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.