekend with shows in the state of the art theater on Mt. Pony and occasionally at the State Theatre in Downtown Culpeper.

After a mobile lunch on the trolley to the next stop - the group was treated to a visit to Saddle Ridge Farm. The farm is an example of the exciting growth of 'farm to table' agriculture. Culpeper has long been known for our agricultural strength. Saddle Ridge Farm is an example of the new Agri-tourism movement for the general public to purchase products directly from the farm. Products from Saddle Ridge Farm may also be found in stores and restaurants throughout Culpeper and the region.

The final tour of the day is one of the best. The tour of the State Theatre of Culpeper is a story of vision and investment in a community, by Greg & Liz Yates. Their donation of the Theatre to the State Theatre Foundation is much like that of the Packard Foundation’s donation of the Library of Congress - a catalyst for the arts in our community. The State Theatre Foundation has worked with great vision to provide world class shows to Culpeper and the region. The benefit to the community to have such a hub of the arts is dramatic. Creativity is at the heart of entrepreneurship. What a great way to inspire new leaders and support creative thinking to move our community forward. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Yates, and the State Theatre Foundation, for your contribution to our community.

The Arts, Culture, and Tourism day for our Lead Culpeper is just one of the many interesting sessions in the Lead Culpeper program. Take time this summer for your own stay-cation. Visit the Depot in downtown Culpeper to find the latest information about Culpeper's Arts, Culture, and Tourism.

Thank You, Culpeper!

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Business Monday

June 9, 2014

Jim Charapich

Amazing Day. When the weather is good, it is really good. Last Thursday June 5th was by many accounts the best CulpeperFest yet. The atmosphere was vibrant with activities, outdoor highlights, and the traditional business displays under the big tents.

I had the opportunity to help a few of the businesses that had never been to CulpeperFest before, with their booth location. As we discussed CulpeperFest, I was able to share with them that we do not have a large convention center to host such events indoors. Rather, we celebrate our rural environment by hosting the event in the fields of Germanna Community College. I could see the light go off in their eyes as they replied “Cool.”

Indeed, the day was cool with temps in the low 80’s, light humidity, and a steady breeze. The crowd was close to record attendance with ticket sales soaring on Tuesday and Wednesday. We had tickets purchased on Wednesday for busloads of attendees from Richmond. Nice for a Thursday evening in Culpeper. They may have heard that we were serving the famous Shawn’s Smokehouse BBQ.

There is no better place for a business to be on a Thursday evening in June. Where else would one be able to connect with nearly 2000 prospects in four hours on a Thursday afternoon? Attendees were treated to the bright colored T-Shirts, water bottles, and beach balls given away to set the stage for summer fun. Most attendees left with large bags full of assorted treasures.

Our DJ - Mark Harman - Harmany DJs, accompanied by Sophie Hudson of Kash Design, and Ian Chini - I & L’s DJing, held hourly giveaways. We gave away more than 30 items by ticket drawings during the event. Giveaway items varied from Pro Sports tickets to Hi-Tech Gear. This drew special attention to the center tent where we had a special feature performance. This was further showcased by the first annual Running of the Mascots. Congratulations to Tech Box for crossing the finish line first. They will hold the coveted trophy for 2014.

Most importantly, we are ever thankful for the support of our sponsors and volunteers. They have been the signature of our success for the past 33 years. There are many civic groups, including the P.I.G. Legacy, The Red Hat Ladies, and Gladys Williams & The Senior Center, that were especially helpful in bringing large numbers of volunteers. The roadway and tents were outlined with banners recognizing the many generous sponsors. Thank you to Domino’s Pizza and Chick-Fil-A for taking care of the set up volunteers. A big Thanks also to Sheriff Jenkins and the Culpeper County Sheriff's Department for helping to make CulpeperFest the safe event that we all love. In addition, it was great to have the Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department show off the new ladder truck. What a great asset to the community.

Thank you Culpeper for your continued support for the vital mission of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.

Come Celebrate!

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Business Monday

June 2, 2014

Jim Charapich

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce has had the benefit of very stable leadership over the past two decades. With the 15 year tenure of Norma Dunwody prior to my 6 year tenure, there has been no gap in leadership at the Chamber. This combined with the quality of business leaders that have committed years of service to the mission of the Chamber; the organization is a dedicated contributor to the local economy with solid respect across the state for our contributions to our Commonwealth.

This was evident in the visit from Governor McAuliffe to Culpeper last week. The Culpeper Chamber combined with Chambers in the Region welcomed the Governor to discuss strategic opportunities in working together to grow our economy in Virginia. The Culpeper Chamber has supported the Private Option for Medicaid Expansion promoted by the Virginia Chamber. We applaud Governor McAuliffe for his effort to develop bipartisan support to advance the issue. The purely economic impact of the issue serves our Commonwealth with vital revenues as we face the headwinds of defense and federal spending reductions in Virginia.  We also applaud the leadership shown by Senator Hanger for his initiative to move the budget stalemate forward in Richmond.

 

One of the signature events for the Culpeper Business Community is CulpeperFest. The celebration of business and community is like no other. There are few in the commonwealth that have sustained their relevancy for over 30 years like ours. The stories are unique from the various locations that the event has been held to those rare events that occur on occasional spring afternoons. Through the years the event has transitioned with the times. We have limited adult beverages, streamlined the food, and added a variety of entertainment. However, there has been one consistent highlight, the businesses that come and showcase what they do.

 

We celebrate almost everything in Culpeper. The calendar is very busy supporting one cause or another. However, there is one underlying force that produces the jobs, the wealth, the goods, and services that make our community the vibrant place that we are all proud of. This is an opportunity for the community to connect year after year, while supporting the businesses in our community.

 

Join us at CulpeperFest on June 5th from 4 PM - 8:00 PM to celebrate business. We do celebrate in style - Shawn’s Barbecue is the official caterer for the event. Your ticket allows you a world class Shawn’s Barbecue meal, entertainment, and a few trips around the business tents for abundant surprises. Go to www.CulpeperFest.com to purchase your tickets or visit the Depot, Shawn’s Barbecue, and Culpeper Farmer’s Coop for your tickets.

Reflections of Memorial Day

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Business Monday

May 26, 2014

Jim Charapich

As we consider this solemn Memorial Day of honor to those who have served, my appreciation for their sacrifice grows more each year. Why sacrifice such precious life? Why suffer the risks? Why such great love? The preamble of the Constitution may provide a glimpse…

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The paragraph is a prism of meaning enduring the centuries and yet still relevant today. Our Founding Fathers were inspired in writing “For the Common Defense…… and Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves” as a part of the preamble. What would life be like without these freedoms? Because of the sacrificial gift of our fallen, this question is laid to rest with them, no longer spoken and yet ever present as they inspire future generations. 

I remember a tour of Cedar Mountain Battlefield just outside of Culpeper a few years ago. The tour guide brought to life the event movements culminating in injured and dying soldiers from both sides lying on the battlefield, waiting for over 24 hours to be attended to. The tour continued with a walk down Davis Street where many of the Union and Confederate soldiers were brought, lining Davis Street in downtown Culpeper for medical care after the battle. The tour then ended with a visit to the National Cemetery across the railroad tracks in downtown Culpeper where many of the soldiers were laid to rest. As I sit in the Depot at the Visitor Center, close to these places in history,  there is a quiet reverence for the events separated only by time.

Our colonial history, our significant place in Civil War history, and the legacy of the brave service men and women from Culpeper who serve and have served, honor Culpeper with their great measure. Take time to visit the places of such honorable significance often to remember their sacrifice.

We are united today as Americans in humble appreciation that we enjoy justice and domestic tranquility, as a result of such distinguished heroes on this Memorial Day.

 

Local Government Day with Lead Culpeper

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Business Monday

May 19, 2014

Jim Charapich

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 met last Wednesday for a day on Local Government. We began the morning at The Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier. We were joined by Mr. Bob Gibson, the Executive Director at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Mr. Gibson invested 90 minutes with our leadership group discussing “Civility in Government.” The lessons discussed offered a commonsense approach to civility. As leaders, we set the tone. If we are civil in our conversation, then that sets the standard for others to follow. If others choose not to be civil, then lowering the standard by joining them has consequences. As a leader, you still have to wake up and conduct yourself in the same community every day. A good rule of thumb is, how will it feel the next day if you choose to lower your standards today? Preserving your honor and dignity will open future doors whether you win or lose on the issue of the day.

 

We followed this program with a tour of the renovated mansion described as - “Madison and the Constitution - Liberty, democracy, and the ideas that inspired a nation and changed the world come alive in this tour featuring the life and career of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, as well as the political philosophies and debates embodied in the U.S. Constitution. Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the "spirit" not just the "letter" of America’s greatest document.” An interesting take away was the story of James Madison upon returning from his studies at Princeton University. He observed the unfair treatment of the Baptists in Culpeper. As the story goes, this influenced his view of freedom of religion. The tour at Montpelier offers a rich and rare view of the birth of our great nation.

 

The Lead Culpeper Class of 2014 reassembled for lunch at Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center for a dynamic afternoon. We were honored to have both business and local government leaders join us in half hour segments to address their areas of expertise; the following is just a highlight of the insights shared with the group.

 

The first session was a new addition to the program. Anthony Clatterbuck spoke about the often untold stories of the development of the Shenandoah Park and its long lasting impact to families that once lived on the mountain.  We will never see Old Rag Mountain the same way.

The next speakers were Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins & Captain Chris Settle, Culpeper PD. This discussion was very engaging regarding the teamwork between the Town and County law enforcement departments. The presentation left the class with the confidence that our tax dollar investments in law enforcement are essential. The discussion led to the awareness that decisions as leaders may have unintended results. It is also important to consider the social costs and consequences to the community in making leadership decisions.

The next discussion was led by Delegate Ed Scott, who discussed the importance of the committees that our state legislators serve on in the General Assembly. He also discussed the opportunities for leadership on State Boards and Commissions. These are not commonly understood and yet they can have a significant impact on legislation and policy in your area of interest.

The next discussions were led by Steve Walker (graduate of the inaugural Lead Culpeper class), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Culpeper County and David Lochridge, Culpeper Town Council. They were followed by Frank Bossio - Culpeper County Administrator and Dewey Cashwell - Culpeper Town Manager. The combined discussions provided an overview of the way local government is defined by the Dillon Rule and the Town Charter.

The final session was led by Tripp Butler, VP Virginia Community Bank in Culpeper. Mr. Butler, a graduate of Hampden Sydney College, spoke about service on local boards and commissions. Mr. Butler serves Culpeper through numerous boards, commissions and committees.  He has held a seat on one commission for more than 10 years! When asked how many hours a week he volunteers, he replied, “Over 10 hours a week.”  Mr. Butler, also a graduate of Lead Culpeper, offered a persuasive message about the importance of investing in your community.

We are fortunate to have an opportunity to pass along such knowledge to the next generation of community leaders. Thank you to our leaders for taking time to invest in the Lead Culpeper Class of 2014.

                                               

Congratulations All Around

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Business Monday

May 12, 2014

Jim Charapich

The past few weeks have been very interesting at the Culpeper Chamber. First I want to congratulate the E Squared students for a successful 2014 program. The knowledge that you displayed is world class and we are very proud of you. As a judge in the final competition, I was impressed with your business plans. Each of them were exciting to consider.

The winning team, Revo Cases, demonstrated an impressive resourcefulness in programming a 3D model of their product, sourcing a local 3D printer to produce a prototype, and developing international relationships in a short period of time. This is the essence of entrepreneurship both within global corporate environments as well as for the garage solopreneur. The team won as a result of a great business plan as well as a very thorough presentation judged and scored, producing the highest in the competition. Congratulations to the educators and business coaches who supported the E Squared program this year. Our students are privileged to experience your advanced contribution to 21st century education.

Next, I would like to congratulate the candidates that were successful in the Town Council elections on May 6th. Also, Congratulations to Michael Olinger, our newly elected Mayor. We look forward to supporting the new Council in working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development. We offer our thanks to the candidates that have served. We wish you the best in your future pursuits.

The Chamber has been working on a special event scheduled for later this month. We will invite the Fauquier, Greater Warrenton, Orange, and Madison Chambers of Commerce to join us in Culpeper for this event. Chamber members - your exclusive invitation will be sent via email.

Finally, it is time for the 33rd Annual CulpeperFest and we have a great program shaping up. We have invited a special guest to entertain you as you take a break between tents. We will be serving the world famous Shawn’s Barbecue this year. Booth registrations are filling up and tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office (we are still located in the depot!), Shawn’s BBQ, and CFC Farm & Home Center and online at CulpeperFest.com. Bring your friends, family, and business associates to connect with the best of Culpeper.

                                               

Vote!

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Business Monday
May 5, 2014

Jim Charapich

Remember to vote tomorrow, May 6th. The issues that we face this election have been well defined. The Town has had significant increases in the budget over the past few years. Some of the increase was to catch up and secure the financial strength of our Town.  However, there is a point when the need for revenue should be balanced with the need to support the revenue producers. The linkage with good tax policy for business means capacity for lower real estate taxes for hardworking families, fixed income elderly, and commuters. The current direction of the 2015 budget appears to be a continuation of growth in spending. The rate of spending appears to have been reduced, and yet there is a proposed increase.

It appears most candidates agree that the BPOL tax is an unfair tax.  There is debate about how to resolve this issue, though little has been done in the past couple of years to address the unfair tax.  The current direction of the Council and candidates appears to be making progress. Given the windfall of revenues derived from the Boundary Line Adjustment area on the north end of town, there appears to be an ample and fair reserve to reduce the BPOL in 2015 by 20%. At some point in the near future, the tax should be eliminated. Whether this is done at the Town level or at the State level is irrelevant. Business does not deserve to be caught in the middle of the unresolved issue any longer. It is time for government to bear the burden of lost revenues from the unfair tax until it is resolved.

The issue of lack of support for the Culpeper Regional Health System is simply a disappointment in the leadership of this Town Council. The Health System President made the case for support of a privately run option of Medicaid expansion called Marketplace Virginia. The Councilmen in the committee meetings agreed that this was important.  This changed and subsequently became no support from the Council.

The issue had become a political stalemate in Richmond and the Council preferred to remain non-partisan. Unfortunately, the council deferred to the politics of the issue, leaving our local Health System to absorb a $2 Million negative impact to their budget resulting in reduced staffing. The Culpeper Regional Health System is our largest employer. Businesses that do business with the Health System describe significant reductions in spending from the Health System. The collateral effect of the reduced budget impacts our local economy in meaningful and visible ways beyond the immediate hospital operations.

The Town Council may not have made a dent in the politics of the issue in Richmond with a letter of support for the Health System. However, this is clearly an economic issue for our community. In contrast, our Town Council has enjoyed significant budget growth over the past few years. The Town has also had employment growth over the past few years. It is unfortunate that the Town Council leadership would be so loud in their silence on the issue. State politics first or Culpeper first?

Tomorrow is Election Day. Turnout in the Town is historically less than 10% of the population. Your vote can make a difference. Take time to vote for candidates that support good fiscal policy, ready to lead Culpeper.