Chamber NewsMonthly Newsletter: April 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 :

Recently, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber completed our strategic plan for the next three years. One of our key initiatives is collaboration. We will strengthen our community partnerships

and decision-making to support growth and foster a high ranking quality of life for all residents of our region.

Community Involvement

Pictured above: Dr. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy, President of Lord Fairfax Community College cuts the ribbon for the grand opening of Subway in the LFCC Student Union Building in Middletown.

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

Who’s JoinedPlease welcome and

patronize these new Chamber members who recently joined February 26 - March 25, 2016.

Handley Regional LibraryJohn Huddy100 W. Piccadilly St.Winchester, VA

Think Tank WinchesterAnna CumbowWinchester, VA

Moore Personal TrainingJohn Moore1009 Allen Dr.Winchester, VA

LFCC - Adult EducationSharon Hetland173 Skirmisher LaneMiddletown, VA

Five Star Home Health CareJohnny Wilkinson2270 Valor Dr.Winchester, VA

Language in BloomTammy Bjelland7 E. Hart St.Winchester, VA

Ritter’s Automotive RepairTim Ritter1951 Abrams CreekWinchester, VA

Finance of America MortageRachael Hite2113 Valley Ave.Winchester, VA

Total Remodeling Systems, LLCRachael Hite2113 Valley Ave.Winchester, VA

Eros ManagementColt Nutter1160 Jordan Springs Rd.Winchester, VA

iDeal FurnitureTim Allowatt425 Veterans RoadWinchester, VA

Jolato’s GelatoriaHeather Collins120 North Indian AlleyWinchester, VA

Competition in business can be a healthy way to keep costs down and give consumers choices in where to shop and do business. But what if businesses focused more on collaboration and less on competition?

Business to business collaboration is a growing trend. Reports are showing that businesses that work together and share resources leads to growth in the local economy. How exactly does this work? Business-es that are similar offer resources to one another at a reduced cost. By working together, both businesses make money from a single sale. Why outsource work outside of our community when there are plenty of companies that may offer what you need right here in our community?

In order for this to work without the fear of one business “stealing” an-other’s customer, there must be a trust which can only happen through building relationships. The Chamber will be hosting an information ses-sion on forming a business alliance for shared resources. We are finding creative ways to help you build relationships and that can lead to your success!

See MasterMind Group Information Session on page 5 for more information.

Competition vs. Collaboration

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

Why Join the Chamber?A membership in the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber will help get your name out in the

community, help you build solid business relationships and gain referrals. 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 requesting a one-on-one visit from one of our membership committee members. We are available to discuss member benefits, scheduled events, educational opportunities, and to evaluate how our Chamber can help your business grow. 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

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

z AirPac, Inc. z Alzheimer’s Association z Café Del Sol

Winchester, LLC z Chelsea Hutchison

Foundation, Epilepsy S.U.D.E.P Awareness

z Dickey’s Barbecue Pit z Loudoun Mutual

Insurance Company z Main Street

Architecture, PC z McFarland’s Mill Inc. z Olive Garden z Potesta & Associates,

Inc. z Quarles Energy Services z Shaffer’s Barbeque and

Catering Service z Tech Team Solutions,

LLC z The Town of Berryville z Walter & Walter

Insurance Agency, Inc. z Wingate by Wyndham

*Membership renewals fromFebruary 26 - March 25, 2016.

April’s Topic: Media DayLearn from local media

members how to best pro-mote your business using these local resources!

Media will include: z 95.3 The River z Q102 z The Winchester Star z WINC FM z WINLife MediaJoin us April 22 at the

George Washington Hotel from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

LeadershipThe Top of Virginia Regional

Chamber will be accepting applications for the Com-munity Leadership Program soon.

The program strives to help develop the leadership abili-ty and professionalism of the participants so they will be able to provide the lead-ership necessary to address community needs.

The program is designed to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Clarke County, Fred-erick County, and the City of Winchester and to encour-age participants to become involved in their community.

Topics will include: z Economic Development z Public Safety z Health Care z Education z Agriculture z MediaApplications will be avail-

able in May and due in June.Visit: www.regionalchamber.biz

Renewals

Top of Virginia Regional ChamberAnnual Corporate Challenge

G LF TOURNAMENTDo you think your company has what it takes to be this

year’s champion? The Chamber is gearing up for the 2016 Corporate Challenge Golf Tournament! Put together your company’s best team to battle it out to compete for the Chamber Cup!

There are still opportunities to be a golf sponsor. For more information visit: www.regionalchamber.biz/be-a-sponsor

Presented by:

Small Biz Breakfast- April 22

Save the Date: June 17th - 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Shenandoah Valley Golf Club$480 per team. Register today!

Register today!$25 for members

$30 non-members

Save the Date:

June 11th 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.Bright Box Theater

Are you tone-deaf but love performing? Join us at the Top of Virginia Regional Cham-ber Lip Sync Battle where your performance matters, and not your singing ability.

Lip Sync Battle will be starring local celebrities including:

z Mark Merril - Valley Health Systems z Jim Stutzman - Jim Stutzman

Chevrolet - Cadillac Co.The Top of Virginia Regional

Chamber Lip Sync Battle is a fund-raiser. Proceeds from this event allow the Chamber to offer educational programs, networking events, and business sup-port throughout the year. Sponsored by Bright Box Theater.For more information visit: www.regionalchamber.biz

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March Events

Contact Emily Buhl at ebuhl@regionalchamber.biz

or 540-662-4118

Want to see your ad here?

Networking at Business and Breakfast at Throx Brew Market

and Grille.

Sarah Smith, Kelsea Farinholt, and John Moore at Omps

Funeral Home.

Everyone enjoying breakfast during Business and Breakfast at

Joe’s Steakhouse.

Young Professionals Networking during their monthly mixer at the

Alamo Drafthouse.

Jessica Sentelle, Community Leadership Program participant, during the Public Safety Session.

Small Biz Breakfast with Guest Speakers John McGraw and

John Bales from TWG-Insurance.

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Did you know that the Northern Shenandoah Valley region was cho-sen as one of three Virginia areas to participate in an initiative called Stronger Economies Together (SET)?

SET is a nationwide initiative that enables communities and counties in rural America to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint for their multi-county region that stra-tegically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of that region.

In today’s global marketplace, economic development progress is more likely to be realized when rural and metro counties work together as a region to assess their resources and then design and implement plans that build on their assets and comparative economic strengths.

TVRC is collaborating with leaders from the Counties of Clarke, Fred-erick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren, and the City of Winchester to

develop and implement a regional economic blueprint that contains focused, realistic imple-mentation strategies to guide our region towards sustainable future growth. This is just one of the many ways TVRC is working to be the voice of business in the Top of Virginia.For more information visit: http://nsvregion.org/set.html

The Voice of Business

Christine KrizTVRC, CEO

Mastermind Group Information Session

The Young Professionals Group’s mission is to create opportunities for professional develop-ment to foster a new generation of community leaders and Chamber members. All Chamber 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 Thursday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Join us April 21 at 0-60 Energy Cafe! Like us on Facebook - Young Professionals Group - TVRC

Young Professionals Group

April 11, 2016 from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm at Yount, Hyde, and Barbour on 302 South Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA in the upstairs conference room.

Mastermind groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountabili-ty and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you and your mastermind group members achieve success.

Information session is free to attend. RSVP at www.regionalchamber.biz

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

Save the Date:“Move, Relax, Restore!”

May 18 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Winchester Country

Club

Prioritizing By: Suzan D. HerskowitzWe all strive to be Wonder Woman (or Wonder Man) but

we are all human. There really are only 24 hours in a day and while most of the women (and men) I know are indeed super women (and men), all of us need to prioritize or we look more like Wile E. Coyote after being hit by the Acme anvil.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Steven Pressfield, which I learned about from watching Marie Forleo’s video. “The Prin-ciple of Priority states (a) you must know the difference be-tween what is urgent and what is important, and (b) you must do what’s important first.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles.To continue reading visit: suzmind.wordpress.com

The Chamber is a great way for profes-sionals to network. I have been an active member for four years and have met some great leaders, movers & shakers in the community.

As an ambassador, I have additional opportunities to recruit and welcome new businesses and mentor new members. I love to connect people. The Chamber has

afforded me the ability to expand my busi-ness contacts as well as develop new friend-ships.

I would be glad to meet with any member to discuss the benefits of being involved in the Chamber.

Ambassador Spotlight

Tessa DohertyAmbassador, TVRCBranch Manager, CBM Mortgage

Board of Director SpotlightIt’s very motivating working with busi-

nesses who are passionate about what they do, their employees, and giving back to the community. Our insurance agen-cy shares this same passion for protecting these businesses. It begins with building trust and working toward the common goal of helping them achieve the level of success they strive for each day. The

Chamber has a great responsibility to pro-vide quality services and programs to help facilitate growth and opportunities for these businesses. Participating in the Chamber

Leadership Program has been one of my favorite experiences because it opened my eyes to the behind the scenes per-spective of the many integral parts of our community. It takes all of us working together each day to help ensure we build a better tomorrow for our businesses and community.

Chelsea Hester Board Member,

TVRCInsurance Advisor,

TWG Insurance

Ribbon CuttingsDid you know the Chamber offers free ribbon cuttings to

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

Congrats to Batteries & Bulbs and Moore Personal Training on your new locations!

Valley Business Women

Since 2005, Wilkins’ ShoeCenter, Inc. has beenowned and managed by Kendra and Phil Brewer.

JAMES R. WILKINS, Sr.Chamber of Commerce President – 1955

Citizen of the Year – 1956

JAMES R. WILKINS, Jr.Chamber of Commerce President – 1973

Citizen of the Year – 2014

Chamber member since 1949

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� Public Policy CommitteeYour Chamber’s Public Policy Committee (PPC) is the arm

by which it facilitates the expression of our members’ interests and concerns to government at all levels. The PPC’s members study issues and policies which affect our members, and work to advance issues and policies which benefit our members. The PPC then seeks to “educate, communicate and advo-cate” to and on behalf of our membership.Have an issue or want more information on the PPC email: ckriz@regionalchamber.biz

� Business & Education SummitBusiness members can’t afford to miss the opportunity to

bring business and education together!Register now for the INAUGURAL BUSINESS & EDUCATION SUMMIT on April 20, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Contact Sally Michaels at the EDA at 540.665.0973

� Education CommitteeThe Chamber has joined forces with the public schools of

Frederick County, Clarke County, and the City of Winchester to define the employee skills and talents needed by local businesses and create the opportunities that can fulfill those needs.

Specifically, the committee has launched Securing Your Future – A Skilled Workforce Initiative. Skills and talents needed in the work place vary from industry to industry. Regardless of the skill and talent requirements, the essential equation for success for businesses and workforce participants include a blend of know-how and executive functions (e.g. communi-cation, collaboration, critical thinking, work ethic, etc.). This blend can only happen successfully if business and schools work in tandem to create focused educational and training programs that meet workforce and industry needs.To find out how visit: www.regionalchamber.biz/internship-program

Inspire and Educate - What’s happening in our communityBusiness at the Bloom

Valley Health and the Top of Virginia Region-al Chamber are proud to partner with the Shenan-doah Apple Blos-som Festival® to host Valley Health Business at the Bloom from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, in the Tolley

Dental Tent on the campus of Winchester Medical Center.This year’s guest Keynote Speaker is Mary McDuffie, Execu-

tive Vice President, Delivery Channels and Communications, at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Business at the Bloom is sponsored by Valley Health, and presented by Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Individual tickets for the Valley Health Business at the Bloom are $25.00 per person for general admission seating. A corporate rate of $325.00 will reserve a table of 8 with preferred placement, table signage, two passes to the Business Leaders Reception, and listing in the event program. Tickets can be purchased at the Official Online Store or the Official Souvenir & Ticket Outlet at 212 E. Cork St. Register at www.thebloom.com

� Community Outreach CommitteeWe challenge you to give

back to your community!Our Chamber promotes vol-

unteerism in the communities we serve while providing op-portunities for our members to network in a way that enhanc-es and supports our community.

The Community Outreach Committee will be coordinat-ing monthly awareness drives to promote opportunities for members to give back at various collection sites. We will also be selecting several events each year to support and lead Chamber members to make a positive impact in our commu-nities.

If your business is interested in being a collection site for the monthly drives contact Eleese Elloitt at eelliott@moverdudes.comFor more information email ebuhl@regionalchamber.biz

Sponsored by:

� Public Policy BreakfastBreakfast will be April 14 from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at the

George Washington Hotel. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is offering you a

chance to hear directly from the political leaders in your area. Hear from Chris Collins, Randy Minchew, and Dave LaRock about: work force development, Go Virginia initia-tive, transportation, and Non-Profit taxation.Register online at: www.regionalchamber.biz

Committee News

Coming Events

Page 8 - Chamber News, April 2016

Chamber CalendarUpcoming Events:

Business After HoursApril 12

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.BB&T - Cameron Street

Chamber 101 OrientationApril 13

3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. YHB - Cameron Street

Business and BreakfastApril 19

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.The Willows at

Meadow Branch

Young Professionals GroupApril 21

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.0-60 Energy Cafe

Small Biz BreakfastApril 22

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.The George Washington Hotel

Business After HoursMay 10

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Discovery Museum

Save the Date:Business and Breakfast

May 177:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit

Valley Business WomenMay 18

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Winchester Country Club

Young Professionals GroupMay 19

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.TBD

Small Biz BreakfastMay 20

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.The George Washington Hotel

Lip Sync BattleJune 11

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.Bright Box

Corporate Golf ChallengeJune 17

11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Shenandoah Valley Golf Club

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

@TVRCprez

C o n t a c t U s :Entrepreneur Café

April 196:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Corron Center, LFCC

Business & Education SummitApril 20

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.The Corron Center, LFCC

Business at the BloomApril 27

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Tolley Dental Tent

Community Events

Mixers

Business and BreakfastTuesday, April 19

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

Business After HoursTuesday, April 12

Young Professionals GroupThursday, April 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.w w w.t h e r i v e r 9 5 3 o n l i n e . c o m