A Special Component of Success

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 30, 2013

Jim Charapich

 

Today is best-friend appreciation day. In business we often celebrate our achievements based on the numbers. However, there is an underlying source of our success that often goes unmentioned. It is not that the powerful support is unseen, but rather that is is so woven through the heart of the day that it is sometimes taken for granted.

Today, I celebrate my 24th Anniversary with Katherine. We have been in the Culpeper community for circa 20 of those years. Many of you have seen our journey in raising our children here and volunteering for various organizations along the way. We have been involved in the business community for many of those years as well. Katherine and I have worked together in planting businesses and watching them grow as small business owners. We were fortunate to obtain the Culpeper.com domain name and were able to build businesses around the brand.

As I look back at the 24 years, I am humbled to have been accompanied by Katherine. Her strength of character has been a guiding light in our family. She has worked diligently to ensure that our children had the best opportunity for success. She has been there for them in ways that nurture responsibility and encourage self-confidence. As a mother and spouse she has made the walk more than I could have ever asked for.

Her support of my career has been steady when the future seemed uncertain and encouraging when opportunity presented itself. This is what brought us to Culpeper. I came to work here for an emerging business when the economy was accelerating in the early 1990’s. Sometimes we take for granted that our spouse will just up and move for our career. In my case there was no hesitation.

I am blessed to walk in life with Katherine. I am so thankful for her support and wisdom in allowing me to advance in my career knowing that our family and home has a solid foundation on which to build our future. Her prayers and love have meant everything.

As business professionals, our career opportunities are often made brighter by our spouse. I am eternally thankful for Katherine - Happy Anniversary.

New Workforce Projects

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 23, 2013

Jim Charapich

Workforce Update: The Culpeper Chamber in cooperation with the Culpeper Career Resource Center and the Piedmont Workforce Network continue to develop opportunities for business to connect and shape the local workforce. There are currently two projects that are a priority.

The first and ongoing project is to connect the Workforce Investment Act program with business. The program offers support for specific qualified candidates to intern for a business with relevant job openings. The candidates skill sets can range from highly skilled professionals to basic office support and anywhere in between.  What is in it for business? There are internship dollars available to support the candidate for a short term in the job. In addition, there are may be financial aid for job candidate training.

Here are a few examples of job candidate skills that are available for job openings today. For example one candidate is currently training in Web Design and has additional skills in Social Services Counseling, Real Estate,  and Administration. There are two candidates that have Accounting and Bookkeeping skills. Another candidate has skills in Electrical, IT, Electronics,  and Building Components. There are other candidates available. If you are a business and are interested in finding out more about the program and available candidates resumes, contact the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce office at 540-825-8628.

The second project that we are working on is a Free Webinar regarding the newly improved Virginia Employment Commission website. The webinar is SHRM approved for 1.5 hours of continuing educational credits through Germanna Community College Center for Workforce and Community Education. The labor pool is shrinking and the need for skilled workers is increasing. The VEC website is a free and valuable resource for business in the hiring process. The Webinar will help business owners and human resource professionals understand the power of this time saving tool.

The Free Webinar : Partnering with the Virginia Employment Commission : Workforce Connection - For Business Owners and HR Professionals will be held on October 2 from 10 AM - 11:30 AM. Registration and downloadable flyer are available at www.CulpeperChamber.com.

The Culpeper Chamber will continue to work to help to connect workforce opportunities with business. These are just two of the current projects underway. Our workforce is a vital part of our economic prosperity.

Culpeper is a Confluence of Influences

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 16, 2013

Jim Charapich

Culpeper is a confluence of influences. Our Community is mixed with 1/2 of the workforce seeing NOVA as the center of the universe and the other 1/2 with Culpeper and or points south, east, and west as major influences.

The VEDP - Virginia Economic Development Partnership sees Culpeper as part of Central Virginia (as does the Virginia Tourism Corporation). Therefore, we are often linked to Charlottesville. To demonstrate this we are included in the Regional Economic Development efforts of the Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development. In addition, the Piedmont Workforce Network serves Charlottesville (Planning District 10) and surrounding counties together with Culpeper (Planning District 9) and surrounding counties. Therefore we are sometimes considered a northern part of the Charlottesville economic development environment. We do work to collaborate and differentiate our unique qualities as opportunities avail themselves.

In addition, from an historic perspective, we are often associated with Fredericksburg as a result of the Civil War battles that linked events to Culpeper. Culpeper was the most marched upon county in the Civil War partially as a result of the strategic geographic boundaries of the Rappahannock River to the North and the Rapidan River to the South. It is quite meaningful to take a tour of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield and finish the tour in downtown Culpeper. The resulting impression of the North / South ebb and flow impact on Culpeper is emotionally indelible.

To further our eastward identity - We are the western-most part of the Germanna Community College System footprint. The Germanna campus system begins in Culpeper, and goes east to Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. Thus, our training and community adult education is drawn eastward.

Culpeper is also a strong agricultural community, as a result we a associated with agricultural business in surrounding counties as well as the major influences of the agricultural enterprises in the Shenandoah Valley to the west.  

Our identity can be pulled North, East, South,. and West on any given day depending on the reference point of the conversation. To make a final illustration of this point - Culpeper was recently redistricted for State elections. We have three Senators, one from the Shenandoah Valley, one from Fauquier, and one from Stafford. We also have two Delegates, one from Madison and one from Fauquier.

The confluence of influences produces a diversity and strength that makes Culpeper unique and vibrant. 

Culpeper Convergence of Opportunity - One Example

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 9, 2013

Jim Charapich

What do goals and community have in common? It depends on the community that you choose. I ended my column last week with the phrase that Culpeper is a great place to live, work, and play. Sometimes these words stand alone in silos of meaning. In rare moments they converge and define amazing community.

I set a course in January that would change my path significantly for the foreseeable future. I noticed that the Ironman site offered an opportunity to apply for a lottery entry into The Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Fast forward to April 15th. I had just finished my first triathlon of the season - the Angels Race in Lynchburg. I was in the car on the way home looking forward to a recovery afternoon lunch… I browsed my email and there it was. I had an invitation to participate in the World Championships of Ironman Triathlon “This” October. It took a day or so for this to sink in. It was real… and It was a big deal… You cannot delay the offer for a year… It is a take it or leave it offer.

Challenge Accepted!!!! Ironically, this is the phrase that reads on my Gold’s Gym issued T-shirt as part of the Spinning Instructor Team. I had no idea that this was the year that I would find my challenge raised and then raised again. The race is a month away and I have been training since April for the big event. This is one of the rare moments that I referred to above. Live, Work, and Play have all converged and lofted my plans with support and momentum by the Culpeper community.

The Bike Stop in Culpeper has been the heart of the momentum. I worked with Bob Leftwich to identify the best coach in the region- Debi Bernardes UCanDoItCoaching. Bob works with Ironman worldwide and knew exactly who to refer me to. Eric Robinson, the owner of the Bike Stop, helped identify a perfect Tri-Bike match. He and Bob have teamed up to help with carbon fiber wheels, lightweight shoes, and a bike support to dial in the bike for optimized performance. I needed the intelligent shortcuts from trial and error. World class resources - here in Culpeper.

I have done much of my training at Powell Wellness Center. My early Indoor Cycling Class is full of athletes that Swim, Bike, & Run. The energy on Monday and Thursday’s at 5:45 AM is better than coffee. When we finish the ride - there is usually a group that bricks a run and or a swim afterwards. My favorite part of the training components at Powell Wellness is the TURTTLE pool. The pool is an oval that allows for a continuous swim. I am able to swim uninterrupted against a formidable current strengthening my swim and establishing confidence in open water Ironman distances.

My point is that the resources for big goals are right here in a small town. Pretty cool? Actually rather amazing to Live, Work, and Play in such a great place. Checkout my progress at www.KonaFit.com.

What a Chamber of Commerce IS and DOES

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 2, 2013

Jim Charapich

A Chamber of Commerce is usually a 501(c)6 - Not for Profit organization. In the USA they are not government. They may provide services to the government in varying roles. These roles can vary and include areas of economic development like tourism, business recruitment, and workforce development. A chamber of commerce is a private business, generally supported by members and volunteers. Some chambers have grown to support staff that run the operations of the organization. The Culpeper Chamber has a staff that is paid by the members to serve in providing support for our mission: To be the voice of the business community working to promote, build, and support the most effective climate for economic development. The Culpeper Chamber will celebrate our 100 Year Anniversary in 2014.

According to the American Business Magazine in an article May 4th, 2012 “Why Join Your local Chamber of Commerce” the following was stated:

1) Most consumers (59 percent) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It’s 29 percent more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26 percent more effective for communicating that a business is reputable.

2) If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

3) When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community and is an industry leader.

4) When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

5) When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43 percent more likely to consider buying insurance from it. - See more at: http://www.americanbusinessmag.com/2012/05/why-join-your-local-chamber-of-commerce/#sthash.FifqZq6M.dpu

The Culpeper Chamber is a leading chamber in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Considering the size of our rural community, having over 500 members makes a strong statement about confidence in our vibrant business environment. The legacy of the Chamber is highlighted by the names of the Chairmen  & Chairwomen that have lead the organization for the past 100 years.

We are a member-led organization, with a range of committees managing the initiatives of the organization through a Board of Directors that include Events, Networking, Advocacy, Education, Services, Publications, and Workforce Development. In addition to our service to the traditional business community, the Culpeper Chamber has recognized the importance of the Non-Profit Community as business and established the Non-Profit Council. We continue to evaluate the needs of our members and adjust to the ever changing business environment to meet their needs.

We are proud to serve Culpeper and look forward to ensuring that Culpeper is a great place to live, work, and play.  

Culpeper Has Much to Offer in the Fall

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

August 26, 2013

The summer is essentially over when our kids are headed back to school. This time of year often awakens a fresh outlook on our opportunities. Most of us have the institutional calendars built into our annual routines. We are able to catch our breath and set our sights on the months ahead. This time of year is almost as powerful for goal setting as the new year.  

September and October in Culpeper are among the best months on the calendar. We will see the days shorten and the temperatures cool off. We will see the leaves change to spectacular colors. Our picturesque setting is a magnet for those in the Northern Virginia and Greater Washington Area to get out to the country for a weekend. Our restaurants and hotels will be busy with guests to our ever famous Town.

I used to think how great it would be to live in such a setting when I would come to Culpeper on business. My family and I joined the community in Culpeper moving here almost 25 years ago and we continue to appreciate the access to our natural beauty on a daily basis. My recent trips to NOVA and Richmond have refreshed my appreciation for our quality of life in Culpeper. I often joke that our traffic jams are when a few cows get loose and block the road. It is not quite that serene but it is close.

Since the Chamber of Commerce currently runs the Visitor Center, I hear many of the stories of those who visit our community. They are attracted to our area for many reasons. Our staff is of course very helpful in answering questions. However, we are always impressed with the stories from visitors of how helpful our citizens are. They remark about how someone helped them in some way or another. One might think that we have ambassadors at every corner. It is true - we do have many fans and it makes a big difference.

As you prepare for the next few months, consider making one of your goals to take time to visit a place in Culpeper that is new to you. Consider visiting one of the battlefields or take in a show at the State Theatre. Try a new restaurant, or visit one of our boutique shops to expand your ambassadorship knowledge. Once educated on the new place in Culpeper - tell everyone about it…. Our businesses love good stories on Trip Advisor, Facebook, and Twitter….

Set a goal to expand your ambassadorship with greater knowledge and greater reach. And… Invite your family and friends from NOVA to visit Culpeper and enjoy our Town this Fall. 

Collaboration Builds Opportunity

CSE

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

August 19, 2013

The collaboration with the business community and public educators in Culpeper County continued on Friday with the Annual Business, Industry, and Education Day. The businesses welcomed educators both new and seasoned to the new year in our public school system at Eastern View High School. The day was successful on all counts.

I want to say a big thank you to the Culpeper County School Administrators and especially Randi Richards Lutz for pulling together the teamwork to make this possible. Also, a special thanks the Greg Beamer for coordinating the refreshments. The businesses were especially thankful for the help from the girls field hockey team and the ROTC students for their assistance. The students were so polite and worked well together.

It is a pleasure to see such happy faces during the BIE Day activities. It could have been the Knakals Donuts, the Calhoun’s ham biscuits, the coffee from Culpeper Regional Health System, or the bottle water donated by Walmart. However, I think that there was a lot more to it than the great breakfast. We are so pleased to connect with the educators as business to promote the “Buy Local” message. Business is largely about relationships and educators and business were able to meet and discuss mutual interests and opportunities. The educators often leave with good deal of supplies for their classrooms as well.

In addition to the 100 businesses on hand to greet our educators, the event sponsors are impressive. The businesses in the  community are big fans of the Culpeper County School educators. Their support is significant throughout the year. We extend a special thanks to our event sponsors. Culpeper Regional Health System, Germanna Community College, Culpeper Star Exponent, Verizon - Terremark, Culpeper Times Community Newspaper, The P.I.G. Legacy, TE Connectivity, Braggs Corner Industrial Center LLC, Found & Sons Funeral Chapels, JHB Rental Properties & Storage, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Today’s Country 103.1 WJMA, StellarOne, Appleton Campbell Plumbing - Heating - A/C - Electrical, Union First Market Bank, Virginia Community Bank, Shear Secrets LLC Beauty Salon, Home Instead Senior Care, Cintas, Virginia National Bank, Aflac - Ed Petrovitch, Continental Automotive Systems Inc., Culpeper Media Network, and Culpeper Farmers Cooperative / CFC Farm & Home Center.

Welcome to the new educators to Culpeper from the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to offering our support in your mission to educate our future workforce... From what I observed on Friday - This will be the best year yet!!!