fredericksburg reg. bus. - dec. 2014

FREDERICKSBURGREGIONAL BUSINESSTHE REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION Volume 1 Issue 1

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Virginia Economic Outlook 2015

December 2014

Legislative Update 10

Military Briefing 16

Transportation 17

Friday, January 30, 2015 6:00 pmFredericksburg Expo & Conference Center

– INAUGURAL ISSUE –

DECEMBER 2014Fredericksburg Regional Business2

Dear «First»,

Traditionally, businesses use the end of the year to finish ongoing projects, tidy things up and plan for the coming year.

But this year the Chamber is taking a different course. Even as the clock ticks down on 2014, we’re launching a new project.

You’re looking at it. Welcome to the first issue of Fredericksburg Regional Business, the Chamber’s new bi-monthly magazine.

We’re proud to work with Howard Owen and his team at Stafford Printing to produce this new publication that will continue to highlight Chamber programs, events, and members. We will also keep you up-to-date on regional and statewide economic trends.

You can help us in this process by pitching story ideas and even writing a cover story sidebar or general business feature. To find out more, I encourage you to contact our Communications Director, George Whitehurst, at [email protected].

Initially, Fredericksburg Regional Business will include a mix of news about the Chamber and its members and a calendar of upcoming Chamber events. It will provide regular updates on policy issues affecting business sectors crucial to the strength of our economy, such as transportation, healthcare, and national defense.

We will experiment to find the most informative and appealing format for you, our readers. As we begin this new journey together, the Chamber welcomes your feedback. I can be reached at [email protected].

Let me close by thanking you, our loyal members, for another fantastic year. The Chamber would not exist without your membership investment and your willingness to help us coordinate the many programs and events we run.

As we roll through the final month of 2014, we at the Chamber wish all of you a very happy Holiday Season. May the year end on a high note for all of you, and may you come back in 2015 rested and ready to help our region continue to grow and prosper.

From the Desk of the PresidentWelcome to Fredericksburg Regional Business!

Susan Spears is president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

INSIDE

4 Feature: Virginia Economic Outlook

9 Conversation

10 Legislative Update

12 Spotlight

16 Military Briefing

17 On the Move

18 Members

20 Made in FredVA

23 Calendar

FREDERICKSBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER

2300 Fall Hill Ave., Suite 240

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

(540) 373-9400 Fax: (540) 373-9570

www.fredericksburgchamber.org

For advertising opportunities in Fredericksburg

Regional Business, contact Howard Owen at

Stafford Printing, (540) 659-4554 or

[email protected].

MISSIONThe mission of the Fredericksburg Regional

Chamber of Commerce is to build relationships

and create competitive advantages for a healthy

business environment.

OFFICERSMichael Fidgeon, Chair Providence Service Corporation

Greg Calvert, Vice Chair Kloke Mayflower

Kathryn “Kathy” Wall, Immediate Past Chair Mary Washington Healthcare

Shawn Sloan, Treasurer The Media Partners, LLC

Susan Spears, President & CEO Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

DECEMBER 2014 Fredericksburg Regional Business 3

By Michael Fidgeon

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” – William Penn

As we come to the end of 2014, it seems appropriate to borrow a quote from Mr. Penn, philosopher, scholar and founder of the great state of Pennsylvania.

His words serve as both a warning and an inspiration to us all.

I hope that you will not look back on this year with regret over wasted time and missed opportunities.

Similarly, I encourage you to take Mr. Penn’s words to heart as we enter 2015. Now is the time to renew your commitment to taking full advantage of every moment.

Set your goals for 2015. Make it the year that your passion and purpose is fully manifested in your work.

We don’t know, of course, everything the future holds in store for us. There are factors – economic, political and social – that lie far beyond our control.

However, we should not let uncertainty rob us of seizing the moment, the day, and our future!

As I write this, my final column for 2014, I would like to thank all of our Chamber members for making 2014 a truly outstanding year for the Fredericksburg regional business community and your Chamber of Commerce.

The sponsorship of our members, the tireless efforts of many volunteers, and strong relationships that provide all of us with numerous competitive advantages have generally kept things running on an even keel throughout the year. Thank you for your time and talents, which are helping move our economy forward.

I would also like to thank the Chamber staff for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Their continual dedication to the Chamber’s mission helps assure each of us that the Fredericksburg Region will remain a major economic center in the commonwealth for years to come.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for allowing me the honor of serving this year as chairman of the Chamber’s board. My fellow board members have done an outstanding job of setting a vision both for this organization and our regional business community.

May all of you enjoy the happiest of Holiday Seasons, and may

all of us realize our fullest potential for 2015.

Chairman’s UpdateYear’s end offers chance for reflection, planning for 2015

Michael Fidgeon is COO of Providence Service Corporation.

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2015 Virginia economic outlook holds challenges, opportunities

Evan Cantwell – George Mason University

By George Whitehurst

The late author and columnist Jim Bishop famously called the future “an opaque mirror,” warning that anyone who gazes into it “sees nothing but the dim outlines of an old and worried face.”

That metaphor applies to Virginia’s economy as the New Year approaches.

The flood of federal spending that propelled the Old Dominion’s economic performance above that national average for the past two decades has receded sharply. As a result, Virginia’s growth slowed to a crawl in 2014.

Whether the recent change in control of the U.S. Senate will end the federal budget sequester – and the deep defense cuts that are dampening Virginia’s economy – remains unknown.

Still, analysts suggest that barring a sudden jump in defense spending, Virginia’s economy will grow at a glacial pace in 2015.

Ann Battle Macheras, vice president with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, described the state as experiencing a period of transition – painful in the short term but with good long-term prospects.

“It’ been kind of flat, struggling, facing stronger headwinds than the nation,” she said in a recent interview. “That’s very much out of character. I’m optimistic longer term, because we have such a good workforce, particularly when you’re looking at the Northern Virginia region. But that transition may take some time.”

Employment picture mixed

Until new opportunities arise, cutbacks by government and defense contractors likely will cause swings in Virginia’s unemployment rate. It rose to 5.5 percent in September and

dipped to 5.3 percent in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“When you have such low job growth, people become unemployed and then can’t find something else,” Dr. Macheras said. “It’s not surprising that we have that uptick in the unemployment rate.”

Economist Stephen Fuller, Ph.D., director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, goes so far as to describe Virginia’s job growth as “dead in the water,” noting that the commonwealth hasn’t replaced 69,000 manufacturing and 75,000 construction jobs that vanished during the crash of 2008-09 and the resulting Great Recession.

“When you see that many jobs disappear, it suggests that those businesses are gone or that those jobs have been replaced by technology,” he said. “We know that’s happened in a lot of industries. Those jobs were very valuable, and it’s hard to replace them.”

But the biggest dark spot on Virginia’s employment picture is the sharp defense cuts enacted under the federal budget sequester of 2011.

Virginia – and specifically Northern Virginia, which includes the Fredericksburg Region – is historically the top recipient of defense spending in the United States. Unless Congress

Stephen Fuller, Ph.D.

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Continued to page 6

and President Obama agree to reverse the sequester, Virginia’s economy will continue to underperform in 2015.

“[The economy] is struggling to adjust to the significant reductions in federal spending that have accumulated over the last three years,” Mr. Fuller said. “It’s something that has been happening for quite a long time, and as a consequence, the solution to it is going to play out in slow motion. It’s not going to be an easy fix.”

Surprisingly, the Fredericksburg Region saw its employment rate grow at 1.2 percent in the first quarter of 2014 over the first quarter of 2013.

“I would say they can take some optimism out of that,” Dr. Macheras said. “[Sequestration] didn’t seem to have as big of an impact in the Fredericksburg Region. It seems the employment numbers were somewhat better. That’s not growth quite as good as the U.S., but I’d take that over what the state has been seeing.”

Fredericksburg Region shows resilience

Despite Virginia’s mixed economic performance, some Fredericksburg-area businesses experienced healthy growth this past year.

Greg Calvert, vice president with Kloke Mayflower, was pleased at the company’s 2014 performance after a slow first quarter.

“It picked up very nicely through the summer months and this peak season was busier than the last three years,” he said.

Mr. Calvert foresees a similar pattern in 2015.

Interestingly, the ongoing military downsizing may help Kloke in the short term, as the company provides moving services to a lot of military service members.

“I think our Department of Defense household goods relocations will be very strong, as the DoD continues to downsize,” he said. “[A]s people are retiring, they’re getting their one last move for retirement. I don’t think [downsizing] is affecting us yet as much as it will in three-to-four years.”

David Pierce, branch manager for the Fredericksburg office of Davenport and Co., characterized overall economic performance as “pretty rocky” for 2014, though the record highs achieved by the stock market meant a good year for the financial services industry. Gone, for now at least, is the skittishness brought on by the market crash and subsequent Great Recession.

“The individual investor and saver has a very short memory, so the pain of 2008-09 has faded,” Mr. Pierce said “In our sector, we’ve had very good growth this year as a firm, especially here in Fredericksburg.”

Soft housing market likely for 2015

Dr. Macheras described Virginia’s 2014 housing market as “pretty flat,” noting a Virginia Association of Realtors report that pegged existing home sales as down 5 percent in October from the same period in 2013.

Adam Fried, CEO of Fredericksburg-based Atlantic Builders, Ltd., concurred.

“My take is that sales for both new and resale homes weakened noticeably as we entered the second and third quarters of 2014,” he said. “Existing home sales and new home sales were steadier at prices below $300,000. There were more communities and public builders competing for fewer new home sales. Sales of new homes, especially above $500,000, were hit hard by the sequester and cuts in defense spending.”

Ann Black, founder and owner of 1st Choice Better Homes and Land, likened working in the residential real estate market to riding a teeter totter but said 2014 was a good year for her team.

“We’re out of the down part and kind of level and not in the downswing. The supply and demand is back in balance,” she said. “It’s been a great year for us. We’re 6 percent ahead of our entire goal for the year. It’s been an excellent year.”

High demand for townhouses underscored that though the Fredericksburg Region’s housing market has climbed from the slough of the Great Recession, homebuyers remain cautious.

“Price is still king,” Ms. Black said. “That’s the reason the townhouses are being built. Most of the time they’re going to be cheaper than a single-family home.”

Regional automotive, home care sectors show strength

Clay Huber, president of the Rosner Automotive Group expressed satisfaction with the “solid year” his company experienced in 2014.

“We’re on a steady rise, and we expect next year to be a better year,” he said. “I think that the attitude of customers is slowly getting better. I think overall the economy is coming out of its slump. The stock market is doing much better, and I think the low price of gasoline is helping.”

Mr. Huber predicted good performance for Rosner and other automotive dealers in 2015, though he cautioned that political uncertainty and business expenses stemming from the Affordable Care Act have the potential to undermine economic expansion.

Karl Karch, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, cited government regulation as another hindrance.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses in light of all of the regulation,” he said. “It’s a challenge and an opportunity. If you can manage the challenge, you will have the opportunity to succeed.”

Mr. Karch described 2014 as a good year and noted that America’s aging population ensures strong demand for Home Instead’s services.

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Continued from page 5

Continued to page 8

“Our industry – non-medical in-home care – is not recession proof, but it is somewhat recession resistant,” he said. “We don’t have some of the same economic impacts as other industries. The need is there. People are getting older, they’re living longer; they want to stay at home. They need help, so our business actually grew in 2014, both in Fredericksburg and in Culpeper.”

Defense spending key factor for future

The chief uncertainty facing the Fredericksburg Region’s economy in 2015 is the status of America’s military budgets. If the federal spending sequester continues unchecked, all of Northern Virginia will struggle.

Congressman Rob Wittman decried the federal sequester in recent remarks to the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council.

He did offer one bit of good news – Congress appears in no mood for another round of Base Realignment And Closure.

Still, military spending is unlikely to increase in the near future, according to Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, USN, Commandant, Naval District Washington – meaning area bases will have to do more with less.

Despite these constraints, SimVentions CEO Larry Root described 2014 as a positive year for his company.

“We are probably going to see growth in the high 30s to low 40 percent, and I think we’re going to close the year having hired about 50 employees,” he said.

He predicted that the U.S. Navy’s growing need for electronic warfare and cybersecurity services will fuel healthy growth for SimVentions and spur the company to hire more employees.

Professor Fuller is urging Northern Virginia government contractors to move beyond reliance on the Pentagon.

“This entire region has allowed itself to underappreciate its access to global markets due to its proximity to the national capital,” he said. “There are 180 foreign consulates in Washington, D.C. You want to do business with Turkey? You don’t have to go to Turkey. You can go to Washington, D.C. Opening our eyes and finding new clients is the answer – not just local clients but global clients. It means getting out of your sheltered environment.”

2015 fundamentals: Consumer spending, courage

So what can entrepreneurs, business owners and managers expect in 2015? Much will depend on consumer spending.

Dr. Macheras voiced optimism on this front. “Consumers have to still be somewhat cautious, so I think the biggest challenge for business is trying to determine if consumer spending is going to pick up more,” she said. “There are some positives. Energy prices have been going down, and that seems to have some persistence to it. That’s good for manufacturers, and that’s a plus for Virginia.”

The courage to create and execute a solid business plan is the other factor that will determine successes and failures in 2015.

“We have become a community of worriers that worries a lot about things we can’t control,” Professor Fuller said. “It affects business behavior. It means people aren’t as risk-taking as they used to be or as entrepreneurial. Businesses need to be strategic and look for new market niches and opportunities. The whole economy needs to break out of its business-as-usual mentality. It means working harder to find what the trends are in the markets and serving the leading edge of the

markets more aggressively.”

By Linda Rivera

Like so many other industries, the role of a traditional full-service moving company is changing. Profit margins remain low, typically around 4 percent, but that doesn’t take away from the significance of this life event for our customers. To ensure our clients receive the highest level of service and quality, Hilldrup regularly monitors issues affecting our industry in order to stay ahead of challenges.

Looking into 2015, here are some of the challenges likely to affect the relocation industry:

• Driver shortage – The number of van operators is dwindling. Not just in our industry, but everywhere. Increased regulations and associated costs, with no increase in pay, are driving more van operators out of the business. With narrow margins and customers resistant to pay more to offset these costs, it makes recruiting a challenge. From a personal side, van operators are, on average, away from home about 42 of 52 weeks – not an easy job. To offset this shortage, we are looking at new technologies that increase our operating efficiency and

new driver recruitment solutions to help ensure our customers won’t see a delay in shipment delivery.

• Container shipping - One potential solution to the previous problem is how our customers’ belongings get to their new home, and that’s using containers. While shipping containers aren’t a new technology, they haven’t been widely seen in the domestic moving industry. Containers allow for more capacity to service customers during peak season because containers can be shipped using alternate modes of transportation, which helps diminish the impact of the driver shortage. An additional benefit of container shipping for customers is that it allows them to choose a

Innovation pivotal to moving industry in 2015

Feature


By Alexander Mabin

Like many businesses in the region, Agency MABU was not born in Fredericksburg. Instead, our roots originate in Bismarck, ND. While the contrasts between Virginia and North Dakota are numerous, they share the distinction of being two of the best states in the country for business.

Despite strong economic headwinds, Agency MABU has succeeded, and the Fredericksburg Region is a prime factor. In 2011, MABU began expanding its client base throughout the federal government and decided to open an office near D.C.

We wanted to find an economically vibrant community close enough to D.C. for meetings but that retained its own identity. Fredericksburg exceeded all these criteria.

Today, MABU operates in downtown Fredericksburg and serves federal clients such as the U.S. Army, U.S. Dept. of Justice and U.S. Treasury Dept. along with local mainstays like Mary Washington Hospital, Potomac Point Winery and the Fredericksburg Country Club.

Biggest challenge of 2015

Moving forward, our largest challenge will be continuing to grow in the face of an uncertain economic climate, particularly in the federal government. Last year MABU graduated from the 8(a)

program, a special designation given to minority-owned small businesses in the U.S. While we utilized the program successfully by winning 8(a) contracts to garner quality past performance, a key selling point for our federal market is now behind us. That said, purchasing a building in downtown Fredericksburg provides an ever greater opportunity moving forward – HUBZone designation.

Biggest opportunity of 2015

In 2012, the entire city of Fredericksburg became a HUBZone. This rare opportunity allows businesses headquartered within city limits to seek certification and compete against a limited pool of HUBZone-certified businesses across the country for federal contracts.

While the criteria are fairly strict, MABU plans to gain certification in 2015. We believe this will provide us the ammunition we need to continue to grow our federal contracts, through prime contracting and partnerships with other large firms, and build our base of clients throughout the Fredericksburg Region. We look forward to the road ahead and we couldn’t be happier to call Fredericksburg our home.

Alexander Mabin is executive vice president of Agency MABU, a full-service digital marketing and consulting firm, located at 905 Barton St. in Fredericksburg.

Location, HUBZone open doors for small business

By Monica Meinert

2014 was an exciting year for Community Bank of the Chesapeake as it celebrated the opening of its first full-service branch in Fredericksburg. With the help of Branch Manager Linda Caporali and a skilled team of commercial lenders under the direction of Senior Vice President Tony Farland, we brought our strategy of relationship banking to this new market. As 2015 approaches, we see many opportunities and a few challenges in store for the bank as we continue to grow.


The current regulatory environment presents a challenge not only to Community Bank, but to the entire financial industry. Increased costs and diminishing revenue sources take time, money and resources away from places they otherwise could be put to use. Looking ahead to 2015, we see the potential for defense spending cuts to have a ripple effect throughout the region, which could affect our customers. This is why

our personalized approach to banking is so critical; we take the time to know our customers and understand their individual situations, so that we can provide custom-ta i lored solutions to whatever financial challenges they face.


Our biggest opportunity in the coming year is the chance to continue our growth in the Fredericksburg market. We are excited to bring our red sailboat to downtown Fredericksburg

Personal service essential for banking industry

Continued to page 8

Feature


By Billie Armstrong

Salon 730 is proud to be entering our fifth year of offering a complete menu of hair services for men and women in the heart of Fredericksburg. We have grown from a team of six on opening day in 2010 to a talented team of 26 and pride ourselves on providing the best possible experience for each guest.


Operating cost vs cost of services – While operating costs such as utilities, rent, etc. may increase one-to-two times a year, our cost of goods can and often increases three-to-four times a year. We cannot pass that on to the consumer at the same rate. We would be out of business pretty quick if we did. Knowing our numbers and controlling waste are two things that help us maintain that balance. It also lets us know when we have to raise the cost of services. Yes, the profit margin can fluctuate, but by being on top of your financials, having a business and action plan you can still stay ahead.


We are in the heart of the Fredericksburg community, with literally thousands of potential new guests not just form the “Burg” but also from the outlying counties.

Taking an active interest in the community and the Chamber is huge. It allows us opportunities for exposure and networking in areas and ways that may not have been available without being a member. When one grows complacent with their business they are soon forgotten. By staying involved with the community and with the Chamber our business is constantly exposed and recognized.

Action plan for 2015

• Have a business/projection plan in place at the beginning of the year

• Set goals• Stay involved in the community• Maintain excellent customer service • Offer an exceptional experience

and product at a fair price• Know your numbers• Support your team with tools

they need to grow personally and professionally

• Create a sense of ownership for the team

• Don’t be afraid to step back and make a change if something is not working

Billie Armstrong is owner of Salon 730, a local and independently owned hair salon located at 730 Kenmore Ave.

Set business plan to succeed in 2015

and anticipate opening our second branch on William Street before the end of next year. Fredericksburg is truly a special community, and we feel fortunate to have had so many opportunities to interact with community leaders, organizations and individuals. We look forward to another year of building relationships and giving back in 2015.

Action plan for 2015

Our people are our greatest asset. They are the key to our success, working day in and day out to bring our personalized style of banking to the communities we serve. In Fredericksburg, we put together an all-star team of people who all have deep personal ties to this area. The branch staff, led by Linda Caporali; the Wealth Management experts, led by Lamont Brown; and our Commercial Lenders Tony Farland, David Belman, Ben Hall and Laura McKinnon, all understand

the needs and challenges facing customers in this area.

Monica Meinert is a marketing and communication specialist with Community Bank of the Chesapeake.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake Continued from page 7 Hilldrup Moving & Storage Continued from page 6

specific delivery day and affordable storage if necessary.

• Renewed focus on safety – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association hours of service rules have been re-evaluated with stricter regulations to maintain safer highway systems. Very specific on/off duty regulations assure against driver fatigue, and drivers are rated through the D.O.T Carrier Safety Management System and roadside inspections. We welcome this oversight, and will work to be 100 percent compliant while mitigating the effects such as longer delivery windows.

Hilldrup is rated number one in the United Van Lines system in residential, government, corporate and international moving, but we understand the need to branch out for success. As we remain focused on the future of our organization, we are diversifying our service offerings to include commercial relocations, logistics services and full-service relocation options.

Linda Rivera is Corporate Vice President, Quality/Customer Relations, with Hilldrup Moving and Storage.

Feature


ConversationGMU professor sees possibilities for 2015David J. Miller serves as a professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the George Mason University School of Business. Over the past decade he has helped found and worked with a variety of start-up companies. In 2007, he founded FamilyFantasySports.com, a website that provides free games and other content for family members to share with each other – both online and off-line.

Mr. Miller also founded the Creative Class Group, which provides a wide array of strategies and services to the business community. Prior to founding CCG, he worked in real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area, served as director of Internet Operations for MachineWeb.com, and was a manager for e-commerce and digital music at Rollingstone.com.

He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and is pursuing a Ph.D. at George Mason’s School of Public Policy.

In a recent interview with Fredericksburg Regional Business, Mr. Miller expressed optimism that despite ongoing uncertainty, economic opportunities will arise in 2015.

Q: What trends are affecting the economy at this time?

A: “Every industry is being disrupted. For entrepreneurs, that’s a good thing. Instead of trying to come up with the greatest new product, it’s now [trying] to come up with the next great business model.”

Q: What trends do you see entrepreneurs pursuing in 2015?

A: “It’s been going for a couple of years now – it’s a movement called the Lean Startup Movement. The basic premise – smart people have been doing this for a long time – is treating a new venture or innovative product launch as a series of unknowns.

We don’t know who the customers are; we don’t know how they’re going to pay for it. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders are making use of the Lean Startup methodology. In this innovation management strategy, entrepreneurs and innovators conduct a series of small experiments rather than running a huge roll out. Planning is important but not until you’ve validated your business model. Meaning, until we are sure that our ideas will get people to pay us, we should keep things flexible and acknowledge that our idea will need to iterate or evolve. Nobody who’s smart finishes where they started.”

Q: What are biggest challenges that large businesses – more than 100 employees – will face in 2015?

A: “There’s a lot of unknown right now and there has been for a couple of years – everything from the economy to global security to global health issues. [Businesses] still are going to need to be innovative and develop new products and services. At a time of fear and the unknown, a lot of people don’t want to make changes on their own. There’s a desire to protect what we have. [They] need to ignore the headlines and continue to grow [their] business.”

Q: What are some opportunities that large businesses can pursue in 2015?

A: “The ability to communicate with a large number of customers. That is the source of so many great innovations. They will tell you what doesn’t work, what can be made better. [They should] take advantage of that size and that customer base.”

Q: What are the biggest challenges that small businesses – 50 or fewer employees – will face in 2015?

A: “Not wanting to keep innovating. They have the ability to make changes quicker than large organizations. In this time of unknowns, they are swifter and more agile. [They must] resist the survivalist mentality. That’s the danger – that you try to just stand still until things seem more stable. That, of course, is not the state of the world, and it’s better to lead change that to just react to it”

Q: What are some opportunities that small businesses can pursue in 2015?

A: “There’s a lot of talent out there that’s looking for new opportunities.”


By Del. Bill Howell

The 2015 session of the General Assembly is quickly approaching. Each year brings unique challenges, and new discussions on how to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities facing our Commonwealth.

Over the last several years, the General Assembly has made significant progress on a number of important issues.

In 2013 we made an historic investment in our transportation and infrastructure network. In 2014, we enacted an innovative accountability system to make sure that money is spent wisely. In 2013 we invested in our teachers, giving them a much-deserved pay raise. In 2014, we built on that investment by making significant reforms to the Standards of Learning tests in order to give students, parents and teachers more flexibility.

This year, with an uncertain economic climate, the General Assembly’s focus will be strengthening our economy and responsibly managing the state budget by staying focused on the core functions of government.

As Virginia approached the end of the 2014 budget cycle, we learned that the commonwealth faces a significant revenue shortfall moving forward. The shortfall now totals almost $2.4 billion. While revenues are showing signs of improvement, the overall economic forecast is hazy.

The shortfall was largely caused by tax increases included in the Affordable Care Act, which have negatively impacted Virginia families and businesses. Additionally, sequestration has significantly impacted the economies of Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. Altogether, Virginia’s economy, despite strong fundamentals, has staggered slightly.

These challenges make it all the more important for us to maintain our laser-like focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy. We have to keep taxes low to help attract new businesses and encourage growth. We must continue to improve our business climate by rolling back burdensome

regulations that hamper growth.

We must also continue to develop and improve our workforce. We have great schools and great colleges, but our workforce development programs need to be streamlined and reformed. This is an issue the General Assembly has worked on over the last several years. It will remain a top priority.

The most important responsibility of the General Assembly is to maintain the commonwealth’s balance sheet. A recent JLARC report on state spending shows that when adjusted for population and inflation, Virginia’s general fund spending has declined by 4 percent over the last 10 years. In other words, state government is doing more with less, and I believe that trend will have to continue.

The General Assembly has already taken action to close the $2.4 billion shortfall by responsibly using some of the rainy day fund and cutting spending. We avoided making cuts to K-12 education and worked hard to mitigate the impact of these cuts on colleges and universities and local governments. By acting this fall, rather than waiting until January, we have given state agencies additional flexibility and provided certainty to local governments.

Moving forward, we must maintain our conservative, responsible approach to budgeting. Our focus should be on the core functions of state government, including K-12 and higher education, public safety, transportation and economic development.

The 2015 General Assembly will be prepared to address the challenges facing our commonwealth and capitalize on new opportunities. Strengthening our economy, maintaining a balanced budget and investing in the core functions of state government will remain our top priorities.

The business community plays a valuable role in helping shape the policy discussions in Richmond. I encourage you to reach out to local leaders and offer your input. It is valuable and appreciated.

Legislative UpdateKeeping Virginia budget balanced top priority for 2015 General Assembly session

William J. Howell has served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2003. He represents that 28th House District.

Friday, January 30, 2015 6:00 pm

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By Dr. Mohammad Jamal

Obesity has been linked to infertility and studies show bariatric surgery may treat one of its most common causes – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects up to 10 percent of women of child-bearing age, 33-50 percent of whom are overweight or obese.

Not many patients come to a bariatric surgeon to treat infertility problems, but women with morbid obesity, who are infertile secondary to PCOS, may have a surgical option. Many other studies have shown bariatric surgery can improve or resolve a multitude of diseases and conditions, and now infertility appears to have joined the list.

Recent clinical research from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics showed that nearly all morbidly obese women enrolled in the study, who were diagnosed with PCOS-related infertility and desired children, became pregnant within three years following gastric bypass surgery. Doctors advise women not to try to conceive until at least 18 months after bariatric surgery due to surgery-related changes that could affect fetal development.

Before surgery, the women had an average body mass index (BMI) of 52, and after surgery had an average excess weight loss of nearly 60 percent. Menstruation corrected in 82 percent of the women and nearly 80 percent no longer had Type 2 diabetes.

In addition to infertility, PCOS increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, irregular menstrual cycles and miscarriage. Obese women who become pregnant may suffer from a complication of gestational diabetes, which passes on an increased risk for early diabetes and obesity to their children.

Significant weight loss also reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications, which is another important consideration. Though this is a small study, it has a big result and should be an area for more investigation and should be discussed with morbidly obese women who are having difficulty conceiving – especially those who have failed conventional methods of conception including hormonal treatments and in-vitro fertilization.

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions. People with morbid obesity have BMI of 40 or more, or BMI of 35 or more with an obesity-related disease such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), more than 15 million Americans have morbid obesity. Studies have shown patients may lose 30-50 percent of their excess weight six months after surgery and 77 percent of their excess weight as early as one year after surgery.

The most common methods of bariatric surgery are laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Bariatric surgery limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, and/or limits the amount of calories absorbed, by surgically reducing the stomach’s capacity to a few ounces.

If you have more questions about obesity-related infertility, metabolic disease, or bariatric surgery, contact Dr. Mohammad Jamal with the Surgical Weight Loss Center at Spotsylvania Regional

at (540) 423.6600 or visit fredericksburgweightloss.com.

SpotlightObesity, infertility linked – Surgery may relieve both conditions

Mohammad Jamal, MD, FACS, is a physician with the HCA MultiSpecialty Health Group and the Surgical Weight Loss Center at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. SRMC is a Chamber Trailblazer. www.spotsrmc.com

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

wishes all of you a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year!


It is well-known that the world of economic development is fast paced and highly competitive. Competition exists not only between states, but also between regions.

The Fredericksburg Region is no exception, and the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance is keenly focused on marketing this area’s tremendous assets, while working to improve in areas that will assist us in in attracting new business.

In response to changes and opportunities, we are changing some of the ways we approach regional economic development. While the Alliance has always been a marketing organization, we are now keenly focused on targeted industry sectors that best fit the region and its diverse localities.

These targets were identified in the Regional Cluster Analysis, completed in 2013 by noted economist Christine Chmura.

The new marketing plan was produced with collaboration of business leaders from the targeted industries, local economic development professionals from each jurisdiction and the Alliance Board of Directors and staff. Although implementation of the new marketing effort just began in August, we are already experiencing increased interest in the region.

The Alliance looks forward to the fifth year of our partnership with the University of Mary Washington. Our association with the university continues to evolve, and our support of the university’s initiatives, such as Transformation 20/20 and other programs, helps create more opportunities for business growth in the region.

The University and Germanna Community College are two of our region’s greatest resources and are instrumental in our economic development strategies.

The Fredericksburg Region’s workforce has always been our number one asset and that has certainly not changed. Our area is fortunate to host more than 168,000 workers with a participation rate of 67 percent. Of that labor force population, 32 percent have bachelor’s degrees or higher.

Through our marketing efforts, we work to attract businesses to the area that will offer new jobs to our unemployed citizens and also provide opportunities for those who

SpotlightWorkforce, educational, lifestyle assets help Fredericksburg Region attract new business

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currently commute outside the region to work closer to home.

The region also enjoys an optimal strategic location. In fact, 60 percent of the nation’s population is within a day’s drive. This is a key statistic when attracting businesses in the manufacturing and distribution industry.

The region is also host to three military installations; NSWC Dahlgren, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort A.P. Hill. Not only do these installations, along with the contractors supporting them, provide a significant economic impact on the region, but they are very strong assets in marketing to the technology and information industries.

Transportation is another key marketing advantage for the Fredericksburg Region. With an interstate highway, regional transit system, commercial and civil airports, VRE, Amtrak and commercial rail services, the region is able to provide several logistic solutions for industries looking to do business on the East Coast.

High quality of life in the Fredericksburg Region is something

we all currently enjoy, and that new businesses search for.

It is a great and unique asset for a region to have two major healthcare systems easily accessible. Mary Washington Healthcare’s Fredericksburg and Stafford hospitals, and HCA’s Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center provide not only healthcare options for patients, but also for businesses that work within, or in support of, the healthcare industry.

Along with the other major assets mentioned above, the area’s urban and suburban settings, historic sites, short drives to rivers, lakes, ocean beaches, mountains and major metropolitan areas will continue to help make the Fredericksburg Region a strong, viable location for attracting

new business.

Spotlight - FRA Continued from page 13


mwhc.com

In 1899, Mary Washington Hospital began to fulfill a mission to improve the health of our community. Today, as a fully integrated medical system with more than 500 physicians providing care through more than 40 facilities, Mary Washington Healthcare has grown to fulfill that mission regionally.

Community-Based Healthcare.


By Bob Pleban

As you may already know, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council (MAC) promotes and supports the business interests of our region as it pertains to the defense industry and the military.

The MAC serves as the liaison between the defense and civilian communities and was born out of a grassroots effort to help protect our local defense activities during the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process. The group was successful in helping the Fredericksburg Region’s interests.

Since then, the MAC has continued to strengthen its relationship with the region’s three bases and has expanded its membership to interested persons and businesses in the region, academia and the local government. Recently, the MAC was very proud to add the Fredericksburg Army National Guard Armory to its roll.

The MAC fully recognizes the role that the defense industry and the military play in our local economy. As we move toward 2015, the MAC will monitor the outlook for an upcoming BRAC, as well as the potential effects of sequestration and the FY2015 Continuing Resolution on the region’s workforce. Our council will remain vigilant and proactive.

Another important aspect of the MAC is to foster and grow the relationships between the local business community and the region’s military. There are a number of solid defense contractors that are members of the MAC, but the membership also has a growing number of businesses connected to the local defense community such as real estate, transportation and merchant companies that proudly recognize and support our military.

These businesses, along with the local base commanders of Quantico (Marine Corps), Dahlgren (Navy), U.S. Army Garrison Fort A.P. Hill (Army) and the Fredericksburg Armory (Army National Guard); local county and city officials; local academia such as the University of Mary Washington; and long standing support by Congressman Rob Wittman, create a strong collective voice that directly supports our region’s military and collective economic development.

The MAC is already planning a full calendar of events that will engage our community. We will offer several base tours in 2015, in concert with lectures on important topics that affect our area and nation. We also look forward to inviting speakers from outside our region to lend their perspectives on the military at large.

If you take nothing away from this article, please know this – Our region works together. It starts with the leadership of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber and filters down through our bases and local government administrators. This is a unique stance, one that is not easy at times. But it is simply the right thing to do. The MAC joins in this regional effort to support our community.

In closing, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as the incoming 2015 Military Affairs Council Chairman. After serving our nation as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander on the P-3 Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft, I am now grateful to serve our community. It’s going to be a great 2015!

Bob Pleban is founder and president of RPI Group, Inc. and the 2015 chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council.

Military BriefingMilitary Affairs Council leading regional cooperation to strengthen military presence

Military Affairs Council

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council held its annual Report to the Community on Nov. 13. Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich, USN, Commandant, Naval District Washington, delivered the keynote address. Congressman Rob Wittman spoke, as did the commanders for Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Marine Corps Base Quantico and U.S. Army Garrison Fort A.P. Hill.

The MAC presented its Military Friendly Business of the Year Award to J. Brian’s Tap Room.

2014 MAC Report to the Community

Rear Adm. Rich outlined the strategic challenges facing the U.S. Navy during the MAC Report to the Community.

Title Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors


95 Express Lanes: What you need to know By Mike McGurk

Ready for a faster, more predictable trip on Interstate 95? You’re in luck. The 95 Express Lanes will open this month and will help get businesses moving again on I-95 by increasing the flow of goods, employees and services.

The 95 Express Lanes offer drivers new choices, extend the network to Stafford County and add capacity. The lanes are making long, unpredictable trips along the corridor a thing of the past

The 95 Express Lanes are a conversion of the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. The lanes now operate on I-95 from Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the Edsall Road area on I-395 and will provide a seamless connection to the 495 Express Lanes and into Tysons Corner.

Here’s what you need to know about the Express Lanes:

• You need an E-ZPass® – Carpoolers need an E-ZPass® FlexSM set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. There are no toll booths or options to pay cash on the Express Lanes.

• You can pick up an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex at 75 area locations, including – AAA Mid-Atlantic and Wegmans locations, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; Tysons Corner Center, online at www.ezpassva.com; or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824. For a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, ensure that your E-ZPass is correctly mounted in your car, that it can be read through the windshield and that your address is updated with the DMV. Visit www.95expresslanes.com/using-ezpass for more information.

• Like today’s HOV lanes, the Express Lanes will be reversible – The reversal of the lanes in the morning and evening will be largely the same process and timing as in the past. Unlike the HOV lanes, where the rules of the road are only in place during peak travel periods, Express Lanes rules are in effect 24/7.

The Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin on I-395 just north of Edsall Road. The rules on the HOV lanes will be the same. It’s important to know what to do in this transition area:

• When traveling northbound in the morning on Express Lanes the HOV restriction is in effect – Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger will need to exit from the Express Lanes to avoid entering the HOV lanes. HOV-3+ and eligible clean fuel plate vehicles can continue straight onto the I-395 HOV lanes.

• When traveling southbound in the afternoon, drivers in the regular I-95 lanes with an E-ZPass may choose to enter the Express Lanes – HOV-3+

and eligible clean fuel plate vehicles with an E-ZPass or

E-ZPass Flex can continue onto the Express Lanes. Drivers

who don’t have an E-ZPass or don’t wish to travel on the

Express Lanes may exit onto the regular I-95 lanes via a

ramp. Visit www.95ExpressLanes.com/transition for more

information.

Mike McGurk is the senior corporate relations associate at Transurban,

the operator of the 95 and 459 Express Lanes.

On the Move

Transurban/95 Express Lanes


WelcomeAce Auto Group Inc.Antoine Cespedes4615 Ewell Rd.Fredericksburg, VA 22408Phone: (540) 898-1224Fax: (540) [email protected] Dealers

Anytime FitnessAlex Diaz25 Tech Pkwy.Suite 101Stafford, VA 22556Phone: (540) [email protected]/anytimestaffordvaFitness Centers/Training

ARCpoint Labs of FredericksburgBrad Freitag121 B Park Hill Dr.Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) 479-1600Fax: (540)[email protected]/fredericksburgLab/Medical Testing

Bacon McClain & AssociatesSandy Bacon302 Westwood Office ParkFredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) 370-8601Fax: (540) [email protected] Estate – Brokers

Catalyst Entertainment, LLCBryce Kinsey3451 Jefferson Davis Hwy.Fredericksburg, VA 22408Phone: (540) 300-2786bryce@catalyst-center.comcatalyst-center.comEntertainment

Cruise OneMelissa BadamiPhone: (540) [email protected] Agencies

Curtis Brokerage Services, IncMark Sisk1390 Warrenton Rd.Fredericksburg, VA 22406Phone: (540) 752-4454Fax: (540) 752-9356Trucking/Motor Freight

Direct General Insurance AgencyLaura Scarborough10908 Courthouse Rd.#106Fredericksburg, VA 22406Phone: (540) 899-3036laura.scarborough@directgeneral.comdirectgeneral.comInsurance

Dodson Property ManagementNaomi Sharp10458 Hilltop Plaza WaySpotsylvania, VA 22553Phone: (540) 583-0466naomi@dodsonpropertymanagement.comdpmfredericksburg.comProperty Managers

Flair CommunicationDebby Girvan612 Hawke St.Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401Phone: (540) [email protected] Design & Hosting Services

Foltz & Associates CPASamuel Foltz2601 Princess Anne St.Suite 201Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) [email protected] – Certified Public

Germanna FoundationSteven Hein2062 Germanna Hwy.Locust Grove, VA 22508Phone: (540) [email protected] Profit

Heritage Wealth AdvisorsBen Wafle725 Jackson St.Suite 202Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) [email protected] Advisors

JDRoss Consulting, LLCJohnathan Ross701 Kenmore Ave.Suite 110Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) 273-4886Fax: (540) 373-5225johnathan.ross@jdrossconsulting.comjdrossconsulting.comContractors – Defense

LegalShieldSally PhillipsPhone: (804) 387-7927Fax: (540) 898-1905sally.phillips2012@gmail.comsallyphillips.legalshieldassociate.comLegal Services

LibertyTown Arts WorkshopDolores Lecky916 Liberty St.Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) [email protected] Galleries

McCottry FoundationStarlene Ralbovsky10205 Napolean St.Fredericksburg, VA 22408Phone: (888) 983-7049 ex [email protected] Profit

McCottry IndustriesJonathan McCottry10205 Napolean St.Fredericksburg, VA 22408Phone: (540) 372-3754Fax: (540) [email protected] Support Services

NAIFA FredericksburgScott Pettyjohn2300 Fall Hill Ave.Suite 414Fredericksburg, VA 22401Phone: (540) 373-0084Fax: (540) 373-9677facebook.com/naifafredvaTrade Association

Reliable Chimes, Inc.Mark Kimbro6123 Hot Spring Ln.Fredericksburg, VA 22407Phone: (800) [email protected]/Safety – Products & Services

Rock Hill Plantation, LLCRichard Green228 Rock Hill Church Rd.Stafford, VA 22556Phone: (540) 286-3131info@rockhillplantation.comrockhillplantation.comWeddings/Banquets

She-EO, LLCDeShawn Robinson-Chew560 Celebrate Virginia PkwySuite 103-103Fredericksburg, VA 22406Phone: (866) [email protected] Services

WrapanewYou! with it Works! GlobalLondon JonesSpotsylvania, VA 22551Phone: (540) [email protected] & Skin Care Products

Welcome New MembersThe Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes the newest members of the Chamber family. Be a good partner – remember them when you do business.


38 yearsWalter J. Sheffield, Attorney at Law

30 yearsAmerican Traffic Safety Services AssociationLewis Insurance Associates Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service PBMares, LLPPrincess Anne Animal HospitalRappahannock Area Community Services Board

25 yearsCushman & Wakefield | ThalhimerHazel Land CompaniesNTS/Virginia Development CompanyProfessional Lock & Key ServiceSteve Spratt ImprovementsVulcan Materials Company

20 yearsAllen, Allen, Allen & AllenD’Marie’s Antique ReproductionsThe Journal Press, Inc.Lake Anna WineryLandmarc Real Estate, Inc.Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLCPatterson ConstructionShaw’s Carpets, Inc.Virginia Community BankWack General ContractorWilderness/Presidential ResortsZope Corporation

15 yearsAquia Realty, Inc.Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc.

BB&T MortgageBusinetsCommunity Foundation of the Rappahannock

River RegionCountry Inn & Suites, Fredericksburg SouthDewberrydisAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock, Inc.Froehling & RobertsonM & T BankMid Atlantic Construction GroupThurman Brisben Center

10 yearsCardinal BankCTI Real EstateFirst Citizens BankFirst Command Financial PlanningKeller Williams Superior RealtyLine-X of FredericksburgMarstel-Day, LLCNSWC Federal Credit UnionOrthopedic Clinic of Central VirginiaRE/MAX Cornerstone RealtySimVentions Inc.

5 yearsAmerica’s Home PlaceAssist 2 Sell, Sellers & Buyers Realty Inc.Brain Injury ServicesCapital Ale House of Fredericksburg, LLCConscious Security, Inc.CP2SDPW Training & Associates, LLCElderCare ConnectionsEmployment Resources Incorporated

Fairfield Inn & Suites by MarriottFirebirds Wood Fired GrillFredericksburg Agricultural Fair, Inc.Friends of the RappahannockGolden Living CenterHoliday Inn Express Fredericksburg SouthpointKurylo & Gold, PLCLedo Pizza & PastaLockheed MartinMedia Partners, LLCNorthern Virginia Computer SystemsPlumb Magic LLCProfessional Building Maintenance Corp.ROB’S Car Wash & Detailing TeamSonic Drive-In (Harrison Crossing Center)Spotsylvania County Public SchoolsTerex Government ProgramsThe UPS Store – Plank RoadValleyCrest Landscape MaintenanceVan Zandt Restoration, LLCVocelli Pizza Salem FieldsW & G ConstructionWalgreensWal-mart Store (U.S. 17)Washington Square Associates, Inc.Wegmans Food MarketWells FargoWestmoreland Berry FarmWilburn GardensY-OPA Consulting Group

AnniversariesThe Chamber would like to thank the following businesses that are celebrating membership anniversaries. Thank you for your unswerving support.

Micah is so thankful for the community support that has moved us from an agency that helps people survive to one inspires perseverance. We look forward to working more with you in 2015, as we continue leading our community in bringing about an end to chronic homelessness.

WISH LIST Help Micah in its efforts to end homelessness by giving the gift of home this holiday season. Consider donating $10 gift cards to Wal-mart, Target, WaWa or other store where household items are sold. Or put together a basket that we can offer to new people moving from the street to housing. Suggested Items include.

• Shower Curtain

• Bath Mat

• Bath Towels (2-4)

• Washcloths (2-4)

• Dish Towels

• Broom/ Dust Pan

• Paper Towels

• Sponges

• Sheet set (twin or full)

• Pillow

• Dishes

• Silverware

• Pots/Pans

• Cleaning Supplies Dish Soap, Windex All-purpose Cleaner ‘Clorox’ Wipes

www.micahfredericksburg.org


Bill Blevins (center), COO and co-founder of Plants Map, Inc., received the Made in FredVA grand prize from Next Generation Vice Chair Adam Janney (left) and Made in FredVA Chair Bill Freehling.

The Made in FredVA finalists gathered for final congratulations following the contest.

Bill Freehling presented the People’s Choice Award to Annie Tremper, founder of Eternity Blooms, at the conclusion of the Made in FredVA contest.

The Next Generation of Business Leaders held its second annual Made in FredVA contest at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill.

Plants Map, Inc. won the grand prize of $10,000 in start-up capital.

Eternity Blooms netted the $500 People’s Choice Award.

Premier Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Next Generation’s Made in FredVA Contest


DON’T WAIT TO

DONATEThis holiday season is the perfect time to

clean out your closets. Set aside the gently used clothing and household items you

no longer use and DONATE to Goodwill.®

Find out more at www.FredGoodwill.org


Complete Printing – Individual SolutionsSince 1987

Stafford Printingis pleased to partner with

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

to produce

FREDERICKSBURGREGIONAL BUSINESS

540-659-4554 • [email protected] • www.staffordprinting.com

Technology + Print = Stafford Printing

Our mission is to make your job simple. We employ the resources necessary to insulate you from the complexities of the various printing processes

to deliver solutions for your printing, mailing, web to print and fulfillment needs.


January 2015

Tuesday, January 6

Roundtable Fredericksburg

8:00am

Wednesday, January 7

Next Generation Mid-Week Motivation

Ristorante Renatos 12:00pm

Wednesday, November 19

Ribbon Cutting PITAIYO

2324 Plank Road 4:00pm

Thursday, January 15

Business After Hours The Garrett Companies

The Courtyard Marriott Historic District 620 Caroline Street

5:30 pm

Tuesday, January 20

Leadership Fredericksburg Alumni Builder

Chamber office 8:30am

Tuesday, January 20

CNEW Luncheon Fredericksburg Country Club

11:30 am


Small Business Builder Chamber office

12:00pm


Ribbon Cutting RockIT Repairs

1319 Lafayette Blvd. 4:00pm

Tuesday, January 27

Non-Profit Business Builder

Chamber office 12:00pm

Friday, January 30, 2015

6:00pm


January 2015

Tuesday, January 6


8:00am










5:30 pm

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Tuesday, January 20


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6:00pm


January 2015

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6:00pm


January 2015

Tuesday, January 6


8:00am










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January 2015

Tuesday, January 6


8:00am










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Chamber Staff

Friday, January 30, 2015 6:00 pm


Happy Holidays from the Chamber staff!www.fredericksburgchamber.org

Schedule of EventsJanuary 2015

Michele Renee Dooling, Director of Finance & Human Resources

Katie Hansen, Executive Assistant & Member Services Support

Stacey Hicks, Administrative Support

Tricia Benson Matthews, Membership Account Executive

Erin Meadows, Member Services Assistant

Kasey Nabal, Military & Govt. Affairs Manager

Susan Spears, President & CEO

Whitney Watts, Director of Member Services

George Whitehurst, Director of Communications

Sheri Wikert, Member Services Coordinator

2300 Fall Hill Avenue, Suite 415

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone: 540.371.2402

[email protected]

Marketing Advertising Design Branding Research www.theMediaPartners.com

In the changing economy, you can’t stay the same and succeed. The Media Partners leverage over 30 years of experience in media, sales, and business to help clients survive and thrive.

Contact us today and get your business moving.

Shawn Sloan Katharine [email protected] [email protected]

It’s time to light a fire.

We keep business moving.Whether you’re moving people, equipment or your entire office,

no one keeps you moving quite like Hilldrup.

Hilldrup has more than a century of continuous service and industry-wide recognized expertise. We handle just about every type of move for all types of organizations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Our comprehensive menu of services and managed processes work to create customized solutions that make every phase of a move easier, more efficient and cost effective, allowing our clients to stay focused on what they do best - their job. So whether your next move takes you dyou down the block or around the world - find out how Hilldrup can get you there like no one else.

www.hilldrup.com

4022 Jefferson Davis HwyStafford, VA 22554

(703) 221.7155

Moving • Storage • Logistics

fredericksburg reg. bus. - dec. 2014

Documents

chamber programs

general business feature

year end

healthy business environment

business sectors crucial

new publication

coming year

fantastic year