Thinking ahead to 2012 taxes

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, November 28, 2011

What will next year look like when it comes to our taxes? This is a sensitive subject and yet one that we must face considering the challenges in our economy. Though there is good news for our local economy on many fronts. The revenue into our local governments will force us to make decisions about how to save money while growing our economy.

In essence, economic growth is a driving solution to the revenue challenges faced by local governments. The more meals eaten out, the more hotel rooms filled, the more our retailers sell, the more our professional services sell, the more our businesses produce and sell, the better our tax revenues. Buy Local!!! Simple right!

Let’s look a bit closer. There is one part of the equation that is not addressed in the list above, home values. Our tax revenues are based on the assessed values of homes. This is a significant factor in revenues for our local governments. The foreclosures have depressed values to a point that revenues are also depressed. Local governments often “equalize” the tax rate to offset the decrease in revenues from lower assessments.

So, if we are to see a broad base revenue increase from improved real estate assessments then the values need to increase. In order for the values to increase there must be demand, right? So how do we increase demand for local housing? Of course recruiting business to create jobs is one solution, and yet this takes time to impact the values.

So, what is another solution? My research suggests that home values in Northern Virginia are stable and increasing. We are typically subject to a timed ripple effect in Culpeper. Market improvements in NOVA usually work their way out to Culpeper... eventually? This is where we have opportunity. My theory is that we can bypass the ripple effect with strategic invitations to NOVA buyers by pooling our marketing efforts.

Today’s “strategic digital marketing” allows us to send targeted intuitive messages online, optimizing dollars for uniquely productive results. The new marketing efforts can find buyers ready to buy and deliver them to Local Real Estate Agents. A big issue for our local real estate agents is that buyers in NOVA initiate contact with NOVA agents and “drive until they qualify”. We need our agents to be the expert that these buyers find when searching for housing solutions and deliver them to Culpeper.

Local Agents are the ones that contribute to our local non-profits, charities, and youth sports teams. Supporting them and finding a way to deliver out of market buyers to them and to Culpeper can be a critical part of our economic success formula. Absorbing foreclosures, increasing demand for homes, and finding buyers for our area has potential to bring our community to a preferred level of prosperity.
 Stimulating local real estate is not a “pro growth” message. It is a building block to economic improvements. We need our local real estate market to improve in order for our local economy to support local needs: funding for schools, funding for emergency services, revenues for local business….
 The sooner we employ “Strategic Digital Marketing” the sooner we will see the potential results.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce

Giving Thanks

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, November 21, 2011

Thanksgiving is the cornerstone of transformation. The holiday season is a time of reflection, hope, and change according to one of my favorite pastors. He goes on to say that he often takes inventory of the many blessings in his life, enabling him to be prepared for the opportunities that will present themselves.

It is too easy to focus on the negative. We are almost drawn to it, conditioned to do so, as we hear “The News”. But really, we have an opportunity to change what we hear…. after all the root of “News” is “NEW.” By paying attention, choosing what we hear, we can refocus on the real news…. opportunity for transformation.

“Thanks Giving” is a course to a new outlook, much like driving a car. Imagine seeing “Thanks Giving” written on the side of your vehicle. Let’s go for a ride. First, we need to put the key in the ignition, a good indication that we want to change where we are. Great, we are ready to go. Not so fast, first let’s make sure that we have our seat belt on, we plan to arrive safely, so no negatives…. Seatbelts protect us from the negatives…

Now let’s adjust the rear view mirror. We need to see what lies behind us. We are looking for the positives, the things to be thankful for. What were they this year? You know, time with family, a fitness program that worked, or a goal set and attained. Whatever they were, they are in the rear view mirror. Knowing the successes of the past (things to be thankful for) can set the stage for a confident positive future.

Now that the rear view mirror is set, we need to check out where we are. Is there anything blocking your way? OK, now you know the best path to get moving forward. Turn on the engine and put “Thanks Giving” into gear. Oh Wait – where are we going? Good question. We need to key in a GPS destination, right (aka, our goals to move forward)! Now we are ready to move.

The windshield is clear and we can see the road. Though we have set the GPS to tell us how to get to our destination, we are still in the driver’s seat. We need to keep our eyes on the road, thankful for each successful milestone in our journey.

Where will your thanksgiving inventory take you this holiday season? The possibilities are yours to explore. Will it bring the freedom of forgiveness? Will your search set you free to achieve a new level of fitness (physical and mental)? Could it possibly bring a new way of doing business that sets the table for financial freedom? Thanksgiving can be a cornerstone, a transformation, and a freedom to succeed. Travel safely… to the NEW thankful you.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.

Shopping in the heart of Virginia

Picture courtesy
of Culpeper.com

As a community, we have a lot to be thankful for this Holiday Season. However, as I look at the calendar of events for November and December, we are not resting on our proverbial laurels. We have exciting holiday activities going on!!!  Here are just a few to put on your calendar….
Sunday, November 20 - Noon to 5 PM, Holiday Open House in Downtown Culpeper (organized by Culpeper Renissance). Plus - Have Your Little One’s Picture Taken With Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus At The Depot on East Davis Street, 1pm to 4pm Downtown Culpeper $5.00 Donation Per Picture All proceeds benefit Services to Abused Families, Inc. (SAFE). And, the Blue Ridge Chorale will be performing Christmas Carols outside the Depot for the Community Tree Lighting @ 5:30 PM.

If you miss Santa at the Holiday Open House, He will be returning again to the Depot: The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group will host Santa Claus on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 AM – 1PM at the Visitors’ Center located in the Depot at 109 S Commerce Street, Culpeper.  Bring your own camera to capture this special moment.  Donations of canned foods are being accepted for the community food closet.

Want to hear more!!  The Blue Ridge Chorale presents "Destination: Christmas": 7 PM; Prince Michel Winery; 154 Winery Lane Leon, VA 540 948-4573 This holiday season, the Blue Ridge Chorale of Culpeper, directed by Virginia Erwin, will present a choral journey of seasonal music, from Medieval to contemporary, highlighted with selections from Karl Jenkins acclaimed work The Armed Man, a Mass For Peace. Holiday hors d'oeuvres buffet; with wine available separately. Tickets $25 for adults and $15 for children in advance only.

Finally, If you are in town for some final shopping and would like to treat yourself to something very unique to Culpeper… make a reservation a the Library of Congress for special showings of classic holiday movies such as MIRACLE ON 34th STREET on Dec 22 @ 7:30 or  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE on Dec 23 @ 7:30. 

Shopping in Culpeper is like hot chocolate on Christmas morning with a big marshmallow on top. Join us to savor your shopping experience….

A "howling" good time at Chamber Banquet

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, October 31, 2011

We have shortened the program by eliminating the announced descriptions of the silent auction & winners by our emcee. We will be showing the winning auctions at the item tables and at the end of the program on the overhead in combination with a picture collage of the years’ activities. We have a very photogenic membership. You will want to see this. We are also promoting the silent auction donations thru our very visited Chamber website prior to the program. Get a preview and be ready to bid for your favorite items. I understand that we have some great items again this year…. Check it out. Get your silent auction items in early for the best visibility.

The annual awards are always a highlight of the evening. You will want to be there to hear our “very cool” emcee announce the recipients for the Young Professional of the Year, Business of the Year, Most Improved Business Location, Small Business Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and the most prestigious of the awards, The L.B. Henretty Outstanding Citizen of Culpeper Award. I am always impressed with the nominations. The selections are very challenging and we are extremely proud to honor excellence in business at all levels.

Our speakers this year will deliver an entertaining discussion about something near and dear to all businesses. Yes, Speakers, plural. We have a speaking team that will keep our attention. I will not let the surprise out too early. However, just know that you will enjoy our speakers…. and their message.
Wow – sounds pretty good so far…plus, Kitchen Gourmet will cater the event. You know them for their quality and creativity. This year will be no exception! Are you ready to try their delightful selections!
Ok, so far we have great food, super entertainment, and exciting, drum roll please, awards for excellence in business, and fantastic silent auction items. What else could you ask for….

There is more and we have a few additional surprises. I wish that I could tell you about them.  However, they cannot be described adequately with words… You will need to be there to see them / experience them first hand… yes, can you feel the suspense building…

Join the fun and network with the best.  Tickets are on sale at CulpeperChamber.com or come by the Chamber Office at 109 S. Commerce St. in Downtown Culpeper @ the Depot.http://www.culpepervachamber.com/chamber/AnnualAwardsBanquet.asp

Ribbon Cuttings at the Chamber

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, October 17, 2011

Ribbon cuttings have been a long standing tradition for Chambers of Commerce. This is a way to celebrate grand openings, milestones, and new improvements for our members. Considering the economic environment and the “News Normal” about the sluggish economy, we have seen a healthy pace of new and improved businesses, Culpeper’s “New Normal”. Our schedule for ribbon cuttings over the past few months has been impressive.

In addition to celebrating the new and improved business, another benefit is being introduced to other chamber members and to the general public. Our ribbon cutting at Croftburn Farm Market last week was a good example of such an event. Their concept of “farm to table” locally is not new, it is however, a welcome addition to our businesses in Culpeper. It is a reflection of the agricultural heritage in Culpeper with an extension to a retail storefront.

I was impressed with the unique, farm fresh, and affordable meats. The owner, whose family has run Croftburn Farms for decades, has created a place that is inviting and exciting. As I spoke to the management of the store, I was also excited to learn about the plans to integrate other local farm products to their offerings. An interesting aspect of agribusiness is that there can be limited supplies of certain special products and thus, the adventure of shopping has an element surprise in addition to the consistent Croftburn Farm products. One of my favorite samplings was the Croftburn Farm Pepperoni, the best that I have ever tasted and it is made in Culpeper. Want to dress up a pizza. This was a wow ribbon cutting. Croftburn Market is located next to Bruster’s just off of Route 29 on Route 666. Check it out.

Our schedule for ribbon cuttings for the past few months has included PhyHealth Sleep Care, Union First Market Bank, JC Penney, Blue Ridge Produce, Ed’s Awards & Engraving, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Shear Secrets, Wine Trail Homes, LLC, Omega Partnership, Wells Fargo, Koller Financial Services, Library of Congress – Gateway to Knowledge, Applied Science Fitness Studio, Mullins Investment Services, LLC and Croftburn Market. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to these Chamber members.

Upcoming ribbon cuttings include Spring Leaf Financial Services, KK’s Printing & Stationary, and Carter’s Accounting & Consulting, LLC. Go to CulpeperChamber.com for times and locations.
Considering that our “New Normal” in Culpeper is very positive, we need to beware of the “News Normal” which is sometimes not as positive. Plug into the benefits of the local business network, there is always something exciting going on at the Culpeper Chamber.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at jcharapich@culpepervachamber.com.

Getting fit is good business

As many of you know my hobby is fitness. I teach a fitness class twice a week at 5:45 AM. Why? It forces me to stay in the habit of early morning work outs. More importantly, it allows me to live out what I believe is one of the best solutions to our healthcare crisis in the US, personal responsibility for a healthy lifestyle. I gain a great deal of satisfaction watching the class achieve their progressive fitness goals. I have heard it said “the early morning indoor cycling class is better than a cup of coffee and more addicting”….. we have some 3+ year veterans….

I listened to regional candidates for the Virginia General Assembly answer questions about a range of subjects in a candidates’ forum last week. One of the questions related to reducing health care costs. I was pleasantly surprised by one of the candidates’ answer. He suggested that we need to encourage fitness and healthy lifestyles. As business, this is one of the best examples of a powerful win-win concept. Potentially lower costs combined with higher productivity and creativity.

John Barrett at the Culpeper Department of Parks and Recreation is leading the way for our community. He has a slate of programs this fall that are very cool. Literally, as the weather turns from summer to our famous autumn temperatures in the Northern Piedmont of Virginia, there are some “must try” outdoor events to sign up for. Plus they are family friendly for appropriate age groups. Here are a couple of John’s picks:
Saturday, October 1 – the 4th Culpeper Cycling Century is fast becoming a premier event for the county.  Last year 207 riders took to the roads of Culpeper to enjoy the excitement of the county’s beautiful vistas and camaraderie.  This year the department is expecting over 300 riders.  There are three distances offered, 33, 65 and 100 miles.  The ride starts and finishes at the Bike Stop (rentals available), 120 W. Culpeper Street.  All funds raised go to the Culpeper Recreation Foundation, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization to help with park capital improvement projects.  The ride begins at 8:30 AM.

Sunday, October 2 – 2nd Annual Culpeper Fall 5K – the event will be held at the Culpeper Sports Complex and Eastern View High School.  All profit goes to support the UVA Division of Neuroradiology.  This will be a cross country course event and begin at 8 AM.”

In addition, Culpeper is a great location to launch your fitness interests regionally. I will be at the Giant Acorn Triathlon at Lake Anna on October 2nd for the Sprint Triathlon by Setup Events. I marvel at the athletes that are woven thru the business community in Culpeper. One of my favorites just completed a ½ Ironman Triathlon last weekend, braving the current and tides of the James River near Williamsburg. The race is a raw 6 hour workout encompassing a mile+ river current swim, 72 mile bike ride, and a ½ marathon run. Congratulations Ed.

Culpeper - where fitness is smart business.

Seasons to come hold excitement

The Fall and Holiday seasons in Culpeper are shaping up to be pretty exciting. As I look at the calendar for the next few months our community will be visited by thousands of guests. Our warm hospitality, amazing events , and country lifestyle are a certain attraction for those in the cities within car, train, and plane distance to Culpeper.

The first event on the radar is the Chamber Pepper Open Golf Tournament. Our local business leaders often invite business guests to Culpeper to play in the tournament. The scenic Country Club of Culpeper is known for hosting a great tournament. We have a few surprises for the tournament guests this year. Players will be treated to a very special, one of a kind, first release, Chamber golf shirt produced locally by Cintas. Sign up soon, spaces are going fast for the September 26th tournament PepperOpen.com.

Next, One of the most popular events drawing Culpeper Fans from far and wide is the Farm Tour - the weekend of October 1st and 2nd. The tour is a refuge from major east coast cities displaying farm life at its best. Agribusiness in Culpeper is a proud part of our heritage and one that we plan to support and preserve. Horses, Llamas, and Cows oh my…. Yes I had to say it…. Between organic farms, flowers grown for international markets, and animals of all shapes and sizes – the Farm Tour grows in popularity. This is a great event to invite family and friends. The action is all weekend with opportunities to discover some of the coolest parts of Culpeper and meet some of the finest people.

The following weekend is another full weekend for Culpeper. The Culpeper Air Show is on Saturday followed by the Taste of Culpeper (A CRI  event) on Sunday. Another weekend to invite family and friends for a full “Out of the House” weekend… For example, start with dinner in town on Friday evening followed by a free movie at the Library of Congress. Get up early on Saturday morning for a stroll thru the farmers market at the corner of Commerce and Davis Streets.  Retreat to one of our restaurants for a big country breakfast and gear up for the Air Show in the afternoon at Culpeper County Airport. I hear that there may be transportation to and from the airport from Town. The Air Show is one of the finest in the world and it is “FREE”. This is aviation at its best – bi planes, WWII fighters, formation flying, simulated aerial combat (so I hear), and jets – it is all here in Culpeper. Grab the shuttle back to town for some dinner and shopping. Save some energy …. Sunday is the ‘Taste of Culpeper” held in downtown Historic Culpeper!!! Whew what a weekend. Now consider that the leaves will be starting to change and the apple orchards will be selling their latest crop of apples.

That takes care of just some of the fall events in Culpeper. I will have to save the Holidays for another Monday write up. Go to CulpeperChamber.com and StarExponent.com for links and other local events.