Chamber NewsMonthly Newsletter: July 2016

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

R e a s o n s t o J o i n :

NetworkingVisibility

CredibilityAdvertising Advocacy

Community Investment

Vis ion:The Regional Chamber is the voice of business

for Frederick and Clarke Counties and the City of

Winchester, Virginia.

M i s s i o n :Provide programs and services to meet the

business and professional needs of

our members.

C o n t a c t U s :407 S. Loudoun StreetWinchester, VA 22601

540-662-4118office@regionalchamber.bizwww.regionalchamber.bizFacebook.com/TVRCVA

@TVRCprez

The Regional Chamber is an inclusive business

partner advocating community prosperity.

P u r p o s e :

The Annual Corporate Challenge Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 17th. Congratulations to the Mover Dudes team on taking home the Chamber Cup!

Read more on page 6.

Mover Dudes Win!

Page 2 - Chamber News, June 2016 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

Who’s JoinedPlease welcome and

patronize these new Chamber members who recently joined May 26 - June 23, 2016.

PEI - Pennington Elite InvestigationsPaul PenningtonWinchester, VA

Touch of Grace Spa & Salt CaveBrenda Walker970 Foxcroft Ave.Martinsburg, WV

Hornby Publishing, LLCAngi Cornwell1762 Eagle School Rd.Martinsburg, WV

Bojangles’Dale Haywood191 Gateway Dr.Winchester, VA

U Focus Cultural Exchange CenterEdmund ChoWinchester, VA

Hometown Insurance Agency, Inc.Doug GroveWinchester, VA

Grace Point PediatricsAlethea Allen480 W. Jubal Early Dr. Suite #320Winchester, VA

Shick Investments, LLCSusan Shick183 Sherwood Pines Ln.Cross Junction, VA

One may ask how belonging to an organization can help business growth. A sense of belonging is one of the most basic human needs. Many studies have been done on this topic that have found humans to be hardwired toward connection and belonging. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is one such way to provide connections and oppor-tunity.

It is part of our human nature to surround ourselves with like-minded people. We tend to gravitate toward people who share common inter-ests. Being a member of The Chamber is one such way to be surround-ed by other business people who share the same passion as you… growing business!

Many have the mentality of “if you build it, they will come.” Just opening the doors to a business isn’t enough to bring people to you. You must “build” your network and surround yourself with people who will help you grow. The Chamber is a great place to network through programs, mixers, and events provided throughout the year. The

Chamber is your advocate! We have an active public policy committee that works closely with our legislatures to promote business friendly laws and to educate the business community about laws that may affect them.

Belonging to The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber just makes good sense if you are in busi-ness. I would like to personally invite you as my guest to attend one of our networking events. Are you interested in learning more? Email cocinfo@regionalchamber.biz and we will set up a time to meet!

The Value of Belonging

2016 Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee:Sharon Farinholt, Chairman, Crown TrophyMitch Moore, Chair Elect,Shenandoah UniversityDr. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy,Vice Chair,Lord Fairfax Community CollegeTracy Vosika, Treasurer, United BankKevin Callanan, Past Chairman,Valley Health Systems

Why Join the Chamber?The Chamber has a credible reputation, and many consumers have positive perceptions of

members and their businesses. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by the Scha-piro Group, 49% of consumers were more likely to think favorably of a local business if it was a member of the local Chamber, and 80% were more likely to purchase a product or service from a Chamber member!

You are making a valuable business connection by joining the Chamber. Our Chamber staff is available to discuss member benefits, scheduled events, educational opportunities, and to evaluate how our Chamber can help your business grow at your convenience. Please feel free to contact us at any time to arrange a concierge tour of our services. Visit regionalchamber.biz, email droble@regionalchamber.biz, or call our office at 540-662-4118 to set up a visit!

Sharon FarinholtChairman, TVRC

Owner, Crown Trophy

Board Members:Bill North, Historic Rosemont ManorBryan Biddle, Bottom Line MarketingChelsea Hester, TWG - InsuranceChuck Peterson, iHeart Media Dave Reichert, Reichert Travel David Gum, White House Foods Dee Gibbs, Kraft Foods Glen Franklin Koontz, KOONTZ|PCJanie Shirley, Costco Jenn Shea-Roop, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

John Fox, Greenwood Grocery & Deli John Lamanna, Timber Ridge School Nadine Pottinga, United Way of Northern Shenandoah ValleySuzi Smith, The George Washington Hotel

Let GoBy: Suzan D. Herskowitz“We must be willing to let go

of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” - E.M. Forster

When I let go of something, whether it be a bad, unhelpful, or unhealthy “friend”, job, hab-it, or thought pattern, a new, better situation literally falls into my lap.

So I need to continually ask myself, why struggle at all? If almost all of the new experienc-es are better, why do I fight so hard to keep the status quo? Am I willing to let go of the life I planned, so that I can have the life waiting for me? To continue reading visit: suzmind.wordpress.com

Page 3 - Chamber News, June 2016Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

It has been an honor to volunteer as an Ambassador for the Top of Virginia Region-al Chamber of Commerce for the last two years. Throughout this time at the Cham-ber, I have deepened my connections in the community, built countless relation-ships and have brought people together from across the valley to build stronger businesses. It has been a privilege to work with the Chamber to foster new business

in our area, and by bringing the Chamber into my work at United Way, to help build a stronger community that Lives United.

Ambassador Spotlight

Elise Stine-DolinarAmbassador, TVRC

United Way of the Northern

Shenandoah Valley

Board of Director SpotlightThe Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

has been a big help in building my career as a Mortgage Lender for United Bank. The networking opportunities and communi-ty leadership. The Chamber provides has been key. Serving on the board of direc-tors has also allowed me to make connec-tions and serve our community in a profes-

sionally and personally gratifying manner.

Ribbon CuttingsDid you know the Chamber offers free ribbon cuttings to

new members? Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies welcome and publicize your business to the community.

Congratulations to Touch of Grace Spa and Salt Cave.

Tracy VosikaBoard of Director,

TVRCUnited Bank

Save the Date:November 3

6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Best Western

Lee-Jackson Inn & Conference Center

An officer who had shots fired at him by a bank robber, firefighters who ran into a burning home in an attempt to save lives, and a citizen who saved the life of a priest by adminis-tering CPR. These are three examples of heroic actions that were honored at previous Valor Awards ceremonies.

The Chamber of Commerce is looking to you to provide nominations for this year’s awards. The ceremony recognizes members of the various public safety departments, as well as every day citizens who have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of others. The deadline for nominations is August 15, 2016. Nominations for the 2016 Valor Awards are for specific acts that occurred from January 2015 through June 2016.

The award categories are as follows: z COMMUNITY IMPACT – Recognition of a group or individual whose

work or actions has made a deep impression on the community at large.

z CITIZENS AWARD - Recognition of citizen(s) for their extraordinary acts of courage in emergency situations or actions which directly result in the saving of a human life.

z UNIT CITATION - Recognition of acts by a unit/division/company demonstrating unusual judgment, ingenuity and/or personal risk and bravery during an emergency situation, when such action is beyond that normally expected in the performance of duty.

z MERITORIOUS ACTION AWARD - Recognition of individuals for exemplary action, placing themselves in a situation of personal risk.

z LIFESAVING AWARD - Recognition of actions in emergency cir-cumstances which directly results in saving of a human life.

z CERTIFICATE OF VALOR - Recognition of actions demonstrating unusual judgment, zeal or ingenuity, not normally involved in the performance of duties.

z BRONZE AWARD OF VALOR - Recognition of acts involving per-sonal risk and demonstrating unusual judgment, zeal and/or ingenuity during an emergency situation, when such action is beyond that normally expected in the performance of duty.

z SILVER AWARD OF VALOR - Recognition of acts involving signifi-cant personal risk and bravery beyond that which is expected during the normal performance of duty.

z GOLD AWARD OF VALOR - Recognition of acts involving supreme sacrifice or extreme personal risk and heroism which is clearly above and beyond the call of duty.

Submit nominations: www.regionalchamber.biz/the-valor-awards or email Jody Wall at jwall@regionalchamber.biz

The Valor Awards are proudly sponsored by City National Bank, Golden Seal Enterprises and the Bank of Clarke County.

Page 4 - Chamber News, June 2016 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

June Events

shenandoahcountryq102.iheart.com

We enjoyed a delicious brunch from Walter’s Bistro

during Business and Breakfast.

Alzheimer’s Association/BK Office Supply team placed 2nd at the Golf Tournament!

Mark Kelly from BK Office Supply, Inc. attempts the Hole

in One shot.

Dario, Sam, and Mel Savarese with Jim Stutzman at the hole

in one contest.

Dr. Miles K. Davis speaking to the Young Professionals

Group.

Chamber members net-working during Business After

Hours at the Holiday Inn.

Steve, Becky, and Susan talking about Civitan Club

during Business and Breakfast.

Save the DateJuly 20

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.George Washington Hotel

You will learn how well designed, healthy, and at-tractive work space directly affects the bottom line.

BK Office Supply will show us how ergonomically functional office furniture can be fun, attractive and good for us! We will also learn how to make our work spaces attractive and in-spiring by Classic Touch!

All Chamber members and non-members are invit-ed to join us!

Register by July 15 to receive an early bird dis-count!To register: Call 540-662-4118 or visit www.regionalchamber.biz

Page 5 - Chamber News, June 2016Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

I borrowed my title from the Chamber’s business and education partnership initiative as I thought it best captured the array of efforts emerging from Economic Development Authorities, school divisions, our community college, technical training programs, and talent devel-opment within the business community itself around ensuring a pool of skilled employees to fill entry, mid-level, and senior positions within our member businesses and organizations. A common lament among HR personnel and business owners alike is the dearth of skilled job appli-cants.

What to do? What to do? There has not been an absence of col-laborative discussion on how best to solve this nagging problem. Among the many voices speaking to talent development, the Chamber’s Edu-cation Committee is vanguard in thought leadership on solution models.

Its members include representatives from small, mid-size, and large busi-nesses, the school divisions from Clarke and Frederick counties and Win-chester City, Lord Fairfax Community College, private schools, Chamber experts, educational foundations, and knowledgeable consultants.

The answer to the question of how best to develop the talent pool of necessary employ-ees for the present and future is both simple and complex. Simple in that it requires a calculus that embraces open dialogue among all stakeholders. Complex in that it requires a detailed matrix to secure targeted, ongoing interactions among those stakeholders far beyond the dis-cussion level. It is the latter where so many initiatives fall short. I am sure we can all agree that we tend to be long on good ideas, but short on viable processes to affect a change agency that will succeed.

Fortunately, the Chamber is well aware of the challeng-es and is working diligently with its members to define a clear path forward. It is not easy and it is not quick, but it is doable. The recent Business and Education Summit is but one example of how multifac-eted organizations and talent development experts can address current and emerg-ing needs.

We are all concerned with securing the future and I am especially pleased that the Chamber’s board recog-nizes that need and has em-braced our initiatives for prob-lem solutions. Please look for more on this most important issue in future Chamber publi-cations and news releases.

The Chamber is working for you!

Securing the Future

Osborne F. Abbey, Jr., Ed.D.

Interim President/CEO, TVRC

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Page 6 - Chamber News, June 2016 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

Golf TournamentThe Annual Corporate Golf

Tournament was well attend-ed with more than 90 players!

Congratulations to the tournament winners:

z Corporate Challenge trophy winners – Mover Dudes team

z 2nd place, first flight – Alzheimer’s Association/BK Office Supply team

z 1st place, second flight – Yount, Hyde and Barbour team

z 2nd place, second flight – Virasec team

Congratulations to our contest winners:

z Putting Contest – Nick Yates, Mover Dudes team

z Closest to the Pin – Nick Yates z Longest Drive – Nick Yates z Pitch Pot 50/50 Contest –

Ernie Carnivale, Bank of Clarke County team

Thank you sponsors!Silver Sponsors:

Alzheimer’s Association, Harman Construction, Inc.,

and Winchester Printers.

Bronze Sponsors: Right at Home, and Shentel.

Hole in one Sponsor: Center for Holistic &

Integrative Education

Hole Sponsors: ClutterTroops Organizing

Solutions, Cundiff & Associ-ates, CPA, P.C, ECS Limited, Kiwanis Club of Old Town,

Middleburg AcademyProshred Security,

Shockey Companies, Rappahannock Electric

Cooperative, Shenandoah Valley

Westminster-Canterbury, The Greene Turtle, Virasec,

Winchester Imaging.

Renewals z 612 Vineyard z Axiom Staffing Group z Bankers Insurance, LLC/

Winchester z BB&T Scott & Stringfellow LLC z Bell Clothes, Inc. z Bell Grove Plantation z Best Western Lee-Jackson Inn &

Conference Center

z Blue Ridge Industries, Inc. z Candy Hill Campground, Inc. z Cives Steel Co./ Mid

Atlantic Div. z Dinosaur Land, Inc. z Edward Jones – Janet

Davidson z Elwood McIntire Kitchen

Specialists

z ERA Oakcrest Realty, Inc., Dallas Croft

z Evans Home for Children, Inc. z Fort Collier Industrial Park z Gromling, Thomas D., DDS z Grove’s Winchester

Harley-Davidson / Buell z H. N. Funkhouser & Co.

Continued on page 8

Save the Date:Friday, September 9 - 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Corron Community Development Center, Lord Fairfax Community College

Who: Key representatives of the Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates will be invited to attend the Hob Nob in the Valley. Candidates from the 10th congressional district campaign will also be invited along with state delegates, local candidates, and elected offi-cials representing Winchester, Frederick and Clarke Counties.

What: An all-American political rally that celebrates the electoral process in a fun, informal, multi-partisan setting. Enjoy a barbecue dinner, straw pole voting and meet and mingle with local business leaders, elected officials, candidates and constituents.

Why: The event provides a great opportunity for candidates to campaign to a regional au-dience and for voters to meet them personally. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss current issues one-on-one with candidates and elected officials. This event is unique among other political rallies in the Top of Virginia region as it is the only one that includes all political parties and candidates. Hob Nob in the Valley is open to the public. To register: www.regionalchamber.biz/hob-nob-in-the-valley

Page 7 - Chamber News, June 2016Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

� Education Committee

What’s Happening at the TVRC

� Community Outreach CommitteeWe challenge you to give

back to your community!Upcoming monthly drives: z July - School supply drive

benefiting Clarke County, Frederick County, and the City of Winchester public schools.

z August - Food drive for Bright Futures.

z September - Book drive benefit-ing the Handley Regional Library

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer while net-working and making life-long connections? Sign up to volun-teer at the United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Day of Caring on September 14. Day of Caring is the biggest volunteer event in the Northern Shenandoah Valley with an estimated 1,000+ volunteers. From building a fence at a lo-cal preschool to holding a food drive for a local food pantry, there’s a great project waiting for you.

Sign up to volunteer on the Top of Virginia Regional Cham-ber Team by August 5th to get the t-shirt size of your choosing. Sign-up at www.unitedwaynsv.org/volunteer-registration-formFor more information on the Community Outreach Committee visit: www.regionalchamber.biz/community-outreach

Sponsored by:

Committee NewsSchool is out and summer activities have begun.

However, initiatives of the education forum never slow down. The committee’s efforts to bring schools and businesses to-gether continue through its summer employment initiative! Part-time workers are important to our Chamber members and many high school students are looking for summer em-ployment.

Information remains current on the Chamber website from businesses seeking summer, part-time employment. Chamber members can post job openings on the Chamber website. Students from Clarke, Frederick, and Winchester Schools will have access to this information through their school’s website connection. This will provide part-time workers to our business-es and valued experience for our students. The arrangement is a win-win and an example of how the Chamber addresses the mutual needs of business and education.

You can publish a job posting for FREE on the Chamber website. Students will be checking these postings for job openings. To post your job openings visit: www.regionalchamber.biz/jobs/

This article is an exert from the article “Customer Service with a Wrench,” by Charles Marshall.

Question: How do you know for certain that you have pro-vided your customer the very best in customer service?

Answer: When they are thanking you as they hand you the check.

Not long ago the heating element gave up the ghost in our dryer at home. It’s been a great dryer but it is old and prob-ably is in need of replacing. Being as cheap as I am (I like to think of myself as uber-thrifty), I’m going to try to squeeze another thirty or forty years out of it.

I called the appliance repair center and was told by a bored-sounding customer service rep that a house call by their technician would run me just under $100 for his “diagnos-tic visit.”

I found another repairman in my area that would only charge $10 bucks to come out and take a look at my dryer. After talking with the good folks at Sneers, $10 sounded like a pretty good deal, so I had the guy come take a look at my dryer. When he got to my house it took him about three min-utes to take my dryer apart and confirm the heating element was shot.

“Can you get the replacement part?” I asked, fearing the worse.

“Sure, I have one in my van right now,” he answered. He brought the part in and I compared it to the old part

and sure enough, it was the exact same part. He installed it inside of about five minutes and the dryer worked perfectly.

Since his trip to my house, I’ve probably recommended his business a half dozen times.

What did he do to make me such a big fan of his? z He was willing to prove himself and his services for a chance to

earn my business. z He responded to my needs in a timely manner. z He offered me a valuable service for what I felt was a fair price. z He evinced ownership in the quality of his work and backed it up

with his personal guarantee. All of these things are evidence of quality customer service

and in a tough economy, it’s a good idea to remember that good customer service = happy customers = job security.

And, by the way, when the repairman left my house that day, I was thanking him as I handed him the check. Sounds like good customer service, doesn’t it?

© 2016 Charles Marshall. Charles Marshall is a nationally known humor-ous motivational speaker and author. Visit his Web site at www.Charles-Marshall.net or contact him via e-mail at charles@charlesmarshall.net.

Happy Customers = Job Security

Page 8 - Chamber News, June 2016

Chamber CalendarUpcoming Events:

Business After HoursJuly 12

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Richard’s Fruit Market

Business and BreakfastJuly 19

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.City National Bank

Stephens City Location

Valley Business WomenJuly 20

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.George Washington Hotel

Young Professionals GroupJuly 21

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.The Greene Turtle Bar & Grille

Save the Date:Business After Hours

August 95:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Bank of Clarke CountyBerryville Location

Business and BreakfastAugust 16

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Valley Health Wellness Center

Young Professionals GroupAugust 18

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Shenandoah Valley Golf Club

Hob Nob in the ValleySeptember 9

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Corron Center, LFCC

office@regionalchamber.bizwww.regionalchamber.bizFacebook.com/TVRCVA

@TVRCprez

C o n t a c t U s :

Mixers

Business and BreakfastTuesday, July 19

View the full event calendar at: www.regionalchamber.biz

Business After HoursTuesday, July 12

Young Professionals Group

Thursday, July 21

Office:407 S. Loudoun StreetWinchester, VA 22601

540-662-4118

The Valley Business Today Show, featuring the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, airs the fourth Wednesday of every

month at 12:30.www.theriver953online.com

Hot Deal of the MonthChamber Night at Historic Jordan Springs for Dinner Theatre

July 23 & 24Use coupon code CHAMBER to receive a 10% discount.

Part of the proceeds will benefit the Winchester Little Theatre.View this hot deal at www.regionalchamber.biz/hotdeals/

To all our members who are in their 20’s and 30’s, we have refitted and reinvigorated the Young Professionals program at the Chamber! It will include networking, professional develop-ment programs, and community engagement.

The Young Professionals Group’s (YPG) mission is to create opportunities for professional development to foster a new generation of community leaders and Chamber members.

The objective of the YPG is: z Professional development and skill building for future community

leaders. z Creating opportunities for community service. z Building business networks and community connectivity. z Promoting Chamber member businesses.All Chamber members and non-members in their 20’s and

30’s are invited to attend the event and be a part of a new fast paced and energizing program. We meet the 3rd Thurs-day of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join us July 21 at the Greene Turtle Bar & Grille!

Young Professionals Group

Continued from page 6 z Hable’s Real Estate, LLP z Harrison & Johnston, PLC z Hess Family Auto Center z Homestead Insurance Group z Horizon Goodwill Industries z HP Hood LLC z Jim Barb Realty, Inc. z Linden Heights Animal Hospital z Lyle P. Strosnyder, Inc. z McLoughlin, Dennis J., Attorney z Mid-Atlantic Pro Tel, Inc z Prosperity Financial Group Inc z Randolph-Macon Academy z Shenandoah Apple Blossom

Festival z Shenandoah Valley Discovery

Museum z Spring Arbor of Winchester z State Farm Insurance – Richard

Grant z Virginia Inland Port z Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC z White Properties of Winchester,

Inc. z Wilkins Companies z Wilkins Insurance Agency, Inc. z Winchester Casket Company z Winchester Equipment

Company

*Membership renewals from May 26 - June 23, 2016.

Renewals

Richard’s Fruit Market

Page 9 - Chamber News, June 2016Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118

Thank you advertisers!

Contact Emily Buhl at ebuhl@regionalchamber.biz

or 540-662-4118

Want to see your ad here?