A spirit of community pride was evident during the 2012 Prince William Chamber of

Commerce Business Awards, held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The celebration also included presentation of the Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Awards, sponsored by Cardinal Bank. Nominees included businesses large and small from a variety of industries, showcasing the diverse organizations that blend to make Prince William one of the top regions for economic growth in the nation. Northern Virginia Community College was the Presenting Sponsor of the event. “How do you energize a community? You nurture a culture of innovation. We need to celebrate the successes of our small businesses, but also their entrepreneurial spirit. The future and the spirit of our region lies in the ability to nurture entrepreneurs,” said Alex Orfinger, Publisher of the Washington Business Journal, addressing the audience as master of ceremo-nies. “We have all heard the success stories of our region—the Prince William area is a national

leader in jobs creation, prosperity and quality of life. Tonight, we showcase the people behind those successes. It is an honor to do so,” said Chamber President & CEO Rob Clapper.Congratulations to the 2012 Business Awards winners:2012 Business Awards:

Business of the Year (up to 5 employees)- ImagineDesignBusiness of the Year (6-15 employees) - First Virginia Community BankBusiness of the Year (16-34 employees) - OFFIXBusiness of the Year (35+ employees) - QMT WindchimesCommunity Outreach Award - Alpha Pets, Inc.Home-Based Business of the Year - Conquer the ClutterInnovative Practice/Partnership Award (private sector) - Defense Holdings, Inc.Innovative Practice/Partnership Award (public sector) - FlightWorks, Inc.

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ChamberPW

Each of our Partners featured above demonstrate excellence in their area of vision, and through their partnership, better enable the Chamber to nurture business and community success in Prince William.

BusINess GrOWTH PArTNer

eCONOMIC DeVelOPMeNT PArTNer

ADVOCACy PArTNer

QuAlITy OF lIFe PArTNereDuCATION PArTNer

A Place Where Businesses and People Thrive…

With thAnks to PrinCe WilliAm ChAmBer Vision PArtners

Achieving the Vision

The winners of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Awards. The ceremony, sponsored by Northern Virginia Community College, was held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Additional photos are available at facebook.com/pwchamber

PWChamber.org

Celebrating Innovation, Community Involvement2012 Business Awards Highlight

14 Exceptional Organizations

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11May 2012 | PrINCe WIllIAM BusINess

Chamber knoWs

Facebook.com/pwchamber

@pwchamber@PWBizNews

look for “Prince William

Chamber”

stAy in the knoW....

ChAmBer 2.0

get the latest business updates

and Chamber news by following

@pwchamber’s social media

pages. Also, visit the Chamber 2.0

link in the Business resource section of pwchamber.org and find tips for using

social media in your business.

Prince William: A Place of Innovation, Community

D id you know that luxury car maker Rolls-Royce recently hired a marketing firm located here in the City of Manassas? Or that

special glow-in-the-dark technology developed in Manassas Park is being used to make our troops safer at home and overseas? These are just a few of the impressive accomplishments recognized during the 2012 Business Awards last month. Washington Business Journal publisher Alex Orfinger served as the master of ceremonies. As he read the stories of our award winners, I felt pride both in our Chamber and in the greater Prince William region. This is a place of innovation, and a place where people care about one another. Each

and every organization recognized at the awards contributes to the community in a number of ways. Another common thread among this year’s winners is their involvement in the Prince William Chamber, from utilizing business building resources to sharing leadership skills to investing in visibility opportunities. It is clear that these organizations include Chamber membership among their secrets to success. As Chairman of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, it was an honor to participate in this prestigious event and to thank all of the business people driving the prosperity and vibrancy of our community. I encourage you to learn more about each of our winners by visiting the online Newsroom at pwchamber.org. Also, if Chamber membership is not yet part of your success plan, I invite you to join our nearly 2,100 business members. Attend one of the upcoming events listed on the next page to experience the connections, knowledge and resources available to Chamber members and discover the power of membership.

youTube.com/pwchamber

» A MessAGe FrOM...

luCy BeAuChAmPCHAIrMAN

Increase Your Market Share:Two Major Business-to-Consumer Events Planned

Thousands of area consumers are headed our way be there to greet them! The Prince William Chamber is preparing for its two largest events, each designed to spotlight local businesses and amenities. Call 571.765.1881 to reserve your space.

Businesses can interact with the public in a meaningful way as an exhibitor, sponsor or volunteer at Grand Slam Fest, a day-long celebration that offers a “Taste of Prince William.” Record attendance is anticipated

for this community festival that offers food and fun for people of all ages, with eateries, vendors, music and more. As the day winds down, attendees will be encouraged to stay and catch a Potomac Nationals double header. Free to attend with food, beverage and baseball tickets available for purchase. Grand Slam Fest is held in partnership with the Prince William Chamber, Potomac Nationals and Prince William Area Coalition for Human Services, sponsored in part by 495 express lanes. Learn about visibility opportunities at GrandslamFest.org or by calling 703.368.6600. Expected Attendance: 5,000.

sAturDAy, June 9 | 11 Am to 5 Pm@Pfitzner Stadium

Participants at Connections, the largest tradeshow in the Prince William region, say that being an exhibitor pays for itself. This showcase of area companies allows for an ideal mix of business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing, as hundreds of potential customers visit each booth. The tradeshow is publicized through a variety of online and print media, including advertisements in the Washington Business Journal, shining a spotlight on exhibitors and sponsors. Learn more at pwchamber.org/Connections or by calling 703.368.6600. Ask about pre-launch sales specials, available through May 31!

Connections

thursDAy, oCt. 25 | 4 to 7 Pm@ Freedom Aquatics Fitness Center

reserve your space! Call Kris at 703.368.6600 or email kjohnson@pwchamber.org

12 PrINCe WIllIAM BusINess | May 2012

A s you may have seen in updates from the Prince William Chamber, the

Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted unanimously to increase the Business/Professional/Occupational/License (BPOL) income threshold from $200,000 to $250,000, providing tax relief to companies with revenues under $250,000. The Board also directed County staff to engage the Prince William Chamber in dialogue about further business tax reforms. The Chamber and its dedicated members have long worked with local leaders in the County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park to develop policies that nurture business innovation and growth. “We welcome the progress that all three jurisdictions have made in creating an environment where innovation and prosperity can thrive. The Chamber looks forward to continued dialogue with our legislators,” said Nancy Hiteshue, Chamber Director of Public Policy. The Chamber also champions BPOL reform and other pro-business policies at the state level. Though based in the Woodbridge branch office,

Nancy spends much of her time in Richmond advocating on behalf of Prince William-based businesses. Top priorities include transportation solutions, investment in education and government efficiency. The Chamber tracks the success of these efforts via legislative “report cards.” These were unveiled at the Annual Legislative Wrap-Up event held earlier in the month, and show how each member of the Prince William delegation votes on issues that impact area businesses. To view the report cards, visit pwchamber.org and click the report icon.

Coming soon

uPComingeVent highlights

Following are highlights of the many business-building events taking place through the Prince William Chamber in coming weeks. Visit pwchamber.org to register online and to view the full event calendar, including ribbon Cuttings and Council and Committee meetings.

5/30 - Washington Biz Journal Power lunch

@ Chamber HQ -Manassas

5/31 - government Contractors - A B2B toolkit

@ Holiday Inn - Quantico Center

6/1 - mB3 networking Breakfast

@ Uno Chicago Grill - Manassas

6/4 - small Business roundtable

@ Gainesville Office

6/8 - new member showcase

@ The REALTOR® Association of PW -

Woodbridge

6/9 - grand slam Fest @ Pfitzner Stadium-

Woodbridge

6/11 - small Business roundtable

@ Woodbridge Branch Office/MEC

6/13 - Biz Builders –Protecting your Data

@ Chamber HQ - Manassas

6/15 - mB3 networking Breakfast

@ Uno Chicago Grill-Woodbridge

6/20 - luncheon: Port of Virginia @ Harbor View

- Woodbridge

6/28 - Business After hours @ Appliance

Connection-Woodbridge

legislative Win for small Businesses County Opens Door to BPOL, Other Reforms

Making the Difference for Clients & Community

Member spotlight: Virginia Commerce Bank

By consistently providing the absolute best people, product, pricing and personal service,

Virginia Commerce Bank (VCB) has grown to become the largest community bank headquartered in Northern Virginia and was recently voted the number one Small Business Administration (SBA) bank in the area. VCB opened its first branch in 1988 in Arlington, Virginia, where it still maintains headquarters. At Virginia Commerce, experienced bankers deliver tailored solutions to assist new ventures, navigate businesses through rapid expansion and elevate established businesses to the next level of success. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Virginia Commerce Bancorp, Inc., VCB offers a full range of business and consumer banking services through a network of branch offices, a residential mortgage office and a wealth management services office. Our customers are treated to highly-personalized and exceptional service. In addition to the residents in communities throughout Northern Virginia, the client focus of VCB includes small-to-medium sized businesses, government contractors, associations and non-profits, professionals and investors. With credit decisions made locally, Virginia

Commerce Bank’s comprehensive Lending Department is able to offer flexibility and fast

turnaround. The expertise of the lenders, which includes in-depth knowledge of the DC Metro area gives clients an advantage in finding the right solutions to meet their needs. Specialized divisions within the Bank, such as Government Contract Lending, ensure that the bank’s clients receive the customized attention they deserve.

Additionally, Virginia Commerce Bank offers treasury management solutions to help businesses gain efficiencies in daily administrative tasks and minimize extra trips to the bank. A dedicated team of treasury management specialists

will work with your business to maximize your returns and simplify the management of your funds.This year, Virginia Commerce Bancorp, Inc. made Forbes list of “American’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies.” The bank feels privileged to have earned satisfaction and trust of its clients. Since it’s founding and for years to come, Virginia Commerce Bank has been and will remain committed to Making the Difference for clients and the community. Learn more about Virginia Commerce at vcbonline.com

Virginia Commerce Bancorp, Inc. is proud

to be included in Forbes list of “America’s Most

Trustworthy Companies” in 2012.

(Right to left) Prince William Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Rob Clapper, Delegate Richard Anderson and Ryan Galloway, Legislative Aide to Del. Anderson together at the Chamber’s Legislative Wrap Up. Del. Anderson received high marks from the Chamber for his support on issues that impact economic opportunity in the region.

13May 2012 | PrINCe WIllIAM BusINess

ChAmBer Buzz

memBers On

memBershiP

“As a new member I am very impressed with the amount of information and benefits that the Chamber offers.”~ Brad Kellaway, Kayway Global Solutions, Inc.

“even as someone who works with nonprofits in Prince William on constituent services on a daily basis, I learned new things and really enjoyed the format of the young Professionals/Nonprofit speed networking event.”~Collin Davenport, Office of Congressman Gerald E. Connolly

“During our Chamber sBVDA consultation, Mr. Vehrs was instrumental in introducing our company to sWaM. He instructed us on the proper procedures for applying for a state certification.”~ Curtis Eppley, CyTech Services

Businesses offering employees 401(k)

plan benefits may be in for a surprise this summer when two new Department of Labor (DOL) regulations will require full disclosure of all costs paid by sponsors and participants. Regulation 408(b)2 describes increased disclosures providers must report to sponsors

by July 1; Regulation 404(a)5 outlines how employer sponsors must next share similar disclosures with participants.For employer and employee alike, the disclosures will shed more light on heretofore hidden costs, enabling informed decision-making. However, employers, who bear personal liability for the plans they sponsor, face increased exposure.

Most employees are unaware of the fees removed from their accounts. Once they’re aware, they may question even reasonable fees. The DOl may increase scrutiny of plan sponsors who have not fared well in audits. Nearly three out of four failed DOl reviews in 2009–2010, costing $1+ billion in 2010

alone.Alliant Wealth Advisors helps businesses offer employees a professionally managed retirement plan while assisting them in avoiding the personal risk that comes with being a plan sponsor through its 401(k) Solution, which includes:

Model Investment Portfolios constructed using the same expertise Alliant has devoted over 15 years to family and individual wealth clients, with the same demonstrated commitment to sound investment principles and cost management.strong Participant education, including one-on-one consultations, to empower employees’ saving and investment decisions.Accepting responsibility as a plan’s Investment Fiduciary — mitigating plan sponsors’ liability in clear, unambiguous writing.Working closely with clients to ensure they effectively manage all other Fiduciary Duties.

Under the leadership of president and founder John Frisch, CPA/PFS, CFP®, Alliant Wealth Advisors is a longtime member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and strongly committed to community businesses. For more information, visit the 401(k) Solutions tab at www.alliantwealthadvisors.com, or call 703-878-9050.

John Frisch is the Founder and President of Alliant Wealth Advisors, whose 401(k) Solution helps employers achieve quality and compliance.

Member spotlight: Alliant Wealth Advisors

Helping Businesses Manage Increasing 401(k) Plan Responsibilities

New Business of the Year - Prince William living Magazine

Agnes l. Colgan Community service Awards:Arts & education - Greenwich Presbyterian Church Quilting TeamHealth & Human services- Vision with a Purpose

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Prince William Chamber Membership Awards: Behind the scenes Individual Award- Debbie Bennett, Bennett, Atkinson & Associates, PCBehind the scenes Business Award- Best Western Battlefield InnChamber Member of the year- sheri Winesett, ActionCOACH business coaching

To read about the winners and view event photos, go to “Business Awards” in the events section of pwchamber.org.

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2011-2012 COrNersTONe PArTNers

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14 PrINCe WIllIAM BusINess | May 2012