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Chamber NewsMonthly Newsletter: January 2017
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
R e a s o n s t o J o i n :Networking
VisibilityCredibilityAdvertising 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
The Regional Chamber is an inclusive business
partner advocating community prosperity.
P u r p o s e :
In 2017 The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber celebrates 100 years of driving commerce. Pictured above: four unidentified young ladies in an open decorated Packard Phaeton. In the background are 48 Rouss Avenue (Capitol Theatre) and 50 Rouss Avenue (then the Winchester
Chamber of Commerce office). Date presumed to be 1930.
View highlights of the past 100 years of the Chamber’s history on page 6.Photos courtesy of Fred Barr Collection, Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives Room, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA
Celebrating a Century
Page 2 - Chamber News, January 2017 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
Who’s JoinedPlease welcome and patronize these new Cham-ber members who recently joined November 29 to De-cember 20, 2016.Aire Serv Heating and CoolingTina Bramble233 N. Royal Ave.Front Royal, VA
Barrett Industries Commercial Real Estate Div, Inc.Albert Edwards21351 Gentry Dr.Winchester, VA
Coatings USA, LLCKerri Wright116 Success Rd.Front Royal, VA
Stonebrook ClubMichael Partlow2342 Jones Rd.Winchester, VA
Winchester Area Temporary Termal Shelter - WATTSMarion SchottelkorbPO Box 2936Winchester, VA
I am pleased to report that your Chamber finished the year in a strong position and is poised to spring forward into 2017 with momentum and enthusiasm. We are served diligently by first-rate staff and a dedi-cated Board of Directors. It is an honor to work with these professionals who get the job done and have fun doing it. Thank you, all! A big thank you to 2016 Chair Sharon Farinholt, and out-going board members: Chelsea Hester, Glen F. Koontz, Dave Reichert, Jenn Shea-Roop, Suzi Smith and Kevin Callanan.
You are the Chamber! We will make an even more concerted ef-fort to be an advocate for the needs of our members. I ask that you participate and let us know how we can better serve you.
The Chamber is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2017! During the year we will continue to provide exemplary programs and events. In addition, we are planning a memorable centennial celebration, and adding new opportunities to get involved!
We kick off our centennial year at the Greater Good Awards and Membership Meeting on Friday, January 27th. Please join us as we recognize the Small Business, Large Business, Citizen and Entrepreneur of the year!
The Chamber is currently looking for community members to serve on a plethora of committees. We welcome your involvement. So please volunteer!
Thank you for your continued support and we will continue to work on your businesses’ behalf!
Welcome Chamber Chairman
2017 Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee:Mitch Moore, Chairman,Shenandoah UniversityDr. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy,Chairman ElectLord Fairfax Community CollegeBill North, Vice Chair,Historic Rosemont ManorTracy Vosika, Treasurer, United BankSharon Farinholt, Past Chairman,Crown Trophy
Mitch MooreShenandoah University
Chairman, TVRC
Board Members:Adrian Taylor, YHBBryan Biddle, Bottom Line MarketingCarol Koenecke-Grant, Valley Health SystemChuck Peterson, iHeart Media David Gum, White House Foods Dee Gibbs, Kraft Foods Janie Shirley, Costco John Fox, Greenwood Grocery & Deli
John Lamanna, Timber Ridge School Nadine Pottinga, United Way of Northern Shenandoah ValleyRichie Wilkins, Wilkins CompaniesScott Harvard, First BankThomas W. Byrd, The Winchester Star
Why Join the Chamber?Chamber membership is a value add enhancement for your business brand. Consumers
have positive perceptions of members and their businesses. According to a 2014 study con-ducted by the Schapiro 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. Please feel free to contact us at any time to arrange a concierge tour of our services. Visit regionalchamber.biz, email [email protected], or call our office at 540-662-4118 to set up a visit!
2017 Directory & Decals
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber will be mailing out 2017 directories and decals in January. Keep your eyes peeled for an evelope that says membership decal and directory enclosed.
TVRC has changed the style of our membership decals. Last year you should have received a large sticker without the year on it, and a smaller sticker with the year on it. We will be send-ing another small sticker with 2017 on it. Think of it like a car registration.
Would you like more directo-ries, or need a new decal? Contact us: 540-662-4118, [email protected]
Page 3 - Chamber News, January 2017Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
2017 Programs & EventsAdditional information can be found at www.regionalchamber.biz
New Member OrientationsQuarterly
Valley Business Women Luncheon SeriesMarch 15, June 21, Sept. 20, and Nov. 15
Community Leadership ProgramMonthly Sessions every third Friday,September - MayApplication process begins in June.
State of the SchoolsWednesday, January 25, 2017
Friday, January 27Greater Good Awards Dinner & Membership MeetingWednesday, May 3SABF Business at the Bloom Luncheon
June, 2017Corporate Challenge Golf Tournament
Friday, September 8Hob Nob in the Valley
Tuesday, October 17100th Anniversary
Thursday, November 2Valor Awards Dinner
MonthlyBusiness After HoursEvery 2nd Tuesday 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Business and BreakfastEvery 3rd Tuesday5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Young Professionals Group Every 3rd Thursday5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Lead Share Groups3 groups, bi-weekly
Semi-AnnuallyPublic Policy SeriesEducational Seminars
RenewalsState of the Schools Address
Addressing the Workforce Initiatives of Tomorrow in our Classrooms TodayThe State of the Schools address will be a joint presentation featuring the Superintendents
of the City of Winchester Public Schools, Clarke County Public Schools, and Frederick County Public Schools for the local Winchester Area SHRM Chapter and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber member businesses.
The joint presentation will provide updates on the status of each school system in address-ing the workforce issues recently identified by the Business and Industry Summit hosted by the Frederick County Economic Development Authority. The Business and Education Workforce Initiative vision sets forth a plan to have a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local em-ployers by understanding the skills required by students to function independently in society.
Goals of the plan include developing strategies to have students know and demonstrate required work skills in concert with those identified by the community and local industry. Learn how the school systems will address closing the skills gap of the future, and how they intend to focus on increasing the number of eligible and skilled candidates within our com-munity.
Tickets are $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members.For more information and to registr visit: www.regionalchamber.biz
Let It Snow!In the event of inclement
weather the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber will base closings, cancellations, and postponements on the decision of the Frederick County govern-ment offices.
Members can then consult lo-cal radio stations for their weath-er related announcements.
Members can call the Cham-ber office at 540-662-4118 or visit www.regionalchamber.biz or social media platforms as up to date information becomes available.
Decisions regarding Chamber sponsored events, programs, meetings etc. that are sched-uled to be held:
z Before 11:00 am: By 4:30 pm the day before
z Between 11:00 am & 5:00 pm: Will be made by 8:00 am the day of
z After 5:00 pm: Will be made by 1:00 pm the day of
January 25 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Holiday Inn Winchester Historic Gateway
z Audley Farm, Inc. z Batteries Plus Bulbs z Booth & McCarthy z Buffalo Wild Wings Grill &
Bar z Candlewood Suites z Care Connections of VA,
LLC z CLUTTERTROOPS, LLC z Coldwell Banker- Tim
Shamblin, Residential Realtor
z Delegate Randy Minchew, Virginia House of Delegates, Frederick, Clarke, & Loudoun Counties
z Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
z ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC. z Gore’s Meat Processing
Inc. z Greenwood Grocery &
Deli Continued on page 5
Page 4 - Chamber News, January 2017 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
December
shenandoahcountryq102.iheart.com
Grand opening & ribbon cutting for Randall’s The King of Fashion
in Old Town Winchester.
YPG collected food donations for the Highland Food Pantry during Business After Hours.
Out-going chairman, Sharon Farinholt, hosting her last Business and Breakfast.
Miranda Wilfong, Piccadilly Print-ing, & Jennifer Foutain, Christain Caine at Business After Hours.
Mitch Moore and Sharon Farin-holt at Business After Hours at the George Washington Hotel.
Thanks to Nibblins for hosting the December Business and
Breakfast mixer.
Testimonial“The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber serves the city
of Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County and our broader region by creating an attractive place for citizens to live, work and raise a family. Valley Health, the area’s premier health care provider and its largest employer, sup-ports the Chamber’s efforts in engaging elected officials, promoting education, strengthening the region’s business community and enhancing the quality of life in our region. This makes it easier for us to attract new health care provid-ers—a key component of a vibrant health care organiza-tion.” – Mark H. Merrill, President and CEO of Valley Health System
Page 5 - Chamber News, January 2017Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
Richard KennedyCEO, TVRC
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January 27, 2017 | 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Best Western Lee-Jackson Inn & Conference Center
The countdown has begun as the date for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s Greater Good Awards Dinner celebration draws nearer! The purpose of the “Greater Good Awards” is to celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses for the contributions they make to the quality of life and economic stability of our region through genuine community commitment, dedication to excellence and ethical and creative business practices.
Enjoy informal networking over cocktails and a delicious dinner as well as the ever popular Silent Auction. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your business and to get a good deal on some great auction items! We
are currently seeking donations for the auction. Auction proceeds allow your Chamber to offer educational programs, networking events, and business support throughout the year. Donation forms can be found at www.regionalchamber.biz and must be received by Friday, January 20th.
The highlight of the program will be the presentation of the prestigious awards of Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. The criteria by which the nominees will be judged are community involvement, ethics and character, leadership, creativity, economic impact, and growth.
Congratulations to the 2015 award winners: z Mover Dudes, LLC - Small Business of the Year
z Nerangis Management Corporation - Large Business of the Year z Nikki Klebieko - Citizen of the Year
z Marilyn Finnemore - Entrepreneur of the Year z Charles W. Orndoff Sr. - Lifetime Achievement Award
To make a reservation visit: www.regionalchamber.biz/the-greater-good-awards
Sponsored by:Platinum Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
CEO Chatter2017
is a very import-ant year for the Cham-ber as we are celebrat-ing 100 years of driving com-merce in Clarke and Frederick coun-ties, and the City of Win-
chester. It is a time to honor our members as it is they who are the Chamber and making their count-less contributions to our commu-nity. We will be having a number of centennial related activities and recognitions throughout the year starting with a kick-off at the Greater Good Awards and Annu-al Meeting on January 27th with the announcement of the cen-tennial logo for 2017.
Each month I would like to high-light a benefit that our members could and should take advan-tage of using for their business or organization. This month I want to share information about the use of web advertising. When you became a chamber mem-ber you automatically received a page on our website that is yours to use as a marketing tool when there are inquiries to our chamber website and online directory. This profile gives you the opportunity to be seen by thousands! In 2016, the online directory was the 4th most viewed page on the Cham-ber’s website. Do you have ques-tions about how to utilize your member profile? Contact us at 540-662-4118! Read more marketing opportunities on page 7.
Continued from page 3. z Michael G. Prelip
Companies z Middleburg Academy,
Inc. z Quality Auto Parts LLC -
NAPA z Sareen & Associates z Vistage z Wingate by Wyndham z WVPT-Public Media Renewals from November 29 -
December 20, 2016.
Presented by:
Page 6 - Chamber News, January 2017 Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
Driving Commerce since 1917
1917 1920s 1930s 1940s
1950s1960s1970s1980s
1990s 2000s
2010- Present
The Winchester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce was locat-ed at 48 Rouss Ave.
The first board of directors were: H.B McCormac, W.A. Baker, J.C. McCarthy, H.F. Boyd, Sr., Logan R. Fay, H.F. Boyd, William P. Massey, A.M. Field, William G. Hardy, H.D. Miller, and R. Gray Williams.
During the Chamber’s first year, they passed theValley Turnpike Bill.
The Chamber moved locations.The Chamber was instrumentalin
bringing Lee Highway to Winchester and encouraging new transporta-tion opportunities.
In addition to transportation, the Chamber focused on “Winchester a Clean City”; the goal of the initia-tive was to clean up the city.
The Chamber organized a Retail Merchants Committee that was concerned with the interest and welfare of the merchants of our city. This committee voted on and established closing days and clos-ing hours for holidays.
The Chamber assisted in the dedication of Winchester Municipal Airport on September 24-25.
The Winchester-Frederick County-Chamber of Commerce moved to a location in the George Washing-ton Hotel Building.
The Chamber collaborated with the State Highway Department and Chamber members to create future road plans.
The Chamber’s board of direc-tors requested the State Highway Department to proceed with the completion of Rt. 50 from Win-chester to the Shenandoah River without further delay.
The Chamber supports bringing Shenandoah University to Win-chester and started negotiating
with Shenandoah College to bring the institution to Winchester.
Shenandoah hosted their groundbreaking ceremony on February 7, 1959.
The Chamber opened the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center on August 14, 1987, and
moved their offices there.
The Chamber hosted the first monthly coffee get-together, which is now a monthly business and breakfast.
The Chamber passed the resolution stating, “The Chamber supports the city of Winchester to impose taxes or assessments on the abutting property owners of the city for the purpose of constructing, repairing, and maintaining the streets, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and other public improvements within the city.”
The Chamber’s local government affairs committee initiated a program called “TIPS – Turn in a Pusher” to control the then-narcotics problem in Winchester and Frederick County.
The Chamber opened the visitors
center on August 14,1987, and moved their offices there.
The Winchester-Frederick Chamber became the seventh Chamber in Virginia to become a U.S. Small Business Administration Resource Center.
The first monthly wine and cheese membership meeting was held. These meetings are now a monthly business after hours.
Forward Winchester-Frederick— a four-year $1.5 million growth initia-tive—is designed to introduce new vision, programming, and a state-of-the-art facility on behalf of the members of the Chamber and the region.
The Chamber endorsed the pro-posed 37 Eastern Loop.
The Chamber moved its location-to the Kurtz Building.
The Chamber created the Win-chester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Berryville/Clarke County Cham-ber of Commerce merged with the Winchester-Frederick County Chamber to create the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.
The Chamber moved their loca-tion to its current location.
The Chamber created new programs and events to meet the need of members.
The Valor Awards, Valley Business Women, Public Policy series, edu-cational seminars, and luncheons, as well as a Young Professionals Group, were created.
Photos courtesy of Preservation of Historic Winchester and Fred Barr Collection, Stewart Bell, Jr. Archives Room, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA
Page 7 - Chamber News, January 2017Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
What’s Happening at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber...
Ribbon CuttingsDid you know the Chamber hosted over 35 ribbon
cuttings in 2016! Ribbon cuttings are a complimentary ben-efit for membership. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies welcome and publicize your business to the community.
Congratulations to the Randall’s the King of Fashion on your new location at 37 E. Piccadilly St., Winchester.
Cast your Vote for the Centennial Logo!The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) is solicit-
ing logo designs in honor of their 100th anniversary. The winning design will be used as the official logo for the 100th anniversary, throughout 2017.
The contest began on November 15, 2016. Submissions were accepted through January 2, 2017.
Now it is your turn to participate! Chamber membership will vote on the logo from January 3 to January 16. The winning design will be announced the week of the 16th and unveiled at the Greater Good Awards on January 27. Vote on the Chamber’s 100th anniversary logo at:www.regionalchamber.biz
Volunteers Needed for 2017!The Chamber is recruiting volunteers for their 2017 event
planning committees. If you enjoy working on projects, being creative, and sharing ideas we’d love to talk to you! You’ll meet new people, have the opportunity to network with other Chamber members, get exposure for your business and have some fun while doing it!
2017 events and programs will include the Greater Good Awards dinner, Business at the Bloom, Golf tournament, Valley Business Women, Hob Nob in the Valley, Centennial Celebra-tion, and the Valor Awards dinner.
Expectations are attending committee meetings and work-ing the event if possible. Questions? Contact Jody Wall at [email protected] or 540-662-4118 ext. 16.
Getting the Word OutFor a business to succeed, the product or service it provides
must be known to potential buyers. Our community is always growing, with new customers readily available. You have to use marketing strategies to create product or service aware-ness to reach new community members. Without marketing, your potential customers may never be aware of your busi-ness offerings and your business may not be given the oppor-tunity to progress and succeed.
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber offers the 2017 Marketing Opportunities and Pricing Package. The TVRC offers a plethora of marketing opportunities perfect for any budget, big or small.
A couple opportunities include: website banner advertising, job posting, hot deals, ads in the monthly newsletter, email blast, sponsorship and more. Contact Emily at [email protected] or 540-662-4118.
We are celebrating our 100th Anniversary because of our Members!
Thanks to our 10-14 year members for continually reinvesting in the Chamber!
Celebrating 10 Years: z Mover Dudes, Inc. z Habitat for Humanity
ReStore z Sprint z Barns of Rose Hill z Blue Ridge Insurance & Title
Agency z Grafton Integrated Health
Network z Main Street Architecture, PC z Roseville Veterinary Hospital z Project HOPE z Neurologic Associates, PLC z Stephen M. Zebarth DDS, PC z Clarke County Public
Schools z Candlewood Suites z Fortessa Tableware Solutions z Country Inn & Suites z M. E. Flow, Inc z Murphy Business & Financial
Corp- VA z County of Frederick z Navy Federal Credit Union z Frederick County Parks &
Recreation
Milestone Members z Kiwanis Club of Old Town,
Inc. z Blue Ridge Shadows Resort z Edward Jones Investments -
Mike Cesnik z Kelly Insurance Company z Historic Jordan Springs z All Points Countertop, Inc.Celebrating 11 Years: z Aikens Group z Big Brothers/Big Sisters z Bone & Joint Specialists of
Winchester, PC z ChamberSolutions z Commissioner of Revenue -
Frederick County z Fremont Street Nursery z Girl Scout Council of the
Nation’s Capitol z Godfrey Miller Historic Home
and Fellowship Center z Ignite Payments Eagle z Kee Construction Services,
Inc. z Lloyd’s Transfer & Storage
Agent for North American Van Lines
z Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company
z Mark R. Zemanovich, D.D.S., P.C.
z Nibblins, LLCContinued on page 8
Page 8 - Chamber News, January 2017
Chamber CalendarUpcoming Mixers:
Business After HoursJanuary 10
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.The Village at Orchard
Ridge
Business and BreakfastJanuary 17
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Bright Box Theater
Young Professionals GroupJanuary 19
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Body Renew Fitness & Family Sports Center
Save the Date:Business After Hours
February 155:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
0-60 Energy Cafe
Business and BreakfastJanuary 21
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Crepeworx
Young Professionals GroupFebruary 16
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Hand & Stone Massage and
Facial Space
C o n t a c t U s :
View the full event calendar at: www.regionalchamber.biz
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
Valley Business Women
The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber offers effective mar-keting and sponsorship opportunities that provide valuable exposure while positioning your company as a leader in the Top of Virginia marketplace. The 2017 sponsorship package allows you to get ahead of the competition and be success-ful. Visit www.regionalchamber.biz for details on the Cham-ber’s popular and acclaimed programs and services. Contact the Chamber at 540-662-4118 or [email protected]!
Invest Today!
In 2017, Valley Business Women will change to a quar-terly schedule. Luncheons will be held Wednesday, March 15, Wednesday, June 21, Wednesday, September 20, and Wednesday November 15. Speakers to be announced.
Mixers
Young Professionals GroupThursday, January 19
Business After HoursTuesday, January 10
Business and BreakfastTuesday, January 17
Continued from page 7 z Olive Garden z Poly Processing Company,
LLC z Powell’s Plumbing, Inc. z PRK Drilling & Blasting, Inc. z Riddleberger Brothers, Inc z Stuart Hill Apartments z The Town of Berryville z Tony’s Import Repair, LLC z Virginia Tourism Corporation z Warfield Homes, Inc. z WECI, Inc. z Weedman of WinchesterCelebrating 12 Years: z Apple Federal Credit Union z Courtyard by Marriott z Coventry Health Care of
Virginia, Inc. z First Citizens Bank z Frederick County EDA z Greenwood Grocery & Deli z Holtzman Vogel PLLC z Integrity Home Mortgage
Corporation z Patsy’s Pastry Pizzas z Suzan D. Herskowitz, PLLC z Timber Ridge School z Tri-State Roofing & Sheet
Metal Company z Walter & Walter Insurance
Agency, Inc.Celebrating 13 Years: z Budget Blinds of Winchester z Edward Jones - Janet
Davidson z Fairfield Inn & Suites z Flavours by Sodexo z Foreman Builders, Inc. z Heidler Roofing Services, Inc. z Potesta & Associates, Inc. z The George Washington - A
Wyndham Grand Hotel z United Capital Financial Life
ManagementCelebrating 14 Years: z Full Circle Marketing z Our Health z Rock Harbor Golf Course z Travelodge of Winchester z Ultimate Automotive Group z UPS Store, The z Winchester-Frederick County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Milestone Members
Page 9 - Chamber News, January 2017Regionalchamber.biz I 540-662-4118
Thank You Advertisers!
Contact Emily Buhl at [email protected]
or 540-662-4118
Want to see your ad here?